Last of the Testers

Started off the day with a bowl of strawberries and a matcha "shake" made with 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup ice cubes, 1 tsp. matcha powder, and a few drops of stevia.

We had a play date at a playground that's become one of our favorites, thanks to the giant spider web...

...and the orbs, big enough to climb inside.

Chillin'.

After getting all hot and sweaty, we treated ourselves to some Lick ice cream. I love their unique and creative flavors. Clockwise from top: Jackson went with milk chocolate, Olivia selected strawberry basil, and I also chose strawberry basil along with a scoop of cilantro lime.

For dinner I busted out the deep fryer and made the last two recipes I'm testing for Tami and Celine.  

Eggrolls, filled with tofu, napa cabbage, carrots and other good stuff...I wish I had doubled the recipe! 

Sambusas, which are like samosas, but Ethiopian in origin. Lentil-filled fried dough pockets, served with a cinnamony tomato chutney.

I can't wait until this cookbook comes out -- I've had so much fun testing these yummy finger foods!

End of Season

My heart is breaking this morning for the residents of Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding towns hit by tornadoes during the past couple of days. Thank goodness, Tony's family and our friends in Oklahoma are safe and sound, but many people are not. If you would like to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts, please text REDCROSS to 90999.

Jackson's school year is nearly over, and his after-school soccer lessons came to an end this week. After practice, Coach gathered the kids around for one last time and told them how much fun he had with them all season. 

Jackson showing off his medal. Look at those little red cheeks! He plays hard! A teammate's mama brought chocolate-covered frozen bananas for a little celebration.

I'm finishing up testing for Tami and Celine's finger foods cookbook. Only a couple more recipes to try. Here are some recent testers.

Moroccan Snack Bars, made with couscous and roasted cauliflower, and topped with slivered almonds. Think of them as savory, boldly-spiced brownies.

Jerk Tempeh Sticks - tempeh is marinated in a rich, not-too-hot jerk sauce, then grilled with red peppers, onions and pineapple. The jerk marinade was so amazing, I used the leftover as a dipping sauce.

First Swim!

This afternoon was warm enough to fill up the kiddie pool and let the kids splash around. 

And I've been working on a few more tester recipes for Tami and Celine's finger foods cookbook. 

Glazed Sugar Snaps -- perfect, easy side dish for Asian entrees

Caramelized Bananas with Chocolate Chipotle Dipping Sauce -- I set this in front of Jackson and Olivia and it was gone in minutes!

Falafel with Spicy Dipping Sauce -- Tony said this was the best falafel I've ever made. Pretty sure I agree.

Mediterranean Meatballs -- These tofu meatballs would be great on pasta, or served as an appetizer with marinara sauce, as we had them.

Testing, Testing

I'm currently testing for two different cookbooks, lucky me!

First, two from Tami and Celine's new finger foods cookbook.

Roasted Leek Bread Spread. An eggplant and leek dip, perfect for snacking with pita chips.

Potstickers. Filled with a gingery tempeh mixture, these little appetizers are totally addictive. This was my first time making potstickers and they are quite easy. Now I'm dreaming up all kinds of different fillings that I want to try!

Next, a few testers from Joni's fusion cookbook.

Brown Rice and Barley Tabouli. The chewiness of barley is fantastic in this lemony tabouli.

Feelin' Green Smoothie. No, your eyes don't deceive you; this smoothie is blue. But it's packed full of healthy green kale and spinach, as well as blueberries and pineapple.

Ginger Sesame Steamed Kale. Simple steamed kale is gussied up with a sweet, citrusy dressing.

Ginger Carrot Coconut Bisque. Soooo fast and easy, and look at that beautiful sunshiney color!

Black Sesame Edamame. A perfect snack, we kept going back for more!

My handsome boy, fresh from the bath. I love when they are all clean-smelling and ready for bedtime cuddles.

Are you doing (or have you done) any recipe testing?

T-Rex!

Last week, the T-Rex from Erth Dinosaur Petting Zoo made a stomping, roaring visit to Zilker Park. Of course I had to take my little dinosaur aficionados to see him in up-close and in person. 

Jackson and his buddy couldn't believe their eyes.

T-Rex, coming through! His hands may be tiny, but he's still a scary sight!

Olivia maintained a safe distance beside a sign which she employed as a protective shield.

Other children were not so concerned with self-preservation.

After T. Rex lumbered off to his next appointment, we found ourselves with dino-sized appetites. Austin's Pizza is a favorite lunch spot for us, thanks to its playscape. That is my #1 tip for dining with children, right there. Always look for the playscape.

Black olive pizza for the kids.

Spinach mushroom pizza rolls for Mama.

So, I'm still finishing up testing for Joni, and I've been having so much fun, I didn't want the fun to end. So I've started testing recipes for Celine Steen and Tami Noyes' new finger foods cookbook! Here are my first attempts.

Green Beans Jal-frezi...lovely green beans cooked in a curry tomato sauce.

Brussels Sprouts with Browned Onions...rich and decadent. Who know brussels sprouts could taste like a treat?

Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms...barley and pine nuts give this filling a nice, chewy texture.

Antipasta Stuffed Tofu Shells...so many delicious flavors contained within these little shells, I couldn't even begin to list them all off.

Can't wait to share more with you!