Nostalgia

I have recently given a little bit of thought (truly, just a bit) in regards to eliminating meat from my diet (beef, pork & chicken and just for a little while...to see if there are any, major or minor, effects in my overall feeling of healthiness) and then I ran across this picture of a JG Melon cheeseburger - an NYC institution.  JG Melon is always on my list when visiting New York - it is one of the tastiest cheeseburgers I have ever eaten!!!  This also got me thinking about another favorite spot on the Upper East Side that still brings a feeling of nostalgia - Sant Ambroeus - the almond cookies take me back to my childhood and to family trips to New York City.  I can taste the homemade cookies & pastries now.  I am certain that part of this feeling of joyfulness also comes from the wonderful packaging of these little delights - who wouldn't fall in love with that lovely printed peach colored paper?  On my last visit to the city my mom and I stopped in for some petite sandwiches, gelato for dessert and, of course, almond cookies for the stroll back to our hotel.  Sant Ambroeus - I heart you!  Another favorite is Fred's at Barneys for the Penne di Farro al' Arrabiata (spicy, heaven!) and Estelle's Chicken Soup - described on the menu as "grandma's recipe to cure colds and stay thin"  Oh well, so much for the no meat idea...it is summer, after all, and one can't possibly do summer without burgers & BBQ on the grill.  There's always fall...have a wonderful weekend!
xo,
Helen

jg melon cheeseburger

box of goodies from sant ambroeus, packaged just as i remember :)

gelato, sant ambroeus nyc

estelle's chicken soup, fred's at barneys 

fresh, local, delicious

In celebration of Cinco De Mayo - one of my favorite holidays (it's up there with Christmas) I thought it very fitting to share with you the story behind Senora Dixie Salsa.  The yummiest salsa you'll ever put in your mouth!  This locally made salsa is home-made using fresh, local, all-natural ingredients, absolutely no preservatives and with the same love and tradition that Dioxana's "Dixie" mother used when she was growing up in Honduras.  The family had a jar on the table at every meal.  You can meet the lovely Dixie personally every Saturday at the North Hills Farmers Market from 8AM-12PM.  She is wonderful ~ always smiling ~ and always has plenty of samples.  Tempt your taste buds with mild, medium and hot varieties and decide for yourself which one you and your family will enjoy the most.  I would highly encourage the purchase of at least 2 or 3 jars - it's addicting and it goes fast...really fast!  If you can't make it to the North Hills Farmer's Market on Saturday you can find Senora Dixie Salsa at NOFO and Harmony Farms in Raleigh as well as A Southern Season in Chapel Hill.  Dixie is also working on product placement at Whole Foods & Harris Teeter so be on the lookout in your grocer's refrigerated section - or better yet put in a request at their customer service desk.
You can also order online - simply click the rooster below:
 

 

senora dixie - fresh, all natural salsa

Tortilla a la Diabla (Devil's Tortilla) is one of Dixie's favorite family recipes:

Senora Dixie Salsa
3 eggs
12 tortillas cut into strips

Tortilla a la Diabla (Devil's Tortilla)

2 tsp. olive oil
8 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili pepper
Salt + Pepper to taste

Place tortilla strips in a frying pan
Toss with olive oil
Stir until golden brown
Add scallions, tomatoes & fresh cilantro
Stir occasionally for 3 minutes
Add eggs, garlic powder, chili pepper, salt + pepper
Stir until everything is bended and eggs are cooked

This recipe is perfect for breakfast or breakfast for dinner with sour cream - YUM!