// grapefruit, fennel & arugula salad //

Whew! It's hot out. A record for Hotlanta at least. Today it was a high of  104 degrees. Insane. Tomorrow it's supposed to be 106 degrees. I moved away from ORL because of humid weather like this! Global warming, I guess. Ended up making this lovely salad to try and soothe the heat.  The original recipe uses avocado, too but the grocery store I went to didn't have any ripe ones. Had to do without them for this round. Still came out really refreshing and delicious...stay cool everyone!

// steak & brussels sprouts //

There are so many ways to make brussel sprouts nowadays. I tried this really simple recipe while being crunched on time since broiling my steak only takes less than 10 minutes. The only thing I left out were the almonds. For the marinade on the steak, you can let it sit for 15-30 minutes if you're in a hurry. Of course, if you can leave it for a few hours it'll be even better, but I've honestly marinated for less than 10 minutes before and it still came out really good. I always keep the staple ingredients around my apt. Try it with salmon, too!

INGREDIENTS FOR STEAK:

• olive oil - about 2-3 tablespoons
• honey - just drizzle zig-zag style on the steak
• herbs de provence (or Italian seasoning) - sprinkle on each side
• soy sauce or Tamari sauce - about 2-3 tablespoons
• ground pepper to your liking
• ribeye steak

DIRECTIONS:

1. pre-heat oven to broil
2. put marinated steaks onto broiling pan (save the marinade)
3. cook on one side for about 6-8 minutes (depending on size of your steak)
4. flip over, pour leftover marinade on top of steaks and cook for another 4-5 minutes (depending on how you like it cooked, I do medium-rare). 

// heirloom tomato = baby watermelon //

heirloom tomatoes from Trader Joe's

So cute. Thought I'd post pics. Ok, as you were...

// cucumber & tomato salad //

I needed a side for my honey-mustard chicken wings. Tweaked some online recipes that I've found to use what I had at home already. Simple and perfect for the hot weather outside. Bring it to a cook-out, dinner party, etc. It's pretty quick and cheap to make.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cucumber, sliced and seeded (I used 4 smaller Persian cucumbers. they're just crispier and better)

1/2 onion, yellow sweet, sliced thin

3/4 carton of grape tomatoes (halved) 

2 tablespoons cilantro, fresh chopped

6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge if you have time. 

// pineapple juice //

Found this at Trader Joe's the other week. I learned a trick at the bar I used to waitress at back in the day when taking a tequila shot. You can just shoot a little bit of pineapple juice immediately right after the shot and it cancels out the tequila taste. I like it a lot better than the whole salt and lime combo. Try it next time, just ask for a "pineapple back" with your shot.

// ham loaf //

Isn't the pig shape, cute?

made baked mac & cheese w/roasted veggies

Yup. That's right. You heard me. HAM. LOAF! If you love meatloaf (or ham), then you might just have a new favorite meat-in-the-form-of-a-loaf dish. Had some friends over for dinner and it was their first time having it. A few stated that it was their favorite meal I've made so far. Others, who were too full still went for 2nds and 3rds. Curious? You can find the recipe here.

// Biscoff spread //

Game changer, folks. If you thought the cookie was enough to make you fly Delta, then you've gotta try Biscoff in spread form. Best. Spread. EVAR!!!!!  I just put it on top of a toasted english muffin. You can find it at your local Publix. Next to the peanut butter. Smears!