Interview with Lee Aquino from The Birch & Vine – St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 51

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• May 26, 2022 Sing and Eat Your Heart out at LALA St. Pete

  Over the last several years the Grand Central District in St. Pete has brought us so many gems. From craft cocktail lounges, breweries, arcade bars, top notch restaurants, coffee shops, and even a mini golf bar… and the list goes on and on. A few months ago, LALA St. Pete opened adding another unique concept to the area. LALA has it all. With seven private karaoke rooms, a restaurant, rooftop bar and shared outdoor activity garden with Grand Central Brewhouse. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to have a birthday party, a girls’ night out, a late night (LALA is one of the few places in St. Pete that is open until 1am everyday) glass of wine and snack after a long day or a rooftop date night, LALA is the place for you. The private karaoke rooms each have their own theme and have capacity ranging from 5-16 guests. Themes include Grammy awards, speakeasy, tropical and more. When booking a karaoke session at LALA, I highly recommend planning well ahead. We booked ours about a month in advance and several of the rooms were already taken for the time slot we were interested in. You also have to pay to reserve the room, the cost ranges from $80 – $384 + tax/room/2 hours. This averages out to about $16-$24 + tax/person if you have the room maxed out. The cost varies based on the time of day and the room you chose. The shared outdoor activity garden has lawn games, frequent live music and a large projector screen for movie nights and the big games. Unfortunately, I have yet to make my way up to the rooftop bar, but from what I have heard from friends and seen in photos it is a large patio overlooking the activity garden and the Grand Central District with tasty libations pouring all day and night. I will be going next time I’m out on the town. The restaurant features a Mediterranean, French and American inspired scratch menu with thoughtfully and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Kait uses inspiration from her love of music and food to create the perfect menu for LALA. The first time I visited LALA was on a whim with some friends after a trivia night at a brewery down the street. We wanted “one more drink” and were having trouble finding a spot that was still open at 10pm on a Wednesday. After several Google searches and calling a few places, we realized LALA was our best, and only, bet. We sat at a table just outside the entrance and to our surprise they had a special for half off bottles of wine (Yay!). We decided to indulge and order a bottle of wine and the Artisan Veggie Board. The Artisan Veggie Board consists of a variety of veggies and veggie dips including cauliflower tabbouleh, artichoke, marinated tomato, black olive tapenade, hummus, bruschetta, kalamata olive, served with crostinis and seasonal veggies. The second time I visited LALA, it was time to do it big. My friends and I reserved Studio LALA to sing our hearts out while drinking some delicious cocktails and eating some great food. Studio LALA holds up to 12 guests and makes you feel like you’re in a pseudo-studio 54 complete with a neon sign, disco lights and bright pink and purple furniture. There is large floor to ceiling window along Central that may seem intimidating at first, but don’t be shy the passersby love to join the party. When we got settled in Studio LALA, we did the only thing we knew how to do before we started a karaoke session and ordered a round of tequila shots. As you can see our server was thrilled to have us. We also ordered a round of cocktails. Between the 6 of us there we ordered three spicy watermelon margaritas, a skinny margarita, a mojito and an Excitabull. All of the drinks were perfectly crafted. The spicy watermelon margarita consists of tequila, orange liqueur, watermelon, lime, jalapeno and a sugar rim. We all opted for a salt rim. It was spicy without being too spicy (for me, my friends’ opinion on the spice level may differ) and well balanced with the refreshing flavor of the watermelon. The Excitabull mixed vodka, peach schnapps, Redbull and cranberry juice to put a spark in your day and fire you up for some karaoke. Once we had some shots in us and started to sip on our cocktails, we were ready for some karaoke. While in the karaoke room you are more than welcome to order off their full food menu. I think it’s great that they allow you to do that and do not limit you to ordering off a smaller menu while in the room. After getting a couple songs in, we started ordering our meals. Across the group we ordered the Seacuterie Board to share, Niçoise Salad, Prosciutto Burrata Caprese Salad, Bruschetta Crositins, Mediterranean Pasta, and Duck Linguine. The Seacuterie Board was one of my favorite dishes we that evening. It was bursting at the seams with smoked salmon with capers and red onions, lobster & shrimp salad, smoked fish dip, shrimp cocktail, tuna sashimi with tamari sauce and served with crostinis. You could tell all of the seafood was very fresh and it was full of flavor. The lobster & shrimp salad had good size chunks of meat tossed in a mayonnaise-based sauce without being too overwhelming on the mayo. The smoked fish dip could stand up to some of the best in St. Pete. The tuna sashimi with tamari was so good that I may have left little for my friends to try. The Niçoise Salad was classically prepared with red potato, asparagus, cherry tomato, hardboiled egg, capers, chives, anchovies, dijon mustard vinaigrette. The presentation was just as beautiful as the taste was. The Prosciutto Burrata Caprese Salad was your run of the mill caprese salad with prosciutto on top. It was nothing to […]

• May 19, 2022 Sushi Rock Grill: Where Sushi Purists & Adventurous Eaters Alike Unite

  Across the pond (literally) from The Deck Bar & Grille (which I reviewed earlier this month – article here ) you’ll find Sushi Rock Grill which houses a completely different vibe and menu than the sports bar. Sushi Rock is located just off of the Pinellas Bayway in the plaza in front of the Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club. I’ll admit that I was shocked when we walked in the front door, as the decor surpassed my expectations. The exterior of Sushi Rock is quaint and very clean. When you pull into the plaza, it’s the first business you pass. I honestly don’t know what I had in mind for the inside of the space but I was pleasantly surprised when we walked through the dining room. The interior is modern and very clean and modest in size but bigger than I thought with at least a dozen or so tables and a sushi bar with seating. If you continue through the dining room to the patio, you’ll uncover even more seating along the water in the back of the building. It was an 80 degree + afternoon with plenty of sunshine and no signs of humidity (yet) so dining on the patio in the early evening was an attractive option. Other folks thought so too because shortly after our 5:00PM arrival every table outside was filled with the exception of a larger table that already had a “reserved” sign on it. The inside was no different either – when we left around 6:00PM, the inside was basically full and multiple take-out orders were ready and waiting to be retrieved and devoured. Upon taking our seats outside, we jumped right to the drink section – it was a very warm and sunny afternoon and a cool and crisp drink was necessary. Had we been anywhere else I probably would’ve opted for a rosé or perhaps sauvignon blanc, but being that sushi was in our near future, sake felt right. Our waiter pointed out a few suggestions and even showed us a few off-menu sake options. We went with his suggestion as it’s a popular choice and it definitely did the trick. Cloudy but bright, semi-sweet and ultra refreshing. Food wise, we kicked things off with Edamame – perfectly steamed soybeans with a sprinkle of sea salt. I’m a sucker for a snack that I can get a lot out of with minimal effort. Optimal ROI, if you will. Edamame is just that for me. And edamame is nothing to feel guilty about eating. In fact, it’s a great little warm up for the meal. Sushi Rock offers this simplistic and classic version of edamame as well as a spicy garlic rendition. I’m likely to co-sign on an order of vegetable tempura, or anything tempura really. The vegetables are fried in a light and delicate batter. Because the batter isn’t that heavy and frying time is minimal, the vegetables maintain their vibrant fresh flavors. I could’ve easily made a meal out of the edamame and veggie tempura alone. The dish arrives with 6-8 large pieces of assorted vegetables like zucchini, onion, carrot, broccoli and asparagus. Because some of the vegetables were so large they required a fork and knife, so my only suggestion to them would be to cut the veggies (like broccoli and zucchini) into smaller more manageable bites. So, you can’t just go to Sushi Rock Grill without ordering sushi/sashimi, especially considering the number of rolls offered. They have it all – raw, cooked, partially raw, vegetarian, coconut shrimp rolls, rolls with snow crab and lobster, and the list goes on. Having a tough time deciding on a roll(s)? Order Sushi Rock’s Sushi Jo which is a Chef’s choice roll with six different pieces of sushi/maki. I actually did not see this option until after we already ordered, otherwise this definitely would’ve been the move. They have similar options for their sashimi – they have a Chef’s choice app with eight pieces or a larger sashimi dinner selection that is also chef’s choice. Two rolls were ordered – the Lollipop roll and the Yummy roll. Two completely different rolls, yet they possessed similar characteristics: notably vibrant and fresh flavors The Lollipop roll is quite different than the typical rolls that I gravitate towards. Unlike most sushi rolls, the Lollipop is rolled in a cucumber wrap which added a fresh crunch with every bite. Wrapped in the cucumber you’ll find tuna, salmon and yellowtail and the roll is also served with ponzu and tobiko. It’s a very beautiful and appealing roll, bursting with natural flavor notes. The only downfall about the alternative cucumber wrap is that the pieces do not stay in tact, which can make for a more difficult bite. The Yummy roll was selected at random and is comprised of a simplistic combination of sweet potato tempura and avocado. It was much smaller and more manageable to eat and ended up being quite satisfying with only minimal ingredients. This roll is one of their vegetarian options. The house salad with ginger dressing is always a highlight whenever we go for sushi, no matter the restaurant. There is just something so satisfying about the cold and crisp lettuce topped with bright and zingy carrot-ginger dressing. At Sushi Rock Grill, all of the entrees come with the options of this salad or a soup. On a warm spring evening in Florida, the salad was an unquestionable move. There’s much more to Sushi Rock Grill than just the sushi. Their menu is chock-full of non-sushi items like curries, fried rice, beef and chicken dishes like Katsu and Korean Bulgogi and noodle bowls like this one – the Saigon Noodles. All of the noodle bowls (five in total) come with your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu.  In the Saigon Bowl you’ll find rice noodles with tons of fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños and crushed peanuts with a French/Vietnamese sauce and a lime wedge (and you should always use […]

• May 16, 2022 No Need to be Salty about The Salty Nun

  From the creators of Salty’s and Stella’s in Gulfport comes The Salty Nun located in the Grand Central District. The Salty Nun took over the short-lived Swinger’s space, which I unfortunately never got a chance to try. From what I’ve seen through pictures, they kept the previous aesthetic and brought in a new menu. You’ll notice as you arrive the bright blue and green colors that adorn the large patio. The restaurant is about 90% outdoor seating and 10% indoor. It’s the perfect spot for a breezy St. Pete afternoon. Especially on the days they have live music. Unfortunately for me, I missed the live music by about five minutes. They were setting up as we were checking out. My friend and I decided to take a spot at the bar, my favorite thing to do when there’s just two diners. I quickly learned that this was a very casual joint by asking what fun breakfast cocktail they could make for us, and she suggested a screwdriver. The good news is that they offer doubles. She convinced my friend a screwdriver was the way to go, and I went with a Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary was perfect for me, made with a doctored-up Zing Zang base. We decided to share several items on the menu starting off with the Pierogis and Black Bean Cake Breakfast. In my eyes, the Pierogis were flawlessly cooked (not that I’m an expert on Pierogis by any means). The dough was slightly chewy with a bit of crisp from the pan frying. The potato filling was extra smooth and had a slight garlic flavor. The Pierogis were topped with grilled onions and served with sour cream on the side finishing off each bite perfectly. The Black Bean Cake Breakfast was the star of the show for me. It comes with two crispy on the outside (presumably deep fried) soft with good texture inside and topped with a salsa verde, adding heat and acidity, and feta cheese, then two eggs your way and toast. We decided to order our eggs over medium and chose sourdough toast. With each bite of the black bean cake, we found a new way to eat it. A bite with just the cake and minimal salsa verde, a bite with salsa verde and feta, a bite dipped in egg yolk, a bite on the toast with the salsa verde and the feta and the yolk (aka the perfect bite). This was a dish that my friend and I both said we would come back for time and time again. Next up was the Thick Cut Challah French Toast served with cinnamon butter. I would say this one slightly missed the mark for me. The French toast itself was simple, as if you made it at home yourself. Which is not a bad thing! What threw it off for me was the cinnamon butter and not having syrup given to me until I was nearly done eating. The cinnamon butter was so cold it almost had the texture like it was just pulled out of the freezer. The flavor was there, but it would have been much better if it could have easily melted on my toast. Once I had a bite with the syrup and some butter I saw where the dish could be quite good, but it seemed it was poorly served and executed. I’ll chalk it up to bad luck on that one. From there we decided to move on to some lunch items. I ordered The Salty Smash Burger and my friend ordered the Salty Nun Turkey Club. The burger was served with two patties, American cheese, onion straw, lettuce and tomato. The “smash” burger was more like a double cheeseburger, sans smash. I had to remove one of the patties to even be able to take a bite, but it was worth it. The burger was juicy and flavorful and the crisp and saltiness of the onion strings rounded out the burger well. We ordered the Turkey Club with no bacon, as my friend doesn’t eat pork. It came served on lightly toasted sourdough bread with an abundance of turkey, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheddar cheese and mayo. This was your classic Turkey Club sandwich; it was refreshing and perfect for a warm afternoon eating lunch outside. Overall, The Salty Nun was a great spot to sit at the bar, have a couple of drinks and enjoy the company of a friend and some good food. I plan on going back on a Drag Brunch Sunday and ordering the Black Bean Cake Breakfast as soon as I can!

• May 6, 2022 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House Highlights New Summer Menu Items

  The restaurant traditionally known for its relaxed coastal cuisine, has introduced a new menu to bring Nouveau American Cuisine to Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg. Director of Culinary, Chef Nick Ocando says, “The new summer menu items are thoughtful and welcoming with a strong focus on high quality ingredients treated with respect.” The new menu items feature a wide variety of food sourced from many local farmers. This keeps the menu seasonally driven giving patrons the highest quality food to enjoy. One of the unique selections offered is the Piedmontese Beef Filet. This is a hard to find Italian breed of beef that is higher in protein than black angus beef. 400 Beach is one of the few restaurants in the area to import this special cut of beef. Monica’s cornbread, one of the most popular new starters comes from a special family recipe. Being a Maine native, Chef Nick takes the utmost pride in the quality of seafood we serve, such as, George’s Bank Scallops served with fava beans, English peas, baby summer peppers and fire roasted corn. Classics from his home town like the 400 Lobster Roll, East Coast Oysters and New England clam chowder are also delicious new additions to the menu. All of the menu items at 400 Beach are complemented by any one of the bar’s signature cocktails created by Ingi Sigurdsson, Director of Beverage. Ingi states, “Our new summer cocktail menu features classic summer cocktails with a fun and unique spin. For instance, our Rum Runner is made with banana, blackberry and lemon and sure to surprise the senses.” Fresh and lively summer flavors like cucumber, strawberry, mint, peach and even brûlèe’d jalapeno, turn every sip into a delightful complexity that will leave you craving another. There are five new cocktails to appeal to every type of liqueur lover.

• May 4, 2022 Stop in for the All-Day Happy Hour & Stay for the Fun at The Deck Bar and Grille

  The Deck Bar and Grille at Isla – it’s a spot that I’ve driven past hundreds of times on the way to St. Pete Beach yet never paid it any attention. That’s because it’s tucked away in the back of the Isla Del Sol Shoppers Village just off of the Pinellas Bayway. The restaurant sits on the water with an attractive open-air atmosphere. It’s cozied right up next to the Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club and The Deck is somewhere that I wouldn’t mind ending up at after a round of 18. The overall feel is that of a sports bar with a different game on every television, buckets of Rolling Rock and PBR and a menu of non-pretentious food items like burgers and sandwiches, wings, tacos and more. Indoor and outdoor seating is quite abundant with lots of bar seating as well. For 6:00PM on a Tuesday, the place was quite packed. With specials like all day happy hour from 11:00AM-6:00PM as well as $2.00 Tuesday deals on select beers and vodkas and trivia night, it’s quite easy to see why. The all day happy hour which happens Monday – Friday from open until 6:00PM also draws in the crowds. In addition to trivia, on select nights they also have karaoke and live music. The sports bar vibe that The Deck gives off, as well as the number of televisions, also makes it an ideal spot to catch a ball game. If you’re into karaoke, The Deck may just be the place for you. On Sundays, they have karaoke as well as brunch cocktail specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys. Per usual, my husband and I eyed two open seats on the outdoor portion of the bar and swiftly scooped them up. We were promptly greeted by the bartender and informed of the Tuesday specials: $2.00 PBR & Rolling Rock Cans, Fireball, 3 Olives & Deep Eddie Vodkas. We both jumped at a Deep Eddie’s Lime Vodka and Tonic – and of course it was as refreshing as it sounds. We mulled over the appetizers for a while but ultimately found balance somewhere between the hot boneless chicken wings and the nachos. The nachos were exactly as we had hoped: lightly topped with the basics like lettuce, tomato, queso, homemade chili and jalapeños and served with sour cream and salsa. It was plenty without being too overwhelming but we could’ve probably made that a meal had we eaten every bite. My husband loves buffalo chicken wings, especially boneless buffalo chicken wings. Okay, I do too – but not boneless. I’m a traditionalist all the way when it comes to my wings but hey, we have to pick our battles, right? The wings arrived and the portion was quite fair though the presentation was underwhelming. We opted for hot and the flavor was on point with the perfect touch of heat. However, we would have liked the boneless bites to possess a bit more crunch and character. However, we did watch a number of traditional wing orders make their way out to various tables and they looked delicious. In between our appetizers and the entrees we requested a simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette and it was a fantastic intermission between the two acts. Nothing fussy or frilly – just some simple toppings on a small bed of greens with a zingy balsamic dressing to round things out. After watching them hit the tables of numerous hungry patrons around us, we ultimately decided that we had to get the Mahi tacos. The tacos arrive as a trio and do not come with two sides like the other entrees. Trust me, you won’t need the other sides. The tacos are enough heft on their own. The Mahi was wonderful and flaky with great blackened flavor. A simple slaw rests underneath the fish. Overall, the tacos were good but they could’ve used some kind of crema or a different salsa perhaps. We did not care for the small cup of tomato salsa provided. Out of everything from The Deck that we have had the chance to try thus far, the Tampa Cuban was my favorite. Between two pieces of a pressed Cuban roll you’ll find salami, mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mayo, mustard and sliced pickles. Simple with the staple ingredients only, just as it should be. Each sandwich is served with a side. My usual choice would’ve been French fries but we decided to switch it up for a change and let tots have the spot light. Let’s face it, they did the job but French fries are just always going to be the go-to for me. Even with how busy The Deck was, in the midst of the dinner rush, the service was still impeccable. We were sitting at a full bar, which wrapped around the establishment, with multiple folks and our bartender never missed a beat. Ultimately, The Deck Bar and Grille at Isla is a quaint little gem, especially for the folks living in the surrounding communities and those who frequent the golf course. It’s the type of place with a bar that anyone would feel comfortable bellying up to. With specials like all-day happy hour, $2 Tuesdays and Sunday brunch specials, what’s not to like?

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Recipes

• May 2, 2022 Spiced Melon Panzanella Salad Recipe

  Panzanella is a Tuscan chopped salad typically made with stale bread, tomatoes and onion and is served mostly during the summer months. The toasted bread cubes sop up the beautiful tomato juices, olive oil and lemon which makes for one incredibly satisfying bite. Feel free to use any bread of your liking -Focaccia, Brioche and Dave’s Killer Bread (as you know, this is one of my favorite brands at Rollin’ Oats) are all wonderful options for your bread cubes. One of the things I love most about this salad is that it has heft, while also remaining vibrant and fresh. Because of those characteristics, it’s a great salad for both a satisfying lunch/brunch entree or a bright pre-dinner appetizer. The combination of ingredients meshes extremely well together. Sweet and spicy Cantaloupe, fresh basil and mozzarella, crispy bread, savory prosciutto and a punch of citrus and olive oil – it’s extremely tough to go wrong.   The crispy prosciutto is optional; however, it does add lovely salty and crunchy notes. At Rollin’ Oats you’ll find a three ounce package of Niman Ranch All Natural Prosciutto (currently on sale for $4.99). In Florida, Cantaloupe is in season April – June, so it’s usually quite easy to find during that time frame. Though if you’re looking to make the recipe at a time when cantaloupe is not available just simply use any ripe and juicy tomatoes that you can get your hands on. Spiced Melon Panzanella This salad has a split personality: it can pose as either a satisfying lunch or pre-dinner bite when served in smaller portions. 1 cantaloupe (Cut into 1-2" cubes)1/2 red onion (Sliced into thin half moons)8 oz mozzarella ball (Torn into irregular 1" pieces)2 cups bread (Any will do, like Italian loaf, foccacia, Dave's Killer Bread, etc. – torn into 1" irregular cubes)1/2 cup olive oil3 oz prosciutto (Optional)1 avocado (Sliced into small wedges)1/4 cup basil (Roughly chopped, plus more for garnish)1 lemon (Juiced)2 tsp salt2 tsp black pepper1 tsp crushed red pepper Preheat oven to 400F. Toss bread cubes in a large bowl with 1 tsp salt. Arrange in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes (you want bread cubes to be golden & crouton-like in texture). Remove from baking sheet and set aside.In a large bowl toss melon cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, crushed red pepper, 1 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Refrigerate until ready to use. If using prosciutto, one slice at a time, place prosciutto slice between two paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds (or until crisp). Allow to cool and crumble in a small bowl. Repeat with remaining prosciutto slices.In a small bowl combine juice of one lemon and remaining oil, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.When you're ready to serve your Panzanella salad, add all ingredients except sliced avocado to a large bowl. Gently combine. Serve salad topped with avocado slices and more basil. Appetizer, Dinner, Main CourseItalianAbby Allen Recipes, Panzanella Salad Recipes, Spiced Melon Panzanella

• April 4, 2022 Lasagna Primavera Recipe

  Grab a handful of your favorite in season spring vegetables and whip up this take on Lasagna Primavera. Spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers are all in season during the month of April here in Florida so I appointed them as the main characters of this dish. I chose to omit a red sauce and instead utilized only a light béchamel sauce packed with a punch of roasted garlic to lighten things up whilst still adding plenty of flavor. You can use whatever kind of noodles you want but I recommend saving yourself some extra stress and time by utilizing no boil noodles. It just makes everything a whole lot easier on yourself – work smarter, not harder, ya know? More times than not, I opt for a gluten free option. Typically, that option is Jovial’s organic no boil noodles. Jovial gluten free organic brown rice pastas are ready and waiting for you at Rollin’ Oats. I’m willing to bet that you won’t even notice the difference as the texture is incredibly similar, which is what I love most. All of the veggies, béchamel, and blend of three cheeses – mozzarella, mascarpone and parmesan steal the flavor show anyway.   Lasagna Primavera Make this fresh take on lasagna on a Sunday and win lunch all week long. Any in season Spring vegetables are welcome to this party! Bechamel Sauce4 tbsp butter (I use Vital Farms which is sold at Rollin' Oats.)4 tbsp all purpose flour2 cups milk1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1 tsp garlic powder ((optional – for an added punch of garlic))Lasagna & Assembly16 oz lasagna noodles (A no-boil option is the way to go in my opinion.)8 oz mascarpone8 oz mozzarella (Fresh – chopped/torn into 1" pieces)2 cups Parmesan (Grated. Plus more for serving)8 oz crimini mushrooms (Roughly chopped)4 large carrots (Peeled and chopped)1 white onion (Diced)1 red bell pepper (Roughly chopped)1 green bell pepper (Roughly chopped)5 oz baby spinachfresh mint ((optional, for garnish))1 tbsp good olive oil (Plus more for serving (optional)) BechamelMelt butter in a pot or dutch oven over medium heat. As soon as the butter has melted whisk in the flour until a thick paste-like substance is formed. Slowly whisk in the milk 1/2 cup at a time until a creamy sauce begins to formulate. Add in salt, pepper and garlic and remove bechamel from the heat. Cover and set aside until ready to use – slightly warm on the stove before incorporating into the lasagna.Lasagna & AssemblyPreheat oven to 400F. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add in all of the chopped and prepared vegetables, season with salt and pepper and cook until veggies begin to slightly soften – 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.To assemble our lasagna, begin by ladeling 1/3 of the bechamel sauce into a baking dish – evenly disperse to cover the dish. Next, lay four lasagna noodles side-by-side in the dish on the bechamel sauce. Spoon 1/3 of the cooked vegetables, followed by 1/3 of the baby spinach on top of the noodles.Now for the cheese. Dollop/spread 1/3 of the mascarpone as best as you can on top of the vegetables. Then, 1/3 of the mozzarella chunks. Parmesan is next and don't be shy with it, use 1/3 of the grated amount.Repeat steps two more times for a total of three loaded layers. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and then bake for another 25.Remove from oven, tent with foil and allow to cool for 20 minutes or so before eating. Serve with more parmesan, olive oil and fresh mint. Dinner, Main Course, Main DishItalianGluten Free Lasagna Noodles, Lasagna Primavera, Lasagna Primavera Recipes

• March 11, 2022 Corned Salmon & Brussels Hash with Rice Recipe

  This St. Patrick’s Day, swap out brisket for salmon to create this play on the ever-popular corned beef and cabbage. I present you, Corned Salmon & Brussels Hash with Rice. The best part about this recipe is that the cook time is significantly less – it’s allowing that salmon to hang out in the fridge with the cure that takes a bit of patience. Sure, one hour will suffice, but I recommend overnight (12-16 hours). After the cure, the salmon only needs a handful of minutes to cook before it gets added into the hash. To make this hash, all of the ingredients can be found at Rollin’ Oats Natural Food Market. There, you can always count on the product quality to be top notch with lots of local and organic products. The salmon that they sell is fantastic and found in the freezer section, along with a number of other items like wild game and various other frozen meats. If a hash isn’t quite your thing, you can absolutely keep all of the components of this dish separate. For example, you could serve a salmon filet over a bed of rice with a side of sautéed brussels and onions for an equally as satisfying experience. Corned Salmon & Brussels Hash with Wild Rice Pickling Spice1 cinnamon stick2 dried bay leaves6 cloves2 tbsp yellow mustard seeds2 tbsp coriander seeds1 tbsp black peppercorns1 tsp red pepper flakesCorned Salmon1 lb salmon filet (Skin on, wild-caught preferred)1 lemon (We are using the zest only)1/2 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (I recommend dill and parsley)1/4 cup brown sugar1/4 cup salt1/4 cup pickling spice3 tbsp Irish whiskey (Or whatever whiskey you have on hand)1 shallot (Small in size, minced)2 tbsp butter (Vital Farms is what I use)Brussels & Assembly1 lb brussels (Washed, trimmed and halved.)1/2 medium white onion (Sliced thin)4 tbsp olive oil (Divided)1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepperdill & parsley1 cup cooked rice (Basmati and wild rice or most any grain will suffice.)1/2 cup white wine (Use something that you would drink.) Pickling Spice BlendPlace all ingredients in a spice grinder and grind. A mortar and pestle will also work for this. Reserve any leftover spice blend for another use.SalmonCombine pickling spice blend with remaining ingredients except the butter and salmon in a medium bowl.Put salmon into a glass container or bowl skin side down. Evenly coat salmon with mixture. Place into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 12.Remove salmon from the container and wipe off the rub and remove the salmon skin.Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the butter. When melted, add the salmon cured side down. Allow to cook for 5-7 minutes – it will have some crust and color. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool and then pull salmon filet apart into 1-2" chunks. Set aside until ready to add to hash. Brussels & AssemblyHeat a dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of the olive oil. Add onion and a few pinches of salt and cook stirring occasionally until onion has slightly softened – 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and place in bowl until ready to add back to skillet.Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to skillet and increase heat to medium high. Add brussels, cut side down and cook undisturbed until beginning to crisp and char – 5-7 minutes.Toss and cook for another 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the wine 1/4 cup at a time to deglaze the pan and scrape up the browned bits. Add reserved cooked onion and salmon chunks. Stir to combine in skillet and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes.Serve over warmed rice with fresh herbs and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Main Course, Main DishAmerican, IrishCorned Salmon Recipes, Easy Salmon Recipes

• February 2, 2022 Curry Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

  Curry, spice and Cilantro-Lime rice. That lineup is enough to get me excited about a meal. Thus far, 2022 has been quite chilly for the most part, which has had me leaning towards comforting recipes. Curry is something that we make a lot of and for this month’s recipe, I wanted to present it in a more approachable way with a dinner that would be familiar to most. Curry Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are the answer to these colder weeknight evenings where ease and comfort are idyllic. In the recipe I call for yellow curry paste, but that’s only because it’s my preference. Use the the same quantity of any other curry paste that you like/is available to you, like red or green. If you enjoy making your own paste, I encourage you to do that as well. But for those of us looking for a shortcut, Rollin’ Oats has a variety of curry pastes readily available for purchase. Speaking of ingredients at Rollin’ Oats, they also carry our current favorite rice, Right Rice. Right Rice is made up of roughly 90% vegetables (including lentil & chickpea flour and pea fiber) and blended with a small amount of rice flour. They have a variety of flavors, like Cilantro Lime and Garlic and Herb and the rice is incredibly easy to prepare and ready in about ten minutes. While this dish is quite healthy already, if you want to take things a step further and make it vegan, eliminate the ground chicken or replace it with your favorite meat substitute of choice. Curry Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Spice up stuffed peppers with the addition of a flavor-packed yellow curry sauce. Dutch Oven 4 red bell peppers (Try to choose ones similar in size that will stand upright. Tops, seeds, stems and ribs removed. )1 lb ground chicken28 oz whole peeled crushed tomatoes14 oz coconut milk1 white onion (Medium in size, diced.)4 garlic cloves (Peeled and minced)1 knob fresh ginger (About 2 inches long – peeled and minced )2 tbsp yellow curry paste (Any store bought will do. Or make your own if you're feeling adventurous – it isn't that difficult.)red pepper flakes (Optional for added spice.)1 tbsp olive oil4 tsp salt (Divided. Plus more as needed)1 cup lacinato kale (Ribs and stems removed – chopped)1 cup cilantro (Roughly chopped. Feel free to add any other fresh herbs you have on hand as well. )1 lime (Cut into 4 wedges)7 oz rice (For this recipe, I'm using Cilantro-Lime Right Rice. Prepare the rice per package instructions.) Preheat the oven to 350. Heat a medium dutch oven/pot over medium heat and add in olive oil. Pour in diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften (5-7 minutes). Add in minced ginger and garlic and stir until fragrant (1-2 minutes).Add chicken and one tsp of salt. Break up ground chicken with a wooden cooking spoon and cook until beginning to brown (8-10 minutes). Transfer mixture to a medium sized mixing bowl. Mix in chopped kale and prepared rice and set aside. Pour in chopped tomatoes and one more tsp of salt. Bring to a soft boil and reduce heat to medium low and allow to simmer until tomatoes begin to break down. Spoon curry paste in and stir until well combined. Add red pepper flakes, if using, and coconut milk.Stir to combine. Simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and season with salt as needed.Turn off heat and stir in 1/2 of chopped fresh herbs. Start by adding two cups of curry sauce to chicken and rice mixture. Add more, 1/2 cup at a time, until desired consistency has been reached (if you want a saucier mixture, you may want to add up to 3 cups, or even more).Arrange peppers in pot/dutch oven with curry sauce. Sauce should cover 1/4 – 1/2 of the peppers. Spoon and pack curry chicken and rice mixture into peppers until they're completely full. If you have leftover mix, reserve for leftovers the next day.Cover pot with foil and bake at 350 for one hour. Remove foil, increase heat to 450F and bake peppers for another 10 minutes.Remove and serve with a good squeeze of lime and fresh chopped herbs. Main Course, Main DishAmericanCurry Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers, Stuffed Pepper Recipes

• January 11, 2022 Harissa Cauliflower Steaks with Maple-Tahini and Herby Peanut Crunch

  Another low effort/high reward weeknight meal is ready to be added to your regular rotation. For those unfamiliar with Harissa, it’s a spicy chili paste that is frequently used in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. I love using it to add flair and flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores – usually in the International section. However, you probably won’t find an array of options to choose from. One brand that I do see quite frequently though, including at Rollin’ Oats, is the Mina brand which comes in two heat levels: mild and spicy. I typically opt for the mild rendition and then if I want to increase the heat I just add in some crushed red pepper flakes one pinch at a time. Trust me, you won’t need much as Harissa in all forms is going to have plenty of spice. To balance out a spice-forward dish I often turn to tahini and something sweet like maple syrup or honey. Tahini is a simply toasted sesame that is basically ground to a paste-like substance that is similar to that of nut butters. When mixed with maple syrup, lemon juice, salt and a bit of water for thinning, this combination transforms into a savory-sweet drizzle that complements the heat. This maple-tahini mixture works well paired with many other dishes too, like grilled potatoes and also with medjool dates for an idyllic and luscious bite. These cauliflower steaks are satisfying enough to be enjoyed all on their own, yet even better when enjoyed with a side of crispy rice. Make sure not to leave out the herby peanut crunch. It’s crucial for optimal texture and added brightness from the fresh herbs. Harissa Cauliflower Steaks with Maple-Tahini and Herby Peanut Crunch Spicy, savory and sweet with a slam of crunch and zest – this cauliflower number hits all of the right notes. For the Cauliflower1 Head of Cauliflower (Organic, if available. Leaves trimmed and discarded.)1 Red Onion (Peeled and cut into 8 similar sized wedges)3 tbsp Olive Oil1/4 cup Harissa (Found at most grocery stores)3 tsp SaltPepper (To taste)Maple-Tahini1/2 cup Tahini1.5 tbsp Maple Syrup1 Lemon (Juice only)1 tsp Salt (Plus more, to taste)1/2 cup WaterHerby Peanut Crunch1 cup Peanuts3/4 cup Olive Oil2 tsp Salt (Plus more, to taste)1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper1 tsp Garlic Powder1/2 cup Fresh Herbs (Like Dill and Cilantro, chopped)1 Shallot, minced Peanut CrunchAdd peanuts, minced shallot, oil and a couple pinches of salt to a small pot and heat over medium.Stir occasionally until shallots and peanuts begin to brown, about 20 minutes.While peanuts and shallots cook, add crushed red pepper, garlic powder and 2 tsp salt to a medium bowl and have a strainer/mesh sieve ready as well as an area on the counter with paper towels laid flat (our peanuts/shallots will be cooling on here).When shallots and peanuts are ready, remove pot from heat and carefully pour mixture through sieve/strainer over the bowl with the garlic powder and crushed red pepper. Slowly pour peanuts and shallots over paper towels in an even layer. Allow to cool for 20 minutes then mix nuts and shallots back into oil and spices and stir to combine.Maple-TahiniIn a medium bowl combine all ingredients except water. Mixture will thicken as you stir – add in water one tbsp at a time to loosen up mixture until desired consistency has been reached (you want to be able to drizzle it without being too watery). Taste and season as needed.Cauliflower & AssemblyPreheat oven to 425F. Carefully cut the cauliflower head in half directly througth the stem. Then cut a steak (approximately an inch or so thick) from each half. If your cauliflower is large enough you can of course cut additional steaks. Cut up remaining cauliflower and florets and arrange everything in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Drizzle cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1.5 tsp salt and pepperRoast cauliflower for 15 minutes.While cauliflower is roasting combine remaining tbsp olive oil with Harissa and remaining 1.5 tsp salt. Stir to combine.Remove cauliflower from oven and evenly brush with reserved Harissa mixture. Add onion wedges to pan and roast for an additional 20 minutes (until cauliflower begins to take on some color on the edges).To serve, spoon and swipe some maple-tahini onto a plate, top with a cauliflower steak and some roasted florets and spoon over plenty of herby peanut crunch. Main Course, Main DishMiddle EasternCauliflower Steak, Vegan Dinner Recipes