Vanilla-Cardamom Pudding (with Greek Yogurt & Ricotta)

Why is it that I always have leftover ricotta, no matter how small of a container I buy for that one recipe? Or...am I the only one this happens to? Say it happens to you, too...please?

Anyway, I was yet again left with some extra ricotta, and decided to make something cool and delicious with it. It is FINALLY sunny and 70 degrees here in Portland, after 8,000 months of straight rain (approximately), so I was in the mood for something cold. And with some Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt also in the fridge, I got to working.

Enter: this creamy, perfect-for-spring-time-snacking "pudding" that takes about 5 minutes to make. #micdrop

Vanilla-Cardamom Pudding (with Greek Yogurt & Ricotta)
Yields: About 4 servings
-1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta
-1/2 cup Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
-1 vanilla bean, split with the seeds scraped out
-1/2 teaspoon honey
-Pinch of cardamom
-Pinch of salt

Directions:
1.) Place all ingredients in a food processor (or blender) and puree until smooth. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so it's nicely chilled.

*Stores in the frigerator for up to 3 days.

**Have a little orange zest on hand? That would only make this pudding even better! Just add a pinch to the food processor before pulsing.

In all honesty, I've never been a fan of Greek yogurt all by itself, and the yogurts with fruit mixed in are way too sweet for my liking. However, I do love using Greek yogurt in a variety of dishes and recipes like this one, and I almost always buy Chobani - the texture's delightfully thick and creamy, and Chobani's prices tend to be a bit more affordable than most of the other options on the shelves.

Here are some other ways I love to incorporate Greek yogurt in my cooking:

-Substitute sour cream in (and on) Mexican dishes with Greek yogurt - healthier and still delicious!
-Using yogurt in breads, like this Lemon Yogurt Bread with Cardamom Syrup
-Swapping out mayonnaise in egg salad for Greek yogurt
-Blended in smoothies for extra protein and creaminess

How do you enjoy your Greek yogurt - straight up, with granola, some other way?

*This post was not sponsored by Chobani, but I did agree to create a recipe using one of their products. All opinions are my own.

Marukin Ramen | SE Portland

Vegan ramen exists, my friends. And at Marukin Ramen in SE Portland, it's freakin' delicious.

Still technically in its soft opening, Marukin just opened its second Portland location at the end of February. (Their original PDX outpost is at Pine Street Market). With nine locations throughout Tokyo as well, Marukin clearly knows their ramen.

The SE Portland location is small, casual, and full of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the family-style tables. You simply order at the small counter and are very quickly served savory, aromatic bowls of the good stuff.

There are three different bowls of ramen everyday - two meat, one vegan - and on Saturdays, the menu looks a little something like this:

Marukin Paitan Shio (まるきんラーメン塩)

Paitan - Creamy chicken based broth

Marukin Red (まるきんレッド)

Spicy Marukin ramen in Paitan broth

Marukin Vegan Tonyu (まるきんビーガンラーメン)

OTA Tofu soymilk broth with onions, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and kombu

While friends raved about the meat versions, Z and I slurped up every last bite of our vegan creation ($10/bowl). The broth was incredibly flavorful, the vegetables abundant and fresh, and the portion size almost too big to finish (but we still managed). Alongside our bowls of ramen, we also enjoyed the Ebi Tiger (5 pieces, $8), plump, deep-fried tiger shrimp Karaage-style (meaning, similar to tempura), as well as the Takikomi Onigiri (1 piece, $2.50) - onigiri made with traditional Japanese rice and seasoned with dashi, shoyu, and mushrooms. 

My first experience at Marukin was delightfully successful (and delicious), not to mention affordable! I'll definitely be back for more slurp-worthy bowls of ramen soon.

Are you a ramen fan? If so, which restaurant serves your favorite ramen in Portland?

Beer Friday: Founders Breakfast Stout

On most Fridays, I'll share a beer I particularly enjoy, and think you might as well. This series will feature beers from all over the U.S. (and when we're lucky, the world). Cheers! 

When Zach and I were planning our wedding in New Hampshire, we (well...mostly Zach) gave a lot of thought as to which beers we wanted at our big day. One that we both loved, and had on tap at home for quite a while, was Founder's Breakfast Stout. But there was a problem: Founders Breakfast Stout wasn't available for consumption in New Hampshire as there is a baby on the label - and NH law said that's a no-no.

Fast forward to last week when I was in my home state to surprise my Mom for her 60th birthday, and Founders Breakfast Stout is now available for purchase! The law changed, and babies on beers is now A-OK with the NH lawmakers. Cheers to that!

Here's why this beer is worth seeking out:

What: Founders Breakfast Stout

Style: Imperial Coffee Stout

ABV: 8.3%

Tasting Notes: A creamy, silky mouthfeel is complemented with abundant notes of freshly roasted coffee and rich chocolate. In the background, hints of oatmeal and some bitterness from the coffee and chocolate help cut the sweetness, making this imperial stout dangerously easy to drink.

Pairing Suggestion: With breakfast/brunch (seriously). A frothy glass of this alongside some Eggs Benedict and/or pancakes = heaven on earth. If drinking before noon isn't your thing, I also love simply sipping on this after dinner as liquid dessert. 

Where Can I Find It? Breakfast Stout is a seasonal beer from Founders, and it's technically only available from September through December - so the Beer Finder on their site won't let you find it. However, I picked up a four-pack right at Whole Foods in Nashua, N.H. last week. So, I recommend calling your local beer shops/grocery stores that sell beer to see who near you is selling the stuff.

Have you ever had Founders Breakfast Stout before? If yes, what's your review?

Arugula-Walnut Pesto

Here are the only three things you need to know about pesto:

1.) Pine nuts are expensive and unnecessary. Raw walnuts (and almonds) are cheaper and add that necessary nuttiness that pesto craves. Save your $!

2.) The basil can be substituted with almost any other green and/or herb. (Some of my favorites, besides arugula: cilantro, parsley, spinach, and kale).

3.) Pesto is delicious on just about anything. But especially: pasta, pizza, and eggs. (Easter brunch will thank you).

Now that you know everything you need to know about pesto, here's a recipe I make whenever we have leftover arugula in the fridge. I love the peppery bite arugula adds to traditional pesto, and this - like all pestos - is delicious on allofthethings.

Oh, and it's super easy to make. Need I say more?

Arugula-Walnut Pesto
Yields: About 2 cups
-2 cups packed arugula
-1 clove garlic

-1/4 cup raw, unsalted walnuts
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
-Juice of 1/2 a lemon
-Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:
1.) Add above ingredients (except for salt and pepper) to food processor and pulse until smooth. Taste, and add salt and black pepper as necessary. 

2.) Pour pesto into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to five days. If you're not using the pesto right away, it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

What are your favorite greens and/or herbs to use in pesto?

Beer Friday: Tampa Bay Edition

Besides eating our way through St. Petersburg, we also managed to drink our way through a large portion of the Tampa Bay area. Our friends who live in St. Pete were fantastic tour guides, and we were able to have a pint (or two) at just about all of the breweries I was most looking forward to checking out.

Gearing up for our trip [and a red eye] at the airport!

Real talk: The reason we flew down to Florida was Tampa Bay Beer Week and Hunahpu's Day. This year's Hunahpu's Day was my first, and it was incredible. But since I don't have previous years to compare it to, I'm not going to make this post a review about the event. All I'll say is that I had the opportunity to try a wide variety of beers that were only available at this festival, in the [hot] sunshine, right by the water, with great friends. How can you beat that? #worthit

It looks cloudy here, but trust me: the sun was fierce for most of the day!

Besides Hunahpu's Day, and this year's delicious batch of Hunahpu's, here's what other breweries and beers we checked out during our stay:

Green Bench Brewing

Large outdoor seating space complete with cornhole and a to-go Mexican restaurant next door (unrelated, but you can eat their food at Green Bench)? This is my ideal brewery setup right here. Their beer is well-made, the head brewer is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and the atmosphere is top-notch. I would spend a lot of time here if I lived in the area.

Cycle Brewing

We came here during Beer Week, so this place was busier than usual, but the small space open to the sunny sidewalk was still lovely to check out. I've been a fan of Cycle's beers for quite some time now, and it was fun to try some brewery-only beers while there. Some beers to try, if available: Vienna IPA and Cream and Sugar Please porter.

Cigar City Brewing

The brewers of Hunahpu and all its delicious variants, Cigar City has been on my must-visit bucket list for a long time now. The ginormous space was really cool to check out (hello, shuffleboard), and was perfect for our large party. Beers I loved: Strawberry Shortcake lager; Jai Alai IPA, always a favorite but even better fresh and on tap; and Cubano Espresso brown ale. 

Copper Tail Brewing Company

On our last full day in Tampa Bay, we sat outside at Copper Tail - and I must say, this spot was a highlight for me. The large, open space inside was beautifully decorated with plenty of fresh beers on tap (and, women: the bathrooms were spotless), but the outdoor patio complete with food trucks was what made this spot for me. (And the giant Jenga blocks didn't hurt, either). Beer to try, if it's available: Hoppuccino, a coffee IPA.

Other spots that deserve an honorable mention: Willard's Tap House (they had Angry Chair Brewing's German Chocolate Cupcake Stout on tap - life-changing!) and Hops and Props, a divey but awesome bar with a fantastic local tap list and darts to boot.

What great beers have you tried lately?

Good Eats in St. Petersburg, Florida

Last Wednesday, Z and I flew out to St. Petersburg, Florida for a long weekend with friends - and for Hunahpu's Day, too (more on that on #BeerFriday).

The trip was a great reprieve from Portland's rainy season - so much sunshine and time outdoors!

While we were able to check out a ton of great breweries and try a ton of great beers (again...more of that coming Friday), we also got a few great meals in. If you live in St. Pete, or are heading there anytime soon, here are the two spots I especially enjoyed:

Red Mesa Cantina
One of our St. Pete friends recommended this spot for brunch, and I am so glad she did. We sat outside on their large patio, complete with fountains and plants, making it seem like a little getaway all on its own. We were all starving and - quite frankly - hungover, so the quick, friendly service was incredibly welcome.

Red Mesa's brunch menu is extensive, with a lunch menu on the opposite side for those who want to skip ahead. Their prices for brunch are also incredibly reasonable, especially for the portion size you get. I opted for the Huevos Mexicana ($7), made with scrambled eggs, tomato, rajas (poblana strips), and jalapeños - all served with chilaquiles verdes.

This dish was superb and wonderfully flavorful. I loved the creamy scrambled eggs with the slight crunch of the chilaquiles and the subtile heat from the jalapeno. Despite the huge portion, I was able to eat almost all of it.

Paired with my Huevos Mexicana, I had a fantastic, spicy Bloody Mary followed by the Coconut-Ginger Mojito - a refreshing must-try.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Since this place literally just opened before we had lunch there - it was still running its soft opening - I'm not going to write a full review, but it does still deserve a worthy mention. Despite just opening, the service was decent, the food was fantastic, and the beer list was quite impressive. The concept is small plates, and the prices are a tad bit steep, but nothing too out of the ordinary for tapas.

Dishes I enjoyed: Edamame with Garlic and Chili Oil; Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad; and Crispy Spring Rolls filled with shredded vegetables and mushrooms, and served with a Vietnamese vinaigrette.

Where have you eaten a great meal lately?

Beer Friday: Ballast Point Mango Even Keel

On most Fridays, I'll share a beer I particularly enjoy, and think you might as well. This series will feature beers from all over the U.S. (and when we're lucky, the world). Cheers! 

I definitely drink my fair share of high ABV beers. But sometimes - especially in the warmer months, which will be here oh-so soon - I like to sip on the lighter stuff. I've been a fan of many of Ballast Point's beers for quite some time now, but my current favorite canned beer of their's is definitely the Mango Even Keel. 

What: Mango Even Keel by Ballast Point, San Diego and Temecula, CA

Style: Session IPA

ABV: 3.8%

Tasting Notes: Super light, super easy to drink, and super full of mango flavor - without being overly artificial or too sweet. The juicy mango complements the floral, almost spicy hops well, making this one crushable and tasty IPA.

Pairing Suggestion: Cornhole in the backyard with the grill going! Seriously: this is the perfect outdoor-playing-yard-games-and-grilling brew. But, if you must have a food pairing, a delicate fish (and/or fish tacos) would be delightful, as would a soft, stinky cheese (Ballast Point even recommends Stilton, but a blue or Gorgonzola cheese would also be divine). 

Where Can I Find It? Many places! Mango Even Keel is a year-round beer, so it is widely available. 

What's your favorite warm-weather beer?

Adventures in Tillamook, Oregon (and Slightly Beyond)

Carefully crafted, sour brews made by a down-to-earth, awesome couple. Gorgeous beaches and views of the coastline. A tree that resembles an octopus. This is what you can find - and more! - in and around Tillamook, Oregon.

We take the 1 1/2-hour drive to Tillamook quite often, mainly for de Garde Brewing. Owned by husband and wife duo Trevor and Lindsey, the majority of de Garde's beers lean toward the sour and fruit-forward varieties, with most brews taking anywhere from three months to over three years in barrels before they're packaged. Each and every sip I've had of de Garde's beers - at the brewery and via the bottle - are clearly well-made, delicious, and unique. Few two bottles taste the same, and they've experimented with a ton of interesting flavors and ingredients so far. (Case in point: last weekend, they released The Truffle, a golden wild ale aged in oak barrels with Oregon white truffles).

A short drive from de Garde is Pelican Brewery and Tap Room. With a variety of their own beers on tap (samplers available!), shuffleboard, and an eye-catching pub menu (elk burgers, anyone?), this is a fun and casual spot to sip a few brews. The beers and atmosphere, in my opinion, are not as outstanding compared to de Garde's, but this is still a spot worth checking out while in Tillamook.

Once you've thrown a few beers down your gullet, it's time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast. I still need to explore a lot more of the beaches and coastline here, but one particular place I've been lucky to experience so far is the Cape Meares Lighthouse - with the Octopus Tree a short walk away.

Like every bit of the coast I've seen so far, the views here were breathtaking, and the Octopus Tree was super neat to see in the flesh.

If you're hungry after all that drinking, walking, and sight-seeing, Tillamook is also home to some of the best Mexican food I've ever tasted. There are several roadside shacks that may not look like anything special - but they're making some damn good, authentic Mexican fare for super affordable prices. (Also: The Tillamook Cheese Factory is supposed to be awesome, too. I've yet to check it out, but word on the street is there are plenty of samples to accompany the tour!).

My Top 5 Pizza Places in Portland

Very few people think of Portland as a pizza destination.

That's because it's not...but we do have some damn good pies here in the Rose City.

I shamelessly admit that I get a craving for pizza at least once a week (but, if we're being honest here, it pretty much happens once a day). So, as soon as we moved to Portland in October, I knew I needed to seek out some of the best slices this city had to offer. And while I do have a ton more research to do, here are my top five favorites so far:

1.) Sizzle Pie
Those cravings for pizza I get? Nine times out of 10, I'm craving Sizzle Pie. Sizze Pie offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and meat-topped slices and pies, with decent beers on tap to boot. I love their creative names and topping combinations - such as the Vegan Angel of Doom ($19/$28), topped with Daiya mozzarella “cheese,” fresh jalapeños, pineapple, shaved almonds, and cilantro.

2.) Life of Pie

Specializing in brick oven pies perfectly split between two people (or one, if you're extra hungry), Life of Pie not only makes great pizza - they're also ideally located two doors down from Tin Bucket. (Yes, you can bring your pies into the bar for some epic pizza-and-beer indulging). Life of Pie's Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese, and Garlic Confit pie ($10) is a personal favorite, but the simple Margherita ($10) is fresh and delicious, too. (Bonus: from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily, the Margherita pie is only $5 if you dine-in!).

3.) Escape From New York Pizza
Who knew we'd find authentic New York slices right in our own 'hood? This place is anything but friendly, but the slices (and personalities) are just what you'd expect from a NY pizzeria. Everyday there's a new featured slice, but I've always gone for the classic cheese. (Side note: I also love how their slogan is "Ranch-free since '83." Good crust doesn't need to be dipped in Ranch dressing!).

4.) Pizzicato

I've had several pies and slices from Pizzicato now, and every single one has been consistently delicious (they also deliver for free to our door here in NW Portland, so that helps, too). Pizzicato's toppings are varied and inventive, and the prices are quite reasonable, too. One recent pie I had and loved was the Puttanesca ($14.50, $20.50, or $26.50, for small, medium, or large). It's topped with tomatoes, artichokes, kalamata olives, and feta on a garlic/olive oil base. I also love it with plump garlic shrimp added! (Pro tip: During happy hour, a slice and a pint of beer is just $6.50).

5.) Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Lucky Labrador's pizza is on-point. Again, they have a location not far from our apartment, so I've walked over on many occasions to order a slice (or two) and drink a beer while I wait. They almost always have a cheese, vegetarian, and meat slice option available, and their toppings are plentiful - while the crust stays ideally crisp. The Veggie Deluxe ($22.95 for a pie) at the NW Quimby location is my favorite so far, topped with artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, onion, mushroom, green pepper, black olives, and tomatoes.

Alright, I'm still on the quest for pizza (despite eating my way through all of these places...several times). What are your recommendations for the best pizza in Portland? 

Beer Friday: Hopslam Ale by Bell's Brewery

On most Fridays, I'll share a beer I particularly enjoy, and think you might as well. This series will feature beers from all over the U.S. (and when we're lucky, the world). Cheers! 

You may know by now that I'm on an IPA kick...and this here IPA is pretty darn delicious.

Bell's Brewery is actually very rarely available in Portland, but they generously swung by last week to drop off a slew of goods at Belmont Station (among other places). Since Bell's is also not available in our home state of Massachusetts either, Z and I jumped on the chance to have some of their beers. And, bonus: a portion of the beers sold at Belmont Station went toward the victims of the Kalamazoo shooting that same week. #awesome

Anyway - here's why this beer rocks: 

What: Hopslam by Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Style: Double IPA

ABV: 10%

Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, a bit of spice, some floral notes on the background, and a ton of hops. This beer is definitely not for those who only kinda-sorta like IPAs. The hop profile is so apparent because it's made by adding six different hop varietals to the brew kettle which is then mixed with a huge dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops. Did I mention it's hoppy?

Pairing Suggestion: As with all IPAs, spicy food would be perfect with this beer. The grapefruit notes and generous hops help cut the heat, while still complementing the flavors of whatever you're eating. I, personally, would love this beer alongside some spicy Indian food.

Where Can I Find It? Here's where to find Hopslam - or any Bell's beer - near you. 

Are you an IPA fan? If yes, what's your favorite IPA?

Brunch at Meriwether's Restaurant

Meriwether's Restaurant, located right in our 'hood in Northwest Portland, is a hidden-to-us gem that we recently stumbled upon a few weeks ago. Located off the beaten path in the NW Industrial area, Meriwether's sits quietly on some history: the restaurant is situated on the site of Portland's 1905 World's Fair, the Lewis and Clark Exposition. Besides paint and some landscaping, provided by current owners John and Renee Orlando (who bought the building in 2003), the exterior has remained relatively unchanged since the late 1920's.

Oh, and they operate their own 5-acre vegetable farm just 20 miles from the restaurant. Their menu even includes a list of produce, beans, and grains the kitchen is harvesting from the farm that week.

Meriwether's serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and Z and I decided to check out their brunch menu last weekend. It was a beautiful Sunday morning - the sun was even out! - so we took the leisurely stroll from our apartment to the restaurant. Upon arriving, I immediately loved the large Lewis and Clark photograph across the wall behind the host stand. It is an impressive display of the site's storied past.

We were seated to a table shortly thereafter on the bar/lounge side of the restaurant (across the building, there's a more formal-looking dining room as well). Our server was actually also the sole bartender that morning, despite the busy brunch crowd, but she somehow kept our service fairly quick, yet not rushed.

I'm typically a Bloody Mary gal, but Meriwether's brunch cocktail menu was varied, and everything sounded delicious. I ultimately opted for the Grand Mimosa ($10) made with Grand Marnier, hand-squeezed orange juice, and Domaine St. Michelle Brut, served over ice. it was incredibly refreshing and wonderfully bubbly (and boozy).

Meriwether's brunch food menu is also chock-full of interesting yet traditional options, with plenty of their farm's bounty evident in each dish. After much deliberation, I went with the Vegetarian Benedict ($14), with cauliflower and mushroom ragu, pine nuts, and hollandaise.

Served with a side of delightfully crispy and well-seasoned herb potatoes, this was one delicious dish. I loved how the hollandaise was super creamy yet light, and the crunchy texture from the pine nuts added a little something extra to each bite. Like most of Meriwether's brunch menu, this dish was a delightful take on a traditional breakfast dish.

Overall, we really enjoyed our first meal at Meriwether's. I'm eager to check out their lunch and dinner (and happy hour!) menus soon!

Are you a hollandaise fan? It sometimes skeeves me out, but I loved Meriwether's hollandaise!

Panang Tofu Curry

Spicy Thai chile sauce. Creamy coconut milk. A truck-load of vegetables (basically). Protein-packed tofu.

This was one of those "winner of a dishes" in our house last week. I could easily make this on a regular basis, substituting whatever vegetables and proteins I have on-hand. It's super versatile, super delicious, and super easy to throw together. And, bonus: it's also super good for you.

Can I get an amen??

Panang Tofu Curry
Yields: 4-6 servings
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/2 large yellow onion (or 1 small), diced
-1 tablespoon finely grated peeled ginger
-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
-1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
-2 teaspoons turmeric
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-Pinch of cayenne (optional)
-1 teaspoon Thai chile paste
-1 cup water
-1 14-ounce can light coconut milk
-Juice of 1 lime + 1 teaspoon finely grated lime peel
-1 tablespoon light brown sugar
-Salt and black pepper
-1 14-ounce package organic firm tofu, drained, and cut into 1-inch cubes
-3 medium carrots, peeled
-1 large red bell pepper, roughly chopped
-1 cup frozen peas
-1 1/2 cups cooked Basmati rice and fresh cilantro, for serving

Directions:
1.) Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, ginger, and garlic; cook until onion is tender, about 6 minutes. Add peanut butter, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, and chile paste; stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
2.) Whisk in 1 cup water, then add coconut milk, lime juice and peel, and brown sugar; bring to a low boil. Season with salt and black pepper.
3.) Reduce heat to medium and add tofu, carrots, bell pepper, and peas; cook until carrots are tender, adjusting heat to medium-low if beginning to boil and occasionally stirring, about 20 minutes. Taste, and add additional salt and pepper as needed.
4.) Serve over Basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Creamy, spicy, packed with flavor/nutrients/protein. AND super easy to throw together? This is the ideal [vegan] weekday meal, my friends.

What's your idea of an ideal weekday meal?