Chestnut soup with truffle drizzle

The holiday season is upon us and I love creating healthy recipes to compliment the seasonal favorites.  This recipe is from a Williams Sonoma cooking class, I modified slightly leaving out the heavy cream.  The chestnuts keep it thick so it has a great consistency.  Its easy and can be whipped up ahead of time.  I made this today and can't wait to serve for Thanksgiving.  

Chestnuts and madeira can be found at your local Trader Joes. 

photo from williamsonoma.com

3 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped carrots 

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 fresh parsley springs

2 whole cloves

1 bay leaf

6 cups chicken broth

15 ounce jar peeled and cooked chestnuts, crumbled

1/4 cup madeira * 

*Optional truffle cream topping 

1/2 cup creme fraiche 

3 tablespoon heavy cream

2 tablespoon white truffle cream or oil 

Mix all together and drizzle over top 

Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stir in celery, carrot and onion.  Cover and sweat vegetables for 15 minutes until soft.

Wrap parsley, cloves and bay leaf in cheese cloth and bundle to make a bouquet.

Add broth and bouquet, bring to boil.  Reduce heat to simmer and keep covered for another 20 minutes.  Add chestnuts and madeira simmer and cook for another 5 minutes.

Puree soup with hand blender, or transfer to blender adding salt and pepper to taste.  

Enjoy!

ML

Egg muffins

The school year is upon us so that means busy mornings for all the moms & dads out there.  I used to make these egg muffins every Sunday. They make a great easy morning breakfast or a healthy snack for during the week. Take your own spin on them substituting your favorite veggies and meat.  I wiped some up today and thought it would be a great time to share.  I used chorizo, spinach and low fat mozzarella.

Spring for the Organic option- Muffins ready for the oven 

Ingredients:
12 Eggs
1/4 Cup Almond milk
Salt & pepper
1 Cup spinach (chopped)
4 Tbs Chorizo
1/4 C mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl crack all the eggs, add in the milk, salt and pepper then beat until thoroughly mixed.  Spray muffin tin with non stick spray, add vegetables to the tin then pour in the eggs top with meat and cheese.  Bake for 12-15 minutes until the eggs are set.
Be sure not to over bake, so they are can be re heated nicely.  Store in Tupperware and keep in fridge until ready to enjoy.

Enjoy! 

Ideas:
Bacon, spinach and cheddar
Turkey sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes
Turkey bacon, spinach and feta
Bacon, onion, red pepper
*You will need to cook the meat before adding it to the muffin tins.

Baby shower weekend #1 (DIY)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!! What a wonderful fast weekend we had celebrating a friends baby boy.  Planning a shower is always fun! Baby shower decorations can range from baby bottles and owls to fancy plates and banners, we chose the ladder.  I have to say it was more work then anticipated but turned out exactly as I visioned and had my friends name written all over it.  The day of was quit hectic due to set up and food prep (a special thanks to my husband who spent his morning picking up balloons) but everything came together wonderfully.

We focused on decor seeing the setting was a blank canvas and had some space to fill in. The party started at noon so I chose a "tea party" theme for food and drinks.  This went over very well and kept the food cost down, food tends to be the greatest expense.  I cut the cucumber sandwiches with a round cookie cutter and left the prosciutto and ham as open faced sandwiches.  This made for a cute display of  food and saved me time on labels (although I did plan on making them).  The best part of tea sandwiches is the finger food aspect, It limits silver wear therefor saving some $, I wrapped forks in bow tie napkins and placed them at each table setting.  Gold charges found here ($2 ea.)  adds a pop of sophistication top them with white glass plates for a clean stylish look.  

Table scape

Food display/banner

Decor: If you have never arranged flowers make a point to put an arrangement together this week.  Its relaxing, fun and saves a lot of money! I had some friends over the night before to help with arrangements in the gold boxes and glass jars.  The polka dot table clothes and burlap runner are from factory direct party here and I rented the white linens to go underneath.  This layering type of style adds dimension and style to the tables carrying a small cost. I ordered an array of blue colored balloons including some polka dot balloons and hung them all around the seatting area, you can never have to many balloons.

DIY flowers 

Games & Favors:  We played two games, baby scramble and baby name bags.  This keep everyone engaged before the opening of gifts and allowed for some guest interaction.  The winners of the games received a potted succulent.  I loved this idea because its cheap, pretty and they last forever!

Favors: Choosing favors is always challenging…. you want something guests will use while keeping the cost reasonable.  I chose carnival suckers, it adds some fun color and brings the child out in everyone.  For chocolate loving guests I bought some mini baby ruths and butterfinger candy bars.  

We set out a DIY cost saving but pretty shower and I have to say I was amazed and very happy with the way everything tuned out! I was worth ever ounce of energy, we had a successful shower for 24 people all under $1,000. 

Menu: 

Cucumber/ cream cheese & chive sandwiches

Prosciutto/ arugula & honey crostini  

Ham/ brie & apple 

Chicken curry lettuce wraps 

Smoked salmon plater/ fresh dill/ mini dill pickles/ capers/ herbs cream cheese & sliced french bread

Fruit platter with scones

Hummus with sliced veggies/carrots/cucumber & radishes

Kale salad

Olive tapenade 

Cake:

Ombre blues - Meringue bakery - here

Hit of the party

Drinks:

Champagne (6 bottles) 

OJ

Strawberry lemonade 

Lemonade

Ice Tea 

Cucumber & lemon infused water

Small mason jars 

Polka dot straws

Flowers:
Blue hydrangeas
White roses
Gold boxes
Blue mason jars

Decor:

Balloons 

Banner - DIY

Onesies 

Pom Poms 

Gold chargers 

Rentals: Baker party rentals

Chairs

White table linens 

Games:

Baby scramble 

Baby name bag game

Favors:

Mini candies 

Carnival round suckers 

Seattle {in 3 days}

It has definitely been the summer of travel for us here at Modernlyfe.  I love traveling to celebrate weddings, especially when they are hosted in fun cites.  The husband and I attended a rustic barn wedding outside of Seattle in July, we were able to play in the city for 3 days and really made the most of the fabulous weather they were having.  Are you heading to Seattle this year? Check out the must do's, see's and eat's below.  

Stay:

W Seattle- Great location, hip but also suitable for small families. We were able to walk to all sights and very close to Pike market. Enjoy a night cap at Trace lounge before heading to bed. To book a room visit here.

Transportation:

Seattle is very walkable (when it is not raining.)  We used Uber to and from the airport as well as into Ballard for dinner. 

Explore:

Chihuly gardens and glass- Located right next to the space needle.  Stroll around the museum and take in the vibrate colors of the twisted glass.  His work is famously displayed at the Belligo in Las Vegas as well as the Seattle airport.

In the gardens

Space Needle- A must for first time visitors but once you have taken in the view explore the city by foot. check out tickets here.

Nordstrom- Lets just say this is the location that started it all.

Pike Market- Check out the aisles of fresh fruit and colorful blooms.  If you time it right you might be able to catch a throwing of the fish demo.

Green Lake- Grab your sneakers and hail a cab.  Enjoy a walk or run around this lake with the locals, just 10 minutes away from downtown.

Don't miss:
Capitol hill and Fremont districts. Emerge yourself in the eclectic and historic areas of Seattle.  Grab dinner at one of the new hip restaurants- see eats-

Eats: 

Pink door- Classic old school Italian food, friendly service with a great patio.  Sit inside and enjoy the band of the night while admiring rustic antiques.  Explore the menu here.

Moorse coffee- Need an afternoon pick me up? stop into Moorse, best all around coffee with unique décor.  Don't be surprised if you get a cute design on top of your latte, that is what they are known for.

cutest latte ever

 Staple and Fancy- Ready to leave the tourist area and visit a “local” spot? Take part in the Chefs tasting menu, which consists of 8-10 small plates of off menu items.  Be prepared to relax, eat and leave overly satisfied. TIP* Go early and visit the attached bar next store.  Reserve a table here.

Café champagne-Don't be afraid to sleep in. Cafe Champagne is great for a late breakfast or lunch, enjoy fresh pastries and quiche that would make the French drool.

Biscuit bitch- Great for breakfast or lunch, we were there for breakfast.  Order at the counter and grab a seat, fast friendly service with gluten free options! So tasty I’m still craving it.

best looking gluten free biscuit 

Marjorie- Enjoy dinner on the cute patio, a local favorite with friendly service. *TIP try the non alcoholic  drinks.

Pike place chowder-Noted for the best clam chowder in town.  They offer many tasty chowder options.  Grab a table outside and rub shoulders with visitors and locals alike. It was 80 degrees when we were there and the patio was full that says something.  Don’t forget to get some sourdough bread on the side.

Crab sandwich 

Drinks:

Radiator whisky- Love trying unique bar/restaurants?  make sure to put this on your list.  They showcase unique bourbons and whisky's of course.  Go for the tasting and try 3 flavors, you will not be disappointed.  Located above Pike Market grab a window seat in enjoy the view.  Review the drink menu here.

enjoying a bourbon on the rocks

Purple wine bar- Very close to the W hotel.  Get the night started at the circular bar right in the middle with a flight of wines from around the world.

The tasting room- Great spot to taste local wines, they have games you can play while sipping.

Clearly we had a wonderful time and did not waste a minute, we finished the weekend just outside of Seattle in Cle Elm for Emily and Davids pinterest worthy wedding.

Hope you enjoy your stay.
XoXo
ML 

Lemon & basil hummus

Hope you are enjoying your summer!  We have some great post coming soon. 

I love using seasonal ingredients and what screams summer more then fresh lemons and basil. I am not sure why I did not make this recipe earlier, maybe I just needed to perfect it.   It only takes 15 minutes to whip up! Enjoy it with snap peas, carrots or pita chips. 

1-15oz can organic garbanzo beans (drained)

5 Tbs lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)

¼ Cup organic EVOO 

1 Tbs Tahini (sesame seed paste)

4 cloves of garlic 

3- springs of fresh parsley

3- springs of fresh basil

Pinch of sea salt

*Pinch of Cheyenne pepper (optional adds a little kick)

Rinse and drain garbanzo beans, juice 2 lemons and slice garlic.  Add all ingredients to food processer (garbanzo beans, lemon juice, EVOO, tahini, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and Cheyenne.) Pulse in good processer for about 3 minutes.  If it is a little chunky add more lemon juice or a small amount of EVOO. Dish out garnish and enjoy! 

XoXo

ML

Zucchini cakes {Gluten free}

The summer is officially here and gardens are in full bloom.  Zucchini is one of the easier veggies to grow and boy do they grow!! We have a few great zucchini recipes to share this summer, here is one that has been perfected.  Enjoy!

 

2 Cup- shredded zucchini

½ Cup- almond flour

½ Cup- shredded cheddar cheese *

2- garlic cloves chopped

1- egg

¼ tsp- garlic powder

½ tsp- herbs de provence

½ C- shredded cheddar cheese 

 

Preheat oven to 350. Add all ingredients to medium size bowl. Slice the zucchini with a Medellin and remove moisture squeezing it into a towel, add to bowl.  Continue adding ingredients, chopped garlic, almond flour, garlic powder and herbs de provence, lastly add one beat egg.  Mix with hands to combine.  Roll into medium size balls and place on baking sheet then slightly flatten.  Bake at 350 for 5 minutes then broil each side on low for 8 minutes, until golden browned.

*Omit the cheese for a paleo version*

Find almond flour here or at your local Trader Joe's, Mothers market or Sprouts.