Tag: pittsburgh


Aug
2014

Fish Week!! Shrimp Jambalaya Over Red Quinoa!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Dinner, Healthy Living, Learn From An Expert, Recipes, Shopping

Ever hear of Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch? If you are worried about seafood safety, this is your app! Whether you are buying fresh fish or ordering in a restaurant, the Seafood Watch app recommends ocean friendly seafood and gives up to date information regarding how each item should be fished or farmed.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seafood-watch/id301269738?mt=8

My fish mongers at Penn Avenue Fish Company in Pittsburgh’s Strip District introduced me to this cool app! Have you found your fish monger, yet?

Enjoy another easy fish week dinner! On the table in 30 minutes!!

Shrimp jambalaya served over red quinoa!
Shrimp jambalaya served over red quinoa!

Shrimp Jambalaya

Ingredients:
2 cups shrimp, cleaned and deveined.
1 35 oz. can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
1 tbsp. chopped thyme
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 15oz. can white cannellini beans
2 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. chili powder
Salt/pepper
1 tsp. Red pepper flakes ( and a little extra to sprinkle on top)

Directions:
Heat olive oil in your deepest frying pan on medium heat.

Add garlic, onions, pepper and cook for a few minutes to soften the veggies.

Remember, if the heat is too high you will burn the garlic! Start over it will ruin the dish.
Remember, if the heat is too high you will burn the garlic! Start over! No shame. I do this weekly.

Add tomatoes, shrimp, beans, herbs, and spices.

Let it cook and stir after a few minutes. Mix up the shrimp so they cook evenly. Shrimp on the bottom will cook faster.
Let it cook and stir after a few minutes. Mix up the shrimp so they cook evenly. Shrimp on the bottom will cook faster.

Cook until shrimp are cooked through -approximately 7 minutes with the lid on. The shrimp will lose their translucency and pink/whiten up when cooked.

Red Quinoa
Directions:

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained, for 1-1/2 cup water.
Heat water and quinoa to a boil.
Simmer until liquid is absorbed.

Serve the shrimp jambalaya over the red quinoa and top with extra red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

I have been watching "Beat Bobby Flay," have you? This dish could totally win! Delicious!
I have been watching Food Network’s  “Beat Bobby Flay,” have you? This dish could totally win! Delicious!

Ciao!

Penn Avenue Fish Company
2208 Penn Ave. in the Strip
http://pennavefishcompany.com/fresh_fish.html


Aug
2014

Fish Week! Grilled Foil Packet Tilapia And Spicy Grilled Green Beans!

categories: 20 Minutes or Less, Around Pittsburgh, Dinner, Grill, Healthy Living, Learn From An Expert, Recipes, Shopping

Why are we scared of fish? Is it our lack of fish knowledge? Our ability to overcook fish EVERY TIME!? (Yep, this was me!)
Meet Henry Dewey, co-founder of Pittsburgh’s hip fish market/restaurant Penn Avenue Fish Company! Pittsburgh is lucky to have Henry and his team of fish mongers!

These guys know their stuff, always providing excellent customer service as well as the highest quality product.
These guys know their stuff, always providing excellent customer service as well as the highest quality product. Mark Clowney, left, Henry Dewey, right.

Henry explained that everyone needs a knowledgeable fish monger to navigate them through the fish buying ocean. “Find someone you can trust,” Dewey says, “and build a loyal relationship.” That way, there is no question about the origination or freshness of the fish.

Tilapia is a great starting point when introducing fish into your cooking. Talapia is not fishy and it is easy to determine when it is cooked.
Tilapia is a great starting point when introducing fish on your menu. Tilapia does not have a fishy taste and is easy to determine when it’s cooked.

Grilled Foil Packet Tilapia

Ingredients:
1lb 8oz.-or 6 count tilapia fillets (thawed if fresh frozen)
1 large tomato chopped
2 cloves of garlic, roasted (foil packet on grill for 3- 5 mins. during grill heat up) and finely chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
6 very small, thin pats of butter
Freshly grated parmesan
Course salt/pepper

Directions:
Heat grill to medium heat 300-350 degrees.

Place tilapia fillets on 6 aluminum foil sheets large enough to fold and seal.

Looking for portion control help? The packet grilling method ensures portion awareness!
Looking for portion control help? The packet grilling method ensures portion awareness!

Top each fillet with 1/2 olive oil, 1 small pat of butter, 1/6 chopped tomatoes, 1/6 roasted garlic,a shake of freshly grated parmesan, salt and pepper.

Fold foil to seal packets.

I chose to add chopped tomatoes to my packets this time. The fish is delicious with or without them!
I chose to add chopped tomatoes to my packets this time. The fish is delicious with or without them!

Place packets on the grill for 5-7 minutes or until the fish flakes and turns white, losing its translucency. (I guess that’s a word! Ha!)

Place packets a few inches apart on the hottest part of the grill- the lower grate.
Place packets a few inches apart on the hottest part of the grill- the lower grate.
Perfect! The fish flakes when poked with a fork and has turned an opaque white! Done!
Perfect! The fish flakes when poked with a fork and has turned an opaque white! Done!

Spicy Grilled Green Beans

Mix one pound of fresh green beans with 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp. Sriracha in a Ziploc bag.

Coat the beans in the bag.

Place beans evenly on your grill’s vegetable grate or foil.

Cook for 5 -7mins. or until cooked and hot, but still crunchy.

Grilling vegetables on the tray or right on the grill give them the extra char!
Grilling vegetables on the tray or right on the grill gives them the extra char!

Enjoy!

Ciao!

Stop in and try the fish tacos! The kids and I think they are the best in the Burgh!
http://pennavefishcompany.com/home_strip.html
2208 Penn Ave. in the Strip!


Aug
2014

Cool Off With Infused Water!

categories: Drinks, Healthy Living, Recipes
May I offer you a glass of water?
May I offer you a glass of water?

Fruit and vegetable infused water hydrates in the heat while adding a flavor burst. Water is essential, but so so boring!! Why not jazz it up? As a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, fruit and veggie infused water has found itself at the top of diet plans and cleanses. It’s sexy, it’s “in.” Well, for right now!

Serve this to your guests as a non-alcoholic beverage! They will be wowed!
Serve this to your guests as a non-alcoholic beverage! Add a beautiful garnish and they will be wowed!

With combinations like carrot-ginger and pear-cucumber-mint, anything goes! Try different flavor combinations or do what I did and use what you have in the refrigerator!

Some fruit floats and some will sink! Chill overnight to ensure infusion.
Some fruit floats and some will sink! Chill overnight to ensure infusion.

Here is the recipe:

Peach Raspberry Mint Infused Water

Ingredients:
2 quarts of water
3 peaches sliced
1/2 cup of raspberries
1/4 cup mint

Directions:
Chill for at least 8 hours!

Enjoy! Experiment! Please share your favorite flavor combinations!

Ciao!


Jul
2014

Maniac Magazine Mom Contest And A Parmesan Princess Secret…Shhhh!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Shopping

For the last week, I have been entered as a contestant in the Maniac Magazine Mom Contest. The rules are:
#1)photo gets likes through Facebook
#2)the magazine chooses one winner out of the three with the most votes
#3) the winner gets a Body Beautiful Medi Spa and Whitehouse Salon prizes as well as a spread in the magazine

 

Why not, right?
Why not, right?

What a great way to promote Parmesan Princess! In Maniac Magazine!

Here is the link! Please like the photo to cast your vote!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=341420042682173&id=287423194748525

Now for my secret…
For everyday use, I have a box-o-olive oil in my pantry! Yes, this exists! Corto Olive Co.

Great for everyday!
Great for everyday!

Get it here:
http://www.pennmac.com/items/5510//gourmet-domestic-olive-oils

I buy great bottles of olive oil for drizzling, dressings, and for use where the grassy, expensive olive oil taste is necessary. For starting sauce in a pan with garlic? Box, totally!

My favorite special olive oil, Katz. Get it here:
http://www.pennmac.com/items/3220//katz-chef-pick-organic-olive-oil

Like wine in a box, the olive oil stays fresh and appeals to those who use a lot!! 102 FL OZ. of fresh, extra virgin olive oil! “Family Grown and Cold Pressed in California’s Fertile Central Valley!”

Thank You!
Ciao!


Jul
2014

Family Photos: I Found You A Photographer…Now What??

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Fashion, Fun for Kids, Shopping

Family photos, what to wear? Should we all wear white or all wear black? Please don’t! Style your session, show your family members’ individual personalities, and watch them shine!
Our latest family photos were taken by the amazing Amy Wilson of Amy Wilson Photogrpahy www.amywilsonphotography.com. When I asked her what she wanted us to wear, she suggested a styled session.

I originally peeked at clickitupanotch’s styling tips!
http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/10/what-to-wear-in-family-photos-5/

Here are my top 5…

Styled Session Tips:

1. Choose the most colorful, patterned article of clothing and match other articles around that piece.

2. Don’t be afraid to use different hues of the same color.

3. Use different textures, they pop in the photos.

4. Use statement pieces- necklaces, earrings, or hair accessories to bring in a vibrant color.

5. Be comfortable! Uncomfortable models equals uncomfortable looking photos!

I let Bella, age 3, choose something she wanted to wear first because she is the most difficult! Ha! She chose a top by Pittsburgh Boutique Clothier, Miss Priss Kids.
https://facebook.com/missprisskids Bella chose her favorite Miss Priss piece, a swing top with different textures and beautiful patterns and colors.

Her choice gave us so many other color options! Blues, yellow, gold, white, purples...
Her choice gave us so many other color options! Blues, yellow, gold, white, pinks, and purples…

I chose a slightly darker pink dress with tiny navy polka dots for myself with a beautiful yellow statement necklace and a similar hue in my shoes. To even out the brightness, Brady, age 5, wore an adorable relaxed blue dress shirt and dark grey beach pants from H&M. The blues and greys complement the pinks and purples from the girls. Since Brady had a light shirt and dark pants, I alternated with Kevin, giving him a dark blue shirt and light tan shorts.

This outfit is totally Brady! Relaxed, stylish and handsome. He can pull anything off.
This outfit is totally Brady! Relaxed, stylish and handsome. He can pull anything off.

Amy captured our personalities, styles, and memories from this moment in our lives. She is an amazing, talented photographer!

Amy is so talented! Laying in the grass, in the weeds...she gets the shot!
Amy is so talented! Laying in the grass, in the weeds…she gets the shot!

See for yourself…

Family
Family
Royalty
Royalty
Strength
Strength
Love
Love

Thank you Amy Wilson Photography for the gorgeous photographs!
To see more photos visit Amy’s blog! And “Like” Amy Wilson Photography on Facebook!

http://amywilsonphotography.com/2014/07/the-dowd-family/

She will not be affordable for long! I promise!

Ciao!


Jul
2014

Clothes Mentor Girls Night Out! A Bargain Shopper’s Dream!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Fashion, Shopping

Consignment stores are not really my thing. I’m not big on wearing a stranger’s old shirt. But when over half of the items still have store tags, sign me up!!
I met Bethany, www.saltyblonde.com, at the Girls Night Out party at our local Clothes Mentor to check it out.

Bethany and I share a love for fashion and bargains! Oh yeah, and scarves!
Bethanny and I share a love for fashion and bargains! Oh yeah, and scarves!

I was greeted at the door with a chance to win a coral leather $458 Coach bag. So I filled out the ticket and started shopping!
Our first stop was a scarf wall!

The shoes were at the top of all the clothes racks and most were brand new! Vera Bradley flip flops with tags were $14! Brand name clothing items from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, JCrew, Splendid, Paper Denim Co, True Religion, JBrand and even Tory Burch were hanging everywhere!

Cindy Martin, Clothes Mentor franchise owner, explained that they are very picky when selecting items to resell, and buyers appreciate it!

Clothes Mentor franchise owner Cindy Martin also owns the teen brand consignment store Plato's Coset next door Bridgeville, PA
Clothes Mentor franchise owner Cindy Martin also owns the teen brand consignment store Plato’s Coset next door Bridgeville, PA

Cindy told me women love this store’s cash at drop off policy , meaning a consignor doesn’t wait for items to sell to get paid! Cindy explained that they accept all seasons all the time and items with store tags move quickly! Her Girls Night Out events have been a huge success.

Cindy offers customers an extra 20% off during GNO and a giveaway item of value!
While I was putting together an outfit I heard them announce the winner of the $458 Coach purse …it was me!

Super cute bag! Thanks!
Super cute bag! Thanks!

Here is the outfit I put together.

Pairing a bubble skirt with a wedge adds an edge to the feminine pump look.
Pairing a bubble skirt with a wedge adds an edge to the feminine pump look.
The brand new chartreuse Seychelles Los Angeles wedges were a great fashion find and a steal at $13!
These brand new Seychelles Los Angeles chartreuse wedges were a great fashion find and a steal at $13! The brand sells in LA shoe boutiques for $95-$150!

I will be taking a bin of clothing to Clothes Mentor soon to see how much money I am offered. Have you consigned clothing? Every been to a Clothes Mentor? I would love to hear about your experience!

Ciao!


Jun
2014

I’ve Got A Cheese That Will Kick Your Graskaas!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Healthy Living, Shopping

Beemster Graskaas, sounds like someone needs their mouth washed out with soap!! Beemster is actually a Dutch cheese company and Graskaas is Dutch for “grass cheese!” This seasonal, super creamy cheese is created every Spring after the Beemster cows leave their barn and feed on the fresh, Spring grass. Only their first milk is used to make Graskaas!

The village of Beemster is the only co-op left in Holland in which cheese curds are stirred and raked by hand! The CONO cheesemakers co-op has been making delicious cheese since 1901!
The village of Beemster is the only co-op left in Holland in which cheese curds are stirred and raked by hand! The CONO cheesemakers co-op has been making delicious cheese since 1901!

Only 2,000 wheels of Graskaas are produced in Beemster, Holland, and only 1,000 are shipped to the US! So it must be really expensive, right? Nope! Your average $13.99/lb! Less than my Parrano for sure!

How did I find this cheese? I was having a dinner party and searching for something new! Carol, the Pittsburgh legend Dear Heart of Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, had me taste it and told me the Graskaas story! I enjoyed telling the story and having everyone sample the cheese!

A seasonal treat, Beemster's Graskaas is sold mid-May until it's gone!
A seasonal treat, Beemster’s Graskaas is sold mid-May until it’s gone!

Get your Graskaas today!
Graskaas and Date Salad Recipe!
Click link for the recipe!
http://www.pennmac.com/items/4471//beemster-graskaas-cheese-holland

Our guests enjoyed the cheese and the story!
Our guests enjoyed the cheese and the story!

Graskaas has a very mild and creamy flavor. Aged for only one month before being sold, it is the opposite of my usual pungent hard cheese taste. I give my new soft cheeses the Grilled Cheese Test! And Beemster’s Graskaas got an A+ for meltability and creaminess!

Gooey grilled cheese perfection!
Gooey grilled cheese perfection!

Ciao!


Apr
2014

What If You Could Fast Forward And See How You Have Changed a Child’s Life? Because Your Chili Is Totally Awesome!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Fun for Kids

Oh yes, the chili connoisseur. We all know one if we are not one. Religiously making chili for every Penguin and Steeler game because they (or you- wink, wink) know it is the best! Secret ingredients on total lockdown…seeking the ever so close dangling chili cook off championship medal! Yes, the gratification! And to be simultaneously supporting a life changing, lives saving organization like the Sarah Heinz House, priceless!

Pittsburgh’s Sarah Heinz House provides leadership, gymnastic, swim, sporting, robotics, dance, and many other after school and weekend programs for kids preschool age through high school age. With Heinz’s countless club and gym activities and a staff of program directors like Maggie Martone, it is no surprise that most kids exceed enrollment requirements and consider the staff at The Sarah Heinz House family!

I met Maggie on a beautiful, warm and sunny afternoon at Allegheny Coffee and Tea Exchange in Pittsburgh’s Strip District! (Wonderful Coffee shop!) You could see her genuine enthusiasm for her work as she explained her role in the organization and invited our family to volunteer in the Comcast Cares Spring Clean Up event! So we went! All four of us!

The kids enjoyed helping so much! It made my heart melt!
The kids enjoyed helping so much! It made my heart melt!

Nestled in Pittsburgh’s North Side, the Sarah Heinz House’s campus encompasses the meaning of their mission. Traditional morals and values shaping Pittsburgh youth for generations and generations.

The architecture and detail create a sacred space for the work that happens here.
The architecture and detail create a sacred space for the work that happens here.

Amazed by the members and volunteers’ stories, my faith in the spirit of people was resurrected that day.

Inside and outside volunteers worked to spruce up the place!
Inside and outside volunteers worked to spruce up the place!
Meet my Heinz family! Love these fabulous girls!
Meet my Heinz family! Love these fabulous girls!

Mom, Melissa, and her girls Marleighna and Miranda volunteer as needed because they are so grateful for the advantages the Sarah Heinz House offers them.  As a nurse, Melissa needs to streamline her girls extracurricular activities into blocks. With her husband Clint’s crazy schedule, the girls would never be able to be so immersed in gymnastics, swimming, as well as learning club activities without the Sarah Heinz House.
Did I mention that it costs $25? And includes dinner?

Future leaders, astronauts, fashion designers and scientists! These kids are learning life skills that will catapult them to the top!
Future leaders, astronauts, fashion designers and scientists! These kids are learning life skills that will catapult them to the top!

Ok, so back to your prize winning Chili…and a refreshing beer!  Rivertown Brewing, Penn Brewery, The Church Brew Works and Four Seasons Brewing Company will all be there!  The Sarah Heinz House is holding a BrewFest Event including beer tastings, apps and a chili cook off to fund their Science and Technology Programs on Saturday May 3 4-8pm!!

Enter your prize winning chili here!
http://www.sarahheinzhouse.org/support/events/brewfest/index.php

Other ways to support the Sarah Heinz house in May…

Day of Giving May 6
www.pittsburghgives.org

Highmark Walk May 17
http://hcf.convio.net/site/TR/Pittsburgh/General?pg=entry&fr_id=1177

For more information visit
www.sarahheinzhouse.org

Ciao!


Apr
2014

Prantl’s Bakery in Pittsburgh named “The Greatest Cake America Has Ever Made!” Sweet!!

categories: Fun for Kids, Healthy Living, Recipes, Shopping, Travel

Pittsburgh’s own Prantl’s Bakery’s Burnt Almond Torte has been named “The Greatest Cake America Has Ever Made” today by Huffington Post! I spoke with co-owner Lara Bruhn at Prantl’s downtown store located in Market Square!! She was absolutely beaming amidst the super sweet news!
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5133580

Prantl's Downtown location shares a space with Mancini's Bread! One stop baked goods!
Prantl’s Downtown location shares a space with Mancini’s Bread! One stop baked goods!

A Pittsburgh institution for over 40 years, Prantl’s flagship bakery in Shadyside has been a bakery for over 100 years!

A traditional German bakery, they can’t help but get excited about their new offerings like the most buttery, light and fluffy croissant you have ever put in your mouth!

Photo courtesy of Huffington Post! Perfectly Pittsburgh Burnt Almond Torte!
Photo courtesy of Huffington Post! Perfectly Pittsburgh Burnt Almond Torte!

Don’t live in Pittsburgh? No plans to visit? No problem!
Prantl’s will ship their famous Burnt Almond Torte!!

http://www.prantlsbakery.com/order-online/

Enjoy!
Ciao!
 


Apr
2014

Totally Amazing Auricchio Artichoke And Tomato Pasta Salad!! Meet The Best Member Of The Provolone Family!

categories: Fun for Kids, Healthy Living, Homemade Italian, Party Time, Recipes, Sides

Auricchio Provolone has an unmatched taste and texture! Super easy to cube for my pasta salad! I find the largest selection and most cheese knowledge in town at Pennsylvania Macaroni in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

Auricchio is very sharp and aromatic! Brush before kissing for sure with this one!
Auricchio is very sharp and aromatic! Brush before kissing for sure with this one!

According to Pennsylvania Macaroni’s website,
“Auricchio Provolone is an aged Italian Provolone that is particularly sharp. It is often regarded as one of the best-tasting Provolones in the world. In Italian grocery stores, this cheese is often seen dangling by rope from the rafters, which makes it a very well known cheese throughout Italy. The aging process allows for the flavor of the cheese to develop over time, which ultimately adds character to its eventual taste.”

My kids love cheese! They love the cheese counter and taste testing! Bella's favorite is Havarti!
My kids love cheese! They love the cheese counter and taste testing! Bella’s favorite is Havarti!

Dear Heart will gladly give you a taste when you visit Penn Mac in the Strip! Or buy online!
http://www.pennmac.com/items/236//aged-italian-auricchio-provolone

Auricchio Artichoke and Tomato Pasta Salad!

Feeds a party as a side dish!

Ingredients:
2 lb. auricchino provolone, cubed
1 15oz. jar artichoke hearts in water, chopped
5-6 Roma tomatoes chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup Salad Supreme pasta salad seasoning
1 1/2 lb. cavatappi pasta cooked

Only add two or three ingredients into your pasta salad. It is easy to get carried away!
Only add two or three ingredients into your pasta salad. It is easy to get carried away!

Directions:
Mix it all together and refrigerate!

I make my pasta salad the night before a party! The flavors will have time to mix and it is perfectly chilled through when served!
I make my pasta salad the night before a party! The flavors will have time to mix and it is perfectly chilled through when served!

This recipe will serve 25+ as a side dish. Feel free to half it! It is great to make ahead and chill overnight! Just add a few tsp. of lemon juice and stir!

Always top with freshly grated Parmesan!
It’s party time!
Ciao!