Decisions

Do you ever stop to think about the amount of decisions you have to make in a single day? Some are so unconscious they simply become another part of the day, while others can stop us completely in our tracks.

I occasionally find myself thinking of life in terms of those flow charts that I often see in magazines or presentations, wishing I could see a layout of where my life would go based on a single decision. There are always going to be days that I wish I could go back and make a different decision, that’s just a part of life. As I watch all of the horrible chaos occurring in Egypt, I step back and realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to make a decision, whether small or large.  It’s a daily task I too often look at with apprehension and stress, rather than as a gift to determine my own path. 

There will be the occasional day when you get the best of both worlds and I am sharing the recipe below in honor of those terrific moments.

French Toast Waffles

I was scanning through blog posts when I came upon this terrific idea to combine the texture of waffles with the flavor of French toast.  There is no batter required, just a recipe for French toast and a waffle iron.

Recipe:

Favorite French toast recipe (Note: A thin slice of bread will work best for this recipe)

Prepare French toast as usual and heat your waffle iron to the desired setting.  Grease your waffle iron with butter or cooking spray.  Place the French toast in the center of the waffle iron and close. When the waffle iron lights up, check on the French toast, it may take slightly longer than the normal setting. Continue to check the toast until golden brown. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Discovering Creativity In The Kitchen

I love anything homemade, but sadly I was not born with the “Martha Stewart” gene. I failed at sewing in middle school, my drawing ability does not reach much farther than a flower and my pumpkin carving skills could use some work (if Alex Brosnahan and Beth Turner read this I know you are laughing at some of my failed attempts).

Over the years I did have some moments of success, I could make a pretty mean friendship bracelet and my best friend Ana and I were nearly in business making rubber band necklaces in high school. However, it was not until I found my place in the kitchen that I truly discovered a place I could put my creativity to use.

I have always loved food, so it’s only natural that’s where I have discovered the biggest connection. While I would love to be able to sew and draw, it never felt natural to me the same way being in the kitchen did.

When it comes to cooking and baking the beauty is effortless, as the food often speaks for itself. A salad can make a beautiful presentation simply by being thrown together, and the simple addition of cranberries and walnuts can add an entirely new dimension. Sometimes creativity in the kitchen is hidden from the eye, but is definitely noticed by our taste buds.
My approach to the kitchen is that anything is worth a try and inspiration can be found anywhere. I am sharing two recipes below that are full of simplicity, but offer their own touch of uniqueness. Hopefully they inspire you to find your own source of creativity in the kitchen.

Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach
Adapted from Recipe Girl

Ingredients:
8 oz pasta
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 cups nonfat milk
1 ¼ cup Quattro Formaggio Cheese (Sold at Trader Joe’s a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, Fontina and Provolone cheese)
1 ½ cups fresh spinach

Directions:
1) Cook pasta according to package directions.
2) As the pasta cooks begin preparing the cheese sauce. Combine flour, salt and milk in a saucepan and stir to combine. Continue stirring, until thick.
3) Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until well blended.
4) Combine the pasta and cheese sauce and add spinach. The spinach will wilt from the heat of the pasta and sauce.
5) Serve and enjoy!!!

Open- Faced Baby Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Sandwich with Cherry Tomatoes


Ingredients:1 loaf of crusty bread, such as Ciabatta, sliced into 8 pieces
1 ½ cups baby broccoli
3 links of shicken sausage, sliced ( you can also use pre-flavored chicken sausage, such as roasted garlic)
½ cup cherry tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
8 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper

Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2) Slice the bread and set aside.
3) In a large skillet combine the broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, chicken sausage, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Cook until heated through.
4) Spread the mixture across the sandwiches and top with cheese. Add salt and pepper.
5) Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts.
6) Serve and enjoy.