appetizers | Apple Crumbles

Union Square Cafe: Smoked Trout, Vegetable, Squash Gratin

It looks like a dip doesn’t it? I guess that might be an idea. This dish can be served as a hearty and healthy appetizer, with a little modification of course. If the ingredients were all chopped small, then offering the Gratin with crudités or crackers might prove to be the hit of the party. Serves 4 – as a meal 8 – 12 oz Smoked Trout, peel off back skin and break into pieces. 4 TBS extra virgin olive oil – separated 2 tsp minced garlic 1 onion, chopped 1 bunch (about 8 – 10) green onions, chopped and [...]

By Joanne|2014-02-19T14:49:11-05:00February 19, 2014|Union Square Recipes|Comments Off

Union Square: Tangy Artichoke Cauliflower Ragout

T G I F! I know, I know… don’t wish your life away but Friday’s are just so darned fun! It seems in our work place, which, I have to say is stress free, healthy, fun, we all STILL count down ‘til Friday. What happens on Friday to make it such a great day? Hmmm…not sure but I think it has to do with the fact that Saturday morning follows which is the day the alarm does not go off. That’s not to say we don’t wake up at the same early hour, it’s just not triggered by an alarm. [...]

By Joanne|2013-12-06T11:19:48-05:00December 6, 2013|Union Square Recipes|1 Comment

Artisan Nut Thins: Crisp and Delish

If you’re not familiar with Naturally Savvy, you need to get familiar. It’s a source for the healthier side of product purchasing. But it’s not only that. Naturally Savvy is all about healthy living. The other day, I received a product called Artisan Nut Thins. Flavors of Sesame Seed, Multi Seeds, and Flax Seeds. Being the crispy cracker lover that I am, all three boxes were opened. Blue Diamond hit the nail right on the head with this product. These are slightly salted but full of flavor. I was eating them plain but Ted happened into the kitchen and [...]

By Joanne|2013-08-20T14:43:25-04:00August 20, 2013|product review|Comments Off

Avocado Banana Toast

For this interesting blend of flavors, you have to begin by making the bread. Very easy and not your standard bread recipe. The next day, it’s even tangier and I do mean the bread. It gets tangier. Recipe makes 1 large standard loaf 3/4 cup luke warm 2 % milk 1 1/4 tsp yeast 1 small avocado – mashed 1 medium over ripe banana – mashed 2 tsp lime juice 1 tsp citric acid (optional since not many home bakers have this in their cupboard) 2 cups all purpose flour 1 2/3 cup bread flour 2 TBS beet sugar (granulated [...]

By Joanne|2013-08-06T14:44:29-04:00August 6, 2013|Health and Nutrition|1 Comment

Summer Sniffle and Microwave Mushroom Queso Fundido

Of all the times to come down with a cold! My parents are home for two weeks visiting, I’m getting into the pre-marathon phase training and it hits. The dreaded summer cold. Sore throat for two days with itchy ears and eyes followed by left face syndrome. If you don’t know what left face syndrome is, it’s when all cold symptoms migrate to one side of the face. This time, it was my left side. The left eye watered, the left nostril tickled, caused sneezing then got plugged. All left side symptoms. Cut me in half and I’d feel fine…on [...]

By Joanne|2013-07-23T14:21:21-04:00July 23, 2013|Quick Meals|3 Comments

Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese with Bacon Slices

In just a couple of days it will be time to run another 15K, The Utica Boilermaker Road Race. It can be fun or it can be tough depending on the goal. It’s not a flat course but the hills aren’t overly aggressive either. The crowd support is maxed out. You won’t see a more motivating crowd than what you witness while running from East Utica all the way to Varick Street by Saranac Brewery. And lets not forget that HUGE post race party with music, food, beer, and celebration. What are my expectations? I try not to expect anything [...]

By Joanne|2013-07-11T20:18:51-04:00July 11, 2013|Food|2 Comments