the inspired spoon

A self-proclaimed haven for food enthusiasts, healthy eating, and everyday inspiration.

[theinspiredspoon]

Kitchen Failures: Not Always the End of the Spoon

Often times, what I see in many food blogs is how their cooking perfection translates into their everyday lives. Sometimes, we get glimpses into the details that make these bloggers real people, instead of just the people whose cooking and life advice we listen to and follow diligently.

With The Inspired Spoon, I wanted it to be a very real take on what it actually takes and means to navigate the kitchen. Only a month into this project, I've already learned a ton. Mostly from my failures. Which brings me to the most important point.

Just yesterday, I was craving a particular cookie from my favorite farmer's market stand at school. It is perhaps one of the most delicious cookies I've had yet, and it makes me happy to know that it's made with whole wheat flour and dark chocolate. Not too shabby for my tummy either.

Last night's endeavors consisted of me attempting to make the cookie--following just my inspired tastebuds, and it resulted in...

Disaster. Honestly. I consider cookies to be one of the things I can make the most easily. I've done it since I was a kid, so I've had ample time to hone my skills. With this one, I followed my usual chocolate chip cookie recipe, but substituted whole wheat flour for refined, and dark chocolate shavings for semi-sweet chocolate chips. 

What I found, was that my cookies were the consistency of dry cake, and honestly would've been less embarrassing had I planned to make scones. 

I wish I were kidding, but I am not.

The point I'm trying to make, is that I am learning that it is okay to fail. I'll try the recipe again, and when I do nail it, I'll share it with you. 

My grandmother gave me some advice last night, after I relayed the details: Failures are going to happen in the kitchen, as with any new project or endeavor. Going into something with that knowledge makes life a bit more bearable, and takes the pressure off of yourself. Especially if you're a perfectionist like I am.

It's about accepting that we are not perfect, and that what we do is, and hopefully will always be, a work in progress. 

With anything new that you take on, remember that failing is okay. And it's going to happen. The only real failure is giving up, and not getting back on the horse. Er, spoon.

[theinspiredspoon]

Roasted Lemon Thyme Chicken + Sauteed Vegetables

It's Wednesday, but it honestly feels so much later in the week than just that. I woke up so early this morning, made a quick breakfast and rushed off to work completely exhausted. I was in the city the night before (more on that to come) for a particularly #spoonworthy meal, so waking up this morning was brutal. To the point where I literally almost fell asleep on the highway (I know, so dangerous). Naturally, I stopped at Starbucks for a latte, and felt a million times better. 

Problem was, when I got home, I didn't want to do anything but lay on my bed for about an hour, and I definitely wasn't making any plans for dinner. I didn't feel like eating out, but I also didn't want to make something super time-consuming. 

I remembered this really simple roasted chicken recipe that I pinned a long time ago, and I figured it was something I could whip up relatively quickly. 

So...this dish was born. I made a really simple chicken, using only olive oil, sea salt, fresh lemon juice, thyme, and pepper. I garnished it with a few simple sautéed vegetables, and made a whole-wheat biscuit to give the meal a bit more texture. Plus, I love carbs. 

The chicken was really moist with a crunchy skin, and I have to sheepishly admit that it was pretty to eat. The whole-wheat biscuit was so simple--literally took me only 25 minutes total to make. They're really versatile, you can taste the olive oil and the little bit of sugar in them, but the salt also gives them a bit more of a savory kick. 

I'm planning big things for them in the morning, to have with my coffee, and maybe a bit of berry jam. Mmm..just thinking about it gets me excited for breakfast. 

Nonetheless, it hit the spot. I didn't have to do too much work--both meal prep and cleanup were relatively easy. 

So if you're bored, hungry and don't know what to do about it, or you suffer from a similar ailment, make this. Promise you it's #spoonworthy. But in this case, I guess you'd use a fork. But that just doesn't sound as good. 

xx

Ashley

[theinspiredspoon]

Grilled Vegetable Panzanella

Back to the daily grind. And by that I mean work of course. The way I see it, most of us working people (whether in college or beyond) belong to two camps: those who brown-bag, and those who prefer to eat out. Personally, I waver between the two. But, I love bringing my own lunch to work if I've made something really good. 

Earlier this summer, I was introduced to Panzanella, a traditional Italian salad that usually includes a crusty bread crouton and fresh vegetables. It, like many of the recipes I take on, has a lot of room for experimentation to fit your own health needs and tastes. 

So when i decided to whip this up, I knew I had to include some grilled vegetables. If it's a vegetable and can be grilled, chances are I've had it, and I've adored it. Some of my favorites are zucchini, squash, haricot verts, tomatoes, corn, anything. It's all delicious. 

Today I grilled some yellow squash and zucchini because I had them on hand, with nothing more than a little olive oil, garlic salt, and pepper. I had a leftover end of a baguette from dinner the night before, so making a crunchy crouton was the perfect way to make use of the remnants.  

I chose not to grill the cherry tomatoes--they're my favorite kind of tomato, and I prefer them fresh, when they have a nice crunch to them.

I'm packing it with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, my go-to for a simple dressing when I'm trying to avoid the added sugar and preservatives of store-bought salad dressings (which is always).

To top it off I tossed a bit of Gorgonzola on top, one of my favorite cheeses for salads, truth be told. 

Ever try Panzanella? I want to hear about it!

xx

Ashley

Here's the recipe for my spin on the classic:

Grilled Vegetable Panzanella (Serves 1)

Generous handful of mixed greens

1 1/2 cups Roasted Vegetables of choice

3/4 cup Cherry tomatoes

Olive Oil (for cooking)

Garlic Salt (for the grilled vegetables, plus a little on the croutons)

Sea Salt + Pepper (to taste)

[theinspiredspoon]

Mocha Choca Latta-ya-ya

Happy Friday everyone! I've been slightly MIA for the last couple of days, sorry about that--work has been absolutely nuts. But, what better way to celebrate the end of the work week than with some homemade iced coffee? Complete with a mason jar, of course. 

Sometimes we just need a midday pick-me-up, and something as simple as making yourself a cup of coffee can do that for you. Like I said, work this week has been crazy. Between taking deep breaths to stay calm (10 breaths to be exact; that'll do the trick), and smiling to keep stress down (trust me, it works), I'll whip up something quick in the morning to start my day off right. 

And speaking of jars, I just recently learned about this super cool company, JARS by Dani, a company started by 24 year-old Dani Beckerman. Though she was pre-med in college, she took another path and began making layers of decadent sweets in nothing other than the average mason jar. She's worked hard to create a business out of her own passion for baking, and it's something that I certainly can appreciate. Staying inspired can give way to big things--or little ones, if we're still talking mason jars. 

Cheers!

xx

[theinspiredspoon]

Links I Love

Here's everything that's inspiring me for this first weekend in July!

1. This prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is the perfect addition to a BBQ, over on Damn Delicious.

2.  The most bohemian-chic dinner party I've seen yet this summer, on BLDG 25.

3. The best way to end the night on the 4th of July, with S'mores in a Jar, courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere.

4. The Everygirl challenged us to unplug and live in the moment with 30 Days of Social Media Free Socializing. Think you can do it?

5. Finally, because I've got the time off this weekend, but mostly because last night my dream was quite literally about pizza, it only seems right to include Quartino, the Chicago restaurant I'm dying to try.

Who knows, maybe I'll even devise a recipe for a healthy pizza? Yeah, I'll drink to that one. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

xx

[theinspiredspoon]

July Resolutions

That, my friends (because that's about all who follows me at the moment), is the motto for this 4th of July weekend--Eat Well, Travel Often.

As working individuals, whether it be in schoolwork or in a full-time job, sometimes we need to remember to slow down . This week I found myself feeling like I've been on repeat--as if all that I've been doing this week is waking up, going to work, coming home exhausted, going to sleep, and repeating that cycle. It made me feel like I didn't have anything else going on except for my job, and who wants to feel like that? Not me.

We have to start making our wellbeing a priority. And I'm not just talking about health. I'm talking about taking the time to hang out with friends after work (even if we're tired and just want to curl up in bed), winding down by making a quick meal (something that doesn't start in EZ and end with Mac), baking, or anything else that helps us to relax and feel renewed. 

Brushing off the fear that I'll sound like the most broken hip-hop record ever, let me say this: you only live once. And I would hate to be 100 years old wishing I had taken the time to live more. So here's my proposal--with the holiday weekend around the corner, let's take the time to recharge, unplug, and enjoy the people around us. Let's indulge in alfresco meals at dusk, happy hours with those close to us, and vow to spend fewer nights binge-watching House of Cards until the wee hours of the morning. Not that I do that.

The hard truth is that summer is almost halfway over, and I refuse to do anything but celebrate the rest of it.

[theinspiredspoon]

Case of the Mondays: Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Have you ever seen that video called Blueberry Surprise where this little girl and her younger sister are making the namesake recipe , and the little girl goes: "Mm, It's Yummah!!" ?

That is how I felt the whole time making these pancakes. Minus the part in the video where the girl proceeds to jump around, hit her face on the bowl, and then fall to the ground. Crying ensues. Yes, without that part.

I've only had this blog for a bit over ten days, yet this morning I felt the awful sting of food blogger's block. (My somewhat sarcastic take on writer's block.) Usually when I need a bit of inspiration, I'll consult Pinterest, my lovely Tumblr dashboard, or my favorite foodie magazines. Today, I did all three. Then I thought of a recipe that one of my best friends makes quite regularly: the lovely oatmeal pancake. 

I wanted to put my own spin on it per usual, so I adapted this recipe to make it suit my own health needs and tastebuds. I used gluten-free flour, not because I have celiac's, but simply because I haven't run out to the store yet today to buy more flour. That's what happens when you cook and bake too often--you run out of flour.  

The recipe only called for a few simple ingredients, and I omitted the sugar--I thought it would be sweet enough with the chocolate chips and maple syrup. (Though the pancake is really quite healthy, the chocolate chips and maple syrup will add a bit of sugar to the recipe. You can cut down the damage by using dark chocolate chips and pure maple syrup instead of the regular stuff.)

In any case, it's really simple, and probably takes less than 20 minutes for the meal altogether. 

You can really taste the oatmeal in the pancake, and the gluten-free flour makes it richer in flavor. Like I said before, I'm on a breakfast kick, and I just can't get with Aunt Jemima's ingredients.

The pancakes honestly tasted like a (healthy) oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. That you don't have to feel bad about. Though if the cookie really is good, chances are I won't feel bad about it at all. 

Check out the recipe below:

Oatmeal Pancakes:

(Serves 3-4)

3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp Bob's Gluten-Free flour (or whichever you prefer)

6 tbsp rolled oats

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 Stevia or Splenda packet (not really necessary, depending on what kind of add-ins you include in the batter)

1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk of choice

2 tbsp oil (olive or coconut works well)

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional: handful chocolate chips

Serve warm with pure maple syrup, or other desired topping. Or plain, if you're into that.

[theinspiredspoon]

Whole-Wheat Waffles + Smashed Berry Compote

I've always preferred waffles to pancakes since I was a little kid. I have memories of going out to breakfast with my family on Saturday mornings, drinking freshly squeezed orange juice, and ordering a Belgian waffle that was far too big for my five-year old self to eat. 

I haven't made waffles in years, but this morning I whipped out my super-old (probably made in 1960, no lie) waffle iron to make a nostalgic breakfast. Typically, and especially at school, I would buy the pre-made mix where you only add water. But the last time I made those, I happened to look at the label to see what that Aunt Jemima was actually putting in her food. Unsurprisingly, I found hydrogenated this, refined that, and I realized that I was a bit sick of ingredients that I could neither define nor pronounce. 

This morning, there was definitely the temptation of whipping out that little red box, throwing a little water in there and calling it a day. But I resisted Aunt Jemima calling my name. Instead I found a simple recipe that I could make myself.

Usually I would go for the classic maple syrup, but there's so much sugar in traditional syrup that I thought maybe a compote would be a touch healthier. I had a bunch of fresh berries on hand, so I threw some raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries into a pot and made a little smashed berry compote. 

It was my first time trying to make a compote, but for a college student that really doesn't know all that much about cooking...not too shabby.

The waffles turned out really fluffy, and didn't give me that terrible full stomach that the store-bought kind usually does. The final verdict? Healthy, and a light breakfast option.

Check out the recipes below:

Whole-Wheat Waffles:

2 large eggs

1 ¾ cups milk

¼ cup oil or butter

1 tsp brown sugar (you can use honey if you prefer)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

⅛ teaspoon salt

Preheat waffle iron. Mix together eggs, milk, oil/butter, and sugar in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Once wet ingredients are fully integrated, add flour slowly. Add a bit of cooking oil (coconut, olive, or butter if you prefer) to the pan. Pour batter into waffle iron. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Berry Compote: 

2 cups mixed berries

¾ tablespoon brown sugar

1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the raspberries fall apart and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Happy Hump Day!

xx

[theinspiredspoon]

Brown Butter + Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ah, the fabled brown butter. I actually had no idea of what it was actually until I did further investigation today. I'd had foods with brown butter in them before, but I had never actually made it on my own. Until today. I've been itching to try a new technique, or a new recipe, so when I felt like making chocolate chip cookies earlier this evening, I decided to mix it up a bit. 

The brown butter technique is actually really easy--essentially you just warm your butter in a saucepan and whisk it until it turns a rich amber color. After it simmers a bit, it develops the most distinct and aromatic nutty fragrance that honestly smells as good as a Diptyque candle (my kitchen even smells like it now). 

You see, I started with the recipe for my classic chocolate chip cookie, and even added a handful of pecans because I was in the mood. 

Then I got really ambitious (inspired, if you will). I have been absolutely dying to try making a stuffed cookie. So I figured I would stuff some of these delicious brown butter cookies with a dab of Nutella.

Ermahgerd was it good. 

Hands down, best cookie I've ever made. Seriously. It was that good. 

Have you ever tried brown butter? What'd you think? Message/comment about it!

xx

[theinspiredspoon]

Links I Love

With summer on this horizon, I've been dreaming of alfresco dining, and summer evenings spent with friends. Here a few of my favorite posts and articles that are currently giving me some summer inspiration:

1.  Loving the sea glass place cards for this potluck dinner party over on Style Me Pretty.

2.  The most delicious-looking homemade granola bars on the Sprouted Kitchen.

3.  John Birdsall's article about food nostalgia has got me thinking of Proust. And trying out these lovely iced lemon cookies.

4.  The folks over at FOOD & WINE must be reading my mind with a kale recipe roundup…

5.  Emily Schuman's savvy entertaining tidbits over on Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Enjoy the weekend!

xx

[theinspiredspoon]

Happy Saturday, y'all!

Saturdays aren't my favorite days (that would be Tuesday), but they're pretty darn good. Everyone catches up on the things they've been putting off all weekend, and finally gets to relax a bit. The power of a weekend to rejuvenate is almost irreplaceable. 

My days at home are kind of like my own form of therapy; I get the chance to reflect, make some small changes, and prepare myself for the week ahead. In a way, it's kind of like my relationship with food.

Nothing besides a good book (preferably something classic) can transport me out of my own head like preparing a good meal. Whether I'm baking for friends, trying a new recipe out on myself, or just whipping up a snack, making something delicious is like a therapeutic addition to my day. 

I'm challenging you to get inspired this weekend--grab an apron, an old addition of The Joy of Cooking, and get your hands dirty. Saturdays are all about "me time", and today seems like the perfect opportunity to indulge a little.

[theinspiredspoon]

#SPOONWORTHY

For probably close to the fifth time in my life, I missed my train home about a week or two ago. You see, I have a problem. (Admitting it is the first step, after all.) I have the hardest time...being on time. I actually sprinted all the way to the train station, frantically searching, only to find that my train had left me behind, panting and frustrated, amidst a crowd of people. Yes, I am that girl. 

I had been shopping with friends all day, but had left them early, thinking it would be nice if I were home for dinner. Sweet of me right? Not, because I didn't make it home on time. 

Without much of a plan B, I had two choices: wait an effing lifetime an hour for the next train, or try to somehow make the most of my evening. So I called my friend, met up with her again, and moseyed on over to a little spot I let her pick for dinner.

But not just any dinner. We stumbled upon Bottlefork. It's a petite, cozy little hole in the wall with an upscale vibe that fits right into the city culture. I would describe it as: the graduated hipster's form of sophisticated eats. Boasting a mostly American-inspired menu, it's fused with influences from a developing foodie culture. You can find everything from your not-so-average Bacon Burger to a Bag of Crisps slathered in the rich flavors of a poached egg. 

So, if you're ever in the area, make sure you head over to Bottlefork. It is seriously spoonworthy.

[theinspiredspoon]

Getting Stoned (Stone Fruits, that is!)

Ever finish a workout and come home completely famished? Well, that's exactly what happened to me today. I drove home from the gym, walked into my house with nothing short of a million cravings going on in my tummy. First thought..."What's in the pantry that I can snack on?" Second thought..."Damn, those cookies look good". And neither of those options were going to work for me. 

So...I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I dreamt up a little recipe of my own. I'd been browsing kale recipes for the past week, as I've finally caught on to the green 'n leafy trend, and I found this one that I LOVED. But I'm a bit afraid of beets, and I wasn't really feeling the pear idea.

BUT. I was feeling the grilled fruit idea. I had some stone fruits on hand, specifically, peaches. And what better way to celebrate the beginning of summer (which is this weekend by the way--June 22 to be exact) than by grilling some summer fruit for a salad? 

So, I took the kale I had on hand, threw it in the pan with a bit of olive oil, grilled my peaches, added some gorgonzola and sliced almonds, and lunch was served!

Salad Recipe:

Generous helping of kale, destemmed and chopped

2 tbsp     Olive Oil (to cook the kale)

2             Whole peaches, pitted and halved

1/4 cup   Raw Almonds, sliced

1 tbsp     Gorgonzola cheese

+ salt and pepper to taste (for the kale)

Balsamic Dressing: (Single Serving)

3 tbsp    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 tbsp    Balsamic Vinegar,  

1 tsp      Brown Sugar

1/2 tsp   Cinnamon

[theinspiredspoon]

Introducing: The Inspired Spoon!

Hey there strangers!

Welcome to my newly booted food blog, which will explore all things food-related, whether it's new recipes, tricks in the kitchen, or all around ways to live healthier. This blog grew out of a desire to become a better cook, become a little (lotta) bit healthier, and document that progress. So...here's to a future of inspiring recipes, engaging with a community of foodies, and all around good taste. Cheers!