Monday, October 15, 2012

#Family #Hike and #Fun at the Oregon Coast

Fun at the beach...
Finally a well deserved long weekend get away for us.  This past week was so busy, and we were all due for a break.  The girlies did not have school on Friday so it was the perfect time to go to the beach for a long weekend.  We generally go to the Northern Coast, but this time we went to Pacific City which is on the central Oregon coast.  Ahhh,  it is so relaxing just to be at the beach.  The air, the sounds, it is so rejuvenating even with the rain....  We have had unseasonably dry weather and it actually started to rain for the first time in months on Friday our first full day at the beach.  Rest assured, we still had a ton of fun...
Beach fun - October 2012 in Pacific City
On Saturday we went for a nice long hike out to Cape Lookout.  It is a cape that reaches 2 miles out into the Pacific Ocean.  It is a beautiful hike through the mystical forest, and along the steep cliff {yes, we did "white knuckle" the girlies along those passages}. The sound of winding roaring through the woods, and the ocean crashing against the beach...it is really, really mystical and you just know for a fact that faeries live there.  The girlies referred to the puddles we saw along the hike as "fairy swimming pools". Take a look at this cute snail - it seems like she is seeking shelter underneath the mushroom....

It was beautiful - both kids did a great job as it is 2.4 miles out to the cape, and another 2.4 miles {uphill} back to the trail head.  Our kids are good hikers, Mia Rose did start to fuzz before we reached the cape but did a great job on the way back.  She really deserved the piggy back ride for the last 10 minutes of the hike :).
Family hike to Cape Lookout

The large plate of french fries and root beer for each girl at the Pelican Pub was well deserved :)
After lunch the girls and I have our energy back to climb to the top of the dune and play in the sand Let me just say it was sandy, but so much fun....
Having fun in the sand...


Before heading back home on Sunday we walked on a stormy out on the beach...oh yes, our batteries are now recharged...





Sunday, October 14, 2012

Kaesespaetzle {Baked Cheese Spaetzle} for #SundaySupper

Today's #SundaySupper theme is Comfort Food. Our host today is the ever amazing Isabel who is the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement.  This week  Lee Woodruff will be joining us around the family table.  She is a wife, mother of four, author, CBS This Morning contributor and  founder of ReMIND.org. We are all very excited!

Now, are you ready for some comfort food? The days are getting shorter, evenings are longer, and things seem to slow down just a little bit. This is the perfect time of year to have Kaesespaetzle - a Southern German dish.  Homemade Spaetzle meet Emmenthaler and Gruyere cheeses meet browned onions - all is put together and baked to perfection. It is ready when the cheese is nicely melted, and the onions turn into crunchy little delicious flavor bursts. This has always been one of Ron's favorite Swabian dishes; and one of the foods he likes to order when we are in Germany during the winter time.  I had not made Kaesespaetzle until we learned that the girlies were allowed to eat - among several other cheeses - Emmenthaler and Gruyere. It is because of the aging process that these cheeses are safe {from what I understand - please always check with your metabolic clinic} and they are free of lactose as well as galactose.  We have received the green light a couple of years ago from our clinic, and I have been making Kaesespaetzle ever since.  And yes, both girls love it :)

The key ingreadient is the dah dah yes, you guessed right the Spaetzle.  You can make them ahead of time, and freeze them.  When you are ready for some Kaesespaetzle just pop them out of the freezer to defrost and assemble...sounds easy, right?!

Okay I will not hold back any longer :)  Here is the recipe...and yes, it is in metric - sorry - my scale measures in both....

Kaesespaetzle
500 gr  flour
5 eggs
250 ml water
pinch of salt
Splash of olive oil
1-1/2 lbs. of onion - cut into fine rings
app. 10 oz. or more of grated Emmenthaler, and Gruyere
salt, pepper, and paprika

1.  Mix first four ingredients into a batter.  It is perfect when it falls heavy of a spoon - just like this...


2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to the water. 
   When it is boiling - add some of the batter into your
   Spaetzlepress {potato ricer should work too}, put the 
   carefully press over the boiling water, and slowly press
   the dough into the boiling water.  When done, the Spaetzle 
   will float to the top.  Use a slotted spoon to remove the
   Spaetzle, and set aside.  Repeat the process until all of the 
   dough is used up. 

3.  Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan, add onions put on lid 
    and cook on medium heat until they are soft.  Then remove
    lid and increase heat until the onions are nice and golden

4. Take a medium size casserole. Layer Spaetzle, cheese, onions - 
   sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Repeat once - 
   the last layer will be onions

5. Bake in preheated oven at 350F for about 25 minutes, or until 
   the cheese is melted, and onions turn a little crunchy.


But wait, take a look at the comfort food by the #SundaySupper team...grab a comfy seat and check it out...
     


This Week’s Sunday Supper Recipes:

#SundaySupper Comfort Food |Soups
#SundaySupper Comfort Food  | Main Dish
#SundaySupper Comfort Food | Desserts
Pairing Wine with Sunday Supper Comfort Food Favorites! by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog 
We would be honored to have you join us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper.  We are meeting up at 7:00 pm(Eastern) for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat where we will talk about our favorite Comfort Food Recipes.
All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.
We would also love to feature your easy go to recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board and share them with all of our followers, too.



Friday, October 12, 2012

Coconut Winter Squash #Soup with Kale #WeeknightSupper


Fall has arrived in Portland and with that we are now receiving beautiful winter squash with our weekly CSA delivery.  The girls and I like squash a lot, Ron is not the biggest fan of it but you know, it all depends on how it is prepared.  All of us like soup - and it turned out to be a perfect meal..

Coconut Winter Squash Soup with Tofu, and Kale

Not the best picture but it was delicious....

Coconut Winter Squash Soup with Kale and Tofu adapted from Simple Suppers Moosewod Restaurant

1 can coconut milk
1 tsp red curry paste
4 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2-3 C of chicken, or vegetable broth {I used chicken as there was 1/2 pack left in my fridge}
2 medium to large size Delicata Squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks {any type
   of winter squash i.e. butternut, or acorn will work}
1 stalk lemon grass cut in half
1 lime - juiced; and grated
1 stalk Kale - leaves cut into pieces {without the center}

Tofu
10 oz. of extra firm Tofu, cubed
1 Tbl soy sauce
1 tsp. red curry paste
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1. Mix all liquids together to prepare a marinade
2. Place tofu cubes in a small bowl, and pour marinade over it.  Toss up, cover, until ready to fry
Soup
3. In a large stock pot, heat the coconut cream and when melted add the curry paste, sugar and salt, next
4. add Squash, stir it all up before adding the rest of the coconut milk, lemongrass and broth.  Bring to a
    slow simmer and cover {be careful not to let it boil}. When squash is soft,
5. remove lemon grass, and puree the soup by using an immersion blender {be careful not to burn your-
    self - the soup is hot and may splatter},
6. Add lime juice,  grated rind and adjust salt. Cover the soup while you fry the tofu
7. heat up a pan {I use cast iron} and add marinated tofu to it.  Fry tofu until nicely browned from all
    sides {it takes about 5 minutes or so}. When ready,
8. Add Kale, and fried tofu to soup.  The soup is ready when Kale begins to wilt

Enjoy! - By the way, this was a big hit - I added more spice to my bowl :)



Thursday, October 11, 2012

Spinach with Sage Sausage on Polenta #WeeknightSupper

This week has been so busy - all of us were ready for the weekend by Tuesday night.  Now that is something that usually does not happen around here :) - It has been a week of quick dinners.  From our weekly CSA box we had some lovely spinach, and I decided to pair it with sage sausage on a bed of polenta.  For a change, I made the polenta with mushroom broth {that is why it is not all golden} and it turned out fantastic.  Nice earthy flavor, and it was perfect with the sauteed spinach.

Spinach with Sage Sausage on Polenta
- 1 C of polenta
- 4 C mushroom broth {I use Pacific brand}
-   rind of paremsiano regiano {I used 2}
-   pinch of salt
- 1 lbs. bulk sage sausage
- 1 - 2 bunches of spinach
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Splash of white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 C of grated paremsiano regiano

1. Bring mushroom broth, with rind of parmesiano to a boil, then
2. in a steady, slow stream pour in the polenta.  Stir - with a wooden spoon - as you pour it {be careful
    not to burn yourself as it will be bubbly} in.  Reduce heat.  Polenta will be bubbling, stir frequently,
    until polenta has desired consistency.
3. While polenta is cooking, in a separate pan fry the sausage until crumbly, then add garlic sautee for
    another minute before deglazing the pan with a spalsh of white balsamic vinegar. Then,
4. Add spinach, and cover.  It is ready for serving when spinach has wilted.

Ladle polenta on plate, and top with sausage-spinach mixture.  Serve with grated parmesiano.

This was a great as well as tasty mid week dinner at our house.  The entire family liked it a lot :)


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

White Bean and Kale #Soup for #WeeknightSupper

It is only Tuesday, but oh what a long week it has already been.  We have been busy attending the movies at KinofestPDX {yes, I know nobody feels sorry for me ;)} and Ron went to see the final movie tonight.  So for dinner it was just the girls. You know how it goes, right?  I pick the girlies up at school, and since it was sunny out there was some playground time before walking home.  At home there was a snack before homework for the girlies, and making dinner for me. Yes, right...this post is about our dinner tonight. Yup, I am getting there just give me another second...Both girls need help with their homework, so dinner had to be something that pretty much cooks itself.  Good thing I prepared at least a little bit :)

I quick-soaked 1-1/2 cups of beautiful Cannellini beans so at least I was semi-prepared.  We received our new CSA delivery yesterday so there was also plenty of fresh produce.  Here is a picture of the original plan {it included spinach}



White Bean and Kale Soup
Splash of olive oil
1 onion diced
Pinch of salt
1-2 carrots cleaned and diced
1-1/2 {dry} soaked beans
4 C water
2 tomatoes chopped {or any other vegetable}
1 large zucchine sliced {or any other vegetable}
1 cube vegetable bullion broth {be sure it is dairy free}
Splash of white Balsamic Vinegar
1 bunch of Kale coarsely chopped
1/2 C grated Paremsiano Regiano {optional}
Salt, pepper, {optional} paprika

1. Heat splash of olive oil in a stock pot - when hot add onion and sauté with a pinch of salt. When soft,
2. add carrot until bright and orange then add,
3. Beans, and water.  Bring to a slow simmer and cover.  When beans are soft add,
4. tomatoes, zucchini, and bullion cube.   Simmer for another 10 minutes or so then add
5. Splash of white Balsamic Vinegar - adjust pepper, and add paprika. Then,
6. add Kale until wilted; add Paremsiano {if using} then adjust salt.

Enjoy! - Alena had second helpings, and Mia Rosie finished her entire bowl....





Monday, October 8, 2012

Movie, Dinner, and Dessert...

is how we spent our Sunday afternoon.  This week is #KinfofestPDX - a mini German Filmfestival here in Portland - which also included a children's movie "Tom Sawyer" {in German with English subtitles}.  We obviously just had to go, because how often do we get to see German movies in the theater here in PDX?!  

The movie started late in the afternoon, and yes Mia Rose was still a little young for it. Alena loved the movie, while Mia Rose declared that she never, ever wants to see that movie again....
After the movie...

Mia Rose after the movie...

It was already late by the time the movie was done, so we decided {as we do after the Kids Symphony} to have dinner at Pastini's.  On our walk over we saw a frozen yoghurt shop.  Guess what?  Yup,  they had vegan sorbet.  Yay - it was a desert kind of day...You know, I am always so excited when we can find dessert for the girlies.  It is just something we always have to spend extra energy to look for.  Of course, one can  make the argument that since everything in the store is milk but the frozen sorbet that it could be inherently contaminated with milk.  Well,  yes it certainly could contain milk traces but so do many food items; but what happens?  It is not that the girls - at least not ours - would have an immediate, life threatening reaction. So I think we need to keep it in balance.  Yes, it could very well be that there is a risk of cross contamination, but the fun, and enjoyment our kids get from eating frozen vegan yoghurt by far outweighs the potential minute adverse effect...Just look how much fun they had...
Do you know who is in the background?

Right?!  Of course you do not need to agree with me/us but this is how we parent our children.  This is how we empower them and they do have fantastic job!  

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Carrot Ginger Soup for #SundaySupper

I am so excited for this week's #SundaySupper - as the theme is "All things orange".  Right?! How can one not be excited by a theme like that.  Orange - along with pink and purple - is my absolute favorite color.  It is a burst of sunshine, and happiness plus it has fall written all over it.  Fall is beautiful - the mornings are crisps, the leaves are turning into beautiful hues of orange, red, yellow, the pumpkins patch is awaiting and things are starting to slow down a little bit.  Time for comfort food...

Today's #SundaySupper is hosted by Pam of The Meltaways and I am bringing "Carrot Ginger Soup".  The recipe is from my very good friend Petra - so maybe I should have called the Soup Petra's Carrot Ginger Soup.  What do you think? This soup is so simple, yet so delicious.  Bursting in flavor, and in color. This soup is not only easy and quick, but the portion size is easily adjusted for an unexpected crowd...
copyright galactopdx 2012

Petra's Carrot Ginger Soup
Splash of olive oil
1 onion diced
2 (large) garlic cloves minced
1" - 1-1/2" piece of ginger root. Peeled, and chopped into small pieces {the smaller the better}
2-3 lbs. of carrots, cleaned, and cut into chunks {I used about 20 large carrots}
4 C Water {or more}
1 vegetable broth bullion cube {read label carefully to make sure it is dairy free}
3-4 Sprigs of cilantro {optional}
Salt and pepper to taste
Squeeze of lemon {optional}
1/2 C of chopped cilantro for garnish {optional}
Plain Soymilk Creamer for garnish {optional} - splash for each bowl

1. heat olive oil in a large stock pot; when hot add onion and saute until onions are soft. Then add,
2. garlic, ginger, and carrots.  When fragrant and carrots turn bright orange, add
3. Water, bullion cube, and {if using} cilantro.  Cover, and bring to a slow simmer until carrots are soft
4. Remove cilantro, and carefully blend the soup with an immersion blender {it is hot be careful not to
    burn yourself as the soup may splatter}.
5. Adjust salt,  pepper, and add {if using} a couple lemon squeezes.

Serve in soup bowls - garnish with chopped cilantro and generous splash of plain soy creamer, and serve with - you guessed right - crusty bread...

Are you hungry for more Orange - please visited what everyone one else from the #SundaySupper team is bringing to the table.  Does it not all look amazing? We hope to inspire you to make your own Orange #SundaySupper. Be sure to join us on Twitter throughout the day for #SundaySupper. We are meeting at 7 (Eastern) for the weekly #SundaySupper live chat.  We will be talking about our favorite orange fall recipes. Just follow #SundaySupper hashtag, or follow us through TweetChat.

Sunrise  (Breakfast and Brunch)
Paula from Vintage Kitchen Notes is bringing her Orange Ricotta Pancakes
Erin from Dinners Dishes and Desserts is baking up some Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Heather from Girlichef is bringing Pumpkin Doughnuts with Spiced Buttermilk Glaze
Nicole from Daily Dish Recipes is making Pumpkin Donut Puffs
Patti from Comfy Cuisine is bringing  Classic Orange Marmalade
Sunithi from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz is making Spiced Pumpkin Ricotta Muffins with Craisins and Walnuts
Wendy from The Weekend Gourmet is cooking up some Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal
Jamie from Mama Mommy Mom is bringing Butternut Squash Butter
Chelsea from Chelsea’s Culinary Indulgence is bringing Pumpkin Spiced Donuts with Chai Icing
Kris from In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maureen made Sweet Potato Pancakes 
High Noon (Soups, Salads and Sandwiches)
Renee from Magnolia Days is serving up some Butternut Squash Soup
Beate from Galactopdx is bringing her Carrot Ginger Soup
Jen from Juanita’s Cocina is making some Curried Sweet Potato Salad With Cranberries and Pecans
Megan from I Run For Wine is making Skinny Roasted Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage Soup
Sarah from What Smells So Good is filling our bowls with some Spicy Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup
Alice from Hip Foodie Mom is coming with her Roasted Carrot and Red Quinoa Salad
Susan from The Wimpy Vegetarian is making Cider – Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
Tora from Tora’s Real Food is bringing Butternut Squash and Tomato Soup
Melanie from From Fast Food to Fresh Food is making Monty’s Pumpkin Soup
Lyn from The Lovely Pantry is bringing Roasted Pumpkin & Coconut Soup
Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic is whipping up some Mandarin Chicken Salad
Sunset (Dinner and Main Dishes)
Sarah from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends is offering up some Pumpkin Ravioli
Shelia from Pippis In The Kitchen Again is serving her Roasted Squash and Ricotta with Honey
Pam from The Meltaways is making Spooky Stuffed Peppers
Patsy from Famfriendsfood is bringing her Carrot Souffle
Laura from Small Wallet Big Appetite is bringing Chicken and Sweet Potato Fritters
Mehereen from Chattering Kitchen is making Sichuan Orange Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame Seeds
Tammi from Momma’s Meals is making Hearty Pork Stew
Kristin from Kwistin’s Favorites is making Orange Chicken
Soni from Soni’s Food For Thought is cooking up some Rigatoni with Pumpkin Ricotta Sauce
Shelby from Diabetic Foodie is cooking up some Moroccan Vegetable Stew
Dara from Generation Y Foodie is bringing Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Brandie from Home Cooking Memories is sharing a DIY Baked Sweet Potato Bar
Amber from Mama’s Blissful Bites  is bringing Rice and Fig Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
Valerie from Val’s Food and Or Art made Double Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash
By The Bonfire (Sweets, Snacks and Sips)
Brie from Brie’s Bites is making Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bites
Carla from Chocolate Moosey is making Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Butter Caramel Sauce
Heather from Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks is offering up some Pumpkin Cake Truffles
Shelia from Cooking Underwriter is bringing Sweet Potato Bacon Beet Salsa
Anne from Webicurean  is making some Drunken Pumpkin Bread
Karen from In The Kitchen With KP is making Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Leslie La Cocina De Leslie is making Sweet Potato Atole
Seet Fei from My Trials in The Kitchen is bringing Sweet Potatoes Mini Balls
Tara from Noshing With The Nolands is bringing Oranges En Suprise
Susan from The Girl in The Red Kitchen is making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scone with Pumpkin Glaze
Conni from Mrs. Mama Hen is making Orange Glazed Poundcake
Isabel from Family Foodie is baking up Moist Pumpkin Bread
Cindy from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings is baking up a Vegan Pumpkin Orange Cake
Brenda from Meal Planning Magic is whipping up some Creamy Pumpkin Dip
Laura from Family Spice is making some Unprocessed and Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
Kathya from Basic and Delicious is baking up Butternut Squash and Carrot Bread
Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake is serving up Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
Stephanie from The Cookie A Day Challenge is whipping up some Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Katie from She Like Ruffles, He Likes Truffles is bringing Pumpkin Harvest Cookies
Nancy from Gotta Get Baked is baking up some Orange Macadamia Dark Chocolate Cookies
Angie from Big Bear’s Wife  is bringing Orange Soda Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes
Katy from Happy Baking Days is bringing Carrot Cake with Orange Glaze
Sandra from Midlife Road Trip is bringing Orange ya glad it’s fall! Hungarian Apricot/Walnut pastries
We would love to show of your orange #SundaySupper recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board to share them with all of our followers.