Basil Water

Basil infused water is simple, and probably the most refreshing beverage I've ever had.


All I did was put basil in a tea bag and let it sit for a couple hours, I also tossed in some lemon juice to be extra refreshing.

Quinoa Tabbouleh

I was lucky enough to get a big bag full of veggies from my parents so I am doing a lot of fresh cooking this week.

1 cup parsley
half cup cooked quinoa
half a lemon
a handful of cherry tomatos
half a cucumber
one small onion
some garlic salt
some olive oil


Chop everything up as tiny as you can, and toss in a bowl.
The best, most refreshing salad, and chip topper.
I stuck mine on some pita with falafel.

Brandy Wine Review

I got some 2 dollar off coupons in the mail and decided to go treat myself to a sandwich at the restaurant that is around the corner from my house. I'd never been in there but I'd heard good things.

The place was empty, the waitress was pleasant, and the food was hugely portioned, quick, and delicious.
I got a portobello sandwich with squash and onions and pesto on top. One of the messiest sandwiches I've ever eaten but it lasted two meals.





I have a couple more coupons so it won't be the last time I visit this place.


Brandywine Restaurant‎
1345 Lake Drive Southeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Quinoa

My roommate gave me a bag of quinoa and I'd never heard of it, but I cooked it in a pan just like rice and it was nutty and fluffy and I love it!

This dish includes lime juice, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cabbage, rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. It's a perfect light salad to go with anything. (I had it with salmon.)

Next I am going to try quinoa tabbouleh.

Sushi

I love making sushi, it's healthy, and usually cheaper and more filling than buying it at a restaurant.



All you do it cook some white rice, then put on about 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar after dissolving a pinch of sugar in it.



Then you just roll up any kind of veggies you want!

The tray was a project in one of my ceramic classes and it's a two person sushi tray equipped with soy sauce and ginger trays!

Daily Meal

Pesto Penne with mushrooms. Topped with cod cooked in butter and garlic.

Desserts

Had a baking day and made a delicious fruit tart and also giant cream puffs filled with vanilla ice cream! Followed better homes and gardens recipes with slight modifications here and there. Overall super amazing desserts that were easy to make. Cream puffs are a lot of fun to make, and surprisingly easy.

Spinach Mushroom Quiche

I had so many eggs that I wanted to make a quiche.
Granted, growing up I never liked quiche, and refused to eat it, but now that I cook for myself I seem to like every food imaginable!


Crust
1 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk



I don't have a rolling pin so I just smashed the crust into the pan with a glass. Pre baked it for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees.


Filling
Onions
Garlic
Spinach
Mushrooms
Broccoli
Cheese
5 eggs and a cup of milk






All the onions and cheese and spinach went into a pan to cook together.

The Broccoli I boiled for a few minutes and drained.

First layer is all the spinach, then a little bit of beaten egg and milk, then I put on the broccoli and the rest of the egg. Topped it all with lots and lots of cheese!
Back for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

It's a great way to use up leftovers! I had a bunch of egg whites from baking and a quiche was the perfect way to use them up. Spare vegetables, or meat, all taste good in a quiche!

Portobello Pesto Mushroom Burgers

This is by far the best meal I have ever made. I've never been more excited to take a bite out of something.



2 Portobello caps
4 Tables spoons pesto sauce
1 Clove garlic
2 Slices of cheese
Buns
Lettuce
Tomato
Pepper



I started by cleaning off the mushroom and poking holes in the top with my knife. Then I inserted slices of the garlic clove into the top of the mushroom.

I tossed them in a pan with some olive oil and let them cook, covered, for a few minutes.

Then I flipped them over and spooned in the pesto after poking the mushroom with a fork a few times.

While that was cooking I prepped the buns and veggies.

Then I placed a slice of cheese on the mushroom to melt and seal in the pesto, and placed it on the bun.

A few sweet potato chips on the side and you mushroom lovers are in for the best experience of your life.

Daily Meal Fried Eggplant

My favorite way to eat eggplant is breaded and then fried in a little butter and olive oil.





All you need to do is have a tray of flour, one of egg, and one of bread crumbs.
Assembly line the eggplant down and then fry them up.

Did some fish with the same method!



the result.



The final meal.

Variation on the vegan spice cake

I decided my vegan banana cake would be great with pumpkin!

I followed the same recipe I just added a can of pumpkin and got rid of a bit of the sugar.










I always cut the top off of the bottom layer of cake so the two will fit together nicely. (Learned this from martha stewart)



This way you get to eat a nice chunk of cake while you frost/glaze.