Showstopping Black Kale Caesar Salad

Dear Kara,

I hope your tamale pumpkin is going well! It looks delish and so cute. In NJ,  Governor Christie cancelled Halloween because of Hurricane Sandy! While it is still on in NYC, Things are really quite in my building because there aren't any kids.

Now that it is Fall I wanted to share my favorite caesar salad recipe. I love caesar salad but it isn't the healthiest. I also find that most men in general don't like salads but they love caesar salad; so it's always a success at dinner parties. I like to substitute romaine for black kale because it is one of the most nutrient dense veggies. Kale, known as "Queen of Greens" is high in fiber, vitamin A, C, K, Calcium and iron. The hearty green is from the Brassica family which also includes cabbage, collards, broccoli and brussel sprouts.  The green in the last couple years is a lot easier to find at the grocery stores and farmer markets. Black kale is flavorful, crunchy and hearty so the salad itself is quite fulfilling. If you want to add a protein to the salad I recommend flank steak or shrimp. (Salmon is great too but then don't add the anchovies to the dressing)

Black Kale Caesar Salad:

-2 Heads of Black Kale
*Be sure to wash the kale VERY VERY well

-1 Cup Croutons (More or less depending on preference. Be sure that the croutons are extra crispy and larger in scale to stand up to the heartiness of the kale)
*I prefer to use a french baguette brushed with olive oil, rubbed with garlic, rosemary baked and then crumbled up.

-Parmesan
*Your call but I like to finely shave the cheese on to each individual serving to keep it as healthy as possible. Most prefer to add it shredded to the dressing as well as sprinkled in the salad.

-Dressing
*Makes 2/3 cup, 100 calories, fat 11g, Protein 6 grams, 0 Carbs
-1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
-1/4 Cup Olive Oil
-1 Garlic Clove
-2 Egg Yolks
-2 Tbs Fresh Lemon Juice
-2 Tbs White Wine Vinegar
-1/4 Tsp Dry Mustard
-1/8 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
-2 Anchovies (optional) blended

1. Combine the oils and the garlic clove in a jar and refrigerate ideally overnight. (If not @ minimum 1 hour)

2. Whisk the egg yolks and remaining ingredients together in a small saucepan. Keep on low, constantly stirring, until the sides start to bubble. Remove from pan and let mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to cool.

3. Take out the oils and remove the garlic. Add the oil and egg yolk mixture to blender and blend together until smooth. If you don't have a blender, no worries, just mix together thoroughly.

XOXOXOXOXOXO
Margaret

Healthy Gluten-Free Jack-o'-Lantern Tamale Bake:

Dear Margaret,

Um, I want to go wine tasting with you in North Fork next year please:) What a great way to get in the Fall spirit.. I wish the leaves changed and the weather dropped here in Phoenix.. it's 90 degrees ha! Please be careful with that "Frankenstorm" btw.. the footage on the news is really scaring me!

Speaking of getting in the spirit, I stumbled upon this precious recipe that I'm going to make tomorrow for Halloween (original Jack-o'-Lantern Tamale Bake recipe from Woman's Day), except I'm going to make it healthier by using gluten-free cornbread mix, grass-fed beef, and subbing Greek yogurt for sour cream. It's a great recipe to make for a party, for kids, and makes great leftovers. Happy Halloween!

xoxo,

Kara

Healthy Jack-0'-Lantern Tamale Bake:

Serves 12

Ingredients:

-1 1/4 pound grass-fed lean ground beef

-1 jar (16 oz) chunky clean salsa

-1 can (7 oz) corn, drained

-1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained

-1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

-1 teaspoon salt

-1 teaspoon pepper

-1 cup organic shredded cheese of choice (original calls for cheddar)

-4 boxes (about 8.5 oz each) cornbread mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix- (I'm going to use Bob's Red Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix 20 oz package to make it healthier:)

-Green bell pepper, scallions or chives, roasted red peppers, olive tapenade (all for decorations).. can buy good bottled tapenade and roasted peppers at Trader Joes!

-Light sour cream or Greek yogurt (which I prefer), chopped scallions, tomatoes, guacamole (all optional for serving)

-Will need Wilton Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Halloween Cake Pan.. can also get at Target or Sears

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Coat pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, brown ground beef; drain. Stir in salsa, corn, olives, chili powder, salt, and pepper; heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove skillet from heat; stir in cheese. Keep filling hot.
3. Prepare two boxes (or half of Bob's 20 oz package) cornbread mix according to directions. Spread batter evenly on bottom of pan; spoon in filling to approximately 1-in. from edge of pan. Prepare remaining boxes (or other half) of mix. Spread batter evenly over filling making sure batter flows into edges of pan.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until top crust is golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from oven to wire rack to cool 15 minutes. If cornbread has baked over edge of pan, loosen edges from pan. Place serving plate on top and turn over to release.
5. Cut bell pepper into stem, scallions into strips for hair and roasted peppers into triangles for eyes and nose. Arrange on Tamale Bake. Spread olive tapenade into mouth shape. Serve with toppings of choice.

Wilton Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Halloween Cake Pan

Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix

Jack-o'-Lantern Tamale Bake

In Lieu of Sandy Slowpoke....My Wine Weekend

Dear Kara,

I love that the secret to Natalie's body for a ballet movie was ballet, pretty cool. The workout video sounds really fun.

Well I am sure by now you have heard all about Hurricane Sandy, aka "Frankenstorm", "Slow Poke Sandy" canceling work today and tomorrow here in NYC, parts of NY and NJ. Yet ironically its evening here and we haven't felt the storm yet. The news makes it out to be the storm of the century.

Meanwhile just a few days ago my friends and I went for our annual fall wine tasting weekend in North Fork Long Island. We go through a company and they pick us up in a limo and we go to three-four wineries. It is an all day affair and we have lunch in between. Since Halloween is approaching we dressed up and ended the day with a corn maze. This time of year is perfect for wine tastings because they also have pumpkin patches, everything apple (apple cider donuts, caramel apples, apple pie, cider, etc...) corn on the cob, hay rides (Which we did do!), petting zoos and lastly but most importantly the leaves changing colors! It was a total blast.

XOXOXOX
Margaret

The Costumes

Our First Stop Harbes Family Vineyard

Fall Fun. Our Hayride got a flat tire

We wrapped up at the Corn Maze- The Best!

The Secret to Natalie Portman's Lean "Ballet Beautiful" Body:

Dear Margaret, 

Thanks for sharing your snack ideas! I just ordered the Pure Intentions extract in "green tea peach" via amazon.com...I cannot wait to try it since I'm getting so bored with water. I'm also going to look out for those hummus chips.. sound amazing. I like your applesauce pouch idea too.. I actually eat those pureed baby food pouches when I want to sneak in some more fruits/veggies.. although people always look at me like I'm insane:)

So, I loooved the movie "Black Swan" and really admired the transformation of Natalie Portman's body into a long, lean, and toned ballerina body (although, yes she was too skinny in the movie.. but that was lack of eating for her character:). Well, I was reading my October Shape Magazine and there's an insert displaying Mary Helen Bower's "Ballet Beautiful" workout DVD...telling how she was the one responsible for whipping Natalie Portman into shape for the movie. So, naturally I read all the reviews on Amazon and decided to purchase. I absolutely love it and was so sore the next day in areas I've never felt before! Plus, all you need is a yoga mat which is a huge bonus. I definitely can tell a difference even after a few tries. Natalie Portman told WWD:

 'Ballet Beautiful is about finding balance and making fitness a part of your life in a happy, healthy, rewarding way where you get to feel pretty and look beautiful. A lot of fitness has that very masculine energy and drive, and that never worked for me. I want to be challenged, I don't want to be told that I'm terrible, and that I suck and that I'm not good enough - that's not motivating. I think the measure of a really good fitness program is how well you're really able to maintain it and be happy... If you're not happy, it's just not really going to work.'

I loved Mary Helen's approach and down to earth nature so much that I even ordered her book. One Amazon reviewer says, "This book talks to my whole person - mind and body! And it even gets into all those icky, negative feelings about bodies/food /accomplishment that we all get and that block us from making progress." Big fan of hers already:)

XOXO,
Kara

Ballet Beautiful DVD

Ballet Beautiful Book

Natalie Portman with Mary Helen Bowers

Natalie Portman's "Black Swan" physique

My Latest @ Work Snack Fixes....

Dear Kara,

I love all the breast cancer awareness garb! Last year at this time I did the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer and had an absolute blast. A walk is a great way to raise money for an awesome cause and have a memorable experience.

This week I have been mixing up my "snack" time with some new discoveries that I think are great anytime. Around four I always find myself draining from a long day, craving sweets and needing an energy boost. I try to have a snack that incorporates protein and tea. I have been getting bored and found some new items to spice up my day.

Instead of my usual green or passion fruit tea I have been adding Pure Inventions Cranberry+Elderberry Antioxidant Fruit Extract to hot or cold water. Pure Inventions has lots of different flavors with different health benefits and vitamins but all of their options are free of calories, artificial sweeteners or ingredients. The extract spices up the water and I find that it fills me up. I discovered them in a spa in Vermont but you can order them online.

http://www.pureinventions.com

When I am having a sugar craving I typically eat fruit but I discovered GoGo Squeez 100% fruit applesauce. It is delish with no added sugar and around 60 calories per pack. It is a nice mix up and since it is a squeeze pouch it is great on the go.

http://www.gogosqueez.com

Lastly, when I am craving something salty, chips are always a big temptation. I have found good dipping chip alternatives, such as lentil chips, but none I like on their own.. until the Hummus Chips. I love their "Sea Salt" and "Spicy Chili Pepper" flavors. The first ingredient is chick peas and at 130 calories a serving, they are a great snack. I buy mine from Whole Foods.

http://www.simply7snacks.com

XOXOXOXO
Margaret

Breast Cancer Awareness Products with Proceeds:

Dear Margaret,

In honor of October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to share with you my favorite product picks that donate percentages of proceeds to breast cancer research foundations. This field of research is very dear to me: I lost my aunt to this disease in her thirties, my grandmother battled it and had to have a double mastectomy, and my stepmother was diagnosed and beat it. Any bit donated helps get us closer to finding the cure, so why not go shopping:)

xoxo,
Kara

1.) Hot Pink Yoga Mat, $78; Electric-Yoga.com. 15% to Yoga for Hope.
2.) Stride capris, $38 NewBalance.com.
3.) Diptyque 'Eau Rose' perfume.

1.) Bobbi Brown pink peony set, $45
2.) Luxury lip stain in Iman Pink, $10
3.) Stila Positively Pink Collection, $18
4.) Shisedo Lacquer Rouge in Disco, $25

1.) Rebecca Taylor Silk Blouse in Neon Pink, $225
2.) Asics GT-1000PR, $100
3.) Lula Lu Kallie lace bra in Mulberry, $56

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Tee ($88) and Lounge Pant ($125)

1.) glassbaby "Evelyn" candle holders (Nordstrom exclusive), $44 each
2.) Bloomingdales "little pink gift card", at least 10% to BCRF
3.) Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer, $349.95

1.) Hanae Mori No. 7 perfume, $95
2.) Paul Mitchell Limited Edition Pink Express Ion Curl Unclipped, $80
3.) OPI Pink of Hearts Duo Set, $15
4.) Bb Spray de Mode Hairspray, $27

Rivalry since 1929....Rye vs. Harrison

Dear Kara,

I love your healthier pumpkin bread recipe, I'll have to try it out. We have pumpkins and gourds all around our apartment, courtesy of Michael's Mother.  Fall is the best!

This weekend I got tied into going to a high school football game! But it ended up being lots of fun. Michael's high school in Rye, has had a football rivalry with the neighboring town, Harrison, since 1929!   Each high school has a brook nearby and it's tradition for the winner to jump in their town's brooke. When the game is at Rye there is a massive tailgate that rivals college and NFL tailgating. Each setup displays the class year and I even saw a class of 1956 sign!

Rye has won for the past nine years but this year the game was at Rye and Harrison beat them 21-0! It was pretty pitiful. We, like most of the massive tailgating crew, stayed at the tailgate through the entire game. (As you can guess it's more about the socializing) After the game was over there were Rye students guarding the brook so no one would get in, but the Harrison crew didn't care and jumped in Rye's brook. Of course this was the ultimate insult and broke out into all out brawl. The cops called in re-inforcement from the neighboring towns and had a total of 50 cops breaking up the fight. Only a few were badly hurt; one boy lost some teeth and another had his leg broken!

I am glad Michael, Moses and Delia and I were not near the chaos. I couldn't help but think that this made the Westlake-Austin High came seem chill.

@ the Tailgate. (Me, Micheal, Bobby) This pic doesn't capture the fans' outfits. Lots of  people were wearing their high school jerseys and all sorts of high school garb.

Rye Garnets Flag and pics from the game.

Top is a policeman trying to keep the peace. Below is the Harrison football team and cheerleaders taking a swim in the brook.

Nutritious+Delicious Pumpkin Banana Bread:

Dear Margaret,

OMG your honeymoon looked amazing.. I will definitely add Bora Bora to my list of places we "need" to go:) 

I love this time of year, partly because of all the pumpkin/cinnamon/nutmeg scents and foods that consume our nation...much of which is (sadly) very unhealthy.. which is why I wanted to share with you this delicious and healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread I made the other day. I found the original recipe from the amazing Bethenny Frankel and just made some adjustments like adding banana for moistness. Not only is it made with all natural ingredients, melt in your mouth, and fill up the room with Fall sweetness, it also has a lot of protein and fiber. This will be a season staple for sure!

xoxo,

Kara

Ingredients:

• 1 cup(s) of raw sugar
• 4 tbsp. of butter, room temp
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp. of unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tbsp. of Fage 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tsp. of ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. natural pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cup(s) of oat flour (original calls for whole wheat flour.. I only had oat)
• 1 tsp. of baking powder
• 1 tsp. of baking soda
• 1 tsp. of salt
• 1 ripe banana, mashed (optional, but amazing:)
• 
  

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Using Pam, lightly spray a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
2. Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, mashed  banana, milk, yogurt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. Add the pumpkin mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (I did 1 hour 15 minutes and it was still very moist/gooey in inside.. but I like that way, so depends on your preference). Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing.

Honeymoon Part Two: The Whole Shabang

Dear Kara...

I love all the skulls. I think I'll have to do one for Lions. I hope you are having a great time at LA Market and seeing lots of good Spring clothes!

I finally compiled my honeymoon pics and putting them together just made me wish I was still there! The trip was truly unforgettable and I for sure am going back. In hindsight I wouldn't have changed a thing except tried to have stayed for longer!

We stayed in French Polynesia the entire time and went to three different islands, Moorea, Bora Bora and La Taha'a.  (All over the water bungalows!)  French Polynesia is northeast of New Zealand. To get there we flew to LA and then LA to the capitol of Tahiti, Papeete, and then took a boat to Moorea. It took a long time to finally get the vacation started but it was worth it.

Moorea, meaning yellow lizard in Tahitian, is a very natural easy going island that is more of a European destination. We stayed at the Sofitel and our over water bungalow was adorable. The room was the a mix of beachy and art-deco. Our deck had beautiful view that we spent many hours on reading and watching the sunset. The water beneath us was only 4-5ft deep and was the most spectacular snorkeling. The area is dominated by coral and the biggest variety of tropical fish I have ever seen. One of the mornings we went for an ATV tour around the island. Lots of off-roading was involved so it was a true adventure. But most of the time we just spent our days "luxuriating" at the beach.

The Sofitel in Moorea

Luxuriating at the beach in Morea

ATV Tour, The upper right is a pineapple plant! (Moorea's largest export)

Dinner at the hotel, inclusive of dancers!

After Moorea we took a short flight to Bora Bora, where we stayed at the St. Regis. The St. Regis is where the movie Couple's Retreat was filmed and in the rooms they have the movie on repeat in English and French. It's hysterical. The St. Regis is the only hotel in French Polynesia where you get your own butler. (That was a nice bonus) Unlike Moorea or La Taha'a, the St. Regis is on a man-made island so everything is absolutely pristine. The water below our villa was over 15 ft deep so we were able to do dives, cannon balls and flips off our deck. (Downfall no cool tropical fish except in the man made lagoon) The food was excellent in Bora Bora. This is where we went to Villa Mahana (last post) and at the hotel was a Jean George restaurant, Lagoon. Once morning we took a boat out and saw massive whales! Then we swam with sharks. The babies were on the surface but the lemon sharks (8ft long) where about 12-15ft deeper. I was able to swim down and grab a dorsal fin and swim with one of the sharks! Of course afterwards the guide told these horrific stories of the sharks attacking! We also swam and fed stingrays. It was very cool.

Bora Bora St. Regis

Above are the private pools & below is the beach

Swimming with the stingrays and sharks!

Dinner at Lagoon. It was DELISH!

From Bora Bora we took another short flight to La Taha'a. La Taha'a was the most remote and secluded of all the islands. It reminded me very much of the Swiss Family Robinson. This resort was very unique. We had spa treatments everywhere we went but theirs were the most memorable. One of the messages had 4 huge shower heads pounding water on our backs while the masseuse gave a deep tissue message. It was amazing and afterwards we soaked in a jacuzzi overlooking a natural tranquil pond. Michael also organized a wedding ceremony and dinner for us on their motu. The ceremony was a traditional Tahitian ceremony and was really cool. Then we had a long dinner on the motu with a 9 piece band, 11 dancers and 1 dude that did all sorts of dangerous things with fire. The event was on our last night so it was a perfect way to close the trip!

The adorable Motu that our bungalow looked out at...(Also where we had our wedding)

I had never seen a rainbow's beginning!

Sneak peak of our ceremony.... The flowers were gardenias!

XOXOXOXOXO
Margaret