tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223308092024-03-12T18:01:01.034-07:00LAZY WOMANBridget Fonger is co-author of "The Lazy Woman's Guide to Just About Everything," written with Judie O'Neill to inspire women to be LAZY. LAZY is redefined as a good four letter word that means less stress and more joy.Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-20978050411057662019-04-17T10:46:00.000-07:002019-04-17T10:46:11.565-07:00Speaking of LOVE...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My new book <i>Superhero of Love: Heal Your Broken Heart & Then Go Save the World</i> came out in January from Conari Press! I haven't stopped living my Lazy Woman life -- lazy being a good four letter word -- more joy and love and less stress!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just had to post an "I Love You Trader Joe's" posts for all the beauty available there these days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After you are done exploring this beauty, go sign up for Superhero of Love updates at <a href="http://superherooflove.com/">superherooflove.com</a>. See you there!</span></div>
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-55463973527747758072016-12-08T21:26:00.001-08:002016-12-08T21:26:16.288-08:00Lazy Holiday Arrangement <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The laziest thing of all is being GIVEN all the ingredients to help you ease into Christmas decorating. One friend gave me the strands of berries I have on the big round silver tray encircling the vase. Another friend happened to be clipping back her holly bush when I arrived the other day. These are her cuttings! How miraculous + wonderful is that!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The little crab apples are from Trader Joe's -- one bag fills a large vase. Easy Peasy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't post much over here....but please check out where you can find me most: superherooflove.blogspot.com. More love-filled fun to be had over yonder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Happy Merry Merry!</span><br />
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-645128160723253012016-10-11T16:45:00.002-07:002016-10-11T16:45:47.985-07:00Fairy Goddaughter Delight = Magical Fairy Lights!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My precious Fairy Goddaughters live in Morocco so I don't get to see them nearly often enough. So when they come to LA just after graduating from high school and college respectively, a magical celebration is in order. The arrived at night so magical lighting ensued.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I made the cake that everyone asks for -- once they taste it -- the Smitten Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The photo did not capture the best magical touch of all. I cannot more highly recommend getting a few sets of battery powered magical fairy lights. I have several sets and even just took them to the beach this weekend for an evening birthday celebration. You flip a switch (which can be easily hidden) and voila MAGIC!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I put them around the welcome sign on the fairy goddaughters' bed too. You can never have too many batter powered fairy lights. And the batteries last a loooooong time too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Happy! Joy Joy! The more LAZY MAGIC the better!</span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-13992592732696333152016-03-28T00:09:00.000-07:002016-04-07T12:06:30.496-07:00Lazy Lemony Springy Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was searching for lemon chiffon cheesecake recipes because one of the birthday girls for the March Birthday Madness Party likes it... When I found this one that says it is "Japanese Cotton Soft" I had to try it. The only slightly arduous part is getting the pan ready for baking in a water bath, but other than that not hard at all, just like any cake...one step at a time until</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">But the magically delicious part of the process was using a birthday present I received. I folded several shakes of this Minced Lemon Peel from THE SPICE HOUSE into the cake an then decorated the top with some more, adding a nice accent texture and flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Here it is before I added flowers, etc. And the recipe can be found here: <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2015/08/japanese-cotton-soft-cheesecake-recipe.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lemon Chiffon Japanese Cheesecake Recipe</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I thought it was delish! It's light and fresh and fun! </span><br />
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-51685682087038591492016-01-18T14:24:00.001-08:002016-01-18T14:24:32.939-08:00Lazy Vegetarian Delights - Light, Easy + Colorful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These recipes should be over here because they are so easy, but click on over to my Superhero of Love blog to catch some super lazy, super colorful, super healthy recipes:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">http://superherooflove.blogspot.com/2016/01/wintry-vegetarian-lunch-with-springy.html</span></div>
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Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-55915015775490831732015-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:002015-12-26T22:11:16.102-08:00Merry Christmas Yumminess: Winter Delights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our book "The Lazy Woman's Guide to Just About Everything" redefines the word lazy. Yes this Christmas feast took hours to prepare but it brought me such JOY to do it. Therefore it <b><i>wa</i></b></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>s</b></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i> </i></b>lazy. If it fills your heart with joy, and does not add stress, then that's a damn good lazy thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was a great feast and I'm sharing all the recipes because some of these are super duper easy to make, others more time-consuming but profoundly worth the effort, and all of them are delicious for the winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The trifle was a huge hit. I had some leftover Gingerbread Cake (I have used the Silver Palate recipe -- with lemon glaze for over 30 years because it never ceases to impress) and I thought "Hey why not make a trifle out of that?" So I made lemon curd, which I adore making because it's so fun to zest and juice the lemons and then watch as it slowly thickens over heat. So I did layer of gingerbread, splashed with a few tablespoons of whiskey (or liqueur of your choice), then a layer of lemon curd, then some whipped cream (with vanilla and just a bit of powdered sugar because you don't want it to be sweet), and then some raspberries, and repeat until you make it to the top which is finished with whipped cream and berries. It's so fricking easy and best to be done at least a day ahead so all the flavors soak in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found this recipe for Beet Risotto and built the menu around it. Even Dan, the guest who hates most veggies and fruits, wanted to take leftovers home. This is a super healthy and yummy risotto. Check out that color! I made it as people arrived and had cocktails just outside the kitchen so I could engage with them but still cook. It's really fun to make. I prepped the beets ahead and had everything pre-measured so it was stress-free. Here's the recipe: <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beet-risotto">Beet Risotto</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I sauteed broccolini in olive oil and garlic. Finish with fresh squeezed lemon and salt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I googled Italian Christmas dishes and found this beauty. This is a very labor intensive dish but you can do it the day before and throw it in the fridge. I will tell you it is worth every single moment of prep time. It is scrumptious! Here is what it looked like when I put it in the fridge. Below is when it came out of the oven. Here is the recipe: <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/celery-root-and-mushroom-lasagna">Celery Root and Mushroom Lasagna</a>.<br /><br />NOTE: I left out the prosciutto. Yep, I completely and totally left out one huge ingredient. I don't eat meat so it was a selfish move, but the recipe flavor did not suffer. I did add extra shaved parmigiano on top and next time I will drizzle the top with a good dose of olive oil because although it was fantastic I think that addition would make it perfection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's some Lazy Woman Good News. I had leftover Silver Palate Thanksgiving Potatoes so I threw them in the freezer to see if they could be frozen. Well, I put them in the oven with the lasagna at 350 for about an hour and a half and they came out great! I put them out even though they didn't really go with the theme because Dan doesn't like mushrooms so the lasagna was largely lost on him even though he valiantly picked out mushrooms and ate what he could.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The salad is my new fave because you can make all the ingredients ahead or buy them prepared: lettuce, roasted squash (I did the day ahead with olive oil, rosemary and salt), fresh pomegranate seeds (I prepped the day ahead but you can just buy seeds), shaved parmigiano, toasted pecans, lemon, olive oil, salt. I forgot to take a picture before it was tossed. It's gorgeous pre-tossing with all the wintry colors. It has all the right textures too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then the Laziest Move of the Christmas Season? I ordered a smoked turkey from Burgers Smokehouse. Last year my friends Rene and Leanne brought a smoked turkey breast to dinner and it wow'd everyone. Go here to order: <a href="http://www.smokehouse.com/burgers.nsf/mcategory/turkey">Burgers' Smokehouse</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAYPe3Vhg1o/Vn-AGV8HJRI/AAAAAAAABEg/ThSVK_R9Hh0/s1600/turkey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAYPe3Vhg1o/Vn-AGV8HJRI/AAAAAAAABEg/ThSVK_R9Hh0/s320/turkey.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Big props to my favorite magazine for recipes -- Food & Wine, and, as always, the tried and true favorites of the Silver Palate Cookbooks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buon Appetito and Buon Natale a tutti! I hope you get to use some of these recipes this winter. I promise you won't be disappointed!</span></div>
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-34285932518174714472015-12-14T21:36:00.001-08:002015-12-14T21:43:48.576-08:00Lazy Winter Morning Pick Me Up! Orange Oatmeal<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out the LAZY recipe I accidentally posted on the other blog! LOL! http://superherooflove.blogspot.com/2015/12/orange-oatmeal-for-wintry-mornings.html</span><br /><br /></div>
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Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-80789100324490256892015-12-01T22:10:00.000-08:002015-12-01T22:10:21.705-08:00Leftover Cranberry Sauce? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVOBFAFA98A/Vl52BcN_SEI/AAAAAAAABCA/3X_HiR0qUMM/s1600/Thanksgiving%2BLeftover%2BCranberries%2BApple%2BPie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVOBFAFA98A/Vl52BcN_SEI/AAAAAAAABCA/3X_HiR0qUMM/s320/Thanksgiving%2BLeftover%2BCranberries%2BApple%2BPie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Every year since my grandma died, I've let my mom contribute the homemade cranberry sauce, to carry on grandma's traditional recipe. And every year my mother goes way overboard on how much she makes and always brings at least TWO batches of the stuff, very likely in an effort to one up my sweet grandma in heaven. Hahaha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since no one takes more than a tablespoon at Thanksgiving, I always get really upset about the waste....until now.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had a second Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving on Sunday and really wanted to make another apple pie, particularly since we had a visitor from Australia. He's a vegetarian so we had all the traditional foods minus the turkey. I used this </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2006/11/cinnamon-sigh/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Smitten Kitchen Apple Pie Recipe</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, although I used all Granny Smiths. Also, I added about 1/2 cup of sour cream and about 1/4 cup of brown sugar when I made it on Thanksgiving. But for Friendsgiving, I added an extra apple, 1/2 cup sour cream and about 3/4 cup of the leftover cranberry sauce. Oh. My. God. Yum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what it looked like before i added the cranberry sauce (actually pictured is sauce above and cranberry covered apples):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I added the sour cream and poured into the shell:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfOSd4S2b94/Vl52Byv-cQI/AAAAAAAABCI/46bJMnfocUQ/s1600/Thanksgiving%2BLeftover%2BCranberrries%2Bin%2BApple%2BPie%2BFilling%2Bin%2BShell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfOSd4S2b94/Vl52Byv-cQI/AAAAAAAABCI/46bJMnfocUQ/s320/Thanksgiving%2BLeftover%2BCranberrries%2Bin%2BApple%2BPie%2BFilling%2Bin%2BShell.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The finished product is, of course, at the top of this post. My mouth is watering for it as I type this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another thing I did with the leftover sauce was add it to my Australian house guest's oatmeal. It looked so good I had to have some too! Now I'm considering making a batch to always have in the fridge! It's quite possible cranberry sauce is good in everything! It is now my favorite accent for oatmeal. With a few toasted pecans thrown on top - perfection!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't grab a pic of it with nuts on top but it was lovely and colorful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grateful now for the leftovers that used to feel so wasteful. I will now forever covet the leftover cranberry sauce.</span></div>
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-18389303468330855552015-12-01T21:52:00.000-08:002015-12-01T21:52:35.128-08:00Thanksgiving Turkey -- Before + After<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been mostly pescatarian for about 30 years. I've had a few poultry-friendly months when my body craved it for a bit, like now. I've been eating chicken and turkey for a few months now. Still, I'm not really all the way back in the poultry game so </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the turkey and I had a bit of
a tussle on Thanksgiving, me being a near-turkey virgin, and both of us nearly ending up on the kitchen floor. But, he ended up being the juiciest, most flavorful
turkey I have seen or tasted -- oozing with flavor!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The secret:</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">brine + butter.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I brined him for 24 hours, per the </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe.html" style="text-align: center;">Alton Brown's Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe</a>. Then I took a stick of softened butter and chopped up a bunch of fresh herbs (and salt) to make a nice herb butter. I lifted the turkey skin and put it all over him! Inside the cavity I put my favorite herbs -- thyme and parsley, a bunch of lemons and onion and one apple. I followed Alton's cooking times as well, 500 degrees at first, etc. as noted in the recipe. I also put in the pan under the roasting rack, a potato, some carrots and onion. They were crispy delicious at the end of the roasting time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: center;">The turkey was so juicy and flavorful that even days later you could bit into a turkey leftover and it was moist and delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Then I went all the way in. I made a broth out of the carcass and then created this soup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Recipe for Turkey Leftovers Soup:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sautee Onion, Garlic, Celery, Carrots - to taste + whim</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add 8 to</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 12 cups of broth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add fresh peas (I used about 1/2 bag of Trader Joe's fresh peas)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add about 1/2 bag of Trader Joe's Roasted Corn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add one container of store-bought sliced mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add about a cup of Farro</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I added a bunch of the leftover turkey AND the piece de resistance, the scraps of roasted potato and carrot from the bottom of the turkey roasting pan (chopped up).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add fresh or dried herbs, including a couple by leaves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Simmer to ultimate yumminess</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For one of my bowls I added a little leftover stuffing on top for even more recycling pleasure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buon Appetito with Molto Gratitude!</span><br />
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-28615302968615810672015-10-28T22:30:00.000-07:002015-10-29T22:59:09.334-07:00Lazy Happy Birthday Cake -- Easiest Homemade Cake Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZob-xDVNK8/VjGpiYS08HI/AAAAAAAAA_4/9MOuS-OJuxw/s1600/Chocolate%2BOrange%2BCake%2BFrom%2BTop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZob-xDVNK8/VjGpiYS08HI/AAAAAAAAA_4/9MOuS-OJuxw/s320/Chocolate%2BOrange%2BCake%2BFrom%2BTop.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is the easiest bestest most deliciousest chocolate cake on planet earth. I've mentioned it a few times before. It's from the best food blog on earth, Smitten Kitchen. If you have time to make the whole recipe of the </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> your guests are very lucky. I have made it for several birthdays or important celebrations and every time someone in the crowd says it's the best cake they have ever had.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, when you don't have time to do the whole thing, like I didn't this weekend for my friend Elisa's birthday dinner, I used the cake part of the recipe (super fast in one bowl with just a whisk! No mixer needed even!), whipped up some cream with orange rind and orange liqueur, and did a little decorating to make it look a little more impressive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, here's how to make a super easy birthday cake:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Make the Smitten Kitchen Chocolate Cake (click on the above link)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whip up two (2) pint containers of heavy whipping cream with orange rind of two or three oranges (to taste), a splash of orange liqueur and some powdered sugar (to taste). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Slather the entire cake with the whipped cream -- which is so much easier to spread than frosting, so it's super fast!</span></div>
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-16199341644177506822015-10-27T19:29:00.002-07:002015-10-27T19:29:48.099-07:00Lazy Delicious Goat Cheese Spread<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last weekend I went to a lovely party and my friend Karl brought a most scrumptious goat cheese dip buzzing with oregano and garlic deliciousness. It was the perfect cheese dip/spread, the fresher-far-more-amazing version of Rondele Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread from my childhood. <br />
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It was so incredible I asked for his recipe and decided to make it this weekend. I went to Trader Joe's to get the ingredients and ran into the Pita Crisps with Cranberries & Pumpkin Seeds and was immediately inspired on a twist to Karl's dip specifically designed to got with these Crisps. <br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip</strong></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 11 oz. package of Trader Joe's SIlver Goat Chevre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 Garlic Cloves, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3 Tablespoons Thyme, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3 Tablespoons chopped Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds (or regular ones if you can't find sprouted ones) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Drizzle of Olive Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Salt and Pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> P<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ut goat cheese in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to soften. Mix in all the rest of the ingredients. Decorate with a few whole pumpkin seeds. I served with a few different kinds of crackers and carrots, but the Cranberry/Pumpkin Crisps with their sweetness against the savory garlicky dip is pretty awesome. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Karl Hamann's Goat Cheese
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 clove garlic, minced</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper (+ more to taste)</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Microwave the goat cheese in a
small bowl until it warms up and softens. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add garlic, herbs, pepper, and
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add more olive oil if necessary –
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-48429154703879201152015-10-18T23:53:00.000-07:002015-10-20T19:07:37.649-07:00Lazy Lovely Tomato Soup <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was in D.C. last week. I had a mighty delicious tomato soup at Founding Farmers. I highly recommend it. The tomato soup/grilled cheese lunch is divine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the following day I ended up at Fiola and the chef sent out a small elegant oval bowl of tomato soup that made me swoon. Look at this gorgeousness!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWQqtIijNv0/ViST_O4fN_I/AAAAAAAAA-8/V2UsZyvGQ0U/s1600/Tomato%2BSoup%2BFiola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWQqtIijNv0/ViST_O4fN_I/AAAAAAAAA-8/V2UsZyvGQ0U/s320/Tomato%2BSoup%2BFiola.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When I got back to LA I immediately got to work trying to recreate it, and I got very damn close. Close enough for my taste buds. And it's super lazy!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've now served it to two different groups of friends and they all asked for the recipe. Here's how I did it:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 pounds heirloom tomatoes (mixture of yellow, green + red)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 pound baby roma tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 medium onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">6 cloves garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 28 oz can tomatoes (San Marzano or another good Italian canned tomato)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 quart chicken or vegetable stock (or water + a splash of red wine -- see below) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Olive Oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, 1 or 2 Bay Leaves, Dried Basil (or fresh at the end of the cooking process)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fresh Herbs and/or Cheese </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chop the large tomatoes, slice the onions and peel the garlic cloves. Don't go crazy with how you chop. This should go fast. It's all going to be blended in the end so no need to make it pretty!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3u3GWOs8Bs/ViSIGRWbEXI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/1a4RQ9s7GEc/s1600/Tomato%2BSoup%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3u3GWOs8Bs/ViSIGRWbEXI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/1a4RQ9s7GEc/s320/Tomato%2BSoup%2B5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Toss with generous olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 450 for about 40 minutes </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usJ2fOJGsmo/ViSIGw45wYI/AAAAAAAAA-U/sUt0GfAf664/s1600/Tomato%2BSoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usJ2fOJGsmo/ViSIGw45wYI/AAAAAAAAA-U/sUt0GfAf664/s320/Tomato%2BSoup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once roasted, toss it all into a pot. Add the canned tomatoes, the stock, bay leaves, dried basil and red pepper flakes(if you don't like spicy, leave out the red pepper --I used between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon in mine for just a little kick). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">NOTE: When I made this a second time, I found my pantry stock-less so I was stymied for a second. Then in a super-lazy-I-refuse-to-go-to-the-market move, I added filtered water and a big splash of red wine instead and it came out great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Simmer for about 30 minutes. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Remove the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to smooth it all out into genuine soupy goodness. I added another bit of olive oil and simmered a bit longer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you like creamy tomato soup, just add a splash of cream toward the end of the simmer. But, before you do that, taste it, because you'll be amazed at how "creamy" it already is. In fact my dining mates in D.C. all thought the soup at Fiola had cream in it, but I don't believe it did. I have no idea what their recipe entailed but I do know that roasted onions create a lot of creaminess when blended. So, just give a quick taste before adding cream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you have fresh basil, you can add that at the end of the cooking process, instead of dried basil before the 30 minute simmer. Also, if you don't like the tartness of tomato seeds you can put the soup through some cheesecloth after you blend it. The texture will be spectacularly smooth and even! I left it the way it was myself, but I have strained tomato soups and sauces in the past and it's easy and does give an excellent pristine texture. I am guessing Fiola strained theirs because the texture was flawless. I like mine with a little more heft and tartness, so I didn't strain it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Final step, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top -- basil, flat parsley, dill, scallions -- whatever you've got and think will hit the mark for your taste buds. For a second bowl -- after you've experienced the many layers of tomato flavors -- it's great with a little shaved parmesan on top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Buon Appetito!</span></div>
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Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-46468807616983399492015-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:002015-08-19T19:50:09.633-07:00Lazy Back to School Desserts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I leave my house at 5:30 a.m. for a five day vacation, so I've been hustling to get an enormous amount of things done. I'm still hustling, but taking a brief moment to share these two LAZY ASS recipes because it just occurred to me they are PEEEEEEERFECT for back to school time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today is the 5th birthday of my precious sweet neighbor boy. I asked his mom to ask him what he wanted me to bake him for his birthday treat. She said they had made him vanilla and chocolate cupcakes for his birthday party on Sunday but that his last minute request for lemon cupcakes couldn't be granted. The first thing that popped into my head was this amazing lemon cake my mom used to make when I was a kid, which I then started making. I couldn't remember the recipe, or from whence it even came so I googled lemon cake with lemon glaze and found this one: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/glazed-lemon-cake">Glazed Lemon Cake</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As soon as I saw it I knew it actually wasn't the exact recipe but that the magical ingredient of the recipe of my childhood was, indeed, lemon pudding. I read the notes on the recipe and saw that a woman accidentally put the 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice meant for the glaze into the cake, so I did the same thing because I can't bear an overly sweet cake. Also, FYI, I was in such a hurry I didn't see that I was supposed to mix everything except the lemon-lime soda. I threw it all in but mixed it far less, but just enough and it rose perfectly and turned out absolutely great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Obviously a glazed cake doesn't lend itself to cupcake development so instead I did two 9" rounds and put whip cream between them -- and yes I glazed the top of both layers. I was in such a mad dash to deliver the cake last night (a day-before-your-birthday-treat) before their dinner time that I didn't catch a picture, but please know that this is a fantastic cake recipe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One final note on the cake -- I added extra lemon juice to the glaze. I really wanted it to taste lemony. Turned out great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">NEXT -- and this is just a twist on the old recipe I posted long ago --<a href="http://lazywoman.blogspot.com/2013/11/lazy-best-chocolate-chip-cookie-ever.html">Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Ever</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I had to also bake a batch of cookies to take to North Carolina with me for someone who LOVES these cookies. But I did a twist - hope he likes the twist! I added the grated rind from one orange and finely chopped up a bunch (probably 1/2 to 3/4 cup) of the Trader Joe's Dried Mandarins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Two weeks ago I made homemade mango ice cream and made these cookies to go with it and added dried mango and it was awesome, so when I saw the dried mandarins in the cupboard I thought this could be a marriage made in heaven -- it IS! Not too sweet because the rind offsets the sweet of the dried mandarin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So make the recipe like I instruct in the first blog post (link above) and then add rind and dried mandarin. Oh my god they are fragrant and delicious. I made this batch with semi-sweet and dark chocolate, pecans, almonds and salted peanuts. To. Die. For.</span><br />
Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-17617190242241918642015-08-18T19:20:00.004-07:002015-08-18T19:20:53.457-07:00Enter Heaven Here: Lazy Supreme Delicious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wgiss7US8g/VdPnnyWy6mI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/V_8vsKacl2M/s1600/sweet%2Bpotatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wgiss7US8g/VdPnnyWy6mI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/V_8vsKacl2M/s320/sweet%2Bpotatoes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No exaggeration. I have entered heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Sweet potatoes roasted in olive oil and salt with generous lemon juice (one whole lemon to three small sweet potatoes) and fresh chives (<u>not</u> scallions -- you need the subtle onion).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Looking around from my dad and grandparents. Gotta be close.</span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-78849863849429603662015-06-13T11:43:00.001-07:002015-06-13T12:16:11.724-07:00Laziest Kick Ass Impressive Summer Dessert -- For the NON-Bakers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjhwNMcf6ys/VXx0snQm5vI/AAAAAAAAA5g/rQuSPAgdLBs/s1600/Trifle%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjhwNMcf6ys/VXx0snQm5vI/AAAAAAAAA5g/rQuSPAgdLBs/s320/Trifle%2B2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've posted trifle recipes before but it just struck me after getting a bunch of comments about how people loved this most recent one that I needed to write another Lazy Woman post about them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have a lot of friends who say they never bake and therefore they shy away from doing any kind of homemade desserts. They label themselves as "cooks" and not "bakers" so they don't do anything. There are just so darned many easy deserts to make -- some that you bake and some that you don't -- that I'm going to try to TURN some of you into dessert masters! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Start with this because, people, you CANNOT SCREW THIS UP! And you can completely customize it for anyone. And, this is a NON-baker's Lazy Woman dream!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This one I made for someone who likes strawberries, coffee and chocolate. But you can do ANYTHING!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. Get a <u><strong>glass vessel</strong></u> that will show all your beautiful layers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. <u><strong>First layer</strong></u> -- a soft light cake-y thing -- sponge cake or lady fingers work really well. Dip the cakey thing in a liquid -- liqueurs or coffee work great. You can also brush or drizzle the liquid over it, if you are afraid of over-soaking. In this case I put a couple dashes of Kahlua in the coffee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. <u><strong>Second layer</strong></u> -- a pudding-y thing -- for this one I used vanilla pudding, but I had prepped chocolate pudding too. I wanted to strawberry and coffee flavors to pop though so I chose vanilla. YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE FROM SCRATCH. You can buy the pudding-y thing pre-made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. <u><strong>Third layer</strong></u> -- a fruit-y thing - I usually soak the fruit in a liqueur but because I didn't know if anyone in this crowd was abstaining from alcohol, I soaked the strawberries in balsamic vinegar for about 20 minutes. Yes, shocking, but they do not taste like vinegar once drained. It was great, but my personal preference is liqueurs, like Grand Marnier, for instance. You don't have to soak it in anything though!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. <u><strong>Fourth layer</strong></u> -- whipped cream. I make mine because I don't like it too sweet. I add a little powdered sugar and liqueur usually, but this day I did vanilla. YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">6. <strong><u>Fifth Layer</u></strong> -- This is usually a sprinkling of chocolate or nuts or other candy (Heath Bars work great too)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">7. <strong><u>REPEAT Layers 1 through 4! </u></strong> End with whipped cream no matter where you are in your layers and throw a little decorative touch and voila super impressive dessert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When you are assembling it, just pay attention to what is showing on the outside. But even with this -- you can't screw up! The layers themselves make it beautiful even if you are sloppy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So for this trifle I did:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ladyfingers brushed with strong coffee + Kahlua mixture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Vanilla Pudding</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Strawberries soaked briefly in Balsamic Vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chopped Chocolate -- I threw a little chopped chocolate on top of all the whipped cream layers</span></div>
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<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-26753478567929948832015-04-12T14:50:00.002-07:002015-04-12T14:50:38.394-07:00Sassy Lazy Sunday Scones<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1497418229"></span><span id="goog_1497418230"></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bopZ8RMSU3c/VSrmV9LriCI/AAAAAAAAA4M/S6tVcF1uG2E/s1600/Mango%2BCoconut%2BScones%2Bplated.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bopZ8RMSU3c/VSrmV9LriCI/AAAAAAAAA4M/S6tVcF1uG2E/s1600/Mango%2BCoconut%2BScones%2Bplated.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last night I found out my new neighbors were going to come over in the late morning so I decided to make some scones. I decided I wanted mango scones even though I'd never had such a thing. I found this fabulous recipe on this mighty adorable blog -- <a href="http://mylovelylittlelunchbox.com/2014/11/25/mango-coconut-scones/">Lovely Little Lunch Box's Mango Coconut Scones</a> -- had all the ingredients, and like most scone recipes saw it was super easy so I made them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the first batch I followed the recipe and ended up over-mixing them accidentally. The second batch came out perfectly, but you may want to heed at least the first of my notes/</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">changes to the recipe:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do NOT mix in the diced mangoes with those last ingredients as it states. Make the dough and fold in the diced mangoes at the end.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You do not need to sweat over fresh mango which I find infuriating to cut. I used frozen mango and let it thaw in the fridge over night. For the second batch I just thawed more in the microwave, and it tastes just as good as fresh.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">75 grams of butter = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon. Now you don't have to look it up!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kick it up a notch. I thought "Hmmmmm....coconut, mango?..... How about adding some Trader Joe's Thai Lime and Chili Almonds?" Unreal! You don' t need many, and I only put them in some of my batch to check it out, but they are a yummy addition and I will do i again...and again...and again!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I didn't have pecans but next batch I will be adding because pecans + mangoes + coconut are a mighty lovely threesome.</span></li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fv_jlAffaM/VSrmW1JKULI/AAAAAAAAA4U/a9ZclO170nY/s1600/Mango%2BCoconut%2BScones.Almonds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fv_jlAffaM/VSrmW1JKULI/AAAAAAAAA4U/a9ZclO170nY/s1600/Mango%2BCoconut%2BScones.Almonds.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had enough left over to put in bags to deliver to other neighbors. These can't be left in my house. I would have eaten all of them if left to my own devices.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttZhi8A1jpQ/VSrmWncpF4I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/KzzuWfjSq0Y/s1600/Mango%2BCoconute%2BScones%2Bin%2Bbags.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttZhi8A1jpQ/VSrmWncpF4I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/KzzuWfjSq0Y/s1600/Mango%2BCoconute%2BScones%2Bin%2Bbags.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-21731599636306502322014-12-09T23:02:00.000-08:002014-12-09T23:02:59.056-08:00The Laziest Kid in the World!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you think you have the laziest kid in the world, you don't!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you get frustrated with getting your kids out the door for school, well this will make you feel soooooooooo much better:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD2ogB7jkIk"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Getting the Laziest Kid in the World Off to School</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Laughter = the lazy solution to a whole lot o' stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Laugh on Lazy Ones!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Love, </span></div>
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Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-38925172180949552092014-11-25T20:34:00.001-08:002014-11-25T20:49:14.108-08:00GRATEFUL for New LAZY Holiday Recipes <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYfNUSqxcag/VHU3W3avhoI/AAAAAAAAAx8/q264_uo5BVI/s1600/Birthday%2BCake%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYfNUSqxcag/VHU3W3avhoI/AAAAAAAAAx8/q264_uo5BVI/s1600/Birthday%2BCake%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We needed to celebrate FOUR birthday girls the other night so it was time to pull out all the stops and try some new recipes. All but one thing I made (the Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes from Silver Palate) were new -- from Food and Wine November and December issues. Such beautiful Fall recipes that would look great on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><strong>Happy Birthday Dinner Menu</strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>NOTE: As of this posting, Food and Wine site is having issues so if link below does not work, google the title + Food and Wine and you will find.]</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/(http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pumpkin-and-chickpea-hummus-with-jalapeno-oil">Pumpkin and Chickpea Hummus with Jalapeno Oil</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">(I used Trader Joe's Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil (Unbelievably Good!) instead of Grapeseed Oil + TJ's pre-made Toasted Pumpkin Seeds)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/whole-roast-fish-with-lemon-and-herbs">Whole Roasted Fish with Fresh Herbs </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">(I used Branzino -- delicious!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/wheat-berry-salad-with-tuscan-kale-and-butternut-squash">Wheat Berry Salad with Tuscan Kale and Butternut Squash</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">(made this the night before - easy peasy)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/bulgur-pomegranate-salad"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bulgur Pomegranate Salad</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Made the night before also - and yes the bulgur does dry out to perfect texture)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.nola.com/food/index.ssf/2010/11/thanksgiving_potatoes_from_the.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Silver Palate Thanksgiving Potatoes</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Made 48 hours ahead -- makes them even better when you reheat in oven! Promise!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/celery-fennel-and-apple-salad-with-pecorino-and-walnuts"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fennel and Apple Salad with Pecorino and Walnuts</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(I did a ton of grated Pecorino, not just an accent -- good balance to light/crispness)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And, the cake recipe -- maybe my favorite birthday cake EVER -- came from my very favorite blog, <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">Smitten Kitchen.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If someone you know loves Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, then this is the cake for them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake</span></a>. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I actually was out of Dutch processed cocoa and ran to the store to find this unbelievably magical ingredient. Highly recommend for this recipe: Hershey's Cocoa Special Dark:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The peanut butter frosting was a little too sweet for me so I added at least another 1/3 to 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the frosting which kicked up the peanut butter flavor a couple more notches. Highly recommend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Loved setting the table and found some </span><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/10/giant-confetti-bags-diy/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Giant Confetti</span></a> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">at Little Flower in Pasadena. If you are a Pasadena area local, I can't more highly recommend this delicious little oasis full of yummy treats and fun gifts and party paraphernalia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also found these at Little Flower -- Incredibly fun <a href="http://www.urbangeneralstore.com/shop/cards-paper/games/poof-balls-party-pea-shooter.html">Party Pea Shooters</a> -- that created this slow- mo hilarity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://fbcdn-video-i-a.akamaihd.net/hvideo-ak-xap1/v/t42.1790-2/10558357_10152783006622013_723713795_n.mp4?rl=300&vabr=120&oh=6a439fc37f36c786713c5061d246acf0&oe=54757893&__gda__=1416985118_86955daff8ec12ce1a661f91da13c145">Click here for Pea Shooter Hilarity<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">!</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I'm grateful for all you Lazy Women and Men out there!!!! </span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-57278825568407858682014-11-17T23:55:00.001-08:002014-11-17T23:55:16.320-08:00Lazy Tip: Brown Recluse Repellent!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="445SFamB8DzpJM:" 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" 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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My yoga teacher is a truly Lazy Woman. She loves tricks, tips and tools that make life easier and more healthy + flowy, in general. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tonight she shared the story of one of her yoga students from another studio who hadn't been in class for several weeks. It turns out she was bitten by a brown recluse spider while she was sleeping. Apparently they love the cozy spot at the end of the bed, and therefore end up biting a lot of feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This woman recounted the tale of her demise, slow recovery, and eventual trip to Whole Foods for brown recluse repellent. It turns out brown recluses hate peppermint oil. So, next time you finish brushing your teeth to their minty fresh whiteness, let it remind you to throw a couple drops of peppermint oil on your sheets before you get your feet too cozy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Warning: peppermint oil can be energizing so maybe focus on the foot of the bed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Easy peasy solution to preventing...oh you know, flesh decay!</span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-44513195788354315202014-10-12T15:03:00.003-07:002014-10-12T15:03:48.972-07:00Creamy Cauliflower Pasta -- If You Are Thinking of Giving a F#ck About Your Diet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGZuos9LoBg/VDr4Cx0ZrFI/AAAAAAAAAvg/hFpa2_8fJF8/s1600/Cauliflower%2BPasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGZuos9LoBg/VDr4Cx0ZrFI/AAAAAAAAAvg/hFpa2_8fJF8/s1600/Cauliflower%2BPasta.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was at the gym the other day when Rachael Ray was on. I never see her show, but glad I saw it this day because the authors of the Thug Kitchen cookbook were on. I particularly love them because they swear a lot. The delicious subtitle of their book is "Eat Like You Give a F#ck." Good times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, I tried this. It is insanely creamy, but has a good lemony fresh bite to it. Warning: I doubled the recipe, but wouldn't recommend using 6 cloves of garlic if you double it. Still it's a groovy recipe and if you want to check out. And, there are plenty of yummy gluten free pastas to use if you want to do the gluten free/vegan thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here's the recipe:</span><br />
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<a href="http://rach.tv/1xHFROK">http://rach.tv/1xHFROK</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Buon Vegappetito!</span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-51600660698525073842014-10-07T14:16:00.001-07:002014-10-07T14:16:26.999-07:005 Minute Fish Tacos + 3 Ingredient Saladissima - More Trader Joe's LOVE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAjhHSB6I5c/VDRTTW4n6YI/AAAAAAAAAuk/p2hZPsyq9_0/s1600/Raffaelli.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAjhHSB6I5c/VDRTTW4n6YI/AAAAAAAAAuk/p2hZPsyq9_0/s1600/Raffaelli.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I admit it. I am addicted to the Roasted Corn found at Trader Joe's. The uses for it are endless! Throw it in your next cornbread recipe!!! Throw it in in soups, chilis, stews or salads. It has a lot more depth of flavor than most frozen or canned corns. I most often strip cobs of corn into my dishes, but rarely have time to run out and roast them when I'm whipping up a quick lunch or dinner. Roasted corn is the BEST. The fact that you don't have to sweat over it or burn your fingers accidentally is the piece de resistance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The above salad is THREE INGREDIENTS, folks! All found at Trader Joe's -- coleslaw, roasted corn and frozen tilapia. Can you add tomatoes, cheese, avocado, etc. OF COURSE! But isn't it nice to have a simple recipe at your finger tips. Also, you really enjoy the flavors even more when you have fewer ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you feel like having a fish taco instead, just throw it in a warmed up tortilla. My favorite tortilla is not found at Trader Joe's, but is found in most stores, including Whole Foods and Pavilions: Mi Rancho Organic Corn Tortillas. I get the slider size and throw on gas stove flame, flipping a few times to get them nice and toasty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To make the Saladissima:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tilapia Fillets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shredded Cabbage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Frozen Roasted Corn</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can be supremely lazy and put a pre-made dressing on it, which will be yummy too. This is what I do:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Red Wine Vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fresh Lime </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Herbs (see below)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Throw Tilapia Fillets on George Foreman Grill (or whatever device you would use -- I like the grill because it makes the outside crunchy). Throw some frozen corn in microwave to thaw + warm. While those are heating up, throw the cabbage in a bowl with a little Red Wine Vinegar, olive oil (very little needed), lime juice, salt and herbs. About the time you are done with that, the corn will be done, and soon thereafter the fish! Voila, 5 minutes to Saladissima!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And, again, if you want tacos, just put the salad in a tortilla or shell!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KqewLp-9sM/VDRTdgLqlWI/AAAAAAAAAus/tZ3PFbb1otA/s1600/Fish%2BSalad%2BIngredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KqewLp-9sM/VDRTdgLqlWI/AAAAAAAAAus/tZ3PFbb1otA/s1600/Fish%2BSalad%2BIngredients.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">At the Duty Free on my way back from Italy, I found this priceless gem, a mixed herb concoction of dried garlic, parsley, peppers + more. I highly recommend picking a bunch up for yourself and friends if you happen to be coming back from Italy. Pop into the Duty Free if only for this reason!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhxZCxoJquE/VDRUHoLHMjI/AAAAAAAAAu0/YM6vEg3PqkA/s1600/raffaelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhxZCxoJquE/VDRUHoLHMjI/AAAAAAAAAu0/YM6vEg3PqkA/s1600/raffaelli.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Buon Tilapia Appetito to All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-72442877567081310872014-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:002014-09-23T15:22:06.735-07:00Happy Fall! Trader Joe's Bliss Offerings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AdgvRljH1k/VCHr6oH3UZI/AAAAAAAAAts/4ILcGAynyK0/s1600/roasted%2Bcorn%2Bon%2Bblue%2Bplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AdgvRljH1k/VCHr6oH3UZI/AAAAAAAAAts/4ILcGAynyK0/s1600/roasted%2Bcorn%2Bon%2Bblue%2Bplate.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fall isn't my favorite season. I'm a Spring chick. Love me some Spring! But, Trader Joe's is easing my transition into Fall with two new offerings, one of which I was recently wishing could be found in their frozen vegetable section: Roasted Corn! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I usually dislike corn that is not fresh. Last week I was adding corn to a salad and wishing I had had time to roast it first. It would have been so much better. Well, this is a phenomenal substitute for fresh grilled corn. It has the smoky flavor, and the just perfectly cooked (i.e., not overcooked, mushy, or soggy) kernels.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1vxywfKeGI/VCHsBGpKzPI/AAAAAAAAAt0/hCcO65Jqg1s/s1600/roasted%2Bcorn%2Bin%2Bbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1vxywfKeGI/VCHsBGpKzPI/AAAAAAAAAt0/hCcO65Jqg1s/s1600/roasted%2Bcorn%2Bin%2Bbag.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">nd, then this vegetarian delight: Spinach & Kale Balls. They taste shockingly like my homemade spinach gnocchi. They are light and delicious. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoLEp0WkuII/VCHya1pgEAI/AAAAAAAAAuA/QUuCmGFRJdc/s1600/spinach%2Bballs%2Bin%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoLEp0WkuII/VCHya1pgEAI/AAAAAAAAAuA/QUuCmGFRJdc/s1600/spinach%2Bballs%2Bin%2Bbox.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Throw that all together with some lettuce, yellow tomato, avocado, fresh lemon, herbs and salt and you have a "Welcome to Fall, Bridget" Salad.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekV04ftsJc4/VCHya1eOP7I/AAAAAAAAAuE/v_B6yb0gzyY/s1600/spinach%2Bsalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekV04ftsJc4/VCHya1eOP7I/AAAAAAAAAuE/v_B6yb0gzyY/s1600/spinach%2Bsalad.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Buon Fall Appetito!</span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-68968530770429932282014-09-02T10:30:00.001-07:002014-09-02T10:30:10.307-07:0060's Labor Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tsNPTuCm94M/VAX7QhEebbI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/qjT74qyYH5U/s1600/Trifle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tsNPTuCm94M/VAX7QhEebbI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/qjT74qyYH5U/s1600/Trifle2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The theme was 60's and I knew I had to use the peaches that were at their absolute peak of ripeness. I thought grilling them and serving with ice cream would be most amazing for a Labor Day barbeque. But what's 60's about that? Maybe add Cool Whip? Not groovy enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The peaches were actually in this vintage large glass perfect-for-trifle vessel that I had recently purchased. So, a trifle it was. I merged a couple recipes I found and did this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u>Trifle-a-Go-Go</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">6 peaches sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1.5 pints raspberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1.5 pints strawberries sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 packages of instant vanilla bean pudding </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 tubs of Cool Whip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sponge Cake and/or </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Angel Food Cake (I used both but one or the other is great)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Raspberry Jam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Frangelico</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u>Optional (and not photographed here)</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Grilled half peaches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Grated chocolate</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Prepare the pudding. I added Frangelico (several tablespoons for me, but to taste for you) to cut the sweetness and add another layer of flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Set aside some of the most beautiful specimens of fruit to decorate the top of the trifle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Spread sponge cake with a layer of raspberry jam (not necessary but one of the guests at the party had made homemade raspberry jam so I thought it would be great to add). Lay it down as first layer. Add layer of fruits, being careful to lay some up against the side of the glass to make it pretty (you can see I forgot to do this with the first layer of fruit -- oops!). Then add layer of pudding. Then Cool Whip. Then I did a layer of angel food cake, fruit, pudding, Cool Whip. Then repeat it all over again...until you reach the top!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Refrigerate for a few to several hours to let it all seep together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I did add half a grilled peach to the top of everyone's serving -- again to cut the sweetness of all these ingredients. It put it over the top for me. Then a little shaved bittersweet chocolate just to make it look a tad more adorable...and then....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Put on the Beatles and chow down!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Buon Groovissima Appetito!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-81015742430418818492014-08-29T23:48:00.001-07:002014-08-29T23:48:35.885-07:00Laziest Delicious-ist Thing to Do with Your End of Summer Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPIVIv0SnkY/VAFy-7n3EoI/AAAAAAAAAs8/UoSTLoVPAUw/s1600/gazpacho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPIVIv0SnkY/VAFy-7n3EoI/AAAAAAAAAs8/UoSTLoVPAUw/s1600/gazpacho.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you are lucky, when you make this recipe, you will have a guest who matches the soup and the bowl you serve it in... you know, if you are lucky!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This recipe is absolutely the easiest gazpacho recipe you will ever see. And, have you tasted the yellow tomatoes that are out these days? Deliciosa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The recipe is from the August 2014 Food & Wine: <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/golden-gazpacho-with-avocado">Golden Gazpacho with Avocado</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I threw in some cilantro as well -- if your guests don't think it tastes like soap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Buon End of Summer Appetito Everyone!</span><br />
<br />Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22330809.post-29123798510337663752014-08-13T22:22:00.002-07:002014-08-13T22:22:58.171-07:00Lazy Most Scrumptious Vodka Tonic (or Gin & Tonic)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My friends made me the best Vodka Tonic I have ever had. Yes, we were sitting poolside under the Super Full Moon. Yes, the company was hilarious and lovely. Yes, the Vodka was perfect too. But this Tonic Water is nothing short of inspired. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Perfect Lazy End of Summer Drink...whether you mix with gin, vodka... or your alcoholic weapon of choice that buddies well with tonic...YUM!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LbFWnwKZXE/U-xGRCbLVhI/AAAAAAAAAsc/gE3JrId3XrY/s1600/Fever%2BTree%2BTonic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LbFWnwKZXE/U-xGRCbLVhI/AAAAAAAAAsc/gE3JrId3XrY/s1600/Fever%2BTree%2BTonic.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check out their equally inspired site: </span><a href="http://www.fever-tree.com/us/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fever-Tree Tonic Water</span></a></div>
Bridget Fongerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16444843510689434107noreply@blogger.com0