Falafel and Baba

My sister and I are alike in so many ways. People say that we look alike and have the same mannerisms. We both love coffee, breakfast, blogs, baking, and now, calligraphy! When we shop together we usually end up in the dressing room with the same items and when we go out to eat we almost always want to order the same thing. We usually compromise and order different dishes so that we can eat off each other's plates, but there is one salad that we both order, no matter what, because we know that we won't share one bit with each other.

The Falafel Salad at Saturn Grill in Oklahoma City is a favorite for both of us. The mixed greens are topped with cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, onions, and crunchy falafels and served with tahini and red pepper sauce. Annie and I both clean our plates everytime, practically scraping up the bits so as not to miss a crumb. After enjoying this dish together last week, we decided to recreate our favorite salad at home for our parents. For dinner, we paired the salad with baba ganoush served with toasted pita and fresh cucumber slices.

I am sharing the recipe for baba ganoush today, but head over to Annie's blog for the rest of the meal. 

I used a recipe for baba ganoush from one of my favorite posts from Marshall's Abroad. I would love to make this entire mediterranean feast one day, although lamb is one meat that I have not attempted yet.
To add a kick to the original recipe for this eggplant dip, I sprinkled in a pinch or two of cumin and a small squeeze of a lemon to add flavor. It was easy and perfect with warm pita and vegetables!

Baba Ganoush
1 large eggplant {or 2-4 japanese eggplants}, charred
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons EVOO
pinch of salt
about 1 tablespoon tahini
Roast the eggplants in the oven or char them on the bbq until they're darkened. Cool in cold water and drain. Peel the skins off and pulse the insides in a blender or food processor. Add in the remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve! Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Wishing I could have this meal again tonight. 

BEBE Calligraphy Workshop

Ever since I began working at a stationary shop I have wanted to learn calligraphy. When the chance to  take a Blue Eye Brown Eye calligraphy class in Oklahoma came about, my sister and I both jumped at the chance to be a part of it. 

 I was swooning the second I walked in to Chirps & Cheers (one of my favorite places!) for the class this past Saturday. Our personalized stations, the snacks, and decor could not have been more perfect. Not to mention that our teacher (Lauren) was the sweetest! As someone who has had to teach hand-writing in the past, I admired her patience while instructing the room full of beginners. 

My first attempts were rough but the art of holding the pen plus applying pressure at the right places got easier as time went on. I have been practicing every day since and am hoping that one day my calligraphy will look even half as good as Lauren's. 

One more reason to write handwritten notes!

Four-Legged Friends

In the three years of baking for this blog I have never shared a recipe for man's (or woman's) best friend. You know that best friend who always greets you at the door with an excited tail wag or a slobbery kiss. My canine best friend loved to chase cars, be held like a baby (at least he tolerated it), and thought the best seat in the house was right on top of whatever project you were working on. My sweet Jake died a few summers ago, but his sassy sister Stella still keeps my family company and loves on us, especially when we drop human food or give her a treat. 

These dog treats are for any and all special pups in your life, even the ones who leave hair everywhere, steal your laundry, and get in to your food. They are especially for those that snuggle with you at night, really listen when you talk about your problems, and serve as watchdog, no matter how big or small.

I followed a very simple recipe that included some of my favorite flavors, pumpkin and peanut butter. The dough might seem sticky when you try to roll it out, just make sure that you have a well-floured surface, rolling pin, and hands (go ahead and throw some flour on your face to look like a professional baker). Watch your treats carefully in the last minutes of cook time to prevent burning and cool completely before storing. I bagged mine and have been keeping them in the fridge to ensure freshness!

Stella loved her treat and those eyes show clearly that she wasn't letting anyone get near her peanut butter and pumpkin bone. 

Make these treats for all the dogs in your life- they will thank you for it!

Back to people food after today. 

500

Today's post marks the 500th time that I have created something for this blog and sent it out for you to read and hopefully enjoy. I have been thinking about it for the last couple of days and it has been fun to remember all the locations where posts have come together; the various bedrooms I have had over the last three years, where I would plop down on my bed or at my desk to write, most likely with a cup of coffee or tea by my side. Blog posts have happened on airplanes, in coffee shops, in the back of a crowded lecture in college, and tons of napkins, post-its, and homework assignments have fallen victim of a creative moment and moments later are covered with notes and ideas for a post. 

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For my 500th post I thought I would revert to an old blog segment that I started during the first week of my blog. Things I Love Thursday was a weekly occurrence on A Peony for Your Thoughts and while it is not as frequent, it is still one of my favorite posts to put together. You can check out my first Things I Love post here.

The beauty of eating alone. (I have to admit that I don't hate it, even at restaurants!)

How fun would this be with friends? Baked Potato and Beer Night

16 Ways to Help You Fall Asleep (When all else fails I turn to my Badger Sleep Balm)

4 Can't Live Without Lip Colors

Being Authentic - this hits home for me

I have been wanting to try this cake for a long time. 

I love all of these resolutions.

girl crush.

There is a science to it. 

Here's to the next 500. 

Strawberry, Banana, and Ginger Smoothie

I drink a smoothie for breakfast almost every morning. I love mine loaded with frozen fruit, fresh baby spinach, almond butter, and almond milk. To that standard base I will add spices like cinnamon and ginger and power foods like avocado, flax, or chia seeds. I make my smoothie at night and refrigerate it so that grabbing it for breakfast in the morning is as easy as possible and I am able to snuggle in my warm bed for a couple extra minutes. 

The first recipe I made from my "What Katie Ate" cookbook was her Strawberry, Banana, and Ginger Smoothie and not just because it was on the first page. I am always looking for new smoothie recipes and this one was perfect for the day after Christmas when I was trying to eat a little lighter. 

Strawberry, Banana, and Ginger Smoothie 

serves 3-4

Ingredients

2 cups milk (your choice)

1/3 cup natural yogurt

3 frozen bananas, roughly chopped

handfull strawberries, hulled

1 x 3/4 inch piece ginger, peeled and grated

1 tablespoon honey

Place all ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth! 

A few of my other favorite smoothies right now!

Butternut Squash and Cherry Smoothie

Superfood Sunshine Smoothie

Peach, Pear, and Fresh Ginger Smoothie

I like to top my smoothies with granola.

Katie's Granola (Yes, Another Recipe)

When my older sister asked what I wanted for Christmas this year I simply told her a cookbook and a slouchy beanie. What a surprise on Christmas morning when I unwrapped a black, cashmere beanie and a new cookbook! I was excited about both and within an hour my cookbook was completely covered in sticky notes, marking the pages of the recipes I wanted to make first. The cookbook is by the photographer and blogger behind What Katie Ate and features recipes inspired by Katie's travels around the world, entertaining her friends, and her family. One of the first recipes to catch my eye was her "Bob's Granola" recipe. My addiction with making my own granola started at exactly this time last year with Smitten Kitchen's recipe, followed by this recipe, and then followed by this recipe. Those three don't even begin to cover the amount of times that I have made different variations of granola in my kitchen. The smell that comes from the oven while the granola is cooking is enough for me to want to make it daily, not to mention that it is my favorite snack!

This recipe isn't too different from my standard granola recipe but I enjoy the change and the slight variation in favor. You can chop your almonds and hazelnuts, or keep them whole. You can add the dried fruit or leave it out. Granola recipes are so versatile and almost impossible to mess up-- just don't let it burn! Start checking on your granola often during the last 10-20 minutes of cooking.  

Ingredients 

5 1/2 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup wheatgerm

3/4 cup shredded coconut (I used flaked because I like the texture it adds to granola)

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup pepitas

1 cup almonds

1 cup hazelnuts, skinned (or any other nut variation you prefer)

4 tablespoons canola, peanut, or sunflower oil (I used coconut because I like to break the rules)

4 tablespoons honey

4 tablespoons quality maple syrup (to clarify this is not Aunt Jemima, Log Cabin or anything else you pour on top of your Eggo's in the morning)

1 3/4 cups sultanas, currants, or raisins (or a combination) - optional 

1/2 cup chopped, dried dates or figs - optional

makes 12 cups

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine the oats, wheatgerm, coconut, seeds, and nuts in a large bowl, then divide this mixture in half, leaving half in the large bowl and setting aside the other half, covered, in a small bowl.

Heat the oil, honey, and maple syrup in a saucepan over low-medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the mixture is thin and runny, then pour it over the oat mixture in the large bowl. Mix really well with a spoon until well-coated but not too clumped together; if the mixture looks a bit wet, mix in some of the reserved dry oat mixture.

Divide the wet oat mixture between the prepared sheets then bake for about 1 hour, stirring the granola occasionally to make sure the mixture cooks evenly. It should be a luscious golden color when it's done - take care not to let it darken too much.

Remove the sheets from the oven and let the mixture cool completely, then tip it into a large bowl and combine with the reserved dry oat mixture and the dried fruit. 

Serve with milk and additional honey drizzled on top, on top of your yogurt of choice with fresh fruit, or plain, as a snack. 

recipe from What Katie Ate

I need to start a separate granola blog.

2014

Another year has passed and looking back I am astonished at how much can and did happen in just 365 days. This last year has been an absolute whirlwind and by far the most unpredictable year of my life. When I started 2013 I was floating in a sea of confusion about my future. I had just graduated and yet had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I spent most of January-May interviewing for jobs and what an adventure that was! There were interviews in other states (so happy that I stayed in OK), one of which I held a large golden retriever in my lap for the hour-long interview and one in which I sang for the interviewer (I was not offered that job!). There was an interview where I didn't wear shoes, one that I was offered frozen yogurt in the lobby, and finally an interview that landed me my first job. This first job was good to me and the reason I laughed and learned more in 2013 than other year. It was this job that I had to say goodbye to in October in order to start my current job. I am working at a law firm now and loving every minute. I love the people that I work with and I love the many people that I get to interact with as a part of my job title. Along with new jobs and challenges in 2013, I watched two of my best friends get married, continued to have too much fun with my roommates and friends and family, and made some great food (I almost have my granola recipe memorized).  I couldn't be happier with where my life is right now and feel more balanced than I ever have in my life. 

That brings me to a recap and update on my resolutions from the past year. I pledged to only challenge myself to do things that would bring joy and clarity to my life. From my resolutions for 2013, I successfully was more responsible with my money (well I like to think that), more organized, and more punctual. I definitely wear more skirts, I learned to like eating fish, and found a job that brings me joy! Maybe I didn't succeed in all my resolutions, but who does? 

I rung in 2014 this week in full sequins and celebrated with some of my favorite people. I love thinking back on the past year - all the memories that I will never forget but couldn't be more excited about the coming year. 

For 2014 I am resolving to keep my resolutions simple. Like last year, I resolve to continue to only do things that bring joy and clarity. There isn't time for anything else and in the words of my grandmother, "Life's short. Baby, enjoy it!" 

Here's to 2014

DIY Winter Lip Scrub

I have spent most of the last couple of days picking at my dry lips and heavily applying chap stick every 10 minutes. The winter weather is never kind to my skin and this year is no exception. Over the weekend I used some sugar lip scrub of my mom's but didn't have anything similar at my house, so I thought, why not make my own? I figured that between Pinterest, my many blog reads, and Google I could find a great recipe for a scrub to heal my desperate lips. 

Not only did I find a quick and easy recipe for lip scrub, but I also found a highly addictive website with recipes (drooling over this), DIYs, and articles on "16 New Ways to Leave Milk and Cookies for Santa". 

This recipe has six different variations using the same simple base of a 1:1 ratio of coconut oil and cane sugar. From there you can add different add-ons for the flavor and scent of your choice. I chose the Orange, Clove, and Honey option and loved it. Not only did it feel great, smell and taste great, but it left my lips feeling great- completely moisturized and smooth. I included the Orange, Clove, and Honey recipe below but check out all of them. Trust me, whoever you meet under the mistletoe this holiday season will thank you. 

Ingredients:

- white sugar

- extra virgin coconut oil

- 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed orange juice

-1 teaspoon honey

- a pinch of ground cloves

Instructions:
1. Choose your container, and measure your exfoliant so that the container is just about half full.
2. Measure the coconut oil—you want a 1:1 ratio of oil to sugar.
3. Transfer oil and sugar to a mixing bowl, then add the orange juice and honey, followed by the cloves. Add each of these “to taste.”
4.  Mix gently to combine—over-mixing will make the granules begin to dissolve.To use: gently apply scrub onto lips and massage in a circular motion. Leave on for a few extra minutes and then gently remove with a washcloth and warm water.  

*Add scrub to an air-tight storage container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Remove from fridge at least five minutes before use so that the mixture can soften.

Pucker up

Pure and Good

Anthropologie has activewear? Who knew?

I wouldn't have known (it's only available online) unless I had been doing my daily twice-daily stalk of one of my all-time-favorite blogs, A Piece of Toast. When they posted about sports gear a few weeks ago I clicked through a couple of links and was surprised when one directed me to the Anthropologie website. I had no idea that Anthro had released a full-line of my favorite type of clothes to wear and I couldn't be happier about it. Since I prefer to live most of my life in spandex pants and comfy tops this line if perfect and I can't help but swoon over every item. It is such a good thing that one of my jobs requires me to have an abundance of workout gear and it is an even better thing that Christmas is just around the corner. 

{Top Row}

Moto Leggings // Yoga Tank // Running Shorts // Ruffled Jacket

{Bottom Row}

Headband Set // Sports Bra // Striped Leggings // Cutout Tee

Running shorts so cute, they might inspire me to actually go for a run.

Have a Great Weekend

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I have been looking forward to this weekend since 6 a.m. on Monday morning. I have been overly exhausted and this change in the weather and the huge drop in the temperature are not helping my productivity. Despite being tired, I woke myself up early this morning to get things done (like this blogpost) so that I can move straight in to the weekend after the 5 o'clock quitting bell. Enjoy these links and the weekend!

Julia has been killing it with the outfit posts recently, but I loved her "LBD, Five Ways" post the most

This playlist, based on Marnie from 'Girls' has been on a constant loop on my computer

Just one more way to use pumpkin this season, Pumpkin Ice Cream Snickerdoodle Sandwiches

25% off winter favorites at J. Crew, I will take this, this, and these

Nutella Hot Chocolate, bravo Clara

Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) Ideas and Decor

A twist on your traditional turkey

I love the idea of winter whites - inspiration by two of my favorites, here and here

A master bedroom makeover to swoon over

This is an all-too-accurate reaction to the greatness of Spotify

A friend's wedding was featured on Style me Pretty! How gorgeous!

Remembering a President today--

an interesting article about four unlikely lives that were changed that day. 

Happy weekend and may the odds be ever in your favor. 

Rustic Caramel Apple Hand Pies

When Annie first blogged about these Rustic Apple Hand Pies I almost jumped in my car and drove 30 minutes to her house just to get my hands on one. I love desserts with fruit in them more than anything and apple pie is one of my favorites (getting excited about our Thanksgiving apple pie as we speak). While I was shopping for produce at the grocery store this weekend I couldn't help but pick up some granny smith apples. Not only were they beautiful but I had been dreaming about making these apple pies for a while. 

While Annie kept her pies classic, I decided to stuff mine with not only apples but little pieces of soft caramel. They might have made for a mess in the baking process (read: hot, melted caramel everywhere) but they tasted wonderful, especially hot, right out of the oven and warmed up with my coffee on Sunday morning.

Follow Annie's recipe and let her pictures be your guide, but if you want the flowing caramel of my version, just add small cubes of caramel (store bought) with the apples!

Maybe I will sneak some caramel in to the pie on Thanksgiving too. 

Changes

Source

I feel like the last two weeks I have been living in a blur. So much in my life changed in short period of time that I feel like I wasn't completely prepared for what was to come, and my mind and body are still trying to catch up. I feel completely drained yet completely full at the same time - if that makes any sense at all.

Last Thursday I had my final day at what I will always consider my "first job". It was my first experience in the corporate world and when I accepted the job I wan't sure how I would fair in that  environment. I had always planned on working as a teacher in a school and I knew that the job I was taking as an assistant in a giant oil & gas company would be quite the opposite. I surprised even myself when I loved it from the first day. I loved the hustle and bustle, the lessons and learning that came everyday while working in an industry that I had no prior knowledge in, and I mostly loved the people that I worked with. Those people, my "first job" co-workers embraced me from the first day, taught me more life lessons than I can even recount, and are the reason that I cried like a baby when I had to walk out the doors last Thursday. 

I had everything I needed at that job and was just fine going to work everyday, but a part of me knew that I wouldn't stay with that company, even that group of people, forever. So when a job came available a few weeks ago I agreed to interview, with reservations about leaving my job at the time. But after hearing about the job, the daily tasks, the events I would be planning, and the many, many people that I would be meeting and building relationships with, I knew that it was the job for me. Something that I realized during my five months of "fun-employment" last spring was that my passion is for people and that I wanted a job that would allow me to be with people as much as possible. 

This passion for people is why I had to take a chance, resign from my safe job that I loved, and join a new firm where I would be starting over. I am working in recruiting and development now which means all new duties and brand new things to learn, but I couldn't be more excited for the job and everything that is to come. I pop out of bed in the mornings, anxious to arrive at work and see what the day has in store and I believe that is a feeling that isn't going to go away. 

*When I did go in to discuss with my former and "first" boss that I had been offered a new job, I was nervous and felt like I was going to break-up with a boyfriend. He listened to me as I talked about the job description and the opportunities it would give me and he was understanding as I cried about the possibility of leaving that job and co-workers. But after hearing everything he said something that I will never forget and that I will carry throughout my life. He said, "Whatever you do, chase your passion. While you can, while you are young, chase your passion."

Chasing my passion. 

Rosemary Chicken Wings

I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility

And I know some day that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

There is a perfectly good reason why I am quoting Michael Buble, other than the obvious reasons like his talents, good looks, romantic songs, and his good looks (it was worth mentioning twice). This recipe for rosemary chicken wings came from Mr. Wonderful himself. They are his go-to party dish and seemed like the perfect thing for me to make for a football-filled Saturday. I had never made chicken wings before but once I saw the words "rosemary" and "Buble" I knew that this was the perfect way to dive in to this dish. 

I will say the hardest part about this recipe was removing the wingtips and separating the wings in to two pieces. I still can't say for sure if I did it correctly, but they look and taste good and that is really all that matters. 

Michael Buble just hasn't met me yet. 

Rosemary Pumpkin Hummus

Hummus is like granola in that once I made it myself, I will never be able to go back to buying it at the store. Rosemary and pumpkin are two of my favorite fall flavors so I loved the idea of combining them for this Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Pumpkin Hummus.  

I made this recipe a couple of weekends ago when I was house-sitting for my parents. I had to wait to make it at their house since I don't have my own food processor yet (it is my #1 on my Christmas list though) which was perfect, because that meant I could eat it all without feeling bad about not sharing. 

Although the recipe didn't specify, I peeled my chickpeas before throwing them in the food processor like Smitten Kitchen recommends (and I did here). I know that it is more time consuming but I think it is worth it to have the smoothest hummus. 

Pumpkin everything.