Lemon Chicken Breasts

Chicken... if it's over done- you get chalk and are looking to the sides to fill your need, if it's under done you're either in the hospital or back to the pan with disappointed eaters waiting patiently.  GET IT RIGHT, no excuses.  Don't put your loved ones through that!

I'm not kidding: Chris seriously grills the BEST chicken ever.  I could possibly live off chicken if it was just Chris, a grill and me on a dessert desert island.  But we're not... and we're all so glad there's more than just chicken out there.  Anyway, Chris had the night off and it's oven time.

Dining Out: Food Cart- Lucy's Original, Portland OR

 

There are SO many places to choose from when it comes to dining in Portland.  I've decided that repeated recommendation is the way to go.  The Portland food bloggers LOVE this place.  We're talking multiple times in a weekend- like they couldn't get enough of the best street-food burger they had ever had!  We simply had to check it out for ourselves.

Making a second appearance in Portland Palates as renowned food critics, Whitney (snacker extraordinaire) and Jeffrey (always fueling) joined us on our adventure to Lucy's.

It's Thyme for Lemon... Bars (and other food concepts)

I've decided that each time I use fresh thyme in a dish, I'm going to thank God for His perfect timing in our lives.  Food really can get me thinking outside my own head.  In other words- not thinking about what I'm paid to think about all day... but other things, maybe even more important things.  It's important to have those outlets I suppose.  Cooking is that for me.


It's like the line in Julie and Julia when Julie comes home after a stressful day at work and finds comfort in mixing eggs, sugar and chocolate- always producing that predictable and delectable chocolate cream pie.

Flank Steak Tacos- Inspired by Claudia

Cinco de Mayo came and went.  But not without good food.

My sister Whitney (banana lover) and Jeff (Mexican food obsessed) came for a long weekend in early May.

Truth be told this was originally one of my earlier meals to post last year when I started this blog adventure.  But... it was one of those meals that was SO good that we completely forgot to take final product pictures. Not once, but TWICE.  I was determined not to miss the boat this time.  I just had to share.

Dining Out: Huber's, Portland OR

Huber's: Portland's oldest restaurant.  We're slowly exploring every plate in Portland.  This was Chris' choice for his birthday dinner out with my folks in town.  This is the difference between us- I probably would have chosen something more modern, but it was HIS birthday, and in the end I'm so glad it was.

At the corner of 1st and Alder resides an unassuming "cafe" that's not much of a cafe except for their famous flaming Spanish coffee made table-side creatively different between each waiter.  After venturing down a hall way lined with black and white photos of the early Portland street scenes and year markers such as the Flood of 1948 you'll find a door that transports you back in time.  Huber's is still thriving.

Vanilla Yogurt Parfait with Candied Nuts

Yogurt dressed up with vanilla bean and honey.  Homemade candied nuts (finally a success).  Favorite fruit combos.  All in an elegant wine glass.  Does it get any better?

First the nuts.  I have intended to blog about candied nuts sooner, but I sadly had two attempts that were disappointing.  But THIS time, they were perfect.  Thank you Laurie from Simply Scratch.

Spinach Party Balls

I'm calling these spinach PARTY balls for a few reasons.   


#1: I got the recipe from a lady who is a party unto herself:  Suzzanne Bonn- a lively wife and mother who loves to cook and will do so for just about anybody.  I'd tell you how many kids she has, but the truth is anyone walking through her door is treated, welcomed and fed like family.  (She's also responsible for the my ATOMIC  salad dressing inspiration).


#2: They are great for hosting a party.  Hot, easy, toothpick using, veggie lover friendly and incredibly addicting.  My "after" photos are lacking a bit of presentation because we were indeed "hosting" about 30 people in our home.  Needless to say I was a little distracted before I realized I never took plating photos!  They were half gone, but at least you get a taste (well, sort of).


#3: They are a PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH.  Lots of favors going on.  And they are packed with spinach!  OK, and some other items, but let's focus on the positive!