June 26, 2014

Happy Birthday to SpinachBlog!



Today's a great day in the world of Spinach Blog. It's Spinach Blog's birthday. A whopping one year old! 

A lot has gone down in that 365 days of spinach eating. And it's a definite cause for celebration. 

Share your favorite way to eat spinach with us! We'll pick a fav and feature it RIGHT HERE!

Spinach on spinach lovers,

-D


June 24, 2014

Tip Tuesday: The War on Iceberg Lettuce


Photo courtesy of eatthis.womenshealthmag.com

A lot of people say that iceberg lettuce is all water, no nutrients. But we've eaten iceberg lettuce before...and we know there's more to it than that. This may take you by surprise, but we're not going to say STOP eating iceberg lettuce. We're actually going to say 'why not eat more of it?"

Iceberg lettuce offers crisp crunchiness to salads that other salad greens don't. And maybe the green's plump crunchiness comes from the fact that it is made up of a lot of water. But that doesn't mean it has zero nutrients. 

Instead of avoiding iceberg lettuce at all cost, and instead of only eating iceberg lettuce ever...meet int the middle. Mix iceberg with leafy spinach for a dynamic mix of texture and nutrients. If you're feeling extremely well rounded, better throw in some romaine, arugula, and watercress. 

Problem solved.

-A+D

June 20, 2014

Spinach Dip from Beau Jack's Birmingham


For months, and maybe even years by now, my good friend The Rita Way would boast on and on (and on...) about Beau Jack's spinach dip. How it's THE spinach dip that she measures all other spinach dips against.

Obviously, this piqued Spinach Blog's interest. 

So we booked a date in our calendars and made the venture to Beau Jack's with The Rita Way to try this infamous spinach dip once and for all.

And it was delicious! 

Our favorite thing about this spinach dip was the crispies on top. Not all spinach dips are created equal -- not all spinach dips have the crispies. 

Honestly, I don't know if I would say this is THE spinach dip I would measure all other spinach dips against. I don't think I have come across one of those. Most spinach dips I've tried have unique qualities that make them good spinach dips and are all delightfully cheesy in their own unique cheese combinations sort of ways. 

This spinach dip is actually more subtle on the sharp cheeses than others I've tried. So if you enjoy more of the lighter, creamed spinach tasting spinach dips, topped with a crispy golden crunch, then topped with the sound of a live pianist...this is for you. 

Let us know what YOU think! Browse through their menu or stop by their Bloomfield location here

Spinach on,

A+D

June 19, 2014

Open Face Pita with Potato Pepper Salad and Baby Spinach Blend

Hate to say this, but the focus here isn't so much on the spinach as it is on the salad. That being said, spinach is still of course an integral part of this open face pita. However, if you skip the pita and spinach components, you won't be (entirely) judged.

Moving on, this is a chunky potato salad that is slightly sweet and summery because of the orange pepper and little bit of sugar :)

You Will Need:
3-5 potatoes (3-4 if they're huge. 4-5 if you mix and match)
5 slices of bacon (I used Turkey bacon -- bacon is optional)
1-2 stalks celery
1 small onion
3 eggs
1/2 c. mayo (or to taste)
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 large orange pepper
1 tsp. sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Mixed baby spinach greens (or straight up baby spinach)
Soft pita bread
Chop up everything. Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes and boil for 10-15 minutes until soft (but not mushy). Hard boil the eggs for around 10 minutes. 
Dice up the celery, onion, and pepper. Chop up the bacon, too, and fry bacon bits in a pan until crispy.
When the eggs are done boiling, chop those up, too.
Now everything you just chopped needs to get tossed into one big bowl.
When potatoes are soft, let cool a few minutes and then toss those in as well. Fold in the Dijon, mayo, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. You may need to add more or less depending on how creamy or chunky you want it. 
When it taste delicious, stop adding to it, and enjoy! Serve over a bed of spinach and mixed greens either on an open faced pita or stuffed inside. 

Spinach on,

A+D

June 18, 2014

Food Porn: Mark McMillian's Salmon, Scallops, and Shrimp with Spinach

Don't know the secret recipe to this one. And didn't know that NFL vet & record holder and Radio Show Host Mark McMillian was such an exquisite chef! 

Kudos for pairing spinach with this seafood trio of scallops, shrimp and salmon. Mark McMillian, if you're listening, we applaud you (and your taste buds probably do as well). 

Follow @MarkMcMillian29 on Twitter and Instagram! Who knows...he may just surprise us all again with another spinach delight soon.

Spinach on,

A+D

June 17, 2014

Tip Tuesday: The Battle of the Milks - Coconut vs. Soy vs. Almond


There's a lot of milks in this world. That is, beyond cow milk or goat milk. Lots and lots of milks. From lots and lots of different plants. And some diehard milk drinkers might argue there is no milk comparable to cow milk. 

Even if diehard milk drinkers are right -- that you can't compare vegan milk to dairy milk -- you can still like vegan milks for what they are. Because even if they don't taste exactly like cow milk (why should they?) they still taste good. 

Which brings us to the question...when to use which milk?

This is a little sneaky of us...because there are no rules when it comes to vegan milks. However, we do believe that some vegan milks are better for different things. Here are our suggested ways to try three different popular vegan milks:

Soy Milk

  • Coffee + lattes 
  • Black tea + chai
  • Mashed potatoes 
  • Savory dishes
  • Soups

Coconut Milk

  • Curry + peanut Sauce
  • Ice Cream + smoothies
  • Creamed veggies
  • Rice
  • Pudding + heavy desserts

Almond Milk

  • Plain glass of milk (for milk drinkers...many people think this tastes the closest to real milk)
  • Cereal
  • Pies + tarts
  • Cakes + fluffy desserts
  • Smoothies + shakes


If you try any of these milks in these ways...we bet they'll taste very yummy.

-A+D


Photo courtesy of healthygrocerygirl.com, internationalcoconut.com, seedguides.info

June 16, 2014

Ham, Cheddar, and Honey Mustard Pretzel Roll Sandwich

What do honey, sharp cheddar cheese, honey ham, and Trader Joe's hot + sweet mustard all have in common? 

They all belong on this pretzel roll sandwich with a handful of spinach + mixed greens. This tasty lunch will make your work day (or school day, if anyone is still in school) a bit more...tasty.
Pretzel rolls and spinach don't just make your day tastier, they also make your whole week tasty. Recommended dose is at least once a week. 

You will need:
Pretzel roll
Deli honey ham
Spinach + mixed greens
Sharp cheddar cheese
Drizzle of honey
TJ's hot and sweet mustard
Salt + pepper to taste


And there you have it, lunch is served.

-A+D

Photo courtesy of dailyherald.com, kraftbrands.com, houseofsquirrels.com, amazon.com

June 13, 2014

Mushroom Tortellini in Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce from Barbalu

Photo courtesy of barbalu.com
So basically, the synopsis of a long story short: you should eat here.

When visiting my cousin in NYC a few weeks ago, she introduced me to Barbalu, an Italian restaurant in South Street Sea Port down near the financial district. Barbalu is a bit of splurge, as is everything in NYC, but tasty -- and not all that much of a splurge considering most things on the menu are under $20.  

I'm actually not a huge fan of eating straight-up mushrooms. But the word "mushrooms" in the same sentence as tortellini, Alfredo, spinach, pasta, cheese...I mean, 90% of that sentence are things I love. And even though biting mushrooms isn't my favorite thing to do ever, I enjoy mushroom flavor and mushroom sauce. So this pasta, that was actually a special that night, was a win! 
The interior was also super nice. Not over the top at all, but just enough, and cozy. Spinach doesn't need fancy stuff on the walls surrounding it to taste good, but you know, sometimes fancy stuff on the walls can make dinner taste a little better. 
Photo courtesy of barbalu.com

If you're ever in South St. Sea Port and happen to be hungry...or have a craving for spinach (probably likely) then stop by Barbalu and order the spinach option!

-A+D

June 12, 2014

Red Plum Nectarine Spinach Arugula Salad with Citrus Honey Dressing

Ever wondered what early summer might taste like? Probably something like this red plum, nectarine, spinach arugula salad with citrus honey dressing. Just as much of a mouthful to say as it is to eat. 

Plums are one of (if not the number one of) my favorite fruits. So when I find them (which is kind of rare), it's hard to fight the impulse to buy. In fact, I don't think I even bother fighting it because I know I'll lose. Really, you're always a winner if you get a plum out of the deal. A likes nectarines. I don't think they bring on the same impossible-to-fight purchasing impulses in him as plums do with me, but I figured his nectarines and my plums could go places.

And fate (aka...I) mixed the two summery fruits in this quick and easy salad the other day and it was a winner. 


You Will Need:
Spinach arugula spring mix
2 stalks celery
1 ripe red plum
1 ripe nectarine
Handful of walnuts
Veggie oil
Lemon juice
Honey

Slice your stalks of celery longways down the center then chop into small pieces. Throw them in the bowl.
Halve the plum, remove the pit and cut into slices. Throw in the bowl.
Halve the nectarine, remove pit, cut into slices, throw in the bowl.
Crush a hefty handful of walnuts and throw those in with the mix.
For the dressing, you'll need about a 1-2 tbs. veggie oil, the juice of half a small lemon (or third of a large lemon), and a 1-3 tsp. of honey (depending on how sweet you like it). 
Wisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and discard the lemon seeds if you get any.
Pour dressing over salad (as much as you like...) then toss.
Serve with your favorite roll, eat up, and enjoy!

Spinach on,

A+D

June 11, 2014

Food Porn: Green Spinach Pancakes

Stop the presses. And do a happy dance. Pancakes just went green.

Spabettie came up with this deliciously sneaky way to eat more greens for breakfast. Who knew pancakes would be the perfect partner-in-crime. Though, partner-in-crime may be the wrong words because eating spinach is never criminal.

Stuff whatever savory toppings and/or filling you would like in between a spinach pancake breakfast sandwich! Sunny side up eggs. Veggies. Fruits. Sausage and maple syrup. Heck, more spinach!

Don't you love when people put spinach in places you wouldn't think it's been before? Green pancakes are the winner this week. Kudos. Will stop typing so you can go indulge in these fluffy green cakes from Spabettie.


Follow Spabettie on Twitter + Facebook + Pinterest

Tell us how it goes.

Photo courtesy of spabettie.com

June 10, 2014

Tip Tuesday: Clear Your Fridge


I'm not a psychic, but I know what you're thinking. "What in the world is that?"

That, my friends, is what a fridge purge looks like. A fridge purge is when you purge your fridge of those things that you keep telling yourself you should eat, but keep putting back on the shelf as leftovers for tomorrow's dinner. Tomorrow was a week ago. You need to eat these things before your next round of groceries. Or else.


Once a week, or once every couple weeks, instead of trying your hardest to be Julia Child in the kitchen, just be yourself. Eat those guilty pleasures (aka...Stouffer's Lasagna and Pizza Bites...) that have been sitting in your freezer for weeks. Eat the left over scraps of rotissery chicken from Kroger. I know you probably told yourself that you're saving the carcass to use in homemade chicken broth, but let's be real, if it's been a week and you're kitchen has produced no homemade chicken broth, it's probably not happening. Eat whatever's left. Throw carcass away.

That awkward tiny amount of Tabouleh left over from the weekend? Not really enough for dinner...but not small enough to throw away. Eat this at your fridge purge. This (above) is an example of one of our most recent fridge purges. As you can see, dumplings from the Asian grocery store, Tabouleh, rotissery chicken, sliced ripe avocados, and Stoffers Lasagna are not typically what you might have for dinner on any given night. But this seemingly crazy dinner actually did a lot more than just appear crazy. It cleared stuff out of the fridge and freezer, it kept our interest, and it tasted great! Asian dumplings and Italian lasagna? Why not! Avocadaos from Mexico will join them all together.

Enjoy!
A+D

June 4, 2014

Food Porn: Mint Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Ice Cream with Spinach

ImmaEatThat.com...you may have saved my life.

For all of you who guzzle down green smoothies religiously...imagine green ice cream! Green tea ice cream is definitely the mother of all green ice creams...but green ice cream with spinach?! Must be the favorite child.

Kylie from over at ImmaEatThat.com made this tantalizingly green Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. And this isn't just fake green food dye. This is spinach infused!

I will stop rambling and let you go check out her blog immediately. It's been pretty hot outside lately...


Follow Imma Eat That on Twitter + Instagram

Tell us how it goes.

Photo courtesy of immaeatthat.com

June 3, 2014

Tip Tuesday: Replace Pine Nuts with These Guys


Did you know pine nuts -- so expensive and seemingly rare -- come from pine cones? We have lots of those around here. But no one really wants to dig out their own pine nuts out of their own pine cones. But no one wants to pay the $20 per bag of pine nuts, either. 

Dilemmas...


Replace pine nuts from any of your favorite recipes with sunflower seeds. Like pine nuts, sunflower seeds also taste delicious toasted and add delightful crunch to any spinach salad, dessert, pasta dish...and add a great nutty flavor to your homemade pesto. Best of all...they're around $4 a bag verses around $20. We get ours from Trader Joe's. We always have these stocked. Kind of like we do with spinach. 

Spend your extra $16 on a couple new spatulas. A new pan. A dinner out. If you're watching your diet, spend it on the last non-food item you remember wishing you had. Think about all the things you can do with that extra $16. Think about all the spinach you could eat. And think about the many more things you can do with sunflower seeds. You'll be happy you made the switch.
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