Salad Obsession

Good morning! I'm hoping that the rain holds up today because I am craving some sunshine! I don't think it's in the cards though.

Last night I hit the gym and had a so-so workout. My head was totally in it, but my body just said 'No thanks!'...has that ever happened to you? I powered through, but it was not a pretty one.

After the gym, I came home and set myself up on the couch. Shaun started playing in a basketball league here in Jersey City so he was out for the night. I was excited to make a 'dinner for one' {and catch up on Parenthood} since it's usually a lot easier and less time consuming...mainly because I'm happy eating just about anything!

I started with a few slices of cheese and some crackers. I also threw together a fantastic salad, reminiscent of the one that Kimberly made for our mom's birthday brunch!

In the mix were spring greens, dried cranberries, goat cheese and a honey-balsamic vinaigrette.

You guys, I am seriously obsessed with this salad. It hits all the flavor notes...sweet from the cranberries and honey, tart and creamy from the goat cheese, sharp from the balsamic...it's a fantastic flavor combination. I usually could take or leave a salad, but when any sort of fruit and cheese is involved, creating a sweet and savory combination, I'm all over it. Thanks to Kimberly for bringing it into my life!

The best part is that this could easy be changed up so many ways and I can't wait to try it! I'm thinking blue cheese and pears (recreating my all time favorite salad from Nordstrom Cafe), strawberries and feta, dried cherries and goat cheese...the possibilities are endless!

So tell me, what's your favorite salad? And what's your favorite way to do dinner for one?

Some Things You Should Know

Good morning! I'm recovering from a great night! I went to see Jersey Boys with Shaun, my sister Kimberly, my cousin Alyson and my Aunt Janet. I had seen it once before a few years ago and it's still my favorite Broadway show right now. The songs are fantastic and the story is just fun. Four Seasons on loop will now commence...

So for today's What About Me Wednesday, I'm bringing you just a few things about me. There's been a lot of new readers commenting and finding the site, so I thought it would be fun to give some basic info. If you've been hanging around the blog for a while (love you!) then you may know some of the below...but stick around for the photos at least :)

6 Things About Me

Shaun and I live in Jersey City. We rented an apartment on the waterfront (holy views!) for 2 years when we were first married.

The Avid Appetite was born in this little kitchen...linoleum and appliances circa 1985 and all.

In 2010, we purchased our first home (!!!) a loft-style condo further inland in Jersey City. We lost the views {sad face}, but gained lots of space and a terrace.

and a sweet, avid kitchen to boot.

I have a Bachelor’s and Masters Degree from NYU. When I was 14 I decided that NYU was the place for me after my dad brought me with him to work on a bright and sunny spring day. At the time, his office was on East 4th St and Lafayette. We took the Path from Jersey City to 9th Street and walked through Washington Square Park to get there. I was instantly smitten and my love has never wavered.

Dad & me at one of many pre-graduation celebrations, NYU circa 2004
In my ‘day job’, I work in brand licensing. I began my career in Global Toys at Sesame Street (yep, it kind of was just like Big!)

Sesame Workshop holiday party, circa 2006 (I think)and moved onto working for a brand licensing agency in 2009, where I also get to do quite a bit of writing (score!).

My family vacations in Aruba every summer.

It was also the home of our 2008 beach wedding where 80 of our closest friends & family joined us to ring in the occasion. It was by far the best week of my life.

Who’s Who. In addition to Shaun, my husband, best friend, ultimate TAA taste tester and champion of the blog, my writing and me in general...

I am super close with my amazing parents and my 2 sisters, Kimberly & Christine, are my best friends in the world. You’ve probably heard me mention them a lot on here, and if not, well you will :)

Shaun and I have been to 6 European countries. We've traveled to Germany, France, Czech Republic (Prague), Hungary (Budapest), Sweden (Stockholm) and Estonia (Tallinn). We plan to add 2 more spots to our roster this May...we're going to Spain (Madrid) and Switzerland (Zurich)!

Charles Bridge, Prague

Medieval Tallinn, Estoniaat the World Cup in Germany, 2006

So there you have it. Just a bit about me. Now it's your turn. What about you? Share some details with me in the comments!

Loaded Butterscotch Blondies + Salted Chocolate Glaze

There are not many weekends when I have free time. So when Shaun had a live fantasy baseball draft on Saturday, which took up most of the day, I got my bake on. I usually don't bake unless it's with a purpose. In fact, I hate having baked goods around the house since Shaun is not a dessert fan so guess who ends up eating most of it?! I swear, I have the too-tight jeans to prove it.

But I was looking for a calming activity. Whenever I feel stressed, I find baking to be super therapeutic. With a photo like that, can you blame me?

So with nary a party or gathering to speak of, I got a hankering to get a little creative. The end result? Blondies filled with butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips and walnuts. A glaze worthy of my permanent recipe collection. And the tiny hit of sea salt on top? There aren't words. This tiny touch ties the entire dessert together in a sweet, salty and savory little package of spectacular deliciousness. Seriously. Just look at those sweet little flakes of salt! Ahhh I just want to devour one right now. I probably will. Please don't judge me.

Loaded Butterscotch Blondies + Salted Chocolate Glaze
*Adapted from America's Test Kitchen
For the blondies:
1 1/2 C all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C brown sugar
12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 C walnuts, chopped
1/3 C butterscotch chips
1/3 C white chocolate chips
cooking spray
For the glaze:
1 C confectioners' sugar
1/2 C semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter
2+ tbsp boiling water
kosher or sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13x9" baking dish with foil, one sheet lengthwise and one sheet the opposite way, making sure to leave some overhang. Coat with cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together. Add the eggs and vanilla and combine.

Fold in the flour mixture. I used a rubber spatula. Add the butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips and chopped nuts and fold until just combined.

Pour into the baking dish and smooth into an even layer.

Bake for about 22-25 minutes until the top is slightly firm. Let the blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, grasp the foil to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wooden cutting board. Cut into squares and drizzle with chocolate glaze.

To make the glaze, melt the chocolate (I used the microwave, at 15 second intervals. It cooks quickly so be sure not to burn it). Melt the butter and whisk together with the sugar and hot water. If the mixture is too thick, add another splash of water to thin out into drizzleable consistency. Get your drizzle on over the blondies. Sprinkle just a touch of sea salt or kosher salt over the top. Devour multiple bars immediately.

Isn't it pretty? It's calling your name.

About half the tray called mine. Those jeans aren't fitting anytime soon.

So there you have it. The tale of how I spent my solo Saturday afternoon. Oh this and watching Bethenny Ever After. Yep, it happened. 3 episodes worth. So what do you think? What is your best therapy? How do you unwind?