Saturday Brunch featuring Soyrizo Frittata

I’m probably not the only Washingtonian wondering why the weather stays sunny and dry during the week, then rains like crazy on the weekends. Well, it does. So it’s a good thing my husband and I went for our weekly long distance run yesterday, when the rain wasn’t as heavy. For some insane reason, he wants to run a marathon. I’m trying to be a supportive running partner, but because I’m only half-crazy, I have no desire to run any further than a half-marathon. This is about the biggest problem we have at the six month mark into our marriage. Another concern is that I’m constantly cooking him vegetarian meals. Most of the time he doesn’t notice, but occasionally he “needs” a meal with red meat. Today’s brunch was one of those occasions, faked.

While the rain beat down outside, I whipped up my favorite Mexican inspired frittata. And let me preface the meal description with this: I may have dropped my Mexican maiden name, but that in no way means I’ve abandoned my Mexican ways. I still love chorizo and eggs. That will never change.

Instead of the traditional pork based sausage, I use soyrizo, a brilliant and delicious substitute. I like Trader Joe’s take on Soyrizo, but there are other options.

Image

For this recipe, which is adapted from a master recipe formula by Pam Anderson, you’ll need the following:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese (or feta, queso fresco, parmesan etc.)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2  yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 heaping handful of arugula
  • 1 1/2 cups of Soyrizo, or half of the included package
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cracked pepper to taste
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 1 cup halved plum tomatoes to garnish

Move your oven rack to the highest position in the oven. Turn oven on to broil (set to high if the setting is available).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cheese and salt & pepper. Mix evenly.

Turn the stove to medium-high and coat the oven safe cast iron pan with the olive oil. When it’s glistening, add the chopped onions, arugula, minced garlic and Soyrizo. Cook until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Then turn the heat down to medium and make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed across the pan. Add the egg mixture. Once the eggs start to set around the edges, place cast iron pan in the oven.

Broil the dish for 3-5 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes to cool then garnish with tomatoes and arugula. Serve and enjoy!

Also, if you haven’t picked up Pam Anderson’s Cook Without a Book: Meatless Meals, you should! It’s my cookbook bible.

California Sojourn

It’s been three years since I’ve been to my home state of California. I spent the first seventeen years of my life there, leaving only for Oklahoma where I went to University. Oklahoma was good to me for nearly a decade, but I’m glad that my husband whisked me away to good ole Washington State. We live much closer to my family in California than before, but after nearly 28 hours in the car this weekend, I realize it’s not quite as close as I imagined.
Yango and Iggy, our dogs, had a really cozy pallet in the rear of our Subaru Forester where they napped during our scenic drive through Oregon. We stayed overnight in Oregon twice during the drive to crop the driving sessions shorter.
75th Anniversary
We didn’t make it all the way down to my hometown of Bakersfield; instead we kicked around Northern California with my brother, mother and nephew as tour guides. It was our first time being to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA. Part Marine World, part theme park, the amusement park hosts tourists with animal shows and roller coasters. The dolphin show was one of my favorites, mainly because they caught some sick air. See what I mean?
Flying Dolphins
Flying Dolphins
Family
We also got to check out a few small aquarium-like exhibits and a Tiger show. My nephew seemed to enjoy the animal activities.
Vallejo, CA
Vallejo, CA
Family
On our second day of the California sojourn, we kicked around San Francisco. Every time we visit the city, we like to check out new areas. This time around, we did a lot of drive-by sight seeing (good shutter-speed practice on the ole canon) and hiked around the Sutro Baths.
Skyline
Skyline
by car
Edificio
Architecture
I’d never heard of the Sutro Baths until my older brother Justin suggested the visit. We hiked around the site, trying to imagine what the original structure looked like. It opened in 1896 as the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment (thanks, Wiki!). Now a National Park, the land yields a small cave corridor, old stone structures and various hill shelves where large mason walls one stood.
They even filmed a small portion of Harold and Maude on the site! Remember where Maude protests the war, and ‘falls’ down the cliffside after a scuffle with Harold (or something to that effect)? Yep! It was here. I love stuff like that.
Ice Plants
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
No trip to San Fransciso is complete without a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Our journey across the bridge just so happened to coincide with it’s 75th Anniversary. That day, 75 years ago, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public. Presidio was nearly shut down for related events, so we didn’t get to check out the park area, but the bridge isn’t going anywhere.
We were sad to say goodbye, but no vacations are endless. We can’t wait to further explore the Bay Area in the future. Until then, we’re contented to kick around our local Puget Sound.
Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend!
____________________________________________________________________



P.S. As a new military wife, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a big thank you to all the men and women who have served our country. Many thanks!

For Mother: Pistachio & White Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you love your mother you will bake her these cookies for mothers day. If you’re like me and you live a few states away, then you can at least forward the recipe. She’ll love you forever (not that she doesn’t already).
I found this recipe over at Honest Fare a few months ago and have enjoyed baking these sparingly. I say that because they disappear rather quickly, and running 5 miles a day only goes so far. Trust me.

 These buttery cookies are punctuated with just the right ratio of salty pistachios to white chocolate chips. They’re guaranteed to please.
Psst…I’m also still really loving my favorite wedding gift. Thanks again, Christie!

For the recipe to these delectable cookies, head on over to Honest Fare: Pistachio & White Chocolate Chip Cookies.

And a few notes:
-The recipe states that it yields 3 dozen. I’ve tried it several times and it seldom brings more than 2.5 dozen. Double the portions for  a bigger crowd.
-Salted, roasted pistachios work just as well
-I use instant oats and haven’t had any issues

Enjoy!