Indulge at Sparrow Cafe

Standard

Oh, Haight-Asbury, the great joys you bring to my senses. From vintage shops to naked men wearing nothing but gold sequent socks (and not on their feet), to an impressive array of food options, you never disappoint me.

During my recent Christmas trip to San Fran, my mom and I ventured to the Haight for some shopping and brunching. Continue reading

Chicken Salad a la Yumm Sauce

Standard

 

As delicious as traditional mayo-based chicken salad, sometimes you need to change it up. I fell in love with the Cafe Yumm sauce a long time ago, and figured since I had some leftover chicken breast, why not try a different take on chicken salad?

This recipe is great if you’re looking for a fast, healthy lunch or even dinner. I ate the salad straight, but it would be delicious over kale, cabbage, or even mixed with quinoa. The apples and pepper add a nice crunch, and the Yumm Sauce is a healthier (gluten-free) alternative to the typical mayonnaise dressing.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs grape seed oil
  • 1 chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • 1 apple (Granny Smith or Gala is ideal)
  • 1/4 cup cranberries
  • 1 diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
  • 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 diced red pepper
  • 1 diced carrot
  • 1/4 cup diced gouda or another sharp cheese
  • 2 Tbs Yumm Sauce (more or less)
  • Small handful of cilantro to taste

Directions

  1. Heat oil over medium heat, then add diced chicken, stirring frequently until cooked thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Let cool, then chop chicken into fine bites.
  3. In a bowl, add chicken and remaining ingredients through carrots.
  4. Combine with Yumm Sauce and toss until evenly coated.

Festive Beer Nuts

Standard

This simple recipe makes for a tasty quick snack, party appetizer or holiday present. The original recipe calls for salt and sugar, but I decided to get a little creative, and am oh so glad I did!

Continue reading

Artichoke, Spinach and Blue Cheese Dip

Standard

2013-11-20 13.44.09

Oh, yeah, this is one is brilliant for a quick appetizer or as a spread. I love serving this as a fondue cheese feature with Granny Smith apples, boiled potatoes, peppers, sugar peas and other vegetables. Continue reading

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Standard
All stuffed and ready to go

All stuffed and ready to go

This recipe was originally inspired by the twice baked potato with salmon, but basically the only ingredients that stuck were the potato and horseradish. When all was said and done, I have decided the potato was too much starch for this recipe, so I’ve removed it from the ingredients. This is great for a cool fall evening and the need for a warm, hearty (and healthy) meal. Continue reading

Ladies Weekend to McNeil Point

Gallery

IMG_2431

There’s something to be said about female empowerment, and a group of independent women backpacking through the wilderness one August weekend. McNeil Point is a hiking shelter on the side of Mt. Hood, and can either be a hefty day hike or a multi-day trip. My lady friends and I decided to commune with nature, and make a weekend excursion out of the 8 mile trail. Continue reading

Beet and Chevre Salad

Standard

Beets and I have been at odds with each other for years. While my parents have insisted that it is an amazing root, I have not seen eye to eye with them… until now. Continue reading