The trailer food culture is alive and well in Austin, and tonight marks the first of another great event to celebrate our amazing food trucks- Trailer Food Tuesdays! Tiffany Harelik (of the famed Trailer Food Diaries) is helping kick off this fun event that will run every last Tuesday of the month until the end of November.
If you don't already have plans for this evening, head down to the north terrace of the Long Center from 5-9, and enjoy some great food from these popular trailers. It's a great way to try out several of our best food trucks, all in one place. If you already have plans, then go ahead and mark your calendars for August 28th. It might be hot, but I can guarantee that all the cool kids will be there.
The Peached Tortilla
Yume Burger
The Seedling Truck
Be More Pacific
Chi'Lantro
Coolhaus
Dock & Roll
Hey Cupcake!
The Evil Wiener
The Flying Carpet
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Lunch in a Box: Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
After a weekend of indulgent eating, it's back to basics M-F. I scribbled out a quick weekly meal plan yesterday morning and am excited about some new dishes we'll be trying out. I looked to the Happy Herbivore website for inspiration since we'll do our best to eat plant strong this week. Her recipes are low fat, easy to make, and totally plant strong. The few exceptions I'm making will be for cottage cheese and non-fat greek yogurt. I just can't seem to make it without a little bit of dairy!
This lunch box has 2 chickpea lettuce wraps, homemade roasted corn and jalapeño hummus with a whole grain cracker and carrots for dipping, and 1% cottage cheese. I also brought a side of cantaloupe for dessert later. Totally calorie count for this meal is about 500. Since I ran this morning, I'll probably have a snack later today just so I'm not too hungry before dinner- most likely an apple with a little almond butter.
Chickpea filling:
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn (I use frozen- cheap and easy)
1 can Rotel (pick whatever flavor works best for you)
seasoning (I used cumin and Mexican oregano, but the Rotel might be enough)
romaine lettuce leaves
garnishes (diced bell peppers, pickled onions, cilantro...whatever sounds good to you)
**I avoid adding salt when I use this many canned items- I don't think it needs anymore.
Throw everything but the lettuce into a medium saucepan and heat through. Store in a container until ready to use. I should be able to get at least 6-8 wraps out of this (depending on how much I fill them with). When you're ready to serve, cut a romaine leaf in half and spoon the filling in. I topped it with some diced red bell peppers, but cilantro would have been really nice too.
Roasted corn and jalapeño hummus:
1 cup corn
1 jalapeño (seeded and sliced)
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
lemon juice
1/2-1 cup vegetable broth
Roast the corn and jalapeño for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Toss them in a food processor with the chickpeas, and add about 1-2 T of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of broth. I add liquid as I go to get the consistency I like. You can also season with a little salt and pepper if necessary.
Let me know what you think, and if posting lunches is even helpful. I know I get tired of eating the same old things, so hopefully seeing these ideas help.
This lunch box has 2 chickpea lettuce wraps, homemade roasted corn and jalapeño hummus with a whole grain cracker and carrots for dipping, and 1% cottage cheese. I also brought a side of cantaloupe for dessert later. Totally calorie count for this meal is about 500. Since I ran this morning, I'll probably have a snack later today just so I'm not too hungry before dinner- most likely an apple with a little almond butter.
Chickpea filling:
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn (I use frozen- cheap and easy)
1 can Rotel (pick whatever flavor works best for you)
seasoning (I used cumin and Mexican oregano, but the Rotel might be enough)
romaine lettuce leaves
garnishes (diced bell peppers, pickled onions, cilantro...whatever sounds good to you)
**I avoid adding salt when I use this many canned items- I don't think it needs anymore.
Throw everything but the lettuce into a medium saucepan and heat through. Store in a container until ready to use. I should be able to get at least 6-8 wraps out of this (depending on how much I fill them with). When you're ready to serve, cut a romaine leaf in half and spoon the filling in. I topped it with some diced red bell peppers, but cilantro would have been really nice too.
Roasted corn and jalapeño hummus:
1 cup corn
1 jalapeño (seeded and sliced)
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
lemon juice
1/2-1 cup vegetable broth
Roast the corn and jalapeño for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Toss them in a food processor with the chickpeas, and add about 1-2 T of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of broth. I add liquid as I go to get the consistency I like. You can also season with a little salt and pepper if necessary.
Let me know what you think, and if posting lunches is even helpful. I know I get tired of eating the same old things, so hopefully seeing these ideas help.
Weekend Review
Weekends always seem to go too fast! This past one was fun, and I really wasn't looking forward to the alarm going off this morning. Below is just a summary of some of the things I did over the weekend. Why is it that 2 days never feels like enough time?!
Olympics- Who didn't enjoy the opening ceremonies? I thought it was a fantastic representation of all things British. Yes, it was quirky- and there were a few things that left me scratching my head. But I loved the references to music and literature, and the drum music as they transitioned to the Industrial Era was nothing short of jaw dropping. I had some Facebook friends who just didn't get it, but I enjoyed it and thought it was well done.
Moving- Ater my early Saturday run, I had to go back to my old apartment one last time to finish up the final cleaning. I turn in my keys this week, and I couldn't be more excited about starting this next chapter in my life. It felt a little "Carrie Bradshaw-esque", as there have been so many memories tied to the place I lived for 4 years. (Random fact- that is the longest I have stayed in one place in my adult life.) But I know there are many more great memories to be made as I move on.
Movies and Mexican Food- Saturday afternoon we met up with friends to see Batman. I've seen the first two in the trilogy, and I think this one might have been my favorite. The movie was long, but it was phenomenal. There was plenty of action, along with a lot of twists and turns. It kept my attention the whole time! After the movie we stuffed our faces at Lupe Tortilla. I wrote about it once before, and this was our second visit. The beef fajitas are still utterly amazing. And this coming from a girl who really doesn't eat meat at all.
Cooking marathon- In preparation for my Cookbook Club get together (and trying to prepare healthy lunches for the week), I spent a good part of Sunday in the kitchen. My contribution for the meal was Bacon Blue Cheese eggs, and the piece de resistance- Savory Bread Pudding with Caramelized Onions (from the Egg chapter of the Rhulman's Twenty book.) While egg might have been the focus, the real showcase of the dish were the caramelized onions. Done correctly, you can expect them to take a minimum of 6 hours. I got in just over 4 hours of cooking time, but had to finish putting my dish together. The key is to keep them on low heat, and just let them do their thing. I wish I had taken pictures of the process, but this was all I got....the little bit that was leftover. Had I had a few more hours, they would have been the darker brown color I was shooting for. If you're looking for a impressive brunch dish, I think this one is a winner.
Decorating- We have lots of plans for things to do with the house, but we're trying to find some small ways to make a big impact for starters. At the suggestion of my talented sister, Hunk painted two niches over the weekend, and I love how they turned out. The mirror is temporary for now, but at least it gives that space a little more "umph". It's hard to tell the color in the picture, but it's a really pretty deep blue. We're looking for a piece of reclaimed wood to use for the mantel (though ultimately we'd like to replace the stone around the fireplace and do it all the way up the wall.)
Kitty entertaining- Katie the formerly feral cat has really been coming out of her shell lately. Now we've got 4 animals all vying for our attention! Last night she was all about getting up on the couch with us. I had my iPad with me, and decided to pull up a few of the cat games I had recently downloaded (after a recent conversation with a co-worker about how to entertain her new kitten.) My older cat could really care less, but Katie LOVES the iPad games. Last night she scored a game-high 700 points on the Jitterbug game. I might need one of those bumper stickers... "My cat is smarter than your honor-roll student" (or something like that.) At risk of being the crazy cat lady, I entertained us all by having that available for her. You can check out her youtube video in this link: Katie and the iPad
So there you have it. How I fit all that in just 2 days is beyond me, but that's just how it goes sometimes! Anyone do anything fun this weekend?
Olympics- Who didn't enjoy the opening ceremonies? I thought it was a fantastic representation of all things British. Yes, it was quirky- and there were a few things that left me scratching my head. But I loved the references to music and literature, and the drum music as they transitioned to the Industrial Era was nothing short of jaw dropping. I had some Facebook friends who just didn't get it, but I enjoyed it and thought it was well done.
Moving- Ater my early Saturday run, I had to go back to my old apartment one last time to finish up the final cleaning. I turn in my keys this week, and I couldn't be more excited about starting this next chapter in my life. It felt a little "Carrie Bradshaw-esque", as there have been so many memories tied to the place I lived for 4 years. (Random fact- that is the longest I have stayed in one place in my adult life.) But I know there are many more great memories to be made as I move on.
Movies and Mexican Food- Saturday afternoon we met up with friends to see Batman. I've seen the first two in the trilogy, and I think this one might have been my favorite. The movie was long, but it was phenomenal. There was plenty of action, along with a lot of twists and turns. It kept my attention the whole time! After the movie we stuffed our faces at Lupe Tortilla. I wrote about it once before, and this was our second visit. The beef fajitas are still utterly amazing. And this coming from a girl who really doesn't eat meat at all.
Cooking marathon- In preparation for my Cookbook Club get together (and trying to prepare healthy lunches for the week), I spent a good part of Sunday in the kitchen. My contribution for the meal was Bacon Blue Cheese eggs, and the piece de resistance- Savory Bread Pudding with Caramelized Onions (from the Egg chapter of the Rhulman's Twenty book.) While egg might have been the focus, the real showcase of the dish were the caramelized onions. Done correctly, you can expect them to take a minimum of 6 hours. I got in just over 4 hours of cooking time, but had to finish putting my dish together. The key is to keep them on low heat, and just let them do their thing. I wish I had taken pictures of the process, but this was all I got....the little bit that was leftover. Had I had a few more hours, they would have been the darker brown color I was shooting for. If you're looking for a impressive brunch dish, I think this one is a winner.
 |
| Country french bread, gruyere cheese and caramelized onions make for one wicked dish!! |
Decorating- We have lots of plans for things to do with the house, but we're trying to find some small ways to make a big impact for starters. At the suggestion of my talented sister, Hunk painted two niches over the weekend, and I love how they turned out. The mirror is temporary for now, but at least it gives that space a little more "umph". It's hard to tell the color in the picture, but it's a really pretty deep blue. We're looking for a piece of reclaimed wood to use for the mantel (though ultimately we'd like to replace the stone around the fireplace and do it all the way up the wall.)
Kitty entertaining- Katie the formerly feral cat has really been coming out of her shell lately. Now we've got 4 animals all vying for our attention! Last night she was all about getting up on the couch with us. I had my iPad with me, and decided to pull up a few of the cat games I had recently downloaded (after a recent conversation with a co-worker about how to entertain her new kitten.) My older cat could really care less, but Katie LOVES the iPad games. Last night she scored a game-high 700 points on the Jitterbug game. I might need one of those bumper stickers... "My cat is smarter than your honor-roll student" (or something like that.) At risk of being the crazy cat lady, I entertained us all by having that available for her. You can check out her youtube video in this link: Katie and the iPad
So there you have it. How I fit all that in just 2 days is beyond me, but that's just how it goes sometimes! Anyone do anything fun this weekend?
Friday, July 27, 2012
Diet and Exercise Tips for Healthy Skin
It's been awhile since I've written much about healthy habits. That's mainly because I've been walking a fine line on keeping up a healthy lifestyle myself. I've been doing just enough to get by, but I could be doing so much better. So I'll take the fact that this was the first article I saw this morning as a sign that I need to step it up a bit.
I've mentioned before how I'm much more aware of the wrinkles on my face. I have not been the best about taking preventive measures to delay the inevitable, but I try. This Yahoo article provides some really great information about how we exercise and what we eat affects our skin. We all know that doughnuts have no benefits, period. But I've never really thought about how the type of exercise you do benefits skin.
Right now I run 3-4 times a week, and am trying to do 2 days of strength training. We don't eat much dessert, but I know I could cut out a little more sugar from my diet. I'd love to add a day of yoga, if anything just to have one whole hour to de-stress. I like to think I get plenty of sleep, but I often feel tired in the afternoons. What I like best about reading articles such as this is that it really makes you evaluate your daily choices, and think about small changes you could make for the better. Read it if you have a few minutes, and let me know what you're already doing, or could do, to keep that skin healthy!
I've mentioned before how I'm much more aware of the wrinkles on my face. I have not been the best about taking preventive measures to delay the inevitable, but I try. This Yahoo article provides some really great information about how we exercise and what we eat affects our skin. We all know that doughnuts have no benefits, period. But I've never really thought about how the type of exercise you do benefits skin.
Right now I run 3-4 times a week, and am trying to do 2 days of strength training. We don't eat much dessert, but I know I could cut out a little more sugar from my diet. I'd love to add a day of yoga, if anything just to have one whole hour to de-stress. I like to think I get plenty of sleep, but I often feel tired in the afternoons. What I like best about reading articles such as this is that it really makes you evaluate your daily choices, and think about small changes you could make for the better. Read it if you have a few minutes, and let me know what you're already doing, or could do, to keep that skin healthy!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday in the Kitchen- Corn and Green Bean Salad
I've gotten in the habit recently of spending a few hours in the kitchen each Sunday. Our routine is usually a lazy morning with coffee, walking the dogs, a trip to HEB and an evening watching some TV. In the few spare hours between, I like to make a few things for lunches for the week, and cook an occasional Sunday supper. It's a good chance for me to make something that is usually too labor intensive for a weeknight, and also try some dishes from my Cookbook Club book so that I can actually contribute during out get togethers.
I'm still enjoying Ruhlman's Twenty and am working my way through the 20 cooking techniques. The theory being that if you know how to properly do X, Y, or Z, then you can cook just about anything. Since we eat pretty healthy during the week, Sunday is also a good time to cook a good splurge meal, too.
Yesterday I decided to make a Corn, Onion and Green Bean Salad with a Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette, and also Butter Poached Shrimp and Grits. It was a doozy, for sure!! The two recipes spanned several cooking techniques though, so I thought the time I invested in the dishes was worth it.
The salad was from the technique chapter Onion. It's basically ways to cook onion to enhance dishes. In this particular dish, you boil the vegetables separately in salted water, cool them off in an ice bath, and then drain them. One thing I learned is that salting water (either for vegetables or pasta) means more than just a dash or two of salt. You should actually TASTE the water before you start cooking, and make sure that you can really taste the salt. For a large pot of water, that means nearly a cup of salt. I'll admit- the vegetables turned out crisp and tasty!
The roasted shallot vinaigrette was to die for. It took time to roast, but otherwise was pretty easy. Just wrap up a few shallots (unpeeled, with ends cut off) in a foil packet with a tablespoon of butter and some salt and pepper, and roast for an hour at 400. Let them cool, then dump them in a blender with red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Blend, and then stream in olive oil to your liking. I try to use minimal oil, so I used equal parts vinegar and oil (about 1/4 cup each).
After the salad was done, Hunk helped me with the Poached Shrimp and Grits from the Poach chapter of the book. The grits included onion and bacon, and we also added some blue cheese that I needed to use up. I would make these again, but would leave out the bacon and seriously reduce the amount of onion. I liked the poaching technique used for the shrimp, but have to say that I have entirely lost my appetite for all things fish. I rarely eat meat these days (with the few exceptions for bacon) and the shrimp just did not taste good to me. I think Hunk enjoyed them, but it's not something I would make again. I'll just have to find something else to poach in butter....
I'm still enjoying Ruhlman's Twenty and am working my way through the 20 cooking techniques. The theory being that if you know how to properly do X, Y, or Z, then you can cook just about anything. Since we eat pretty healthy during the week, Sunday is also a good time to cook a good splurge meal, too.
Yesterday I decided to make a Corn, Onion and Green Bean Salad with a Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette, and also Butter Poached Shrimp and Grits. It was a doozy, for sure!! The two recipes spanned several cooking techniques though, so I thought the time I invested in the dishes was worth it.
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| All my ingredients gathered to make the salad. Marley is ready to help, as always. |
The salad was from the technique chapter Onion. It's basically ways to cook onion to enhance dishes. In this particular dish, you boil the vegetables separately in salted water, cool them off in an ice bath, and then drain them. One thing I learned is that salting water (either for vegetables or pasta) means more than just a dash or two of salt. You should actually TASTE the water before you start cooking, and make sure that you can really taste the salt. For a large pot of water, that means nearly a cup of salt. I'll admit- the vegetables turned out crisp and tasty!
 |
| For boiling vegetables, heavily salt the water, and use a basket to pull them out easily. |
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| Once they're out of the boiling water, put them in an ice bath for a few minutes, and then drain on a towel. |
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| Final product was one really pretty salad! |
The roasted shallot vinaigrette was to die for. It took time to roast, but otherwise was pretty easy. Just wrap up a few shallots (unpeeled, with ends cut off) in a foil packet with a tablespoon of butter and some salt and pepper, and roast for an hour at 400. Let them cool, then dump them in a blender with red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Blend, and then stream in olive oil to your liking. I try to use minimal oil, so I used equal parts vinegar and oil (about 1/4 cup each).
 |
| Roasted shallots made the house smell phenomenal. |
After the salad was done, Hunk helped me with the Poached Shrimp and Grits from the Poach chapter of the book. The grits included onion and bacon, and we also added some blue cheese that I needed to use up. I would make these again, but would leave out the bacon and seriously reduce the amount of onion. I liked the poaching technique used for the shrimp, but have to say that I have entirely lost my appetite for all things fish. I rarely eat meat these days (with the few exceptions for bacon) and the shrimp just did not taste good to me. I think Hunk enjoyed them, but it's not something I would make again. I'll just have to find something else to poach in butter....
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| Sunday Supper |
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A Home for Millie
Yesterday was a bittersweet day. Millie met her potential future family, and they decided that she is a perfect fit for their home. (I agree!) That was the sweet part. The bitter was when I had to take her to the shelter to spend the night so that she could have her spay surgery this morning. It was pure torture kissing that little face goodbye, knowing that she would be scared to death in a kennel overnight.
Luckily, the amazing staff at the shelter scooped her right up and promised that they would hold on to her until they had to leave for the day. At least she would get a little extra attention before going into a kennel for the night. I get to pick her up after work, love on her like crazy tonight, and then take her to her new home tomorrow. Hunk is going with me so that we can say goodbye together, and I know it won't be easy. We have really loved taking care of her this week, but this is what fostering is all about.
A good foster family shows love and attention, teaches the dog new things, and helps socialize them and build their confidence. They also work to find the most perfect home for the dog, and then they have to say goodbye. It's not easy, but I feel really good about giving her a great home instead of having to sit at the shelter until someone decided to adopt her. At least this way I have control over where she goes, and I can rest easy knowing that she's in the best hands.
Her new family includes a co-worker and friend of mine, so we will get updates on how she is doing. They also have two dogs, so Millie will have friends to play with (something that was very important to me). I know once she recovers from her surgery and settles into her new home, she will be more than happy. So goodbye sweet Millie. We'll miss your adorable face and hilarious growly barks, and are so happy that we got to spend a little bit of time with you.
Luckily, the amazing staff at the shelter scooped her right up and promised that they would hold on to her until they had to leave for the day. At least she would get a little extra attention before going into a kennel for the night. I get to pick her up after work, love on her like crazy tonight, and then take her to her new home tomorrow. Hunk is going with me so that we can say goodbye together, and I know it won't be easy. We have really loved taking care of her this week, but this is what fostering is all about.
A good foster family shows love and attention, teaches the dog new things, and helps socialize them and build their confidence. They also work to find the most perfect home for the dog, and then they have to say goodbye. It's not easy, but I feel really good about giving her a great home instead of having to sit at the shelter until someone decided to adopt her. At least this way I have control over where she goes, and I can rest easy knowing that she's in the best hands.
Her new family includes a co-worker and friend of mine, so we will get updates on how she is doing. They also have two dogs, so Millie will have friends to play with (something that was very important to me). I know once she recovers from her surgery and settles into her new home, she will be more than happy. So goodbye sweet Millie. We'll miss your adorable face and hilarious growly barks, and are so happy that we got to spend a little bit of time with you.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Out and About: Takoba
Saturday night I had a much needed date night with Hunk. We've had so much going on lately, that there just hasn't been much time for us to do something together, just the two of us. After dragging Millie around with me all day, she got a much needed nap in her crate while we went out for dinner and a little party. We had to transport some kittens back to the shelter from an adoption event first, so we decided to eat somewhere on the East side of town while we were over there. There are more than plenty great restaurants to choose from and we just don't make it to that part of town often enough.
I was in the mood for chips and salsa, so we decided to go to Takoba. I've been there before, but it was Hunk's first time. The meal (and restaurant in general) did not disappoint. They have such a great covered outside area, and then another outside lounging area with adirondack chairs in a big sand box, called the backyard. When the weather cools off, it really is the perfect place to sit outside for drinks. It was a little bit warm to be outside on Saturday, but we just liked the ambience of it much better. Luckily we ended up at a table in front of a mister, so it was a little more comfortable.
Our server was very attentive and nice- service is huge for me and it's always been constant at Takoba. We ordered guacamole and chips for starters, and Hunk got a beer while I ordered the Mango Habanero Margarita. Hands down, one of the best margaritas I have ever tasted. It's fresh and fruity without being too sweet, and just as it's going down, you get a little bit of kick from the habanero. If you go to this restaurant, you MUST try this margarita. It's fantastic.
For dinner, I stuck with the veggie tacos. It's easy to find a vegetarian meal here, and these tacos are delicious. The plate also comes with 2 sides, so I got a house salad and refried beans. For $8.50, it was a total bargain for that much food. Hunk got the carnitas tacos. He said they were tasty, and gave them a thumbs up. I know he was just excited to get a little meat for once, since we never really cook it at home.
If you're looking for a new Mexican restaurant to try (that isn't the same old Tex-Mex), then you must make a stop at Takoba.
I was in the mood for chips and salsa, so we decided to go to Takoba. I've been there before, but it was Hunk's first time. The meal (and restaurant in general) did not disappoint. They have such a great covered outside area, and then another outside lounging area with adirondack chairs in a big sand box, called the backyard. When the weather cools off, it really is the perfect place to sit outside for drinks. It was a little bit warm to be outside on Saturday, but we just liked the ambience of it much better. Luckily we ended up at a table in front of a mister, so it was a little more comfortable.
Our server was very attentive and nice- service is huge for me and it's always been constant at Takoba. We ordered guacamole and chips for starters, and Hunk got a beer while I ordered the Mango Habanero Margarita. Hands down, one of the best margaritas I have ever tasted. It's fresh and fruity without being too sweet, and just as it's going down, you get a little bit of kick from the habanero. If you go to this restaurant, you MUST try this margarita. It's fantastic.
For dinner, I stuck with the veggie tacos. It's easy to find a vegetarian meal here, and these tacos are delicious. The plate also comes with 2 sides, so I got a house salad and refried beans. For $8.50, it was a total bargain for that much food. Hunk got the carnitas tacos. He said they were tasty, and gave them a thumbs up. I know he was just excited to get a little meat for once, since we never really cook it at home.
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| House salad with a delicious vinaigrette. |
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| Veggie tacos |
If you're looking for a new Mexican restaurant to try (that isn't the same old Tex-Mex), then you must make a stop at Takoba.
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| (Photo from Little Mule Studio) |
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| (Photo from Jonathan Garza) |
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