Sure Bet Sherbet

What do you get when you add today’s Munch Madness winner to today’s loser?

An undisputed winner of a treat!

Equal parts frozen banana and chopped fresh strawberries,
plus a dash of cinnamon if you’re crazy like me…puree…. and…

Voila! Strawbananarama for two! Thanks to man-go-round for the glasses


Since the Battle of Strawberry vs. Banana was a little hard on some of you guys, I thought it best if they called a truce and everybody wins today!

Ha, just kidding. This is war, people! No room for kittens and rainbows! 

Here’s the results:
Strawberries: 20 votes! (not counting my silent plea all day)
Bananas: 17 

Whew! For the first time in days and days, my own choice actually won! I’m elated! Thank you fellow Berry lovers!

And for you banana lovers, today is a new day and a NEW MATCH!

KILLER CUCUMBERS vs. SAVAGE SPINACH!!!

Vote or Die! (If that scares you, blame P. Diddy)


Meri

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Eyes on the Pies…

Today is another WIAW over at Jenn’s blog! I’m posting for this early again since I usually blog at night…


Eating this guy:

pita, salsa, pepper jack…put it under the broiler…

Meri-garita Pizza (bad, horrible pun… I’m ashamed…)



Got one thing on my mind…


Pizza!


This one is just an easy peasy pita pizza, but over the years my pizza eatin’ has gone in phases! Who’s ready for a trip down foodie lane? (Cue the music)…


As I ate an english muffin with salsa and cheese on it the other day, I was suddenly transported to my childhood, where we frequently made homemade pizza. First we would make the dough from a mix, and carefully spread it out on the cookie sheet. From there, I got to help make the layers of sauce, veggies, cheese, and more. Often I was in charge of my own section since I didn’t eat the meat with everyone else. The crust was particularly delicious and doughy, and I can still almost smell the oregano…


In high school, I went through a distinct “delivery pizza” phase (as teenagers do), that directly coincided with my time as an “athlete.” I would go to a Cross Country Running meet, come home, and polish off 3/4 of a large pie. Wowza. These days, the thought of that makes me a tad ill. Favorites were Little Caesars, House of Pizza, and Papa Johns.


When I got to college, we spent nearly every night freshman year getting personal deep dish pizzas or calzones at Davanni’s. It sure supplemented my meal plan nicely (but sadly depleted my bank account). As I got a bit older, I got a job at the incredible, legendary Punch Pizza. This stuff will change your life, I swear. I don’t eat it as frequently now because I’m cheap, but when I could get my own pizza for less than 2 dollars? Those were the days.

I love you forever, Punch…



Then I moved to Madrid. In order to keep the American portion of the student body at my slightly international school satisfied, the university offered single slices of stuffed crust pizza. I doubt a day went by that I didn’t waste 2 euro on this crap. Somehow 3 euro for a delicious bocadillo of tortilla espanola with cheese seemed like a rip off only for days of exams or “special occasions,” but 2 euro for Papa John’s garbage was a steal? What DID I learn at college?

cheese overkill…





Moving on, I recall my first New Years Eve spent with Man-go-round (4 1/2 years ago, wow!) We bought a foccacia circle from Kowalskis, bought some fresh basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozz, and threw it in the oven. My love for homemade pizza was reborn! The champagne likely helped.


As far as pizza while traveling or in other cities is concerned, I’ve been a bit spoiled by Punch and also have not traveled to Italy. Perhaps my most noteworthy pies on the road have been Lombardi’s in NYC, or the slices the size of a suitcase at the Swiss Airport?


As a wrap-up, I’ll do a REAL quick list of my Twin Cities faves:
Galactic (for the superhero delivery drivers, if nothing else), Luce (for the vegan options), Mesa (for the simplicity and proximity), Punch (the old guard), Leaning Tower of Pizza (for the drink specials), Davanni’s (for the memories).

Faster than a speeding go-kart!





What are some of your pizza memories?


And one more thing, of course- cant forget Munch Madness ! I gotta say, I’m disappointed that all of my grandstanding for the pepper wasn’t quite enough…


Yep, Sweet potatoes win! 23-20. I do love sweet potatoes, especially with ketchup, but I can’t get the aroma and flavor of a nice roasted red pepper quite out of my mind… 


And for tonight- another tough one. I will feature both the winner and loser in a recipe coming soon:


Banana vs. Strawberry! Vote it up!


Meri

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go on a "date" with one "sweet potato"

I shall explain the odd title soon, Munch Madness fans! I’ve got a treat for you tonight!



But first, let’s follow up on the throwdown between the two more exotic remaining fruits- the Kiwi and the Date.


Now, I have to say my initial introduction to the lovely date was in an Amelia Bedelia book where she is supposed to make a “date cake,” and she proceeds to cut up a calendar into pieces when the recipe requires “dates.” Hardy Har Har. From first taste of dates (usually dried, occasionally fresh), I was in love. 


I’ve never been a huge kiwi fan. My discovery that you can just cut them in half and scoop out the insides sure helped with my fear of “the fuzz.” The only downside? I’ve heard a lot of the good nutrients are in that  scary fuzz. I’m almost ALWAYS a peel eater when it comes to my produce, but I draw the line at fuzz. This is why I don’t eat peaches very often also. 


So who wins? Eek, Dates got trampled by Kiwi- 26-9 at time of publishing! Kiwi fruit moves forward to the next round! Date fans- it sounds like you like yours with peanut/ cashew butter or in bars or cakes, mostly. This is also the second post I’ve written with comments about fresh dates! Try ’em if you can!


                                                                                         


Tonight’s match is another brutal one:


Bell Pepper vs. Sweet Potato


Since I am going to make the vote a bit biased by saying that my vote goes to the ever delicious and crunchy pepper, I’ll throw a little muscle onto the sweet potato side with this recipe from last Easter:

Meri and her Momma’s Two Potato Cake


On the left, not to be confused with the nasty ham or my delicious pineapple slaw!
My apologies at how hard this is to read- if you want the easy version, just tri-layer potatoes, sweet potatoes, and leeks atop greased foil, then invert after baking for like an hour, and sprinkle parm on top.

To be honest, we probably didn’t faithfully follow this recipe I so painstakingly handwrote anyway, since we aren’t really “rule followers” in my family- just how we roll. It was super tasty though, and I don’t even like potatoes usually. I think it was the leeks, sauteed in garlic olive oil before preparing! (I just looked at the recipe, and realize that garlic isn’t even listed, but there’s no way we didn’t use any… so add some!)

So place your votes! Sweet potatoes vs. Bell Peppers– who moves on tonight?

Anyone else remember Amelia Bedelia? If not, get thee to a library!

Meri Meri quite Contrary :]
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From Angst to Ziti


Seasonal changes tend to make me restless. Add into the mix that there are some other stressors going on right now (good ones, but stressors nonetheless) and you get a day like today. A day where I ended up going out for three separate walks through the neighborhood, on top of other “restless” errands.



Now that’s optimistic!


On days like today, people turn to comfort food. What’s one of the number one comfort foods?


Pasta!


So in honor of this worldwide dietary staple, I wanted to make one of my lists for you guys to check out.


meri says ‘use your noodle’


1. Bowtie Pasta/ Elbow Macaroni– Brings me instantly back to my mama’s homemade mac and cheese. This recipe continues to be my sole tutorial I’ve ever had in making a roux.


2. Acini de Pepe/ Rings– My favorite pastas to eat plain as a kid


3. Buckwheat and Soba Noodles– My favorite in high school. I think I liked the saltiness


4. (Maruchan) Ramen noodles– A tie between coming home from a night of drinking and making a bowl with my roommates, and coming home after school in elementary school for my 4:00 snack time. I missed these like MAD when I was living in Madrid. 


5. Gnocchi- We ate a lof of this in my one year of having a meal plan in college. We called them the “dense noodles” because of how full they would make us after a half hour delay or so. Potato gnocchi continues to be the only “pasta” I’ve ever made from scratch.


6. Cavatappi– Memories of my oldest niece, when she was 2 or so, and how she pronounced it “Caveetoppeee.”


7. Orzo– many a hearty soup. I still love orzo.


8. Ravioli– From chef boyardee to pumpkin or mushroom ravioli at restaurants, this is the most versatile I think.


9. Penne, egg noodles, ziti, – I don’t like!


10. Linguine– my favorite! Especially this lemon and herb flavored one I buy sometimes. And definitely al dente.


………What’s your favorite kind of pasta?


                                                                                                        

Next order of business- two lovely bloggers were kind enough to give me awards this weekend. I am very flattered that they thought of me, and honestly don’t want to bore you with more facts about me. So instead, you should go read their blogs which are probably more interesting than 10 facts about me! Anyone who wants to play along should take this and run with it- and write their own pasta post!

from Janet
from Libby


Finalmente, necesitamos a discutir  “Munch Madness!“


Well, it was verrrrry close today, but Broccoli beat Onions by just 2 votes. This one hits me hard, as I am an onion die-hard. Maybe I’ll just go into the kitchen and eat a raw onion or two. Pasta schmasta, that’s my REAL comfort food…


And for today:


Dates vs. Kiwi  (sort of a weird match up, I admit)  Place your votes!!!!


And have a restful Sunday night!


Meri

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Snacks Appeal

Man-go-round and I were lucky enough to score a date with my 3 year old niece today. Although it was 37 degrees the last time I checked (ew), we had our share of fun.


We bundled up with jackets and gloves to find the neighborhood daffodils… (bringing me back to my own childhood while playing “one two three JUMP!”)


We did some coloring, some reading, and some playing with Rapunzel while wearing sunglasses inside and listening to classic rock and toddler tunes. It was an awesome afternoon.


Then, later on, I went to Target and did my best to get into the springtime mood, whatever the weather. New floppy hat ($2.50! get away from my face, sunshine!), and shades…


Pineapple Mango water…


And finally, with the sweet sounds of the Sharks playing the Kings, I lacquered up my nails.


As we sat with my niece having a snack today, and I watched how she ate her fruit snacks, I was reminded of some of my own favorite snacks as a kid. Some of them, I still enjoy. Some of them– not so much.

Baby Meri’s Snack Attack Treats!

“Yummy” (snacks I still like)

-Fruit snacks! (shark bites, gushers, fruit by the foot)
-Animal crackers (see this post)
-Lucky Charms (well, the marshmallows)
-S’mores! (by bonfire, by microwave…)
-Puffed Rice (now I like puffed millet, but whatevs)
-Chips Ahoy cookies
-Cheez-its
-Peanut Butter apples 

“Yucky” (seem to have outgrown these)

-Hostess Cupcakes (If I never see another one of these… good…)
-Cookie Crisp cereal- gag…
-Doritos (Cool Ranch)
-Lettuce on a Napkin (don’t ask, don’t tell…)
-Better Cheddars (there are so many better crackers)
-Kraft Singles (ick. ick. ick. ick.)
-Ramen noodles. Still ate these faithfully through college. Can’t stomach them now.
-Juice
-Rainbow drinks (yes, with the foil top)

                                                                                     

And now, for the highlight of my day, I will reveal the details of the most recent Munch Madness match. See yesterday’s post for an updated bracket!

Pineapples vs. Apples? Pineapple wins! They move on to the next round.

Tonight’s battle is back to the veggies.

Are you team Broccoli or team Onion??? And furthermore, tell me about the kind of treats you ate as a kiddo! Reminisce much?

-Baby Meri (A certain sister of mine will surely appreciate today’s alias)
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If Charlie Sheen’s a winner, I want to be with these losers…

As stated in yesterday’s post, Round 1 of Munch Madness is complete. Round 2 has begun! So today, an updated bracket



I am excited to get into a bit more intense voting as favorites are pitted against favorites. But what about those fallen heroes left behind? Do they not deserve my love?


Fear not, veggie lovers! I devote today to the homely vegetables abandoned in round 1. I give you some ideas for preparing, a recipe or two, and even a little gratuitous photo love.
                                                                                                                        
First off, I KNOW I’m not the only okra lover out there. You guys told me all about your love of the southern succulent, and so I give those new to this veg an easy in:


1. Buy some frozen cut okra
2. Heat/ steam until piping hot
3. Stir in cream cheese, mustard, or other sauce (this helps with the “acquired taste” of the goo…)
4. Salt and pepper.
5. Mmmmmm!





Next, we have green beans. I am perhaps most disappointed that they did not win, as I could truly eat them every day, and I have to admit I’m pretty meh on asparagus.
I remind you of my “Meri Christmas Salad,” to see if it will induce a few more green bean lovers!

The third and fourth vegetables to lose out were cauliflower and pumpkin. Conveniently enough, my favorite way to prepare cauliflower involves pumpkin as well!

1. Cook cauliflower your favorite way (steam, saute, etc.)
2. Stir in about 1/4 c pumpkin (I use canned as I am lazy) for every cup of cauli
3. Continue to heat, adding cream or cottage cheese (to taste)
4. Season with curry powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Yum
                                                                                         
As for radishes, I’m not surprised that even teamed up with beets, they didn’t beat the ever versatile onion. However I do so enjoy them and the song they rode in on. (“radishes, radishes, barely even human…”) I can’t begin to explain that song to anyone who doesn’t know me well. All you need to know is that I’m odd and attention seeking.



Clearly.


And finally,  carrots. For those of you who don’t love these guys, I implore you to go all out and buy the organic rainbow carrots available once in awhile, roast them with stems still attached, and tell me carrots can’t be quite fancy and delicious!


Alternately, you can try Sonia’s carrot fry recipe that I have on my short list of recipes to attempt.


I’m not talking about kale because of the kale chip disaster, and I’m ignoring potatoes because I don’t really like them.
                                                                                    


And now, back to Charlie Sheen  the winners! Last night, we pitted team asparagus against team squash/zucchini. Who wins?
Asparagus, with a lead of 25-16. Better luck next time squash! I was rooting for you!


AND for the first fruit match of round 2, place your votes for:


Pineapple vs. “regular” apple


Who’s it gonna be? And who has some delicious way to prepare these loser veggies?


Meri

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Brought to you by the letter Mmmm

Tonight’s Munch Madness results, the last of round one, was the closest race yet! By a mere vote, Melons beat out Plums, Pluots, Apricots, Peaches…


I can’t wait for Melon season!


But now, we’re onto round two. As seen in the bracket, here, we are now moving onto the winners from the Sweet (and savory) Sixteen. It’s veggie time. Tonight’s match is:


Asparagus vs. Squash (and zucchini)


place your votes, friends!


Now what’s up with the letter M? I’m not talking about melons, I’m not referring to myself as a single initial, and it has nothing to do with 007.



M is for…

I love M&Ms. Plain, Almond, Peanut Butter, Peanut, Dark, and my FAVORITE- coconut. M&M cookies make my world go round.
Tonight I had the plain. and I felt like playing with my food. Because I can.

Wheeeeeeee! Time to play!
PMS is no match for my chocolatey petals!
I feel pretty, oh so prettyyyyy!
crawlin’ critter…
“taste” the rainbow
M&Ms go round…


Well, I’m off to enjoy my sugar high and cook some real dinner (no offense, Ms, but you fail to sustain me for long…)

What’s your go-to candy or chocolate? And which veggie do you want for Munch Madness? Have any spectacular ways to use either veg?

Goodnight! 
“M”

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Of Mice and Manchego

The Great Mouse Detective
by: Meri

Dedicated to cheese.










Hehe. I’m a nerd, and definitely scared the guy at the co-op in the making of this post, so you better enjoy it!

The inspiration behind this tribute to cheese is this adorable felt mouse that I got from Emily, with attachable bow and prop cheese. Man-go-round and I are still struggling to name her (I suggested “Maxi Mouse” as an antidote to “Minnie Mouse,” but didn’t want a daily reminder of maxi pads…) Any ideas?

Now, Ms. Unnamed Mouse loves her Swiss, and has even branched out to Almond cheese! (smart mouse). But what about Meri’s favorite cheeses?

-Gouda (tastes so gooood-a!)
-Manchego (hence the cheesy title), thanks Spain!
-Queso de Cabra- (goat cheese, mom), on my pizza! Or with fig jelly at mom and pop’s house.
-Brie- with pepper jelly! My friend KK turned me onto this!
-Nooch (not cheese, but whatevs)
-Almond Cheese- with crackers
-Havarti- the extra creamy kind
-Blue cheese- with CHOCOLATE (I have a college prof to thank for this) or on roasted veggies.

I don’t eat much cheese these days, but when I do, I do it right! What is your favorite cheese/ cheese substitute?


And now for MUNCH MADNESS!
In the case of Spinach vs. Kale…
Spinach! 19-5, ouch Kale!

and for the final fruit fight: Get your boxing gloves on, this might be a tough one…

Stone fruits vs. Melons

for those of you who want “rules,” stone fruits include apricots, peaches, pluots, plums… and melons include watermelon, canteloupe, honeydew, etc.

fight it out, and place your votes!

and for heaven’s sake help me name Ms. Mouse!

Meri


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fake pancake bake

Greetings Friends! After many well-meaning weeks of being a lazy innocent bystander, I am proud to announce my inaugural participation in sassy blogger Jenn’s party over at her site, Peas and Crayons. It’s called “What I Ate Wednesday,”



…and it is designed (I believe) to indulge our inner voyeur (come on, who hasn’t looked at the food in the cart behind them in the grocery line?) and to give others new ideas for fun meals and snacks. Rather than post about my foods for an entire day (because who wants to look at popcorn and lemonheads anyway?), I’m doing things a bit differently.


Because everyone knows I can’t follow the rules!

So, I give you:

A week in the life of Meri’s Fake Cakes (microwave pancakes)

I started making these about a year ago when I was too lazy to even dirty up a saucepan. You can read about the original recipe here.

Since then, I’ve started using a new mix, Quaker’s Oatmeal Pancake mix, and I like to make a different version pretty much every night. It might not be gourmet, it might not be super healthy, but its easy and fun, and fills mama’s belly! You’ll have to forgive the pictures, as I am working with nighttime lighting (these are an after dinner snack almost exclusively).

Some examples:

with vanilla pudding and cinnamon on top


m&m cookie pancake


covered in sour cherry jam

frozen mixed berries mixed in
The “recipe” here entails measuring out a serving of pancake mix (these are all 1/3 cup), adding 1/3 cup (or the same amount) of water or I guess milk (though I’ve never tried that). Add mix-ins of your choice or extra sweetener if you’re crazy like that, and you’re ready to go. 

Nuke about 60 seconds, more or less.

Seriously, this is the fastest, easiest, tastiest snack with endless options for variation.

Ideas for mix-ins:
-nuts
-fresh fruit (blueberries work really well)
-frozen fruit
-chocolate chips, m&ms, Reeses Pieces
-flavor syrup
-cinnamon
-peanut flour
-pumpkin

Ideas for toppings:
-pudding (vanilla, tapioca, chocolate, pistachio, banana…)
-jam/ jelly
-peanut butter (doesn’t work as well mixed in, better on top)
-chocolate or caramel sauce
-syrup (if you’re boring muah ha ha)
-honey
-cottage cheese (haven’t tried this yet)

Have fun, and let me know how it goes! If you aren’t sure where to start, just start with chocolate chips or frozen fruit, those are my favorites. Pudding is maybe my favorite topping so far.

And as for Munch Madness,  the tally is a bit higher! You were all so excited to comment about my diet soda post, though, that some people forgot to vote!

The winner is… Grapes! Final count at publishing was 21-10. Sorry citrus lovers, but oranges didn’t make the cut!

Tonight’s battle… the final veggie match of the sweet 16…

Spinach vs. Kale!

So come on out, regular voters and new voters- vote for the best, and check back to see tomorrow’s final fruit fight before the semi-finals! 

(on a more serious note, I really appreciate how much participation has been happening with Munch Madness. I know I’m a huge nerd for enjoying this so much, but it would be NO FUN if people weren’t playing along. So Thank You, guys!)

Meri
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Coke Addicts Anonymous

Diet Coke, that is!

Not pictured- close friend Jack Daniels





It was only a matter of time before I addressed my little “problem.” When I go out during the day, I get coffee or tea from the company machine. But then, back in my cubicle, my dark side comes out.


Diet Mountain Dew. Peach Fresca. Diet Dr. Pepper…


And the beloved Diet Coke.


I’ve noticed that “Diet Coke People” are different, more rabid, than other soda or diet soda drinkers. Standing by their beverage ’til an artificially sweetened death do they part, they will refuse any other beverage as crap.


I’m not one of these people. I used to drink “regular” soda. Then I realized that the syrupy texture made me gag, it made me lose my appetite for hours and I was missing real meals, and the scary high sugar content sealed the deal.


Don’t think I’m not aware of the alleged dangers of artificial sweeteners. I drink this crap with my eyes wide open. Widely, caffeinatedly, open. I figure of all of the vices out there, artificial sweeteners might give me cancer. But so might the microwave. Or my cell phone. Or hair dye. Or the insulation coming out of our roof since the squirrels set up residence there.


I like this junk, so I’m willing to take my chances. What are my favorites?

Grapefruit and Grape Zevia!

Diet Cherry 7Up! Diet Cranberry Sierra Mist! Peach Fresca!

Other non-pictured favorites?


-Diet Hansen’s Root Beer
-The occasional Orange Crush
-Blue Mountain Free Cherry Vanilla Creme 
-La Croix Sparkling Water in Pamplemousse (because who doesn’t like to say that?)

What about you folks? Do you drink soda? or diet soda? Have you wisely given up or are you a die hard drinker like me?

And as for Munch Madness… (click here for details or just join the voting today!)
Yesterday’s battle was Cucumber vs. Okra. Although I pled a desperate last minute case for Okra let it be a sad shutout, my secret vote is for cucumbers. I eat them every single day and can never get enough. Who won the match?

Well, even with all of the (fried) okra lovers out there, Cukes won 22-10, not counting my vote. But maybe I’ll try frying up some okra during food month for all you fans out there?

Who’s up next? We’re almost done with the sweet 16, people… soon it’s onto the next round! Tonight, The fruits fight it out.

Grapes vs. Oranges
For those of you wondering, Grapes can include red, green, white, champagne, seedless… grapes, and on the Orange side I’ll include mandarins and clementines.

Vote yourselves silly, and drink that liquid stomach eating poison soda!

Meri

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