Let Asheville Sweep You Off Your Feet: Asheville NC Part 2. Thrill, Infatuation & Romance. In Other Words, Zip Lining, Jonas Gerard & The Biltmore Estate

This might be the longest blog post title ever on Mango & Tomato!
If you missed my previous post, make sure to read Let Asheville Sweep You Off Your Feet: Asheville NC Part 1. First Date. And just so that you are not confused, a little reminder: I came up with an idea for how to summarize my Asheville trip: I'll write about it as a progression of a romantic relationship. The first date; the

This might be the longest blog post title ever on Mango & Tomato!
If you missed my previous post, make sure to read Let Asheville Sweep You Off Your Feet: Asheville NC Part 1. First Date. And just so that you are not confused, a little reminder: I came up with an idea for how to summarize my Asheville trip: I'll write about it as a progression of a romantic relationship. The first date; the

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Let Asheville Sweep You Off Your Feet: Asheville NC Part 1. First Date.

When I don't travel, I get restless. I need something exciting and fun and new to look forward to.

That's just how I am.



Last October I booked a flight and room at a fancy Hotel Indigo and headed to Asheville, North Carolina. I knew little about the city, but was able to build an itinerary of eating out, checking out the local art scene and just walking around. I loved the quaint downtown,

When I don't travel, I get restless. I need something exciting and fun and new to look forward to.

That's just how I am.



Last October I booked a flight and room at a fancy Hotel Indigo and headed to Asheville, North Carolina. I knew little about the city, but was able to build an itinerary of eating out, checking out the local art scene and just walking around. I loved the quaint downtown,

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Where to have Brunch in Seattle: The Fat Hen

Earlier this month I had to take an impromptu trip to Seattle. It was a sad occasion, but I managed to have a little bit of fun nonetheless. One such fun occurrence was meeting Anna and Lera for brunch at The Fat Hen.

The Fat Hen is a perfect example of the type of place you want in your neighborhood: kind service, solid food with an inventive spin, and beautiful decor. On a Sunday we

Earlier this month I had to take an impromptu trip to Seattle. It was a sad occasion, but I managed to have a little bit of fun nonetheless. One such fun occurrence was meeting Anna and Lera for brunch at The Fat Hen.

The Fat Hen is a perfect example of the type of place you want in your neighborhood: kind service, solid food with an inventive spin, and beautiful decor. On a Sunday we

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Visit to Columbia Pike Farmers Market in Arlington, VA. What's in Season?

This past Sunday I checked out the new-to-me Columbia Pike Farmers Market with Mary and her super cute daughter Josie. Since I'm actually in Asheville, NC for the weekend (holler!), I just took photos of the pretty flowers and produce and helped Mary carry her purchases ;) I'm a great mommy helper.

The market had a good amount of produce, some hand made soap and even a live band. I liked that it

This past Sunday I checked out the new-to-me Columbia Pike Farmers Market with Mary and her super cute daughter Josie. Since I'm actually in Asheville, NC for the weekend (holler!), I just took photos of the pretty flowers and produce and helped Mary carry her purchases ;) I'm a great mommy helper.

The market had a good amount of produce, some hand made soap and even a live band. I liked that it

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

What to do with Sour Cherries: Sour Cherry Country Crisp and a Visit to Butler's Orchards

Last year I went to Butler's Orchards with Cecilia and Laetitia to pick sour cherries. We had an incredible time and I picked ten pounds!

This year, Cecilia planned another trip to Butler's Orchards and we were joined by Stacey and K.

Unfortunately, this year's crop was crappy. The cherries that were low enough to pick were damaged. I managed to pick only 5 cups of sour cherries and then

Last year I went to Butler's Orchards with Cecilia and Laetitia to pick sour cherries. We had an incredible time and I picked ten pounds!

This year, Cecilia planned another trip to Butler's Orchards and we were joined by Stacey and K.

Unfortunately, this year's crop was crappy. The cherries that were low enough to pick were damaged. I managed to pick only 5 cups of sour cherries and then

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

What to do with Lamb Rib Roast? Recipe for Lamb Rib Roast with Zucchini and Potatoes

Lamb. What can I say? In the last year, lamb and I have come to know each other pretty well.

When I received an email from Superior Farms letting me know that they've launched its Facebook Supper Club and inviting me to enter the Supper Club Photo Contest for a chance to win a $500 gift card, I said YES!

Last week, I received three cuts of lamb: rib roast, boneless leg of lamb and ground

Lamb. What can I say? In the last year, lamb and I have come to know each other pretty well.

When I received an email from Superior Farms letting me know that they've launched its Facebook Supper Club and inviting me to enter the Supper Club Photo Contest for a chance to win a $500 gift card, I said YES!

Last week, I received three cuts of lamb: rib roast, boneless leg of lamb and ground

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Recipe for Lemon Cream. Pucker Up!

It looks like this week is all about sharing recipes I made from my growing collection of cookbooks. Hope you don't mind! I might share a restaurant review with you over the weekend...or make you wait until next week.

Last month, I received a preview copy of Grace's Sweet Life. The book is all about desserts: Homemade Italian Desserts from Cannoli, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta to Torte,

It looks like this week is all about sharing recipes I made from my growing collection of cookbooks. Hope you don't mind! I might share a restaurant review with you over the weekend...or make you wait until next week.

Last month, I received a preview copy of Grace's Sweet Life. The book is all about desserts: Homemade Italian Desserts from Cannoli, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta to Torte,

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chilean Sea Bass with Coconut Rice and Avocado Kiwi Salsa from Serve Yourself Cookbook by Joe Yonan

You guys, this is one of the best recipes I've made in a very long time. It's simple, pretty, delicious, satisfying and takes less than 30 minutes to make. This Chilean Sea Bass with Coconut Rice and Avocado Kiwi Salsa is slightly adapted from Serve Yourself Cookbook by Joe Yonan. I've made two recipes from Joe's book (pistachio cookies and pickled onions) which I loved, so I had high

You guys, this is one of the best recipes I've made in a very long time. It's simple, pretty, delicious, satisfying and takes less than 30 minutes to make. This Chilean Sea Bass with Coconut Rice and Avocado Kiwi Salsa is slightly adapted from Serve Yourself Cookbook by Joe Yonan. I've made two recipes from Joe's book (pistachio cookies and pickled onions) which I loved, so I had high

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Julia Child's Vichyssoise Recipe: Cold Leek & Potato Soup. JC100

I'm part of JC100! What is JC100? It's a celebration of Julia Child! We are provided with Julia's recipes, make them and blog about them.

This is my first recipe (out of 5 provided) so far. I decided to make it because it's incredibly simple and screams COMFORT food!

All you need are potatoes, leeks, chicken stock, salt, cream and chives. That's all!





Vichyssoise
{Cold Leek and

I'm part of JC100! What is JC100? It's a celebration of Julia Child! We are provided with Julia's recipes, make them and blog about them.

This is my first recipe (out of 5 provided) so far. I decided to make it because it's incredibly simple and screams COMFORT food!

All you need are potatoes, leeks, chicken stock, salt, cream and chives. That's all!





Vichyssoise
{Cold Leek and

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Pan Roasted Red Grapes with Farmer's Cheese, Garlic and Thyme: Easy Appetizer Idea

A few weeks ago, Pinterest was being bombarded (in a good way!) by gorgeous photos from Alexandra's Kitchen for Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Fresh Ricotta & Grilled Bread.

The recipe was straight forward, and the final results seemed drool-worthy.

I filed it away in my brain for things to try.

Then I made Frozen Peach Yogurt and had quite a bit of whole milk leftover. Plus, heavy cream.

God

A few weeks ago, Pinterest was being bombarded (in a good way!) by gorgeous photos from Alexandra's Kitchen for Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Fresh Ricotta & Grilled Bread.

The recipe was straight forward, and the final results seemed drool-worthy.

I filed it away in my brain for things to try.

Then I made Frozen Peach Yogurt and had quite a bit of whole milk leftover. Plus, heavy cream.

God

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

My Version of Mexican Corn: Dress Up Your Corn. No Grill? Use Your Panini Maker!

Happy Monday! I'm sad this is not another three day weekend, but such is life. I've spent the weekend eating out and shopping with great friends, salsa dancing, swimming laps in the pool and cooking. I'll share those recipes with you later, but for today, let's talk about corn.

I love corn. Fresh, frozen, even canned. I like it in soups, salads, or simply boiled.

Below is my version of Mexican

Happy Monday! I'm sad this is not another three day weekend, but such is life. I've spent the weekend eating out and shopping with great friends, salsa dancing, swimming laps in the pool and cooking. I'll share those recipes with you later, but for today, let's talk about corn.

I love corn. Fresh, frozen, even canned. I like it in soups, salads, or simply boiled.

Below is my version of Mexican

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Herbivoracious by Michael Natkin: Latin American Green Lentil Salad

One of the fun things about volunteering at the Eat Write Retreat in May was the swag. Who doesn't love food related freebies?

One of the items in the swag bag was a cookbook by blogger-turn-cookbook author Michael Natkin.

Michael's book has the same title as his blog: Herbivoracious. Try saying that ten times ;)

The cover of the book is absolutely stunning. The book itself contains 150

One of the fun things about volunteering at the Eat Write Retreat in May was the swag. Who doesn't love food related freebies?

One of the items in the swag bag was a cookbook by blogger-turn-cookbook author Michael Natkin.

Michael's book has the same title as his blog: Herbivoracious. Try saying that ten times ;)

The cover of the book is absolutely stunning. The book itself contains 150

reade more... Résuméabuiyad