food | garden of glam

Jan 22 2014

Food

Turkey, Spinach, 3 Cheese Lasagna Rolls

And we are back! After a mini hiatus during the most incredible holiday season, Garden of Glam is back and I have some very exciting things in store for you! I appreciate your patience and for that you will be rewarded with a delicious easy to make recipe to get you through the snowy days.

Today’s recipe is rolled lasagna. Super easy and super delicious!

Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan

Mixing the cheeses with the egg

Add the Spinach

Smear and Roll

Spread rolls over marinara lined pan

Add more sauce & cheese, because you can never have too much meat and cheese

Bake

Enjoy!

Ingredients

8 lasagna noodles

1/2 pound lean ground turkey

1 olive oil

1 clove garlic

1/2 onion

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 egg

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and completely drained

How to

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil water and salt generously. Follow cooking directions on the noodles’ package. You want to leave them slightly more firm since you’ll be baking the pasta.

Meanwhile in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute garlic and onions for 2-3 minutes (before onions start to turn clear). Add turkey and brown. When the turkey is almost cooked through, add tomatoes and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Add 1/2 the basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.

In a bowl, lightly beat egg. Add ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, thawed spinach and remaining basil and oregano and stir together.

Lay out noodles and cover with a spoonful of the cheese/spinach mixture. Roll up cheese and spinach lasagna. Add enough sauce to lightly cover the bottom of the pan. Place lasagna rolls in the marinara pan with the seam facedown. Top with meat sauce and cheese. Bake for approximately 20 minutes and until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy!

Tagged food, lasagna, lasagna roll ups, Recipes, winter recipes

Dec 10 2013

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Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide (Day 7)

Day Seven of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Mari Rodela of DC Brau Brewing

Mari is the Community Liaison for DC Brau. DC Brau is DC’s first packaging brewery since 1956 and brews its delicious beers in Northeast DC in a warehouse decorated with murals done by local artists. I must be honest, I am not a beer person, but have loved every beer I have tried that was brewed by DC Brau. I think DC Brau is turning me into a person and that really says something! DC Brau is unique, eclectic, innovative and enhances the DC beer and culinary scene with their forward-thinking attitude and approach to microbrewing. And this is the very reason I knew Mari would be perfect for this Holiday collaboration!

MARI’S WISH LIST

Bike Basket (get it here)

“A small but sturdy basket for my bike! This basket from public bikes is classy and very handy!” – Mari

Subscription to Monocle (get it here)

“A one year gift subscription to Monocle. It’s really one of the best print magazines available; although they do have an incredible website. It’s an intelligent publication that delves into international politics, modern design, food, travel, and more. Worth checking out!” – Mari

Pamela Love Pentagram Cuff (get it here)

“I’ve been wanting one of her pieces for a while. Her designs are really very macabre and stark. I love this as a serious statement piece.” – Mari

MARI’S GIVE LIST

Tieks (get it here)

“I love Tieks! Not only are these compact flats comfortable, they come in the most whimsical colors and patterns! I own a few pairs and know that any number of my girlfriends would love to receive a pair.” – Mari

Junius Cold Brew Coffee (get it here)

“Cold brewed coffee is a new obsession of mine. The process of cold brewing coffee brings out the complexity of coffee beans. This would be great for any coffee lover on your shopping list. Junius Cold Brewed Coffee Company, a new DC-based company sells both subscription or one time gifts through their website. It also happens to be the best cold brewed coffee I’ve tried.” – Mari

Comida Latina: An Illustrated Cookbook by Marcella Kriebel (get it here)

“Comida Latina: An Illustrated Cookbook by local artist and foodie Marcella Kriebel is a fantastic gift for anyone on your gift list. Marcella is a talented local illustrator and her book has some really delicious dishes that she’s discovered on her travels. I’m getting one for my mom.” – Mari

Tagged DC Brau, food, gift guide, holiday gift guide, presents

Dec 06 2013

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Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide (Day 5)

Day Five of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Taylor Barry Head Bread Baker for Jean-Georges

Taylor is one of my dearest friends and is a magnificent, wildly driven and talented pastry and bread chef. Taylor is currently the head bread baker for Jean-Georges in NY, as well the primary ice cream and sorbet maker. I was lucky enough to be Taylor’s roommate when she was in culinary school, and let me tell you, there is no better roommate than a pastry chef in training. Taylor participated in last year’s Gift Guide and she was reader favorite, and I know this year will not be any different.

TAYLOR’S WISH LIST

Traditional Japanese Meal (get the ingredients here, here & here for delicious gourmet dishes)

“Ingredients to make a true japanese feast at home. OK hear me out. The holidays are the time of year when I allow myself to make some food splurges. Ones that usually I’d have some financial guilt about. But not in December. This is time to indulge. Right now I’m totally into asian cuisine. This website carries everything I’ll need to elevate some of my simple weekly dinners into exciting meals packed with flavor. My favorites are the Kewpie mayo and white miso.” – Taylor

DAVIDsTEA (get it here)

“I love tea, especially chai. Tis the season, so I’m out for something special. David’s has fun packaging and some really cool combinations of flavors. I’ve got my eye on “Chocolate Chili Chai”. For $14.00, the 100 g bag comes with a free tin, and why not upgrade to a larger size!? I’m pretty sure I’m gonna love it.” – Taylor

Spiced Gingerbread Shampoo, Body Wash, & Body Wash (get it here)

“Delicious Body Wash from Philosophy. My Mom used to give me a holiday scented lotion/body wash from this company every year in my Christmas stocking. Buying it for myself now brings back those same happy memories. And with my baker hours, waking up at 4:30 a.m. is a lot easier when the first thing I smell is gingerbread, eggnog, mulled wine, and rum cake just to name a few of the wonderful scents this company has to offer. It’s a special treat and every girl can feel guilt free to over indulge in these products without the worry of gaining a single calorie! So why not grab two flavors! The best part is that the recipe for gingerbread cookies is on the bottle! Like giving yourself two presents!” – Taylor

TAYLOR’S GIVE LIST

Monogrammed Decanter (get it here)

“This is great for my dad, father-in-law, or any friend who appreciates a good vintage. William Sonoma has a plethora of decanters for under $60.00. We’re adults now right? Why not give the gift that will impress them as well as their guests without breaking the bank.” – Taylor

Gift box from Mantry (get it here)

“A gift box for the gourmand! MANTRY is for the foodie looking for the obscure high end products. TREATSIE is for your sweet tooth, mostly old-fashioned hard to find goodies. HOMEGROWN COLLECTIVE offers a few projects each month like make your own vanilla extract or chocolate bon-bons. All fun options and a nice departure from the gingerbread house.” – Taylor

C. Wonder Monogrammed Tote (get it here)

“For my girl friend who throws great dinner parties. Planning a great menu takes a lot of care and preparation on the part of the host. Make him/her feel special by getting them a great personalized “grocery tote”. Recently I was given a beautiful market bag and it makes food shopping feel somewhat luxurious and gets me excited to go home and cook even the simplest week nite meal. This site also has plenty more items that you can personalize from holiday sweaters to tea cups.” – Taylor

Tagged christmas, food, gift guide, holiday gift guide, holidays, Recipes

Oct 09 2013

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Food

Tasty Peanut Butter, Chocolatey, Coconutty Treats

I recently started a new job and I am out and about in the city everyday. This can pose a problem for eating at traditional times, which can sometimes be rough for me. I have a confession to make, if I don’t eat regularly I turn into a grumpy six year old. If I miss a meal because I’m on the go, I suddenly find myself on the verge of a temper tantrum. It is a serious problem, but after many years, I have found that the solution is always having a snack on hand. This embarrassing fact about me and my new job have inspired me to experiment with delicious solutions to this problem.

For today’s post I made scrumptious peanut butter, coconut, chocolate energy balls. This recipe is super easy and perfect for healthy (ish) snacking!

The ingredients

Coconut, Chocolate, Oatmeal

Delicious chocolate chips

Adding the coconut flakes

Time for the peanut butter

Mix it up

Close up of the finished product

Peanut butter, coconut, chocolate energy balls

Ingredients

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

How to (are you ready for how easy this is?)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. This will make the mix easier to mold. Make small bite size balls from the mix. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Tagged chocolate, coconut, easy recipes, food, on-the-go, peanut butter, snacks

Jul 03 2013

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Food

A Healthy Summertime Treat

The 4th of July goes hand in hand with celebrating! It is America’s birthday after all and I take birthdays very seriously! While the nighttime is dedicated to fireworks, the daytime is for barbecuing, picnicking, pool/beach time and tanning….really just parties all around. When attending these festive celebrations (obviously dressed in red, white and blue) make sure to contribute to the party with more than just your presence. Bring a side dish as a gift for the host (alcohol is also always a good option)! Today’s post is dedicated to a delicious dish you can bring to any party you attend this summer. Quinoa is the latest obsession in my apartment. It is not only delicious and easy to make, it is healthy, which makes it the perfect summertime snack! Scroll for mouth watering pics and the easiest recipe I have posted yet.

Some of the delicious ingredients: cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion.

Home grown basil. Mom, aren’t you so proud!

Finely chopping the red onion.

Adding the avocado

Mixing in the black beans

Finished Product! Avocado, Tomato, Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

6 cups of cooked Quinoa

1 pint of grape tomatoes

1 can of black beans (drained)

½ cup of chopped red onion

2 Avocados

6 Basil leaves

½ lemon

2 cups of feta

salt

pepper

How to

This recipe is SUPER easy! Cook the quinoa (follow instructions on the package. This will take around 20 minutes). After quinoa is cooked, let it cool and refrigerate while prepping the other ingredients. Cut grape tomatoes in half, finely chop half a red onion, finely chop basil leaves, chop avocado, and strain black beans. Mix all ingredients. Squeeze the half lemon over the salad and salt & pepper to taste.

Tagged 4th of July, food, potluck, side dishes, summer parties

Apr 18 2013

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Food

Dinner with Scratch DC

I had the most delicious dinner last week and it was courtesy of Scratch DC and my kitchen! Scratch DC is latest in culinary innovation and my latest obsession! Just think, delicious affordable dinners made easy! Scratch DC delivers, right to your front door, prepped, measured, and mixed meals that are ready for cooking and they provide easy to follow cooking instructions (that also have a sense of humor). I apologize for always repeating myself, but I am no chef and my least favorite part about cooking is the prep work and Scratch takes care of all of that for you! Everything you need is included in the box, in small perfectly measured containers with pre-chopped ingredients. And that isn’t even the best part! The best part is that the meal was BEYOND delicious–perfectly seasoned with perfect portions!

I also interviewed Ryan Hansan the ingenius founder of Scratch DC. So scroll for some mouth watering pictures of my home cooked Chicken Marsala dinner and for an inspiring interview with Ryan.

Special Delivery

Ryan Hansan, founder of Scratch DC

Delicious prepped dinner ingredients

Everything you need for a delicious dinner!

Studying the (super easy to follow) instructions

Spicing the chicken

Adding the mushrooms!

marinating the mushrooms

All the spices needed for a perfectly seasoned meal

Flavor party

Dinner is almost ready and doesn’t it look good

The most delicious chicken marsala EVER

The amazing finished product!

The perfect finishing touch

And now for the interview!

Tell me about Scratch DC.

We make amazing meals easy. Each day we create bundles of fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients that are chopped, measured, marinated, packed with an amazing recipe and delivered to you door ready to cook – saving you the time, money and food so often wasted when making an amazing meal at home. We’re still very much in our infancy, having launched in the last week of August, 2012, but we’re growing very quickly!

What is your culinary background?

Besides that I REALLY like to eat, I have no professional training other than growing up watching my mothers wizardry in the kitchen.

What inspired you to start Scratch DC?

I was frustrated. As a busy young professional, with a rather unpredictable and social schedule it was difficult to make a good meal. I tried to go to the grocery store once a week, but when I did, I rarely had a meal in mind. So, when I wanted to cook something other than easy mac I’d have to look up a recipe, trek back to the store and buy a ton of ingredients that I’d only use a fraction of… (spices, herbs, etc). It was a huge waste of time, money and food and I just thought there must be a better way!

Why DC?

I was born and raised in Northern Virginia then came to school for college. Haven’t left the city yet! (Hail to the Redskins!)

What is your specialty?

My specialty is making people realize that they can make the best food they’ve ever tasted in their own kitchens.

If you could cook a meal with any chef who would it be and what would you cook?

I would cook the suckling pig entree from Komi with Alton Brown so he could tell me all about the science of the meal… that would be the highlight of my life.

How do you decide what the Scratch weekly menu will be?

In any given week we try to have something to please every palate. We usually have a vegetarian dish, some seafood, some pasta and a protein. Each week we test 2-3 recipes. To make it on the menu they have to be relatively easy, relatively quick, able to be cooked with common kitchen equipment, and above all – incredibly delicious. If it meets our criteria, and our taste test, we have a round or two of tweaking and then its on to the menu!

What tips do you have for an inexperienced chef?

Go to www.scratchDC.com.

What tips do you have for people starting their own business?

Find a problem that you’re passionate about and try to solve it.

What are your hopes, dreams, and goals for Scratch DC?

They’re big and bold. There are a lot of bizarre things going on in the food industry that I feel like we can improve. There are disconnects and waste everywhere you turn. I hope that we can create a scalable product that will efficiently benefit multiple levels of the industry – from the local farmer to the first time cook to the new parents looking for a time saving way to eat the best meals of their lives. A retail location is in the works and we hope that’s just the beginning.

Want to know more about Scratch DC? Visit its site and definitely check out the “How It Works” video (it’s pretty hysterical)

Tagged chicken marsala, dinner, easy meals, food, local, pasta, Scratch DC

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Tag Archives: food

Turkey, Spinach, 3 Cheese Lasagna Rolls

Holiday Gift Guide (Day 7)