Yoo Hoo! ...It's me again...

I just had to brag show y'all...

My Beautiful Cranberry SaWce!

Feast your eyes on THIS!

Pre-Boil

Post-Boil

Signed. Sealed & Delivered, Baby!

Cranberry Sauce is a PERFECT, and easy way to contribute to a Thanksgiving Day Meal. It can also double as a hostess gift! --package in a nice mason jar, tie with a beautiful ribbon/string, & you're golden! Easy as pie, Dolls. 

Needless to say, I had a ball "flirting with flavors" in the kitchen (a la Pamela Morgan)...So much so, I am not finished! Nope! I'm rolling up my sleeves, yet again, and taking a stab at Pam's Celery Root Puree for a light, yet hearty dinner! Hopefully, I'm just as successful! Cross those fingers!

Now, let's TALK BUSINESS! MY Business! 

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE, my friends,

...and let's be honest, it's not always a motheroad of holly, jolly, jingles & fun. I mean really. Let's lay down the law here: It can be downright miserable for many, which is why I am offering my counseling services gratis, so I can help YOU find a way to actually ENJOY things this year!  - Now THERE'S a thought!  

NOW is your chance to:

Enlist Mrs. Daily Dubes To Help Solve Your Holiday Woes!

• My PERSONAL support will be provided in a one-on-one fashion between just you & I (not via @DailyDubie).

• Email me your challenge, and I will help YOU overcome it this season! - lauraconstantiner@gmail.com

• Don't be foolish! TAKE ADVANTAGE of this generous, one-time offer!-Because, if you snooze, you lose! ..and that's the truth!

***This Delicious Offer will END WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14th*** (No IFs, ANDs, or BUTs).***

So get on it, Lovers! I am ALL EARS!

In all sincerity, nothing would give me more pleasure than helping each and every one of you! I genuinely care. This is not an empty offer. This is for real! 

Now, I need to get back to flirting with flavors, and whip up some dinnah! Celery root puree here I come!

Good Night Pumpkins!

xoxo.

Mrs. Daily D 

What's up, Pumps?! ... I thought I'd surprise y'all with a little Afternoon, Daily Dubie delight  Things are about to get SPICY HOT up in here

Are you ready for me to BRING ON THE HEAT?!?! Ready or not, I need to get right to it, because there is still mucho to do on the Laura Constantiner Tuesday to-do List! Now...

Let's talk CHILI!!!

So, last night I made a delicious Sweet Potato Vegetarian Chili I saw on RealSimple. I had this baby all kicked up on Cayenne, Chili, and Chipotle peppers - Tres spicy, hence the reference to things getting "spicy hot," up in here. I kid you not, I just had a bowl myself, and it left me with sweat beads on my temples, and flushed rosy cheeks. Because I don't have the highest of tolerances for heat (spicy food), I cut the spice with some crunch, i.e.: Crunched up tortilla chips. See below:

This crunch is the perfect way to balance out an ultra spicy meal, and also adds another layer of texture and flavor to the dish! I will even sometimes add apple slices, cucumber, celery, tortilla chips, potatoe chips, nuts, seeds etc., to salads, sandwiches, etc., to take things up a notch. Crunch Enhancement can do the body real good, Dolls! Just remember to choose-wisely, and consider what your dish already has in it (i.e. if your salad already has avocado, you might not need to add so many nuts - it's already packed with monounsaturated fats). It's all about balancing.

Well mis amiguitos, that is all I have for you at this moment in time...

Big Kisses to All...and to all a good night. 

,

Mrs. Daily Dubie 

Happy Halloweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekend, Pumps!

Somthing verrrrrrrrrrry scary is happening here in NYC, and it has nothing to do with ghosts, goblins, or monsters. No. You really want to know what is soooooooooo scary?!?!

The WEATHER!

SNOWFLAKES WERE SPOTTED in the forecast!!!

As much as I LOVE a chill in the air this time of year, snowflakes are a little out of line! I mean, really! Hopefully this is not a foreshadow of what's to come. I'm just not ready for gloves and earmuffs yet. Thank goodness I've let go of the whole slutty Halloween Costume notion-as Nicole Richie stated "the jig is up, Ladies," and that's the gall darn truth...Oh, and bytheway, I still have no idea what, exactly, I will dress as, IF I dress, that is... It's still up in the ayer...<sigh>...I know, I know. I totally changed my tune since I posted about me wanting to have a Halloween "rager" this year. Yeah, not sounding so exciting anymore..but we shall see. Passing out candy, and covering my eyeballs watching scary movies with my Boo sounds like the *golden ticket* to me. 

...Okay, okay, I have to hurry this on up here because I am scheduled to Namaste in 50 minutes. Let's talk DINNER.

I HAVE to report on last night's dinner, because it was probably one of the BEST I've ever made! Due mostly to the high quality, grass fed & pastured pork chops I got form the Farmer's Market! I love meat, but I don't like to buy/eat it unless I know WHERE it's coming from, and HOW it was raised.

Check out these babies!

Often times, people are intimidated to cook meats, but it is actually super easy, and super quick, if you follow directions! The quality of the meat is most important, so select wisely-grass fed, pastured meats are best! The only seasoning you have to do is (Himalayan) Salt & Pepper. Very straight forward, yet extremely delicious!

You can sautee, braise, grill, or roast your meat in the oven. I chose to sautee for 3 minutes on each side in olive oil (1-2 T) then roast in the oven for another 6 minutes (cooking time depends on quantity and cut of meat). If you use a cast iron skillet (Le Crueset is fabulous!) like I did, you can just pop that baby in the oven, after you're done sauteeing!

Before I put my chops in the oven, I covered them in apple slices-that I previously sauteed and set aside (in 1 T of butter for 4 minutes). I used 2 small Fuji apples.

Our dinner wasn't complete without GREENS, so I also sauteed fresh spinach!

<ENTER> GREENS!

I sauteed the spinach using 1 glove of garlic and olive oil. Salt & pepper to taste. SIMPLE!

Here is the End Product:

MUY DELICIOSO! This pork was SO flavorful, that I ended up eating off the bone! -quite a sight to see 

Alright My Lovers...It is time...BUT, PLEASE SEND IN PHOTOS OF YOU DRESSED IN YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME!!! I will post a Very Daily Dubie Halloween recap, starring all of YOU!! It would be SO fun, but I NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION! Do it! Don't be shy! 

Namaste,

Mrs. Daily Dubie xoxo 

What's up Luv-ahs?!?

Want to know secret?...I have already started to listen download Christmas Music?!?! Am I way out of line, here?!?!  Total oy vey, right?

However cringeable this may seem, I am (evidently) not ashamed to admit my dorky tendancies. In fact, I am always the first! I am fully aware of the fact that I am a nerd, and therefore I am cool. Bam! ...Now, Moving on, or perhaps further fueling my premature-Christmas-celebrating dorkiness, I ordered our FIRST Christmas Tree today, first thing this Morning (which is why I'm donning my jams in photo)! ... Yes yes yes... HOW?!? you wonder, as we haven't even reached November yet. Well, I'll tell you how, my friends...

It's FAKE!

<GASP!> 

...A Fake Christmas Tree is one of the few fake things I endorse. Here are the reasons HB and I favor a Fake, yet equally beauuuuuuutiful, Christmas Tree:

• It's Clean --> There is no worrying about sap, or falling needles 
• It's Safe --> We won't be burning down any buildings.
• It's Low Maintenance --> We never have to feed or water it.
• It's Cost Efficient --> Although high quality fakes can run a hefty price tag, it can be a good investment, especially if you plan on using tree for many years to come.

I cannot wait to decorate! Bring it on MerryChristmasTime!

Okay...now REALLY, I am moving away from the Christmas chatter altogether, and into some Food Talk! As promised, I photographed our delicious dinner from last night for your eyeballs to see. 

<Enter> Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli  & Tomato Sauce

This took about 3 seconds to make, because there was close to zero cooking/preparation involved in this dish. All I had to do was:

• Boil Pasta Noodles
• Steam Broccoli for 3 minutes
• Heat Tomato Sauce

When using a "short noodle" i.e.: pene, fusilli, bowtie, elbows, shells, etc. I like to use my LAYERING METHOD when plating it up. Here is the order, Dolls:

1. (Sprinkle) Parmesan Cheese
2. Pasta
3. Sauce
4. Broccoli
5. Cheese
6. Pasta
7. Sauce
8. Broccoli
9. Cheese

In my opinion, layering helps to evenly distribute flavor! Es muy deliciso! LAYER up, Pumps! 

...Welp, the time has come to say goodbye, goodnight, & sleep tight! I still have "Bake" and "Bath" on my agenda...

Hugs & Kisses to ALL 

Love,

Mrs. Daily Dubes xo

Good Afternoon Pumpkins!

...FINALLY, we're going to get talkin' about FOOD again! 

Last night's dinner was initially going to involve no more than a giant bowl of popcorn-healthy, I know! But something I look forward to having when I'm on my own for dinner, and have Housewives to watch! At least it's a whole grain! 

These plans changed when I found out that my HoneyBunchesofOats would now be joining his wifey for dinner! 

Plans changed fast, so I had to cook fast !

We were hungry, so I needed to assess what we had in the kitchen, and come up with a dish that was quick + simple + easy + nutritious, yet delicious! Using these fresh ingredients:

• Spinach
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Basil

I came up with this!

Spinach Tomato Pasta 

Not only was this probably one of the best, most flavorful pastas I've made to date, it took less than 30 minutes (including preparation) to make, and was an easy clean-up!

Here's how it's done, Dolls:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. Whole Wheat Spaghetti 
• 1 Bunch of fresh, organic Spinach
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 Cup White Onion, diced
• 3-4 T of Olive Oil, divided
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• Fresh chopped Basil to garnish

Directions:

1. Add 4-5 T of Natural Sea Salt to pasta water. Set aside.
2. Using Medium-Low flame, begin to heat 2 T olive oil and garlic (use more or less, but make sure to cover entire surface at bottom of pan! I never measure). Heat until garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onion to olive oil and garlic. Heat until onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Begin boiling pasta water.
5. Add spinach, and sautee until wilted. Add salt & pepper to taste. Turn heat to low-simmer.
6. Add cherry tomatoes.

1. Cook pasta al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain, and immediately add to sauce pan to be tossed with ingredients.
2. Toss pasta, and serve immediately. 
3. Top with cheese & basil!

It's important to keep staple ingredients, both fresh and non-perishable, in your fridge and pantry, so that when you're faced with a last-minute, unplanned dinner, you're ready to rock!

Here are some FRIDGE & PANTRY staples you would find in my kitchen at any given moment:

FRIDGE:

• Baby Carrots
• Celery Hearts
• Spinach and/or Kale
• Broccoli
• Bell Peppers
• Apples & Pears (these are usually in a fruit bowl at room temp).

FREEZER:

• 1lb Ground Beef, grass-fed, organic
• 2lbs Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless, organic free-range
• Banana Slices (for my AM banana blends!)
• Shelled Edamame
• Sprouted Corn Tortillas

PANTRY:

• Oatmeal
• Whole Wheat Pasta
• Soba Noodles
• Quinoa
• Popcorn
• Canned Pumpkin
• Canned Beans
• Jarred Tomato Sauce
• Almond & Peanut Butters
• Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds
• Variety of oils and vinegars
• TONS of spices, herbs, and salts!

Don't think you need to stock up on every blessed vegetable there is on a weekly basis-lord knows it will wind up in the trash can! My rule of thumb is to pick 2-3 fresh vegetables, and 1-2 fresh fruits per-week. This ensures that I don't go overboard, and avoids waste! 

When you're prepared, it's easy as pie, Lovernesses. You just have to PLAN.

...And so I leave you with Pie as my Goodbye... 

Enjoy your eves! 

Hugs & Kisses,

Mrs. LDC* xo 

No! No! No!....Not THIS Baby....

THIS ONE!

Yes, Dolls...I have in my posession...

Mi Computadora!

It's in perfect working order, and I didn't have pay a Dime!  Muchas Gracias, Apple! <jumping up and down> 

...Now, let's cut right into tonight's

Dinner Report!

On the Menu:

Whole Wheat Bowtie Pasta with Sautéed Kale & Heirloom Tomatoes

 + 

RECIPE: Serves 1

Ingredients: 

• 1 Cup cooked (al dente) whole wheat bowtie pasta (boil in salt water) 
• 2 Cups chopped kale
• 2 Small heirloom tomatoes
• 2-3 Cloves minced/crushed garlic
• 1 T canola oil
• 2-3 T (more or less depending on pref.) Freshly grated Parmegiano-Reggiano
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

• Boil pasta in SALTY water until cooked al dente (appx. 8 minutes)
• In separate sautée pan, heat canola oil & garlic over low flame. Wait until garlic gets golden and aromatic to add kale.
• Add kale to garlic and oil. Turn heat up to medium-low. Sautée for 5 minutes, then add tomatoes.
• Add tomatoes, turn heat low. Stir for 2 minutes, then turn off heat.
• Drain pasta, then add to sautée pan.
• Turn heat up to medium-high flame, mix pasta with kale & tomato mixture for 1-2 minutes. Turn heat off.
• Serve immediately. Add freshly grated parm-regg & voilá!

This is a delicious, light, extremely healthy, yet hearty dish, perfect for the oncoming Fall Season!... Annnnnnnnnnnnd, it's a cinch to make!

 'Tis time to Basta Pasta My Buns on outta here, Pumps (<--short for "pumpkins")...Have MUCH to do! 

Love  Hugs  and Kisses ,

Mrs. LDC* xo

PS: I have a VERY proud, and important announcement COMING SOON, so KEEP those eyeballs TUNED! 

Good FALLISH morning Pumpkin Pies! ...that is if you're lucky enough to be on the East Coast! (We have a high of 66 with sunny skies) .

Now, I am a California Girl, however, I am falling in love with this whole change-of-seasons situation we have going on over here. It's just gorgeous!

We were also able to finally sleep with the window open, which was crisp, refreshing, and invigorating! No mas air conditioner! <sigh> .

Now, I've come here on this Saturday morning to boast share our beautifully delicious, A+  dinner we cooked last night (I also have a new Lemon Poppyseed Muffin recipe to share!).

To Eat:

• Honey Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin

• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Pearl Onions

• Roasted Broccoli 

To Drink:

• Boom Boom! Syrah (Washington State) - delicious!

• *Purchased at BottleRocketNYC*

To Watch:

• "Overnight" Documentary, about quick rise & fall of Troy Duffy, writer & director of "Boondock Saints"

This was interesting, but I hate watching people fail.  Makes me sad. Very unfortunate.

...Good thing we finished the night off with an episode of Dance Moms. <Long Sigh>. This gets no words. You must see it for yourself.

I will, however, leave you with this photo of the owner, Abby Lee Miller. <Another Sigh>.

...

I'd say it's Lemon Poppyseed Time, don't you?!

I used the base recipe for Bethenny Frankel's Blueberry Muffins, and substituted ingredients to come up with these lovely lemony muffins!

What You Need:

1. 1 ¼ Cup Oat Flour

2. ¾  Cup Raw Sugar

3. 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder

4. ¼ tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

5. ½ Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

6. 2 T Canola Oil

7. ¾ - 1 tsp Lemon Extract

8. 2-3 T Poppyseeds

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, rotating pan every 10. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove, and let sit out, uncovered (covering while they're warm can make them soggy and mushy, and we want tops to be crisp!). Voila!

These are a sure thing, Dolls, and a much more NUTRITIOUS alternative to regular mufins!

Alright, I'm out! I need to get these Buns READY for the day!

Enjoy your weekends!

Much Love, 

Mrs. Daily Dubie xo