September 17, 2011

Vegetable Millet Salad


Even though fall feels like it is officially here, our garden still thinks it's summer. We're still harvesting bell peppers, tomatoes, chard, kale, basil, and oregano. Soon, the turnips & beets will be ready, and another row of spinach is growing quickly.

I'm completely ready to start eating pumpkin & apple everything, but I still want the summer flavors for as long as possible.


We have purple & green bell peppers, so I used one of each for this recipe. The jalapeno is from my in-laws' garden and the onion is from ours. Both the carrot and garlic are store bought, though. Mom did grow garlic up at the cabin, though!


Later this afternoon we're heading to a house warming party that's about 1.5 hours away, so I wanted to bring something that wouldn't spoil in the car and would be tasty at room temperature. This medley has a lot of health benefits, of course from the veggies, but also from the millet. 

Millet is a great source of manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. This gluten free grain also aids in heart health, repairing of body tissues, preventing gallstones, and providing fiber in the diet. 

Added bonus: it's cheap, and quick & easy to cook!


Vegetable Millet Salad
Serves 8-10

1 c millet
2 1/4 c water
1/4 tsp salt
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 T minced garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped
3/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 c fresh oregano (or 1 T dried)
3 T white balsamic vinegar

In a small saucepan over medium heat, lightly toast millet to bring out its flavors. Once the millet releases an aroma, add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is completely absorbed.

Combine all vegetables in a non-stick skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Vegetables should still be crisp but no longer raw. Add pepper, salt and cooked millet. Stir to combine. Sprinkle with fresh oregano and drizzle white balsamic vinegar on top. Serve hot, if desired, or refrigerate and serve cold.


September 14, 2011

Anniversary Dinner


Thanks to everyone for the well wishes! :-)

For our anniversary dinner, we went to the Mount Hill Tavern.


Lots of sun on the way there. Traffic was crazy!


Our appetizer: Spicy Artichoke & Spinach Hummus w/ pita bread, cucumbers, and pepperoncini

The hummus by itself wasn't overly flavorful, but when I had a slice of the pepperoncini with it on the pita, it really brought out the flavors.


The Bup's drink: Malbec  (aged in a wood cask, which gave it a strong flavor that he loves!)
My drink: Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale   (I love berry beers!)


The Bup's salad: Caesar Salad with garlic-parmesan vinaigrette, brioche croutons, and shaved parmesan cheese.

Of course he got this. He's a caesar salad man.


My salad: Seasonal Lettuces with mustard vinaigrette, gorgonzola, sugared walnuts, and pears

I had this the first time we went there and it was the main item I was looking forward to having again. Delicious!


The Bup's dinner: Ricotta Gnocchis with wild mushroom ragout, leeks, mascarpone cheese, sun-dried tomatoes & artichokes.

I had a few bites, of course, and this was excellent! I loved the addition of sun-dried tomatoes.

My soup: Vegetable Barley with Mushroom

This soup had a good flavor blend, but it wasn't my favorite soup of all time. I think I would have liked it more with some kidney beans in it.


Our first experience at the Mount Hill Tavern was much better than this one, mostly becasue of the wait staff. Our waitress last time was very attentive and willing to help whereas this time our waiter didn't seemed to want to be there. We ended up going across the street for dessert at 3B's Ice Cream because we were tired of waiting. The Bup got Strawberry Cheesecake and I had Mocha Cookie. Both flavors were excellent!


He treats me like a princess! :-)

September 13, 2011

It's Been 3 Years!

It's been three years since we got married. Three happy years, full of love.


He keeps me sane.

He builds me anything.

He listens to me.


He makes me laugh.

He loves my (sometimes bizarre) cooking.

He tucks me in at night.


He travels with me.

He keeps me safe.

He acts like a little kid with me.


He dances with me.

He tells me I'm beautiful.

He loves me.

<3

I love him.

Thanks for a wonderful three years together! Here's to the rest of our lives.



May God bless our marriage and may God bless yours, be it now or in the future.



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