The Relocation Itch...

I have lived in Utah all of my life. I have never really had a big desire to move but for some reason the last few months I am a devoted "city hunter." I spend every hour of every day reviewing pros and cons of each city that pops into my head for whatever reason. A few weeks ago I was watching Paul Deen on The Food Network and she was in Savannah Georgia. She was surrounded by tall trees, water and smokin southern food. So then I research the city of Savannah and real estate, seriously it's beautiful. So beautiful that I spend an hour talking to Trig about moving there. He comes up with excuses, lots and lots of excuses. The two I remember vaguely were "rednecks" and "mosquitoes." He forgets that I am from Carbon County and will fit right in with the rednecks... :-) Portland, well I've wanted to move there since high school. It's green living has always appealed to me. It's natural beauty, rainy days, grunge style, food, close to ocean etc. etc. Then I always dream about San Diego, but I can't sacrifice a nice home and yard for a $700,000 shack in the slums... Trig likes AZ, but me way too hot, I don't want to melt. Then the kids, Ethan is against leaving his friends unless they move with us which they would to Portland area but no further. He finally told me that if I find him a job in the Portland area we can move. Then I look at the weather daily in Portland and it's rain, rain, rain, with chance of meatballs. The weather isn't ideal but it's so green and "fresh" I can't deal with the snow anymore, my bones start to ache. I will continue the search for the perfect place and let you know when I find it!!

Setas a la Crema

Trig and I first started going to Cafe Madrid about ten years ago. It's a charming and cozy little Cafe off of 3900 South in SLC. The owners serve authentic Spanish cuisine i.e. Lubina en Salsa de Gambas...Fresh Sea Bass served with carmelized onions in a creamy shrimp sauce. All of there entrees are different and taste amazing with their different sauces and ingredients. My favorite though is one of their tapas/appetizer. It's the Setas a le crema. Fresh shiitake mushrooms sauteed in a rich cream sauce with chunks of lean bacon. It is, for a lack of better words, to die for. The salt from the bacon and the richness of the cream sauce with the fresh mushroom taste is just an amazing experience. You have to be careful though, the waiter may try to take your plate before you've licked it clean so keep an eye on it.. So if your ever in the area or want me to take you, I'm in!!

http://www.cafemadrid.net/

Mangos Galore...

Since I found mango's at Costco I've been buying them up and putting them on everything. They are so fresh and versatile, good for you and yummy!! The kids love eating them diced up but I love putting them with food. First we made German Pancakes with diced mango's and drizzled a raspberry lavender syrup that I had brought back from the lavender farms on Maui. It was one sweet breakfast!! Then I had searched allrecipes.com for a mango salsa and found this one:

Ingredients

• 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 3/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Avocado-Mango-Salsa-2/Detail.aspx

I omitted the red bell pepper and added cilantro. I had never had a mango salsa before so didn't know what to expect. It tasted so fresh and all the flavors complimented each other wonderfully. Trig's dad was in town so we had a special dinner... Mahi Mahi filets on a bed of fresh arugula with plenty of mango avocado salsa. I'm sure it's good on just about everything including chips!!

Everyday Burritos

I've been making these burritos like crazy...why? Because, they are so yummy, SIMPLE and good for you. I didn't know what to make one night and it was almost 6 p.m. so I looked through the fridge and threw together what I had and it was surprisingly wonderful!! The great part is you can use whatever you have on hand. This is what ours had:

1 Can Organic Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
3 Cups of Fresh Spinach
6-8 Mini Sweet Peppers

Mix together over medium heat until peppers are tender. Meanwhile, get your tortilla ready we used the yummy soft whole wheat tortillas from Whole Foods. Sprinkle a little bit of Mozza cheese or whatever you have lying around and cilantro. Instead of using sour cream or mayo I spread a little guacamole on the tortilla just before rolling up. Oh and a little pinch of salt. I've been eating them for lunch too and just put whatever I have rolled up cooked or not... Hope you enjoy!!