Category Archives: Armelle

moment for me: italian date night …

June 3, 2013

As you know, I have been working with Haagen Dazs on their Moments for Me campaign.  This week they sent me and my husband on a date night to an Italian cooking class.

This was such a perfect choice for us, since I love to cook, and we have always wanted to attend a class together.  And, let’s be honest, this night couldn’t come soon enough, we needed a little time away from the kids to spend time just with each other which seems to more and more rare as our children get older.
The night was fun, and we were able to make some fresh Italian dishes.
We made the most amazing homemade fresh ravioli with a spring pea, ricotta, mint, and basil filling.
It was so so good!  I can’t wait to make it again!  I was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be!
We were able to taste various balsamic vinaigrettes.
And, we finished off the night by making some amazing salmon in a lemon caper sauce, and some panna cotta with strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar.  
Such a fun, and tasty evening!  Just what we needed!
Be sure to check out other moments for me, and tag your moments with #hdmoment on your social networks, and Haagen Dazs will share their favorites on their tumblr page!
[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, all photos by me.]

asian style sesame almond green beans …

May 16, 2013

I love to eat fresh vegetables, and to add a little unique flavor to a vegetable that I wouldn’t normally think of.  I love the combination of freshly cooked green beans with sliced almonds and sesame.  It is the perfect addition to your meal!
Asian Style Sesame Almond Green Beans
1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced into little slivers the size of a dime
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Sea salt and Fresh ground pepper
In a large skillet, place green beans and 1/4 cup water over medium heat, and put the lid on it.  Allow the beans to steam until fork tender.
Drain the beans and set them aside.
Heat olive oil, sesame oil over medium heat.  Fry the sliced pieces of garlic on each side until golden brown and then add green beans back into the skillet a long with the almonds, sesame seeds, and some salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.  Stir over medium heat, and continue to cook until green beans are soft, but still firm.  Serve immediately.
Enjoy!

ding dong, it’s the ice cream man

May 1, 2013

The nice thing about working with a company like Haagen Daz, is that on random days of the month, I’ll get a knock at my door, and there on my porch will be the newest flavors of gelato!  Pretty much a dream come true, right?!

I’ve had some particularly crazy/rough/busy days the last few months, so it has been nice to have a little gelato “friend” with me when I’ve been tackling my crazy email inbox.  Seems to help a bit!

Sometimes even when you don’t have a minute to spare, it’s nice to take a brief moment to yourself before you have to get back to the grind.

Be sure to share your #hdmoment, and Haagen Daz might share yours over on the Haagen Daz tumblr page!

[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own]