tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80753086101847070762024-03-12T00:52:16.982-04:00Lifestyle Mavenlifestyle maven offers real life advice, recipes & yoga inspiration for a calm mind & healthy. www.lifestylemaven.orgcailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-18720419090630092102012-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-19T07:00:00.710-04:00lifestyle maven has moved!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">you can now find me over at <b><a href="http://www.calmbiz.com/">www.CALMbiz.com</a></b>! </span><br />
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thank you for all your support, readers -- you made this new path possible for me : ) <br />
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for the latest lifestyle maven posts, check out <a href="http://www.calmbiz.com/calm-life/">www.CALMbiz.com/calm-life/</a><br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-17522615466084102392012-09-18T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-18T07:00:06.158-04:00foodie: leek-chard soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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not knowing exactly what to do with a huge bunch of leeks and a mongo-size bunch of swiss chard, i decided to make a soup. this super-healthy soup is hearty, earthy and very filling. we enjoyed our bowls topped with a spoonful of cottage cheese and sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds!<br />
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here's what you'll need for 5-6 servings...<br />
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1 large bunch of leeks, cleaned and roughly chopped<br />
1 large bunch of swiss (or rainbow) chard, roughly chopped<br />
1/2 head of garlic, roughly chopped<br />
1 cup almond milk (or vegetable broth)<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
2 tbsp butter<br />
1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes <br />
salt & pepper<br />
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toppings:<br />
cottage cheese or sour cream<br />
toasted pumpkin seeds<br />
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1. in a large stock pot, pour in the olive oil. add in the veggies and garlic, and cook over medium heat, covered until the volume reduces by half. season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. cook until the veggies are tender.<br />
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2. add the cooked veggies, butter and 1/2 the almond milk into a food processor and blend. continue to add the remainder of the almond milk until you achieve a thick, creamy consistency (it may take more/less milk depending on how thick you want it).<br />
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3. pour soup back into stock pot to bring it back up to temp.<br />
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serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or buttered toast points :-) it tastes "green".<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-58716369939817720782012-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-13T07:00:14.864-04:00biz: yoga teacher etiquette<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
as a yoga teacher, we're in a position to set an example for our students. the way we dress, act and speak both in and out of the studio is observed, and can affect how our students feel about and experience the practice itself. we're our students doorway into yoga, and that role calls for a certain level of decorum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn6NzRjWQH-mWn6ePuUemTb9Knknv9aSVcoZ_qlf6IjpO-kgn7_Z8CcFsH4fc7y1KwaEiKgS1EKUcil_iniI_F_9dzKY2bEteg9aql61m06SH_LlKb69_7Za8f6peah4PccuTaqvqp0zw/s1600/yoga+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn6NzRjWQH-mWn6ePuUemTb9Knknv9aSVcoZ_qlf6IjpO-kgn7_Z8CcFsH4fc7y1KwaEiKgS1EKUcil_iniI_F_9dzKY2bEteg9aql61m06SH_LlKb69_7Za8f6peah4PccuTaqvqp0zw/s640/yoga+love.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit {<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/106045766196371607/" target="_blank">here</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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this morning, i went to a studio that i had never been to before. i arrived about 15 minutes before the start of class to find the studio dark and locked. hmm... 5 minutes before class was supposed to start, a car pulled in -- and it was another student. we waited by the door, and were just about to leave (since it was 5 minutes past when the class was scheduled to begin), when the instructor pulled into the lot.<br />
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she was friendly and nice, but also didn't act as if this were out of the ordinary. after signing in and setting up, we started a good 10-15 minutes late. it was an enjoyable practice, and i felt the slight tension/confusion begin to melt away as we gracefully moved from one posture to the next.<br />
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savasana was sweet and accompanied by a much-appreciated head and neck massage. there was no clock in the studio, so when i got back into my car, i was surprised to see that we ended nearly 20 minutes late. since we started late, i understand the notion of giving us a full class, but she hadn't checked with us to see if we were able to stay late. it was fine with my schedule, but i know the other woman who took the class was headed to work afterwards.<br />
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it's important for yoga teachers to remember that their students have a life outside of the yoga studio. be on time for your classes -- actually be early. get the music ready, the candles lit, your mat rolled out and be ready to welcome students as they enter. end on time -- you don't know what your students are up to or where they're headed afterwards, so show them respect by ending on time. if you feel like you need extra time or might go over, let them know, and give them the option to leave.<br />
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i know that yoga's more about intuition and feeling than time tables and schedules, but if you consistently disregard these professional courtesies, your students will likely resent you or even choose to forgo your class (or yoga) altogether. give them the best possible first impression -- and subsequent impressions. you're the face of "yoga" for many of them -- do it justice :-)<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-929674831281632692012-09-11T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-11T07:00:12.027-04:00foodie: zucchini & tomato bake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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it's tomato and zucchini season! and i'm loving it. the other night, i made a super simple zucchini and tomato bake for our dinner. it was fresh, tasty and very satisfying -- plus it was a great way to use some of the many, many tomatoes and squash that have been coming our way from the csa.<br />
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here's what you'll need...<br />
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1 large zucchini (or 2+ medium)<br />
2 medium tomatoes<br />
1 small green bell pepper<br />
salt & pepper<br />
olive oil<br />
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preheat oven to 400 degrees. <br />
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1. slice all the veggies into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. layer the veggies into a 9x13 inch baking dish that has been coated with olive oil. between each layer, season the veggies with salt and pepper.<br />
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2. drizzle the top with a bit more olive oil, and then back for 50 min (or so) until veggies are tender and some edges are crisped.<br />
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and that's it!!! simple & delicious (& super healthy).<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-21257113924980873132012-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-06T07:00:02.845-04:00biz: social media savvy for yogis - podcast!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
hello all! check out my (first ever!!!) podcast below to hear all about my newest biz venture, <a href="http://www.calmbiz.org/" target="_blank">CALM biz</a>, and how it can help you become a more successful, media-savvy yoga professional!<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-66706146401632856192012-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-04T07:00:12.149-04:00yogi: what is ujjayi breathing?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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in this short video i explain what exactly ujjayi breath is, and why it's used in yoga! hope you enjoy -- and maybe learn something, too!</div>
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if you have any yoga topics you're interested in learning more about, post a comment below, or email me at <a href="mailto:cailenascher@gmail.com">cailenascher@gmail.com</a>.<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-43594616868745935332012-08-30T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-30T07:00:11.547-04:00yogi: where is my guru?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
everyday, i get google alerts sent to my inbox that let me know about the latest, greatest, and coolest yoga stuff that's going on around the globe. so, i figured i would pass along to you, my fellow yogis, some of the more worth-while finds that i come across as i peruse the ever-growing world wide web.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwzVia3RFhJ77wscpXMtkf0KWIDo-otcEoRGsZJUgszldD6fiVrgOWxtgEqmQZr9Ri-0rvq3ud9mM4uTAjj14r85tEo-vpzdk3LP_hHocwV5eWaeBCTcugdbcxoZWDy72JWsEQOgZPiV5/s1600/where+is+my+guru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwzVia3RFhJ77wscpXMtkf0KWIDo-otcEoRGsZJUgszldD6fiVrgOWxtgEqmQZr9Ri-0rvq3ud9mM4uTAjj14r85tEo-vpzdk3LP_hHocwV5eWaeBCTcugdbcxoZWDy72JWsEQOgZPiV5/s1600/where+is+my+guru.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit {<a href="http://www.whereismyguru.com/" target="_blank">here</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the find of today?...<a href="http://www.whereismyguru.com/radio-show/" target="_blank">where is my guru</a><br />
<br />
need some inspiration? (who doesn't, right?!) check out <a href="http://www.whereismyguru.com/radio-show/" target="_blank">where is my guru</a> -- it's a podcast radio show for yogis held live every friday (or you can listen to the recordings later). they interview rock star yogis and other inspirational people on topics like wellness, spirituality, <a href="http://www.calmbiz.org/" target="_blank">mindful business practices</a> for yoga-people, and more! it's definitely worth a listen :-)<br />
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namaste :-)<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-1256615915668411022012-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-28T07:00:01.744-04:00foodie: easy, fresh tomato sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5mOSHIdmsn164KsihyKSZmEDbxO1yLXMT_hCBGgymTupXSJvM6-tJux184hfpadyfd5wi0Tck9GosU_5aLa8w5Cm9LiqVVfQAeQO19PW7Z9kTLyoVMau4Jic_b3V05uYCb0kVtO12UQe/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5mOSHIdmsn164KsihyKSZmEDbxO1yLXMT_hCBGgymTupXSJvM6-tJux184hfpadyfd5wi0Tck9GosU_5aLa8w5Cm9LiqVVfQAeQO19PW7Z9kTLyoVMau4Jic_b3V05uYCb0kVtO12UQe/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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once again, i brought home a bushel (well, not an actual bushel -- but close!) of gorgeous, delicious tomatoes from our csa. so, i decided to make...drum roll please...simple tomato sauce! fresh tomato sauce is so delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. since tomato season is in full swing, head to the farmers market, stock up, and then treat yourself to some outstanding, homemade sauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc4v_z5UbiUCNJkBV2wALDMzD7yV95J5q6fIAEWChABBbSI03VLjzMwOGrYvrZ_B7hEMHVHYBB8LPdRTzhjFIjNCCSwZ3ea0OCak_9OUQwAqgQQmoNVaxCrxJjCSwb-dL2GLLfCZpdAxC/s1600/photo+2%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc4v_z5UbiUCNJkBV2wALDMzD7yV95J5q6fIAEWChABBbSI03VLjzMwOGrYvrZ_B7hEMHVHYBB8LPdRTzhjFIjNCCSwZ3ea0OCak_9OUQwAqgQQmoNVaxCrxJjCSwb-dL2GLLfCZpdAxC/s640/photo+2%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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here's what you'll need for sauce for 4...<br />
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2 roma tomatoes, chopped<br />
10 plum tomatoes, chopped<br />
(or roughly 3.5 cups of tomatoes total)<br />
4-5 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped<br />
2 shallots, minced<br />
1 small green pepper, chopped (optional) <br />
1/4 cup fresh herbs (i used basil and parsley)<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
salt<br />
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1. saute the shallots, green pepper, and garlic in the bottom of a sauce pot in olive oil, until veggies are tender and caramelized.<br />
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2. as the veggies cook, chop the tomatoes, and put them in a strainer in the sink so the excess water can drain off.<br />
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3. add tomatoes, herbs, and salt (it'll take more salt than you'd think) to the veggies in the sauce pot, and simmer on low for 30 min or so.<br />
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that's it!<br />
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we enjoyed ours over brown rice with chickpeas for a gluten-free meal, but it would be fantastic over pasta or roasted veggies, too!<br />
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enjoy :-)<br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-82099487419984807412012-08-24T13:01:00.000-04:002012-08-24T13:17:30.981-04:00biz: essentials steps to build your yoga biz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
are you feeling unclear about what to do now that you've completed teacher training?<br />
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if you're a new teacher, fresh out of teacher training, it can be a little overwhelming knowing the first steps to take as a yoga professional. but, if want yoga to be your <a href="http://www.calmbiz.org/" target="_blank"><i>business</i></a>, not just your hobby, there are a few things you should consider -- all of which helped me to land my first clients and get my first teaching job :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-natIUfzMjMRV4tMk7VW74xt4bX-7LgxqqFXTTFNCJiyh4cUj7j66JqDENTnL81jVVkB9RkVpZmoaUOgPxE4SxAhOJTBaPgeN9lFp5R3TacbgnDgMUUD1b561wQ0HvDjpsH-sbGENxQA/s1600/resume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-natIUfzMjMRV4tMk7VW74xt4bX-7LgxqqFXTTFNCJiyh4cUj7j66JqDENTnL81jVVkB9RkVpZmoaUOgPxE4SxAhOJTBaPgeN9lFp5R3TacbgnDgMUUD1b561wQ0HvDjpsH-sbGENxQA/s640/resume.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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1. <b>build a resume</b> -- yes, even yogis need resumes. highlight your trainings and experience -- having an organized, professional resume will instantly put you ahead of the competition.<br />
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2. <b>get insurance</b> -- i know, getting insurance sounds daunting and expensive (it's neither, by the way). most studios and gyms ask if you have it, and if you're thinking about teaching for companies, at schools, or in private homes, it's a must!<br />
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3. <b>be social</b> -- get online! the web is the ultimate equalizer, so even if you're new, but have an awesome facebook page, blog, or website, you'll be taken more seriously. plus, it will give your students (and future students) a way to connect with you! have you ever googled a restaurant only to find it had no website, and therefore decided not to go? 'nuff said.<br />
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with a little time, and very little money, you can easily start building a foundation for your yoga biz today -- and begin living your passion!!! <br />
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if you want more yoga biz advice, check out <a href="http://www.calmbiz.org/">www.CALMbiz.org</a> -- or, if you have a suggestion about what biz or social media topic you'd like to learn more about, send me your ideas at <a href="mailto:cailenascher@gmail.com">cailenascher@gmail.com</a>. <br />
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cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-29610406657883589662012-08-23T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-23T07:00:13.918-04:00foodie: tomato & okra rice salad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05q4jhaanyn5sALtTjBZuypsa6gIiAbTC6A2USwsttEUQ3P8lodsMyEEgSSjxq6vLxlRaoZGN7bYGt8xAMl8NkSXutr28haxrvStUDeyN6YD5-iXMwRVv7rwCiQqeR1FQSKUaSuuSLyB8/s1600/photo+1(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05q4jhaanyn5sALtTjBZuypsa6gIiAbTC6A2USwsttEUQ3P8lodsMyEEgSSjxq6vLxlRaoZGN7bYGt8xAMl8NkSXutr28haxrvStUDeyN6YD5-iXMwRVv7rwCiQqeR1FQSKUaSuuSLyB8/s640/photo+1(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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last night i came home from our csa with another batch of juicy, delicious tomatoes. again, looking for creative ways to make use of them, i created this easy, healthy rice salad with tomatoes, fresh okra, and sauteed shallots -- it was simple and satisfying, and went great with the fried tempeh we had.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM5ViD3Y70JVCoK8HoDSOodAAP2jNVA-8v_oi8oq4-PhBvz6Ds9-l7AXFfuaGwy6KhZKh33DqkWLzBjWP7jD6LbCbl_ZE0FxsNgYs1YPKZV4AanZCnq3TfYD7KTeQKG8zqEI7ApVplgSu/s1600/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM5ViD3Y70JVCoK8HoDSOodAAP2jNVA-8v_oi8oq4-PhBvz6Ds9-l7AXFfuaGwy6KhZKh33DqkWLzBjWP7jD6LbCbl_ZE0FxsNgYs1YPKZV4AanZCnq3TfYD7KTeQKG8zqEI7ApVplgSu/s640/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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here's what you'll need for 4 servings...<br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice<br />
3 ears of corn (kernels off cob)<br />
1 large tomato, chopped<br />
5-10 small tomatoes, chopped<br />
2 okra pods, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
1 shallot, minced<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
salt & pepper<br />
olive oil<br />
herbs (i used about 1/4 cup chopped parsley)<br />
<br />
1. as the rice cooks (i used minute rice to speed the process up), prep the veggies.<br />
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2. saute the shallot, okra and garlic in a small saute pan with a bit of olive oil until shallots are translucent and okra is fork tender.<br />
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3. once the rice is done, mix everything together, and season with fresh herbs, salt and pepper.<br />
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mangia! mangia!<br />
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<br /></div>
cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-53586735208834725142012-08-21T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-24T09:06:08.947-04:00foodie: almond-flaxseed cereal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwvsDKNeeOuPYyigglV7J007KW0uiX4gWC_3U2TxXv74RqzeAi7OOtiDd-wGeCTB-XJjmO-M3umqcLRCdTLwIBA8KLX4RUVyJoNOely2zeVD-PUDDscIY8N8k4OQeKZFhWyARtFYgKObH/s1600/photo+3(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwvsDKNeeOuPYyigglV7J007KW0uiX4gWC_3U2TxXv74RqzeAi7OOtiDd-wGeCTB-XJjmO-M3umqcLRCdTLwIBA8KLX4RUVyJoNOely2zeVD-PUDDscIY8N8k4OQeKZFhWyARtFYgKObH/s640/photo+3(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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lately, this has been my go-to breakfast. yes, that's right, something has replaced my beloved <a href="http://cailenascher.blogspot.com/2012/01/foodie-wednesday-overnight-oats-encore.html" target="_blank">overnight oats</a>! but, this hot cereal -- made with almond meal and ground flaxseeds -- it much higher in protein, has great flavor and keeps me from craving lunch at 11am.<br />
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here's what you'll need for one serving...<br />
<br />
2 tbsp ground flaxseeds<br />
3 tbsp almond meal<br />
1/3 ripe banana<br />
1/2 cup almond mind (or milk of your choice)<br />
cinnamon<br />
nutmeg<br />
1 tbsp peanut butter<br />
chopped cherries<br />
<br />
1. mash the banana is a cereal bowl, and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg (however much you desire -- i like a lot of cinnamon).<br />
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2. mix in flaxseeds and almond meal until pasty. then add in almond milk -- i like to serve a tablespoon or two of the milk to pour over at the end, but it's your call.<br />
<br />
3. heat in the microwave on power level 5 for 2 to 2.5 minutes, take it out and stir. (it will continue to thicken as it cools.)<br />
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4. top with a dollop of peanut butter, more cinnamon, reserved milk, and toppings of your choice. i used fresh, chopped cherries, but raisins, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts would be great, too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMsbnukPw66aQLW1LAhRVVGSJfrbjeAjA6xh72dwRR5_tjSDuLzrd8IBrQZi1p34jGSitsQjf048_f7O4z_NN57yOE-2_1RMQFfFOnZV_2FyBME7NCU3izLNC96yyOMye7hDVo8VDQlui/s1600/photo+5%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMsbnukPw66aQLW1LAhRVVGSJfrbjeAjA6xh72dwRR5_tjSDuLzrd8IBrQZi1p34jGSitsQjf048_f7O4z_NN57yOE-2_1RMQFfFOnZV_2FyBME7NCU3izLNC96yyOMye7hDVo8VDQlui/s640/photo+5%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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enjoy!<br />
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<br /></div>
cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-18748072823407839352012-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-16T07:00:06.023-04:00viva las vegas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_XBSPScC-eZ_Hz3mMrt2KlGmiuPcxr9Of0t09tKbs5F_JYXvg8u4aHBDSWgP5VenLKYoE1bnCv0OUZwzuxYk_k2EM0DZUVvW7OnvXmOw4chSqcgfNSMwz9v3-MNQRewPfXLhw9qcSz5t/s1600/photo+2(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_XBSPScC-eZ_Hz3mMrt2KlGmiuPcxr9Of0t09tKbs5F_JYXvg8u4aHBDSWgP5VenLKYoE1bnCv0OUZwzuxYk_k2EM0DZUVvW7OnvXmOw4chSqcgfNSMwz9v3-MNQRewPfXLhw9qcSz5t/s640/photo+2(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the strip (looking north)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
at the beginning of august, craig and i packed our bags and hopped a flight to vegas. we'd never been to "sin city" before, so we were both excited and wary of what we might find in the middle of the nevada dessert.<br />
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we met a couple of our good friends out there, which obviously sweetened the deal. and after a lot of sun, cocktails and walking, we concluded that vegas is certainly a must-see at least once. it's like an over-the-top disney world for adults :-)<br />
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one of our favorite things we did was a helicopter ride to the grand canyon. we actually landed in the base of the canyon for a champagne dinner! it was totally awesome!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEq4ndXP_BNgB8UlTuHGvLuSalK17iwdNho1PXDBhvHK-MhnAXXx7d7oNfMtpX177Wj-wuYnbYioBSV8S6QKRPwDxi3gvND-PvCYmVKZcwexsX_afGUzbGoCkw8xnQ2kEg7wQ3Oxv0ItD/s1600/photo+1%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEq4ndXP_BNgB8UlTuHGvLuSalK17iwdNho1PXDBhvHK-MhnAXXx7d7oNfMtpX177Wj-wuYnbYioBSV8S6QKRPwDxi3gvND-PvCYmVKZcwexsX_afGUzbGoCkw8xnQ2kEg7wQ3Oxv0ItD/s640/photo+1%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside the bellagio</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fGuaX9rjhmKPDqt8OpddqKWFEtBRSXnsSviJVH8WuG-N04iWfgTnKE2QElaMTT5e84NYpsRe-arYxuvBFb8kXxOxayrsM4mcDDaH0U7WaD8SJGS2FgBOC00t8rVdSCF6rJj1E7guUDd2/s1600/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fGuaX9rjhmKPDqt8OpddqKWFEtBRSXnsSviJVH8WuG-N04iWfgTnKE2QElaMTT5e84NYpsRe-arYxuvBFb8kXxOxayrsM4mcDDaH0U7WaD8SJGS2FgBOC00t8rVdSCF6rJj1E7guUDd2/s640/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the exterior of new york, new york</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd6VZqCl1w5_JqM7BTjAo4fWP6ymCgxB2K-J3cgg0CrTXUWbFLf2PSioNNii1mBaVM5huEeQ9cHnLhzwW99vKVaQ_DDDbrXqLOuufPq0xXL4MU8FKfK0fKvRD8UVBxqDU-8eYFc0tKMLh/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd6VZqCl1w5_JqM7BTjAo4fWP6ymCgxB2K-J3cgg0CrTXUWbFLf2PSioNNii1mBaVM5huEeQ9cHnLhzwW99vKVaQ_DDDbrXqLOuufPq0xXL4MU8FKfK0fKvRD8UVBxqDU-8eYFc0tKMLh/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we had just checked into the flamingo, and wanted some lunch -- we weren't there 5 min when the bartender started dancing on the bar as the wait staff danced in the aisles. oh, yeah...we're in vegas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMwqzRn0tVTQgyku5kLfDyQdxWEAjLmeMtuqSRNATlg05cEpG77PHuTAsPpMoOR095G1DfN0gU87kRMbLtEjJF9h_5-l_ELHY2YrUXKC47BPM87bynbDcPl5v2w2PeUfERxnJBV2UfJrT/s1600/photo+2%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMwqzRn0tVTQgyku5kLfDyQdxWEAjLmeMtuqSRNATlg05cEpG77PHuTAsPpMoOR095G1DfN0gU87kRMbLtEjJF9h_5-l_ELHY2YrUXKC47BPM87bynbDcPl5v2w2PeUfERxnJBV2UfJrT/s640/photo+2%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying a "fish bowl" with my ladies (from left to right: me, amy, ashley)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk289TyVdF9_vx7nw5x0jwEJzGw6Ib6pxSGszyp-HJGSTzh6NE3Vib9XrN_DGY4JCnBxRT-6r-lwruXm5MwbL2JuN6ql6788Z-vATaRhGainG6fHc9HdeXsNdL9yQTE-2yduiF5y1WuIA/s1600/photo+2%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk289TyVdF9_vx7nw5x0jwEJzGw6Ib6pxSGszyp-HJGSTzh6NE3Vib9XrN_DGY4JCnBxRT-6r-lwruXm5MwbL2JuN6ql6788Z-vATaRhGainG6fHc9HdeXsNdL9yQTE-2yduiF5y1WuIA/s640/photo+2%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lounging by the flamingo's pool</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qWkjElJUD7jyBQkVhYvy2GWb52-bLUBoofniuuK6xtqAmSR5ZrtY8TT7qMfnAXQvAOxXWX71_PwscHqQZt0Nd8wowsLtQ0VAC3GI9wzIt_rHrejvHeGEVP7howyFmRpPh9blgnV-fECI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qWkjElJUD7jyBQkVhYvy2GWb52-bLUBoofniuuK6xtqAmSR5ZrtY8TT7qMfnAXQvAOxXWX71_PwscHqQZt0Nd8wowsLtQ0VAC3GI9wzIt_rHrejvHeGEVP7howyFmRpPh9blgnV-fECI/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our ride to the grand canyon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjDK9WbhscN5ThkW5hnuKrHYcG3DEfu6H4ww2zyljZKn335RjqrvHsIrH8GLny52me0c6_pGKSkjEAdVdkrJaVhb0gC0tczVq-GbJeA8F4xFU3qizwG7L0YiJqpIZlgV1XYJi0eONx6M4/s1600/photo+3%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjDK9WbhscN5ThkW5hnuKrHYcG3DEfu6H4ww2zyljZKn335RjqrvHsIrH8GLny52me0c6_pGKSkjEAdVdkrJaVhb0gC0tczVq-GbJeA8F4xFU3qizwG7L0YiJqpIZlgV1XYJi0eONx6M4/s640/photo+3%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the eiffel tower...sort of...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWScqD3oxtuF1sQm6Ne7pjLhiz0GEb0sgQc1w4Cje7cjZbfjJm5ryJEybK2hosg7ejAc2-lL9DZff0aGYXVybQVneq9KKTi6usUj9K4mZHvxauXT0uV3ft3LJ4OkLtVIbOLQxcm76rovo/s1600/photo+3%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWScqD3oxtuF1sQm6Ne7pjLhiz0GEb0sgQc1w4Cje7cjZbfjJm5ryJEybK2hosg7ejAc2-lL9DZff0aGYXVybQVneq9KKTi6usUj9K4mZHvxauXT0uV3ft3LJ4OkLtVIbOLQxcm76rovo/s640/photo+3%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the luxor</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz_IO9_NRc1X2kHqfYwpca9gQH67ef9ojz0q3afy7R97Xguj3AWMV_3PMb-Ssbf-iq0FCaPNNMfiH_MT6ea5eGXK_VAL1fYdWuHomh1g2w7SGNCIgul6QhtZeRS2IJzwuLwu7449ykmtm/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz_IO9_NRc1X2kHqfYwpca9gQH67ef9ojz0q3afy7R97Xguj3AWMV_3PMb-Ssbf-iq0FCaPNNMfiH_MT6ea5eGXK_VAL1fYdWuHomh1g2w7SGNCIgul6QhtZeRS2IJzwuLwu7449ykmtm/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flying over the grand canyon!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK__jVytbqVmQ5VP5wAV7y-wM0jq50ghTwnc_BA1STD7DhnzgFTYoELs3cdbktMDW9cninC7m6DnJ7whWXyXc-a5o2HPCi5eo2NdhfbCBLXORWcu1L1X3tStQ24BF5lHZgyglQaCKjJz1/s1600/photo+4+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK__jVytbqVmQ5VP5wAV7y-wM0jq50ghTwnc_BA1STD7DhnzgFTYoELs3cdbktMDW9cninC7m6DnJ7whWXyXc-a5o2HPCi5eo2NdhfbCBLXORWcu1L1X3tStQ24BF5lHZgyglQaCKjJz1/s640/photo+4+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the bellagio of the strip</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOFUUEoGmZGBgnGmP9-ue96viw5byvtOgz7k2rBphkOG3XdYHfyVDW2L65xqDcaavcclciEgHxnBaMz3YXOXtQ-ZbTTbCzLtQ6R8-tm0QN1RmGlwmX4gAZrAxm0R4ABRXOQr79ugFevf6/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOFUUEoGmZGBgnGmP9-ue96viw5byvtOgz7k2rBphkOG3XdYHfyVDW2L65xqDcaavcclciEgHxnBaMz3YXOXtQ-ZbTTbCzLtQ6R8-tm0QN1RmGlwmX4gAZrAxm0R4ABRXOQr79ugFevf6/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more pics of the canyon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U-8kdAhT-ZsGab2Y-ziM3YZE7L_o9AfFekt9RMD_3LQo2sp-_JMxZ6iWN7lHVbQ-AdL-F8-E6janw2x72pn_tzLWaprOju88CIn6RVrgJMjzxEV7-JSR0pEBtHXTtx7ZiYwp8GlfN1BO/s1600/photo+5(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U-8kdAhT-ZsGab2Y-ziM3YZE7L_o9AfFekt9RMD_3LQo2sp-_JMxZ6iWN7lHVbQ-AdL-F8-E6janw2x72pn_tzLWaprOju88CIn6RVrgJMjzxEV7-JSR0pEBtHXTtx7ZiYwp8GlfN1BO/s640/photo+5(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mandalay bay's over 21 pool</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeGjJTxXicwmfGQAmFtrStYd99MiU18TgOxrX0OndryEROOPprV13b3drSxACtQrsDiqHVqzxLkosw9WhYdNbqG4j_jXRx0GqB3_RoAuEg8PUK08kNMJMd8a5VkXz6Ebiz-nQvxfrk-w_/s1600/photo+1(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeGjJTxXicwmfGQAmFtrStYd99MiU18TgOxrX0OndryEROOPprV13b3drSxACtQrsDiqHVqzxLkosw9WhYdNbqG4j_jXRx0GqB3_RoAuEg8PUK08kNMJMd8a5VkXz6Ebiz-nQvxfrk-w_/s640/photo+1(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside the wynn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm298bbx14OavjHsSschZDjM5rJwUIz4dJ6uVg6LIKnI7YbVcKWJ_tt4PagcYjpIPsivycW93S0eC6PAr0mwTabMJt47It4-bUFnojFMQP8FwaOWk2RnIKhvAR2Jh_SJ_2mYDywMsAsbs/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm298bbx14OavjHsSschZDjM5rJwUIz4dJ6uVg6LIKnI7YbVcKWJ_tt4PagcYjpIPsivycW93S0eC6PAr0mwTabMJt47It4-bUFnojFMQP8FwaOWk2RnIKhvAR2Jh_SJ_2mYDywMsAsbs/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">craig and me in the base of the grand canyon!</td></tr>
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as you would expect, the pics don't do the canyon justice -- it was truly breathtaking. i'd tell you more about our trip, but as you know..."what happens in vegas, stays in vegas". lol<br />
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<br /></div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-6787585101874742532012-08-14T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-14T07:00:12.071-04:00foodie: tofu-egg quiche<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m8XSokeP24dcV8RyzXabtNIYT-G3W6B9DbI_35uzHGpR3QY-1b2-KLi8BoDW0Yd5vZQwaRlnx-fRAn67Ke7xmsX8w_RHwyy9eHfSAfupVHhjJmaOMNswOY5qEqy19iUt1iyUi4IfZ1pn/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m8XSokeP24dcV8RyzXabtNIYT-G3W6B9DbI_35uzHGpR3QY-1b2-KLi8BoDW0Yd5vZQwaRlnx-fRAn67Ke7xmsX8w_RHwyy9eHfSAfupVHhjJmaOMNswOY5qEqy19iUt1iyUi4IfZ1pn/s640/photo(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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last night, i came home from the <a href="http://cailenascher.blogspot.com/2012/07/foodie-rainbow-chard-pesto.html" target="_blank">csa </a>with a slew of gorgeous tomatoes. so, obviously i wanted to include them in our dinner. i decided to try making a tofu and egg crustless quiche, despite never having made one before. luckily, it turned out well (hence why i'm sharing it with you all :-) it was hearty, yet fluffy and had great flavor -- a winner all around!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDqEFGSCKVxd1r06azCJn781lIkmmptgSUe5ekZD6L1Hwm9q8FKeQfteN-xknVh8YEnwIH1hIGE5osZJQUzaoZrd5OQjdkOohg57fLbSd2PenpmWQU9EUy7HXNaeIXrl7k18fZK-qzT1d/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDqEFGSCKVxd1r06azCJn781lIkmmptgSUe5ekZD6L1Hwm9q8FKeQfteN-xknVh8YEnwIH1hIGE5osZJQUzaoZrd5OQjdkOohg57fLbSd2PenpmWQU9EUy7HXNaeIXrl7k18fZK-qzT1d/s640/photo%25289%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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here's what you'll need...<br />
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1/2 block firm tofu<br />
4 eggs<br />
1/2 medium onion<br />
2 shallots<br />
1 large heirloom tomato, sliced<br />
1/4 cup fresh herbs (i used basil and parsley)<br />
3-4 garlic cloves<br />
1/3-1/2 cup cheese (i used bleu and mozzarella)<br />
olive oil<br />
salt & pepper<br />
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preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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1. chop onions and shallots and saute in a bit of olive oil until translucent and lightely caramelized. season with salt and pepper.<br />
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2. while the veggies saute, put the tofu, eggs, herbs and garlic in a blender. blend until a smooth liquid is formed. season with salt and pepper and pulse once more.<br />
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3. oil your pie plate well with olive oil and then pour in egg/tofu mixture. top with onions and shallots, tomato slices and sprinkle with cheese.<br />
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4. bake for approximately 40 minutes until the quiche puffs up a bit and the edges are lightly brown. check the center with a knife to ensure it's cooked through before removing it from the oven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXMTjc8RxwXtPsSwfHGpeSmAfEDJeZ4SxMBnciEP2Fu-Pye1bPhB-74r64BpZ6ly_UcTNDgmiqyn5nlT9zYYaaaOq0H8vBgGo0g_gPvTVMDjcbOsMC1LlbTfJYS4JEm7X8v2g6HySuofX/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXMTjc8RxwXtPsSwfHGpeSmAfEDJeZ4SxMBnciEP2Fu-Pye1bPhB-74r64BpZ6ly_UcTNDgmiqyn5nlT9zYYaaaOq0H8vBgGo0g_gPvTVMDjcbOsMC1LlbTfJYS4JEm7X8v2g6HySuofX/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ7TCZFpPYj5mSmK0OP85AE9uHshyphenhyphenP3UeXgWI8jI7i5C4NpVtc_0gfxiZU6ki8bENj8h9zsV9N_Noq5vN-QUgcDOyviUbPp3B6uMmMD7xbypzJ-K-pRsXCiwBiVWkOcVDQXQLKanqPcLL/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ7TCZFpPYj5mSmK0OP85AE9uHshyphenhyphenP3UeXgWI8jI7i5C4NpVtc_0gfxiZU6ki8bENj8h9zsV9N_Noq5vN-QUgcDOyviUbPp3B6uMmMD7xbypzJ-K-pRsXCiwBiVWkOcVDQXQLKanqPcLL/s640/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S5V4gJtLVlnfGQhNKPKeYx_sDzpToMCzS8QKxNvC15b-fMfvKsuyzCJTwQlHbNG9EQRSVznSFIEiKBrrBf7e73lzZYHJFK36XB21ALs-POtVkLt2Ivr9xh3_pTeY10YNYwxBn9UTkL0S/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S5V4gJtLVlnfGQhNKPKeYx_sDzpToMCzS8QKxNvC15b-fMfvKsuyzCJTwQlHbNG9EQRSVznSFIEiKBrrBf7e73lzZYHJFK36XB21ALs-POtVkLt2Ivr9xh3_pTeY10YNYwxBn9UTkL0S/s640/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVNeI1C9IpyrFlKnagavAN5_nJZphPwTFZAH58TrulRKVuG7JPyOI8L3eHCDyL8yw-JjBsov42Up5XzpX6YZwgJxd-ix9Tv9VQRY03EUryPGssHNhkgsMVoMn4J_FbxwOgwmg9ujumHo7/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVNeI1C9IpyrFlKnagavAN5_nJZphPwTFZAH58TrulRKVuG7JPyOI8L3eHCDyL8yw-JjBsov42Up5XzpX6YZwgJxd-ix9Tv9VQRY03EUryPGssHNhkgsMVoMn4J_FbxwOgwmg9ujumHo7/s640/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">those gigantic green things are slices of (fully-ripe) heirloom tomato</td></tr>
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enjoy with a large side salad and even more delicious, heirloom tomatoes!!! serves 4 for dinner or 6 for brunch.<br />
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bon appetit<br />
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<br /></div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-12591255855320612522012-08-10T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-10T06:00:07.571-04:00yogi: 5 yoga poses to boost your mood!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-8Zy4KmEHhZWhy5Mup_VAVvcP5kMLZOUFqdaeVr7mocbSjRZSfQ_H61QbR6r6Wu2cDsp3R0qqUc-zJYz_T4sio_qCvRwFIum3aV2Kj44IywKFlA8ZUhhg0QAKkp5Pw5UTDIXLf6nnw-c/s1600/Cailen+doing+Wild+Thing+%2528Camatkarasana%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-8Zy4KmEHhZWhy5Mup_VAVvcP5kMLZOUFqdaeVr7mocbSjRZSfQ_H61QbR6r6Wu2cDsp3R0qqUc-zJYz_T4sio_qCvRwFIum3aV2Kj44IywKFlA8ZUhhg0QAKkp5Pw5UTDIXLf6nnw-c/s640/Cailen+doing+Wild+Thing+%2528Camatkarasana%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me doing "wild thing" -- wild thing...you make my heart sing...</td></tr>
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earlier this week, i was featured on <a href="http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/08/5-yoga-poses-to-boost-your-mood/" target="_blank">fit bottomed girls</a>' blog. this fabulously popular blog features stories and practical advice about living a fit, happy and healthy life. the ladies behind the blog tackle everything from workout reviews, to the latest fitness fashion, to the tastiest protein bars -- all of which is delivered with style and sass.<br />
<br />
to check out the blog <i>and </i>yoga video that i created for them -- 5 yoga poses to boost your mood -- click {<b><a href="http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/08/5-yoga-poses-to-boost-your-mood/" target="_blank">here</a></b>}!<br />
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smile :-)<br />
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<br /></div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-28564086381323127952012-08-08T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-09T12:06:13.307-04:00yogi: why set an intention?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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if you've ever wondered why you're encouraged to set an intention or dedication at the beginning of your yoga practice, wonder no more. watch my 2 minute video that will clear up any confusion :-)<br />
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-27954997411867371162012-08-02T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-02T07:00:05.333-04:00foodie: bruschetta potato salad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
i got back from a trip to the <a href="http://cailenascher.blogspot.com/2012/07/foodie-rainbow-chard-pesto.html" target="_blank">csa</a> with heirloom tomatoes, a pint of potatoes, a bunch of fresh basil and a head of garlic (among other things). inspired by the spoils of my trip, i decided to create a bruschetta potato salad -- it was delicious, super simple to make and craig told me afterwards that it's one of his new favorite dishes! this one's a winner all around :-)<br />
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here's what you'll need for 4-6 servings...<br />
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1 pint potatoes, cut into 1/2 in cubes<br />
1 pint tomatoes, chopped<br />
4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced<br />
1 cup basil, cut into a chiffonade (long, skinny ribbons)<br />
1/8 cup olive oil, plus a tad more for roasting the potatoes<br />
salt & cracked pepper<br />
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preheat your oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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1. put the cleaned, cubed potatoes on a baking sheet, toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. roast for 30 min or until fork tender.<br />
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2. while the potatoes cook, prep the rest of the food. toss the tomatoes, garlic and basil together. season with salt and pepper.<br />
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3. once the potatoes are done, mix them into the tomato mixture and drizzle everything with olive oil. season with more salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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adding the warm potatoes to the bruschetta enables them to soak up all the goodness, and the final drizzle of olive oil really seals the deal.<br />
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this dish makes for a fabulous summer side dish or works well as an entree salad over chopped romaine.<br />
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bon appetit!<br />
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<br /></div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-56262866768047645592012-07-31T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T07:00:03.294-04:00just do it (a deck building realization)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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this past weekend my husband, craig, and i, along with the much-needed help of my father-in-law and my parents, added a deck onto our cottage. we have over an acre of land, and love spending time outside with our little dog, olive, but we didn't really have an outdoor space that we could enjoy. so, after a few years of talking about it, we finally planned it, got our zoning permit and broke ground.<br />
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it's funny how we put things off that we know we will enjoy. (sure, it took a weekend and about $700 in materials to make our 18 ft by 12 ft deck come together, but the enjoyment we'll get out of it is truly priceless.) so, why do we put off things that will ultimately bring us more happiness and enjoyment? perhaps we're waiting for the "right time" or for the moment when our to-do list is done, but unfortunately, those moments never arrive -- they are forever in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh066RmghvDtSLvhiYTuhzmohjlj_f-UyGQktQN_C43_07nzQiV6rGi_LKpqINNqWs_Q8wASeE14ILLLfoXebiuirKWZO6nxVDrIgHqEgEUy3aDhkJ5_vQ65bVjGlxiHokfq8hzQr_3kl60/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh066RmghvDtSLvhiYTuhzmohjlj_f-UyGQktQN_C43_07nzQiV6rGi_LKpqINNqWs_Q8wASeE14ILLLfoXebiuirKWZO6nxVDrIgHqEgEUy3aDhkJ5_vQ65bVjGlxiHokfq8hzQr_3kl60/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFX6B3t738s8fm3BlkAOD3h_pZTUkSOjPMo0Z9TBkznNrENog-B_yl6ukyNLNBeUONbttNWAyYaepBClS6o0tI9QGF7NBFn27JXsaO4n4CI1uPszXOHBCz-awKgkYx7m5kjpGcFQiyOKl/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFX6B3t738s8fm3BlkAOD3h_pZTUkSOjPMo0Z9TBkznNrENog-B_yl6ukyNLNBeUONbttNWAyYaepBClS6o0tI9QGF7NBFn27JXsaO4n4CI1uPszXOHBCz-awKgkYx7m5kjpGcFQiyOKl/s640/photo%25286%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a>there's a lot of truth to nike's slogan...just do it. if there's something you've been putting off (it doesn't have to be as grandiose as a weekend-long deck building project) put it on your calendar. schedule yourself a manicure, go to a yoga class or plan lunch with a friend you haven't seen in a while. replenish yourself instead of depleting yourself. put as much energy into the things you love as you do your responsibilities.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqp6sQMs3y7nAN9HVODSvGB9Zv0RMfkdSY33GySmg2VTGo46bYZsHOmSbO0PtjQQGIJEkddxaQM_6RPKlazBisBu2D0ZNxUAnBYK7GRkGN8X9nHFW-fU3zxRdUIYrGUsSjBrZgV8j_6HkZ/s1600/photo%25281%2529+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqp6sQMs3y7nAN9HVODSvGB9Zv0RMfkdSY33GySmg2VTGo46bYZsHOmSbO0PtjQQGIJEkddxaQM_6RPKlazBisBu2D0ZNxUAnBYK7GRkGN8X9nHFW-fU3zxRdUIYrGUsSjBrZgV8j_6HkZ/s640/photo%25281%2529+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">olive enjoying the deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNbmAyJ0TSq9-1cEOPvsIvgATT398wKS2pRwWWnGiP7WVxPhLjrsdeshYhclfRK9eQOhQUzGD60Sigz5r0-F8reXIASS2RuIXPSGrwNZqHvu29ncH-HSVWGGwFqBWFy4C1KZLe8R0rU7v/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNbmAyJ0TSq9-1cEOPvsIvgATT398wKS2pRwWWnGiP7WVxPhLjrsdeshYhclfRK9eQOhQUzGD60Sigz5r0-F8reXIASS2RuIXPSGrwNZqHvu29ncH-HSVWGGwFqBWFy4C1KZLe8R0rU7v/s640/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">isn't she adorable?!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k4q6llEeBXM7fLYX018ykiFFWZy248AELGXedhyphenhyphenEhcJmOCwqcAYs1MC0AIIGw1f4yLha6pYs1tZB9chgrop_3shGdayDQcpX6yqvvw6OHASygpJdXhjfqfJtb3uBmJMWMFKNXbmnb9eS/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k4q6llEeBXM7fLYX018ykiFFWZy248AELGXedhyphenhyphenEhcJmOCwqcAYs1MC0AIIGw1f4yLha6pYs1tZB9chgrop_3shGdayDQcpX6yqvvw6OHASygpJdXhjfqfJtb3uBmJMWMFKNXbmnb9eS/s640/photo%25287%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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so, what are you going to do that will increase the joy in your life?...<br />
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<br /></div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-72596401401344291332012-07-26T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-26T07:00:17.828-04:00foodie: squash "pizzas"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
inspired by <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2010/08/recipe-for-grilled-zucchini-pizza.html?m=1" target="_blank">this recipe</a> and with a gorgeously round summer squash in need of use, i set out to make my very own version of squash "pizza". the buttery squash made for a delicious (though not so stable) crust, and the fresh marinara, parmigiano reggiano cheese and garden basil, made it all the better! the result was quite tasty, if i do say so myself.<br />
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here's what you'll need for pizza for two...<br />
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1 round summer squash<br />
marinara<br />
cheese of your choosing<br />
olive oil<br />
salt<br />
fresh basil<br />
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preheat oven to 400<br />
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1. cut the squash into 1/2 inch thick rounds, and place on an oiled baking sheet. drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with salt. bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are lightly browned and the edges begin to curl up.<br />
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2. remove from the oven and top as you see fit! caramelized onions, chopped kalamata olives and homemade pesto could be delicious, too.<br />
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3. bake for another 10 min or so, until the cheese begins to melt.<br />
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enjoy with a side salad and a glass of wine :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuSy1-_qbWa7xipgk2XYnjv_m3cPzTavAAoDe7-WpYi7bNLyZ4cOrjbwRSsJjZBDlTxBtVWMABnGN84pXVuIqvcQGqnkqBSkYD18XRo3Os_uKmezPhctj1LAjPVFHAYKfgLGclZPFw4rr/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuSy1-_qbWa7xipgk2XYnjv_m3cPzTavAAoDe7-WpYi7bNLyZ4cOrjbwRSsJjZBDlTxBtVWMABnGN84pXVuIqvcQGqnkqBSkYD18XRo3Os_uKmezPhctj1LAjPVFHAYKfgLGclZPFw4rr/s640/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-49072971286375801572012-07-24T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-24T07:00:06.504-04:00yogi: what does namaste mean?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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if you've ever wondered why "namaste" is often said at the close of yoga classes, wonder no more! check out my brief video that explains it all.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">namaste :-)</span></div>
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-49663302089989170362012-07-19T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-19T07:00:02.627-04:00foodie: homemade "ice cream" (and you don't need an ice cream maker!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
whenever i see recipes for ice cream on other blogs or on foodgawker, i always pass them over because (1) they often are labor-intensive, and (2) i don't have an ice cream maker. so, you can imagine how excited i was when i found a recipe for "ice cream" with just <em>one ingredient</em>...yes, just one! and, to top it off, it's healthy. go figure.<br />
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if you're craving the cold, creamy goodness of ice cream, it's only a few simple steps away. and, you don't even have to feel guilty about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpD8n4FR2QldiqFYHUPA0pSdO0pRQYJuF0eW_ZzaddvcpHBDny_sMxqoKJXCSQlhSYdJ9O6zFbI5i3qFYI5jOJ8aElJfd_EP_yy2DnCkIwHxZXa3WIhEZoHGUaurFK4Bx4aM7agwMhdZv/s1600/ice+cream3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpD8n4FR2QldiqFYHUPA0pSdO0pRQYJuF0eW_ZzaddvcpHBDny_sMxqoKJXCSQlhSYdJ9O6zFbI5i3qFYI5jOJ8aElJfd_EP_yy2DnCkIwHxZXa3WIhEZoHGUaurFK4Bx4aM7agwMhdZv/s640/ice+cream3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>here's what you'll need for one bowl of homemade ice cream...</em><br />
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1 banana<br />
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cut the banana into 1 inch coin, put on a plate covered with plastic wrap and put into the freezer for at least 2 hours.<br />
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put the cut, frozen banana into your food processor and blend until it magically begins to resemble a scoop of hard ice cream. amazing!<br />
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(i jazzed mine up by adding 1 tbsp peanut butter into the food processor with the banana, and also topping my finished ice cream with another tbsp of melted pb. delicious! did i mention that i ate this for breakfast?!)<br />
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after getting bit by the "ice cream" bug, i decided to try another combo.<br />
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1/2 banana (i used fresh, which gave it a more sorbet-like consistency, but you could use frozen, too)<br />
1/2 cup cherries, frozen<br />
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same deal.<br />
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and again, peanut butter makes everything better!<br />
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<br />
<br /></div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-64129508810038800652012-07-17T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-17T07:00:07.702-04:00foodie: cookie dough dip (and it's healthy!!!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
if you're anything like me, cookie dough has an almost magnetic appeal. why does the dough taste even better than the cookie?! well, as you might imagine, i was delighted when my sister shared a recipe for <em>healthy</em> cookie dough dip with me.<br />
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the dip has a very special secret ingredient, that perhaps you best not share with your fellow eaters until after they've tasted the delicious dip. any guesses???...<br />
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the secret ingredient is chickpeas. yes, that's right...beans!<br />
<br />
i made two cookie dough dip variations (both inspired by <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/23/want-to-eat-an-entire-bowl-of-cookie-dough/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>). here's what went down...<br />
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<strong><em>peanut butter chocolate chip</em></strong><br />
<br />
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />
dash of nutmeg<br />
1/4 cup no-sugar-added peanut butter<br />
1/3 cup brown sugar<br />
2 tbsp soy milk (skip for a thicker dip)<br />
1/3 cup chocolate chips<br />
<br />
put all the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) into your food processor, and pulse until it resembles the texture of cookie dough. mix in the chocolate and serve with fresh fruit like sliced apples and strawberries or graham cracker dippers.<br />
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<strong><em>white chocolate ginger coconut</em></strong><br />
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1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (you could also use chickpeas)<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
scant tsp ground ginger<br />
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
1/3 cup brown sugar<br />
2/3 cup shredded coconut (i used sweetened)<br />
1/3 cup white chocolate chips<br />
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again, put all the ingredients (except the white chocolate chips) into the mixer and blend. add in the chips and serve with fruit, graham crackers...or a spoon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAQODK6NZ_WL-NakqN-RzDL75i5d0vxh8EqdkuO5CzXosJ9CO0XXL7sPDRPgMGzP1s5l361mo7KIP3F5wNSPqDs2sczURbMk7eFGUOKDOmMKJixa-LM4kO3iq3nNniKvaQWuOX25Hqil6/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAQODK6NZ_WL-NakqN-RzDL75i5d0vxh8EqdkuO5CzXosJ9CO0XXL7sPDRPgMGzP1s5l361mo7KIP3F5wNSPqDs2sczURbMk7eFGUOKDOmMKJixa-LM4kO3iq3nNniKvaQWuOX25Hqil6/s640/photo3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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not only is this dip delicious, it's pretty healthy (compared to the real deal), and it's gluten-free, grain-free and vegan. not too shabby!<br />
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<br />
</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-7946061016355483642012-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-12T07:00:11.797-04:00foodie: roasted kohlrabi & sauteed garlic scapes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
our <a href="http://barefootgardens.net/food/" target="_blank">csa veggies</a> never cease to impress! this week brought us kohlrabi, colorful carrots and garlic scapes, plus much more :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMYSFUfj4KnOOBw38hV9_PgTpbT9B75INUTRidwGX7anWdp1J3iWa68cilyCrXN_bM3BSrk49-RUnMXTArP1-wkILCIbjKL_zqMChUB1dp8h5QnO1ffYoxKWhNjdo-lcq1k3xy4XInWMn/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMYSFUfj4KnOOBw38hV9_PgTpbT9B75INUTRidwGX7anWdp1J3iWa68cilyCrXN_bM3BSrk49-RUnMXTArP1-wkILCIbjKL_zqMChUB1dp8h5QnO1ffYoxKWhNjdo-lcq1k3xy4XInWMn/s640/photo(11).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXJ3MLhlJyr_bfc7G3vjM-jrT9Vxdj19olzIk3o_4rH40dCyHXTF39GCi2vHwpxcFnhD3jRViRyrKBMn9Z5g1NGOl3g_VZu3cHdRyJbGI1Xaxz3yyCvK0rPwnOO6yPBZ10MVzzV-Uy0zE/s1600/photo(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXJ3MLhlJyr_bfc7G3vjM-jrT9Vxdj19olzIk3o_4rH40dCyHXTF39GCi2vHwpxcFnhD3jRViRyrKBMn9Z5g1NGOl3g_VZu3cHdRyJbGI1Xaxz3yyCvK0rPwnOO6yPBZ10MVzzV-Uy0zE/s640/photo(12).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flowers from the csa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
i must be honest, prior to this week i had never cooked or eaten kohlrabi before. it's a slightly sweet yet earthy root vegetable that is great cooked or raw -- roasted or in a salad or slaw.<br />
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i decided to roast the kohlrabi along with the gorgeous carrots i got from the <a href="http://barefootgardens.net/food/" target="_blank">barefoot gardens csa</a>. then, i sauteed up the garlic scapes with some onion until they were buttery, soft and delicious!<br />
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<strong><em>veggies for two...</em></strong><br />
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2 medium kohlrabi, majority of outer skin removed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
3-4 medium carrots, prepped and cut into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
olive oil<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
<br />
preheat oven to 375/400. arrange carrots and kohlrabi on a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. roast for 30 minutes or until veggies are tender and begin to brown.<br />
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<strong><em>more veggie ideas...</em></strong><br />
<br />
1 vidalia onion, chopped<br />
handful of garlic scapes, cut into 1 inch long pieces<br />
olive oil<br />
salt <br />
pepper<br />
<br />
while the other veggies roast, saute the onion and garlic scapes in olive oil until onions begin to caramelize and garlic scapes are tender. season with salt and pepper.<br />
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once cooked, the kohlrabi becomes slightly sweet, while still remaining earthy and hearty. the garlic scapes (basically baby garlic), are subtly garlicky and very buttery! yum!<br />
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serve the veggies with brown rice and a salad for a complete meal.<br />
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---<br />
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and, just to make you smile, here's a pic of olive enjoying her baby-size vanilla ice cream :-)<br />
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-44708722826759782722012-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-10T07:00:12.565-04:00foodie: rainbow chard pesto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
my husband and i recently joined a <a href="http://barefootgardens.net/" target="_blank">csa</a> (community supported agriculture). basically it works like this, you pay a lump sum at the beginning of the season (which generally breaks down to $25-40/week) for fresh veggies, fruits, flowers and herbs from spring through early fall! not only are the fresh pickins' beautiful and delicious, they force you out of your culinary rut when things like kohlrabi and rainbow chard find their way into your basket...<br />
<br />
we were heading to an outdoor concert -- <a href="http://www.riversidesymphonia.org/upcoming-concerts" target="_blank">concert under the stars</a> put on by the riverside symphonia -- last weekend, and i had offered to bring a crudite platter with hummus and pesto for dipping. so, i decided to put some of my csa finds to good use!<br />
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<em><strong>vegan rainbow chard pesto</strong></em><br />
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1 cup no-salt cashews<br />
1 small bunch rainbow chard or swiss chard (csa)<br />
1 cup basil leaves (csa)<br />
1 tbsp garlic<br />
juice of 1/2 a lemon<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1/8 cup almond milk<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
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clean chard and basil, and but everything into your food processor. blend until a thick, creamy and relatively smooth mixture develops. it's that simple!<br />
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enjoy with fresh veggies, on a homemade pizza, with polenta, or on a sandwich!<br />
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-8418315744053714472012-07-05T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-05T07:00:15.761-04:00foodie: polenta pie with cashew "cheese"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
this simple, yummy recipe was inspired by the <a href="http://feelgoodguru.com/feelgoodstore" target="_blank">feel good guru's recipe in her <em>forks over knives</em> cookbook</a>. not only is this polenta pie hearty, filling and delicious, it's also gluten-free and vegan!<br />
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<strong>here's what you'll need for polenta pie for 2...</strong><br />
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12 oz polenta (for simplicity sake, i used 1/2 a store bought log of polenta)<br />
toppings -- like sauteed veggies (i used onions and red peppers with garlic), marinara sauce and herbs<br />
olive oil<br />
water<br />
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<strong>for the "cheese":</strong><br />
1 cup no-salt cashews<br />
juice of 1/2 a lemon<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp minced garlic<br />
herbs of your choice<br />
1/8 to 1/4 cup of water<br />
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional) -- this adds a tangy, cheesy flavor<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u-BgMY1BxJmmZGKccFVtAUaY-dU_EoQ4U3dZntmnNcpJUOiy5KSYgEaEIgmDxvRoYkR4FRybIvWvwviIgZB6uwRwyoU6oOezQaLUndgNd7JCWFQ-WWVpQiewsdFUg8cLul9k5guUqOhL/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u-BgMY1BxJmmZGKccFVtAUaY-dU_EoQ4U3dZntmnNcpJUOiy5KSYgEaEIgmDxvRoYkR4FRybIvWvwviIgZB6uwRwyoU6oOezQaLUndgNd7JCWFQ-WWVpQiewsdFUg8cLul9k5guUqOhL/s640/photo2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cashew "cheese" balls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
preheat oven to 375 degrees<br />
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1. spray baking tray or pizza stone with olive oil. spread polenta onto tray (1/2 inch thickness). i had to add a bit of water to the polenta and mash it a bit before spreading it out. bake for 30 minutes or until edges are crispy.<br />
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2. as the polenta crust bakes, saute your veggies and make the cashew "cheese". in your food processor, combine cashews, lemon juice, salt, garlic, herbs and yeast (if using) -- blend. add water little by little until you achieve a thick cream cheese-like consistency. roll cheese into balls.<br />
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3. once crust is done, take it out of the oven, and top it with marinara (or pesto!), veggies and about 1/4 of the "cheese". i sliced up a few of the cheese balls and then pressed them flat on top.<br />
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4. put pie back in the oven for another 10 minutes or so.<br />
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allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. this pie, though delicious, does not hold-its-own -- you'll have to enjoy it with a fork and knife :-)<br />
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<em>bon appetit!</em><br />
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on a different note, here are a few pictures of our dog-baby, olive, in the back yard. she's such a cutie!!!<br />
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075308610184707076.post-77426178866432062332012-07-03T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-03T07:00:02.860-04:00foodie: meyer lemon & lime coconut cupcakes (gluten-free)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
for my dad's 60th birthday, i offered to make a few dozen gluten-free cupcakes to accommodate the several family members and friends who do not eat wheat. to ensure quality (since i haven't done too much gluten-free baking, yet) i used a box cake mix as the base, but added in super delicious add-ins to personalize them. and, if i do say so myself, they turned out great! they were moist, delicious, and full of awesome flavor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQG62tH_nTh9X6aqHoUzSaBECERzHIadkUvbAWOMxXn3x4cjEoj-5T8eBzUF38Ea3aqX7p4oXoPqvhpj1vMEyTbX1GcaZUPDDMfI8erf4eu494jql5ZCn7A9nBpO5Qc1tXn00WYV3zz4HO/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQG62tH_nTh9X6aqHoUzSaBECERzHIadkUvbAWOMxXn3x4cjEoj-5T8eBzUF38Ea3aqX7p4oXoPqvhpj1vMEyTbX1GcaZUPDDMfI8erf4eu494jql5ZCn7A9nBpO5Qc1tXn00WYV3zz4HO/s640/photo3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">table for dad's birthday party</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPmjqQF0D9Qov1437lRyEphYmB2RhJyOW12FbWxyt5ZLk3gW2RBxo-NeR8chxmaNgAFcUYz1act2KbgBZUUBtD_bMvJMTq1qONGYOi209yvlb4ENyg0rGC_bKeWf2u4LLDk1Vk51QqiRT/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPmjqQF0D9Qov1437lRyEphYmB2RhJyOW12FbWxyt5ZLk3gW2RBxo-NeR8chxmaNgAFcUYz1act2KbgBZUUBtD_bMvJMTq1qONGYOi209yvlb4ENyg0rGC_bKeWf2u4LLDk1Vk51QqiRT/s640/photo4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picnic area for dad's birthday party</td></tr>
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one box mix yeilded 1 dozen large cupcake and 1 dozen mini cupcakes. i was baking for a crowd, so i made two boxes worth and jazzed each up differently. below are two cupcake variations that i made with <a href="http://pamelasproducts.com/product/Pamelas_Classic_Vanilla_Cake_Mix/13222.aspx" target="_blank">pamela's products: wheat-free, gluten-free classic vanilla cake mix</a>, which i found at our local natural foods market.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz2Ys6cH0261kD3dbhOJQawxL1x1IqCcUAIZX_qJ2yrYeQpdeFwxTvnRlX3MGaHqZ_ZvabenH4zpY8oxhGMrZGmZ9RhaUkF4Z_HJuX3Fn1dWsn2kvTYLGFX46SgbPAmLsAKRXcYzlbsZK/s1600/photo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz2Ys6cH0261kD3dbhOJQawxL1x1IqCcUAIZX_qJ2yrYeQpdeFwxTvnRlX3MGaHqZ_ZvabenH4zpY8oxhGMrZGmZ9RhaUkF4Z_HJuX3Fn1dWsn2kvTYLGFX46SgbPAmLsAKRXcYzlbsZK/s640/photo5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>meyer lemon cupcakes</strong></em><br />
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1 bag of vanilla cake mix (gluten-free)<br />
zest from one lemon<br />
juice of 1 lemon<br />
1/2 cup almond milk (or other milk)<br />
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (you could also use canola)<br />
3 eggs<br />
<br />
1 jar of lemon curd<br />
1 container of gluten-free vanilla frosting<br />
1 meyer lemon (if you can find one)<br />
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mix all the ingredients together. line your cupcake pans with paper wrappers, and fill 3/4 full with the batter. (i got 12 large and 12 mini cupcakes from the batter.) bake according to the cake mix directions or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.<br />
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once the cupcakes cool, scoop out a divet at the center of each large cupcake. then, fill it with a spoonful of lemon curd! (i didn't fill the mini cupcakes.)<br />
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using a piping bag, fill it with the remaining lemon curd and vanilla frosting, and frost the cupcakes. (try to fill one side with lemon curd and one side with frosting so that <em>both</em> come out when you start piping the icing onto the cupcakes.) garnish with a small slice of meyer lemon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o0Q0paJKkPnn9wAorY6SsjmB9pOQW2ylGohMkx4PeoC8BjZVJv7LBX48TgNEuCdBqqA9xKFnkJkx_8L8rPTnH3X2OknwR-O2V1-f9PpMziY6B-GMArqLhvcCtZoirqwjIDK8NLBB063j/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o0Q0paJKkPnn9wAorY6SsjmB9pOQW2ylGohMkx4PeoC8BjZVJv7LBX48TgNEuCdBqqA9xKFnkJkx_8L8rPTnH3X2OknwR-O2V1-f9PpMziY6B-GMArqLhvcCtZoirqwjIDK8NLBB063j/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>lime coconut cupcakes</em></strong><br />
<br />
1 bag of vanilla cake mix (gluten-free)<br />
zest of 1 lime<br />
juice of 1 lime<br />
1/2 cup coconut milk (or other milk)<br />
1/3 cup shredded coconut<br />
1 cup white chocolate chips<br />
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or canola oil)<br />
3 eggs<br />
<br />
1 container fluffy white frosting<br />
extra lime zest for garnish<br />
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mix all the ingredients together. (toss the white chocolate chips with a bit of the dry cake mix to coat them. then add them at the last minute to the batter -- hopefully this will prevent them from sinking, as mine did....) line your cupcake pans with paper wrappers, and fill 3/4 full with the batter. (i got 12 large and 12 mini cupcakes from the batter.) bake according to the cake mix directions or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.<br />
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once cupcakes cool, frost them and garnish with a sprinkle of lime zest!<br />
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both cupcakes were utterly delicious, but if i had to choose, i'd vote for the lime coconut. the mix of bitter lime with the creamy white chocolate was divine! also, for whatever reason, the lime cupcakes rose better than the lemon, but both were still moist and decadent.<br />
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trust me, you will not be disappointed with these :-)<br />
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</div>cailen ascherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11076423018990616188noreply@blogger.com0