Tina the Tuna!

Happy Friday! Lets talk about lunch, shall we?

I have an addiction to tuna. Who else loves tuna?! I could probably eat it every single day. I was watching Chopped this afternoon and they had to work with canned tuna. So I popped up and decided to make a delicious tuna sandwich!

Everyone makes their differently. Here's what I love in mine: some mayo, lots of yellow mustard (I love that vinegar taste!), chopped up gherkins (for that extra vinegar taste!), salt, pepper, garlic powder and a squeeze of Southwestern Ranch mayo (new from Hellman's! So good). Then I like to put it on toasted sourdough bread. YUM!

I added a few slices of tomato, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and a dollop of caramelized onion hummus. Yes, it's just as delicious as it sounds! 

How do you prepare your tuna???

I also LOVE tuna pasta (make some pasta, I prefer penne, then drizzle some olive oil, add tuna, salt, pepper, parsley and shredded cheese) Lucky for me, Jake HATES warm tuna so it's ALL for me!

It's also really good with some black bean and cheese. But don't take my word for it! Try it out!

My Health Kick

So, people, I don't know if you know this but...I love ice cream. Like if it was really good for you then I'd probably be the healthiest person on the planet...

But in my recent wave of healthy eating, I have been on the search for an ice cream replacement. And I think I found it!!

Yummy!

Start with some bananas. Now I don't really like bananas but I super love them like this! I used 2 but you can use up to, well, any amount really! The recipe I based my creation off of called for 5-6 bananas.

Take the bananas you want you use and cut them into pieces on a plate then place in the freezer to freeze. Meanwhile, mix together equal parts peanut butter, maple syrup and a dash of vanilla extract (I used almond extract however, still delicious). Then add oats. I put in twice as much as I did peanut butter and syrup (so 1/4 PB = 1/2 oats). Mix together to make a thick mixture. You can ad chocolate chips but I didn't have any.

Once your banana pieces are frozen, put them in a blender and process till creamy. Mix in the peanut butter/oat crumbles with a spoon. I've put my ice cream back in the freezer to get a tad harder but you can eat it then and there if you want!!

Oh, I added a touch of nutmeg too. SO EXCITED for it to be done (I'm still waiting...)

You should try it!

What kinds of variations do you think you could make on this recipe? I was thinking about trying this and using berries and bananas? Hmm...

Weekend In Photos (And a few from last week!)

Oh boy! Is it "Monday" already?! We had a three day weekend in Canada for some Civic holiday, which meant I had a four day weekend since I already have Friday's off! OVer that weekend was my 24th birthday (eek!) and I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of those who wished me a happy day! It turned out so, so great!

I had a job interview, which I am still waiting to hear results, then Jacob took me to MAC and bought me all this new make up, after getting my make up done for the day. I have never owned nice thing, let alone amazing, expensive make up! All I want to do is play with it. Then we went to lunch at an adorable little Italian place on Spadina Ave downtown. 

And after a little bit of shopping (which was unsuccessful), went to cocktails with some new friends at Beir Market, where we were thrilled to see an amazing selection of beer! As you know, we're on a beer quest so I think when we have more time, we'll have to come back and explore the selection here! Then he surprised me with an amazing dinner. And I'm talking amazing. So fancy. Probably the best food I've ever had and, as Jake put it after paying the bill, probably a once in a life time kind of place (hah! What a great guy!). The wine was so delicious, it was like butter in your mouth. I wanted to take pictures so badly but it was the kind of place where you do NOT do that. But I snuck a few, fuzzy as they are, you get the idea! Here are some Instagram's (which you can follow me @FreyaLily88) and some regular photos! 

Breakfast this morning. Getting back on the health wagon!

A lecture at Hotel Ocho. Beautiful.

Where I had my interview (Post Magazine, not Bayview Magazine)

Penne ala vodka, of course.

Scaramouche for dinner, appetizer: goat cheese three ways. Amazing.

Scaramouche: Partridge. Probably the best thing I've ever eaten. 

Birthday outfit: Salmon dress, black belt, diamonds Gram's gave
 me for Christmas, wedges and Armani blazer from Gram's.

Saturday stroll around Harbourfront. I hate the use of "ou".

Harbourfront. So big you forget it's a lake.

Walking up Yonge St past the Russian immigrants. 

Chopstick walrus.

Sunday lunch with friends at the Ultimate Cafe.
Montreal Smoked Meat sammie and a garden salad.

Morning coffee: B-52 (Kailua, Bailey's and Grand Mariner) 

$5 craft beers. Tractor beer.

How was your weekend???

Come on, Canada, lets be real.

So Jacob and I have been in Toronto almost three weeks now. While it feels like forever already there is one thing we keep noticing that's quite different up here. 

The beer.

Craft Beer.

So far, Jacob has been appalled by the beer here. He continues to order IPA's that don't taste like IPA's. He's been horrified. Me? Honestly, I'm totes cool with light beer. I don't really enjoy extremely hoppy beer so Canadian beer and I have been getting along great.

We were in LCBO, which is Canadian for liquor store, and looking at beer. They were mostly pilsners or lagers. Jake wanted something rich, flavorful and hops filled. Eventually he located a warm 6 pack of Hoptical Illusion and we waltzed home, me cradling my lager while he mumbles about IPA's. 

We got to chatting on the walk home about why he hasn't been able to find any beers he likes so far. We thought maybe the hops crops here aren't as abundant in Canada as they are in the States. Maybe it's too cold? Maybe they don't know any better? Maybe we're just stuck in a country where beer is light? (which again, I do not mind)

But after a bit of reading, I am sad to announce to Jacob but we are wrong. Canadian's love their beer, thinking it almost superior to American beer (to which I laugh). They pride in hops and craft beers here, however, they do prefer the lighter, lager taste.

So my conclusion? I will set off on a beer adventure! I will venture out, obvio with Jacob, to discover the best beers in Canada! We will find Jacob his IPA if it takes a whole year of drinking!

If you are from Canada or know Canadian beers, do you have any suggestions?? I couldn't honestly tell you what ones we've tried because they all have weird a$$ names and there's a lot of French involved...

Summer Eatin'

I don't know about you but when the heat hits,

all I want to eat is something cold.

No soups, no pastas, no melted sandwiches.

It's too hot, yo!

So my summer eatin' routine? 

Wonderful, chilled, delicious salads!!

The Wedge.

The wedge salad is always a great way to go.

I enjoy them because they can be dressed nicely on a plate,

mostly because there's no tossing or mixing all the salad

fixings together, you just cut a wedge of lettuce and sprinkle, drizzle

and dash everything on top!

Traditional wedge salads are made with Iceberg lettuce...

But lets be real, there's nothing in Iceberg lettuce so...Romaine is way better.

Click on the caption for recipe ideas courtesy of EatingWell.com.

Panzanella.

Have I ever told you how much I love Panzanella salads??

I made my first one last year for my sister's Bridal Shower.

They are so simple and fresh and lovely.

Fresh tomatoes, lovely baked croutons, fresh basil, yummo!

The recipe is easy, just look at the picture!

I like to make variations on the Panzanella, too!

Add chucks on fresh mozzarella and red, orange and yellow peppers

for a nice "Italian" feel.

Spice it up with by baking the croutons in Cajun or Jerk seasoning.

Add feta cheese for a Greek feeling!

These salads are very versatile.

Spinach with Fruits.

Lastly, I love summer salads because you can incorporate

fruit in!

One of my favorites is the above picture.

The base of spinach with added berries, maybe some toasted

nuts and throw on some goat cheese!

Mix with a light, maybe citrus dressing and BAM!

Delicious summer eatin'!

Adding fruit to a salad is a great way to mix it up.

It's healthy and different!

I love grilled shrimp tossed with citrus especially

because you can utilize the grill while diverting off the

hotdogs and hamburger track!

What are some of your summer salad faves??

New Fish On The Block.

In attempts to eat better,

Jacob and I are embracing fish as our new chicken.

Well, we're starting to at least.

So far, I think we've mastered the regular, baked,

grilled,

pan fried and

seared filet of Tilapia.

Last night, I wanted to try something new!!

Dijon Fish Cakes

4 Six ounce Tilapia steaks I used two really BIG pieces of fish, seemed to work out good!

1/2 cup mayo

2 eggs

2 tbl fresh dill I just diced up a good chunk, I didn't measure it.

1 tbl Dijon mustard

3/4 cup bread crumbs

oil

Step 1: Bake the fish at 400 for 10-15 minutes. It will flake when it's done. I topped mine with with a splash of olive oil and some salt and pepper.

Step 2: I didn't have any bread crumbs on hand, so I decided to make some! I tore up about two and a half slices of whole wheat bread on a cookie sheet then toasted it in the oven till it was dark brown. Then I put the toast, salt, pepper and some Old Bay seasoning into my *new* food processor! 

Ain't she purdy?!

Step 3: Once the fish is done, flake it and then I stuck it in the freezer for about 5 minutes to cool. 

Step 4: While the fish is cooling, mix together the mayo, dill, eggs and mustard in a bowl. Once the fish is cool, fold in the mayo mixture with the bread crumbs. I added a little more crumbs then the recipe called for, I found the mixture to be a little runny with just 3/4 cups. Add until you are confident with the mixture.

Step 5: Form the mixture into patty's. Let the patty's cool in the freezer for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Fry the patty's in canola oil until brown and crispy! 

I served mine with couscous and a salad. Let me just tell YOU, they were absolutely delicious!! I will totally make them again.

It was easy, quick and totes worth it!

Something New!!

On our date night last Friday,

Jacob and I decided that we need to put aside one night

every week to make something new.

We cook a LOT but we sometimes keep from making

what we're really are into because we don't want to

make something the other won't like.

So in this pact, we decided that we each take turns

picking the recipe. 

Jacob won the coin toss.

So sushi it is!!

I'm not going to lie.

I was a bit skeptical about this.

He's been talking about it for weeks.

I think I was a little put off by buying raw fish and eating it.

I felt like there was something wrong with it.

But I sucked it up and we made it.

But it turned out so delicious!! Such a good choice!!

We had fresh wild Salmon, carrots, celery and cream cheese.

Then we topped it all with this spicy chili sauce 

(made of mayo, Siracha, hot chili oil and sesame oil...SO GOOD!)

The important part is that he's happy.

And it was delicious.

And sushi isn't as hard to make as I always thought it was.

Which got me thinking...

...what if the things you always think of as being difficult...

...what if they aren't so difficult...

...but we're just too scared to try??

Food for thought...

Happy Monday!!

P.S. I get to see my family in 3 short days!!

Oh Lazy Day!

I love Sunday's that are lazy, sunny and full of eating and sleeping.

It was so nice outside today.

I'm so excited for Spring!!

Rereading an old favorite on the grass in the sun. Bliss!

Walked to JP Dempsey's for lunch. Sat outside. Bloody Mary made with jalapeno infused Stoli. I love it!

French bread topped with diced tomatoes and panchetta. Baked with mozzarella, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Plum tomato sauce. So. Darn. Good. 

Jake asked me on Friday what is the one thing you could spend hours talking about and can you guess what it was??

Yes.

Food.

I love food like nobodies business. I love eating it. I love making it. I love watching other people make it.

It's a horrible habit that I wish I could kick!

Why couldn't I be born with the gene to diet??

(haha just kidding :) )

How was your weekend???

What A Wonderful World

Easter was a whirlwind of food, fun and sunshine!

Jacob and I enjoyed a morning at home, sleeping in and 

starting our morning with some cocktails!

I love me some mimosas, lets get that out in the open.

My favorite is to add some Framboise to the mix.

You can get a few different kinds of Framboise but it's usually raspberry, cherry, peach, etc.

Try it. It's delicious.

Then Jacob decided he wanted to make sausage rolls. These are something my Gramma use to make for special occasions. I. Friggin. LOVE. Them.

He did such a great job too :) 

And yes...we ate them ALL.

After consuming my weight in pastry and champagne, I got to business and made some DELICIOUS homemade Mac and Cheese...which I didn't get pictures of because it didn't last long I forgot :) Oops! But I swear it was PHENOMENAL!

Then we packed up the mac and the BBQ pulled pork Jacob made in the slow cooker and headed out to Shelton to a BBQ with some friends.

I dropped off these goodies to my friends who got stuck working at the bar today. They seemed happy to see me when I walked in :)

And these were my DOWNFALL today...chocolate with cream cheese frosting??

I love holidays!

All in all, it was a wonderful day! I'm still battling this weird head cold thing I have...just a lot of sinus pressure and not a whole love else! 

Now I'm catching up on some blogs and episodes of The Voice (I am ADDICTED!) and eating the last of the Easter candy.

What did you do today?? 

What was your favorite treat??

OH! Jacob also started germinating seeds for a hydroponic hanging garden! We don't have literally ANY space in our apartment so he looked up a way to make a hanging garden! It's made out of water bottles and a pump...it's pretty cool! I'm going to do a post once it's up and running. But for now, look how cute these little seeds are! So excited!

French Toast Tuesday!

I have had such an issue getting out of BED these days!

Can anyone relate to that??

I think it's my lack of vacation that is getting to me.

I've been out of college now two years and I miss me some

SPRING BREAK!

As I was laying in bed this morning,

I was battling between getting up, getting dressed and going

to the gym, and making French Toast.

My inspiration?

Or rather my vice?

not your average ordinary is on my daily blog feed and I love it so!

This morning was about French Toast and I thought I'd follow suit!

Here's my version. Not as yummy looking as Brandi's but 

DAMN it hit the SPOT!

And it was quick! And not very filling so that felt gross after!!

What's making you smile today??

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

So we all know I love food.

I can't hide it anymore.

One of my favorite things to do is find a new recipe

and try it out.

I'm trying my best to be healthy, since I grew up in a house where butter, cream and cheese were used in every meal.

So tonight, I found something simple, delicious and quick!

I originally got the recipe from Eating Well but made some personal changes to it!

Ingredients:

4 Tomatoes

Shredded Parmesan cheese

Salt, pepper and garlic to taste

Olive Oil 

Polenta (either homemade or store bought)

Tomato Sauce (I made some from 1 can of diced tomatoes)

1. If you're making your own tomato sauce like I did, I started by heating the can of tomatoes in a pan over medium heat. I used Del Monte Garlic and Onion diced tomatoes. Then I added salt, pepper, garlic and basil. I let it simmer on the stove while I prepared the tomatoes.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

3. Cut the tomatoes into half horizontally.

4. Place each half on a cookie sheet.

5. Top each half with salt, pepper, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan.

6. Cut the polenta into 1/2 inch slices.

7. Place the polenta on a cookie sheet (I put the tomatoes and polenta on the same sheet) and drizzle with olive oil.

8. Bake the tomatoes and the polenta for at least 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes and soft.

TIP: I noticed that the polenta heated faster then the tomatoes. I would recommend pulling the polenta out once it's soft and lightly frying it in a pan to give it a crispy texture. 

9. Plate the polenta and tomato halves, cover the polenta with tomato sauce and a little extra cheese.

10. ENJOY!

I really enjoyed this meal. It was light and delicious. I think if I could do it over, I would add a piece of garlic bread to mop up the delicious juices from the tomatoes.

Let me know what you think!

Any suggestions??

Yo Yo Yogurt!

I think yogurt is an underrated breakfast food.

Yogurt is the official food of women.

Or so marketing tells us.

BUT.

I still love yogurt!

Why am I loving it today??

Because I had THIS for breakfast!

Kiwi, cantaloupe, granola, honey and plain, Greek yogurt. 

It was the best breakfast EVER.

Fruit and protein?!

Solid.

What yogurt treats do you all enjoy? 

Marching

Oh Happy March everyone! My, how time has flown!

I feel like New Years was yesterday, yet, I feel like tomorrow it'll be summer!

I'm very excited that my second favorite season is coming up, SPRING!

(Except for Daylight Savings next weekend, I do NOT like that.)

To start my post, I will reflect upon my last about wreaths.

My project this weekend was to make a spring wreath.

Here's how it turned out!

 I'm so happy with it!! It brought a lot of light into my living room, too. Yes, it was sad taking down the last wreath, but I think it's ok. It's time to move on, no??

On that note, lets see what I did this weekend!

 The weekend started with a few drinks at my work,Rudy's in New Haven. It's a pretty laid back gastropub that serves a lot of Belgian beers and inspired food. It's so different from the west coast, though. 

 

 Friday I got a latte from the coffee shop across the street from my house. It's appropriately called Koffee? I love that little cafe because at night they have wine, beer and cheese platters. I haven't gone yet but it's on my ToDo list for this coming week. I want to keep my business local, you know? Mom would be so proud!

Yummy beverages :)

Shrimp and rice.

 I love my weekends because they are usually filled with eating and drinking. Jake made AMAZING Shrimp Scampi on Thursday. It was OUT of the WORLD.

Saturday started with lunch at Liquid Lunch. It is this little sandwich and soup place. They have a HUGE menu of salads, sammie and soups. They are all so delicious!! I got French Onion soup and it was out of this WORLD. (Also in the picture is my new favorite seltzer water, raspberry lime. SO YUMMY!)

They mark your table with old soda bottles with color coordinated wooden spoons in them. I love that idea, I think it's really fresh and new! Or maybe it's old and I'm just new to the game :)

On our way home we saw the freaking Entenmann's OUTLET store! Yes. I said it. An OUTLET store. You could get like 3 boxes of treats for $6! We bought so many carbs. Delicious.

Lastly, I finished Saturday with a serving shift at work. This is a picture of the dining room. I love how it's decorated. The odd colored chairs and frosty windows with the cool lights, it's a great atmosphere.

I spent Sunday with my honey getting lunch, spending time at the fabric store, watching Planet Earth and making a spring wreath! It was such a lovely weekend. 

Any suggestions on a craft for next Sunday??