Tag: Lunch

Squash Bisque with Green Chile

October 18, 2018 3:00 AM October 18, 2018

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As the temperature cools off and the leaves begin to change I find myself gravitating to all things warm, cozy and orange. This rich, creamy bisque meets all those requirements. Its…

As the temperature cools off and the leaves begin to change I find myself gravitating to all things warm, cozy and orange.

This rich, creamy bisque meets all those requirements. Its sweet and spicy flavor profile is complex and unexpected. Perfect for a dinner party or just dinner with the fam. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Roasting Squash

Select two large butternut squashes, half them and clean out the seeds/pulp.

Generously coat the flesh side of the squash with EVOO and sprinkle with salt. Roast in a 450* oven for 45-55 minutes, face down. Roast until the rind is soft to the touch.

Take squash out from the oven and remove from the rind (best to do while still warm).

Making Bisque

Peel, seed and clean green chile (Don’t have Pueblo Green Chile? Get some here, it’s worth it – I promise!)

Sautee garlic cloves in EVOO. Then added roasted squash and cleaned/chopped green chile.

Allow mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Then add syrup.

Puree mixture in blender until smooth.

Lastly, add the heavy cream, stir in and serve.

We prefer to serve this bisque with buttered toast points to add a little crunch. Also feel free to garnish with some chopped Green Chile and shredded cheese. 😋

Cheers to Fall Y’all!

xo,

Carolyn

Special thanks to the Handrafted-Hubby for this wonderful recipe – I’m a luck girl!

💗💗💗

5 from 21 votes

Squash Bisque with Green Chile

This rich, creamy squash bisque is a perfect complement for fall.

Course Soup

Ingredients

2 Large Butternut Squash
2 cloves Garlic Minced
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
4 cups Vegetable Broth
1 cup Heavy Cream
4 whole Roasted Pueblo Green Chilies seeded, save some for garnish
2 tbsp Maple Syrup

Instructions

Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 450*.
Half each squash and clean out the seeds, being sure to remove all strings.
Generously coat the inside with EVOO and sprinkle with salt.
Prep a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
Turn halfs meat down, flat on the baking sheet.
Roast for 45-55 minutes or until the rind is soft to the touch.
Remove from oven and peel away the rind. (Easier to do when still warm)

Bisque

Sauteed garlic cloves in 2 tbsp EVOO.
Add roasted squash and cleaned Pueblo Green Chile to the oil in a large stockpot.
Allow simmering over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
Add syrup to the mixture.
Puree mixture in the blender until smooth.
Return to the stock pot and mix in heavy cream. Serve immediately. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Notes

Garnish with chopped green chile and parmesan cheese.

Serve with crusty toast points, buttered if preferred.

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A D V E N T U R E

COFFEE TIME – Perk Beverage Co.

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August 23, 2018 3:00 AM August 23, 2018

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3,999 Comments

As you pull in to Vale, Oregon you can’t help but notice the newest building on Highway 20. At the corner of Highway 20 and 17th St N, you will…

As you pull in to Vale, Oregon you can’t help but notice the newest building on Highway 20. At the corner of Highway 20 and 17th St N, you will find a great new coffee spot in town! Whether you’re looking for a drive-thru or a quiet spot to read Perk Beverage Co. has you covered.

Hours

Perk Beverage Co. is open Monday – Saturday with hours during the week ranging from 6:00 am -7:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. No matter the time of day Perk has a comfy place for you to sit and a hot (or cold) beverage at the ready.

Perk Beverage Co. offers your traditional coffee beverages, teas, fresh fruit smoothies and Italian Sodas. During my visit, I stuck to my standard drip coffee with sugar and a splash of cream. The coffee was full-bodied and smooth – absolutely delightful! Coming in at $ 2.00 for a 20 oz cup I was pleasantly surprised! Adreena went for a fresh fruit smoothie while Aaron chose a Breve.

In addition to drinks, Perk Beverage Co. has you covered on the snack and food front! From freshly baked pastries to paninis and salads – regardless of time, they are sure to please.

A Place to Socialize

Perk Beverage Co. prides itself in being a gathering place for the community as well as a stopping point for passers-by. It’s convenient location and roomy interior are perfectly paired to meet that mission. Perk offers free wi-fi, a selection of board games, ample parking, clean bathrooms and great customer service! What more could you ask for?

Well, there is one more thing… and adult beverage would be nice now and again. 😉 Well actually Perk Beverage Co. does serve adult beverages, they offer a selection of canned beers and wines for consumption during your visit. 🍻

If you ever passing by be sure to stop in, you’ll be happy you did!

Until next week, cheers to Friday Jr. ✨

xo,

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Places I LOVE – Rainbow Drive-In – Honolulu, Hawaii

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August 2, 2018 3:00 AM August 2, 2018

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3,760 Comments

On the last day of our Honolulu adventure, we were invited to meet friends at the local Rainbow Drive-In located in Kapahulu. Not knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly…

On the last day of our Honolulu adventure, we were invited to meet friends at the local Rainbow Drive-In located in Kapahulu. Not knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised by the delicious foods but also by the reasonable prices! The Rainbow menu covered all the local favorites and was jamming with customers.

The menu is based around the Hawaiian concept of “plate lunches”. A plate lunch consists of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad and one entree and is quintessentially Hawaiian. Across the menu you will find many local favorites such as the Loco Moco, Boneless Chicken Mixed Plate and the Bacon, Spam and Egg Sandwich.

History

The Rainbow Drive-In has been a cornerstone of the community for over 5o years. Proudly serving affordable, filling food to the common working man and Waikiki beach crowd.

Food

For my lunch, I chose the Loco Moco bowl (a smaller portion of the Loco Moco Plate). The Loco Moco is a local favorite that consists of a ground beef patty placed on a bed of white rice, smothered in brown gravy and topped with an egg cooked your way. This was honestly the most filling meal I had our entire trip. The complex flavor and texture combination made for the perfect lunch on the go!

If ever in Honolulu, I highly recommend a stop by the Rainbow Drive-In. It is worth the Uber fair!

Nothing beats eating where the locals eat, such a great way to learn more about the culture.

xo,

Carolyn

3,760 Comments

A D V E N T U R E

Places I LOVE – Mo’s Seafood & Chowder – Newport, Oregon

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July 19, 2018 3:00 AM July 19, 2018

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4,310 Comments

If you have ever been to Oregon, I am sure you’ve heard of Mo’s Seafood & Chowder. If you haven’t been to Oregon – be sure to add Mo’s Seafood &…

If you have ever been to Oregon, I am sure you’ve heard of Mo’s Seafood & Chowder. If you haven’t been to Oregon – be sure to add Mo’s Seafood & Chowder to the top of your list.

History

Mo’s started on the Newport Bayfront in the early 1940s and has been expanding ever since. Currently, there are nine Mo’s locations spread across the Oregon Coast. The restaurant was lovingly run by Mohava “Mo” Marie Niemi a Newport local. Throughout the years Mo was a warm and inviting hostess to many tourists, famous people and locals alike. In 1992 Mo passed, leaving a lasting legacy and solid foundation to her family. The business is now run by second and third generation family members.

Restaurant

The Bayfront location is super charming and inviting – filled with local fishing and nautical memorabilia. The staff is kind and helpful – always eager to make a suggestion. Mo’s Seafood & Chowder truly is such a gem nestled in the rows of businesses you find along the Newport Bayfront.

Food

Mo’s menu is brimming with delicious fresh-from-the-bay favorites. From Slumgullion to Steamer Clams, Mo’s has you covered. Although the menu is filled with enticing options I just can’t seem to order anything other than the chowder. It is just sooooo good! 😋 With or without the bread bowl the clam chowder is a sure thing! In addition to your seafood favorites Mo’s offers salads, sandwiches and desserts. There is even a section on the menu for “Flatlanders” 😂.

Another wonderful part of Mo’s Seafood and Chowder is that you can purchase the Chowder Base here and it will ship to you anywhere in the US!!!

Have you ever tried Mo’s? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!

xo,
Carolyn

4,310 Comments

C R E A T I V I T Y

Quick & Easy Dinner – Green Chile Chicken Mac

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May 31, 2018 3:00 AM May 31, 2018

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3,961 Comments

I am always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes for dinner after work. This Green Chile Chicken Mac has proven to be one of my favorites! This 30-minute…

I am always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes for dinner after work. This Green Chile Chicken Mac has proven to be one of my favorites! This 30-minute mac and cheese is so tasty you’ll have the whole family asking for seconds. Throw together a fresh garden salad and you have a complete meal in under an hour.

My family is originally from Southern Colorado where Pueblo Green Chile runs in our blood. Being transplanted to Texas the craving for Green Chile never goes away. When I found this Green Chile Enchilada Sauce by Las Palmas I knew it, mixed with the ground cumin would provide a delicious flavor. A flavor that was reminiscent of home 💗. The recipe calls for one pound of cooked, shredded chicken. I subbed a rotisserie chicken from my local grocer to make this recipe even faster. Other substitutions you could make would be subbing any type of pasta or perhaps a red enchilada sauce! Mix it up and see how it goes!

Start off by mixing the heavy whipping cream, enchilada sauce and seasonings in a saucepan on medium heat. Whip the mixture often until the mixture begins to bubble.

While waiting for the sauce to bubble (in between whipping) I shredded my chicken into small bite-sized pieces.

Once the sauce began to gently bubble I added the cheese 😍🤤. Slowly I stirred in the cheese until the sauce became smooth.

Once the sauce was done it was time to mix it all together. I was so excited at how it all came out perfectly timed. The noodles were ready at the same time as the sauce – that rarely happens when I cook. 😜 #winning

Hope you enjoy this quick and easy Green Chile Chicken Mac!

What’s your go-to meal on a busy night? Let me know below!

xo,

Carolyn

5 from 1 vote

Green Chile Chicken Mac

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb Medium Pasta Shells cooked and drained
1 lb Chicken cooked and shredded
2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Can 10 oz green chile enchilada sauce
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp Kosher Salt
2 cups Colby Jack Cheese shredded

Instructions

In a stock pot get pasta going.
In a large pot (or saucepan), heat cream, enchilada sauce, cumin and salt on medium heat.
Whisking often, heat until mixture just begins to bubble.
While sauce is heating shred your cooked chicken.
Reduce heat to medium low and add in cheese. Stir until smooth.
Mix in the cooked chicken and the cooked noodles.
Serve immediately.

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A D V E N T U R E

Warm & Toasty – Lunch at Potbelly’s

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January 11, 2018 8:21 PM January 11, 2018

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1,380 Comments

It’s Saturday, Aaron is at work — what else is there to do but a ‘quick’ Target run … which everyone knows is a mythical creature 😉. Adreena and I…

It’s Saturday, Aaron is at work — what else is there to do but a ‘quick’ Target run … which everyone knows is a mythical creature 😉. Adreena and I spent most of the morning working up an appetite shopping the clearance areas of the store. After waaay overspending, per usual 🤑 we decided it was time for lunch. This time we wanted to try something different for lunch. Something we hadn’t had in a while – we decided on lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

Potbelly is known for their classic subs served warm and toasty which was perfect for this overcast day.

Generally speaking I am not a toasted sub fan, but much to my surprise I LOVED my sandwich! I opted for the “Skinny T-K-Y” a thinly sliced turkey sandwich served with Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato. I opted to add pickle to my sandwich, ’cause lets be serious – what’s a turkey sandwich without them?!🤷🏻 Adreena had the “Grilled Chicken and Cheddar”, hand carved chicken served with melty cheddar cheese, lettuce and pickles.

Potbelly serves their sandwiches with Zapp’s Chips – which my family absolutely loves! Some of our favorites are Hotter ‘N Hot Jalapeno, Salt & Vinegar and the classic Mesquite Bar-B-Que. Always winners!

The cozy rustic decor made for a comfortable place to enjoy lunch with the kiddo. On the way out the door I noticed they have a community bulletin board. These boards are so fun to read through – community events, volunteer opportunities and business cards of local vendors. Such a wonderful touch to add to the already hometown feel of the shop.

Adreena petitioned for one of their huge house made Chocolate Brownie Cookies but neither of us had room. Next time we will start with the cookie.

Have y’all ever tried Potbelly?

How was your experience?

Carolyn

1,380 Comments

Squash Bisque with Green Chile

Roasting Squash

Making Bisque

Squash Bisque with Green Chile

Ingredients

Instructions

Roast the Squash

Bisque

Recipe Notes

COFFEE TIME – Perk Beverage Co.

Hours

Menu

A Place to Socialize

Places I LOVE – Rainbow Drive-In – Honolulu, Hawaii

Menu

History

Food

Places I LOVE – Mo’s Seafood & Chowder – Newport, Oregon

History

Restaurant

Food

Quick & Easy Dinner – Green Chile Chicken Mac

Green Chile Chicken Mac

Ingredients

Instructions

Warm & Toasty – Lunch at Potbelly’s