The Randomest Post Ever

March 7, 2014 6:00 am , 3 Comments ,

For the sake of this post, let’s just say that randomest is a word.

So, it’s Friday. Woot! And of course, I have a bunch of random thoughts floating around in my head that need to be shared. :) You’re welcome!

1. It has been brought to my attention several times now that readers are no longer receiving email updates when I publish a new post. I looked into it, and it seems that I did in fact go from ~150 subscribers to exactly 3. Gah! Really sorry about that, guys!

The fix I am about to propose will take a little bit of effort on your part because I tried to solve the problem on my own with WordPress but had zero luck.

So, IF you are interested in receiving updates whenever a new post goes live, I suggest you sign right back up the way you did before (under where it says “Subscribe to Blog via Email”). OR you can follow me on Twitter, where in addition to new post updates, you will get an up close and personal look into my inner thoughts. OR you can like my Facebook page and be privy to even more fun updates. It’s your choice!

2. In my last post, I asked the question – what book should I read next? I then went and picked out something all on my own. Go figure! I am now reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. In all honesty, I am only 10 pages in but so far so good.

unbroken

In fact, according to its Amazon page, Unbroken is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, Hailed as the top nonfiction book of the year by Time magazine, Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for biography and the Indies Choice Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year award. So yeah. I think it’s going to be pretty good.

3. Vishnu and I are officially obsessed with Season 2 of House of Cards. This show is nuts! So many twists and turns – and we’ve only watched six episodes. I have a feeling a marathon House of Cards session is in our future…as in this weekend!

4. Miami sunrises are the best.  So happy I’m a morning person and able to capture these shots.

Miami sunrise

5. Tonight is date night at Vapiano. Pasta and pizza here we come.

6. I have to talk about a few of my new favorite snacks. Because I pretty much live to eat.

So these Jalapeno Cheddar Sweet Potato Puffs were gone in exactly two days (and Vishnu did not help). Vishnu has, however, enjoyed handfuls of these Sweet and Spicy Nuts (I use half almonds and half cashews). I love Lindsay’s recipes because they are made with real ingredients, come together in no time, and taste delicious.

I am also slightly obsessed with these Banana Bread Muffin Tops by Angela at Oh She Glows. MAKE THESE ASAP. So freaking good.  I added walnuts to my second batch (~1/4 cup chopped).

banana bread muffin tops

Well, that’s it for the randomest post ever! Happy weekend!

Posted in: Book, Food, random , Tagged: , , , , , ,

2014 Reading List – 3 Books Down

March 5, 2014 6:00 am , 6 Comments ,

At the start of 2014 I boldly stated that I was going to read one new book every month.  And I am happy to report that as of March 5, 2014 I am ahead of the game – three books down already!

Since I enjoyed each of these books, I thought I would share a little more about them (without giving anything away of course!) in case anyone else is looking to add to their reading list.

Book #1 – The One Good Thing by Kevin Alan Milne

the one good thing
The One Good Thing is a very sweet, somewhat predictable book about how one good deed leads to the next and so forth and so on.  It was an emotional read that made me think about how little it takes to make a difference in someone else’s life.  The underlying message in this book is definitely one that all readers can benefit from.

Book #2 – When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde

When I Found You
This book surpassed all my expectations – such an interesting and unique storyline.  From the moment Nathan (main character #1) finds Nat (main character #2) in the woods, both of their lives are connected and changed forever.  And that’s all I’m going to say!  But honestly, I wanted to dive into the pages and give each of the main characters huge hugs just to let them know that everything would be ok.  It was emotionally gripping in that way…a book that gets inside of you and won’t let go until well after you are done.

Book #3 – Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You
I honestly thought this was going to be one of those girl meets boy type stories, but it was so much more than that.  It was pretty much impossible to put down, emotional, and witty.  It’s a true love story.  Will and Lou (the two main characters) will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.  Their stories, both together and as individuals, are absolutely tragic and beautiful at the same time.

As a heads up, the book addresses the very controversial issue of what constitutes a life worth living and who gets to make that decision.  While I find myself on the fence, this book made me realize that sometimes there are no good choices.

Help me decide what book #4 should be!  I’m looking for suggestions.

Posted in: Book , Tagged: , , ,

Stovetop Tofu in 10 Easy Steps

March 4, 2014 6:00 am , 16 Comments ,

The other day my mom called me sounding a little defeated. She wanted to substitute tofu for paneer in a particular dish but had no idea how to cook the tofu to achieve the texture she wanted.

Can we just take a moment here…my mom, one of the greatest cooks on the planet (no bias here!), asked ME for help in the kitchen.

Ok, I’m done.

There are probably a bunch of delicious ways to prepare tofu, but my favorite method involves a grill pan (or any large frying pan), cooking spray, tofu, and the stovetop.

I used to be a baked tofu person but became a stovetop convert rather quickly when I tasted the difference between the two cooking methods.

Baked = slightly more chewy and tough.
Stovetop = crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

So here’s what I shared with my mom…stovetop tofu in 10 easy steps!

1. Remove extra-firm* tofu block from packaging.

Stovetop Tofu 011

2. Wrap tofu in paper towels to create a wrapped package of sorts.

Stovetop Tofu 013

3. Press down on block with body weight.

Stovetop Tofu 015

4. Place a heavy object (I always use a text book) on the wrapped block and let sit for 15 minutes.

Stovetop Tofu 016

5. Unwrap tofu and cut into whatever size you desire.

Stovetop Tofu 022

6. Spray grill pan (or large frying pan) with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat.

Stovetop Tofu 030

7. Arrange cut tofu pieces on pan and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes until brown.

Stovetop Tofu 039

8. Flip over and cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes until brown.

Stovetop Tofu 048

9. Remove from pan and let cool.

*No pic for this step because the tofu basically went from pan to mouth. :)

10. EAT UP!

Tofu pieces can be used in curry, on a salad…whatever you want really! This method create delicious tofu that comes out perfectly every time.

And I must thank my talented in-house photographer for these pictures!  He did an amazing job!  Thanks, Vishnu!

*I have only used this method with extra-firm tofu.

What’s your preferred way of preparing tofu?

Posted in: Food , Tagged: , , ,