Food Joney Merry

The Summer Salad That Will Make You Love Kale

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image source: colleen kennedy — IMAGE SOURCE: COLLEEN KENNEDY

Up until a few years ago, most people didn’t have a clue what in the world kale was, what to do with it, or how healthy or versatile it truly is. Nowadays, kale is a household word. But is it really all that it was promised to be by the health gods?

I thought my favorite way to enjoy this leafy green was either sautéed with bacon, or stuffed inside of a pork loin … so basically in the least healthy ways possible. But, nope! Turns out, my favorite way to enjoy it is this incredibly delicious and simple to make Grilled Chicken & Kale Salad with cranberries, carrots, and almonds tossed with a balsamic lemon vinaigrette.

Honestly, it’s one of the best bites I have had in a while. It was inspired by a salad I discovered from a gourmet shop in New Hope, PA.

The secret to this salad?

Massaging the kale. It is a must! Taking a few minutes to work your hands into the kale, kneading and tossing it, makes all the difference in the world. It tames the beast that is kale and makes it softer, smoother, and so deliciously easy to eat.

Once massaged, it’s a great vehicle for the flavors and add-ins. And the chicken turns it into a hearty meal. Add a bottle of wine and a hunk of warm bread, and it’s a perfect weeknight dinner! My husband, who is a bit of a caveman when it comes to his meals, absolutely loves it! That right there says something.

Bonus: Because of kale’s texture and resilience, this salad is just as delicious to eat on day two. It holds up beautifully (and makes a stellar lunch).

Grilled Chicken and Kale Salad

Makes: 2 main course servings

Ingredients:Salad:
1 head kale
1 tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup slivered almonds
2 grilled chicken breasts (seasoned with your favorite salt mixture or with some Kosher salt & pepper)

Balsamic Lemon Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup grapeseed or olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt & pepper
2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)

Directions:1. Wash and dry your kale. Slice the green leaves from the stems (which are too tough to enjoy). Chop kale into bite-sized pieces/ribbons and place in a large bowl. Drizzle oil over the kale and massage the leaves for 60-90 seconds. Here is a15-second Instagram video of mine showing you how to do it. Set it aside.

2. In a lidded jar, combine the vinaigrette ingredients — vinegar, oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and sugar. Shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust to your preference if necessary. Set aside.

3. Grab your bowl of massaged kale, add in the cranberries, carrots, and almonds. Drizzle in some of the vinaigrette and toss well. Slice the grilled chicken and serve atop the salad. Drizzle chicken with a little vinaigrette and serve.

(http://www.babble.com/)

Family-Style Shrimp Scampi: No Plates or Utensils Needed!

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After a particularly difficult week, my mother called all of us kids to dinner. There were six of us, and I think my sweet mother had more than a few “difficult” days. We rushed downstairs (the dinner hour was everyone’s favorite hour) but, nothing was on the table. Mom stood at the head of the table, as we all wondered where dinner was. Then said, “Now everyone, meet me under the table.” We all ducked down to discover our dinner was all set up BENEATH the table. Mom had arranged an entire picnic for us, complete with a blanket, basket, lemonade, and sandwiches. And we thought it was ahhhmazing!

This wild and wacky idea born in the middle of mommy chaos was just what six little girls (and one frazzle mama) needed that day. In a matter of minutes — as we sat giggling over the absurdity of our under-the-table dinner — all fears melted into unexpected smiles. Dinner morphed one bad day into utter delight!

This little lesson from my mom has helped me many times, now that I have children of my own. I now look for opportunities to make dinner more than just dishes and utensils on a table, and love serving our family with fun and surprising experiences.

This Shrimp Scampi is one of those fun ideas — dinner served out of one big skillet set in the center of the table. Such a great way to shake up our routine. Gather your kids, and invite them to dive in “family style.” No plates needed! No utensils allowed!

Simple and delicious, this dish will give everyone the night off from setting the table. Just place your skillet in the center of the table, and encourage your kiddos to dip big pieces of crusty French bread into the scrumptiously buttery sauce, and enjoy a tasty meal. And only one dish to be done at the end of the night!

My kids actually made the entire meal. It was easy for the younger ones to dip and dredge the shrimp. The teens pan-fried the shrimp until golden. The grownups tossed white wine in at the end to make the sauce. And everyone loved the idea of eating with napkins, bread, and one great big skillet. After taking her first dip into the sauce, my finicky teen grabbed another piece of bread and said, “Holy epic mom. This sauce is freaky good.”

And with that raving review, here’s how to make this freaky, epic (simple and delicious) dinner:

Start by prepping your shrimp, it’s wondrously easy. Simply dip the shrimp in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and a smidgen of paprika (optional, but it will give your final shrimp that gorgeous golden-red hue once fried).

Place your flour-coated shrimp on a plate. Once everything has been dredged in flour, it’s time to cook them until golden in olive oil or butter.

Heat about 1/4 cup of butter (or olive oil) over medium-high heat. Then add the shrimp, cooking until crisp and medium golden before you flip and cook on the other side.

Tip: Cooking just a few shrimp at a time works best. If you crowd the pan, the shrimp will get too moist and mushy. So, stick to cooking 6-12 shrimp per batch until they’re all done.

Once the shrimp have cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside while you make the sauce.

Now it’s time for garlic. Once the garlic is browned, add white wine to the pan.

Chef’s Note: Classic scampi sauce calls for a white wine reduction. The alcohol in the wine will cook out as the liquid simmers. But, if you’re an alcohol-free home, you can use any one of the booze-free white wine options available in the beverage section of most grocery stores. Look for something that’s touted as “dry,” as you don’t want it too sweet. A mock Sauvignon Blanc is a great swap-in for the real stuff.

With white wine (or mock wine) added to the skillet, all you have to do is boil until the sauce thickens, and the wine is reduced in half. It will take about 8-10 minutes.

Once the sauce is ready, put your shrimp back into the skillet. Garnish with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Then serve with warm, crusty bread (and not a spoon to be found!). Your kids are absolutely going to love this dish!

Family-Style Shrimp Scampi

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika (optional)
1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled with tails on
1 cup butter (or olive oil)6 cloves garlic4 cups white wine (or alcohol-free)1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
1 loaf crusty bread (warmed in oven)

Directions:
1. Mix together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Dip shrimp into mixture, coating each piece of shrimp on both sides.

2. Place 1/4 cup butter (or olive oil) in a skillet and heat over medium until hot. Watch the butter so it doesn’t burn. As soon as it becomes hot, cook 6-12 shrimp at a time in the hot butter. Cook until golden brown on both sides, then transfer cooked shrimp to a plate. Add 2 more tablespoons of butter/olive oil (if needed) and continue to fry the shrimp until all are cooked. Add butter as needed to keep the skillet well greased.

3. Once all the shrimp is cooked, add any remaining butter to the skillet, add garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in white wine. (Be careful! The wine might flame when you first pour it in. If it does, just blow out the flame.) Whisk and boil until the wine reduces, about 8-10 minutes.

4. Add shrimp back into skillet. Garnish with salt and pepper (to taste), fresh parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, if desired. Serve with crusty bread.

Note: Because the skillet will be hot, we recommend transferring the sauce and shrimp to a unheated skillet before serving on a table and sharing with children.

(http://www.babble.com/)

SNEAK PEEK: TARTE TARTELETTE AMAZONIAN CLAY MATTE PALETTE PHOTOS & SWATCHES

Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette

Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette ($44.00 for 0.64 oz.) includes twelve matte eyeshadows. It’s part of Tarte’s spring collection, which will debut officially in January, but early access is available now through November 21st. I should have a review up tomorrow, so please hold questions until I have had a chance to write my review up!

See more photos & swatches!

Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette

Tarte Free Spirit Eyeshadow

Tarte Force of Nature Eyeshadow

Tarte Dreamer Eyeshadow

Tarte Multi-Tasker Eyeshadow

Tarte Caregiver Eyeshadow

Tarte Natural Beauty Eyeshadow

Tarte Best Friend Eyeshadow

Tarte Bombshell Eyeshadow

Tarte Super Mom Eyeshadow

Tarte Wanderer Eyeshadow

Tarte Power Player Eyeshadow

Tarte Fashionista Eyeshadow

Alexis Bittar: Accessories That Will Transform Your Look

Alexis Bittar is described as “One Of The Greatest Jewelry Designers Of The 21st Century”.

He went from hawking his wares on the streets of New York, to selling his eponymous jewelry collections in more than 34 countries around the globe. Equal parts wearable art and ‘40s Bakelite-inspired accessories, Bittar’s vision had staying power. To this day, each piece is hand-carved, hand-painted, and hand-polished before landing in Alexis Bittar boutiques and department stores around the world.

Check out some of our favourite pieces from his Summer 2015 Collection. Enjoy!

Visit and Shop Alexis Bittar

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Visit and Shop Alexis Bit

(http://www.fashionstylemag.com/)

How to Dress for Your Body Shape

Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best. There are plenty of fashion trends every year, but this does not mean you should wear them all. Whether you’re a petite hourglass or an inverted triangle, get tips on how to love your body and to dress for your figure.

Hourglass Body Shape

If you have such body type then your shoulders and hips are relatively equal in size, while your waistline is thinner, and in the end your body looks like and hourglass. You do not need to worry and try to hide your body, so avoid big clothes that will just cover you up. Accentuate your curves as much as you can and never try to hide them. Try with a pair of pants or jeans that will accentuate your natural waistline and will follow the curves of your legs. A wrap dress is another perfect example of what you should wear. Wrap the belt of the dress around your waistline to accentuate it. Another flattering piece of clothing is a V-neck top which will help you flatter your curves without exaggerating them. And if it is close-fitted it would be even better because it will also flatter your waistline. Combine it with a skirt that follows your natural silhouette, and you will look amazing.

DON’T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
DO wear fitted dresses.
DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
DO try wrap dresses.
DO go for high-waisted skirts to show off your hips.
DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.

Stylist: Aneliya Vasilieva

(http://www.fashionstylemag.com/)

How To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

Interested in how to make your eyes look bigger? No problem! Whether you have smaller set eyes or simply want to make them pop, there are a variety of fantastic eye makeup tips that can help you. It mostly comes down to technique, so you may have to practice a few times in order to get your makeup the way you want it. Don’t worry, though, it’s really easy once you’ve gotten enough practice. If you check out these clever ways to make your eyes look bigger, your peepers will be poppin’ in no time!

1. Use White Eye Shadow

You actually don’t have to smear your eyelids with white shadow if you’re learning how to make your eyes look bigger. Rather, use a pencil or a shadow to dot some white right against the inner corners of your #eyes. That will make the whites #look brighter and it will open up your eyes, instantly making you doe eyed

2. Take Care of Your Lashes

There are a lot of #makeup tips concerned with your eyelashes. You definitely want to use #mascara, but first you should curl your eyelashes. That gives them some body and helps open your eyes wider, because your #eyes themselves aren’t so obscured by your lashes. You can use false #eyelashes if you’re comfortable with that, but stick to the single lash applications and just add a little thickness. Also, don’t do anything to your lower lashes; it’s too cluttered, and can actually make your eyes #look smaller. If you do it, be very careful, but think about just adding color with eyeliner instead.

Photos: Pinterest

(http://www.fashionstylemag.com/)

Featured Posts

Food Joney Merry

Grilled Chicken and Kale Salad

Family-Style Shrimp Scampi

See more photos & swatches!

Food Joney Merry