There Is No Cure for Veggie Fries -- this is more than just St. Patrick's

We are in a veggie fries frenzy. It started as we were experimenting with a healthy version of 50/50 fries a while back. The dish itself was simple -- oven baked fries consisting of 50% of potato and 50% of sweet potato. We would eat a whole tray during dinner, and another tray afterwards while watching certain Netflix shows.

It took 5 minutes to prepare but the enjoyment lasted hours. Eventually we asked ourselves, is potato & sweet potato really the limit? Of course not! We have had great success with carrot sticks, kale chips, asparagus, and many many more.

 Here is a snap shot of a version for St Patrick's Day. Did you notice the color semblance between the dish and the Irish flag?

(Warning!) Addictive One-step Green Hummus

I used to laugh at folks making a big scene about coffee addiction, until I started to get headaches in Asia without it. I realized I was having five mugs (not cups) of coffee a day, finding it soothing to have a cup of joe in my hand. I sort of sensed it was not a good thing but simply could not stop.  Finally, I decided to give it up for two weeks during Christmas break for a change. The first couple days were TOUGH. I was never aware how MUCH I was relying on those cup of dark liquids that pulled me through numerous papers and assignments in college, and warmed my spirit and soul through many winter days. I have given it up almost completely now, except for the occasional treat of a foamy cappuccino.

Last weekend, I found myself in the very same situation: I was UNABLE to stop eating the green hummus made for St. Patrick's Day gathering. Danger! Danger!! Lights started flashing. I was glad that our guests were willing to take some home, so that I was not exposed to long term seduction. Though on a second thought, it easy quite healthy and easy enough to make, so...

Family Gathering for St Patrick's Day with an Awesome (Healthier) Soda Bread

This post is a bit delayed -- we've been having guests over for dinner EVERY SINGLE NIGHT since Saturday, and there was simply not enough time left for blogging besides all the lab stuff and fun gatherings. But I'm ready to share the party that kick-started everything -- the family gathering to celebrate St Patrick's Day. D's got some real Irish blood in his vein, have lived in Ireland, loves a real Guinness and has a harp tattoo on his back -- in case you are wondering why we were so eager and had the celebration party way before actual day and the parade! Our guests were awesome -- they spread green and joy everywhere in our loft. 

Together we shared corned a great time over black velvet, green hummus, beef and cabbage, Irish flag oven fries, almond butter coconut cookies, and this Irish soda bread.