Peach Frozen Yogurt

Summer still has plenty of more days to keep us hot and needing a frozen sweet treat to cool off every once in a while (which means every night in my life).  But since I like to incorporate a sweet treat often in my diet during the summer, I decided I needed to find a way to have a healthier option.

This peach frozen yogurt is very easy to make, only has four ingredients, and satisfies that desire for something savory.  Peaches were flooding the farmer's market this weekend and we couldn't buy enough (thank you Brace's Orchard-they always have the best). The frozen yogurt can be substituted with any fruit your heart desires or that is in season, but for right now I strongly recommend giving peaches a chance.  

No matter what fruit you choose, I promise you will have no guilt while enjoying this tasty yogurt and find yourself making multiple batches to keep on hand in case of an emergency (and yes a Wednesday night out on the patio counts as an emergency).  Enjoy!

Peach Frozen Yogurt
Serves 4

• 6 peaches peeled, cut, and frozen over night
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

~Allow peaches to freeze for a few hours or overnight

~Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until mixture becomes thick and smooth

~Scoop yogurt into a separate dish and allow to freeze for 15-20 minutes

~Serve and enjoy

Xo,
Laura

Summer in Sonoma

My husband and I recently traveled to the west coast earlier this summer to experience wine country for the first time and let me just say we were not disappointed. The land was spectacular with mountains upon mountains and rolling hills littered with luscious green grape vines with the sun always shining down on them.  We were looking to travel somewhere to taste great wine and just enjoy the sunshine and some downtime by the pool.  We stayed in Sonoma, which is often referred to as slow-noma due to it being slightly more laid back than Napa, but still with unbelievable wines and views.  If anyone is ever thinking of making a trip to California, I strongly recommend spending a few days in Sonoma no matter what kind or how much wine you normally drink, you will not be sorry you stayed.  Tip-we did rent a car in San Francisco (best airport to fly in and out of, and it was so convenient to have our own car to explore the area and drive to Napa for the day as well).

Stay:

Kenwood Inn and Spa: We stayed here after me researching many, many hotels in Napa and Sonoma. We had previously thought of traveling to Italy this summer, but with time constraints it was not possible. Well enter Kenwood, a retreat that brings the feeling of Tuscany to Sonoma.  It is a beautiful inn with 30 rooms for adults only. The grounds are filled with greens and flowers and the scent of rosemary and lavender.  It is the perfect private retreat with luxurious rooms and spacious bathrooms. We were thrilled with our experience at the inn, and I will continue to highly recommend it to anyone staying in Sonoma. Tip-Kenwood is often featured on jetsetter.com where you can get great deals and discounts that include breakfast daily with your stay.

Eat:

St. Francis Winery: this winery does an amazing wine and food pairing at lunch time. This was something we had never done before, but I gained a much greater appreciation and knowledge for how the wine flavors do change with what you are eating. It is a beautiful setting (every winery is really) with great food, a great host and chef, and great wine.

Chateau St. Jean Winery: this winery is wonderful for a wine tasting, but before or after your tasting, grab lunch and eat in the most spectacular gardens. It was so peaceful and if you didn’t know you were in California you might think you were in the French countryside. Perfect combination in my eyes.

Glen Ellen Star-great restaurant in the quaint town of Glen Ellen, smaller menu, but the selections are just right and it is a great atmosphere. You may want to eat here more than one night!

Girl and the Fig-this restaurant is in downtown Sonoma and features a unique menu with delicious French inspired cuisine. Take your time at dinner and savor each bite. This place will not disappoint.

Wine:

Benziger-A spectacular winery that captures the essence of making wine and creating a simple farm setting a place you never want to leave. The winery is biodynamic so instead of spraying bad bugs that eat the vines, they bring in plants to attract good bugs, that get rid of the bad bugs-allowing nature to take its natural course. Take a tour of the winery and then sample their reserve collection in their wine caves-a truly memorable experience.

Matanzas-Great wine, but the main attraction here for me was the lavender gardens. As you are pulling up the drive way you instantly smell the aroma of lavender everywhere, which I loved. Enjoy strolling in the gardens and relaxing. The winery makes their own line of bath, home, and cooking products from their lavender and every product smells more heavenly than the next. 

Kunde-The view from the top of this winery is breathtaking. And that is where you will have your tasting if you visit Kunde. Imagine sipping life changing Chardonnay and heart warming reds all while over-looking hundreds of acres of vineyards and catching a glimpse of the bay and San Francisco. Before you go to Kunde, check out the movie Bottleshock, which used Kunde to film their vineyard scenes (the movie is on Netflix). You will not want to miss this place.

Explore:

Sugarloaf State Park-Beautiful park set up in the mountains of Sonoma. There are many trails to hike or run on for a quick 1, 3, or more mile jog.  We ventured to the mountain early one morning (East coast time still) and were able to experience the sunrise and all it’s beauty had to offer.

Downtown Sonoma-A beautiful place with a town square and huge park in the middle. There are so many boutique shops to explore and plenty more wine tasting venues on every corner. Go on a Tuesday night when the farmers market opens at 5:30 pm and families flock to the square to set up picnic blankets, grab fresh produce from the farmers, and open a bottle of wine. Live music plays and your evening just doesn’t get much more simple and perfect. 

If you are interested in taking a trip to wine country and would like more information please feel free to contact me, and I would be more than happy to share more travel tips and our adventures in Napa and San Francisco.

Xo,

Laura

Summer Grill Night

Last Sunday night all I wanted to do was get the grill fired up (there literally was fire), turn on the oven, and take my time cooking in the kitchen.  When I'm in the mood to cook and have a little extra time, I love to hang out in the kitchen and do my best to create a meal with a little extra flavor and passion. This meal can be made any night of the week, but my favorite night to stay in and eat at home is Sunday.  There is something about the smell of food cooking, a glass of wine already poured, setting the table, and appreciating our home that makes me feel content and whole.  

The potatoes and brussels sprouts are staples in our house, but the cedar plank salmon was something I haven't made in years.  The salmon was fresh caught Alaskan salmon and was meant to be seasoned, placed on the cedar planks, grilled mildly, and served. Although I did not have time to capture this moment on camera, more than half-way through the grilling process our cedar planks caught on fire, and thus, the salmon became smoked cedar plank salmon. A happy accident in my mind and belly, but for those of you not favoring the charred flavor, stand by and watch closely with a spray bottle in hand to keep the planks damp!

Xo,

Laura

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 bag pre-chopped brussels sprouts or 1 pound of whole brussels sprouts
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp of sesame oil
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

~Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit 

~Place brussels sprouts on a non-greased baking sheet

~Mix in garlic, sesame oil, cheese, and salt and pepper with brussels sprouts

~Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown 

Baked Baby Potatoes:

• 20 baby potatoes, chopped in half
• 1 tbsp of sesame oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (I baked these with the brussels sprouts)
• Place potatoes in a non-greased baking pan and mix in the oil, salt, and pepper
• Allow potatoes to cook for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and soft

Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon:

• 2 fresh caught Alaskan salmon fillets
• 2 cedar planks
• 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tamari sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tbsp raw honey

~Allow cedar planks to soak in water for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours

~Mix in a bowl the soy sauce, tamari sauce, oil, brown sugar, and honey

~Use the sauce to glaze the entire fillet on all sides

~Place the salmon skin side down on the cedar plank

~Have the grill on medium-high heat and place planks in the middle of the grill

~Cook salmon on each side for ten minutes (if you leave your grill unattended, the cedar plank may catch on fire-an awesome mistake for me, but if not for you, stand by with a spray bottle or cup of water to keep plank moist)

Wine Selection:

• Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir: A trick I learned in Sonoma, CA I was impressed by and thought was cool-if you have a glass of red wine, tip it over your menu, and if you can see through it, it will be good with seafood (and it was!)
• Chateau St. Jean Reserve Chardonnay: A delicious, buttery, white wine to pair perfectly with the salmon (and my meal preparation)  

Bon Appetit!

Almost two years ago...

This Monday Dave and I will be celebrating our two year wedding anniversary.  I truly am grateful for all of our time we've been together and really feel so lucky to have him in my life.  After two years of making our relationship official as husband and wife, I can truly say we are still just as happy as when we started our relationship 10 years ago.

Dave and I try to celebrate each day or milestone, whether it be an anniversary or just a Friday night pizza date after a long week of work.  I know I have found being in a committed relationship a journey and constant puzzle of making compromises and choices with each other.

Not one day is like the other with crazy outside forces in this world endlessly pulling at our hearts. But I know the one thing constant in my life is Dave's support and knowing his love is truly unconditional for me (I know this after he still brings me coffee in bed even when I call him on his cell phone when he's in the kitchen).

Our wedding for us was a celebration of what joy we have found being together and wanting to share it with our families and friends.  Looking back at these photos reminds me of a special day that truly captured our love and bond to each other.  I am excited to spend the weekend with Dave reminiscing of that day, the many before, and the many more to come.