Top 3 for Vanilla Contest: NOW IT IS TIME TO VOTE.

Steve, the owner of Boston Vanilla Bean Company picked the top three ideas for the vanilla he enjoyed the most. Steves choices are:

1. Apple Tatin Tarte made with fresh vanilla beans topped with homemade vanilla bean ice cream by Chef Shari
2. The Vanilla Bean with Steamed Milk with Cinnamon Sticks and Bitter Chocolate by B.B.B.
Steve has informed me that this is an old use for Vanilla Beans and he truly enjoyed the fact that it was mentioned in the giveaway.
3. Vanilla Chai & Lavender infused Rice Pudding by Cate

NOW! It is time for you to vote on the top recipe! The winner will receive 5 Mexican Vanilla Beans, 4 0z. of Vanilla Paste, 4 oz. Vanilla Extracts, and 1 0z. Ground Vanilla

Let me just say, the ground vanilla is grounded up vanilla beans. I have added a tsp. to 8 -10 cps sugar and mixed in my food processor. It works wonders.

I HAVE VERY GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO ENTERED THE CONTEST:

Everyone who commented gets $1 off their order until August 1st, minimum order is $20 for the coupon to work. Tell your followers to enter a coupon code of miranda on the view cart page of the shop.

PLUS for those who want Vanilla Paste email Steve: steve@bostonvanillabeans.com

LETS VOTE!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE. JUST LEAVE A COMMENT FOR THE BEST IDEA BELOW IN THE COMMENTS!!!!I will announce the winner on Wednesday!!!

Thank you so much for those who entered. There was many many great ideas. Thank you.

O Olive Oil Products

Have you ever wanted to add a little more flavor to your dishes?
Is one of your favorite ingredients Olive Oil?

Hello O Olive Oil.

O Olive Oil began in 1995 providing spectacular organic citrus-crushed olive oils. Premium vinegars followed in 1997.

What a line-up. Unique flavors like; O Jalapeno Lime, O Clementine, O Blood Orange, O Meyer Lemon, O Tahitian Lime, O Ruby Grapefruit and of course O Extra Virgin.

Yes, the Orange and Cranberry Granola Bars - O Blood Orange. The Spanish/TexMex fare - O Jalapeno Lime. I have prepared salads such as my Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Pasta Salad with O Meyer Olive Oil.

As unbelievable and versatile as they are, go for sweet or savory, fruity or spicy, whether dinner/siesta/breakfast.

The O Team have created masterpiece barrel aged wine vinegar: O Champagne Vinegar, O Port Vinegar, O Zinfandel Vinegar, O Pomegranate Vinegar, O Lemon Champagne Vinegar, O White Balsamic Vinegar, O Balsamic Vinegar, O Cabernet Vinegar, O Cassis Vinegar, O Cuvee Vinegar, O Pinot Noir Vinegar, O Sherry Vinegar, O Port Balsamic Vinegar and the wonderful O Ginger Rice Vinegar.

Wow! Take a breath…

What a variety. I am in love with their White Balsamic. It is my personal favorite. I dribbled the O Ginger Rice Vinegar in my Stir Fry this week and am planning on using it for my sushi rice next week.

O Olive Oils products are used on Food Network and by many top chefs but are reasonable enough for the average housewife’s kitchen. O Olive Oil’s most expensive bottle runs $18 and $12 for the vinegars.

As Geoff says, “that’s only like a 12 pack..............Wait, what are you thinking?!”

You can find O Olive Oil products at many specialty stores such as Whole Foods or visit: http://www.ooliveoil.com/

Oatmeal Cereal for my Alexandra

My Alexandra would eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning. I finally decided to start making my own...Thank god.

It was so so GOOD! I never knew how amazing a bowl of oatmeal could be..

This is for my Ally!!



Vanilla, Cranberry and Apple Oatmeal for my Alexandra

2 cps. oatmeal
2 cps. milk
2 tsp. Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Extracts
1/2 cp. Vanilla Sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 cp. Dried Cranberries
1 chopped apple

1. Add the milk, Vanilla, Vanilla Sugar, Cinnamon, Cranberries and Apples. Bring to a boil. Let Simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the oatmeal. Stir a minute or two.

2. Put in bowl and top with a little more milk per serving.

Fish Tacos with Green Tomato Salsa

Ever since I started my site I have become braver and braver in the kitchen. I do not come in the kitchen protected by a recipe. This is one of those times.

I wanted fish tacos. My husband loves tempura, so I used tempura batter on the mild white tilipia fish.

My salsa was a result of having 5 huge green tomatoes staring at me.
I have been wondering what to make with them for days...I did not feel like fried green tomatoes. Let me say, this turned out wonderful. A little tart which went perfect with the fish. My husband informed me it was another home run.

I love becoming braver and more inventive in the kitchen.....It is such a high.

Let start with the yummy salsa:

MY MEAN GREEN SALSA

4 BIG Green tomatoes (NOT Tomatillos)
2 Garlic Cloves
1/4 cp. Cilantro
1/2 red onion
1 bell pepper
1 jalapeno
2 TB O Jalapeno Olive Oil
2 TB Lime Juice

1. Throw all of the ingredients in a food processor and process until the consistency you enjoy.



Fish Taco:

1.5 lbs Tilipia
1 box of tempura mix
1 1/2 cp. VERY cold soda water
1 Quart oil

Dried Cilantro and Chipotle Pepper Powder

1. Heat the oil to 350.
2. Meantime cut the tilipia in bit size pieces. Then add the soda water to the tempura mix.
3. Dip one tempura a few times and then drop into the hot oil.
4. As soon as it is dark brown remove from oil. Add a little cilantro and Chipotle pepper to each batch.

Red Cabbage Slaw

2 cp Red Cabbage
1/4 cp Cilantro
2 TB. O Jalapeno Olive Oil
1 TB. O Lemon Champagne Vinegar
1 Jalapeno, grated (Remove rib and seeds)

1. Toss all the ingredients together.

To assemble:

flour tortillas
tempura fish
salsa
jalapenos
slaw
Green Tabasco (For those who like it hot...MY HUSBAND)
Add the fish to the cooked tortilla shells. Top with the salsa, slaw, (optional) jalapenos, and green Tabasco (optional).

Mrs. Meyers

I finally found a product that is tough on my dirty kitchens and safe on my kiddos. I have to share it with my amazing followers and friends.

Have you ever heard of Mrs. Meyers Clean Day? It is now a staple in my household. I must admit, I was skeptical. I assumed that all natural, environmental friendly, biodegradable, chemical free, and is child and animal safe COULD NOT clean that well. Boy, I was wrong. I am not afraid to admit it!

Not only does Mrs. Meyers products amaze me by their heavy duty cleaning, but their aromas are spectacular. I have BASIL laundry detergent! It is very natural and not overpowering. I wanted to crawl into my dryer and sleep in the clean warm clothes. Here are some of their other unique fragrances: Basil, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Geranuim,
Baby Blossom, and Scent Free.

Mrs. Meyers has a vast line of cleaning products. My favorite by far is their Basil Laundry Detergent and their All Purpose Cleaner.
Please, Check them out! http://www.mrsmeyers.com/

What do I have in my kitchen? Huevoes Rancheros for the Husband

On Sunday my husband wanted something spicy and savory. Geoffrey loves Mexican. I wanted to make Huevos Rancheros, but most of the recipes I looked at used regular salsa and I did not want that.

I looked into my cupboard and decided to create my own dish with what I had in my kitchen. Lets just say, It was a huge success. My husband devoured the entire plate and informed me that I hit a homerun.


Let's see what you think.....



2 links of Chorizo, out of casing
1/4 cp. chopped onions
1 can pinto beans
1 can of Salsa de (Something...I can't remember, sorry. It is really hot and in a yellow small can)
2 whole Chipotles in Adobo
2 TB of the Sauce in the Can of Chipotles in Adobo
2 flour tortilla, grilled
3 eggs
1/2 cp. monterary jack cheese
2 jalapenos sliced thin

1. I pureed the pinto beans and added the salsa de..., the Chipotles in Abodo and lots of Abodo Sauce. I salt and peppered. It tasted spicy and yummy. Set a side.
2. I browned the Chorizo and added the onions. When browned and the onions are soft I added the thick spicy sauce.
3. I grilled the tortillas and layed on the bottom of a plate. I added half of the cheese.
4. I cooked the eggs over easy. When the eggs where done I added the sauce to the tortillas, topped with the eggs. I added the rest of the cheese and then topped the entire thing with the jalapenos.

Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Salad

I received the Bon Appetite Magazine and this was a must try. I admit I changed a few things, but this turned out so refreshing and yummy. I honestly, could eat the entire bowl. I love fresh produce and herbs.



Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Salad


One and half pints of cherry tomatoes
1 container of the tiny mozzarella balls
3 TB. fresh chives
1 TB. fresh oregano
3 TB. fresh basil
salt and pepper
4 TB. white balsamic vinegar
2 TB. of good olive oil (It is really good even without oil)
3 TB. freshly grated parm. cheese
1 lb. Orchettia pasta

1. Boil the pasta until al dente about 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Add the oil, vinegar and whisk. Add the herbs, salt and pepper. Add the tomotoes and mozzarella.
3. Add the pasta and toss to combine. Top with fresh parm. Serve.

This is so good. I can't wait to have some for lunch!