Carrot Pineapple Smoothie

When the weather starts to get nicer, I naturally start to gravitate towards bright, fresh foods and away from heavy, bulky foods.  I think everyone does right?  I'm not so sure that this is just because more fresh vegetables and fruits are coming into season.  I think it really has to do with me wanting to pretend like winter is over.  

When I drink a bright, fruity smoothie, I can easily pretend like I am sitting on the beach somewhere, digging my toes into the sand with the sun on my face.  When I eat chicken noodle soup, it's harder to make that dream feel realistic.  

Drinking smoothies with vegetables in them makes me think for a second that I might actually be able to successfully complete a juice cleanse.  Then I remember that I like bread too much.  But for a second, the thought is there!  

If you're turned off by a smoothie that has a carrot in it, please don't be.  It is still sweet and fruity from the pineapple and you'll look really trendy sipping on it after your hot yoga class.  Trust me on this one.

365: Week 13

March 24 | It can be a hard decision.

Aunt Betsy's Apple Pie

A few years ago, my mom starting making family cookbooks.  She collected recipes mostly from my grandma and my aunts, maybe a couple from my cousins and sisters.  I must not have been asked to contribute, because none of the recipes have my name at the bottom of the page.

Even though I wasn't invited to the club, it's still one of my favorite cookbooks.  I know that every recipe in there will turn out the way it's supposed to and it will taste just like I remember it.  There are no surprises.  No letdowns or disappointments.

No matter how good a cookbook is, it will never be quite perfect like one that you make yourself.  I started making my own back when I was in middle school, slowly accumulating more and more tried-and-true recipes, and now when I need something for dinner or to bring to a friend's house, I will almost exclusively turn to one of these 2 books.

This apple pie recipe has no frills.  It's not particularly innovative.  That being said, it's exactly what you want in a classic apple pie.  Of course, so much depends on the quality and flavor of the apples so, like any apple pie, it's more of an art than a science - adjust the sugar and lemon juice to get the right balance of sweet to tart.

Red Velvet Pancakes

Maybe it's because we were never allowed to have bright, food-coloring-loaded foods as kids, but I am not a fan of red velvet cake.  I can pretty much guarantee you that I will never purchase a cake or cupcake that's chocolate flavored but somehow red colored.  Especially not with cream cheese frosting.  It might be one of the very few desserts I would flat out refuse.

However, Austin really likes it.  And in an effort to be nice, I made him some red velvet pancakes for Valentine's Day this year.  See, I can be nice.

To my surprise, they were actually really good.  Granted, I left out about 2/3 of the red food dye, but you can make them the way you like.

They are really chocolatey which I personally have no problem with first thing in the morning, but you could even make these for dessert if you like your sweets later in the day.  I don't think I'll be making these all the time, but every once in a while...maybe special occasions or when I feel like being extra nice :)

Fried Pickles

You know how your facebook feed seems to go through phases.  Like, at one point all your friends will be getting married; then, they get puppies; then, they have kids...and you get to see the whole process?

Well, I seem to be in the baby part of that timeline.  Everyone must think I want to know about their stomach's growth progress and their nicknames for their unborn children.  And before you say anything (Mom), I know that all I post about is Dingo and yes, I am a hypocrite and if I ever have kids, I'm sure I'll do all the things I'm annoyed by.

So anyway, as an apology for offending all of my facebook friends, here's some stereotypical pregnant woman cravings!  And even better, they're fried!  Still friends?  Great.

365: Week 12

March 17 | St. Patrick's Day cabbage.

Malibu Bay Breeze

It's officially spring!  I know some of you have had a rough winter but for us here in Utah, it's kind of felt like spring for months now.  Which, believe it or not, is not really a good thing for us, especially for a ski town like Park City.

The snow conditions have been pretty miserable (I swear there's been more rain than snow), but I'm fine with that.  I am ready for spring and summer!  I can't wait to pull out my Tevas again, go hiking in the afternoons, eat dinner outside, and generally enjoy the sunshine.

I remember last fall feeling really excited for winter.  I dreamt about snowboarding and snowshoeing;  I could envision myself throwing snowballs to Dingo, and now I'm over it.  It makes me wonder if I'll ever be content with the season I'm in.  Right now, I want summer bad, but I know when it gets really hot, I'll be praying for crisp fall evenings.

I should really practice being content.  I'll start with this springy cocktail!