Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Spring Has Sprung!

Since we've been having this amazing weather, I've been craving some new spring foliage in our apartment.  I swung by the home improvement store yesterday and picked up some herbs.  It's amazing how just adding a few fresh greenies to your window sill can brighten up the space.  I chose these four herbs because they are the ones I most commonly use in recipes.  I'm just waiting for them to get a little bit bigger before I start cutting them down.  Below I've shared some of my favorite summer time recipes that I make with fresh herbs.  Enjoy!
Basil
Basil

Fresh Pesto
2 c. packed fresh basil
3/4 c. grated Parmesan
1/2 c. walnut pieces
2 large cloves garlic, cut in half
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly grated pepper
2/3 c. olive oil

Remove stems from basil. Wash leaves thoroughly in lukewarm water, and then drain well.  Position knife in food processor bowl; ad basil and next five ingredients, and top with cover.  Process until smooth.  With processor running, pour oil through food chute in a slow, steady stream until combined.



Mint
Mint

Grilled Portobellos
1/3 c. chopped fresh mint
2 chopped garlic cloves
pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 c. red wine vinegar
EVOO
Salt and Pepper to taste
2-4 large portabello caps

Combine first six ingredients in zip top bag.  Mix ingredients together by smushing it together on the outside of the bag.  Add portobellos and marinate at least 1 hour.  Grill starting with gill side down.  After 3-4 minutes, flip them and pour remaining marinade into the gills.  Cook 3-4 more minutes.  They will be done when a metal skewer pierces them easily.




Cilantro

Cilantro

Salsa Fresca
2-3 large tomatoes small diced
1 medium onion small diced
1 jalapeno diced
2 limes, juiced
1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients.  Chill for about an hour before serving. Great served with my Baked Tortilla Chips recipe, too!

 
Rosemary


Rosemary

Balsamic Roasted Carrots
1 lb carrots
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2-3 stalks fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 t paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1 T EVOO

Preheat oven to 400. Spread carrots evenly over 1/2 of large piece of foil.  Cover with balsamic, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Drizzle with EVOO. Close the carrots in the foil and place on cookie sheet to bake.  Bake 20-30 minutes or until tender.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Birthdays, Blogiversaries, and Freebies!

In honor of my blogiversary and birthday coming up this month, I've decided to update my list of birthday freebies.  I love the month of March because every day I get to see coupons pour into my mailbox and inbox.  Here are several of my favorite deals:

Applebee's – Free dessert of your choice
Arby’s– Free 12oz. milkshake with any purchase. Valid one week before your birthday through one week after.
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels– Get a coupon for a BOGO pretzel.  Valid one week before your birthday through one week after.
Baskin Robbins– Free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream or a swirl of soft serve when you sign up for their birthday club
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – They’ll send you a coupon for a free appetizer when you sign up, plus free dessert with purchase of any entrée for your birthday, valid the week before your birthday through the week after
Buffalo Wild Wings – Free dessert (you don’t have to sign up, just go in)
Chili’s– Get a free order of chips and queso when you sign up, plus a free brownie Sunday for your birthday. (offer valid with purchase of one or more entrées, valid week before your birthday through the week after)
Firehouse Subs – Get free chips and medium fountain drink with purchase of any sub when you sign up, plus a free sub on your birthday when you show your ID
Fuddruckers– Join their Fudd Club and get a free 1/3 lb burger or anything of equal or lesser value.  Redeemable week before your birthday through the week after.
Great American Cookies– Get a coupon for a BOGO cookie when you sign up, plus a free cookie cake slice with purchase of a soda valid the week before your birthday through the week after.
Hooters– 10 free wings on your birthday or up to a week after. Hooters girls not included.
Jack in the Box– Free dessert- your choice of Chocolate Overload Cake, New York Cheesecake, or 5 Piece Mini Churros.  Offer valid only on your birthday and bring your ID
Joe’s Crab Shack – Free appetizer when you sign up, plus the same deal on your birthday.  Both are valid with the purchase of any adult entrée.
Marble Slab Creamery– BOGO coupon when you sign up plus free cone and $3 off any ice cream cake on your birthday (bring your ID- offer only valid on your birthday)
McAlister’s Deli– $5 gift certificate towards your next meal
Moe’s Southwest Grill– Sign up for their newsletter and get a coupon for a free cup of queso and on your birthday week get a coupon for a free entrée (excluding fajitas)
On The Border– Free bowl of queso or sopapillas when you sign up, plus receive a coupon for a free Dip Trio or Brownie Sundae valid one week before your birthday through the week after.
Red Robin– Free Gourmet Burger if you pick up a Red Royalty Card at your local restaurant and then register it online.
Schlotzsky’s –Free bag of chips and fountain drink with purchase of a sandwich when you sign up, plus receive a free small sandwich on your birthday (must bring ID with your coupon)
Smoothie King – BOGO coupon for a free 20 oz. smoothie.
Sonic – Print a coupon for your choice of free regular cream slush, free medium tater tots, or a free medium drink! Also, get a free Wacky Pack Kid’s Meal on children’s birthdays if you register here.
Starbucks – If you have a gift card to their store, register it and receive a free coffee on your birthday.  It may even be worth it to buy yourself a gift card to register just so you can get a free drink!
Sticky Fingers – Free half slab of ribs (or any other menu item up to $13.99) May need to check ID for verification of your birthday too
TCBY – Free small cup of frozen yogurt and $3 off a cake or pie.
Waffle House – Join their Regulars Club and get a free waffle when you sign up, plus a free one on your birthday.
Zaxby’s – Join their Z-Mail club and you’ll get a coupon for a free meal, plus a coupon for a free nibbler on your birthday. Both of these are postcards via snail mail, so make sure you sign up in time to get it on your birthday!

Local Places:

The Green Room- Complimentary champagne toast
Sassafras- double fudge brownie w/ scoop of ice cream and raspberry drizzle
Pomegranate- Complimentary chocolate cake
Larkin’s on the River- Dessert of your choice
Rick Erwin’s West End Grill- Complimentary dessert of your choice
Nantucket Seafood Grille- Complimentary dessert of your choice
Smoke on the Water- Complimentary dessert of your choice
High Cotton- Free dessert of your choice, and if you’re old enough a champagne toast too!
Tsunami- Free fried cheesecake- I’ve had it and its soo good
The Chocolate Moose- Sign up for their birthday club and receive a coupon for a free regular sized cupcake of your choice
Zoes Kitchen – BOGO coupon for one free entree when you join Zoe-Mail
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