Category Archives: Recipes

castelvetrano olives

January 27, 2012

I have a hard time just walking by the olive bar when I am at the market, I always have to stop and pick up a few to sample.  It is so much fun to try the many varieties of olives out there.
A recent favorite is the green castelvetrano olives.  They are a beautiful bright green color, and are mild and buttery.  I could seriously eat them all day long!  They are delicate and light in flavor, and actually taste like olive oil!
Castelvetrano olives taste so fresh because they are not cured in vinegar like many olives, but they are brined in natural salt water to keep their freshness and amazing taste!  If you haven’t tried them and run into them at your local market, give them a try!  You may have just discovered your favorite olive!
I love to eat them plain, or toss them with extra virgin olive oil (just to coat), a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, red pepper flakes, and chopped dried or fresh oregano.  The combination is outta this world!
Enjoy!!

Recipe // mediterranean couscous salad

January 13, 2012

so, how are your new years resolutions to eat better coming along?

i am always trying to improve the way i eat.  some days are better than others, but i do know that when i make an effort to eat well, my body is much happier!

here is a great recipe that you could make ahead, and have on hand for a healthy lunch!

i just love pearl couscous!  if you haven’t tried it, you really should give it a try.  

click over to my zupas post today to learn more about pearl couscous!  click here.

{Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad}
Serves 6
salad
1 1/2 cup pearl couscous (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chickpeas, drained
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup parsley, minced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced in half
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
1 cup artichoke hearts from a can, drained, chopped
greek vinaigrette
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 tbs fresh basil, minced
1 tsp fresh oregano, minced
2 tbs fresh lemon juice
1 tbs agave nectar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
whisk together all ingredients except for olive oil.
slowly whisk in 3/4 cup olive oil a little at a time.
In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.  Add couscous, and stir.  Lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes until couscous is tender.  Remove from heat and spread couscous in a 9×13 inch pan to cool.
In a large bowl combine couscous and remaining ingredients with just enough vinaigrette to coat the couscous and vegetables.
Serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe // green beans

January 6, 2012

Somewhere along the way, I became one of those moms that make their children eat their vegetables at every meal.  I find it very important to eat healthy, and especially my children who are still growing.
We like many vegetables, but lately our favorite has been green beans.  My children ask for seconds, which makes me happy!
Green beans are very low in calories, and are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and folates.  Our favorite way to eat them is with some toasted garlic slices and pine nuts!  The toasted garlic slices really make this dish tasty, and they are not too strong when you cook them first.  They are a great side to any meal!
{Green Beans with Toasted Garlic Slices and Pine Nuts}
Serves 4-6
1 1b green beans, washed and trimmed (about 4 cups)
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
sea salt and fresh Ground pepper to taste
dash of red pepper flakes, optional
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Once oil is heated, add garlic slices and toast until golden and not burned.  When garlic slices are golden, remove from pan and set aside.
Add green beans and pine nuts to the remaining olive oil and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes stirring frequently.
Return the garlic back to the pan, sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, and stir.
Serve Immediately.
Enjoy!