We're Trying Something New

I've tried some new recipes already this week, and I love them both!

Zucchini Boats

3 zucchini

minced garlic

olive oil

Italian bread crumbs

grape tomatoes

fresh mozzarella cheese

salt and pepper

Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Slice them in half lengthwise. Trim a tiny bit off the bottoms so that they lay flat in the baking dish.  Scoop out the seedy inside to make a boat. Place in 9x13 baking dish.

Mix olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in small container and brush over zucchinis. Slice tomatoes in half and set in the groove of the zucchinis. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, until zucchinis are tender. Add pieces of mozzarella on to the boats, and put under the broiler under golden and bubbly.

This new potato soup recipe is so yummy! And healthy, compared to the others! 

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 yellow onion diced

minced garlic

2 tsp lemon zest

2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

(i used a bit extra of these last two-favorites!)

4 c vegetable broth

1 c chicken broth

6 chopped mini potatoes

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 c baby spinach

salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Heat olive oil, and saute onions until translucent. Add garlic, lemon zest, and rosemary and stir. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to simmer until potatoes are soft. Add chickpeas and spinach. Heat until spinach is slightly wilted. Add salt and pepper and lemon juice.

We finally put up the lamp i bough on sale! Its so bright, and kind of reminds me of a candle. Its a "peace" lamp, literally. Its that cool.

And to hopefully help me sleep, we moved the bed away from the wall and put up the teal velvet curtain! I love how it has already given the bedroom a whole new look and feel.

Holidays and Cooking

cinnamon ornaments

gingerbread

first christmas tree

tonight's dinner:

Saute zucchini, squash and little tomatoes in olive oil with salt, pepper, garlic, and some herbs. I used rosemary, thyme, and basil to mimic the flavors in the dressing.

Add to cooked penne.

Mix in dressing. I didn't use all of the dressing. We like light flavor.

Dressing: 1/2 c olive oil, 1/4 c apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1Tbsp dijon mustard, minced garlic, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp rosemary, pinch of salt

I made granola bars!! And they're yum!

3/4 c crunchy peanut butter, 1/4 c honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 c old fashioned oats, 3 Tbsp flaxseed, 1/2 c semisweet chocolate chips

Combine peanut butter, honey, and vanilla in saucepan over low heat until melted. Let cool slightly.

Combine oats, flaxseed,  and chocolate chips. Add peanut butter mixture and mix well. Press into lightly greased, foil-lined 8x8 pan. Refrigerate 4 hours before slicing.

Honeymoon