kale-eating hipster

So, I have been trying other markets lately. Long story, but Bales Marketplace in Cedar Mill (97229) was allowing the Starbucks employees to use the grocery carts to wash filthy floor mats, and it skeeved me out, big-time. Anywho, I'm trying all the other markets in the area. Today, I went to Safeway, and spotted this kale snack - Brad's Raw Crunchy Kale - in several different flavors. There was naked, vampire (with garlic) and nasty hot with jalapeño and vegan cheese.

I stood there for a minute looking at them, thought, "...nah, I'm not a kale-eating hipster..." and walked away. Almost got in line at the check-out, but there was a speed challenged person ahead of me, so I went back and found a package of the kale. You got it, I went for the nasty hot. Was so curious, I opened it on the way home. Now, it's not even 11AM, and I have eaten 2/3rds of it.

Ridiculously delicious. It's vegan, kosher, gluten free, and organic. Usually, that would mean there would be no chance I'd ever like it. Surprise, surprise-- love it! So, call me a kale-eating hipster if you like. I don't care. I love Brad's Nasty Hot Raw Crunchy Kale! Product info, click here.

Pizza Night!

Much of the time I'm lazy and get Papa Murphy's. But not tonight. I made hand tossed, thin crust pizza! The first one was mushrooms with marinara, mozzarella and parmesan. Very easy, even though it takes a bit of time. First I make the dough, yeast, a bit of sugar and lukewarm water, then about 3 cups of flour. Let it proof, the longer the better. While that's happening, sautee some mushrooms in butter and olive oil with some fresh thyme, and make some marinara with sautéed onion, canned tomatoes, herbs and spices.

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees with a pizza stone in the oven. When everything's ready, roll s fist-sized piece of dough flat, as flat as could be, and place it on a pizza paddle with cornmeal. Make sure it slides, so it will slide off when the time is right. top with marinara, mushrooms, mozzarella and parmesan, and bake for 8 minutes. You will get a crispy, golden brown pizza - most satisfying pie you'll ever eat.

Trust me, you'll want more. Caramelize some onions and use those as the base. Top with moxxarella, goat cheese and parmesan. Same baking time - 8 minutes - divine!

If you don't have a pizza stone and have never tried making pizza at home, I think you're really missing out. I love thin crust pizza, and even if I eat two whole pizzas, it's less food and way more satisfying than three slices of Papa Murphy's. Try it, you'll like it!

Delicious Veggie Tart

Every once in a while someone posts a delicious looking recipe on Facebook, and even more rarely I'll try it. Recently my friend Siobhan posted this veggie tart recipe, and today I gave it a try.

Delicious!

The tart has roasted vegetables-- eggplant, zucchini, peppers, roasted garlic, fresh basil, thyme and oregano, mozzarella and parmesan. The recipe also includes instructions for making the crust, but I cheated and used a ready-to-bake crust. It was easy, didn't take too long, and was really good!

Click here for the recipe.