Salty + Sweet = Good
Hey guys! Hope you’ve had a great Saturday so far. When we last talked (ha), Ryan and I were contemplating taking the dogs out for a walk…and that’s exactly what we did! We headed back to the Lower Trail, which is about a 15-20 minute drive from our house. I know it seems counter-intuitive to DRIVE somewhere just to walk or run, but the trail is so nice! The drivers in our neighborhood aren’t always runner/pedestrian-friendly, so it’s really nice to be able to walk or run without worrying about being swerved into by a giant truck just for the driver’s own amusement traffic.
Some of us were more excited for the ride than others:
What would we do without dogs?
Once we got there, it was a little chilly at first, but we persevered, and soon enough, the sun came out. We ended up walking six miles, which was great (and resulted in some tired dogs, which is always a good thing).
When we got home, it was almost 4:45—where did the day go? We both lay down to read for a while. I just bought the book American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld. I picked it up at Barnes and Noble yesterday because it was on the bargain books table, and it looked pretty good. I’m actually really liking it! I didn’t realize this when I bought it, but apparently it’s loosely based on Laura Bush. Unfortunately, Publisher’s Weekly says this:
“…the book quickly loses its panache and sputters to a weak conclusion that doesn’t live up to the fine storytelling that precedes it…”
Rats! Oh well…maybe I’ll like it all the way through!
Around 6:30, we headed down to get ready for dinner. It was a meal based on salty and sweet!
Apple Cinnamon Kale:
Kale sauteed in olive oil, along with one chopped pink lady apple, a generous shake of cinnamon, a generous drizzle of agave nectar, 2-3 tbsp. of water, and salt to taste.
Sweet and Salty Tempeh:
Tempeh slices topped with a tablespoon of agave nectar and sea salt, baked at 350 for 20 minutes, until brown.
It looks a little burned in these pics, but it was actually perfect—crispy on top, with great chew!
Plus brown rice on the side!
All together now:
Yum! The apple cinnamon kale was SO good…I love the combination of fruit with greens. I think citrus is a natural pairing with kale, but this apple worked really well too. Ryan really liked it, as did I. But who am I kidding—I’m a fool for kale, any which way you cook it!
Now we’re doing a little trip planning…we have a really fun trip planned for this summer…I’ll reveal more in a few days!
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
That looks like my favorite thing you’ve ever put up on here… yum. I’m still waiting to hear back about my (presumed) victory from the St. Patrick’s Day “green” contest.
Awww, sorry– I announced a winner!! Norma won it…but hopefully I’ll be able to have more contests like that in the future!
Hmm that book sounds interesting. I haven’t had time to read books I want to read in SOOO long!!
Apple cinnamon cake sounds great! I love chard and apples sauteed in a little olive oil and garlic with a little spritz of lemon!
Oooh that kale looks devine!! I’ve got a bunch of kale in the fridge that was just waiting for some inspiration, so thank you!
-Lisa
I love trail walking!!! It really makes you appreciate the province/state that you live in.
Your dinner looks so yummy, as always. I love kale but my fiance isn’t a fan…. that just means all the more for me
Ahh that meal looks amazing!
HAHA at your dog – I LOVE it when dogs hang out the window like that, it’s too cute :p
Just wanted to let you know that I read American Wife and definitely loved it the whole way through!
I’ve looked at that book before. Have you read her other book, Prep? I liked that one.
PS- I sometimes drive places to go running. I just don’t like running up this huge hill in my neighborhood. How’s that for counterintuitive!
Thanks for stopping by. The new header is a photo that I took of an orchid from Whole Foods. I tweaked it in iphoto. I’m on the search for a better camera than the good little “point and shoot” I currently use. Your photos are amazing. Any suggestions for a “little bit more than a novice” photographer? And, do you have a “program” such as Photoshop that you use?
Best,
Bonnie
P.S. I think we “talked” about cameras before but I failed to take notes. I know I can find a camera cheaper at the big box stores or online but am thinking about going to an independent camera store nearby. They’ve been in business here for over 50 years. I think I might pay more but will benefit from their expertise. Just “picking the brains” of all the excellent photographers out there. I wanta be one of you!!!!!
B
Hi Bonnie,
I have two cameras– my nice Nikon (a d5000), which is basically all I ever use anymore, and a smaller point and shoot sony. I actually really like my smaller camera, but it was becoming a pain in the butt to switch back and forth between two of them.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Nikon. It was a major purchase, to be sure, but totally worth it. I don’t have special software (although I’d love photoshop); I just use the software that came with the camera.
Good luck!! I think going to an independent camera store is a great idea– they will definitely have more expertise on the topic.
Thanks Anna. I know the point and shoot is great but I’d like to do more. As for Photoshop, I’ve found that you can spend $2,000 or less than $100. Hmmmmm, let me see. I think I’ll go with…….?! Stay tuned.
Best,
Bonnie
SUCH a cute pic of your pup!
xoxo
S
We drive to the river trails to go for our runs so I think that sounds perfectly normal to me. Interesting kale/apple combo. Looks so good.
That dinner looks wonderful! Also, I love the picture of Ella. It reminds me of that Farside cartoon titled “Dogs Going to Work”, which shows a bus filled with dogs in suits, and they all have their heads sticking out of their windows. Funny stuff!
Cute pics, the dogs probably loved it – so sweet. Dinner looks wonderful, apple cinnamon kale something like I need to try!
Oh, Ella! I love it! Don’t let that review keep you from reading all the way through! I really enjoyed American Wife; I’ve read all of her novels and American Wife is a maturation.
What’s this big trip? You’re coming to Richmond to see Jon and me and the Flying Squirrels take on the Altoona Curve? haha.
Between the big trip and April’s challenge, you’re building up major suspense!
That is not the big trip, although now that you’ve said that, I TOTALLY want to plan that trip! LOL– the flying squirrels?!? Love it.
I need suggestions for April’s challenge!!!
I don’t miss our neighborhood, but I do miss the Lower Trail. I’m hoping to find us a nice trail in Florida!
I love Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Man of My Dreams”; it is one of my favorite books and “American Wife” is on my to-read list!!
So glad you made it!!! I’m sure Florida has TONS of trails for you to explore…just watch out for snakes and gators
That looks so good! I love the idea of apple and kale…yum
oh do tell about your trip. im assuming it doesn’t include boston……. or does it??!!
still not convinced of the whole kale thing. i currently have wilted dandelion greens in my fridge, which I put in the same category. How far are you from Yardley, Pa???
No, no Boston…although we are going to Nantucket in the middle of the summer (for a different trip)!! Maybe we could make a pit stop in Boston!
We’re about 4.5 hours from Yardley…why?
I like kale a lot better than dandelion greens, for that very reason– I feel like it’s a lot sturdier and doesn’t wilt nearly as quickly. The kale we used in this recipe had been sittin in our fridge for a week!
I loooooove kale and apples together, SO good!!! And wow that tempeh sounds awesome… as soon as I get out to go the grocery store again, i’m trying some tempeh!
I always smile when I see a dog with its head out the window! So adorable. I love the looks of the sweet and salty tempeh…definitely my favorite meat replacement!!
Hi Anna,
LOVE the pics of your dog in the car!
And I have read American Wife – LOVED it! Hope you enjoy reading it!
i really liked “american wife”!