IZZE, A Nom Treat!
July 11, 2009
Izze is one of my favorite refreshing treats, and yet the first time I noticed the name and brightly colored box I had always avoided it thinking it to be one of the many energy drinks. After all, the can size matches them and even with its bright colors it blends in with the others.
But then one day the word “clementine” caught my eye and I decided to explore it further. Looking at the ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised and had to give it a try- I love it! It is so refreshing and absolutely delicious.
Simply fruit juices and sparkling water, no preservatives or other nonsense. Not to mention it is the perfect size- not too much, just a great taste. It is great for those cravings, too- I like the bubbles of a soda but not so much the syrup taste or texture, it bothers me after a while. But with this- no worries, it is just a crisp clean flavor. nom!
I’ve tried as many as I can get my hands on- when I find something I love I want to try them all. So far the clementine and grapefruit ones are my favorite, though the lime izze in the glass bottle is also very heavenly. I love that natural tartness.
I’m starting to see IZZE show up in more places now which is great, I’ve been having to hunt for them on my own for a while now. I am always determined to have some in the house.
On another note- I bet it would taste GREAT mixed for a cocktail, especially the sparkling grapefruit. Will be trying that sometime soon, too! This could definitely lead to some refreshing cocktails. Yummy.
Delicious Pear Salad With Goat Cheese- Nom! ♥
April 25, 2009
Alright, I am traveling at the moment- but right before leaving we had some food in the refrigerator that we wanted to finish first. There wasn’t much left, but enough random items to wonder what to do with. Very quickly, I took what we had left and curiously mixed it all together to see what would become of it- wow, I am making this one again!
All we had left in the fridge was some Napa Cabbage, and goat cheese. We also had some red pears sitting on the counter that needed to be eaten. I love pears, and I love them on salads so I mixed them together and crumbled the goat cheese all over the salad. For dressing, I just drizzled on some aged balsamic vinegar and I was done.
Fantastic- the goat cheese with the red pears alone taste marvelous… so dreamy, a perfect snack. And the balsamic vinegar with the cabbage make the whole thing work, too.
If you are making this at home, you an use any ‘green’ you chose- maybe even some arugla, mixed greens, or spinach leaves. Make it your own, and if you don’t feel like having a salad, the red pears sliced and covered in goat cheese crumbles is a wonderful treat! Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar for some extra taste- I love this combination!
So there you have it, a last minute uncertainty turned into a delicious surprise!
Mmmmm… Strawberries!
April 10, 2009
Yesterday we went to the grocery to pick up a few items, and these straweberries were looking irresistable to me. I haven’t had any in the house for a while, and thought they would make the perfect snack.
I also had my usual delicious breads and goat cheese on hand, so once I got home I thought I’d make a quick yummy bite.
I originally purchased the strawberries for having them in salads or on their own, but then I wanted something different! So I toasted up a few pieces of bread (tearing them to make them bite size friendly), and added some goat cheese.
Sure, it looks kind of messy at first but that’s the beauty of it- it doesn’t have to be perfect. I used some wheat dinner rolls for this one- I like how the edges crisp up but the middle stays very fluffy and warm. It is a lovely combination with the goat cheese. Cream cheese or other styles would also taste delicious for this quick and pretty snack.
Next, I sliced some strawberries and placed two slices on each piece. The look comes together very nicely (and you can see how the previous mess doesnt’ matter). They are rich small bites and perfect for those little cravings between meals. I was enjoying a glass of my Grand Cru Cuvee Rene and thought strawberries and cheese would be a perfect mix. And it absolutely was!
Who ever said a pretty and fabulous gourmet snack had to be a complicated one? This one is quick, easy, and delicious! Make it even more delicious with a light vanilla sause or even a red wine vinager drizzled on top- savory and sweet and very rich!
Lovely Little Bites Of Yumminess
August 18, 2008
Alright, So I have been out of town over the weekend and naturally somehow everything in the fridge has either vanished or is on its last breath. I’m hungry and it is pouring rain outside- I’m stuck with what I have for now.
Some things have not even been in there that long- honestly it seems to happen every time we travel no matter how short or long the time. Oh well, this trip was a bit of a late notice so we did not have much time to prepare the house before leaving. Normally I time out the food to run out just in time- that way I can purchase fresh new groceries upon returning without any waste.
Okay, As I have no intention of hauling groceries in the pouring rain… I need a snack to keep me happy in the meantime. My options which are left in the house are:
About a pound of gruyere cheese, Some (not a lot of) spinach, garlic, butter, and some cherries that may have a little life in them yet- we will see. Also, there is the tiniest bit of goat cheese left.
In the pantry there isn’t much, only thing I could really recover or use is a box of the Honey Butter Ritz Crackers (pretty yummy actually, they’ll do in a pinch any day).
Well, cheese and crackers are lovely on their own, but I need a bit more than that right now. I sautéed what was left of the spinach with the garlic and butter. A piece of Gruyere cheese and spoon of spinach on a cracker and it turns out to be quite the lovely treat! I repeat the process for as many as I am able to make and I must say I am quite satisfied for the moment. It will make the grocery visit a much smoother one.
What a lovely surprise- it is something I will actually repeat even when fully stocked with food. It doesn’t really need anything else to it, and the presentation is simple and quite nice.
Hmm.. those cherries are tempting, may go quite pretty with the goat cheese. The honey butter Ritz cracker tends to be a bit sweeter and would compliment it well. We’ll see how daring I am feeling. If anything, I’ll get some more once the rain lets up.
Here’s to more funny and delicious unexpected finds!
Yummy Yummy And On The GO
August 2, 2008
So the other day I found myself in an unfamiliar part of town at an early hour of the day with an appetite. My Fiance and I had attended a meeting in this area (about an hour or so away from our home) and decided some food was now in order.
Then we saw the Super Target and couldn’t resist but make a little stop. If anything we could replenish some grocery items and make something when we returned home.
Then there was the display of freshly baked and still warm bread- yes, the fogged plastic and heavenly aroma.
There was no way I was going to last until home. The lovely thing was they had a demi version of the baguette- just the right amount for the two of us and a bit easier to handle than the full sized version.
A few slices of hard salami and gruyere cheese and it was the perfect yummy meal we were looking for. I’ve always loved this for breakfast, but forget about it from time to time.
When I lived in Bay Harbor Islands there was a neighborhood French Bakery that actually offered it on the menu, and I would relax at a table either alone or with a friend sipping some coffee, enjoying my meal, and watching people pass by.
Now I can do the same but on the go. I usually prefer to sit and relax but sometimes things need to be done and it can be nice to have a little bite as you walk. Kind of makes me think of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, and all the more reason to enjoy it.
Glamorous Gourmet Bites At Home
July 27, 2008
Devilishly delicious and oh so simple to prepare-I love to incorporate it in any of my meals. Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Dough ads the extra bit of glamor to any bite you may desire.
I’ve made it on my own many times though I must say there is nothing wrong with the store bought- its prepared and ready and simple to use, not to mention less time consuming.
It is so easy to use that shapes and designs are simple and the results are lavish-you’ll look like a master of special reserved skill. Also its fun to let your creativity roam and be admired as well as enjoyed.
I adore to make my pizzas with phyllo dough- it ads that buttery crisp flakey balance to the creamy rich cheese. I tend to use goat cheese and gruyere on mine- topped with fresh tomatoes, pancetta and basil leaves. Yum.
On a day to day basis, I cannot help but prepare my favorite- a spinach pouchette. I keep it simple with spinach, gruyere, and garlic. Simple, easy, quick- and so wonderful.
The variations are endless and delicious. Experiment with the different styles, too- whether it is flat, in a triangle, rolled up, in a pouch, or in a creation of your own.
Dessert is just as easy as well-and as sweet as you care to make it
Delicate & Delicious Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches
June 17, 2008
One of my personal favorites at the tea table has always been the refreshing and delightful cucumber mint tea sandwich. A girlfriend of mine and I used to escape once every two weeks or so to this glamorous restaurant for afternoon tea. The decor was beautiful and we usually had the place nearly to ourselves. They would present a three tiered tower with scones and cookies, miniature pastries, and a small variety of tea sandwiches. It was a simple and luxurious treat.
The beautiful thing is it can be done at home either as a snack on your own or as a delight to be shared with friends. Its quite simple and you can make them as glamorous and distinctive as you like.
The recipe is quite simple-cream cheese, chopped fresh mint leaves, chopped or sliced cucumbers, and bread cut to your liking. I like to butter one side of the bread as well and season the cucumbers with just a tiny bit of salt for that extra bite.
Cutting the crust and then cutting the sandwich into halves or quarters is most common- but do not limit yourself. If you have some cute cookie cutters use them for fun and delightful results. When entertaining it looks like your a pro with all the finesse- and it takes no time or effort on your part at all.
Children may like them as well- add your own variation to their liking of course, but the shapes make them look like cookies more than food.
Use dill or tarragon to change it up or create your own unique little sandwich. Make a fun name for your friends if you like, “Cucumber me for Tea” or something playful.
Or just maybe pour yourself a nice cup of tea, sit outside or by a window, relax and have a few bites to yourself.
Grapes for Gourmet Healthy Bites
June 15, 2008
When it comes to gourmet simple natural ingredients are key. Simple and beautiful on their own, grapes are one of the easiest gourmet bites to have.
I like to wash them and place then in a comfortably sized zip lock bag- ideal for snacking anywhere and at any time.
Now, when I do this I always make at least two bags and with reason: frozen grapes.
So simple and devilishly wonderful (not to mention a great snack for those who are diet conscious). Its difficult to feel guilty about snacking on something so simple and so wonderful.
When grapes are frozen, they are like little bites of sorbet with a nice crisp peel. So velvety and smooth with just the right amount of sweet. For this reason, I always keep a bag ready in the freezer.
Grocery stores are making it easier now by boxing three styles of grapes together, making choice all the more easy.
Its a simple snack that is delicious and all so better than a bag of chips or a candy bar- not too mention the no involved mess of them.
Great at home or handy at work for the long hours between meals. It keeps you happy and your stomach as well.
