Bookworms and Small Fries

I'll be back with my Literate & Stylish post later today, but in the meantime I wanted to point all of you over to Small Fry, to read about our current favorite kiddo books, along with some other amazing ladies.  It's such a fun feature and I can't wait to see Part Two tomorrow! Thanks for having me, Small Fry!

5 Delicious (Paleo) Recipes

Megan's blog is one of my favorites for a few reasons- she's a great writer, she takes fantastic photos, and I always, always enjoy the stories and recipes she shares. And lucky us, she's sharing five of those delicious meal ideas with us today! After you're done drooling, be sure to stop by The Freckled Italian and say hello.

Hi everyone! I'm Megan and I blog at Freckled Italian. I wanted to share a word on my experience with Paleo today since Dani has been trying it out for herself!

I switched to Paleo almost a year ago and I can't believe how much it's changed my life. I went from being a frail, always-dizzy, migraine-riddled, constantly anxious and often depressed 23 year-old with acne that just wouldn't quit and a moderate case of alopecia areata to the healthy and happy person that I am today. I now have a full head of hair, clear skin, and my anxiety under control. There are some days that I wake up and miss sourdough bread or my beloved morning lattes (especially now as fall approaches!), but they sure beat the days I used to wake up and wonder what could possibly be wrong with me.

I know that not everyone chooses to switch to Paleo because of health reasons, but that's my story, and I love to share it. I've also always loved cooking and eating, and the past nine months or so have really changed the way I think about food. It's also forced me to get a little more creative in the kitchen...and sometimes, to just wrap things in bacon. Here are my five favorite things I've made and blogged in the last few months. I hope you find something you like.

Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

Paleo Candy Bars

Jalapeno Poppers

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Orange-Ginger Chicken & Garlic Sesame Asparagus

Try one or try them all-- and let me know if you do!
Thanks for having me today!

Meal Idea: Chipotle Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

Today's post is from the wonderful Aileen. I really adore her and her blog, and I know you will too. Even from the little blurb about herself on her blog, you're sure to be drawn in- "Hi! I'm Aileen. I'm in my 20's, married to my best friend and have too many fur-children. And chickens. We moved from the suburbs of Los Angeles to the mountains of small town Tehachapi to start our life together." Doesn't she sound awesome? That's because she is! So after you're done learning how to make these delicious tacos, head on over to Barker Zoo and say hello!




Hi, Sometimes Sweet readers! I'm Aileen and I blog over at Barker Zoo. I've been following Dani's blog for years. Even before handsome little Henry came along and their only little one was their pup!

One thing I love about Dani is her commitment to being healthy and fueling her body with foods that are good for her. I sometimes have a struggle between healthy food and food that tastes yummy, but I do my best to strike a balance. One of my most favorite meals is Chipotle Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos. With guacamole because really, who doesn't love a little guac? So good.

This recipe is in regular rotation in our house and meat-eaters will love it, too. To quote my non-vegetarian sister, "This is so good. I want to eat this everyday!" I originally found the recipe here, but have made my own little tweaks and make a larger batch so we can have leftovers.

I'm one of those people that when using a recipe, about half way through I always end up thinking "am I doing this right?" and I stress until we sit down for dinner and find out that it tastes delicious. So, if you're like me, this step by step recipe with way too many photos is for you! Keep in mind I have made it a few times and I just kind of go with it. None of the ingredient amounts are set in stone, go with you and your families tastes. This recipe is pretty hard to mess up and usually takes less than 30 minutes. Plus I usually have enough left over for us to have the next day.

*I apologize for the dark photos. Cooking dinner (at night) with a black stove and dark counter top is tough on photos. I even gave in and let my sister use flash on all the photos to help brighten things up. You'll forgive me when you taste these delicious tacos, trust me.



What you'll need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium sweet potatos (I used yams this time, but you can really use either!)
• 1 15oz can of black beans
• 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice from one lime (or about 2 tbsp)
• small (fajita) flour or corn tortillas (I prefer flour)

For Guacamole

• 4 avocados
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic (or 1 clove)
• salt
• pepper
• juice from 1/2 lime
• 1 small tomato, diced
• handful of cilantro (optional)

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan on medium.

2. Chop and add onion to pan and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it start to soften

3. Chop your sweet potatoes, stir into pan and let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally






4. While your sweet potato onion mixture is cooking open up the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Pull out a few peppers and chop them up. I generally use 4-5 because I like it spicy. If you're more sensitive to spicy maybe stick with 2.

5. Mix the chopped peppers, about 2-3 Tbsp of the adobo sauce, honey and lime juice in a bowl. Add to pan.



7. Drain your can of black beans and add to pan

8. Stir occasionally and continue cooking on low-medium for about 10-12 minutes. I don't like my sweet potatoes too soft, so just try one every once in a while until you get them how you want them.



9. While that's cooking, start cutting up the avocado and tomato and put in a bowl

10. Mix avocado, tomato, lime juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper together



Take a tortilla, scoop yourself a generous spoonful of guacamole and a generous spoonful the sweet potato mixture and enjoy! I would love to hear from you if you decide to try these tacos. Thank you, Dani, for allowing me to share this with your lovely readers! And to all Danielle's readers, if you'd like to see more yummy recipes or read about me and my newlywed, small town living, not too exciting, but perfect for me life I'd love for you to stop by Barker Zoo. Happy eating!

 

Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month!

This week I have a handful of blogger friends filling in with little posts for me while I'm gone. First up is my sweet pal Diana from Our City Lights. I'm sure you've already stopped by her blog, but if you haven't, be sure to check it out. Diana is one of my favorite people on the planet, and her blog is total extension of her: smart, beautiful and witty. It's a must-read, for sure.

And on the subject of libraries and books, this is one of three book-related posts I have set for this week. Fun! And with that said, here's Diana...

No, it's not your Visa, your MasterCard or even a poker chip.

It's your library card.

Seriously, your library card. You do have a library card, right? I know most of the readers of this blog venerate the library, but I know there's a few of you who don't even have a card yet. Don't think of the library as the moldy dark place for just books. Most libraries have had quite the facelift.

The services offered are ridiculous- besides the obvious free books, there's free wifi, free music, free new movies, free video games, free classes, freeeee! Find out what they have with WorldCat, an item search for any library.

The way to keep this going? Go support your local library. Pick up a new recipe book. Pick up a how-to book on Photoshop, or Gossip Girl Season 3 (oh, wait, I did that already). Pick up a book on Chanel to inspire you beyond the fashion blogs we read, pick up new music to add to your iPod. The list goes on.

Libraries need more support than ever. Yes, funds are needed, but you, the patron, must do nothing more than pick up one of the most powerful cards you will own in your wallet- your library card.


Why else should you sign up for a card? It's Happy Library Card Sign-Up month. If you have a library card already, you are in the rare category of Americans. If not, sign up already. Join the flickr group to join in!