Rhythm Superfoods Kale Chips

I have a new obsession.

I was wandering around Whole Foods the other day, looking for new stuff to try, and I spotted these little buggers hidden away on a top shelf in the chip aisle. I've tried, unsuccessfully, to make kale chips before but they really don't turn out that well unless you have a dehydrator so I was eager to try these. I was definitely not disappointed! They come in 3 flavors, Kool Ranch, Zesty Nacho (channeling Doritos possibly?) and Bombay Curry. I've tried the ranch and the nacho. The nacho is spicy, just a warning :)

So the coolest part about these chips is that they are raw, vegan and gluten free, and they are made entirely from vegetables, spices, vegan nutritional yeast and vinegar. And since they are raw, they contain more than your daily value of Vitamins A and C, not to mention one bag has 10g of protein and only 200 calories. What's not to love?

Rhythm Superfoods also makes a bar that I'm hoping to try, I'll have to see if Whole Foods carries it. I'll definitely keep you all posted!

Curried Chicken and Squash

There is just not enough time in a day. I wish I could make the blog more of a priority, I just feel like I always have so much going on! But I refuse to leave you hanging as long as I did last time, so I'll jump right into it.

I've been wanting to test out this recipe for while, but to be honest, I'm a little intimidated by cooking squash, cause I never know how long to cook it so that it will turn out perfectly tender. But recipes exist for a reason so I figured I should give it a shot! My parents are getting used to being the guinea pigs for my experimentation in the kitchen.

I must say, as usual, this turned out great! Such a good blend of flavors. If you like curry, definitely give this a try!

Curried Chicken & Squash

1 1/2 c. butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 c. red onion, chopped
3 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 c. water
2 tsp. safflower oil
1 c. lite coconut milk
1 c. unsweetened almond milk
2 tsp. curry powder
2 tsp. dried cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil over med-high heat with onions and garlic until onions are transluscent. Add squash, chicken, jalapeno, pepper, and water. Cover and cook, stirring occaisionally, for about 15 minutes, until squash is fork-tender. Uncover and add both milks and curry powder and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes. Add dried cilantro (fresh works too, i just didnt have any), salt and pepper. Serve alone or with rice!

Serves 4-6

South Park Restaurant

Hey all!

Wow...I just realized I've been MIA for wayy too long. It's been a crazy few weeks. I hardly have time to cook, let alone blog about it. I have been cooking almost every night, but what's been happening lately is me getting stuff together in the morning and leaving instructions for my mom on how to finish the meal. Between work, kickboxing and what seems to be an overflowing social calendar, the blog hasn't been one of my priorities. But I promise I'll try to be better about it! Especially because I've got a few exciting recipes coming up, including my childhood favorite blueberry pie that I'll be adapting tonight for my dad's birthday!!

So I wanted to review South Park because I went there with my parents last night and I was beyond satisfied with my experience. South Park is a seafood/steak type restaurant downtown Portland that I honestly haven't been to for years. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only were most of the menu items gluten free, but the waitress was knowledgeable on the dishes and very accomadating. I always appreciate when servers are patient with my endless list of questions. I mean, its not like I'm trying to be difficult, I don't have a choice.

As an appetizer, we ordered a date dish that was basically warm dates, stuffed with marcona almonds and wrapped in a thin slice of cured ham. Omg they were soo delicious. I never in a million years would have dreamed up that concoction but it was truly amazing. I'm like still not over it.

For my main entree, I ordered a seafood, sausage and chicken paella. By the way, I don't know why but I have the hardest time pronouncing that word. Anyway, the only thing I had to ask them to leave out was the tomato...even the chorizo sausage was gluten free! And the dish was not only delicious, but the perfect portion size. I finished the whole thing and wasn't disgustingly full afterwards, which is always a good thing.

I'm always so happy to find restaurants that manage to make delicious food for me and still make my experience enjoyable. South Park definitely has that! I would definitely encourage you to try it out!

I'm going to try to stay true to my word and write more often, so stay tuned! I'm sure I'll have a lot to share!