Set the Table 2018 | A Crab Salad Birthday

Last night was my Mom's birthday! And I made something very simple and special - One of her very favorites! Every year gets better with you in it Mom - I love you to the moon and back!!

A Crab and Shrimp Meat Salad 

3 heaping Tbsp plain full fat greek yogurt

3 heaping Tbsp vegenaise (any favorite mayo will do)

1 lemon's juice

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp dried tarragon

1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

2 Tbsp fresh chives from our garden

2 Tbsp fresh parsley from our garden

1-2 tsp worcestershire (It was somewhere in between 1-2 tsp "to taste". lol)

16 oz claw crab meat

6 oz lump crab meat

3/4 lb shrimp meat (aka "little baby shrimps")

Mix up the sauce first. Dump in the crab and shrimp meat. Mix. Season more with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with your favorite greens. I used watercress, kale sprouts and green lettuce. Make it into a sandwich or salad and celebrate this wonderful life!!!

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• Each #SettheTable2018 post features a delicious family table recipe(s) to inspire your meal planning for the week.  
• #CatchmyGrit on Instagram to follow the fun, the food and the family table reactions (good and bad) leading up to each weekend post. C'est la vie, I selfy-ishly light it UP in pics, videos and Instastories to keep truckin! 
• New to this series? Revisit my favorite #SettheTable2017 recipe links here. Cheers to another year of sharing my crazy food adventures with Pure Barre Kildeer! 

Enjoy my play-by-play!

We still have pickles from our garden last year!

It's time for new candles at the family table:)

Keep practicing - It all starts at hOMe plate!

To the Mullies we go... 

xoxoL

ps

My Top 11 #SettheTable2018 Topics:

1. A Scientist Explores the Mysteries of the Gut Brain Connection
2. Will the Gut-Brain Connection Revolutionize Wellness?
3. Come to the table - Join Slow Food USA!
4. Stay on top of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Campaign.
5. Robyn O'Brien: Why Our Food Is Making Us Sick.
6. Kimbal Musk Wants to Reengineer the American Stomach | Why Food is the New Internet. 
7. What is Organic Pasture Raised Chicken Good for?
8. Shop with EWG "Clean Fifteen + Dirty Dozen" produce guidelines. Why? New research suggests pesticides/herbicides are linked to antibiotic resistance. Protect your gut microbiome + mycobiome.
9. Avoid artificial colors and preservatives to keep your "second brain" happy + healthy.
10. Why, When and How to Eat Wheat.
11. Why do Some People do well as Vegans and Vegetarians (Clues from the Magical World of Genetics).

Set the Table 2018 | Week 8

Mung Beans.
Such a weird name.

I had never heard of them before diving into my studies in Dynamic Eating Psychology + Ayurvedic Nutrition. I bought them in bulk early this week and thought I'd experiment with them to kick off my 5th module of education at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating. I am so excited to begin cooking with them and to learn more about how Mung Beans can make you feel great.

I serendipitously found Sarah Britton's blog about Kichadi, a super comforting, warm "one pot wonder" that our digestive system simply adores. Renewal in a bowl.

This "Realistic Reset" is just what I am looking for to kick off March (when it really still feels like Winter) for my best.Spring.YET.

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• Each #SettheTable2018 post features a delicious family table recipe(s) to inspire your meal planning for the week.  
• #CatchmyGrit on Instagram to follow the fun, the food and the family table reactions (good and bad) leading up to each weekend post. C'est la vie, I selfy-ishly light it UP in pics, videos and Instastories to keep truckin! 
• New to this series? Revisit my favorite #SettheTable2017 recipe links here. Cheers to another year of sharing my crazy food adventures with Pure Barre Kildeer!  

I wonder if Mr Chris would do a kichadi reset with me (maybe if it's just for a day)?

To the Mullies we go... 

xoxoL

ps

My Top 11 #SettheTable2018 Topics:

1. A Scientist Explores the Mysteries of the Gut Brain Connection
2. Will the Gut-Brain Connection Revolutionize Wellness?
3. Come to the table - Join Slow Food USA!
4. Stay on top of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Campaign.
5. Robyn O'Brien: Why Our Food Is Making Us Sick.
6. Kimbal Musk Wants to Reengineer the American Stomach | Why Food is the New Internet. 
7. What is Organic Pasture Raised Chicken Good for?
8. Shop with EWG "Clean Fifteen + Dirty Dozen" produce guidelines. Why? New research suggests pesticides/herbicides are linked to antibiotic resistance. Protect your gut microbiome + mycobiome.
9. Avoid artificial colors and preservatives to keep your "second brain" happy + healthy.
10. Why, When and How to Eat Wheat.
11. Why do Some People do well as Vegans and Vegetarians (Clues from the Magical World of Genetics).

Set the Table 2018 | Week 1

Chicken and Sweet Potato Tray Bake with a Dijon Mustard Glaze 

1-2 Organic Sweet Potatoes sliced thin
1 lb Organic Chicken thighs
1/2 red onion sliced thin into half moons
Dukkah seasoning (Learn more about this cool, versatile spice blend here. Found at Trader Joe's!)
1.5 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tsp freshly minced rosemary)
extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9x13 glass roasting pan, drizzle a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Layer and alternate the sweet potato round and red onions and cover the bottom of the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and dried rosemary. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 min. Remove from oven and liberally season the chicken with dukkah seasoning, salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on a plate. Remove the tin foil and place a wire cooling rack on top of the hot glass pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rack. Place everything stacked, back into the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Christina's Dijon Mustard Glaze
1 Tbsp Ghee or Extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp Whole grain mustard (or increase dijon to 3 Tbsp)
3 Tbsp White wine vinegar (or white wine if not following the Whole 30).
Sea salt to taste
1 Tbsp Freshly minced tarragon or parsley (decrease to 1-2 tsp if using dried herbs)

With about 15 min left in cooking time for the chicken, heat a small saucepan over medium low heat. Melt the butter. Add the mustard and white wine and whisk to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in the fresh herbs until well combined.

Take out the chicken and unstack the rack from the pan. Place the cooked chicken thighs directly on top of the potatoes and drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the chickens. Or, each person can glaze up their own home plate.

IF you have any leftovers, make this salad for lunch or dinner the next day. Or pair it up with eggs done your way for breakfast.

A Super Sweet Potato n Chicken Salad
Organic mixed greens
Leftover roasted chicken (cubed or shredded) & sweet potatoes (However much you want)
1/2 Avocado (flesh diced or sliced)
Halved grape tomatoes
Fresh basil
sea salt and pepper
1/2 Lemon's juice
extra virgin olive oil

Layer greens on a plate. Squeeze the lemon over the top with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Next layer the potatoes, chicken, avocado, tomatoes and basil.

Mmmmmmm....  Wholy cow this eatin's good.

********************************************************************************

• Each #SettheTable2018 post features a delicious family table recipe to inspire your meal planning for the week. This year, I am kicking it off with Whole30 friendly recipes that will either be one of my own creations or a handy link to someone else's that has inspired me. 
• #CatchmyGrit on Instagram to follow the fun, the food and the family table reactions (good and bad) leading up to each weekend post. C'est la vie, I selfy-ishly light it UP in pics, videos and Instastories to keep truckin! 
• New to this series? Revisit my favorite #SettheTable2017 recipe links here. Cheers to another year of sharing my crazy food adventures with Pure Barre Kildeer!  

It all starts at hOMe plate.

To the Mullies we go... 

xoxoL

ps

My Top 11 #SettheTable2018 Topics:

1. A Scientist Explores the Mysteries of the Gut Brain Connection
2. Will the Gut-Brain Connection Revolutionize Wellness?
3. Come to the table - Join Slow Food USA!
4. Stay on top of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Campaign.
5. Robyn O'Brien: Why Our Food Is Making Us Sick.
6. Kimbal Musk Wants to Reengineer the American Stomach | Why Food is the New Internet. 
7. What is Organic Pasture Raised Chicken Good for?
8. Shop with EWG "Clean Fifteen + Dirty Dozen" produce guidelines. Why? New research suggests pesticides/herbicides are linked to antibiotic resistance. Protect your gut microbiome + mycobiome.
9. Avoid artificial colors and preservatives to keep your "second brain" happy + healthy.
10. Why, When and How to Eat Wheat.
11. Why do Some People do well as Vegans and Vegetarians (Clues from the Magical World of Genetics).

Set the Table 2017 | Week 27

Taco Turkey Burgers
(with leftover vege to make omelettes the next morning)

Organic butter, ghee, coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
2 small organic fennel bulbs diced
1 organic onion diced
1 bunch baby leeks (or 1 large leek or 1 bunch scallions) - diced (used more white than green parts)
1 red pepper diced
1 orange pepper diced
1 yellow pepper diced
sea salt & pepper

1 organic, pasture raised egg
1 pound organic ground turkey
1 good pinche of sea salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp dried oregano

Good quality cheddar cheese (I used Kerrygold "Dubliner")
fresh greens
Buns (We're in love with our local Amish Organic Bread from Heaven)

In large pan, warm your fat of choice under med/low heat. Sauté a soffritto of diced fennel, onion, leeks and peppers for at least 30 minutes with a pinch of sea salt and pepper. You want all the vege super soft with the onions, leeks and fennel totally translucent, just barely caramelized. Transfer 1.5 cups of the vege to a shallow dish and cool off in the freezer for 10 minutes (this ensures that the ground turkey won't start to cook when you mix it all up). Transfer the rest of the vege to a container for the refrigerator (I am using this mixture this morning for omelettes!). Once cooled down, grab a large bowl and add the egg, ground turkey and all seasonings. Mix thoroughly and form into burger patties. It's messy, so I used my 1 in ice cream scoop to make my patties right on the hot cast iron pan! Genius! I vented my lid to ensure the patties were cooked through. Add sliced cheddar cheese on top and melt. Serve over fresh greens, or a bun with whatever your Taco-Tuesday-night-heart desires!

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• Each #SettheTable2017 post begins with a featured recipe(s) + upcoming week's game plan followed by a picture diary of last week's chaos. I sign off every post with a handy reference list of my favorite foodie articles (some new, some repeated). 
• #CatchmyGrit on my Instagram throughout the week to capture the fun, the food and the family table reactions (good and bad). C'est la vie, I selfy-ishly light it UP in pics and videos to keep truckin! 
• New to this series? Here's the STORY behind my #SettheTable2017 food adventures with Pure Barre Kildeer.
• My two go to's for meal planning organization (the grocery list app features are rad): 1. Jamie's Ultimate Recipes App 2. Sarah's My New Roots Recipe App 

Week 28's Game Plan:

I'm headed to Denver to visit my sister's family and experience Slow Food Nations! Looking forward to sharing what I do, see, hear, eat and drink! I can't WAIT - Here's a rough outline of my super slow food plan:

July 13 = Katie here I come!
July 14 = Colorado Made Block party
July 15 = Volunteer, Listen to Alice Waters, Global Spice Journey, Mile High Marriage of Beer and Cheese, James Beard Smart Catch Dinner
July 16 = Home again home again jiggity jig


Wrap it UP with last week's action:

It was a marvelous 4th of July on the Diamond!

Thank you Prairie Farm Corps for the absolutely fantastic farm to table lunch - This week's kitchen crew OUT DID themselves! I really enjoyed speaking to you all afterwards and I cannot WAIT to come back at the end of the month and cook with you!! #favoritefoodeducationplaceonearth 

I stopped by the Area General Store on the way home to see Rob and look who I found!?

A new balls-out kitchen mascot.

Tommy named him John and he sits on my island. He keeps it real.

This week's Prairie Wind Family Farm CSA was ridic!

Have you ever heard of #imomsohard? Well, laugh your freakin spanx off with them here. We "Mommed so hard" we forgot to pay attention to the time at Wood and walked in 30 minutes late to the show!!! HILARIOUS.

Sometimes, life gets too good to look at your clock. I think that's the magic of a good family table.

Almost every time Laura comes out to play, we "re-do" something. Or we craft... Or we just sit and drink coffee all day into our wine glasses. We're nuts. Really. I love the nuts in my life. Keeps everything greased and running well.

Yes, we bought the same shoes.

Oh my dear chimmie Laura... I have a whole new kitchen and house. I mean, who lives here? Where's all my Tchotch!?

We were like two Magda's this weekend... cleaning out, organizing, pairing down, painting, re-imagining. I'm gonna get to my attic and basement soon, I promise. I love you chimmie, we conquered the WORLD this weekend! Don't leave me! Thank heavens you only live in Indiana!

Don't blink, Summer's still here.

It all starts on home plate.

To the Mullies we go...

xoxoL

ps

My Top 10 #SettheTable2017 Topics:

1. Come to the table - Join Slow Food USA!
2. Stay on TOP of the global Food Revolution.
3. How to Cook With Oils.
4. Buy Antibiotic Free and Know the Source of Your Family's Meat.
5. The EWG "Clean Fifteen + Dirty Dozen produce guidelines helps you save money + reduce the pesticides and herbicides = Antibiotics harmful to our gut microbiome + mycobiome at home. 
6. Avoid artificial colors and preservatives to keep your gut, your "second brain" happy + healthy.
7. Why, When and How to Eat Wheat.
8. 50 Years Ago, the Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists to Point Blame at Fat.
9. Kimbal Musk Says Food is the New Internet. 
10. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Starts With Ignoring the Guidelines (Video)