Caramelized Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla with Spicy Strawberry Salsa

Photo by how Sweet it is.

Seriously, how does one come across a beauty like this and NOT continue to pass on to my fellow foodies? I am one of those people that LOVES food, yet suffers from chronic severe nausea, how unfair is THAT?! Being that I deal with that constant battle, when I find something that actually sounds good and that I can eat, I get beyond excited! I came across this recipe today done by the people over at how Sweet it is and just needed to pass it on to you! It is a delicious mix of spicy and sweet, and we could all use a little bit of both in our lives. Try it for yourself and come back to let us know how your's turned out! I think that the only swap out I would make would be parsley for the cilantro. I have never been able to stomach cilantro very well, so it is a normal "swap" for me.
Caramelized Pineapple Quesadillas
serves 2
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, cut into squares
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 vidalia onion, diced
1 small poblano pepper, seeded and diced
1 boneless, skinless grilled chicken breast, shredded
6 ounces monterey jack cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup freshly torn cilantro
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Add pineapple and toss with salt and cinnamon, cooking until caramelized and golden, flipping occasionally – about 6-8 minutes. Remove pineapple and place in a bowl, then add another 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil, tossing in onions and peppers with a pinch of salt. Stir and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes, then remove from the skillet and place in the bowl with the pineapple.
Reduce the heat in the skillet to low, add another 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Place a tortilla down, then cover in a sprinkling of cheese (make sure you leave enough for the second quesadilla), chicken, the pineapple, onions and peppers, and cilantro, then add another sprinkle of cheese. Cook until tortilla is golden, then gently flip, keeping the ingredients inside, and cook until other side is golden. Repeat with remaining quesadilla, and serve with strawberry salsa.

Photo by how Sweet it is.

Spicy Strawberry Salsa
1 medium tomato, chopped
3/4 cup chopped strawberries
1/4 red onion, finely diced
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/3 cup freshly torn cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and mix thoroughly. The longer it sits, the more flavor that develops. Keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Revolutionary by David Eichenberg

Revolutionary
7.5” x 8” (Without Frame)
15” x 14.5” (With Frame)
Artist Designed and constructed frame) 23K Yellow Gold Leaf and 13.25K White Gold Leaf over White Oak. 2009
Oil on Panel

This was a portrait that I modeled for and the first of many done by artist David Eichenberg. I told him many times that he has NO idea just how much this changed who I was. It all came along, perfectly timed, at the right point of my life. The fact that he called it Revolutionary was monumental for me. Forever will it be a turning point for me. All my selfishness aside, he is an amazing person who I have been blessed to have gotten to work with. Blessed to have seen yet another beautiful creation come out of him… www.davideichenberg.com

Summer Chili for a Raining Day

 

It has been raining all morning here and the gloom is getting to me, makes me want to cook… I’m in a bit of a predicament though, because the Lemur King is sleeping and I can’t go out to shop for the needed ingredients. When I am finally able to go shopping though, you can bet that I am going to pick up the things needed for a summer chili. I have been craving it lately and had to go on a hunt of sorts this morning to find a good recipe. The chili gods answered me though because I came across this beautiful recipe over at The Smith Scoop and couldn’t contain myself! It had to be shared… She even has this amazing little trick with a pie plate and grease that was SO simple, yet made SO much sense! So click on the photo and go check it out!

Taking a Moment in the Park

Very rarely lately have I stopped to take a moment to myself.  This fact alone has been wearing on me, as I normally try to take the moments that I need in order to keep my head clear. That lacking of time is showing some ugly truths that I’d rather just turn a blind eye to. It’s hard for me to admit when I am getting slightly “out of control,” and even harder to then reverse my actions and do the right thing.

Luckily, my little downtown area, Kellogg Park, of Plymouth, MI has just the place for it. It pains me that I am going to have to move away from this area. I love the fact that it has the BIG open park in the middle with every shop you could possibly want within walking distance. Not to mention, if hanging out for a drink is your thing, I think there is something like five or six bars within the small downtown area, so there is no lack of socializing! Especially in the Summer, the kids and I like to spend quite a bit of time down there. The surprising thing? Plymouth is filled with wealth and yet, this city has always accepted the uniqueness with which I have chosen to live my life. There is that lack of stares and disrespect that I get most places. Can’t even explain how much I appreciate that. I definitely need to start taking more time to clear my head than I have been. There was a reason that I fell in love with this city in the first place, it brings me peace…

My Boy and the Mushroom

I haven’t been to Plummer Pool in Sylvania, Ohio in close to ten years but ended up going today with my boys. Mom said that she couldn’t work the camera on her phone, which was of no surprise to me. The surprise was finding out that she actually was able to get a few shots and I just loved this one. This was the Lemur King’s first time around a water “mushroom” and he was clinging to me like a little monkey! He would stick his hand out so the water could hit his hand, but then scream and laugh in delight all while acting like he wanted to run away.

I get the biggest kick out of people. Funny how many people make remarks about my hair as if I am not standing in earshot. The biggest misconception still being that my hair is dirty. Please people, think about this logically, with all the advancements we have made in technology, science and otherwise, don’t you think that there are cleaner ways to put your hair in dreads?

Living the Day Under a Beehive

I have no idea what to do with this mess! When it is hot like this, I am reminded of just how heavy my long locks have become. When it is down, it is hard to remember the pain that comes from wearing my hair up for the day. You do know that I welcome your suggestions, right? I mean, I totally trust your opinion when it comes to this type of thing. I am not complaining in the least, just pointing out today’s realization. Throw some ideas at me, my friend…

Ultimate Pretzel Crusted Peanut Butter Cookie Candy Brownie Bars

I know that I am lacking somewhere in my life and I am sure that it has to do with my God or my ego… Normally I back-pave those holes with food. Yes, I eat my feelings. For those that know me well, you know that I have battled severe nausea for years now. So, for me, when I get a hankering for something, my brain just does not stop until I feed the need. This week it has been chocolate and pretzels. It has gotten so bad that I stopped at Caribou Coffee, looked at the Barista as if I was waiting for her to read my mind and up word vomitting on her about wanting a Snicker’s in a cup. Of course it did not come out as smoothly as, “May I please have something that tastes like a Snicker’s?” No, there were many more grunts of inaudible words as the thought tried to make it’s way out of my mouth. She for sure thought there was something wrong with me… well, something more than my norm.
All kidding and my grunts aside, I have been falling apart trying to find something that might spark my interest. I came across this beauty of a recipe over at BabyGizmo.com… Ultimate Pretzel Crusted Peanut Butter Cookie Candy Brownie Bars How’s that for a mouthful? I am trying to stay away from the fat content and ignore all the usual bells and whistles, this is purely for the pleasure of having beautiful Noms. Check it out and tell me what you think…

My Nachos

I have been noticing a pattern lately in my eating habits... It is a Mexican kick again. I swear, sometimes I could eat the same foods for a month straight, then all of a sudden, I can't take another bite of "it" for six months! Today I decided to throw myself together some black bean nachos while I was making the Lemur King his foods. Snagging a bit of the black beans and rice, those were the first to go on the tortilla chips... I ended up throwing on some tomatoes that needed to be used up, a little green onion, and cheese of course. Went out of my way to bake them in the oven to spoil myself a bit. Just threw them on 350 degrees just until the cheese melts. For myself, I tend to go a bit overboard here, baking until all edges are brown and crispy. Once cheese is melted, carefully throw onto a plate, add Ortega Medium sauce, and sour cream Full of awesomeness...

1st Father's Day without Him

This weekend will mark the first Father’s Day since my Dad passed. I honestly wish that I could go without it, what does that say about me? I could easily redeem myself by stating that he would totally understand, but the underlying fact that I wish to be selfish in the first place is still there. When he passed, there were a lot of comments thrown around about my brother and I being adopted, so that somehow implied that we were effected less by his passing, or that he wasn’t as much of a father to us because he wasn’t blood? He was more a father to me than any man I had ever known. It was really quite ridiculous. It is funny to hear of stories about how uptight he use to be about people. My mother always said that he changed the way he looked at people quite a bit in the years they were married. We tend to have that effect on people, my mother and I.
He saw it all clearly before he passed, it was like talking to a completely new man. He understood the effect of negativity, he was ready to try anything to keep himself healthy, anything to get my mom back…  I know that I have said it before, but I will probably repeat it time and again, we were so very blessed to have those hours upon hours to talk before he went into surgery. I know in my heart that there is nothing that could replace that. I had that… his adopted, loved, caring step-daughter. We had that…
Can I tell you how it broke my heart that my son picked up his book of photos and before turning to the correct page, he started saying, “Papa, Papa?” It is the small times such as then that tend to catch me off guard and leave me a bawling mess. Think I might take the Lemur King to his Dad’s in Toledo and head over to Molly’s, my Dad’s favorite little diner to eat? His girls would get a kick out of that. Then maybe take a newspaper over to Charlie, Dad’s best friend. He’s in a home right now and he can’t stand it there. Wish I were able to take him out on my own, but I would be too afraid of him losing his footing and falling. We will have to see how it works out. So much to be done. I know that whatever it is that I end up doing,  Dad will be right there laughing his behind off. Such a comforting feeling.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread Pancakes

(Photo courtesy of My New Roots)

I am having the hardest time adjusting to any type of shift in my normal daily food habits. I know it's selfish and it may not be the best thing for me, but I just love food WAY too much! Shame on me that I use the fact that I am in shape to do as I please when it comes to eating. Though I have noticed lately that my skin is getting that "sag" to it. What the heck is that?! I am not even 40 yet! Maybe if I keep finding things this yummy looking to eat then the transition won't be so hard on me? Please check out these Gluten-free Banana Bread Pancakes from My New Roots, they are just awesome over there!

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust and Salted Caramel

I am a complete sucker for a cheesecake. It has got to be one of my favorite things in the whole world! That being said, when I came across a recipe for a Vanilla bean cheesecake with chocolate crust and salted caramel, I thought I had died and gone to heaven! Can you imagine? Well our friends over at Former Chef have sure figured it out!

Hot Dog Wraps- Take 1

So, I almost panicked when Spyder said he wanted hot dogs! I remained calm and chose to spice them up a little bit so that I could stomach the thought. We decided to wrap them in Pillsbury Biscuits! I added a half slice of “cheese” to mine. My oven bakes quite high, so I was baking them at 325 degrees until golden brown. I didn’t want to run the risk of the outside burning and the biscuit dough not being done, or the hot dog being cold, on the inside. We serve our’s up with a side of ketchup and spicy mustard around here. Perfect snack for a cold afternoon!

Monkey Bread Leftovers

So, this evening Spyder had asked for hot dogs for dinner. We very rarely have hot dogs, so there were no buns in the house. I had decided to spruce up our dogs by wrapping them in Pillsbury Biscuits. As much as I hate to admit it, serve with a side of ketchup and spicy mustard, they turned out pretty good! There is a forever mental struggle whenever I am dealing with hot dogs, but these were darn tasty! That being said, we only used a couple biscuits for dinner so I had to think of something on the fly...


I decided on Monkey Bread. This recipe is so simple and I honestly change it up each time I make it. Being that I was not working with a full can of biscuits, I decided to skip using a pan to cook it in and decided on a 2 c Mason jar instead. 

First I cut the biscuits into bite-size pieces and tossed them into a bowl of cinnamon and sugar to coat.

Next, toss all yummy coated pieces into greased jar. I cheated and used cooking spray.

 

Once almost to the top (they need room to grow), you could probably skip this step, but I added a big spoonful of butter and a dash of organic Vanilla Extract. mmmm

Then into the pre-heated oven at 325 degrees...

 until it looks like this....

I want to say that it took close to 20 mins., but honestly, my oven is extremely funky and I kind of guesstimate everything. Please feel free to ask any questions! 

Mexican Inspired Morning

I am missing my trip to Mexico more and more these days. Maybe it’s the changes going on that my brain feels like I just need some time away… Whenever I have a funk like this going on, I try my best to incorporate little things into my day, just as little reminders of those times that I long for. This morning, it was part of my breakfast… 

For this quick fix, you will need…

A couple sliced mushrooms, eggs, some spinach, fresh avocado or quacamole, EVOO, salsa, hot sauce, shredded cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic and bread of your choice (or a tortilla)

First wash and chop onion, mushroom, avocado and garlic. Throw a bit of mushroom and onion in hot pan with a dash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and saute till almost tender. Throw in a handful of spinach and some chopped garlic, to your liking. When almost cooked, break 2-3 eggs in pan making sure to break the yolks! I like to cover the pan and cook over medium heat until eggs are no longer runny. I then sprinkle with cheese and recover. Make a couple pieces of toast to eat as a sandwich or one to use for an open-faced sandwich. Finally, when eggs are cooked, cut to size of bread, top with sour cream, avocado, salsa, hot sauce, etc. 

Avocado Quesadillas

Avo-dilla
vegan, makes 4 triangles

1 wrap or tortilla (if using extra large lavash bread, you may need to slice in half - and have a more square shape rather than a half-circle)
1/2 ripe avocado, sliced

1-2 tsp vegan butter (Earth Balance)
1-2 tsp maple or agave syrup
pinch of seasoned salt
additional spices for inside or outside of the wrap - optional

Directions:

1. Melt the vegan butter in a very hot skillet.
2. Add the tortilla. Toss it around in the melted butter a bit to wet all sides.
3. Lay "butter-tossed" tortilla flat in the pan and quickly add the avocado. Mash the avocado a bit into the tortilla and fold over one side - just as you would a quesadilla. Note: you can also sear the avocado a bit in the hot pan if you'd like a warmer - softer avocado filling texture.
4. Drizzle the maple syrup over top the hot tortilla and wait for the sizzling to begin. The maple syrup will caramelize with the butter to brown the edges of the wrap.
5. Carefully flip the tortilla so that both sides brown. If a few ago slices spill out, just open the wrap and slide them back in. And if you really want, you can add some Daiya cheese to make the tortilla stick together (not needed for flavor though!) The heating process is pretty fast - just a few minutes from start to finish.
6. Remove skillet from heat or transfer avo-dilla to plate to cool.
7. Slice and serve warm! Yummy with hot sauce. You can also add more spices over top the warm ago-dilla to flavor a bit.
Enjoy!

(source)

Spiderman's Laundry

Making my way to Better Health in Plymouth on such a dreary day, this is what I came across…

I had to chuckle being that recently I watched a documentary on HBO about real-life Superheroes … LOVED it!!! Actually, you can follow the Real Life Superhero Project on both Twitter and Facebook! There should be an explanation of how incredibly giddy I was when I found that out, but I just haven’t been able to come up with the words yet. Of course I joined both!  I want to sit down with all of them for a day and photograph each in their everyday settings. 

I know that this gentleman is not dressed as a superhero, yet something about the Spiderman hoodie and the, what seems to be, Spongebob lounge pants, my thoughts got the best of me. What if that’s how it was for Spiderman to run out to grab his laundry from the corner laundrymat? Just throw the mask back, no care about the world… makes me giggle. 

Homemade Black Bean Nachos

I have been noticing a pattern lately in my eating habits... It is a Mexican kick again. I swear, sometimes I could eat the same foods for a month straight, then all of a sudden, I can't take another bite of "it" for six months! Today I decided to throw myself together some black bean nachos while I was making the Lemur King his foods. Snagging a bit of the black beans and rice, those were the first to go on the tortilla chips... I ended up throwing on some tomatoes that needed to be used up, a little green onion, and cheese of course. Went out of my way to bake them in the oven to spoil myself a bit. Just threw them on 350 degrees just until the cheese melts. For myself, I tend to go a bit overboard here, baking until all edges are brown and crispy. Once cheese is melted, carefully throw onto a plate, add Ortega Medium sauce, and sour cream Full of awesomeness...

Cottage Cheese Pancakes | Weelicious ™ - Fast, Easy & Fresh Homemade Home Made Baby Food Babyfood Recipes, Toddler Food and recipes for the entire family!

These look incredible! I am always counting on Weelicious for great recipes!

Cottage Cheese Pancakes | Weelicious ™ - Fast, Easy & Fresh Homemade Home Made Baby Food Babyfood Recipes, Toddler Food and recipes for the entire family!

My Window is Lonely

I have got to say that I want one of these so badly... My birthday is coming up, hint hint... 
Window Farm

MEGA PARTY