My Weekend in Maryland!

I got to spend a weekend in Maryland this summer. Although it was a bit dreary the entire time I was there, the weather couldn't keep me down. First stop after a I touched down was G&M Restaurant in Baltimore. This place was packed and they are supposedly home of the best crab cakes in Maryland. They had a large menu with a great seafood selection, but there was only one thing on my mind...the crab cake! It was served simply, on a bare plate with slices of lemon and a garnish of parsley. No sauce, no frills, just CRAB. This was the most amazing crab cake I've ever had. Never have I seen anything like it. It was literally full of jumbo lump meat and I'm not even sure what was holding that heavenly mound of crab together because there were no breadcrumbs or filler, JUST CRAB. It was so moist and flavorful, plus I could sprinkle as much Old Bay seasoning on as I wanted because they keep it on the table right next to the salt and pepper shakers.

We happened to get ever so lucky and scored some tickets to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. It really was awesome: so much history, artfully and carefully displayed. Taking you on a journey throughout time with amazing artifacts, videos, and experiences. I also got to see Oprah Winfrey's new exhibit while I was there (Yay!). One of the best things about this museum that I think makes it so unique is that they have a restaurant called Sweet Home Cafe that features African American themed cuisines throughout the United States. Of course I couldn't resist. After waiting in what seemed like and eternal line, I ordered from the "Agricultural South." They could barely keep up with the demand for food because the museum was packed full of people. Luckily, I was able to try the fried chicken, mac n cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. That is my favorite soul food combination by the way, and yes it tasted as authentic as it looked. This cafe is the real deal! Everything was absolutely delicious. It took us about 4 hours (every moment well worth it!) to explore the museum but there was still so much we didn't see. If you are in the area, have the time, and are fortunate enough to get tickets, this museum is a must see.

  

Well, that was my weekend in a "crab shell" ;-)
I also got lucky at Maryland Live Casino, had some fun with Old Bay Themed Scratch offs, and I have to give a quick shout out to The Bagelry in Silver Spring...so good!

  

Mason Jar Salads

When I first started seeing mason jar salads all over pinterest, I have to admit, I wasn't interested.  I'm not sure if it was the professional chef in me or what saying: "you're too busy to make a fresh salad??? *eye roll* Smh!" When I became a new mommy, the answer to that question quickly became: "YES! I'm way too busy to do anything, let alone make a salad!"...and now I'm a believer :) Mason jar salads are literally the best thing since sliced bread. It's so practical, time saving, completely customizable, unbelievably fresh and really delicious. The key to success is the order in which you fill your mason jar. I like to use the wide mouth 24 ounce jars. It makes a big salad but the containers are wider and that helps you build a better salad--but any size jar will work. So let's get stacking!

Dressing: Put your dressing in first. I suggest about 2 tablespoons, but it's totally up to you. You want enough to enjoy your salad but not too much to drown it.

Veggies: Next, you'll add your veggies or even fruit. Keep the produce chunky and not too small so that it will be able to handle being in the dressing. Also, you want to put heartier veggies in first like tomatoes or cumbers--they will help create a nice barrier between the dressing and the rest of the ingredients. If you decide to use any apples or avocado, just make sure you rub them with lemon juice before they go into the jar.

Grains and Protein: Depending on what type of salad you are making, this is the perfect spot for some amazing grains. Its a great way to bulk up your salad and add that extra boost of protein and fiber. Quinoa, barley, farro, and millet are great grain options. Next you'll add your protein: grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp are great and beans are a nice addition too.

Fixings: This layer is where you'll put all those yummy extras: dried fruit, nuts, and cheeses--the sky is the limit! My favorites are dried cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese :)

Leafy Greens: The final layer consists of your leafy greens. You want to keep these at the absolute top of the jar as the last item. This will insure your salad stays crisp and fresh. Again, this salad is totally customizable--whether its romaine, arugula, spring mix, or spinach anything will work.

Top it off with the lid and if you stack it right, your mason jar salad should last about 5 days in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, just dump it out into a bowl or plate and voilà! A delicious and healthy salad made just for you, by you!

My Meal Prep Monday

Depending on your schedule your meal prep day might be on a Sunday or even a Thursday. Mine happens to be on a Monday. I prefer to go grocery shopping on a Monday because I feel like the stores aren't as crowed, I can take my time, and most things are usually restocked from the weekend shopping rush. Also, especially during football season, Sunday is really the end of our week and I am usually preparing all of my game-day favorites and don't have time to even think about shopping or preparing anything for the week ahead. So, here are a few tips to help you and your family become more successful at staying organized, eating clean, and preparing most of your meals at home instead of dining out.

Clean out and Take Inventory
Always clean out the refrigerator and take stock of what is in there before making your list and heading to the store. This way you will only buy what you need and you have a real handle on what is going on in your refrigerator. Also, this really helps to keep you organized and prevents you from finding that long lost cucumber that got pushed to the back and has turned to mush...eww!

Prep as you put away
Once the groceries make it inside, start prepping things right away before putting them away. Wash and cut any fruit or veggies--that will make it easier to reach for a healthy snack during the week because it's all set and ready to go. I hard boil a few eggs and grill off some chicken breast for the week.

Create your own convenience food
Now that everything has been prepped and put in it's place you can start making meals for the week in a breeze. I love mason jar salads--they are life savers! It feels so good to just grab a salad that's already prepared, all you need is a fork! Also, at this time you can make homemade dips, or hummus, pasta or chicken salad, or any baked goods, trail mix, or granola that you plan to eat through out the week.

Storage
-I like to use glass containers with air tight lids.

-Make sure you keep hard boiled eggs in their shell, they stay fresher longer and can last about 5 days. 

-Most mason jar salads can stay nice and fresh for about 5 days as well. 

-Make sure you keep any raw meat away and towards the bottom of your fridge and fresh ready to eat food and produce towards the top.

Gracie's 1st Christmas

It's Gracie's 1st Christmas! Aside from all the great food and time with family, this holiday season I am most excited to pass on my family traditions and do all the fun stuff with Grace that my mother did with me. What's more fun than baking cookies for Santa? She's only 11 months old and I'm so happy that she was able to actually help make the cookies! 

Betty Crocker Classic Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

makes about 5 servings

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 egg

2 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preparation

Mix powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and egg in a bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheet. Divide dough in half, roll each half out to a 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Place on cookie sheet and bake for about 7 to 8 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Decorate and enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

New York's Eataly!

I was 15 when I made my very first visit to New York City on a summer vacation and have been in love with the Big Apple ever since! Great food, amazing shops, outstanding shows...what more could you ask for? I just love the energy there. Every time I touch down in the city, I instantly get into a New York state of mind :-). I will make any excuse to come to the Empire State and when I do one of my favorite places to visit is Eataly! This epicurean mecca celebrates everything food! I love seeing all the beautiful produce, fresh fish, meats, cheeses, hand-made pasta, artisan bread, and of course my favorite: charcuterie! They have fantastic restaurants, fun classes, lots of rare and special books, and an extensive wine selection. This is hands down one of my favorite spots. I guarantee this specialty market is a Flatiron gem that will not disappoint!

Gracie's First Fall Festival

Fall is one of my absolute favorite times of year! I love the beautiful colors and changes in the leaves, as well as the taste of crisp apples and the sweet earthy aromas of roasted root vegetables. With the smell of pumpkin spice in the air, I was so excited to bring my baby girl to her very first fall festival! We decided to go to Old Hyde Park Village.

 

Unfortunately because we live in Florida this fall has been a bit steamy but we weren't going to let a little heat and humidity bring us down. There were lots of activities for the kids and they even had apple cider and donuts! Grace is still pretty little so instead of the arts and crafts we set our sights on the pumpkin patch. My daughter always makes me laugh. She is such a fearless explorer, always so interested in new things. You can't tell from the pictures but she was terrified of all those pumpkins!