Foodie PenPal Reveal Day!

By now you might be aware that the 31st of every month is reveal day for the Foodie PenPal program hosted by Lindsay of The Lean Green Bean that I joined back in May.

This is my third month participating and I'm still in love....for these reasons (among many):
1) Who doesn't love to get packages? 
2) Who doesn't love to get packages of food? 
3) You get to meet people from all over the country.
4) You get to experience food from all over the country.
5) You get introduced to some really neat new blogs! 

I will probably continue to sing it's praises on the 31st of every month, but seriously you should join.  I already know you love food since you're reading this and that is all that is required of you. And...putting a package together.  But it's a package of food so it ties right back into your love for food!  Perfect right?

If you want more details, head on over to Lindsay's blog and check it out!

 

 This month I was paired with Sabrina from Studio City, CA.  She put together a great little package that was accidentally missing her handwritten card so forgive me if I misinterpret!

 

These little guys were delicious!  Thin, crispy, almost a bit wafer like?  I can't wait to pair them with some delicious cheese.

Love this stuff.  I used it quite a while ago for the "sauce" on {this} pizza.  I might just have to revisit the recipe now...and maybe take some better pictures...those things are horrendous.

Kaston's eyes bulged when he saw these.  He loves honey sticks.  I'm not sure what flavors they were...but he devoured them at the Newport Folk Festival this weekend.  He loves this program just as much as I do.

Alright, I'm so intrigued by this!  Is this a common thing?  Have you guys seen/heard of this stuff?  I assume there would have been an explanation in Sabrina's card but I'm just not sure what to do with it!  Do I make it and use it on it's own?  Do I use it in other things?  Can I use it in a Hawaiian cake?  I should probably do some research.

Mmm tea.  I love tea.  I haven't tried this one yet.  But I figured I would wait to share a cup with my momma (who is arriving in several hours!) since she also loves tea.  I would be willing to bet that it's fabulous. 

More tea...Mmmm.  I've tried the one on the left and really enjoyed it.  And I'm saving the one on the right for...you guessed it...Autumn.  I plan to curl up to watch a movie with a nice steamy cup of spiced tea after a brisk fall day spent at the pumpkin patch....Is anyone else dreaming of fall?

So, I kind of forgot to mention to Sabrina that I don't eat meat.  At the beginning of the month when you exchange addresses with your PenPal you're also supposed to include any diets that you follow or any allergies that you have...well...I forgot to mention this one.  Oops.  But I was able to gift it to a friend and I'm sure he loved it.  Who wouldn't?

And there you have it!  I should give a big thank you to Sabrina for taking the time to put together this package as well as Lindsay for putting together this program!

Don't forget to visit www.theleangreenbean.com to learn more about the program and sign yourself up for next month!

Last up...if you want to see what I sent my PenPal this month head on over to Emmy's blog idratherwalk.com!

Dark and Stormy Cocktail

This week is going to be another one of those where I don't eat at home...once.  Well that's a lie.  I had breakfast at home this morning.  But other than that I'm going to be out and about and therefore don't need a Meal Plan for the week.  If you were hoping for some Meal Plan inspiration for your home this week look down to your left for the "Meal Plan" button...it will provide weeks of inspiration!

Are you dying to know why I won't be home for meals this week?  Of course you are(n't).  Well...my family is coming to town!  How exciting is that?  My mom, uncle, aunt, and three cousins will be making their way into Boston tomorrow for a few days of exploration, food, and fun before we all head to New York City for the weekend.  And I'm so excited.  I love having visitors in town.

So, instead of a Meal plan for the week I'm going to share one of my new favorite cocktails with you.  And it's unbelievably simple.  I'm almost a little embarrassed that I'm putting up a "recipe" for it because it's really not necessary.  But let's play pretend and act like it's absolutely necessary, okay?  Thanks.

It's called a Dark and Stormy.  But I made mine with Light Rum...making it a Light and Stormy...and it was still delicious so don't feel stifled by the whole "dark rum" thing.  It's perfect for a hot summer day so I suggest you call in sick to work, make yourself a cocktail, and head to the pool.  You need a day off, right?

Makes: 1 Cocktail   Prep Time: 1 minute  Total Time: 1 minute

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:
1/4 lime
2 ounces dark rum
5 ounces ginger beer
ice
lime wedge for garnish, optional

 In a glass filled with ice, combine rum...

ginger beer...

 and lime.

 Throw in a straw.

 Stir.

And enjoy!

P.S. - Make sure to check back tomorrow for July's Foodie PenPal reveal day!

July New Eatery: BonMe's Pop Up Picnic

Did you know that I'm obsessed with Food Trucks?  Did you also know that I want to start my own one day?

Well, both are true.  Which explains why 2 out of my 7 "new eatery" posts are centered around food trucks.  But don't worry, it's only a casual obsession.

Back in May I posted about the Greenway Food Truck Festival (which you can read about {here}) but this month is a little different...and yes that's how I'm justifying two food truck posts.  It's all about the justification my friends.  Even if it's not a good one.

This month's post is going to be all about the Pop Up Picnic hosted by BonMe and North by Northeast this past Wednesday on the Greenway.  I originally found out about the event from a new acquaintance who I was supposed to meet there to enjoy the picnic and some lovely conversation about Boston food.  Unfortunately, she became ill and had to pass her ticket on.   Upon learning that I needed a new pal to join my picnic blanket I immediately contacted Ashley from The Uniqueness of Being, knowing that she's always game for a good picnic and some delicious food.

Around 6 Ashley and I began to mosey our way down the gorgeous Rose Kennedy Greenway taking in the beautiful weather and the mouthwatering smells that were undoubtedly coming from the BonMe Food Truck.  As those smells hit our nostrils our stroll became a little less leisurely and something more like a sprint (just kidding, we don't *sprint*).  Upon arriving at the Rings Fountain we were immediately given a picnic blanket and then we anxiously jumped in line to receive our bag of goodies.

Faced with quite the crowd (the best kind of problem to have), the people of BonMe were fast and incredibly friendly!  They've obviously served to the masses a time or two.

While waiting for our picnic *bag* we were given our soup shooters to sip on.

Let the feast begin...

First up the soup shooter.  This thing was screaming summer.  A chilled cucumber watermelon soup with chunks of watermelon, topped with black sesame seeds, and possibly a hint of ginger.

Pleasantly surprised.

The watermelon chunks hiding in the bottom were easily our favorite part.

Next up, the corn.  The corn was chilled and served with some sort of creamy (lime?) sauce, possibly topped with basil, and served over greens.  I should have been able to pick out the distinct flavors but I think the explosion of flavor confused my taste buds.

It was fabulous.  Also, Ashley loves when I take awkward photos of her eating.

Next up, the famous Bahn Mi.  Ashley's Bahn Mi was stuffed with pork from North by Northeast, pickled vegetables, and special sauce.

I had the vegetarian version of Ashley's sandwich.  Switching out the pork for tofu.  And it was delicious.  I've mentioned I love tofu right?

Ashley, this picture is just for you.  You're welcome.  Adorable right?

Taking a moment for the food to settle before moving on to dessert...

 

 And finally the dessert.  BonMe took an already delicious blondie bar and added some crunch with black sesame seeds, which I adored.  It was light, flavorful, and a perfect way to end the picnic.

Overall?  One of the best picnics I've ever had.  Rumor has it this is the first of many Pop Up Picnics to come so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the next one so you can join in on the fun!

Also, check out BonMe's website for their schedule, blog, menu, and events!

http://www.bonmetruck.com/

Creamy Avocado Salad on a Croissant

Yesterday in my weekly Meal Plan Monday post I mentioned how I may or may not be destined to be a baker.

I also recognized that this might be jumping the gun a bit.  But that's irrelevant.

I've always wanted to make homemade croissants but hadn't ever accumulated the courage to just go for it.  (Side note: I get mildly upset when baking projects don't work out...which is a horrible way to respond but...it only lasts for 15 minutes...max.)  But last week something happened inside me and I finally decided it was time.  So, I ran to the kitchen and started the two-day process.  After two days, my kitchen was covered in a thin coating of flour and I was staring at the most lovely, buttery, and flaky croissants I had ever laid eyes on.  (That's not true, I've seen better but let's pretend...)  I quickly handed some over to the guys for testing purposes.  And before I could even get a report they had devoured several more.

After this Kaston determined that I should 1) make these everyday and 2) start a croissant truck...which he is already developing sandwich combinations for.

And that brings us to these croissant sandwiches!  This sandwich started out being one of Kaston's creations.  But then he left me alone in the kitchen and it became mine.  I completely twisted his idea and caused a very confused look to come about his face when I brought in the sandwich that *he created*.  Kaston's sandwich or not, this thing was delicious.  And um healthy. 

Homemade croissants aren't necessary but highly recommended if you have the time and patience.  And really...croissants aren't necessary either but still highly recommended.  But if you want bread, I say throw it on some bread.  If you want it on a salad, throw it on a salad.  And if you just want it in a bowl with a spoon, I respect that too.  Just enjoy it.  Anyway you like.

Makes: 2 Croissant Sandwiches  Prep Time: 5 minutes  Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (for the hard boiled egg)  Total Time: 15 minutes

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:
1 hard boiled egg, sliced
1 avocado, mashed
several slices tomato, quartered
several slices cucumber, quartered
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
salt and pepper to taste
handful of pea shoots
2 croissants or 4 pieces of bread

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.  Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.  Slice open the croissants and divide the mixture between the two.  Top with pea shoots and enjoy!