In my attempt to spend less time throwing out unused produce I’ve been looking for creative ways to use up all the veggies I seem to collect in my crisper. My obsession with red bell peppers continues along with my new found love of red cabbage. It’s amazing how these veggies transform with a drizzle of olive oil and a little bit of heat. Delish!
light balsamic vinaigrette (my favorite is Newman’s Own)
Salt and pepper
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium high heat and brush with olive oil. Season the veggies with salt and pepper. Grill the bell pepper, jalapeno and red onion for 4-5 minutes on each side until nice and heated through, almost limp.
Remove from the grill. Lightly drizzle the cabbage with olive oil and place on the grill along with the two avocado halves. Grill for 4-5 minutes, flipping the cabbage halfway through.
Remove the avocado and cabbage.
Grill the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes on each side until slightly charred. The tomatoes will cook quickly on the hot grill so keep an eye out.
Set the tomatoes aside with the rest of the veggies.
Shred the chicken.
Mix the veggies and chicken together with the lettuce in a large bowl and drizzle with the dressing.
Bon Appetit!
My favorite little kitchen companion, Max! You’ll also find my lab, Mitsy, camped out on the rug waiting for something to hit the ground.
Somehow I managed to get through my entire twenties without going to Las Vegas. Of course in my youthful arrogance I didn’t see the point of rushing away to the desert to throw my money away. Never the gambling type I swore to spend my time attending shows and feasting on the local culinary fare if I ever went. But here in lies the problem with the last sentence…Never is a powerful and generally useless word. This brings us to lesson number 1:
1. Never Say Never
Never the gambling type I say – but Never will end you up at a craps table for 6 hours giving high-fives to your new best friend while throwing out lingo like you’re an old veteran. “There’s something in the air they pump into the casinos” people say, but I say there’s something about free drinks and the roll of a dice.
Lesson learned – I have completely eaten my own words. Over a brief 3 day span I grew quite fond of the desert air and local games, but one thing I won’t become too fond of is my instant love for Craps. No weekend drives to Louisiana here – I need to spend all that money on more important things…like good wine, more fun adventures, and amazing food!
2. Caesar Doesn’t Live Here
One thing will never change, my amusement for the simple things in life. At the beginning of the trip we spent most of our time at Harrah’s. What’s not to like, cheap tables, karaoke, and the hustle and bustle of loud party goers gambling all their money away. Once we were finished with the smokey haze of the casino we headed down the strip to the illustrious Caesars Palace.
One too many Hangover jokes later and a lengthily stroll through the extravagant digs, Caesars quickly became one of our favorite hangouts. We didn’t do much gambling – just a lot of noshing on some of the amazing cuisine.
First Stop: Walking around in the heat gave us a huge craving for something cool and refreshing. Lucky for us a quaint little stand next to the main bar outside made the best Mojito I’ve ever had. Another perk to Vegas – walking around with a nice, big, alcoholic drink to beat the summer heat.
A Sweet Treat: Payard Patisserie & Bistro for some delicious truffles and macarons. In my opinion nothing compares to the Parisian classic, Ladurée, but Payard definitely is a close runner-up. The staff was amazing, letting us sample a few treats to make up our minds, and the atmosphere was perfect for people watching.
The Highlight: Bobby Flay is one of my favorite chefs. I’m quite the southwestern cuisine fanatic so Mesa Grill was an obvious choice for our splurge meal of the trip. For more on this lets move on to Life Lesson Number 3.
3. Bobby Flay Could Make me Eat Anything
Tucked amongst the noise of the slot machines and haze of the jumbo screens is Bobby Flay’s Vegas nod to southwestern cuisine, Mesa Grill. Small and intimate, this colorful restaurant backs a punch that only Bobby Flay could create. Perfectly spiced pork tenderloin and sweet and savory tamales had my mouth watering with every bite. The menu:
[Pics in the Gallery above]
Drink of Choice: Of course I can’t remember what it was called but it was a Peach Margarita that was to die for!!
Appetizers (including an amazing assortment of breads and muffins):
ROUGH CUT TUNA “NACHOS” with Mango, Habanero Hot Sauce, and Avocado Crema
TIGER SHRIMP and ROASTED GARLIC CORN TAMALE with Corn – Cilantro Sauce
Entrees:
NEW MEXICAN SPICE RUBBED PORK TENDERLOIN with a Bourbon – Ancho Chile Sauce and Sweet Potato Tamale with Crushed Pecan Butter (for me)
GRILLED LAMB PORTERHOUSE CHOPS with Preserved Serrano Chile Vinegar Sauce and a Chorizo – Goat Cheese Tamale with Thyme Butter (my friend)
Unfortunately we didn’t leave any room for dessert but my stomach didn’t need anything else to mask the amazingness from my succulent and spicy Pork Tenderloin!! Everything about Mesa Grill was, well, amazing!
4. Everything Looks Better at Night
The last full day we stepped away from the casino and took in the sites of the Las Vegas Strip. It really is a breathtaking scene. With a little bit of Paris, New York, and dancing fountains, my camera and I fell in love with Sin City. My favorite casino for luxury was definitely the Bellagio with the high-end shops and plush casino. For the young and hip I would definitely say the Cosmopolitan with the fun decor and, supposedly, hottest night-club on the strip. I wouldn’t know of course since my nights were taken by the craps table. 🙂
It was a blast walking the strip during the day but nothing was better then taking in the sites at night. Other then NYC I’ve never been to a city that comes alive like Vegas does at night. The lights, the people – I could have walked around for hours if my feet weren’t already revolting against me.
Overall I had an amazing first trip to Vegas. Next time I go back I’m going to relax a bit more, take in some of the scenery at the pools and hit up some of the shows. Until then I’m going to keep my new found love of gaming at bay and recharge my liver.
Every once in a while a band will come along that completely disrupts your current way of looking at music. It doesn’t happen very often but when it does..it’s pure musical bliss. I’ve come a long way in my musical journey and by no means are close to being finished.
A little history…
I grew up in a very religious household. My grandfather was a minister and both of my parents were ordained ministers during my early childhood years. Like most church going homes in the 80s we weren’t allowed to listen to popular music, watch the Smurfs (damn you Gargamel and your witchery) or pretty much live beyond the church. Now don’t get me wrong, I adored my childhood and appreciate how it shaped me as a person, but growing up in this kind of environment doesn’t expose you to a wide array of music.
When people were reminiscing about how amazing The Beatles were and the genius of Jimmy Hendrix I was saying….who? Not kidding, in fact I can’t believe I’m actually putting this out into the blogosphere. But I’m not ashamed, my gospel/soul/r&b background has shaped me into the singer/musician I am today. Due to my late blooming my early teens and twenties have been an amazing experience in musical soul searching and exploration.
Later on in my childhood I started listening to pop music and it’s been the source of most of my inspiration throughout my singing journey, but things have changed over the last few years. Thanks to some amazing musician friends and most notably, my husband, my eyes have been opened, ears have been blessed, and I’m listening to music that effects me in ways pop music never could attempt to do (but no snobbery here, if you watch my YouTube channel you know how I love all kinds of music).
History lesson over….
Indie music has become so expansive it’s hard to put a label on it. Electronic, pop, ambient, new wave, blah blah…all I know is it’s leaps and bounds better then anything you’ll hear on popular radio today.
M83 was a happy accident I stumbled upon last year and I felt like I was a part of a secret group that had discovered the next big thing. Ahhh bless my little heart when I discovered that “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” was NOT their first album and the man behind the music, Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez, has been creating whimsical licks of musical candy since 2001.
Whether they’ve been around for a year or 11, the new music and brilliance I experienced last Sunday at the Granada Theater was musicianship at its best. I’ve mentioned it many times before in my reviews but the connectivity of the band with the crowd is everything. I’ve been to a lot of shows in my life and I can honestly say I’ve never felt energy from a group like I did with M83. From front man Gonzalez to long term collaborator Morgan Kibby, the LA based group was as cohesive has they come and you could feel their energy throughout their entire set.
From “Steve McQueen” and “Couleurs” to “Reunion” and “Midnight City” the crowd was committed from the moment the lights were dimmed. I knew I was in for a good show but didn’t expect to be completely blown away. Multicolored light beams, champagne sprays and the happiest Frenchman this side of the red river, the Granada hosted one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever been fortunate to attend.
They’re explosive sound sent an infectious energy throughout the crowd with dance beat after next. The guitar player played an entire song while doing the running man, only taking a few minor breaks to guzzle some water, and keyboardist/vocalist, Morgan Kibby, made playing the keyboard look sexier then walking a Victoria Secret fashion show. An amazing show indeed and one you’ll just have to experience for yourself!
Download their latest, “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” and check them out the next time they’re in your area. I promise you, it will be a night to remember!
What do you get when you pare the brilliance of Nigel Godrich, clever synthesized beats and the celestial vocals of Laura Bettinson, ultraísta. The “sixth” member of my all time favorite band Radiohead, has formed a new group with drummer Joey Waronker and Bettinson. Information is sparse online aside from their newly released single, smalltalk.
I’m loving this new track and the video is mesmerizing…literally, the movement and colors keep your eyes locked. The drum beats are beautifully wrapped with Bettinson’s vocals and the familiar synth effects that are becoming a staple in Indie Pop/Electronic music today. Their Facebook page hints for more to come so hopefully an EP or full length album is in their future.
Happy Listening and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!! What does everyone have going for the long holiday?
As promised, here’s today’s second recipe in honor of tonight’s American Idol finale. I wouldn’t consider myself much of a baker. Actually I never bake anything, but I have a major sweet tooth. One thing I do love to make is whipped cream!
It’s peach season in Texas, and what goes better with peaches then whipped cream. Actually ice cream probably does but I had to set some limits somewhere. This is a pretty brainless recipe but sometimes those are my favorite kinds.
Check out today’s (and yesterdays) recipes on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog HERE!
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 peaches, slightly ripe
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Honey
Zest from one lime
Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Slice the peaches in half.
Grill, skin side down, for 4-5 minutes.
While the peaches are grilling pour the whipping cream in a large mixer, make sure the bowl and whisk are ice cold, and mix until stiff peaks are about to form.
Add the sugar, vanilla and almond extract.
Continue to blend until still peaks form.
Make sure you don’t over whip the mixture or it will turn into a buttery consistency.
Remove the peaches from the grill.
Slice into wedges, around the pit.
Put the slices from two halves in a small ramekin. Sprinkle with the cinnamon.
Drizzle with a bit of honey.
Top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle with the lime zest.
In honor of tonight’s finale on American Idol I’m posting two recipes today. Last night I combined two of my favorite things, sour cream and pesto, for the aptly named snack, Sour Cream Pesto Crackers. For today’s recipes I’m throwing in another quick snack and something sweet.
Avocados are amazing this time of year so I try to squeeze them in as many recipes as possible. I’m still holding on to the “good fat” rule on these so I don’t feel bad throwing them in to sandwiches, salads, anything Mexican food related, etc etc.
So for my first recipe I’m playing around with canned tuna and creamy avocado. If you want to go light on the mayo feel free. The creaminess of the avocado prevents the sandwiches from being too dry.
Check out today’s recipes on Yahoo! Music’s Reality Rocks blog by the fabulous Lyndsey Parker, HERE!
Ingredients
Yields 24 Sandwich Bites
2 (5oz) cans chunk light tuna in water, drained
1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
1/2 tsp fresh thyme, finally chopped
1 tsp kosher salt and pepper, divided
1 large avocado
1/2 tsp fresh lime juice
6 slices sour dough bread
Mix the tuna, mayo, and thyme together in a small bowl.
Season with 1/4 tsp of kosher salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
In a small bowl mash together the avocado, lime juice and remaining salt and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Using a serrated knife cut the crust from the bread.
Spread a heaping spoonful of the tuna mixture onto a piece of bread.
Top with the avocado.
Top with another piece of bread and cut into quarters.
Side note: If tuna isn’t your thing swap out with your favorite chicken salad. Try my recipe here!
Another year has passed and another musical hopeful is about to be crowned Season 11’s next American Idol. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to make it to Hollywood and sing for the trifecta of judges. It was an eye opening, exciting, and growing experience. Because of my screen time Lyndsey Parker, Music Editor of Yahoo! Music, invited me to guest blog during the rest of the season and provide themed recipes every week. Apparently my food didn’t suck that bad because she had me back this year!
Over the last few years I’ve definitely learned A LOT about food and writing my own recipes. I also got a new camera so the pics are leaps and bounds better then last year. So for this week’s finale I’ve come up with three recipes for the two night event. Head over the Lyndsey’s Blog, Reality Rocks, to view all three recipes or wait until tomorrow to get the final two right here!
What have been your favorite Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers recipes this season? Let me know in the comments field below.
I’m doing things a little different for today’s Song of the Day. Last Wednesday I reviewed a local show for GoodBAMMSho in Deep Ellum and was pleasantly surprised by the night’s lineup. Philly foursome Nicos Gun, local Dallas boys The Roomsounds, and Isaac Brock’s (of Modest Mouse fame) pet project, Morning Teleportation were an impressive group of young musicians.
My favorite of the night was headliner Morning Teleportation. Their distinct sound really caught my attention for reasons that you’ll just have to read below (how about that transition). So check out a track off their 2011 release, Expanding Anyway, and read up on the other stellar bands of the night.
Just a Figment:
Nicos Gun
Wednesday night brought three very different yet seamlessly connected bands to the LaGrange in Deep Ellum. The last few times I’ve ventured down the tattooed streets of the once bustling local music scene, a little bit of hope is restored for music in Dallas. The LaGrange is a quaint and hip music spot perfect enough to fill a herd of music lovers into its sophisticated ambiance. It’s been serving up local tunes and Tex-Mex for a few years now but to me, I’ve found a new spot to check out the hungry and talented (musically speaking of course).
Wednesday’s event was sponsored by the fabulous peeps at Blackbox Presents and GoodBAMMSho. Opening the night was philly foursome Nicos Gun. Permeating the dark streets with their electro infused beats it made for a grand entrance into the club. The crowd was small but it didn’t prevent them from putting on a hell of a good set.
Tonight is results night on American Idol and we’re one week away from the season 11 finale. I’ll be doing things a little differently next week so make sure you check back on Tuesday for my finale grub!
To keep the “homecoming” theme going I decided to go with an obvious choice in Texas cuisine, barbeque. These little suckers turned out delicious! I ended up just sitting over the dutch oven eating the cabbage with a fork…thank you butter, you complete me!
The barbeque sauce is an ode to my grandfathers famous recipe. It didn’t turn out exactly like his because well, he would probably have to kill me if he gave it to me, but this was equally tasty. It a little less sweet then traditional BBQ sauce but it pairs beautifully with the Chianti soaked cabbage. Okay I’m hungry, make it, you will be happy!
Check out tonight’s recipe feature on Reality Rocks HERE!
Ingredients
Cabbage Slaw
2 tbsp butter
2 small sweet onions, vidalia or yellow, sliced
1/2 head red cabbage, sliced
1/4 cup red wine, chianti
salt and pepper
BBQ Sauce
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp barbeque seasoning
1/4 tsp onion powder
Sliders
1 lb marinated flank steak (I used Peppercorn marinated)
6 whole wheat rolls
Heat the butter in a large dutch oven over medium high heat.
Saute the onions until tender.
Add the cabbage.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper and add the wine. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
While the cabbage cooks mix together the ketchup and next 4 ingredients, through the onion powder, in a medium bowl.
Set aside.
Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the steak and grill for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare and 3 minutes or medium.
Remove from the heat and rest. While the meat is resting slice the rolls and heat on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
Once the meat has rested for 3-4 minutes slice into thin pieces.
First things first, I LOVE VEGAS!!! I just got back from my first trip to Sin City last night and had an amazing time with my girlfriends. I will definitely be posting some pics from the trip soon.
This week is so crazy so I needed a quick snack for tonight’s Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers. The final three contestants are visiting their hometown’s tonight on American Idol so in honor of my hometown I’m going for quick, easy, and of course, Mexican Food.
You can’t go out to eat in Dallas without seeing Queso on the menu. It’s a must have snack and the epitome of comfort food in my opinion. Velveeta is perfect for making these cheese bites because they slightly congeal (yay processed cheese) after sitting for a few minutes. Make it…your taste buds will thank you!
Check out tonight’s recipe feature on Reality Rocks HERE!
Ingredients
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/4 pd lean ground sirloin
1 tsp chile powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 can original rotel
1 pd original velveeta cheese (small brick), cubed
bag of tostitos scoops
1 tbsp cilantro, minced
Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large dutch oven.
Saute the onion
Red bell pepper
and jalapeno until tender.
Add the sirloin, chile powder and cumin and saute until the meat is cook through.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Rotel and cheese.
Stirring frequently cook until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Assemble the tortilla chips.
Scoop some queso into the scoops.
Sprinkle with the cilantro.
Let them sit for 2-3 minutes. The cheese will congeal slightly making them into little cheese bites. Serve on a large platter.
Sarah's Musical Kitchen 