Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Avocado & Tomato Toast

This may seem indulgent but it's really a fast, healthy breakfast. 
And yes, there is a bite out of it. I didn't even realize how delicious it was going to be until after I tasted it. 

Although I eat avocado toast quite a bit, it usually consists of the avocado, bread and a fried egg. Occasionally I will add asparagus or wilted spinach if I have them leftover from dinner the night before. 

This toast however, tops any of those variations. It's got whole grain toast, avocado, tomato, a hard boiled egg and cilantro. Make this while you can still get fresh tomatoes! 

Here's the full recipe.
Avocado & Tomato Toast
1 serving

1 slice of whole grain bread
1/2 avocado
2 slices tomato
1 hard boiled egg
1-2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Salt & pepper

Toast your bread. Scoop out the avocado, top with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Mash with a fork until it is a thick paste. Use an egg slicer to slice your egg (I sliced it twice to make smaller pieces). 

Once the toast is done top it with the avocado paste, tomato slices, egg and cilantro. Top with another pinch of salt and pepper. 


Friday, October 23, 2015

Linda A.'s Spinach Souffle

This is a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized to include whatever vegetables your family likes to eat!

I got this recipe from my Grandma Vi after she made it for lunch for the kids and me one day. She got the recipe from her niece Linda. 

The first time I tried to make it I wasn't very happy with it. I used too much rice - Grandma's was so much better! So I tried again and cut down the amount of rice and added fresh spinach. This is a good, light lunch and I like to serve it with a fruit salad or lettuce salad. 
Here's what you need:

Linda A.'s Spinach Souffle

1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
4 eggs
1/2 Tbsp milk
2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese
(other options - add sliced mushrooms, leeks, parmesan cheese, red or green peppers)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

In a small saucepan saute the onion and garlic in 3 Tbsp olive oil until onions are soft. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Add the onion and garlic mixture, rice, spinach, cheese, and some salt and pepper.

Pour into a greased pie pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the eggs are set.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Birthday Party Venues in Des Moines

Although I have (so far) opted to throw birthday parties at home for the kids, sometimes going somewhere else and letting other people deal with the set up/clean up is a better option. If you're looking for ideas beyond the bowling alley or rolling rink, here is an article I wrote that you can check out.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2015/10/14/seven-unique-places-consider-kids-birthday-party/73088866/