I’m sharing a tried and true recipe that I’ve been preparing for years.  Marilyn Diamond wrote the “Fit for Life” cookbook to partner with her then husband, Harvey, as they led many devotees to a healthier lifestyle back in the 1980’s.  I’ve got both the small paperback’s as well as Marilyn’s “American Vegetarian Cookbook” that is filled with some of the most delicious recipes.  I’m not a vegetarian, preferring to think of myself as a “Flexitarian”.  I eat red meat when my body craves it, which is not often.  This particular recipe is enough to sate anyone’s appetite with delicious fingerling potatoes mixed in with all sorts of greens, all topped off with a yummy lemon garlic vinaigrette.  You can easily bring meat into the meal with a grilled steak, chicken breast, fresh fish or seafood.  So, here is one of all time favorites, updated a bit from the original recipe!

Award Winning Potato Lover’s Salad

1/2 pound yellow, fingerling potatoes

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika

2 cups broccoli florets, slightly steamed, substitute with string beans or asparagus if you’re not a broccoli lover

4 cups butter lettuce, chopped

2 cups organic baby spinach

1 cup radicchio, shredded

1/2 purple onion, finely diced

To assemble the salad:

Steam the potatoes in a vegetable steamer until just fork tender.  Remove the potatoes, save the water for the broccoli to steam.  Melt the butter and combine with sea salt and paprika.  Toss the tender potatoes in this mixture.  Break the broccoli into two inch pieces and steam for about 3-4 minutes, drain and rinse in cold water.  Place all of the salad greens and onion into a large salad bowl with the brocolli.  There are two methods you can choose from to prepare the potatoes.  I saute them in a skillet until they are a bit crusty and browned.  You can also put them under your broiler, on medium high, and cook them that way if you choose.  When the potatoes have cooked, scattered them over the top of the salad and drizzle with lemon garlic vinaigrette.

For the dressing:

1 large clove garlic

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Freshly ground black pepper.

Crush the garlic and put into a small mixing bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine.  Drizzle this dressing over the salad with more on the side if needed.

That’s it!  Simple and really delicious!  I’d love to know if you try the recipe.  Happy Thursday!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 04 21st, 2016 | No Comments »

As a writer I am constantly searching for interesting new words.  Words that are not common, that speak to how I feel and to what I believe.  Today’s word is from ancient Greece.  Agathist …..a person who believes that everything will ultimately turn out for the good.  Similar to the word optimist, an agathist focuses on the positive instead of dwelling on the negative “what ifs”.  The longer I live the more aware I become of the absolute fact that we are in charge of our attitudes.  We are in charge of choosing happiness, positive thought patterns and the people who make us feel good about life and about ourselves.  Yes, there are people who are literally toxic for us and we need to distance ourselves from them.  When you realize you are not a victim of anything except the thoughts you think and the decisions you make it is extremely freeing.  It takes practice.  The more you practice the more you’ll become aware of the many negative patterns and imprints you allow into your thoughts.  But they can be erased and reworked.  Being an agathist is a wonderful goal.  It doesn’t mean things we consider negative or “bad” will not happen to us, but our reactions to these things can be shifted so that we accept and move on.  Harboring negative thoughts is damaging mentally and physically.  So ponder on today’s word and see how it makes you feel.  Quiet your mind and focus on the positive.  Miracles can occur when you begin a daily practice of this!  I can guarantee it!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 04 20th, 2016 | No Comments »

I’m putting together a list of “must visit”places now that I am living in historic Louisiana.  As I make the journey to the various locations I’ll post my own personal experiences.  For now I’m beginning by sharing several of the destinations that entice me and call out to be at the top of my list.

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana is number one on my list of places I want to explore.  This lovely plantation sits on a hill overlooking the city of St. Francisville.  But don’t be fooled by its quiet exterior.  There are tales of ghost sightings and actual photographs of several.

The Legend of Chloe is fascinating.  This photograph has been inspected and dissected only to be found real.  There is no trick photography, no photoshop….nothing but the appearance of a slave girl between what once was the General’s store and the butler’s pantry.  You can clearly see her standing in the breezeway between the two buildings.  If only she could tell us her story!

The history of The Myrtles Plantation dates back to 1796 when “Whiskey Dave”, General David Bradford, fled the United States following the Whiskey Rebellion.  He purchased The Myrtles, then a 650 land grant from the Baron de Corondolet.  Thus began life on this beautiful property.  The general’s son-in-law, Judge Clark Woodruff, sold the plantation in 1834 to Mr. Ruffin Stirling who brought the property up to its current grandeur.  Wrought iron porches were added, French chandeliers and marble hearths are just a few of the improvements made by Stirling.  The grounds of the plantation are full of flora and fauna visitors now enjoy as they walk along the pathways under centuries old live oak trees laced with Spanish moss.

There are many stories and tales of ghosts that play into the history of this grand property.  I cannot wait to visit!  This photo of a young girl was taken with a digital camera.  Do you see the clear from of the child, dressed  in Antebellum clothing?  Oh how I would love to see this myself.  Who knows!  All of the ghosts may appear when I make my journey to The Myrtles!  I’ll have a full report when they do.  Oh….don’t forget!  When you visit this historic plantation save time to wander through the charming town of St. Francisville.  Its many shops and eating establishment may entice you to spend a few days in this historic town located right on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River!  Here’s to living in Louisiana!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 19th, 2016 | No Comments »

It’s Sunday and I am sharing a beautiful piece by the fabulous composer, John Williams.  John Williams, in my estimation, is the most brilliant composer of our time.  The many soundtracks he has gifted us with have brought the screen to life and given meaning to many a  script.  Without his music the stories we have loved and continue to watch would have nothing to pull them together and capture our attention.  “Where Dreams Are Born” is the name of this work by Mr. Williams that was part of the soundtrack for the movie, “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”.  The soloist is Barbara Bonney.  I think you’ll love listening to this calming music.  It’s the perfect way to start the day!  Wishing you a wonderful day of relaxation and enjoyment!  Do something just for you!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 17th, 2016 | No Comments »

I’ve been thinking of this word a lot lately.  I am a creative soul.  I thrive on being creative.  The only times I find myself feeling low or down are times when I have neglected this all important part of my spirit.  If I allow myself to become depressed or overly concerned about daily living it literally negates my ability to create.  And, in the same turn, when I allow myself to let my imagination soar and I put my fingers on the keys of my computer, my pen on paper or my brush on a canvas all of the little things that really mean nothing disappear.  For this reason I am extremely concerned about the constant hacking away at the arts in our world today.  In schools the arts are not given the emphasis they deserve.  Children must be creative!  They cannot be put in a box and be expected to fit in.  They are each individuals just we all are.  Without creative expression we are just lost souls wandering around searching for happiness.  Today think of what brings you joy!  Even if it’s finger painting…..get out the paint and go for it.  Take your camera with you wherever you go to capture things of beauty.  Start writing your memoirs or that novel you know lies deep within you….even if you never get it published….DO IT!  CREATE!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 04 13th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

On Sunday I promised a post on my favorite new eating spot!  Carmo….A Tropical Cafe on Julia Street in New Orleans is just my kind of place.  Healthy foods, all made from scratch and creatively combined to offer a menu that has me wanting to go back for more!

The healthy juices you’ll find at Carmo are literally “Super” juices brought in from Brazil.  You won’t see these power packed elixers anywhere else.  With names like Caja, Cupuacu, Graviola and Acerola you’ll enjoy the flavors as well as the healing qualities each of the juices featured contain.  Get your daily vitamin C as well as plenty of anti-oxidants.  And if you want something more on the cocktail side have a shot of  Cachacha, the famous Brazilian spirit that will help you relax at the end of a busy day!

Chef Dana Honn and his lovely wife, Christina, are co-owners.  You’ll find Wataru Sacki cheffing in the kitchen as well as Beth Korn as General Manager.  What a winning team!  They provide a splendid fusion of Southern Coastal, East Indian, Caribbean, West African and, of course, South American.  They are on the bandwagon with sustainable food, seasonal and locally grown.  Here is just a sample of what you may enjoy when you visit!

A scrumptious array of freshly made salads.  The Carmo that includes Rice, pineapple, avocado, almonds, cashews, raisins, cucumber and so much more.  You can order the salad with or without the smoked ham.  This cafe is a vegan’s paradise!

Two other salads we loved were the Esmeralda, packed with high protein Quinoa and black beans with a delicious dressing, toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh cotija cheese top it all off.  Then the Broken Noodle Salad which combines rice noodles, mung bean sprouts and lots of yummy fresh veggies.

I loved the gluten free sandwich, the “Rico, that is comprised of a grilled plantain patty topped with melted cheese, freshly smoked pulled pork, avocado and a fabulous salsa fresca.  The pork is raised at George Family Farm near Tuscaloosa  and the flavor is outstanding.  When you taste pork that is raised this way with the just the right corn and other grains being fed to the livestock you will not believe the difference!

There are always wonderful specials daily at affordable prices.  This is the place you’ll run into the healthy “Hip” crowd in New Orleans.  You may also want to know that Carmo has a great private party room on site for your next special occasion as well as full catering services.  Carmo has it all and I thank Chef Dana for being such a great host!

Cafe Carmo – 527 Julia St. – (504) 875-4132 – http://cafecarmo.com/

Melissa | food & entertaining | 04 12th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

I love the music of composer, Ludovico Einaudi.  This piece, “Primavera”, is perfect for this fine spring Sunday.  This is a season of rebirth and renewal.  It feels more like the new year is chiming in now more than in the depths of winter to me.   This is the time to refresh your life, open the windows and let the breeze blow through your home.  Plant beautiful flowers……spend time in nature……go for a long walk alone and savor the  moment.  I hope you all will have a glorious day!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 10th, 2016 | No Comments »

I’m doing something a bit different today.  We’re celebrating the 6th Annual Best Chefs of Louisiana during the month of April here in the New Orleans area.  The American Culinary Federation New Orleans Chapter and The New Orleans Mission have joined together to host this annual event that features outstanding chefs in our region.  You might recognize some of the past honorees including Chefs John Besh, Susan Spicer, Tory McPhail and Paul Prudhomme.  Tuesday, April 12th, is the night and the historic Lakefront Airport is the place.  This year’s chefs will be honored for their many contributions to the culinary scene in New Orleans.  You’ll have an opportunity to taste some of their signature dishes when you attend this amazing event.  Music will be provided by Louisiana Spice and I’m featuring music by them today.  You’ll be up dancing and enjoying when you order your tickets here:  www.acfno.org, or call 504-559-7485.

This organization has given so much back to our community.  This year the ACFNO’s Best Chefs of Louisiana fundraiser has chosen the New Orleans Mission and the ACFNO culinary scholarships fund for their 2016 charities.  The Mission provides shelter in 60 different locations for homeless men and women.  They are the largest faith based private service provider to the homeless population in the area serving 244 people daily.  They provide food, shelter, clothing and spiritual guidance to the hurting and hungry.  The New Orleans Mission is committed to meeting the physical, social and spiritual needs of the homeless community.  The ACFNO’s scholarship enables college students in the pursuit of careers in the culinary arts field.

I had the pleasure of enjoying a fabulous lunch at the hot restaurant, Carmo.  Chef Dana Honn, an ACFNO honoree, treated us to an array of absolute deliciousness that I’ll write more about in Tuesday’s blog post.  I am in my glory meeting all of the wonderful chefs and experiencing the restaurant scene in this culinary mecca!  You’ll be reading about more great food and fun events weekly!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 10th, 2016 | No Comments »

I’m sharing a recipe from a fellow blogger today.  Is there anything better than warm yeast rolls with butter?  There is something so comforting about the flavor.  My step daughter served these delicious rolls at Easter and I had to have the recipe.  She surfs the web as much as I do and quickly told me “Baker Bettie”.  Never having heard of this blog I could not wait to get home and look it up.  I was not disappointed!

You can find this blog at www.bakerbettie.com.  There is so much deliciousness to be found on the site you’ll love taking your time, browsing through recipes and the many other things you’ll find there.

BakerBettie.com

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Melissa | food & entertaining | 04 7th, 2016 | No Comments »

Illusion…..  It has been said that life is an illusion.  Over my years of reading and studying it makes more and more sense to me.  All groups who practice positive thinking speak of thoughts being things and of our ability to create our own realities.  This concept puts the responsibility on each of us, as individuals, to shape our worlds and make them what we want them to be.  We are not victims in the scheme of things.  Once we realize that our “dis-ease” with our lives comes from the thoughts we think continually and the imprints made on our minds as children by our elders and peer group we begin to transform and our lives change forever.  Remember the children’s song “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”?  I always love the line “Life is but a dream”.  I like the concept of creating Illusions.  Taking responsibility for my thoughts and actions is freeing in a way nothing else is.  Yes, I believe in a higher power and I think once we do take responsibility for the way we have chosen to live it is much easier to let go and let that power show us the way.  To me this is the challenge of living.  It is a challenge I embrace and work to achieve each day….always asking to be of service to others and be shown my path.  It’s not a path I may have chosen, but when one lets go the true path makes itself clear and we begin living from the heart and not the mind.

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 04 6th, 2016 | No Comments »