Sweet Love and Ginger

Jessica

Maple Chipotle Winter Roast Veggie Salad

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This is a great recipe for bringing a little summer to winter time vegetables.

Maple Chipotle Winter Roast Veggie Salad

Sometimes in winter things can get a little dull. Everyone is making soups, stews, and sauces with mainly creamy and savory components. Don’t get me wrong I love that stuff but sometimes I just want some freshness in my life even if it’s frozen tundra outside. Some freshness and some heat. Who says we can’t eat summery style food with our winter veggies? Not I.

What I’m getting at is that this recipe is the perfect way to squash the summery food craving. The sweet heat of Chipotle and Maple combine to bring a summer barbecue-esk flavor that lends itself well to the warm roasted veggies and fresh kale. Spiced squash seeds add just a touch of the necessary crunch to bring this whole dish together.

Maple Chipotle Winter Roast Veggie Salad

Maple Chipotle Winter Roast Veggie Salad
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1 red onion, peeled and quartered twice
  • 2 turnips, peeled and quartered twice
  • 2 beets, peeled and quartered twice
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled & cubed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup squash seeds, cleaned & dried
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups chopped kale
Instructions
  1. Place the onion, turnip, beets, and squash on a large rimmed sheet tray. Sprinkle with chili powder and drizzle with roughly 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the veggies are soft.
  2. Reduce the heat to 325 and spread the squash seeds in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle with remaining oil and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until they begin to pop in the oven. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
  3. To assemble the salad place half the kale in each bowl, top with cooled veggies, seeds and drizzle with Maple Chipotle vinaigrette (Recipe Follows). Serve immediately.

Maple Chipotle Vinaigrette

1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended. Serve immediately.

Maple Chipotle Winter Roast Veggies

Meal Plan 12.13.15

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This is a meal plan based on the real recipes that I cook at home every week. Amidst the hectic week this week we are now counting down the days until Christmas, which is next week. Again this week we are all about keeping it clean, healthy and super easy.

Monday – Parchment Tilapia with Roasted Squash

Tuesday – One Pan Stroganoff (Except we will use venison) & Salad

Wednesday – Crockpot Asian Beef with rice & salad

One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner | Cooking Classy

Thursday – One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner

Easy Burrito Bowls - Skip Chipotle and try these burrito bowls right at home. It's easier, healthier and 10000x tastier!

Friday – Burrito Bowls

 

Filed Under: Meal Plan

Hadley Mountain Hike

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Hadley Mountain Hike

Hadley Mountain 12/6/15 – 4 mi. RT

Last Sunday was kind of a big day for me. I made it through my first solo hike. I know that to many experienced hikers it seems like a silly thing, but for me it was huge. I’m finding it more and more difficult to find people to hike with so I’m coming realize that I need to just bite the bullet and go on my own. I’m a capable woman, and can handle most situations, so really there isn’t anything that I should be scared of, though both Miss Amy and Chuck might disagree. They worry, but after this trip went well I think they will feel a little better.

Hadley Mountain Hike

Brody and I tackled Hadley Mountain, as part of the Fire Tower Challenge. This is the 3rd mountain in this challenge that I have completed. I chose this one for my first solo hike, because it’s fairly short, and only about 10 minutes from my mom’s house if for whatever reason I need someone to come save me.

When I left my house it was pretty cold and gloomy so I layered up, which I was thankful for in the beginning, but I was stripping off layers as I made my way above the low hanging clouds and into the sun. By the time I reached the summit it was crystal clear and beautiful. I really liked the way that the clouds blanketed the mountains, and I was surprised at the great views that were to be had all around.

The trail itself was great, while there was some ice it was minimal and I was able to avoid using additional footgear. It was fairly steep the entire time, but I was out to get a work out anyway, and it was only 2 miles one way.

Hadley Mountain Hike

Brody had a blast as well. For some reason this crazy dog always wants to climb up the fire towers and then about halfway up starts to whine, I assume because he’s scared but he keeps going up. I think next time I will have to be quick to tie him up at the bottom. The stairs can be sketchy, and he likes to go a little too fast, which makes me a little too nervous, especially when there is no chicken wire to catch a clumsy pup. I’m pretty sure there has not been a hiking trip where he hasn’t fallen at least once. He’s reaching 3 years old I would like to think he will start to wizen up a bit, but so far that doesn’t appear to be happening.

On the way down Brody and I stopped chatted with the nicest German gentleman. In his early 80’s he was just out for a morning hike like us. I was super impressed with his physical prowess for his age. He told us how upsetting it was for him when they told him he had to stop running in his late 70’s. He was seriously impressive and I really hope that I can be in that kind of shape when I am his age. I’d also like to be as happy. I mean really this guy is my new idol.

 

Other Mountains in the Fire Tower Challenge:

Snowy Mountain Hike

Snowy Mountain Hike

Hiking Blue Mountain

Hiking Blue Mountain

Satay Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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This is a great recipe for Satay Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Utilizing the flavors of satay chicken in a new and unique way.

Satay Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps with peanut suace

I am just not in the Christmas Spirit this year. Call me a Grinch, but decorating has never been high on my priority list and as someone who is trying to downsize their stuff and move away from the excessive commercialism that is part of our culture the idea of shopping for more commercial stuff is just not appealing. Aside from the occasional soup I am not really into the Christmas food yet either. I’m hoping you guys won’t mind my lack of Christmas Posts this year, I mean everyone else in blog land is doing them so you can get your fill elsewhere, and I will just be your escape from it all.

This recipe is pretty much the last thing I think of when I of Christmas but as far as keeping it healthy and delicious around here it was perfect. So, perfect.

Both Chuck and I loved this recipe, and it came together quickly which is always a good thing, especially when your time is limited.

Satay Style Chicken

Cooking the chicken in a pan this way means that it can then be put over salad greens or steamed veggies with rice to create a number of different kinds of meals. I love versatility.

Now I know that the ingredient list looks gigantic, but do not let it scare you. If you enjoy Asian style foods you probably have most of these in your pantry already, so there is very little actual prep time, despite the large list of things.

Seriously give it a shot. It’s a great way to break up those heavy holiday foods with some healthy Asian style excitement.

Satay Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Satay Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • Chicken
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite size pieces
  • Peanut Sauce
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
  • Romaine or butter lettuce leaves for serving
  • 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
  • ½ a red pepper julienned
  • 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl whisk together the sesame oil, ginger, garlic, turmeric, lime juice, and honey. Add chicken and toss.
  2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minute to 2 hours.
  3. Once marinade, heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the chicken. Cook chicken, while stirring for 6 to 8 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and sriracha until well blended and set aside.
  5. Stuff each lettuce leaf with carrot, pepper, and chicken. Drizzle with peanut sauce, top with scallions and serve.

 

10 Great Christmas Party Ideas

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Today is a special treat! We have a guest post from Chrystina of ChrystinaNoel.com all about Christmas themed parties. Things are a little busy on me end with the holidays and all so I’m happy to have her stopping by to help me out. Enjoy!

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Hi everyone! Chrystina here, where I’ve been blogging for four years about handmade greeting cards, hosting parties, and how to stay in touch. How did JC and I become friends you might wonder? Well, about two years ago she left a comment on my about page that said, “I’m a civil engineer who likes to host parties too!” and from that moment we were friends. We’ve even managed to hang out in person a few times.

Chrystina Noel Christmas Post - JC and Chrystina

JC and I do parties a little bit differently though. JC does food. Goodness does she do food. She cooks appetizers, entrees, and desserts for as many people that will fit in her house. I tell people to eat dinner before they come so all I have to do is serve them snacks, desserts, and beverages while focusing more on the theme of the party. So today I’m here to share with you 10 ideas for themed holiday parties.

1. Engineer some Gingerbread Houses

As a civil/architectural engineer it would be a shame to not mention Gingerbread house making. Have all of your friends bring a tub of frosting and a different kind of candy and all you have to do is supply the graham crackers, plates, and holiday music. It’s a great opportunity to let out your inner architect – and get a pretty wonderful sugar high.

Chrystina Noel Christmas Post -Gingerbread

2. Sing a Song

If you’re a singer invite your friends over for a sing-a-long, especially if you have a friend who plays the piano. It’s very easy to put together a caroling book using lyric sites from the internet, or you can buy ones with the music included for cheap as well. If you’re feeling extra-inspired, try taking the act on the road and go door to door!

3. Swap Some Cookies

This is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Each year at the Christmas party my friends show up with a tray of cookies and everyone leaves with 12+ different kinds to add to their collection. Not only that, but we get a chance to try a lot of great new recipes every year to add to our collection.

Chrystina Noel Christmas Post - Cookies

4. Watch a Holiday Movie

There are so many holiday movies – from classic to corny to comedy. Have everybody bring their favorite movie and then take a vote once everybody arrives about what movie they feel like watching. Add to the holiday cheer by drinking some hot chocolate with candy canes in it or light the fireplace.

5. Write your Holiday Cards

Instead of sitting at home writing your holiday cards, why not have a party for everyone to write their holiday cards together? It’ll give everybody the chance to check something off of their to do list and catch up with each other along the way. If you want to make it extra fancy buy some holiday stickers; red, green, silver, gold, and blue fancy pens; and pretty envelopes.

Chrystina Noel Christmas Post - Cards

6. Get Together to Wrap Gifts

Another good way to check something off your to do list is to host a holiday wrapping party. If everybody brings a different kind of paper and an accessory (whether it’s ribbon, bows, or tags) you can add a lot of variety to your gifts and personalize each and every one.

7. Host a Gift Swap or Secret Santa

If you have a tight-knit group of friends, why not host a gift swap or Secret Santa to celebrate the holidays? There are so many ways to do this. You can choose the person, buy a general gift, swap the gifts, steal the gifts, or leave a series of gifts throughout the month – the possibilities are endless!

8. Decorate your Tree

Invite your friends over to help decorate the tree. Turn on some Christmas carols, drink some hot chocolate, and open up a bottle of wine to help set the mood. Then as a party favor you can give each one of your friends who helped a special ornament to take home to their own tree.

Chrystina Noel Christmas Post - Tree 2

9. Taste Some Holiday Beverages

Speaking of wine – there are so many holiday beverages out there: hot chocolate, boozy hot chocolate, spiced cider, spiked cider, eggnog, spiked egg nog, mulled wine, wassail, and a bunch of really fun cocktails. Take this opportunity to try a few you haven’t tried before and don’t usually get the opportunity to try at other points of the year.

10. Photoshoot

Set up a photo booth in your home and get some holiday props – Santa hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, reindeer antlers, holiday books, mistletoe, and bells and host your own holiday photoshoot. Use garland, banners, or curtains to create a solid backdrop and add a little bit of fun!

Chrystina Noel Christmas Party Ideas

There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays, now all you have to do is choose your favorite and start planning. And remember sometimes all it takes to celebrate the holidays is an ABC Family movie and a box of Nestle hot chocolate mix – with mini marshmallows of course.

If you’re looking for more Themed Party Ideas, check out my most recent e-book, which you can download for free at Chrystina Noel. Happy planning!

From TXSC15 650x650Chrystina is a blogger, papercrafter, and self-taught party hostess living in Philadelphia, PA. She blogs about party logistics, handmade greeting cards, and staying in touch with people you love. Interested in learning how to better stay in touch with people you love? Check out her e-book, How to Stay in Touch. You can also find Chrystina on twitter, instagram, and pinterest.