Ben and I had ourselves a good ol’ fashioned evening out last night. We started with happy hour at our favorite British Pub, Royal Mile.

Royal Mile is chill, cozy and they have a great selection of beer.

TGIF – I say!

I ordered a Blue Chimay.

This is Ben’s favorite beer of all time and now I know why. It’s absolutely delicious! With 9% alcohol, though, you only need one.

Only one Chimay, that is. Other beers are not off limits!.  

I tried this Wells Banana Bread Beer next, and it was AWESOME! I mean, it didn’t taste exactly like banana bread, but it was fruity and banana bread-ish. Yummy.

After a couple hours, and a couple beers, we were STARVING. Lucky for us, the Italian American Heritage Festival was taking place just a couple blocks away. Wheee!!!!

I HEART the Italian American festival. You are always guaranteed some great people watching, great music and GREAT food.

This year it took place on one of the bridges downtown.

Iowa has suffered from some terrible, terrible flood damage this summer. Downtown has seen the very least of the damage, but you can see how high the river levels are.

Rising water aside, we were ready to chow!

We walked past the bocce ball tournament area, the music stages,

Crowd involvement!

past the neighborhood folks sipping on bottles of wine.

It was PACKED!

For an "appetizer," we hit up the Tumea & Sons Restaurant tent. The line was super long, and when the line is long, the food is usually good!

We asked what their specialty was, and the girl working said we had to get their seasoned, house rolls.

Whabam! Holy moly – flavor city!

Soft, chewy and packed with spicy, zesty Italian flavor. We gobbled.

For our entree, we located the Cosi Cucina tent for some pasta.

They were handing out samples of Zili Cucina Pasta, which I could have eaten by the bucketful,  it was so amazing,

but we decided to share a large order of the Smoked Chicken Pasta.

No words. Ok – creamy, but light. Smokey and savory. This was sooooooooo good!!!!!!!

We stayed and chatted with a couple friends we ran into,

then called it a night with, what else, mini doughnuts!! So necessary. So incredible. The best mini doughnuts I’ve ever had, actually! Like a mixture of a cake doughnut and a fried, un-glazed one. Spectacular!!!

It got to be about 8:30 and Ben and I felt ourselves turning into pumpkins.

So home we headed! What a great way to wrap up our week!

Well, I’m on the hunt for breakfast, then I literally have nothing to do this morning. Love it!

See ya!

Related posts:

1. Viva Las Vegas: Day 2
2. Viva Las Vegas: Day 1
3. Viva Las Vegas: Day 3

The weather was fantastically Fall-like last night, so I threw open all the windows and doors, and slept to the sounds of the cicadas.

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I frequently give shout outs to my beloved cicadas. True, they’re disgusting insects that most people loathe, but to me, they’re the sounds of summer and actually lull me to sleep!

This morning’s Mom walk was perfectly crisp as well and afterwards I got down on an insane breakfast combo - Tropical Greek Yogurt Parfait.

I actually had the wonderful dilemma of having too MANY choices for breakfast! Peach smoothie? Almond butter toast? Pumpkin Pankcakes? Oatgurt?

How about a Pineapple Chobani Greek Yogurt topped with a juicy mango and crunchy Nature’s Path Pumkin Flax Plus Granola?!

Ding, ding, ding!!!

omg I can’t even… Ok. This was amazing. Tropical, creamy and I adore that crunchy granola. If you haven’t given mangoes a try because you’re unsure as to how to cut them – check out my How To Cut a Mango tutorial. It’s so easy – I promise!

More food in bowls – Sweet Corn Soup and Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels for lunch! 

Gosh this soup is good. It’s one of those soups that you could add anything to, and it’d make it even better. Have some zucchini or squash? Add those puppies right in. Sun-dried tomatoes? Sure, why not? The more, the merrier!

I like to season simple soups like this with a TON of pepper. It totally pops.

The stash of peanut butter filled pretzels that my in-laws sent me is dwindling quickly. Probably becuase, cough, a certain husband of mine, cough, can’t keep his paws out of the bag. Cough!

Is it noon yet?

I think we’re supposed to get some storms later today, which I feel is only fair since it’s been so wonderfully wonderful here lately. I wouldn’t hate it – as long as it stops before 5:00pm. I forsee a nice run and perhaps a cold beverage enjoyed on a patio in my future this evening?!

TGIF, guys!

~~~~~

Do you keep a stash of “just for me” foods at your house? Items that others are “encouraged” not to touch?

Mine includes chocolate. You never touch a woman’s chocolate stash without expecting to face consequences!

Related posts:

1. The Dwindling Stash
2. Fun Fact Friday: New Food Experience!
3. Free Food Coupon & Advice Needed!

It’s now painfully slow to load and respond to emails, buttons have been re-arranged, people are being forced to upgrade their browsers in order to access their email, etc. I especially hate the stupid orange icon that’s supposed to look like a piece of flying mail!

I think the thing I’m most upset about, though, is the fact that users weren’t given the option to upgrade their accounts. Way to go and ruffle millions of people’s feathers, Microsoft. Bad!

Luckily, a program manager for the company heard my pathetic tweets and he’s been direct messaging with me about my gripes. I’ll fill you other new Hotmail haters in if I get any deets on how to switch back to our beloved “classic” view.

Oh, and, before you say what I know a lot of you want to say….I know. I know this is what I get for using something as ancient as Hotmail to manage my emails. What can I say, Hotmail and I are OG!!!

On a happier note, I made a fresh summer soup for dinner – Sweet Corn Soup!

I know, I know. It’s almost August, hot as blazes out there, and I made soup for dinner?! Well, I had 4 ears of local sweet corn on my hands and knew this fresh tasting soup would be just the place for ‘em!

It came together in no time and I started by sautéing onions & garlic in EVOO seasoned with lots of S&P. I added broccoli, turkey kielbasa and my sweet corn, sautéed, then added a can of creamed corn and 2 cans of chicken broth.

I let it bubble away for about 20 minutes and voila! A light, summer soup featuring crispy-sweet corn, smokey kielbasa and a fabulous texture!

I served some crispy, salty Terra Chips on the side.

The company sent me the chips to try and they miiiiiiight be the most addicting things I’ve had in awhile.

I love the ingredient list,

but I love the TASTE even more!

Light, crispy and they really taste like the veggies they started out as.

Chip calories don’t count when they started out as veggies, right?

Well the cool & mild weather I enjoyed on my morning run continued throughout the day, and it’s turned out to be an absolutely PLEASANT night. Cross your fingers that I can convince Ben to take a ride to the ice cream shop with me?!

Have a great night guys – Friday’s so close, I can SMELL it!

!!!!!

~~~~~

Do you ever make or eat soup in the summer?

What do you use for email?

Related posts:

1. Butter Fingers
2. Summer Grill Menu
3. A Few of My Favorite Things…

This morning I got up extra early and pounded out 4.5 miles in the cool, morning air. Full confession: I wanted to stop after 3 miles, but repeated my new favorite mantra – “Pain is temporary. Accomplishment is forver!” – and kept on going. I’ve been stopping at 4 miles lately, so going the extra .5 made me feel even better.  

In other news, what do you do when you open your fridge and find two different brands of almond butter, both with the same flavor profile?!

You have a battle of the nut butters!

In one corner we’ve got MaraNatha Creamy Almond Butter with a hint of Sea Salt. In the other corner we have Trader Joe’s Creamy Almond Butter with Sea Salt.  

Right away, you can see the difference. The MaraNatha brand almond butter is much lighter than its Trader Joe’s counterpart and, consistency wise, TJ’s has a lock on thickness.

But what about the taste?!

I slathered some MaraNatha almond butter on a toasted Thin Bun and chowed down.

Very mild with just a teensy tiny hint of sea salt.

I would say this brand and flavor would be good for first timers. It’s definitely one of the more mild tasting almond butters I’ve tried!

Now, if the MaraNatha almond butter was a sweet, 10-year old girl, then the Trader Joe’s almond butter would be its sassy, teenage sister!

It’s got a much more deep and roasted flavor and the hint of sea salt is stronger. It’s definitely not salty tasting – the hint is just a bit more hintier than the MaraNatha brand.

Both delish and good for different applications. I like the strong, roasted flavor of Trader Joe’s AB to pair with a super sweet apple, and the milder MaraNatha is great for some good ol’ toast. Take your pick!

I didn’t have the desire or energy to pack a lunch last night, so I grabbed some goodies from all corners of the kitchen instead.

A Peanut Butter Cookie Larabar from the pantry.

ps the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip one from last night? EPIC!!!!

A juicy peach from the fruit bowl.

And a Blueberry Chobani Greek Yogurt from the fridge!

GTL GTG.

Time to get this show on the road, friends!

Hoping you have a wonderful Thursday – TGIAF!

~~~~~

Three Question Thursday, baby!!!

1. Right now I feel ______.

2. The most delicious thing I’ve eaten recently is ______.

3. This weekend, I’m most looking forward to ______.

My answers:

1. Accomplished!

2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabar. Hands down! Ok – those fresh blackberries I got at the store are pretty life changing as well.

3. Going to the National Balloon Classic, and hopefully catching a ride on a hot air ballooooon!!!

Related posts:

1. MaraNatha Nut Butter Giveaway + Dessert for Breakfast!
2. Time is On My Side
3. The One Side I Can’t Resist

Growing up, I remember getting so annoyed when 5:30pm rolled around, and I had to turn off whatever I was watching (probably Daria) so she could watch the news while cooking dinner. What a brat I was!

Want to know what else reminds me of my mom cooking? The Wheel of Fortune theme song. If 6:00 rolled around and she hadn’t remembered to change the channel before it came on, you’d hear a little shriek coming from the kitchen as the “Wheel. Of. FORTUNE!!!!” chant came through the tv. She has a serious Wheel of Fortune phobia. Don’t ask!

Anyways! Remember when I won a free year supply of eggs? (Random!) Well, I finally cashed in a coupon and got myself a dozen!

Smooth, shiny & white, Eggland’s Best Eggs. Farm fresh and delicious.

I cracked 1 full egg + 2 egg whites into a bowl that I got from Blue Bunny,

and giggled a bit when I realized it was a “cold activated” bowl. The parts touching the cold egg turned blue! Cool!

I added some dashes of salt, pepper and Franks Wing Sauce, then scrambled them up in a hot skillet with some baby spinach.

One toasted English Muffin, and a melted slice of cheddar cheese later, I had an easy, breezy Breakfast Sandwich for dinner! 

This was absolutely delicious, and took about 3 minutes to make. And, hello, can we talk about the CHEESE?

Melty, chewy, mild cheddar cheese. The best.

Served with half a ‘loupe.

They’re practically giving cantaloupe away this time of year, and at ~100 calories for HALF an entire ‘loupe – it’s a great addition to any meal.  

OMG, I keep forgetting to tell you guys – I got the new Larabar flavors!!!!!!!!!!!! Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Brownie & Carrot Cake!!!!! The folks at Larabar so KINDLY sent them to me to try and I am forever in their debt.

I demolished the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bar last night and, seriously? SERIOUSLY! Best bar yet. BEST BAR YET! How does Larabar do it? How do they make these bars taste even better than the real thing? I’ll never understand it.

Tonight I think I’m going for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar. Because I don’t have enough peanut butter at home, or anything.

Off to chomp and write. Have a wonderful night!

Related posts:

1. Twist on a Bar Food Favorite
2. A Velvety-Smooth Breakfast Combo!
3. My “Just For Me” Food Stash

It’s a HOT one already, so I cooled off with a refreshing breakfast of a Greek Yogurt Parfait!

Looks like layers of fruit & yogurt, right?

Wrong! We’ve got cottage cheese in there too!

Reader Abby gave me the idea of mixing tangy cottage cheese with thick Greek yogurt and sweet berries, for an unforgettable treat.

She was spot on! Layers of Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese, a Raspberry Chobani Greek Yogurt, fresh blackberries, peaches and sliced almonds blew me away. Loved the textures & flavahhhhs!

I packed a HUGE Kitchen Sink Salad for lunch today.

In the mix:

• Mixed greens
• Spinach
• 1/2 cucumber
• Tomato
• Carrots
• Green onion
• Strawberries

Do you like adding fresh fruit to your salads? I think fruit makes the BEST salad topper. They totally brighten an otherwise same old, same old, salad.

I was rummaging around my cupboards last night and found a bag of this Lime + Salt Popcorn. It is AMAZING! Here’s my review.

Now for the winners of the most popular, one-day giveaway on IGE yet – the MaraNatha Nut Butter Giveaway! Congrats to:

Allison: Ahh the Dark Chocolate is making my mouth water!!

maggie: I’d love to try their new Sunflower Seed Butter, I’ve never had it before!

Izzy: Just became a fan on Facebook! Izzyy xox

Congrats ladies! Email me your address at IowaGirlEats@hotmail.com, so I can get your coupon out in the mail to you!

In other news, sooomebody hit a birthday milestone today! My big brother turned 30! Yeesh, and I though I was getting old…kidding! Happy birthday, bro.

And to the rest of you – happy hump day. Have a great one!

~~~~~

Complete this sentence:

“My favorite part of the summer so far has been _____.”

My favorite part of the summer so far has been going to the Farmer’s Market nearly every weekend, and my fabulous girl’s trip to Dallas!

Related posts:

1. Recaps, Reviews & Recipe!
2. Happy Birthday To…
3. Summer Inspired Dinner Day 4: Summer Classics

It was just as you imagine it would be. Brutal. Insane. Stupid hot. But as I was pacing around my cool basement afterwards, willing myself to not spontaneously combust, I realized – this feeling is temporary.

In two minutes I’m going to go upstairs, take an ice cold shower and be no worse for wear. In 2 days I’m not going to remember the intense heat on that run, but I WILL remember the fact that, despite everything, I ran. I did it!

I believe the saying goes "Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." How about something more positive? How about, "Pain is temporary. Accomplishment is forever!" Nike – call me.

At any rate, you’ve GOT to try tonight’s dinner sometime – Baked Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches!

These were SO incredibly easy to make and would satisfy any fast-food lover’s appetite for a greasy, crunchy fried sandwich! First, I set up 4 breading stations for the pork:

1. Seasoning
2. 1 beaten egg white
3. Panko bread crumbs
4. Non-stick sprayed baking sheet

Next I cut an 8oz butterflied pork chop in half, then pounded each side out until they were ~1/4 inch thick. Then I liberally seasoned both sides with Lawry’s Seasoning Salt.

Then, I dipped each chop into a dish with 1 beaten egg white, then into some panko bread crumbs, coating each side well.

Finally, I laid the chops on the baking sheet, pressed a few more crumbs on top, and sprayed the tops with non-stick spray.

Into a 425 degree oven they go, until the chops are golden brown and cooked all the way through, ~8-9 minutes.

Voila – a crispy, crunchy pork tenderloin sandwich that you would have sworn came right from the fryer! SO CRUNCHYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my opinion, a truly delish pork tenderloin sandwich MUST be served on a soft & squishy sesame seed bun, it MUST hang off the end of said bun, and the whole thing MUST be smothered in cold ketchup.

These sandwiches met ALL the requirements!

You can find panko bread crumbs right next to the regular bread crumbs in the grocery store. I’ve used them to make everything from Crispy Tilapia Filets to Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers!

They crisp up like you wouldn’t believe, providing a crunch like a fryer would give, without the nasty grease and fat.

Now, I’ll gladly skip the oil for frying the tenderloin, but I will NOT skip the white bread in the sesame seed bun. You’ve gotta’ have it!

I served some asparagus on the side that I roasted alongside the tenderloins. They were simply misted with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with garlic salt. Zee best!

Mmmm, so satisfying.

In other news, you guys are NUTS (sorry I had to) for MaraNatha nut butter!! I think Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter is winning as the most craved flavor, but the others are close behind. Whichever your preference, you have until 10pm tonight to enter to win a free jar of your choosing! Better get crackin’! (Yep, I went there too…)

Goodnight!

~~~~~

How often do you eat fried foods? Any you crave?

I can’t eat fried foods very often, as they wreak HAVOC on my body, but when I splurge, you better believe it’s on Arby’s curly fries! I know!

Related posts:

1. Check it Off!
2. Yes, I Live in Iowa
3. Chicken Tender Love

Remember when I told you I had 10 jars of almond/peanut/nut butter in my house at this very moment? Well, four of them are some nut butters that MaraNatha sent me to try!

I used the Creamy Almond Butter and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter (!!) to create the melty, luscious topping on my banana split inspired oats.

 HOLY COW!

In the mix:

• 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 banana (1/2 cut in while cooking, 1/2 on top)
• cinnamon, vanilla extract
• strawberries
• 2 teaspoons of each almond butter
• dashes of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze

I microwaved the butters with a splash of USVAB for 10 seconds, then stirred and drizzled over my warm oats, and fresh fruit. UNBELIEVABLE!  

Believe it or not, I actually don’t love super sugary-sweet things in the morning, like chocolate chips in my pancakes or oats, but I will absolutely make an exception for dark chocolate peanut butter after tasting this. So good!

My Mom is coming to eat lunch with me outdoors today, so I packed a super portable lunch – perfect for a picnic.  

One Turkey Sammie.

That’s a thin bun, cheddar cheese, roasted turkey and Dijon mustard.

A gorgeous, ripe peach that I can tell is going to be a juicy one!

And a mini.

Cashew Cookie Larabar!

The heat index is supposed to reach 110 today, so hopefully we don’t melt out there – eek!

MaraNatha Giveaway!

Good news! MaraNatha sent me 3 coupons to give away to 3 readers, to pick up a jar of any MaraNatha product you want!

Wheee!!

Enter up to two ways by tonight, July 27th, @ 10pm central. Here’s how:

1. Leave a comment telling me which MaraNatha product you see above, that you’d most like to try.

2. Become a fan of MaraNatha Nut Butter on Facebook, and leave me another comment.

Good luck, peeps! It’s getting nutty in here!

Related posts:

1. Nothin’ Wrong with Dessert for Breakfast!
2. Snacky, Crunchy, Chewy Giveaway!
3. Breakfast Challenge Continues…with Chocolate!

I kicked off "no excuses" week this afternoon, with a nice 4 miler in the scorching heat. Seriously clouds, why is it that you miraculously disappear the moment I step out the door, only to re-appear and cover the sun the minute I step back in the door? I’ll never understand it!

At any rate, last week I was full of excuses as to why I couldn’t work out. If it wasn’t raining, we were under a heat advisory. If we weren’t under a heat advisory, I was at the movies or having a cocktail with Ben. While there’s nothing wrong with taking time off from exercise, for me – the longer I’m outta’ the game, the harder it is to get back in it.

This week, I’ve put my foot down and told myself – "you’re doing it" – so I’m gonna’. And I did! Tonight = 4 miles. Tomorrow, the world.

I got right to work on dinner after showering up – Shrimp & Sweet Corn Maque Choux!

Oh yes – the delicate, sweet & spicy dish that I fell in LOVE with at Emeril’s NOLA in New Orleans was back tonight – featuring candy-sweet, local Iowa sweet corn!

I actually based my Maque Choux recipe on Emeril’s!

Shrimp & Sweet Corn Maque Choux

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons butter, divided

1/2 small onion, chopped

1 small bell pepper, chopped (green or red)

1 green onion, chopped

3 ears of sweet corn, cut off the cob

1 small zucchini, chopped

3 teaspoons Emeril’s essence, divided

1/3 cup half & half

35-40 small-medium sized frozen shrimp, thawed

Directions:

1. Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in a large skillet on medium-low. Sauté onion and green pepper until soft, ~6-7 minutes.

2. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add zucchini, sweet corn and 2 teaspoons essence. Cover the skillet with a lid, stir occasionally, and let the mixture cook for ~4-5 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.

3. Add the half & half and cook until the mixture has thickened, ~1 minute, using your cooking spoon to scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pan. Remove maque choux to a dish and set aside.

4. Melt remaining Tablespoon of butter in the skillet and add thawed shrimp. Sprinkle in remaining teaspoon of essence and cook until shrimp are heated through.

5. Plate maque choux and top with shrimp!

YUMS! I have made this dish a couple times before, but this time – with the fresh, sweet, local corn – was the BEST. It was so, so perfectly sweet!

Emeril’s essence blend really compliments the sweet, by bringing the spice. It’s got a wicked kick to it with that cayenne pepper!

But oh – OH – that sweet corn. What a great dish to highlight nature’s candy. It’s definitely the standout star.

FULL – but not too full to have a mini Cashew Cookie Larabar for dessert. It’s no excuses week, not no dessert week! I couldn’t live in a world without dessert, I tell ya!

BACHELORETTE TONIGHT! I’m thinking Allie picks nobody in the end. While I HEART Chris, I think she thinks he might be a little too dull for her. And Roberto just seems like fling material to me. Poor girl. That’s what you get for trying to find love on reality television. It’s not reality!

*Steps off soapbox*

At any rate, I’ll still be watching, so what does that make me?! HA!

Goodnight!

Related posts:

1. You’ll Want to Copy This Recipe!
2. I’m His Daughter and He’ll Cry if He Wants To!
3. Cajun Shrimp & Pasta

I am in a fantastic mood. My Mom and I walked in the cool, humidity-free, 70 degree morning air and witnessed the most beautiful, pink and orange sunrise. Then, Ben text messaged me a picture of a million hot air balloons passing through the area (he left earlier then I did today.) See ‘em?

I HEART hot air balloons – they’re so mysterious. How does one get into hot air ballooning? How long does it take to learn how to fly one? Is it hard? Most importantly, how do I get in on that action?!

I had the chance to go on one with a friend when I was in 7th grade, and for some reason I didn’t. I’ve been kicking myself ever since. Hot air ballooning has officially made my bucket list!!

Breakfast made my lovely morning even lovelier. I had a cool & crisp Cantaloupe Bowl.

That’s 1/2 a cantaloupe, seeded and filled with this Daisy Brand Low Fat Cottage Cheese that the folks at Daisy sent me to try.

With only 4 ingredients, this cottage cheese seems like a sure bet.

It’s THICK and creamy – definitely thicker than my beloved AE Cottage Cheese, which you know I am obsessed with. Not a good thing, not a bad thing, just different! It’s a little bit tangier too, which was actually really nice when paired with the super sweet ‘loupe.

Topped with some fresh strawberries – it was good!

I’m packing more freshness with a big Kitchen Sink Salad and Peach Greek Yogurt for lunch.

In the mix:

• Mixed greens
• Spinach
• 1/2 cucumber
• Tomato
• Carrots
• Green onion
• Almonds

I was going to add dried cranberries to this baby, for some sweetness, but I plum forgot about ‘em! The Trader Joe’s Raspberry Vinaigrette from my in-laws’ care package will do the trick.

Chobani are STILL on sale – 4/$5 – at the grocery store. That might seem like an absorbent amount of money for yogurt, but trust me, it is SO worth it!

Oh, and a mini Tropical Fruit Tart Larabar for dessert.

This bar explodes with flavahhhh.

Time to get this party started – have a wonderful day, and start to your week!

See ya’!

~~~~~

What are some of the things on your bucket list? Have you been able to cross any of them off yet?

I really want to go hang gliding. Like, really, really bad. Someday!!

Related posts:

1. Giveaway Addition + Three Question Thursday!
2. My Happy List
3. My Favorite Part of the Summer