Happy {Sunset} Friday

Happy Friday!  While it's been cold and foggy for awhile now, it's been making for some amazing sunsets that we've fortunately been getting out to witness on our after work walks.  These pics are from last Saturday when just about everyone on Queen Anne was out and about enjoying the amazing colors in the sky - it just kept getting better and better and these pictures don't nearly do it justice.  Cheers to the weekend, this beautiful place we live in, and post 5pm sunsets!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Crunchy Cheesy Bean Bake

Don't judge this one by my horrible pictures - it really was delish!  I've been wanting to make this Crunchy Cheesy Bean Bake from The Weekday Vegetarians ever since I got the book and when I found we had all of the ingredients already in hand, it was a no brainer for a quick weeknight meal.  It was super simple to put together, and when you get a bite combined with cheese, panko, and tomato-y beans, the flavors are exceptional.  I may experiment next time with adding some lemon juice or more herbs to the beans {or even some kale or spinach} but paired with a crisp green salad this was just perfect {and made great leftovers the next day}.

Crunchy Cheesy Bean Bake

Ingredients

6 Tblsp olive oil, divided

1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Pinch of dried red pepper flakes

Salt & Pepper

1 heaping Tblsp tomato paste

1-14.5oz can diced tomatoes

1 Tblsp dried oregano

2-15oz cans white beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

sprinkle of dried thyme

5 thin slices fresh mozzarella {about 3 oz}

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400.

2. Heat 3 Tblsp oil in deep, large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.  Stir in onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper and cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Add tomato paste, mix in with wooden spoon and cook until it gets toasty and deepens in color.  Stir in tomatoes, oregano, and 1/4 cup water, increase heat to medium-high and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.  Add beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

4. While beans warm, prepare Panko topping.  In small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, remaining 3 Tblsp oil, and a few shakes of dried thyme.  

5. Arrange mozzarella slices over warmed beans, then sprinkle panko mixture around and on slices, covering as much of beans as possible.  Transfer to oven and bake 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serves 4

adapted from the weekday vegetarians

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Urban Hiking {Elliott Bay Trail}

A few weekends back we went for our first urban hike of 2022.  We took it easy, heading down to Seattle Center, Belltown, and then over to the Elliott Bay Trail where we strolled along the water trying to stay warm with the increasing wind and clouds.  For a brief minute we considered grabbing a beer on our way home but with Omicron and crowds we decided against it, instead heading back up the hill to the warm house.  It was a good first venture out and I can't wait for more exploring of the city this year!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Lately I've declared Mondays "Crockpot Mondays" because who really wants to cook at the beginning of the week?  I've been finding all new recipes that are easy to dump in the crockpot in the morning and if the smells wafting up from the kitchen all day are almost too much to stand, then I know I have a winner.  Case in point, this Creamy White Chicken Chili that Christian declared one of his most favorite things I've made.  It was super easy to put together {I chopped all of the veggies the night before so it really was just dump it all in and let it do it's thing}.  The soup was perfect for a chilly day and one I know that we'll be making over and over throughout the winter.  Enjoy!

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped {I might use a second next time for a little more heat}

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp chili powder

salt & pepper

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

4-6 cups low sodium chicken broth

3 oz cream cheese

1 can white beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup salsa verde

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

avocado, limes, cheese, greek yogurt, green onions, etc for serving

Instructions

1. In the bowl of your crockpot, combine onion, garlic, poblanos, jalapeno, cumin, paprika, and chili powder.  Add chicken, stir in broth and cream cheese and season with salt & pepper.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

3. Shred chicken using two forks.  Stir in white beans, salsa verde, cheddar, and cilantro.  Let warm through.

4. Serve topped with desired toppings.

Serves 4-6

adapted from half baked harvest

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{pink skies}

{fast becoming our favorite takeout}

{avocado toast}

{working at the house on a sunny day}

{since everyone else is getting it, why not test?}

{gorgeous saturday}

{perfect day for a car wash along with the rest of the city}

{met market sushi for the win}

{saturday night happy hour}

{lots of pruning}

{ending the weekend with one of our go-to meals}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  I sure love a short work week - can we make that just a regular thing?  Until then, I hope you enjoy this 2 day weekend - hoping for some sunshine, long walks, and yummy food.  Does it get any better?  Cheers!

xoxo,

stephanie marie 

Snow Days {Part II}

Here are some more pics from some very snowy {and very icy} days between Christmas and New Year's.  It was extremely hard to get around both by car and on foot {those hilly, icy streets and sidewalks were not my friend that week!} but it was pretty to see, especially when the sun came out.  I'm just hoping this was our only big snow of the season and we can move along to spring!  Wishful thinking?

things I've learned living through my fair share of seattle snowstorms - if a road says closed, don't even try {this car blocked that street all week long}

don't let the smile fool you - i was not happy it was snowing yet again for the 5th day in a row

xoxo,

stephanie marie