Entries from September 20th, 2010

Starfruit Cafe

September 22nd, 2010 · 2 Comments

I was kind of bummed when the Berry Chill frozen yogurt store closest to my office closed. I didn’t visit a ton, but when I wanted a somewhat healthy snack I liked to swing by. Then I realized that a new Starfruit Cafe was even closer to the office, in the Merchandise Mart.

Starfruit Cafe sells frozen kefir, instead of frozen yogurt. According to them, this is even more healthy because kefir has 10 live probiotic cultures when yogurt typically only has 2 or 3. These good bacteria aid in digestion, boot immunity, promote weight loss, help fight lactose intolerance, prevent some side effects from antibiotics and help lower cholesterol.

The taste is similar to frozen yogurt. And the toppings available are similar to what Berry Chill or a Pinkberry would have. I usually get a plain/original flavored kefir with fruit and sometimes Milk & Honey granola on top.

[Read more →]

Tags:······

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

September 21st, 2010 · 1 Comment

I came across this recipe for Cucumber Yogurt Salad recently. It reminded me of a salad we used to make in my family, but a lighter version of it. We used to thinly slice cucumbers and mix them up with mayonnaise (ahem…. Miracle Whip), thinly sliced onions, and a splash of vinegar. In this new recipe, yogurt is substituted for the mayo. I also added the juice of a lemon and a splash or two of vinegar, to add some zest and tang. I made this when my family was visiting and everyone seemed to like it. Some people even asked for the recipe. A winner!

Cucumber Yogurt Salad
From: Simply Recipes

2 cucumbers, peeled, quartered lengthwise, then sliced
Plain yogurt, about 1 cup
1 teaspoon dried dill, or a couple of teaspoons of fresh dill
Sprinkling of salt and pepper

First taste the cucumbers to make sure that they are not bitter. Depending on the variety of cucumber you are using, and many other factors, you may find a cucumber that is distinctly bitter in taste. If this happens, soak the cucumber slices in salted water for half an hour, or longer, until the bitterness is reduced, then rinse and drain before using.

To make the salad, simply gently mix together the ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. (I also added fresh lemon juice and vinegar to taste.)

Serves 4

[Read more →]

Tags:··

Guess These El Stops

September 21st, 2010 · 4 Comments

Can you guess which El stop the above photos were taken at? What about the stop below?

[Read more →]

Tags:·

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

September 20th, 2010 · No Comments

I’m always trying to find new banana recipes because I always have overripe bananas in the freezer. I came across this recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Bread on All Recipes and used it as a base for these muffins. Here’s my modified recipe:

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
3/4 c. peanut butter
3 bananas, mashed
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chocolate chips (plus a little more)
Sugar in the Raw

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put muffin papers in the muffin tins.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Stir in peanut butter and bananas. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Fold in 1/2 c. chocolate chips. Pour into prepared tins.

Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a few extra chocolate chips and with Sugar in the Raw.

Bake at 325 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes or til a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

- – -

I made these on a Sunday and Dallas and each had a couple. I took them to work the next day and they were gone instantly. Very good. Very sweet, though. They could easily be a cupcake.

[Read more →]

Tags:·····

Our Patio – Updated

September 20th, 2010 · 3 Comments

Last year my dad helped me install lattice in our patio space. I don’t think I ever posted an updated photo of that space. This photo was taken a while ago. The ivy has grown even taller now. And one day my dad power washed the patio so it’s not so green. It doesn’t get much sun and tends to get kind of mildewy. No sun means it can get chilly too, but on nice days, it’s a great space to sit and read or just get some fresh air.

[Read more →]

Tags:···