Tuesday Tidbits (No. 33)

Happy Tuesday Tidbits Day, everyone.  You may have noticed that I didn’t post a Tidbits last week and I’ve decided for the next little while that I’ll be posting every other week.  It takes a good deal of time to put these posts together and though it is a labour of love, my week only has so many hours in it and I want to ensure I keep each post super fun and interesting for you.  So let’s get started, shall we?

Today you’re going to meet Marissa from Pinch and Swirl.  I’m so impressed with Marissa’s recipes because she cooks with whole foods and most importantly, cooks with passion.  Her Asparagus with Grated Eggs recipe was a big hit at the recent Spring Baby Shower and I thought this was the perfect chance for us to explore her site.

Marissa is a west coast girl and I’m convinced that the food culture there offers a unique inspiration for those venturing into the kitchen for something different.  The emphasis on fresh ingredients on the coast really gets those creative juices going!

 Shrimp and Green Mango Salad  |  Pinch and Swirl

You had to know I would pick a shrimp dish as one of my favorite! When I first saw this dish, I was so excited because it has all fresh ingredients that are bursting with flavor. Such a great combination and a reminder that we don’t need anything artificial on our plate whatsoever – “healthy is the new delicious!”  Someone left those words on my last post and I’m going to adopt it as my mantra.

Albondigas Burrito Bowl for Two | Pinch and Swirl

This is a delicious alternative to soup and I am growing very hungry looking at that gorgeous photo!  Did I mention that I love Marissa’s photography as well?  Her shots are simply stunning and when you visit you’ll be bookmarking recipe after recipe.

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts | Pinch and Swirl

Marissa and I share the same taste buds when it comes to seasons.  I can hardly wait for Spring to taste the light, fresh flavors of leeks and green onions and this soup looks divine.  With the addition of Meyer lemon juice and zest, I just know this will be a big hit with your families.

Besides cooking, Marissa has a passion for traveling and she and her husband, Keith, have documented their extensive adventures through Italy and The Netherlands on their blog.  You’ll love their  photos and exploits.

Take some time to visit Marissa today and I can guarantee you’ll be as hooked as I am.  Thanks so much for sharing, Marissa!

After looking at all those beautiful ingredients, you’ll want some hints to picking out the perfect veggies for your own dishes.  LifeHacker has put together this great chart that will help choose the best and spot the signs of age in your produce.  If you’re having trouble reading this small print, you can visit them here.  (WP wouldn’t let me enlarge it, sorry about that!)

Now that the warmer months are here and we’re on the go even more, cooking healthy can sometimes be a challenge.  Do you ever open the fridge door and just stare at the ingredients in there and come up with a blank about what to cook for dinner.  You’re a good cook, yet your creative brain freeze occurs at the end of a long day just at a time when you really need it.

Greatist has 5 Healthy Meals You’ll Never Get Sick Of – For Real.  These are meal templates that you can switch up and add whatever ingredients you have handy.  I’m going to put these on my fridge so that I can help my brain when it slows down. They have plans for Grain Bowls, Noodle Bowls, Chili, Quesadilla and Squash Boats – brilliant!

You know I love great architecture and this week I have two slideshows from AD to share with you.  One is Giorgio Armani’s home in beautiful Saint-Tropez. I’ve seen his other properties around the globe and they always reflect his incredible sense of style.  This one will leave you wide-eyed.  It’s like stepping into a fantasyland.

Click here for the slideshow.

 And here are 14 gorgeous homes that do classic Shingle Style just right.  There’s something so elegant yet homey about oceanside homes with shingles.  They portray  a sense of history even if they are brand new and as they weather the ocean spray over the years, they develop a character uniquely theirs.

Now having your own windmill would just be the coolest thing ever!

Even the little yellow lab on the porch looks majestic!

All of those verandas look so inviting…

click here or on the pics for the complete slideshow

 Even though you can find virtually any recipe on the internet, I love cookbooks and I’m always looking for ones that cook with healthy ingredients that will inspire me to make my own.  I’m actually hoping to put my own e-book together soon but until then here’s a fabulous list of healthy cookbook choices from bonappetit.

This one looks especially interesting.  I think I’ll be visiting Amazon this week.

I’m spending lots of time in the kitchen today and wanted to ask if anyone has a blowtorch?  I’m wanting to buy one (for cooking – not looking at entering a new career as a welder).  I’m needing some advice on what kind to get.  What do you think of this one?

I have a very sensitive smoke detector and I’m worried I’m going to be setting that thing off even more than I do now but I can’t resist a cool kitchen gadget.   I’ll look forward to hearing your opinions on this one 🙂

And you know I love to send you on your way each Tuesday with a giggle and I hope this does it for you.  It sure had me laughing.

Have a great day, everyone.