Erica

Simple Cucumber Salad

May 24, 2013 by Erica

Simple Cucumber Salad

I looove cucumbers.

There was a whole summer during college when my dinner almost every night consisted of pasta with olive oil and parmesan and a side of peeled, sliced cucumbers. It was the most “cooking” I could handle as a 19-year-old. Possibly not the most nutritious meal, but totally delicious. If I ever find myself eating that these days, it immediately takes me back. And then I hurry to add a beer or glass of wine to my meal, for old time’s sake. The summer I’m talking about was spent in Berlin, after all.

Simple Cucumber Salad

Given my love of plain cucumbers, it’s no surprise that I’ve always loved this simple cucumber salad, which my mom has made for as long as I can remember. It’s easy, tasty, and refreshing… and does anyone else think cucumbers are kind of fun to slice? It’s the perfect side dish for a Memorial Day barbecue or picnic.

And dare I say that it tastes amazing with steak tips?

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Cancun

May 23, 2013 by Erica

Cancun

I’ve bragged a million times over the past few weeks that Nate and I were going on a trip to Mexico this past weekend. I guess that tends to happen when I’m looking forward to something! In any case, we got home Monday night, so I thought I’d do a little trip recap for you.

You might remember me mentioning a while ago that I had been nominated for employee of the year at work. Well, I didn’t win. (But that’s OK – I definitely did not expect to!) Even so, all the nominees got to go on this group trip to Cancun and bring their significant other, paid for by my company.

It was my first time to Mexico. We were pretty excited!

Cancun

We stayed at the Hard Rock Cancun, which is an all-inclusive resort on the beach there. I don’t have anything to compare it to, never having been anywhere similar before, but it was pretty nice. They had a pool with swim-up bars, a beach, a few restaurants, etc.

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Raw Detox Salad with Apple Miso Dressing

May 22, 2013 by Erica

Raw Detox Salad with Apple Miso Dressing

We’re back from Mexico!

Translation: It’s time for this detox salad.

Raw Detox Salad with Apple Miso Dressing

Did I mention that we leave for a wedding on the East Coast on Friday morning? This is going to have to be some quick detoxing.

We didn’t go too crazy with the food and drink on our little vacation, buuut we were staying at an all-inclusive resort. AKA I had ice cream at lunch everyday (amazing!). Also, one night we tried about four dessert wines. They were reeeeally good. I’m hoping to do a little trip recap later in the week with pictures etc., so stay tuned. In any case, some healthy food can’t hurt over the next few days.

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Elote (Mexican Corn Dip)

May 20, 2013 by Erica

Elote (Mexican Corn Dip)

What better way to start off the week than already looking forward to the long weekend?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking forward to Memorial Day for quiiiite some time. Like, January 2nd? My company gives no days off between New Year’s and Memorial Day, and it is a pretty brutal stretch with no break. Then again, I’m currently getting paid to be in Mexico, so I probably have to take that back. But. Memorial Day means summer is here, barbecues are here, long weekends are here. Finally.

Elote (Mexican Corn Dip)

This recipe came to me from my lovely friend and ex-roommate of two years, Martha. She suggested elote, which I had never heard of before, when I was looking for a recipe for anything but guacamole to bring to a barbecue a few weeks ago. I never think that bringing guacamole is a bad idea, I just knew that I would likely be going up against at least three other guacamoles if I did bring it. I just wanted something a little different, you know? Elote was the perfect thing to get me out of my dip rut.

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