Homemade Bread

This week on Monday I did it! I made homemade bread. It turned out delicious. It took an entire 24 hours for the dough to rise. Right there that shows that I am a pretty patient person. The wait for it to rise was completely worth it. This bread is good anytime! With jam, butter, alone, with honey butter. I could go on...

The gift of a large cast iron dish with a lid to cook the bread was perfect. I don't think this recipe would have worked without it.

I'll see if I can share the recipe because it is a secret one thus far. For now just know I did it! Finally made bread : ).

Fish Tacos with Slaw

Summer is coming to an end slowly and Fall is right around the corner, one of my favorite seasons.  Really I love all the seasons though because they bring such different things, and foods.  To finish off summer I have been trying to use the grill more and make some dishes that especially feel right for this season.

The Spicy Fish Tacos with Slaw recipe turned out to be easy to make, and tasted delicious.  I liked how the slaw was not too over powering, yet packed the right amount of taste punch with the cumin, chili powder, and garlic combine. This recipe is also pretty healthy, which is a plus. 

I found the Spicy Fish Tacos recipe from a Women's Health magazine that I had from a few years.  The recipe can also be found on  this website.  I really hope you enjoy making this Spicy Fish Taco dish, and enjoy it with friends and family for a end of the summer gathering.

{Spicy Fish Tacos with Slaw}

{Some of the ingredients: shredded green cabbage, limes, plain yogurt}

{Ready to eat}

{The layers taste delicious}

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb halibut or mahi mahi
• juice of 2 limes
• 1/3 C nonfat plain yogurt
• 3 C shredded red cabbage
• 8 6" soft corn tortillas
• 2 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1.

Cut fish into bite-size chunks.

2.

In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Add fish and marinate for at least 10 minutes.

3.

Meanwhile, in another medium bowl, mix together yogurt and salt to taste. Toss with cabbage.

4.

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium high. Add fish and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning frequently.

5.

As fish cooks, wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.

6.

Divide fish evenly among tortillas. Top with cabbage mixture. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Let me know how the dish turned out for you?  Hope you have a great summer, and I will soon have a homemade bread to share.

Fall Flowers

Fall is just around the corner, and it is one of my favorite seasons! I love the bright autumn colors of the reds, oranges, and yellows.

There is nothing better than a cozy sweater and the new chilly weather the season brings. I don't love the cold, yet I love the changing of seasons colors.

Here is a beautiful flower arrangement that I found on Pintrest. I like the twist on the color pallet. Light pink was incorporate, which is usually thought to be a spring color. The light pink looks beautiful against the deeper richer shades.

The white miniature pumpkins and large and small candles add a special touch as well.

I can't wait to try a miniature flower arrangement of this later this fall.

Have you're having a great week!

Filoli Gardens

Going to the Filoli Gardens was one of the most memorable gardens I have seen yet. There are over 64 acres of gardens that you can walk around, and also get a 2 hour guided tour.

Over 1,000 volunteers upkeep the grounds. The tour is totally worth is and takes you through the old family estate as well. The land is preserved as a historic site in California.

I loved seeing all the English sunken gardens and large water features. There is also a herb garden that has a spectacular organic layout to it.

If you want to become inspired or relax for an afternoon definitely visit Filoli in the bay area.

Farmers Market Vanilla Cupcake

This cupcake was delicious from our local farmers market. The cupcake gave me a good surprise once I bite into it revealing a raspberry filling. The cupcake was light and had the perfect amount of sweetness. Now, I just need to go back next week and share the name of this fabulous bakery!

Half Moon Bay Flowers

This weekend I visited the seaside and saw these beautiful flowers along the coast. The vibrant orange and red colors really pop.

Lunch: Turkey Pita and Avocado Cucumber Salad

A delicious lunch that is easy to make at home for a meal or make the night before and pack for lunch.  I made this for myself for lunch at home and enjoyed the refreshing salad, and hearty turkey.

Ingredients:
 Turkey pita
-Whole wheat pita
-Sliced turkey meat
-Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Avocado Cucumber Salad
-Red leafed lettuce
-Parisian cucumbers
-Goat cheese cheese crumbles
-Avocado
-Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Directions:
Turkey Pita
1.  Slice open the whole wheat pita.
2.  Lightly spread the balsamic vinaigrette dressing on both sides of the pita.
3.  Add 2-3 turkey slices into the pita and enjoy!

Avocado Cucumber Salad
1.  Shred red leafed lettuce into a bowl.
2.  Slice Parisian cucumber and add to the side of the salad.
3.  Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles onto of the lettuce.
4.  Add 3-4 slices of fresh avocado onto the lettuce.
5.  Top the salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing (lightly).

Hope you all are staying cool in the summer and enjoy time to make a special lunch or dinner for yourself.  I have been relaxing this past week, and I am now back to add more creative ideas!

Have a great week and thank you for reading.