3 X 3-Ingredient Party Apps

Throw these together in a breeze at your next get-together.

1. Dates + pecans + Parm: Split dates and take out pit. Stick pecan and shard of Parmesan cheese inside. Pair it with a glass of Cab.

2. Endive + Goat Cheese + Toasted Pine nuts: Spread goat cheese in endive leaves and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top. Pair it with some Cava Brut. 

3. Whole wheat pita + Avocado + Lime juice: Toast pita and cut into triangles. Top each triangle with a slice of avocado, squeeze of lime juice (and sprinkle of sea salt if you want!) Pair it with a Skinny Tom Collins. 

Skinny Cocktails

Bethenny Frenkel may have coined the "Skinny Girl Margarita," but you can blend your own lower-sugar concoctions. Try these tips/recipes for some summer bevs that will help you cut the calories and hangover!

• Tip: Use club soda with a splash of fruit juice or citrus as a mixer instead of a regular soda like sprite. Try a GREYHOUND REMIX: 1 part gin + 3 parts club soda + 1 part grapefruit juice
• Tip: Add a little Splenda, Agave nectar, or honey instead of loading a drink with simple syrup. Try a TOM COLLINS REMIX: 1 part gin + 1 part club soda + 1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice + tsp agave, honey, or splenda. 
• Tip: Avoid sugar-loaded "specialty" martinis served at restaurants. Order a COSMO REMIX: ask for a "vodka and soda with a splash of cran and lime wedge." Or make it yourself at home: 1 part vodka + 3 parts soda + 1 part cranberry juice + squeezed limed wedge. 

Weekend at Gurney's

A girls' weekend in Montauk.

Start: put GPS in English.
Middle: mani/pedi/facial and delicious food at Harvest (below)

End: drive through Flatbush for an hour trying to make it back to Manhattan.

Verdict? Successful relaxtion...well, at least until the Flatbush adventure.

The Salad Whisperer

Others have marveled at my ability to toss together the perfect combo--into tupperware for midday lunch or for the perfect start to a dinner party. I am here to lead you to the promised land, away from the boredom and hunger. To a place where you can speak veg and inspire others through the perfect green salad.

Rules of The Salad Whisperer:

• Fresh, tasty greens. This is not a taco, and therefore not time for iceberg. 
• Varied vegetable consistency: carrot/raw zucchini peels, roasted cauliflower/peppers, caramelized onions, julienned peppers...
• Protein: egg, beans, nuts, meat

And the real, final secret is HOMEMADE SALAD DRESSING. The bottled stuff's for posers.  

"Kid" Food=Dietician's Dream

The peanut butter sandwich, when made well, can pack a healthy lunchtime punch. Make it with:

• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1.5 Tbs natural peanut butter (size of a walnut)
• 1/2 sliced banana (save the other for tomorrow's breakfast)
• sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

You're looking at about 350 calories, 12g healthy fats, 50g carbs, and 10g protein. It's delicious, nutritious, filling, and packs quickly for a day at the office, school, or travel. Pair it with carrot sticks for a real brown-bag lunch throwback. 

"All Day" Workout

72 minutes, actually. I'm talking about the Girl Talk album, entitled "All Day" (free download here!) The 72 minute album of differing mash-up beats from artists you know but haven't heard quite like this before is the perfect long workout mix. Let the beat guide your pace to make it exciting. Check out how many calories you'll burn if you give this a try (based on 155lb person):

• Running  ~850 calories
• Biking  ~600 calories
• Stair climb ~760 calories
• Power walking ~420 calories
• Weight lifting ~320 calories

So get moving! 

The Fat Radish

The verdict on this one? GO!

We shared Malbec, oysters, green bean special, beet crumble, celery root pot pie, and pork chop. Everything was delicious, but when I go back, I will skip the entree and just order the tasty salads, snacks, and vino. I wasn't into the chocolate cake either--it's a dessert experiment gone wrong. So maybe go with the cheese plate if you're still craving a post-dinner something. 

Weekend Brunch Make-Over--Whole Wheat Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes

Seeing as it's FridayFridayFriday, thought I'd share my healthy, delicious pancake recipe. And since you're being so good on a weekend morning, I advise that you serve 'em with a mimosa.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients

1/2 Tbs butter, melted

2/3 c. skim milk

1 egg white

1 c. blueberries

1/4 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 tbsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. sugar

Optional Serving Suggestions:

FAGE Greek yogurt

Extra blueberries

Honey

 In small bowl combine milk, egg white and berries with butter. In separate bowl combine dry ingredients; mix well, add milk mixture to dry ingredients; mix well. Lightly coat a non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter on hot skillet. Cook until bubbles; turn. Serve with a dollop of FAJE Greek Yogurt, extra blueberries and a drizzle of honey!

One pan, tons of flavor

STIR-FRY!
This is nothing fancy, but perfect for a late dinner on a busy weekday:

1. Heat up some olive oil in large skillet.
2. Add sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast and sautee for 3 minutes.
3. Toss in green beans and sliced red bell peppers (or any veggies in the fridge). Add splash of rice vinegar, Siracha, black pepper, Tbs soy sauce, and cover for 7 minutes, removing cover to toss occasionally.
4. Serve in a bowl with some chopsticks. (And a glass of wine)

Airplane Food

Airplane food routine:

• Bring peanut butter banana sandwich on whole wheat
• Bring apple or whatever fruit is left in my apartment before the trip; feel sorry for person next to me if it's an orange (juice to the eye)
• Buy yogurt after security as 6oz containers do not meet TSA safety regulations
• Order club soda on the airplane and insist on the whole can in order to attempt hydration and prevent the inevitable limb-swelling
• Ask for extra peanuts
• Refuse crappy $6 cheese and cracker box