Pear-fect Apple Pie :)

As my travel around the state gets busier and busier, I find myself spending more time in Des Moines.  And while the time away from home can at times be hard…there have definitely been some perks!  For one, I am racking up all kinds of points at the Sheraton…and dining in some great restaurants…and heck, earning rewards there too.  But more importantly, I’m spending more time with my partners and colleagues on the west side of the state.  I always enjoy walking into the Des Moines office.  Jeanet and Rachel are always waiting there with smile and a good story or joke to share.  The last time I was in, Rachel said to me, “Robin, it is so nice to have you in the office…as corny as this may sound…you are like a human ray of sunshine.”  While that was one of the nicest compliments I have ever recieved, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “No…I am the lucky one.”  I am still so thankful for the “leap of faith” I was encouraged to take when coming over to Medtronic.  To all of my peers…I love working with you and I truly enjoy the work we do every day.

And with that…I dedicate the rest of this post to Jeanet.  Jeanet, thank you so much for sharing these home-grown pears with me!   I’ll admit, I was just as excited about photoing these gems in my hotel room that night as I was about cookin’ them up! 

 

As I left the office, pears-in-hand, I couldn’t wait to try a new recipe that would include this gifted ingredient.  At first I decided…hmm, maybe a pear salad.  I tried that…not so impressed.  And then it dawned on me (and my recent obsession with sweets)…why not add a new twist to a fall favorite…apple pie! 

 

Just one more reason to love fall…apple pie…or now, Pear-fect Apple Pie.  I hope you enjoy this one!

PEAR-FECT APPLE PIE

Makes 1 Pie

  • Pie Tin
  • Pappy’s Frozen Pie Dough (easy & delicous), thawed
  • 3 lbs Golden Delicious Apples
  • 3 Pears
  • Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
  • 2/3 Cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 3/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Fine Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1/2 Stick of Butter
  • 2 tbsp Milk
  • Flour

To start, make sure your pie crust is thawed.  Once it is, begin your filling and preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Peel and core both the apples and pears.  Slice all of the fruit into ~ 1/2 inch slices.  Squeeze the juice of half of a lemon juice over the fruit and then toss with the sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.

 In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fruit and cook uncovered for ~15 minutes. (until the fruit softens)   Add flour to the fruit mixture and stir well.  Stir in the vanilla and let simmer for 1 minute more.  Remove from the heat and let it cool completely. (I put mine in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process)

While the filling is cooling, lightly flour your rolling pin and surface.  Remove 3 disks of dough from the Pappy’s box.  You will use 1.5 disks of dough for the bottom crust and 1.5 for the top.   Cut 1 of the pieces of dough in half and add 1 half to each of the other 2 pieces of dough and combine.  Now you are ready to roll out the bottom crust.  Add a dusting of flour to the dough disk and begin to roll the dough into a 9-10 inch circle. (Remember to roll out in equal directions from the center of the disk.)   Transfer the dough to a 9 inch pie tin and trim any hangings.  Set aside.

Once your filling is completely cooled, add the filling to the pie tin.  Roll out the next dough disk and place on top of the pie.  Again, trim hangings and use to fill tears or gaps.  Discard the rest of the hangings.

Flute the edge of the pie crust with a fork or the pressure of your index finger.   Brush the top of the pie with milk and then with egg.  Cut 6-8 slits in the top of the pie for venting and sprinkle with sugar. 

Bake at 375 degrees on the bottom rack for ~30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.  The pie may ooze apple/pear goodness in the oven, so line the rack below with tin-foil or a baking sheet.

Slice and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel topping!

And the next time life hands you pears…make pie!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

Introducing… “Northcut-Inspired”

As we begin a new week, I begin a new endeavor.  Today I introduce to you, “Northcut Inspired”!  I am so excited to take on this challenge…to help a colleague and his family indulge in allergy-appropriate food…and continue my learning.  Below I have pasted the initial content and background on my newest addition (tab) on the Indulge homepage and followed with my first Gluten & Casein Free Recipe.

One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well…if one has not dined well.   ~Woolf

 
Northcut-Inspired.  This page is dedicated to those of you who live with an intolerance to gluten and casein…those of you like “Northcut”.  Interestingly enough, on my 5yr wedding anniversary (8.20.10), I received an email from one of my Medtronic colleagues.  His words were unexpected…eye-opening…and kind.   His message is below:
 
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“So, until today I never realized “Indulge” was your inspiration…very nicely done!  I do believe you two need children and real jobs, however.  Several years ago my wife discovered the culprit to all of her health mysteries.  Unfortunately, she lived over 30 years not knowing the root cause and has subsequently been diagnosed with other systemic auto-immune deficiencies.  What you may ask was the root cause?  None other than that little wheat protein called “gluten” and that damn dairy derivative called “casein”.  You would be amazed at what allergies can do to your system; I would have never in a million years imagined that food allergies could cause such disruption.  After that bit of history, here is your challenge.  Being very impressed with your foodie blog and apparent knack for keeping meals “real” and affordable, I challenge you to step up your game and create some budget conscious meals free of gluten and casein!  As you know, it’s not always easy to find tasty ingredients let alone combining those into something we are accustomed to at our favorite steak houses!  Now, I know this is a lofty challenge, but you’ve proven yourself in other aspects of your life and I know you’re up for it…aka “Rep of the Year”.  As an alternative benefit, you would NOT believe the popularity you would gain on your site! It is very nicely done with impressive photography, organization, and ease. I kid you not, you could retire from the world of biologics and indulge the rest of us with tasty goodness and make a buck in the process!  Just a little ‘food for thought’, let me know what you get cookin! I will give you FULL credit AFTER I prepare the meal for her!”  ~Northcut

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As soon as I finished reading his message I was convinced that I needed answer his challenge.  No, I am not a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist or even a Professional Chef but I do share a love for food and a desire to help!  I believe my immediate response was, “Game On Bro.”  And in the month since his email, I have contacted dietitians, researched food allergies (specifically gluten & casein), read Gluten-free/Dairy-free cookbooks and spoken with real people who live with these intolerances every day.  In fact, I would like to send a big “Thank You” to Tina, a gal that I stopped in a Des Moines, Iowa coffee shop because I heard her talking about living a gluten & dairy free lifestyle.  Tina’s time, generosity and insights were so helpful!  

Now, exactly one month later (9.20.10), I unveil to you an addition to Indulge called “Northcut Inspired.”  Let it be known that my intention is not fortunate or fame.  My purpose is to help you indulge in the food you eat every day!  As I attempt to answer this challenge, I promise you continued learning (on my part), one recipe post each week that is specific to your diet, and prompt responses to your requests .  I will work with the same everyday recipes that I love and reinvent them to suit your needs.  All of these recipes will be posted to my Indulge Homepage, tagged with “GFCF”, and then listed by category below. 

Lucretius had it right when he said, “What is food to one man may be a fierce poison to others.”  That doesn’t mean we can’t adapt our meals to savour the goodness available to us!  If you are living with food restrictions, feel free to contact me with your comments, concerns, requests.  I look forward to answering this challenge!  Northcut, Thank You.

And with that introduction, I share with you my first Gluten & Casein Free Recipe.  For ease and guaranteed deliciousness, I begin with PASTA POMODORO…one of my personal favorites!

(GFCF) PASTA POMODORO

Serves 4 -6

  • 2 cans (28 oz) whole, peeled, tomatoes.  Drain & Crush by hand.
  • 2 cans petite diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil
  • 1/2 cup EVOO
  • 1 Sweet yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil leaves, torn
  • Gluten-Free Spaghetti noodles, cooked & strained

 Start by making the pomodoro sauce.  This will allow for the flavors to meld while you prep the rest of the meal.

In a large saucepan, heat EVOO over medium-low heat.  Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, ~5 minutes. 

Add the diced and crushed tomatoes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook for ~15 minutes.  Bring to a boil, stirring for 2-3 minutes to break up tomatoes. 

Reduce heat and simmer for ~20 minutes. Stir in the fresh basil.  Taste and adjust the seasonings.  

While the sauce is simmering, bring water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.  ~ 9-10 minutes or as indicated on the box. 

Strain pasta.  Immediately top with sauce to help retain heat.

   

Spinkle with goats cheese if you desire…pour a glass of wine and ENJOY!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

You’re Never Too Old For Ice Cream

I’m not sure what has gotten into me lately…but I am loving sweets!  Cupcakes…cookies…ice cream.   I know I know.  I’m the weird one who has had little to no interest in sweets for years.  Throw a bag of cheese curds in front of me and I am a happy girl…but lately, gimmie dessert!  🙂

So tonight, as I cleaned up dishes after dinner I muttered those words, “Let’s go to Dane’s.  I need an ice cream cone.”  Ryan laughed… but he didn’t put up a fight.  Earlier this summer we made our first trip to Dane’s together.  There is something so wonderful about a neighborhood ice cream shop.

 

Ryan was pumped to find out they have “Cake Batter” twist cones.  I, on the other hand, stuck with a classic.

 

Mmm…deee-ricious!  How can something so simple be so satisfying? 

 

As September quickly comes and goes, our nighttime trips to Dane’s will soon come to an end.   If you live in the Iowa City area, stop by and support a well-established business…with awesome ice cream!  Dane’s Drive In Dairy 1430 willow creek court, Iowa City, IA 52246 (319) 354-7400. 

If you are not local to Iowa City, take time this weekend to stop at your neighborhood ice cream shop.   After all, we’re never too old for ice cream!

“Ice cream is happiness condensed.”  ~Unknown

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

 

Caprese-Inspired Side Salad

Hello from Nashville!  2 days and 4 flights later, I made it to my destination.  I have to say, it was all worth it.  The MENTOR Mgmt training that I am participating in has been an insightful learning experience.  Having now completed phases 1 & 2, I look forward to the last two sessions.  While the coursework is important, I value most the relationships I have built in the process.  I was blessed with an extremely dynamic group of individuals from around the country.  I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time.  Thank you!  As I head home to Iowa this afternoon, I am thankful.

With that, today I share with you the last post from our trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior.  Like my brother-in-law Cory always says…it feels much more like an ocean than it does a lake!  If only we were within 4 hours driving distance instead of 8….I would be up there every chance I had.  I beg you…make the trip to Duluth and further North on Hwy 61.  This fall would be perfect!   The crashing of water on the rocky shore…the cool breeze through the trees….the crackle of bonfires on the beach…and the transformation of the leaves.  What more could you ask for? 

As I look at this picture and reflect on the time we spent at Grand Superior…again, I am thankful.  I also look at this picture and think to myself, “I love that little dog.”  For all the dog-lovers out there…you understand.  That little dog…Ruby…with her big heart and huge personality…is such an important member of this family.  🙂

Finally, along with the Roasted Tomato Linguine and Buffalo Drummies we enjoyed over the weekend, we were also sure to get in our fruits and veggies.  By now, you are all aware of our obsession with Caprese salad…so before the drive up to Duluth, I went out into my “garden” (potted plants) and harvested a big bowl of grape tomatoes  and fresh basil to take with us.  My plan…to make a caprese-inspired side salad!  It was just our style!

CAPRESE-INSPIRED SIDE SALAD

4 Servings

  • 1 bag of Spring Mix lettuce
  • 1 pint of Grape Tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh Mozzarella, cubed (~1/2 of a fresh ball of mozzarella)
  • Fresh Basil, chopped (~5 leaves)
  • 1/4 cup EVOO
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt & Pepper

Divide lettuce evenly among serving bowls.  Top with even portions of tomatoes and mozzarella.  Sprinkle with Basil.

In a small bowl, whisk together EVOO, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt and Pepper.  Taste.  If too acidic for your liking, add add’l EVOO.  Whisk well.

Drizzle generously over salad and serve immediately.  A great beginning to a delicious meal at home!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

Spicy Chunky Chili & The Boys of Fall

Good Morning America!  Today I am writing you from 27,000 thousand feet…actually, I don’t know how high I am in the air…but that sounds good to me.  🙂   I am in flight to Detroit…on a mission to Nashville.  It seems a little backwards to me but flying out of the Eastern Iowa Airport leaves few options. 

Truth be told, this is my second attempt to make it to my meeting in Nashville.  Yesterday was one of “those” days….those days where you spend the whole day traveling and nothing goes your way…so much so, that you end up back at home.  I will spare you all of the frustrating details, but the long and the short of it:  I flew from Iowa to O’hare only to turn around and fly back to Iowa.  It was all looking good…my flight left on time, arrived early into O’hare, and then…the rest went sour.  We taxied in but there was no gate for us.  So we waited and waited and waited.  When we finally deboarded, my connection flight was..GONE.  And unfortunately for me, United had no plans to rebook me until 2pm TODAY.  A very stressful hour passed trying to find a better option but with no luck, I reboarded and flew home.   I knew the stress and emotion was mounting but I was determined to “keep it together”.  Then in a split second, a nasty flight attendant scolded me for my buckle not being “properly fastened” and the sweet passenger next to me looked at me and said, “It sounds like you’ve had a rough day.”  With that, I buried my head in my hands & had a good cry.  Leave it to me…there was no stopping the tears!  As I reflect on a crummy day, I can’t decide what frustrated me more…the inability for United Airlines and/or O’Hare to get their act together or…to have missed a Packer win against the Eagles & a beautiful Sunday at home with my family.  My guess is the latter. 

The silver lining…I was able to come home and have a late dinner with two of my favorite people…Ryan & Ruby!  I started with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc…I figured I’d earned it…and followed with Caprese Salad & Pasta Pomodoro.  A nice dinner on Sunday night can make anything better! 

It’s true.  Sundays are my favorite day of the week.  A day of relaxation.  A day at home with family.  A day meant for cooking big meals and cozying up for a football game!   There is something especially special about Sundays in fall…well, for those of us who love the game anyway.  I remember the first time I heard the song “Boys of Fall” on the radio.  It was so nostalgic…taking me back to every high school, college, and pro football game I have ever attended.  If you haven’t heard this song, spend 8 minutes and watch this video.  (Notice the guest appearance by my man, Brett!)  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXDo5WhQXI 

With the excitement of football all around us, I decided to make a quick easy batch of our favorite chili before I flew out to Nashville (the first time…lol).  I knew it would be comforting for the soul and leave plenty of leftovers for Ryan to indulge in in my absence.   Give it a try at your next tailgate or pre-game party!

SPICY CHUNKY CHILI

4-6 Servings

  • 1 lb Ground Hamburger (93/7)
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey
  • 1 Can of Rotel Hot
  • 1 Can of Rotel Regular
  • 1 28oz Can of Tomato Sauce
  • 1 28oz Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 Can of Traditional Chili Magic
  • 1 Can of Dark Red Kidney Beans
  • Crusted Red Pepper
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 Green Pepper, diced
  • 1 Yellow Onion, diced
  • Light Sour Cream
  • 8oz Co-Jack Cheese, finely shredded
  • Green Onion, chopped

Begin by browning the hamburger & turkery with ¾ of the diced onion.  Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (to your taste).  Once the meat has browned, drain any excess grease.

 

Add Rotel, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Chili Magic, kidney beans, green pepper, and remaining onion to the meat mixture.  Stir well.  Bring to a boil and let simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes.  Taste.  Add additional red pepper if needed.  Return to heat and let simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

 

Divide among bowls.  Top with a dallop of sour cream…a sprinkle of cheese…and a pinch of green onion!

 

Enjoy!   A Boudreau Family Favorite…

To all of you who join me in the air this week, I wish you fast, easy, stress-free travel!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

Tequila Lime Chicken & Chipotle Sweet Corn

What a FUN time of year…

The breeze is picking up…the students are back in town…and the evenings are cooling down.  It’s time to open all the windows…cozy up in a sweatshirt…and turn on a college football game.  The fall brings a feeling of excitement and comradery and spirit!  I can’t wait for all of the tailgates, the games, the FOOD, and the post-game celebrations!  I hope you do too….

And while this time of year is an exhilarating one…it also means one thing is certain…fresh Iowa sweet corn season is coming to an end.  So this weekend…take time to indulge in another corn-on-the-cob style dinner.  When January rolls around, you will be wishing you could have just one more nibble of that delicious Iowa Sweet Corn!  🙂

One of my favorite meals is Chipotle Sweet Corn & Tequila Chicken…YUM! 

TEQUILA CHICKEN

4 Servings

  • 4 Boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 3/4  Cup EVOO
  • 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 2 Teaspoons Tabasco
  • 3 Tablespoons Tequila
  • 2 Teaspoons Fresh Ginger, grated
  • Dash or two of Chile Powder
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • Fresco Queso, crumbled
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Lime, wedged

CHIPOTLE  SWEET CORN

4 Servings

  • 4 – 8 Ears of Corn (1-2 per person)
  • 1 Stick of Butter, room temperature
  • 3-4 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

First, prepare the marinade.  Combine EVOO, garlic, lime juice, tabasco, tequila, ginger, chile powder, salt & pepper in a bowl.  Mix well.  Remove and reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade.  Put the chicken breasts and the remaining marinade in a large ziploc bag.  Coat chicken breast well and side aside for ~30 minutes.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Chipotle Sweet Corn.  In a small food processor or blender, combine 1 stick of butter, 3-4 chipotle chilis w/ adobo sauce.  Blend until smooth.  Remove butter and set aside until ready to serve.  Fill stock pot with water and bring to a boil.  Boil corn for ~12 minutes.  (If you are a grill master, try grilling your corn instead of boiling.  The added grill flavor is well worth it!)

While the corn is boiling, bring a saucepan up to temp (med-high heat). Add reserved marinade and heavy whipping cream.  Simmer for 3 minutes and mix well.  Set aside.

After the chicken has marinated for a minimum of 30 minutes, preheat the grill to 400 degrees.  Once heated, place chicken on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until heated thru. 

Once all of your ingredients are prepped, it is time to plate your meal! 

Divide chicken and corn among plates.  Drizzle chicken with the marinade/cream mixture.  Top with a squeeze of a lime wedge, freshly chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. 

Spread chipotle butter on the Sweet Corn and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Garnish with a sprinkle cilantro and crumbled fresh queso.  Share with friends…you are ready to eat! 

 

My mouth is watering.  I promise you…the flavors in this simple dinner are fabulous!  Enjoy!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

 

Sarah’s Spinach Salad

So it is Wednesday huh?  Somehow…yesterday still feels like it was Sunday…and today still feels like Monday!  🙂

As we all scramble to do 5 days worth of work in 4…I understand that whipping up dinner might be harder than usual.  Heck…if you are like me, you are even spending some of those 4 nights in a hotel room!  So for the few nights you have at home this week, I wanted to share with you a great salad that one of my girlfriends shared with me.

My friend Sarah is the friend that is always thinking of others…sending short notes on Facebook, a brief text here or there, or a hand-written card just to say, “I’m thinking of you”.  She is the girl that everyone calls, “Mom” (thank goodness I am not the ONLY one with that nickname)…and the girl who will listen to you…cry with you…and laugh with you.  Finally, no matter the circumstance, she is the friend who will always remind you to trust the Lord with all of your heart.  Thank you Sarah…for being one of my friends and for pointing me in the right direction when I need it most.   Below is my favorite picture of Sarah and her husband Matt!

Thank you for sharing a new recipe with us on our July Girls Cooking Night, Sarah!

SARAH’S SPINACH SALAD

4-6 Servings

  • 1 bag of Spinach
  • 1 Red Pepper, sliced
  • 1 Green Pepper, sliced
  • 1 Yellow Pepper, sliced
  • 1 Small Cucumber, peeled and cubed
  • Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese, crumbled
  • Kraft Caesar Vinaigrette Dressing

Divide spinach among bowls.  Top with peppers, cucumber, and cheese.  Finish with Caesar Vinaigrette Dressing! 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~Philippians 4:13

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

An Oakville Sandwich & a Bottle of Red

Good Evening!  I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day Weekend.  I have to ask…did you try the Chipotle Fish Tacos?!  So many of you messaged me and said you were planning to make them.  I am dying to hear how they turned out.  Please send me your thoughts…

As for the rest of your weekend….Was it a productive weekend?  A lazy weekend?  Or a college football celebration weekend?!  For me…it was a little bit of each!  The Hawkeyes kicked off the weekend with a home game at Kinnick and while I don’t have season tickets, I went down for a couple hours of tailgating.  Immediately afterwards, I went home and put in hour after hour of painting.  My husband will tell you that I am a stubborn one.  When I decide it is time to paint…it is time to paint!  LOL  Needless to say, I put in over 15 hours of painting this weekend and I have the caluses and blisters to prove it.  But it feels so good to finally have a few more rooms sporting a fresh clean coat!  🙂

With all of the painting, I worked up quite the appetite!  And what better to satisfy that hunger than a hearty sandwich inspired by a delicious picnic lunch that Ryan and I shared in Napa County.   During our trip to Napa in 2007, one of our very favorite stops was the Oakville Grocer.  This Grocer is amazing…awesome sandwiches, unique snacks, fresh cheeses and olives…and of course, lots of wine!    If you are planning a trip to Napa, this is a must-visit.  As I write-up the itinerary for my trip back to Napa in October with my dear friend Mandy, you can bet Oakville is on the list!  http://www.oakvillegrocery.com/stores/napa_valley.php  I believe I mentioned this Oakville Grocer in my Italian Panini post as well…I’m serious about this famous grocer.

 

I tell you, this sandwich was unforgettable.  If you love italian style sandwiches…whip this one up and head out for a picnic.  Don’t forget the vino!

OAKVILLE SANDWICH

4 Servings

  • 1 Loaf of French Bread
  • 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tomato, thinly sliced
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • 1/4 Cup EVOO
  • 1/3 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 12 oz Genoa Salame
  • 12 oz Capocollo
  • 8 oz Provolone Cheese, sliced

In a small bowl, combine EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar and set aside.  With a bread knife,  slice loaf of french bread down the side.  Using your hand, gently remove the “guts” of the bread (so the sandwich isn’t quite so thick).

Brush both halves of  the bread with EVOO/Balsamic Vinegar mixture….and begin building your sandwich!

First, the Genoa Salame.  Then Capocollo. 

 

And then the best part…Provolone cheese!  Followed by romaine, tomato, and onion!

 

Finish your sandwich with the top half of the loaf and slice into 4 servings.

 

Colorful.  Flavorful.  Delightful! 

Enjoy…with a bottle of red!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

At The End Of The Rainbow…

It’s here!  Our 3 day weekend is just hours ahead.  We’ve survived a long week…lots of hard work…and quite a bit of rain!  I would say we’ve earned the time off…the rainbow at the end of the day…and a peach jalapeno martini to celebrate!

On my drive home from Des Moines tonight, I passed rainbow after rainbow.  It was beautiful!  All week I noticed rainbows popping up here and there…all across the state of Iowa.  As I pulled into the neighborhood at 7pm tonight…I was welcomed home by this one:

“May God grant you…a rainbow for every storm, a smile for every tear, a promise for every care, and a blessing for every trial.  For every problem, may life send a faithful friend to share and an answer to every prayer.” ~Irish Blessing

And at the end of a long week…may He also grant you a Peach Jalapeno Martini!  🙂  LOL

This martini was the perfect complement to our Chipotle Fish Tacos.  Try this duo out this weekend &  Enjoy!

PEACH JALAPENO MARTINI

1 Serving

  • 4oz White Cranberry Juice, chilled
  • 2oz Absolute Peach Vodka
  • Juice of 1/8 Lime (wedge size)
  • 1 Jalapeno, sliced and seeded

Before preparing your martini, place the vodka, shaker, and glass in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.  (We recommend storing your liquor in the freezer for good martinis)  You will want all of these items to be icy cold! 

Combine White Cranberry juice, Absolute Peach Vodka, and lime juice in the shaker.  Shake with ice.  Place a slice of jalapeno in the bottom of your martini glass.  Pour mixture over the top…the jalapeno will float.

For added heat, include the jalapeno slice in the shaker when shaking the ingredients!  Spic-ay! 

Serve immediately.  Mmm Mmm Good!

CHEERS…to a long weekend…rainbows after the rain…and every day indulgences!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.

Chipotle Fish Tacos & Jalapeno Martinis

What’s better than a Wednesday before a long weekend?!  Hmm…not much…maybe a Thursday or Friday…but other than that, it’s going to be a good day!  🙂

While I have a few more recipes to share with you from our trip to the North Shore, I need to take a few days and diverge a bit.  This past weekend as Ryan and I relaxed at home in Iowa (this is a rare occasion it seems), we made some awesome fish tacos that I CAN’T WAIT to share with you.  We complimented the tacos with an equally delicious peach jalapeno martini!  If I must say so myself, this duo was amazing….which is why I am sharing the taco recipe with you today…and the martini recipe on Friday.  Then, as you find time over Labor Day weekend, you too can whip up this fresh, smokey, spicy, delicious meal!  I am not kidding you…we were giddy over how much we loved the dinner.  I hope you do too!

CHIPOTLE FISH TACOS w/ Fresh Salsa & Adobo Cream

Serves 4

  • 1 lb Halibut (or tilapia, mahi mahi)
  • 1/2 cup Canola Oil
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 Serrano Pepper, chopped
  • Juice of 1 Lime
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 Red Onion, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Shredded Red & Green Cabbage for garnish
  • 1 cup Queso Fresca, crumbled for garnish
  • 8 – 6 inch flour tortillas
  • Fresh Salsa, recipe follows
  • Adobo Cream, recipe follows

Before you begin to prepare this meal, prep the Fresh Salsa and Adobo Cream first.  The salsa should sit for 30 minutes before serving.  The recipes follow.

Once you have the salsa and cream prepared and set aside, prepare the marinade for the fish.  In a large mixing bowl, combine canola oil, chili powder, serrano pepper, lime juice, and 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro. 

Whisk well.  Pour marinade into a large freezer bag and add halibut fillets (~4).  Let the fish marinate for ~20 minutes at room temperature. 

Preheat the grill to ~400 degrees.  Brush grill with extra light olive oil.  Once the grill comes to temp, remove the fish from the marinade and place flesh-side down onto the grill.  Grill the fish for ~4 minutes.  Flip and grill for an additional minute.  (If the fish does not have skin, grill for 2 minutues per side.) Remove from the grill and flake with a fork.

Place the tortillas immediately on the grill and grill for ~15-30 seconds on each side.  Watch closely.

Now that all of your ingredients are prepped, it is time to build your tacos!  We topped our tortillas (in this order) with cabbage, fish, salsa, adobo mayo, red onion, cilantro, and finally crumbled cheese!  SO GOOD.

FRESH SALSA

  • 4 large Tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 White Onion, chopped
  • 3-4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 4 Serrano Peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/4 Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients.  Toss well. 

Set aside for 30 minutes prior to serving.

ADOBO CREAM

  • 1 Cup Light Sour Cream
  • 1 Cup Light Mayo
  • 4-5 Canned Chipotle Chilis in adobo sauce
  • Juice of half of a Lemon
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix sour cream and mayo.  In a small food processor or blender, blend chilis with adobo sauce, cream/mayo mixture, lemon juice, and salt/pepper.  Set aside until ready to use.

AHHH…dinner served!  Chipotle Fish Tacos served with a side of rice, black beans, and a squeeze of lime! 

And don’t forget the Peach Jalapeno Martini, inspired by a martini Ryan and I shared in Wine Country!  (Recipe to come on Friday)

Indulge in fish tacos and martinis this weekend…you’ve earned it!  🙂

And to my dear friend Mandy…I dedicate this post to you!  I couldn’t help but think of you as Ryan & I prepared this meal.  As for the martini, I will introduce you to the restaurant where I ordered my first Peach Jalapeno Martini in Sonoma, CA.  I can’t wait to share Wine Country with you in October!  To friendship and fish tacos…CHEERS!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.