Southwest Salad with Black Beans, Butternut Squash, Corn, and Tomatoes

I just got back from Mexico last last night.  I went to La Paz, which is in Baja California.  My brother and his family is spending several months there, and I went down to visit with my parents.

It was a great trip.  The water was beautiful, it was warm, and I really enjoyed visiting family.  

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Black Beans and Chili Dressing

Happy New Year! The last year went by quickly.  I guess I'm ready for 2018.  I hope 2018 brings change and a little adventure.

I haven't returned to work yet.  I am still at home visiting family.  I fly back tomorrow.  I had a great vacation.

Curry-Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpeas

Christmas is just around the corner.  We are a little over a week away from the big day.  

This week I saw The Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater.  The last time I saw The Christmas Carol I was in high school.  My dad often reads it to us at Christmas time.  He even read it to my mom and I last year. 

Makai Palak - Spinach Corn Curry

I don't know anything about this curry.  I found it because I googled recipes that use kasoori methi.  I have a large quantity of kasoori methi because I made ghormeh sabzi over a month ago.

Kasoori methi is dried fenugreek leaves.  A website called Gourmet Sleuth said it tastes like a combination of celery and fennel.  It is a little bitter.

Yellow Lentil Dal

Another weekend came and flew by.  This summer is going by much too quickly.

I trying to be a little healthier this summer by biking to work more and eating healthier meals.  This lentil dal was tasty and good for my body.  I win all around.

Black Bean Burgers with Mango Salsa

Last weekend I went to Williamsburg.  I have been a few times before, but it is always a fun city to visit.

There is a section of the old part of town that has been converted into colonial Williamsburg.  You enter the shops and see people dressed up in 1770s garb and practicing a time appropriate trade.

Panang Tofu Curry

I'm not going to lie to you; this doesn't look like a very delicious curry.  It is a little bit monochromatic.  Looks can be deceiving.  This tasted better than it looks.

I have made some great curry recipes on this blog.  I have made chicken Prik King, Matter Paneer, beef and vegetable green curry, and Japanese curry rice.

Tomato and Artichoke Gnocchi

I went to a fun Thai restaurant yesterday.  The restaurant doesn't have a set menu.

Each person pays a set amount, and they serve you whatever they made that day.  They served us multiple  dishes.

Navratan Korma

It is starting to feel like summer around here.  Last Saturday, I was outdoors for most of the afternoon, and I was sticky by the end of the day.

My bike ride to work yesterday wasn't as refreshing.  It was more humid and sweaty.  I like summer, but it has its drawbacks.

Mattar Paneer

It's March.  It is my birth month.  I already have my cakes planned out.  

I had narrowed it down to two different types but couldn't decide between the two.  Instead, I am going to make two cakes.  I'm going to have a pre-birthday cake to get into the spirit of things.

Atkilt - Ethiopian Vegetable Bowl

I tried Ethiopian food for the first time when I moved to the DC area several years ago.  There were no Ethiopian restaurants where I grew up.  I have eaten Ethiopian food several times since then, and it has always been delicious.

Whenever I have eaten Ethiopian food, I have eaten it communally  from the same dish.  Various meat and vegetables were arranged in piles on the same dish.   We were also served flat and airy bread.

Baked Sweet Potato with Sautéed Kale and Avocado

I haven't always been a fan of kale.  In reality, I'm not actually a fan of kale, but it can be appropriate and enjoyable in some instances.  When eating kale, it is essential to cook it down for a long time.  Otherwise it is bitter and unpleasant.

There is no denying that it is healthy.  Anything that dark green has to be packed full of vitamins and minerals.  I'm not doing a good job of selling this dish, but it was delicious.

Tomato, Basil, and Feta Salad

I think I'm still trying to hold onto summer with this recipe.  Tomato season is over, but I still don't want to let it go.

The weather this week is supposed to get up to 80 degrees, which doesn't help my body transition into fall.

Tomato, Black Bean, and Corn Salad

Fall is in the air.  It is my favorite season.  I like the crisp weather and the colorful leaves.  I even think the barren leaves at the end of the season are beautiful.  Fall starts getting me excited for my two favorite holidays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

I'm not crazy about winter, but I can survive it.  I have a electric heating pad I put on my bed and warm winter books.

Apple, Caramelized Onion, and Cheddar Pizza with Walnuts

It's Friday! I have officially worked at my new job for three weeks.  I like my new job.  I'm busy, and I'm learning new things.

My new job doesn't have a gym.  I became accustomed to exercising at a gym at my last job.  This month I have been riding my bike to work so often that I haven't felt the need for much more exercise.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Candied Pecans

I have had a long week with little sleep.  Long weeks make me excited for the weekend.  

I slept less than five hours Thursday night.  I need more than five hours of sleep to function properly.  On Friday, I was doing technical analysis all day at work, and my mind wasn't sharp.