A Mother's Day Pizza Party

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We celebrated my momma with the usual festivities: giving her a beautiful DebraJill necklace, eating bagels and shmear for breakfast and doing whatever my mom wished...even if that meant cleaning out the garage and her event planning storage office.
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Since mom is always the one grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning for the family, I figured I would volunteer to do so on Mother's Day. I decided on flatbread pizza.  The store-bought whole wheat dough did not require any prep, and the individual pies allowed every member of my high maintenance family to pick his or her own toppings.
The four pizzas were a hit. And, might I add, this pizza party would be appropriate for any gathering, not just Mother's Day. The meal screams summer and sunshine!
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THE MICAH:
My dad likes the fully loaded pie...always. A generous red base with just a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella (he always orders "light cheese") created the foundation for a vegetarian delight. I caramelized a sweet onion with baby bella mushrooms.  Artichoke hearts and black olives sat on top. Yum-o.
THE JAKE:
Basically...a margarita pizza. I sliced roma tomatoes and layered them on top of fresh mozzarella slices and a base of extra virgin olive oil. Freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of truffle oil added the punch of flavor after this baby popped out of the oven.
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THE JULIA:
Julia likes it simple too (surprisingly!). A red base with extra shredded mozzarella and caramelized baby bella mushrooms. A drizzle of truffle oil after cooking.
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THE SHERIL:
My favorite momma called for my favorite kind of pizza. A base of extra virgin olive oil held a sprinkle of mozzarella, caramelized onions and baby bellas and artichokes. After the pizza cooked entirely through, I added a handful of arugula and a fried egg, which I cooked on the stove beforehand. Oh, and you cannot forget the truffle oil.

Black Bean and Avocado Lettuce Wraps

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I know I'm really into wraps these days, but this recipe was actually featured on The Slender Student last week for my Team Slender guest post!

The vibrant green lettuce is filled with protein, healthy fats and fresh produce to keep you satisfied until dinner.  I think you'll love it and find that it only takes minutes to put together.  Easy peasy.

black bean and avocado lettuce wraps

Makes: 4 servings
Per serving: 180 cal. | 5.9 g fat (1g sat.) | 25.1 g carb | 8.8 g protein

2 cups black beans, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small tomato
4 large butter lettuce leaves
½ avocado
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt
Pepper

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté garlic with a drizzle of olive oil. Add black beans and stir to warm. Use a fork to slightly mash beans. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Place ½ cup black bean on each lettuce leaf. Top each with a slice of tomato, two slices of avocado, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Wrap the leaves into tight rolls and slice in half, if desired. Enjoy right away or pack yours in a tupperware for a tasty lunch on campus! 

Sesame-crusted Grouper

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Remember that quinoa fried "rice" recipe that I created a few months back?! Here's the Asian-inspired grouper entree that compliments the quinoa so well.  It's light and healthy, and the fish cooks beautifully in the skillet.

I'm heading to Seaside, FL for a relaxing Spring Break with the family on Saturday morning - if anyone has recipe recommendations, now is the time to send them my way! I'll be experimenting in the beach house kitchen throughout next week.  Email any ideas to cara.greenstein@gmail.com or simply comment below!


sesame-crusted grouper
Makes 4 servings 

2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
4 6-ounce grouper fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sesame seeds
Salt
Ground Black Pepper

1. For vinaigrette, mix the soy sauce, mustard, ginger, white wine vinegar and green onions. Add more soy sauce for a less acidic sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil without whisking.

2. Dredge the fish on one side with flour. Spread some of egg over floured side of the fish with a pastry brush. Then, dredge in sesame seeds.

3. In a medium-hot oven-safe skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons canola oil. Once hot, add fish, sesame-seed side down. Bake in 375 degree oven for 5 minutes.

4. Take fish out of the oven and carefully flip it over. Return to oven and bake 1 minute, or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

5. Gently mix vinaigrette and pour over fish. Serve atop veggie quinoa fried “rice” for an Asian twist.

adapted from country home magazine