Another One Bites the Dust

And just like that, another year of college done. I can't believe that I can graduate college a year from now (although, I'd love to stretch it into three semesters - what do you say, Dad?). I am sure that it has something to do with me transferring to U of M after a brief stint at another college and three semesters of community college - but didn't I just start college yesterday?

In celebration of this momentous occasion (and my empty refrigerator), I enjoyed a few delicious meals out this weekend. On Friday night my roommates, little sister and I went to Sabor Latino for some delicious Latin fare. I had the Mexican Combo with a spicy pork tamal, chorizo taco, and enchilada with veggies. . .and lots of chips, salsa and queso dip. All in all, a pretty delicious dinner. I think I will add Taco Tuesday and Margarita Monday at Sabor to my senior year bucket list.

Yesterday - the most beautiful day this spring to date - started with my very last yogurt and some Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble GoLean Crunch. Then I was supposed to be packing but I HAD to be outside. So little sister and I went to Zingerman's for coffee and then walked around for forty five minutes or so. Once we got back and I packed my kitchen stuff, we ordered lunch from Jerusalem Garden with friends Jenna and Abby. I ordered the Stuffed Grape Leaves plate, yummmm. I'm not sure what was better- the food or eating outside. Jerusalem Garden is going on the bucket list too (because I should have gone more than once this year).

And despite being stuffed like my grape leaves, I found enough room for some Whole Foods hot bar last night with Caroline. No picture. Spinach salad and dollops of pulled pork and mac n' cheese were munched on.

P.S. BREAKING NEWS: As this post was being typed I received a text message at work from Caroline: "What do you want from Starbucks?" She must have seen my early morning Facebook post "there is no place to get an iced latte on State St. at 6:40am." So excited, my first latte since March 8th.

Frosting for the Cause

Check out my guest post today on Frosting for the Cause! Frosting for the Cause is a 365-day baking project benefiting women affected by cancer.  I wrote about some of the women in my family who have battled cancer, and I baked S'mores Brownies for kids at the children's support group at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

I am moving out of my apartment in a few short weeks (sad face). I have lots of grains, beans and lentils that I haven't eaten. What have I been eating? Coincidentally, this recipe from Eat Live Run popped up last week and seemed like a great use for my quinoa.

Being the relatively unsophisticated and broke college student that I am, I decided to eighty-six a few ingredients that I deemed not necessary for me to still eat and enjoy this salad. On the proverbial chopping block were the lemon and oregano, but in its place I used a lemon infused olive oil that I have and drizzled the slightest bit of balsamic vinegar over my individual serving of salad.

On the actual "chopping block," 2 cups of tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/2 of a cup of kalamata olives, and 3/4 of a cup of feta cheese were mixed with 1 cup (dry) of quinoa, lemon olive oil, and salt and pepper. Serve chilled and enjoy.

A Weekend in the D of C

What a great weekend in DC. Good food, even better friends & family. 

Thursday we spent most of the day in the car, after a stop to Trader Joe's for car snacks. Friday morning brought a quick trip to the mall for wedding attire, and then lunch at 2Amy's. I had the Margherita, Dad had the Norcia, and Molly had the Etna pizza (she picked off all of the olives -  I ate them for her). 

Friday evening was wedding time. My oldest sister (I am one of five girls), Lindsay, was married. After a small but lovely fireside wedding the two fam's headed to dinner. We went to Mixtec where my sister and the world's most adorable chef, Pepe, planned a delicious family style meal. I'm not going to try and act like I know the proper names of what we ate, so here is how I saw it: guacamole, nachos (I was full after that), chicken, red snapper, beef, rice and beans. For dessert a pound cake-ish cake with a strawberry-tequila syrup poured over the top. 

Saturday morning my newly married sister, little sister and Mom went to Teaism for breakfast. I arrived just in time to eat from everyone else's breakfasts - I was being a little indecisive when they left, so many options of fun things to do. This trip was perfect because a fellow blogger/former teacher recommended Teaism's Salty Oat cookies. What a great dessert breakfast, I shared a regular and chocolate cookie with my sisters and mom. 

Saturday night was the real wedding party (as if Friday nights celebration dinner wasn't enough). The party was held at The Saloon on U Street. It's a really unique place. The owner closes up for a month every year to build schools in countries that really need them. The dinner was great especially mac n' cheese. More importantly, it was a great celebration and I am so glad I could be a part of it!