Strawberry-Watermelon Granita

Photo Credit Thomas J. Story*

 I love everything about this.  The name is delicious, the dish is beautiful, and it cools you from head to toe the second it hits your tongue.  I had a giNORMOUS watermelon that I knew we'd never finish, so I went to watermelon.org for inspiration - these people are passionate about watermelons!  I put my own spin on their watermelon granita to cut out the sugar and add a little extra somethin somethin.  The slushy flakes of granita are so light and cold and flavorful, it's the perfect dessert for a hot summer day.

In the Meantime...

Wedding season is among us! A HUGE congratulation to Kristen and Elias and Corey and Caitlin!  Cooking has taken a back burner (hehe), but I promise to get some recipes (Watermelon Granita, anyone?) up soon! In the meantime, my cousin sent this to me today and I just had to share - too cute!

(click to see full size)

Gluten Free Cinnamon Pancakes

Since cutting gluten from our diets, Michael and I had yet to have a fluffy, melt in your mouth, good ol' fashion pancake.  Well, days of "I don't mind the texture because it tastes pretty good" are over.  We've tirelessly eaten pancakes every Sunday for the past couple months in an attempt to perfect this recipe.  I know, it's tough, but someone's gotta do it.  Trial 1: we bought a mix from whole foods and they were good...if you like soft pretzel-y pancakes.  Trial 2: we added a little buckwheat.  Also good...if you like soft pretzel-y buckwheat pancakes.  Trials 3, 4 & 5, we halved the mix and played around with other flours.  Not bad, getting closer, but we knew they could be better.  Trial 6 (or 7?): The winner!  Fluffy, melt in your mouth, good ol' fashion Sunday morning pancakes.

How to Make Almond Milk!

 When I make my own almond milk each week, I feel like I've one-upped Betty Crocker.  It's fun, delicious and oh-so satisfying.  And compared to boxed milk, it's much more rich and creamy.  Yum! You're going to need a liter-sized mason jar, a big bowl, and a nut milk bag.

It might seem like a big to-do at first, but after you've done it once or twice and get the hang of it, it's super duper looper easy.

Heavenly Fried Rice

Happy July!!!  This freakishly flavorful dish is adapted from The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone.  Alicia's is deeelicious; and we had a lot of fun putting our own little twist on it.  The depth of flavor from the garlic and ginger is divine.  I love this meal.  Maybe a little too much.  Don't tell Michael.  What I have listed below is the "creme de la creme" version - feel free mix up the veggies and toppings.   However! The magical ingredients I wouldn't mess with are the: vinegar, tamari, ginger and garlic.  We make this with quinoa every now and then too!  *sigh* ....it's so amazing and versatile :)