Passion Foodie

End of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:32:00 PDT

Where oh where did the summer go?? We experienced low 70 degree weather with clouds and rain the day after Labor day. It was like the switch was flipped to coincide with the last official weekend of the summer which announced that Fall was upon us, ready or not! I've been a little M.I.A around here the past month or so but I have enjoyed the long days of summer. I've done a lot of reading. I

STAPLEHOUSE: take 2

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:14:34 PDT

If I was thinking properly, I would have played the lottery last Thursday since I had such winning luck. But honestly, I was perfectly content with scoring two reservations for last weekends Staplehouse dinner. If you recall, I wrote a post here about my first visit to Staplehouse and how achieving a reservation is literally about who can respond to their invitations the fastest. Well last

Miller Union

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:46:15 PDT

Two years. This restaurant has been open for two years. And the first time I went was last Thursday night. I am very disappointed in myself for continually putting this place on the back burner because it has been on my list since the first time I read about it. TWO years ago. So judging from my self-imposed angst, can you tell that the food was not just good, but excellent? I really should

Caprese Salad Appetizer

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:34:20 PDT

This dish literally screams Summertime to me. Firm bite sized tomatoes with the perfect juicy pop when you bite into them, paired with smooth and cool mozzarella cheese and a torn pieces of basil to add that little something extra to the flavor combo. With a 5 minute prep time, this is perfect for entertaining or just dining alfresco. What more can you ask for after getting home from work

100 things in Atlanta + West Egg Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:37:10 PDT

A few weeks ago, I read about this list published in the local paper, Creative Loafing, about the 100 dishes to eat in Atlanta before you die. Obviously intrigued, I immediately perused the list and was shocked to realize I had only eaten about 5 of the items. I am a self proclaimed foodie for goodness sakes. And as much as I like cooking at home, I equally love going out to eat. So I have

Easy Summer Stir-Fry

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:34:07 PDT

I bookmarked this recipe from Ree a while back because it sounded simple and perfect for the season. I've been a long time fan of her & her recipes but if you guys could see my google reader list of starred recipes I plan to test in my kitchen you would be baffled. It is soooo lonngg!! I know I'm not alone out there. Well at least I hope I'm not alone out there. All the blogs I follow or

The Cali Donut

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:46:14 PDT

Hi. My name is Dyan. And I LOOVVVE donuts. If you know me, this is not new news. But if you know me, you also know I am a donut snob. And a very proud one at that. What does that mean? I grew up in LA where there is a donut shop on EVREY corner. And not your popular Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme chains, like there are here in Atlanta. But the little bakeries with people's names like Miss

Shaved Asparagus Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:17:57 PDT

I realized that my promise of seasonal goodies from the last post may have had you in the mind frame of something sweet. If that's what you were looking forward to, I am sorry. The seasonal ingredient (asparagus) is not in the form of dessert. But it has cheese. Which is something I often crave more than desserts. I never really turn down pizza and I get extra brownie bites because this is

Avocado Toast with Egg

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:02:34 PDT

In case you have some leftover avocado from that salad you made recently Toast + Avocado + Egg = quick, easy and healthy breakfast Drizzle a little olive oil on your bread of choice (I've used whole wheat bread & English muffins), toast bread to desired doneness, mash half an avocado onto toast, top with fried egg, eat, savor, go forth and concur the work week. Fyi, it's just as scrumptious

Mango, Avocado & Chicken Cobb Salad

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:43:20 PDT

Summer has officially begun. I hope you all enjoyed your three day weekend. I'm sure it was full of parties, festivals, grilling out and hopefully some rest somewhere in between. The husband and I stayed close to home and did none of the above, lol. We went to the movies and saw The Hangover 2 (hilarious, just as good as the first one so we were pleasantly surprised), ate at Delia's Chicken

I'zzz Married Now!

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Fri, 13 May 2011 10:10:50 PDT

The wait is finally over. Three weeks ago today, Mr. Foodie made me an honest woman and I can now proudly call myself Mrs. Foodie!!! YAY!! We tied the knot two weeks ago and it was absolutely the most beautiful wedding (I'm sure every bride says that) and the happiest day of my life (I'm sure every bride says that too, but now its my turn). I could not have asked for the day to go any better.

Showered with Love

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 04:06:00 PST

Last weekend started my unofficial countdown to the Big Day. I traveled to Los Angeles, my hometown, where some of my oldest and dearest friends threw my first Bridal Shower. To say the sentiments felt at the shower were overwhelming would be a gross understatement. I'm not really an emotional person and my personality doesn't lend itself to being the center of attention; so this whole

Mango & Avocado Salad

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:02:00 PST

This was the perfect weekend to make this delightful salad for Pretty Mommy's lighter and brighter recipe exchange. The weather in Atlanta was absolutely gorgeous, low 70's. Perfect for this California transplant. I could not wait to sit outside and soak up all the vitamin D I could get. Can you tell that I am just a little anxious for Spring and so over old man Winter :) I first tried this

Welcome Back + Baked Mushroom Linguine

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:50:36 PST

Hello there blogosphere! Are you there? It's me Passion Foodie. It has been way too long since my last post. And I absolutely have no good reason except pure lack of motivation. Yea, I've been somewhat busy. But that's not even an excuse and something I'm sure you don't want to hear. Because we are all busy. And this is supposed to be my outlet. A chance for me, to share with you, what's

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:57:11 PDT

A couple of weeks ago, I came home from the store with peanut butter, cupcake liners, flour, cocoa powder and Reese's peanut butter cups. Mr. Foodie asks "what is all that for?" "Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcakes of course. Duh!" And would you believe he said "umph, I don't know about that" So I, of course, had to show him a thing or two. I even got all fancy on him. I piped the frosting on

Strawberry Mango Sorbet

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:20:03 PDT

I know it doesn't look like much in the too big bowl, but that simple scoop of heaven was a perfect way to end a very full but great weekend. First off, Mr. Foodie and I had our engagement "photo shoot" by the A-maz-ing, Shawna Herring. I just love her and her work. The pictures are Hot! and fun at the same time. We had a great time and can't wait to see our upcoming wedding in print. Next up,

staplehouse

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:19:37 PDT

I am so excited to be able to share my most recent experience with you. Not only because the fiance' and I were finally granted two of the very limited seats available for the experience but because after following this semi-elusive dinner club for over a year, it was so worth the wait, effort and disappointments of the "Sold Out" dinners of the past. Ryan (the chef) and Jen (his loving,

Shrimp & Scallop Truffle Risotto

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:54:51 PDT

Valentines Day is too far away. New Years Eve really isn't that much closer (but my college roommate is getting married then so I'm sure for her it feels closer than I can imagine) Maybe a birthday. Yours or a loved one. How about it doesn't really matter anyway. There was no occasion for me. Just another Monday evening. And I for one am glad I didn't wait any longer to make this

Pasta with Turkey Meatballs Tomatoes and Bocconcini

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:10:44 PDT

This is one of those staple meals to add to your repertoire when you might not be feeling all that creative in the kitchen. At least that was what this meal was for me. It pretty much has all a girl could ask for in a meal. Al dente pasta, seasoned juicy turkey meatballs, cherry tomatoes, which soften and break down during the cooking process, and mozzarella cheeeeesssseeee balls. If you

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:34:06 PDT

Remember Stouffer's French Bread Pizza? I say remember like they don't still make them and sell them. I guess it's just been that long since I've had one. Although, back in the day, I would get a taste for one every now and then. Well this is like a grown up, sophisticated version. Isn't that just mouthwatering. Let me just say shrimp scampi + ricotta cheese / french bread = goodness in the

Lobster Rolls...two ways

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:42:58 PDT

When it comes to seafood, lobster is the king. It's the kind of king that requires you to don a bib before enjoying his delicousness to avoid making an unsightly mess. Yet people seem to do it without hesitation. Shrimp and crab are my shellfish of choice. I prefer the kind of shellfish that requires a ton of napkins without having to revert back to infancy. But that doesn't mean I won't

Market Salad

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:11:21 PDT

I have a few minor obsessions. Don't we all. Most are related, some aren't, but don't judge. Just hear me out first. Obsession #1: I'm probably overly obsessed with food blogs, obviously. Obsession #2: I'm a tad bit OCD which is translated into my obsession for a clean kitchen and me washing dishes...by hand. No dishwasher! And no help from company on this one, except my mother. It even took

Just Because

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:11:00 PDT

... I love this new pitcher I purchased as a souvenir during a recent trip to Mexico ... I think these flowers are fun and beautiful ... the combination simply brightens the room and my mood, so maybe it'll do the same for you ENJOY :)

Tequila Lime Chicken w/ Pico de Gallo

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:13:49 PDT

We are knee deep into summertime so that means grilling is in full swing at our house. Mr. Foodie and I share the responsibility in that I do all the prep (honestly, all the hard work) and he mans the grill, pun intended. It all works out for me because it is HOT outside by the grill even when we try to wait until early evening to actually put the food on the grill. He generally doesn't

Classic Banana Bundt Cake

noreply@blogger.com (nita scot) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:29:57 PDT

I am determined to make this cake for my wedding reception. We have decided that we don't really want a big, traditional wedding cake. We'll probably have a simple two tier cake for the obligatory photo-op. Hopefully, my dear friend at Sweet Tooth Cake Design will do the honor since I've been asking her for two years already :) My vision is for a homemade dessert table. My mom's delicious