Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Dr. Vino
Check out this wine blog called Dr. Vino, it is pretty informative and it offers some kooky stories!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Apple Cake
Temperatures are forecast to drop this week and I'm getting excited for Fall, one of my favorite seasons! I was browsing GOOP (Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle website) the other day and found a recipe for apple cake. I'm a sucker for anything apple cinnamon, so I headed straight for the store to pick up everything I needed for this recipe! Check out the GOOP newsletter with the recipe, from Tamra Davis.
TIME: 1 hour approx. including baking time
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ stick or 2 ounces butter, melted
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups chopped apples (or two large apples)
- ¾ to 1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease your baking dish. Mix the sugar, butter, applesauce and egg together with a hand mixer. Whisk the dry ingredients together. Blend the wet and dry ingredients and then add the apples and walnuts. Pour into baking dish and bake for 30 to 50 minutes (depending on your pan and oven temp) or until knife or toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
I decided to make this in my cast iron skillet (out of necessity - where did I put those baking dishes when I moved in?!) and baked it for about 35 minutes. I liked that this cake isn't quite as bad for you as other cake recipes and that there are lots of apple chunks that soften up a little during baking.
What are your favorite fall recipes?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Nectar in Moscow is a great treat for a night out!
On a recent trip to Mosow, ID with fellow blogger Lisndey, we decided to stop by Nectar for a bite to eat... and I discovered a new favorite.
Nectar was both quaint and inviting, the decor reminiscent of a European bistro. We split the flatbread pizza appetizer, which was amazing! Not only did the fresh herbs give it a wonderful smell and flavor, but the tomatoes tasted fresh and juicy and it was a healthier alternative to the greasy pizza from a chain.
Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful, helping us decide which wine would best compliment our meal. After explaining various wines available, she simply added, "If there is a kind of wine you really like, just drink it!"
I strongly reccomend giving Nectar a try, it is the perfect place for a date or just a night out. They offer outdoor, indoor, and bar seating. To make reservations (which aren't always necessary) call 208.882.5914 or visit http://www.moscownectar.com/
Enjoy!
Nectar was both quaint and inviting, the decor reminiscent of a European bistro. We split the flatbread pizza appetizer, which was amazing! Not only did the fresh herbs give it a wonderful smell and flavor, but the tomatoes tasted fresh and juicy and it was a healthier alternative to the greasy pizza from a chain.
Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful, helping us decide which wine would best compliment our meal. After explaining various wines available, she simply added, "If there is a kind of wine you really like, just drink it!"
I strongly reccomend giving Nectar a try, it is the perfect place for a date or just a night out. They offer outdoor, indoor, and bar seating. To make reservations (which aren't always necessary) call 208.882.5914 or visit http://www.moscownectar.com/
Enjoy!
Organic Ramen!
On a recent shopping trip at the Moscow Food Co-Op I discovered this Koyo Organic Ramen. I bought the Asian Vegetable flavor for a measley $.88!As far as I could tell, only the noodles were organic, not the dehydrated vegetables or the seasoning. The instructions said to cook the noodles for 4 minutes in boiling water, which is a bit longer than your typical ramen. When the noodles seemed a little more substantial than than most ramens I have tried. I poured the ramen and broth over some brown rice to make a meal out of it.
Overall, I would say that Koyo Ramen is a good buy for something organic and it tasted pretty good for $.88. It makes a great snack on its own or a solid meal if added to some rice. Have you found any good cheap food lately?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Starbucks Trims the Fat
Perhaps you usually stop in only for coffee, aren't a Starbucks regular or haven't been pushed to the Pullman starbucks yet this year by studying, but if you haven't noticed, Starbucks is cleaning up its act.
In early June, Starbucks announced plans to eliminate artificial flavors, trans fats and dyes, as well as high fructose corn syrups from many of the treats offered in their retail stores. They decided to use fewer and simpler ingredients as well.
Over the course of the summer, gluten-free options were added to the menu as well. KIND bars (also dairy-free) are offered in Cranberry Almond, Fruit and Nut or Mango Macadamia flavors. Despite consumer outrage, Valencia Cake was offered for a limited time as another gluten-free alternative only to later be removed from treat cases.
If you haven't had a chance to try some of the new recipes in store, or have and loved them, Starbucks is offering recipes online for you to recreate some of the brand's favorite foods. As a starving college student, I am grateful for the generosity.
The Banana Walnut Bread:
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/assets/pdfs/SUM209_07901_Recipecard_1.pdf
The Outrageos Oatmeal Cookie:
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/assets/pdfs/SUM209_07901_Recipecard_2.pdf
Have you tried any of the new offerings in stores or made a signature Starbucks treat at home? What did you think?
In early June, Starbucks announced plans to eliminate artificial flavors, trans fats and dyes, as well as high fructose corn syrups from many of the treats offered in their retail stores. They decided to use fewer and simpler ingredients as well.
Over the course of the summer, gluten-free options were added to the menu as well. KIND bars (also dairy-free) are offered in Cranberry Almond, Fruit and Nut or Mango Macadamia flavors. Despite consumer outrage, Valencia Cake was offered for a limited time as another gluten-free alternative only to later be removed from treat cases.
If you haven't had a chance to try some of the new recipes in store, or have and loved them, Starbucks is offering recipes online for you to recreate some of the brand's favorite foods. As a starving college student, I am grateful for the generosity.
The Banana Walnut Bread:
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/assets/pdfs/SUM209_07901_Recipecard_1.pdf
The Outrageos Oatmeal Cookie:
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/assets/pdfs/SUM209_07901_Recipecard_2.pdf
Have you tried any of the new offerings in stores or made a signature Starbucks treat at home? What did you think?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Recipe: Bean and Cheese Pupusas
I took a trip to
Bean and cheese pupusas
1/2 cup masa flour (available in the Mexican food aisle)
1/3 cup water
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup refried black beans
Handful shredded cheddar cheese
Salsa and sour cream for topping
Preheat a skillet and oil over medium-high heat. Combine the masa flour and water in a small bowl until it forms a soft dough (you may need to add more water). Roll the dough into a ball, then make an indent with your thumb into the dough to begin forming a bowl shape in your hand. Spoon the beans and cheese into the bowl of dough and wrap the dough so it covers the filling. Flatten the ball slightly and carefully lay it down in the hot oil. Fry the pupusa until it is crispy and slightly golden (about 2 minutes) then flip and repeat on the other side.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Camas Prairie Winery
Camas Prairie Winery in Moscow, Idaho is small, and older than most of the students in the area, yet it still manages to stay afloat during these tough times thanks to its savvy owner, Stuart Scott.
While other wineries in the area are about five years old, Scott’s winery started in Moscow 26 years ago in the basement of his house.
“I started the winery in 1983 and in 1989 I moved it into town,” Scott said. “You see, in 1983 it was illegal for me to sell wine in Idaho directly to restaurants and retail. In 1986 that law changed and I decided I wanted to sell retail, not just wholesale, so I began looking for a new place to make my wine and the rest is history.”
Although Scott’s operation is small, he offers the largest variety of imported beer in North Idaho and over 25 varieties of his own wine.
Camas Prairie Winery offers quite the selection for wine connoisseurs, everything from sparkling wines, to dry whites and reds, sweet dessert wines and everything in between. Along with the multitude of selections, Camas Prairie offers wine tasting.
Scott said Camas Prairie Winery is different from its competitors for many reasons, mainly focusing on customer service.
“Not only do we make, bottle, cork, and label our own wine, but we have a clean establishment, a history, and we offer everyone’s favorite flavor, and a few they haven’t tried,” he said.
Scott also explained how he keeps a large customer base by offering imported beer. He said Camas Prairie offers a minimum of 88 different beers at any one time.
“We group them by style, Blonds, Brunettes, Blacks, etc.,” Scott said. “With that we include a full description so that we can provide direction and information. We try to offer as much service as product.”
For more information regarding Camas Prairie Winery, visit them at http://www.camasprairiewinery.com/ or go see them at 110 S. Main Street in Moscow.
While other wineries in the area are about five years old, Scott’s winery started in Moscow 26 years ago in the basement of his house.
“I started the winery in 1983 and in 1989 I moved it into town,” Scott said. “You see, in 1983 it was illegal for me to sell wine in Idaho directly to restaurants and retail. In 1986 that law changed and I decided I wanted to sell retail, not just wholesale, so I began looking for a new place to make my wine and the rest is history.”
Although Scott’s operation is small, he offers the largest variety of imported beer in North Idaho and over 25 varieties of his own wine.
Camas Prairie Winery offers quite the selection for wine connoisseurs, everything from sparkling wines, to dry whites and reds, sweet dessert wines and everything in between. Along with the multitude of selections, Camas Prairie offers wine tasting.
Scott said Camas Prairie Winery is different from its competitors for many reasons, mainly focusing on customer service.
“Not only do we make, bottle, cork, and label our own wine, but we have a clean establishment, a history, and we offer everyone’s favorite flavor, and a few they haven’t tried,” he said.
Scott also explained how he keeps a large customer base by offering imported beer. He said Camas Prairie offers a minimum of 88 different beers at any one time.
“We group them by style, Blonds, Brunettes, Blacks, etc.,” Scott said. “With that we include a full description so that we can provide direction and information. We try to offer as much service as product.”
For more information regarding Camas Prairie Winery, visit them at http://www.camasprairiewinery.com/ or go see them at 110 S. Main Street in Moscow.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Laboring for healthier lunches
While many WSU students were sleeping in Monday in observance of Labor Day, some Spokane residents ate in. The Eat-In community potluck, launched by Slow Food Members of Spokane, was organized to raise support for and awareness of funding and sourcing of food in school lunches. Kids and parents alike were invited to Comstock Park from 4-6 p.m. as a part of the national campaign "Time for Lunch." According to the Spokesman Review, a petition was also available to support funding for healthier food options.
Read more here:
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/aug/28/food-group-plans-eat-labor-day/
Read more here:
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/aug/28/food-group-plans-eat-labor-day/
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