Dorothy's Delicious Dinings

Marrakech, Morocco - April 2011

Steamed Mussels with Garlic and White Wine Butter - Blue Cat Brew Pub - Rock Island, IL

My folks and I have been going to Blue Cat every Wednesday night for YEARS!  I’ve recently discovered that they have delicious mussels.  Especially delicious when paired with one of bartender Dr. Bob’s amazing cocktails.

Marrakech, Morocco - April 2011

Grilled Halibut Fish Tacos with Spicy Corn Salsa

From The Kitchy Kitchen - definitely an excellent source of inspiration for food photography (and yummy recipes)!

London - April 2009

Charlotte, NC - March 2012

On our way to dinner this past weekend, I fell in love with this fountain, it’s clear purpose as children’s play area and the darling statues throughout.  It reminds me of a fountain I remember playing in as a 5 year old in Iowa City.

I just love the color of these Creamy Lime Squares from Jenna of Eat, Live, Run.

If I wasn’t already spending my St. Patty’s in the kitchen baking (with a side of green beer, of course), I might make these!  If you do, please share?!

I can’t wait to share my Saturday adventures in baking!

Cutting up mini bell peppers - March 2012

Currently I only have the camera on my phone, not always the best pictures, but it’ll have to do for now!

Bicycles - Bruges, Belgium & Amsterdam, Netherlands - May 2009

Bicycling in Amsterdam will forever be one of my favorite memories from European travels!  Feeling like you’re King-Of-The-Road with all traffic patterns in your favor, and speeding from place to place, while resting wearing feet was incredible.

I’m excited that this weekend Ben got a bicycle and he and I can at least bike together throughout our hometown! We’ve discussed all the local breweries that are right along the bike path and made plans to visit some in the coming weekends.

We went on two short trips this past weekend, cycling down a new-ish path that I’ve been wanting to try out for awhile, leading to one of our favorite watering holes of last summer.  We may have come up with a new motto:

“There’s a bar at the end of every road we’re on” - Dorothy

My attempt at Red Beans & Rice!

This turned out REALLY well!  I made a few substitutions:  Mini Peppers for the Green Pepper, and Turkey Kielbasa for the Andouille Sausage.

I also served up my Red Beans & Sausage over Spinach and Steamed Broccoli.  Delicious!

Pictured above:  Red Beans in the Crockpot, Ben’s Red Beans & Rice, Dorothy’s Red Beans over Veggies

Nutritional Comparison:  Zataran’s Red Beans & Rice w/ Sausage Mix vs. Iowa Girl Eats Lighter Red Beans & 1/2 c. white Rice vs. Dorothy’s Even Lighter Red Beans & Sausage over Veggies

Calories:  560 vs. 837 vs. 360

Fat:  19g vs. 19.6g vs. 4.7g

Total Carbs:  76g vs. 126g vs. 54g

Fiber:  7g vs. 14g vs. 14g

Protein:  18g vs. 37g vs. 30g