i've moved!

it was time. i've finally branched off from because sis said so and started my own food blog called pb & kelly.  this blog just didn't make sense anymore without my better half. so for now our little project is on hold and i'm a solo blogger.  you will be automatically re-directed to my new site in a few seconds...hold tight and enjoy!

meet the author: joe yonan

last night my dad took me to a private cooking demonstration and tasting with joe yonan. who is joe? joe is a food editor for the washington post, a two-time james beard winner and author of a new cookbook called serve yourself: nightly adventures in cooking for one.

joe's cookbook is really a reflection of his life and how he chooses to live it. joe is single and cooks for himself every night instead of ordering out or eating cereal over the kitchen sink. he also cooks interesting, good food for himself and hates leftovers (i think i have a culinary crush).

we had a great time at the event. joe is very funny, laid-back and just seems like a fun guy to hang out with. he gave some great tips, including what to do with leftover ingredients and how to use less dishes when cooking. he also gave a cooking demonstration for one of his recipes in the book: mahi mahi with kiwi-avocado salsa and coconut rice. the fish and rice cook in the same pot so you have less clean up! we got to try a little sample of this and man, was it good. i will definitely be making it sometime soon.

if you get a chance, i would take a look at the book on amazon. this is really a great find for all the singles out there - or even couples!

marinated tomatoes with feta

here's a great, light side dish for your spring-time cooking. the red onion and red wine vinegar give it a deliciously tangy bite. this recipe couldn't be easier and tastes better the longer it marinates so you can make it in advance. this would be great to bring to picnic or backyard barbecue.

ingredients:
1 pints grape tomatoes
2 tablespoons red onion, small diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons evoo
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parlsey
1/4 cup feta cheese, in large chunks
salt and pepper


directions:
combine onion, garlic and red wine vinegar in large bowl. whisk in evoo. season with salt, pepper and parsley. add tomatoes and stir well to combine. gently fold in feta (making sure not to crumble the cubes). put in fridge and let marinate for at least one hour or overnight.

greek turkey burgers with spinach and yogurt sauce

we're trying out a new diet at our house this week where we have no carbs for dinner. tonight i made bun-less greek burgers (with spinach). i served it over a bed of lettuce with grilled zucchini and marinated tomatoes. i packed the burgers with tons of flavor and top it with a creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce.

ingredients for burgers:
1 lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons red onion, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon greek seasoning
1 egg
1/3 cup thawed and drained frozen spinach
salt and pepper

directions for burgers:
preheat grill (inside or out) to medium high heat. meanwhile combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix together. form into 5 equal patties. cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side.

ingredients for creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce:
1 cup non-fat, plain greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tablespoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
1/4 cup english cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup feta
salt and pepper

directions for creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce:

combine all ingredients in bowl, mix well and let sit in fridge for an hour before serving.

to assemble, place turkey patty on bed of lettuce. garnish with grilled zucchini slices and marinated tomatoes. top with tzatziki sauce and serve.

the final product