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My Ultimate Avocado Toast (Also, Hi!)

February 4, 2018 by Erica

My Ultimate Avocado Toast | coffeeandquinoa.com

Hi, remember me?

I left this space rather unceremoniously back in 2014, over 3 years ago (eek!). To summarize how I was feeling at the time, I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself surrounding the bog. I compared my photos, recipes, and voice to other bloggers, which isn’t very fair or productive. I was dedicating a lot time and effort to posting regularly, commenting on friends’ blogs, sharing on social media, etc. and after starting a new, more demanding job, it began to feel like a chore. I was no longer posting because I loved the food I made and wanted to share it; I was posting because I thought I should. So I took a “short break” that turned into a 3+ year hiatus. Oops.

But I miss this blog. I like cooking just for myself, but I miss sharing the food I’m proud of here – with you! So I’m planning to give it another shot. I likely won’t post regularly. I’m not going to stay inside all weekend and skip plans with friends to make multiple recipes and photograph them in the daylight. But hey, when I have some free time and make something extra-delicious, you bet I want to share it here.

So, if you’ll have me back, here’s what I made you: my perfect, delicious, can’t-top-it avocado toast. Now maybe the world doesn’t need another avocado toast recipe, blah blah blah, and I kind of think that’s true. But all I know is that if I’ve wanted to eat this for lunch every Saturday and Sunday for the past year, then it’s worth showing you.

If I had a cafe (which I would very much like someday!), this would be on the menu. Over the past year, avocado toast has become one of those things I don’t like to order out because, if I may brag for a second, I like my version better. (Other dishes like that: scrambled eggs, brownies, and even coffee. What are yours?)

This avocado toast is all about that everything bagel seasoning. It was a Trader Joe’s impulse purchase, and I have yet to find another great use for it besides this toast. (If you have one, please share!) But I go through plenty of it, putting it on toast alone.

Other toast makin’ tips:

  • When I’m smearing avocado and egg on top of toast, I like the toast to be pretty crunchy. You don’t want the whole thing to be a mushy texture.
  • I do a 9 minute hard-boiled egg for this. You can try the egg any way you prefer, but hard boiled is my favorite.

OK, only two tips. We’re making brunch, not launching a rocket here.

Serve this toast with a side of fruit for a little slice of brunch heaven!

My Ultimate Avocado Toast | coffeeandquinoa.com

5.0 from 3 reviews
My Ultimate Avocado Toast
 
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My version of the perfect avocado toast is all about the everything bagel seasoning.
Author: Erica
Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 slices of your favorite bread (I like sourdough or one with herbs like dill)
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/4 of a lemon or lime
  • a good pinch or two of salt
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
  1. First, hard boil the eggs. Place 2 eggs in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 9 minutes. Drain and fill with cold water. Once cool, remove the shells and slice.
  2. Toast the bread. For this toast, I like mine pretty crispy.
  3. Mash your avocado with the lemon/lime and salt.
  4. Spread your toast with the mashed avocado. Top with sliced egg, olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Enjoy!
3.2.2807

 

Filed Under: Sandwiches, Vegetarian Tagged With: avocado, brunch, toast

Herbed Tomato Soup with Cornbread Croutons

December 8, 2014 by Erica

Herbed Tomato Soup with Cornbread Croutons | coffeeandquinoa.com

Well hello there! Surprised to see me?

It’s pretty obvious that I’ve been taking a bit of a break from the blog recently. To be honest, it’s been lovely to follow other people’s recipes, only cook at mealtimes, and keep my camera hidden out of site. I think my break will continue for a little while, but I couldn’t keep myself from popping in to share this soup recipe with you.

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Filed Under: Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: tomatoes, vegetarian

Our Wedding Part 2 – The Ceremony

November 28, 2014 by Erica

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

Hi! How was your Thanksgiving? While you transition our of your food coma (or maybe you’re already getting started on leftovers?), let me show you some more wedding photos. If you missed last week’s wedding post, head there first!

When I left off, we weren’t married yet. And after the first look, I was ready to get this party started!

Mikhail Glabets PhotographyOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

The ceremony was held on the lawn at Moraine Farm in front of some big, gnarly pine trees. Thank goodness the weather was nice, because there was no plan B!

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

My dad walked his oldest daughter down the aisle to an acoustic guitar version of Etta James’ “At Last.” I wanted to walk faster, but he told me we needed to walk slowly so everyone had a chance to look at me – especially this guy :)

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

We chose to get married by a justice of the peace, since we’re not religious. JP ceremonies are nice because you get to write them yourself and make them as personal as you want. But one of the only hiccups in the wedding occurred when the JP began to speak… and read the rough draft of the ceremony I’d sent her, rather than the final copy! I wished I could stop everything and get it straightened out, but it’s one of those things that literally no one else besides me noticed.

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

We repeated vows that we wrote together, promising to be each other’s best friend and partner in crime, and to love each other for better and for worse, in laughter and in tears. Fittingly, I was both laughing and crying as I said my vows.

One funny moment was during the ring exchange. Despite our JP, Beverly, warning us that we shouldn’t make a big deal out of it if one of us couldn’t get our ring on… well, we did. Nate had some serious trouble getting his ring past the knuckle, and Beverly asked whether she needed to get out the grease bucket :) Nothing like some comic relief!

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

The whole ceremony lasted maybe 10 minutes. At the end, Beverly announced, “Erica, you may kiss the groom!” So I did.

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

And just like that we were hitched!

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

We walked back down the aisle to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.”

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

All smiles!

We were followed by our bridesmaids and groomsmen, all in groups of 3. Because we ended up with uneven numbers in the bridal party, Nate’s best man Tyler walked with my two sisters, and the rest of the bridesmaids had a groomsman on each arm. As long as everyone got back down the aisle, I was happy!

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

Nate looked so silly with a ring on. I’ve always worn jewelry, but he never does. Two months later, I’m used to it, but I had to laugh at him at first. He looks like a little boy wearing a wedding ring!

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

Nate’s mom and I had an emotional moment after the ceremony – I think she was telling me that she and I are both Mrs. Krahs now. I really like this sweet picture.

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

After the ceremony, it was time for some more formal pictures while everyone else headed straight to cocktail hour. They brought us a tray of our signature cocktails – Tom Collins for him, Paloma for her. I was too happy to drink or eat, though – I took maybe two sips.

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com   Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

When I bought my dress and chose my hairstyle, I wasn’t going for any look in particular – just what I thought would look best on me. But the flowers really tied it all together into a soft, vintage-y look that I loved. It was perfect for the venue, and my mom’s necklace was the finishing touch.

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.comOur Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com   Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

I was also really happy with my hair and makeup, both of which I had professionally done. I mentioned that the hair salon was a bit stressful, but in the end it was worth it. Professional makeup is really an incredible thing! I wish I had those skills. I felt like myself but prettier, which is exactly what I wanted on my wedding day :)

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

The pictures before the ceremony are my favorites – so glad we did those. But these pictures from afterwards do a good job of capturing how happy we were to be married, I think!

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

Still, it was nice that we got so many pictures out of the way early in the day. It allowed the rest of the bridal party to attend all of cocktail hour, too. After just a few minutes, we joined them.

Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com

Cocktail hour and reception pictures coming next week! Have a wonderful long weekend!

Filed Under: Misc. Tagged With: wedding

Blueberry Kale Stem Smoothie

November 26, 2014 by Erica

Blueberry Kale Stem Smoothie | coffeeandquinoa.com

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! Are you just giddy with excitement for mashed potatoes and stuffing? I know I am. Also, I’m giddy about sharing these delicious smoothies with you! But before we get to these slurps of healthy goodness, let;s talk books for a minute.

I just finished reading Gone Girl and it was SO good. I picked it up in the airport last week and pretty much didn’t put it down. When I started reading, I was worried it would be too scary for me – I’m a total wimp when it comes to thrillers of any kind – but it’s not your typical crime novel. I mean, it’s definitely creepy, but it really draws you in. It’s one of those books that is just ALL you can think about until you pick it up again. No spoilers, but on Sunday night I actually dreamed that I was on the run from the law after committing a crime. Nick and Amy are invading my brain!

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Filed Under: Smoothies Tagged With: blueberries, green stuff, kale

Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

November 24, 2014 by Erica

Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad | coffeeandquinoa.com

Thank you for all your sweet comments on Monday’s post! I loved reliving our wedding day through sharing it with you. There are more photos to come, but first I thought we could use some food to tide us over.

I was up early before work last week, making this salad for a Thanksgiving potluck, when it hit me: now it feels like the holidays. I never, ever cook before work – oatmeal or a smoothie is my max! – so it’s a rare occasion that I’m shredding sprouts before my morning cup of coffee. (Should I have kept that to myself so you’d think I’m a super dedicated blogger who whips up blog recipes in the wee hours? Oops.) In real life, morning cooking is limited to the holidays, when there’s so much food to cook and so little time. Such was certainly the case last week! Somehow, slicing kale at an ungodly hour of the morning felt like something special, and I was suddenly ready for all December’s festivities. Isn’t it nice that raw vegetables can put me in the holiday spirit?!

… 

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Filed Under: Salads, Vegetarian Tagged With: brussels sprouts, green stuff, kale, vegetarian

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Welcome

Hi, I'm Erica! I'm a lover of all types of food, although I’m mostly vegetarian these days. I like salad, but I LOVE chocolate. This blog is a place where I try to balance the two.
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Hi, I'm Erica! I'm a lover of all types of food, although I’m mostly vegetarian these days. I like salad, but I LOVE chocolate. This blog is a place where I try to balance the two.

My Ultimate Avocado Toast | coffeeandquinoa.com
Herbed Tomato Soup with Cornbread Croutons | coffeeandquinoa.com
Our Wedding - Part Two | coffeeandquinoa.com
Blueberry Kale Stem Smoothie | coffeeandquinoa.com
Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad | coffeeandquinoa.com
Our Wedding 9.20.14 | coffeeandquinoa.com
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