Refresh and Boost

Last week I created a healthy and tasty salad.  I combined fresh ingredients packed with antioxidants and vitamins, not to mention full of flavor.  This is a great way to boost your mood in the super charged flu season.  Enjoy!

1 package baby spinach or fresh spinach
1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 cup feta cheese
Handful of walnuts
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil

The blueberries, feta and balsamic are a perfect trio.  Add kidney beans for extra protein. For an energizing dinner try baked salmon on top.

Ahhh...Coffee

It's snowing again here in Denver and I'm trying to stay warm. My first thought is, take a little drive to Starbucks for a delectable Peppermint Mocha or maybe an Eggnog Latte. On Second thought I visited the Starbucks website to check out the calorie content in these beverages.

Grande Peppermint Mocha: 410 calories, 15 grams of fat, 61 carbs
Eggnog Latte: 470 calories, 21 grams of fat, 53 carbs

Photo: www.starbucks.com

Instead try the Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte. It only has 130 calories, zero grams of fat and 19 carbs. Plus, it will satisfy your sweet tooth. Also, I bought some low-fat eggnog at the store and poured some into my morning coffee at home.

Pumpkin Spice Soup

Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin...I'm so excited for all things pumpkin!  I attempted a new soup that I'm now calling Pumpkin Spice.  Although I'm the only person whose tasted it, I'm going to call it a success!  After looking up dozens of different recipes I decided to take something from each one.

I started by cutting up a small pumpkin and scooping out all the seeds (which I saved and baked later). Then I cut the pumpkin into quarters and sprinkled olive oil, salt, pepper and all-spice. Baking takes at least an hour.

I sauteed a whole yellow onion, garlic and ginger in olive oil for about five minutes.

Next I mixed the pumpkin and onions together and added about 2 cups of water along with more all-spice, salt, pepper and a little cinnamon. Once the mixture started to bubble, I let it simmer for another 20 minutes. And lastly, I threw it all in the blender for a smooth, puree texture.

I may have used a little too much ginger, because this soup is real spicy. It hits you right at the back of the throat. I added a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and it was yummy!

Need a little spice?

Ahh fall! One of the few season's I haven't experienced living in Phoenix for most of my life. Here in Denver, the colors are bright, the leaves are falling and spicy micro brews are filling store shelves. I'm also in the mood for chicken pot pie, soup, mac and cheese and maybe even meatloaf. Here are two seasonal - fall beers I recently tried.

Autumn Ale, Breckenridge Brewery
The old style ale is as cozy as it sounds. Warm, nutty and brewed with hints of chocolate, which makes me love it even more. Only available in September and October, so hurry up and grab a six pack folks.
http://www.breckbrew.com/beer/autumnaleoktoberfest.html

Harvest Moon, Blue Moon Brewing
Clove, nutmeg and allspice. Sounds just like a pumpkin pie. Though it doesn't really taste like pumpkin, it's a soothing flavor with the perfect amount of spice. Not too sweet and not too spicy. Available through November.
http://www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com/

Happy fall!

I'm attempting to make a pumpkin ginger soup this week, stand by for how it turns out.

GABF 2009

September 26, 2009, my first ever Great American Beer Festival. The event brings over fifty thousand people from around the globe. From my observations, the festival brings a whole lot of people looking for good beer and good fun. Both were had!

I jumped in line at the Denver Convention Center around 5:00pm. Standing in line wasn't too bad, it only took a half an hour to get inside. I enjoyed watching people walk by wearing homemade t-shirts with silly beer slogans, intricate pretzel necklaces and other still looking for last minute tickets. Since I didn't think ahead to make my own pretzel necklace at home, I splurged $3 for one.

Once inside, an overwhelming scene hit me all at once. First, the wonderful aroma of beer smacked me right in the face. Next, mobs of people with mini beer glasses walking around looking for the best taste. I grabbed my glass and headed for my first taste.

First lesson, don't drop your cup. This part of the event felt a little bit like a frat party. When someone drops their cup an entire crow of people yell, "Awwwww.....!" I honestly saw a few people with their cups taped to their hand.

The goal of the night, well of course have a good time. But secondly, taste a beer from every state represented. Luckily, the booths were organized by region. The only states I missed, were the Dakota's and New Hampshire. My favorite of the night, Allagash White from Allagash Brewery in Portland, Maine. The traditional Belgian style ale was crisp and refreshing especially among so many darks. Yes, I'm learning to like the darks. My dark pick just happened to have coffee flavor, Coffee Bend from Surly Brewing Co. in Minnesota, a Bronze winner.

All in all, I would put this beer fest on your must do list. See ya next year!

www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com