Straight from the Garden to the Table

Whelp...Fall is in full swing and you know what that means...It's time for homemade soups! Lucky for me, my uncle has an amazing farm and garden (Second Creek Farm) and is always generous enough to save some for me :) With his most recent "end-of summer" batch, we were able to whip up some Succatash and Creamy Tomato Soup (recipe adapted from Food.com)

Succatash Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh corn

1lb of fresh chopped okra

8 medium chopped tomatoes

6 cups of beef broth

1lb fresh ground beef

Directions:

Simmer all vegetables in the broth til tender

Cook the ground beef

Mix together and heat thoroughly

Creamy Tomato Soup:

Ingredients:

4 diced tomatoes

4 cups tomato juice

1 ½ cups heavy cream

½ cup butter

salt and pepper

Directions:

Place tomatoes and juice in a stockpot over medium heat.

Simmer for 30 minutes.

Puree the tomato mixture.

Place the pot over medium heat and stir in the heavy cream and butter. 

Season with salt and pepper.

Heat, stirring until butter is melted, but do not bring to a boil.

Roasted Radishes:

Ingredients:

Fresh Radishes
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Heat oil, toss in radishes, and season. Sauté until desired doneness. 

NY Times Feature

Today I want to share an article from the NY Times...
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/22/upshot/what-2000-calories-looks-like.html?_r=0

As a dietitian, this is something that I have been mindful of for a long time. To some, 2000 calories may seem like a lot, but you will be surprise at how quickly that number can be met. Not to mention, some Americans are now aiming for a little less than 2000 calories (~1600-1800 is a common range). 

Take a second to really read this and pay attention to this article!

Music and Health

Music therapy...something we have all heard mentioned at some point. Being a self-proclaimed "music connoisseur," I can't even begin to imagine a day without my music. Whether I'm in the car cranking the radio, working out with ear buds, or at my desk blasting the Pandora or Spotify, I am pretty much constantly listening to my favorite tunes.

For those of you who follow me on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc, it's no secret that I spend my Saturday night rocking it out with AC/DC! Not long ago, I came across this article about ways in which certain songs of AC/DC are actually aiding in treating cancer...no joke, ya'll, this article ROCKS in so many ways:

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/146868/20160404/scientists-use-ac-dcs-thunderstruck-to-speed-up-cancer-drug-delivery.htm

As a researcher, this is certainly some science I can really appreciate! While this article is talking about the music's affects on a certain cancer medication, I think we can all agree that music has positive affects of our moods and emotions...whether you're trying to make it through a workout, going on a long road trip, or going through tough times, music always has it's place. Who else can agree with the sharks in that article that certain songs make them calmer?! (hah!)

Next time you hear that "feel good" song, don't be afraid to turn it up for the world to hear!

I may have been a little snap happy at AC/DC, but when you're at such a high energy show, you get so pumped that you want to document the entire experience (especially when every song is a classic)! Below are some of my concert picks and videos...wishing I was listening live again!

My excitement was far too real :)

 

For more on how music improves our health, check out this Huffington Post article.

Rock on, friends!

Taste of Rio

In honor of the Rio Olympics, I went out to a Brazilian steak house, Brasa, in Brier Creek. Dining at one of these places is quite an experience. It's not every day that you have access to an all you can eat "cold bar" while being waited on by servers with swords of different meats. From chicken to beef to pork to lamb, I had access to 14 different cuts...a vegetarian's nightmare but a meat lover's dream!

Also since I was there, I had to try a Caipirinha...Brazil's national cocktail. Simple and refreshing with a nice taste of lime. 

Since I can't actually be in Rio to cheer on Team USA, spending a little time at this restaurant gave me a little taste of Brazilian culture here in NC. 

For a cool history lesson on the Caipirinha, check out "The Origin of Caipirinha," here!

Restaurant Round-up

It is safe to say that I successfully eat my way through the triangle. Below is a review and a few pictures of some of my favorite recent dining experiences. I also included some pictures from my trip to NYC...which if you have been, you know how many amazing restaurants are around each corner.

Geer Street Garden in Durham, NC...these Fish Tacos were amazing!

Elaine's on Franklin in Chapel Hill! I was lucky enough to get the LAST of this shrimp dish.

I think this photo speaks for itself! Le Bernadin...a 3 Michelin Star Restaurant...If you think I was giddy the entire time I was eating...you nailed it.

Seared Tuna with Waygu Beef and a Strawberry "Bomb" for dessert...and yes...that is GOLD on the top of my dessert. Also not to mention...world famous sommelier Aldo Sohm reviewed my menu and paired me with that amazing wine!

Huevos Rancheros from Mojito Cafe and Lounge in Astoria, NY.

One of my new favorites in Durham! Guglhuph...German cuisine at it's finest.

German Beer at a German restaurant.

Pork Loin with a nice chilled Riesling from Guglhuph...heavenly!

I don't usually have brunch...but Buku in Raleigh will not disappoint. They had the best variety of any brunch I have ever been to! 

Unfortunately one of my favorite restaurants, Four Square, has shut down :( this was my final meal from here. What's better than a steak and Pinot Noir?? NOTHING!