Recipe: Tuna Cakes #627Eats

A post shared by Ishea (@sixtwentyseven) on May 4, 2017 at 1:03pm PDT

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, I'm sure you've seen me cooking up something either at home or work. While I can do a little something something in the kitchen, the real star is my boyfriend. He cooks for us about 90% of the time and has inspired me to step outside of my culinary comfort zone.

A huge perk of living in the Pacific Northwest is the close proximity to fresh seafood. Not too long ago bae flexed his hunter gatherer skills on a fishing trip to the coast and snagged us a bunch of fresh tuna. That's right -- he caught the Tuna himself! That's taking the local, organic, farm-to-table life to a new level.

Since bae is a "real cook" (read: the type who doesn't really use measurements), we filmed this video showing how he cooks up our favorite Tuna Cakes! The video is a bit long, but lays out all the steps so you can easily follow along.

This is the first video in what we'd like to turn into a cooking series, so any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Enjoy!




Ingredients
Tuna
Bread Crumbs
Eggs
Onion
Parmesan
Lemon
Parsley
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil

Grilled Lamb with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Working for the #1 food website in the world has its perks... namely being exposed to countless yumtastic recipes that inspire me to throw on my "chef hat" and whip up some work in the kitchen. I absolutely love eating lamb and was excited to find frenched rack of lamb on sale when I was at the store. I knew I wanted to try a new recipe and ended up using the Grilled Lamb with Brown Sugar Glaze recipe on Allrecipes.com.

You can visit the site for the full recipe and video by clicking here.

I created the brown sugar glaze dry rub, coated the lamb and let it marinate (covered) in the fridge for an hour. Then I placed on the grilled and cooked each side for about 5-10 mins (depending on thickness of cut). This yielded medium rare lamb. I don't have a cooking thermometer for precise heating, but you can do a little trial and error on your first piece of meat.

The brown sugar dry rub was amazeballs! It allowed the meat to be sweet, but not overly sweet. I paired the lamb with sweet potatoes (cut in 1-inch cubes, covered with sea salt, course ground black pepper, brown sugar and maple syrup, placed in the oven on 400 degrees for 60 mins), and a fresh salad.

Also, don't feel intimidated if you don't own a grill. Our apt only has an electric range and we don't own a grill for our patio. Instead I used a cast iron skillet grill and was able to get great results.

Results:

After the lamb marinated for 1 hour

Cooking lamb in skillet grill

Finished lamb

I was able to snag lamb on sale at my local grocer, but you can always order on Amazon.com or using Amazon Fresh if that's available in your city.




If only smell-o-vision was a real thing!!

Raw Kale Salad from @WholeFoods

When I first heard people speaking about Kale and how amazing it was, I thought they were referring to the garnish from Sizzler. Like, who in the hell eats the garnish from Sizzler lol...

Well, I've had my life force checked a bit because I tried the Raw Kale Salad at Whole Foods and let me just say.... the stuff is AMAZEBALLS!!! (Lontier you were right lol)

Last night I went to Whole Foods and to my dismay, the lady in front of me was in the process of scooping up the last bit of Raw Kale Salad ---> That's what I was met with... broken promises and failed dreams lol

I wanted to bop her in the head, but instead I decided to just ask if anymore was coming out. You know what they say - - closed mouths don't get fed. Ask and you shall receive! 5 mins later they restocked it! Nothing like being patient and getting fresh food.

This is one of my favorite items from Whole Foods right now and good enough for me to drive to the South Loop location daily to stock up. You can't beat fresh, healthy food.

If you've been on the fence about trying Kale, or like me and didn't know what in the hell it actually was, go to your nearest Whole Foods and try the Raw Kale Salad. You will thank me.

Raw Kale Salad

  Kale

Dried Cranberries

Pine Nuts

Tomoto

Dressing - Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos

I was eager to try this recipe I received from one of my girlfriends... little did I realize I was combining some of my favorite things: jalapenos, cream cheese and BACON!!! Seriously, I have a weakness for all things bacon. This stuff is amazeballs.

The recipe is rather simple....

6 Fresh Jalapenos ($1.99/lb at my grocery store - - this is just 1 serving)
1 tub of cream cheese
1 package of bacon
Coarse ground pepper (optional)

 ** Pre-heat oven @ 350 degrees **

1. I washed and cut the jalapenos in half, removed all seeds, and rinsed again
2. Used a spoon to fill each jalapeno halve with cream cheese
3. Since I didn't have tooth picks, I wrapped 1 entire slice of bacon around each jalapeno halve
4. Put into pan and topped with coarse ground pepper
5. Placed in oven for 30 minutes and voila!!! A yummy treat.

Ready for the Oven

Finished Product

Time for a Summer BBQ

Hot weather is here and summer is around the corner, but for those living in a city apt or condo finding space to host a BBQ can a real issue. Thankfully companies like Bodum have created the most adorable, practical and small space friendly BBQ grill. The FYRKAT charcoal grill comes in 6 shades and a small size convenient for a city patio or outing at the park. It's easy to transport, clean and anyone can feel like a fashionable cook. This grill is a steal at $49.95 and sure to add some color to your summer activities.

Man vs. Burger Challenge

Know someone with an insane appetite and nothing to do this weekend? Check out Lobby's Beef.Burgers.Dogs as they host their 1st annual Man vs. Burger 1/2 price challenge.

If your stomach is up for it, 9 delicious patties squeezed between two tasty buns will be yours to devour... however, you must do it all within 10 minutes!

The winner of this 3lb burger challenge will get their picture on the wall of fame, a t-shirt and free meal. As a Chicago native, I can assure you that their Chicago-style hot dog and fries are the closest thing to Portillo's you can get out here.

It costs $10 to enter (usually $20) and takes place this Saturday (5/1/10) from 11am - 1pm. To sign up stop in anytime between now and Saturday and add your name to the list. Good luck!

Lobby's Beef.Burgers.Dogs
3141 S. McClintock Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282
480.897.1113

(located on the East side of the street by Basha's)

Low-Cal meal idea

I browse thru magazine recipes all the time and have never tried to cook anything I've seen. I think it looks so much easier on a page than trying to tackle it myself. I was feeling slightly ambitious the other day and decided to try this seemingly easy recipe for green beans w/ chicken and crumbled feta I saw in People magazine. The recipe was featured by the Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney as a great low-cal meal option.

Ingredients...

Finished Product...

Now, the magazine claimed that it would cost under $10 but of course that wasn't the case... however, it was still an easy and quite tasty recipe to try.

Green Beans w/ Chicken and Crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus some for drizzling)
- 1 lemon
- l oz fresh green beans (1/2 cup per person)
- 1/2 cup fresh feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 avocado (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste

1. Broil chicken with a dash of olive oil and lemon slices on top for 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the chicken halfway through, and squeeze lemon juice over the chicken. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.

2. When chicken is almost done broiling, drop green beans in boiling water and boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Strain green beans, taking them out while they're still bright green and crispy. Toss them into a bowl with 1 tbsp of olive oil, crumbled feta and chopped tomato. You want the green beans to still be warm when you do this to melt the cheese slightly. If desired, slice the 1/2 avocado and add it in.

3. When chicken is done, cut into pieces and toss in with green bean mixture. Serve.

Throwback

I'm probably one of the last people on earth that didn't have a microwave in my apt. My boyfriend managed to find this old school stovetop popcorn for me in a random walmart in the South and it was hilarious to watch this thing pop. In addition to sounding like a bunch of gunshots were being fired, it took a lot of energy constantly shaking the bag so it didn't burn. All in all, the popcorn popped rather quickly, but I think I prefer using a microwave.

Gingerbread Yogis

Want to thank your favorite yoga instructor for helping to keep you lean and fit throughout the year? Patti Paige has put a fresh twist on an old favorite with her Gingerbread Yogis. This tasty treat features 10 gingerbread cookies in various yoga poses. New to yoga? Don't fret! Every box comes complete with a cookie chart so you can point out your down dog, warrior and tree poses like a pro. For more information visit Patti's site.



Box of all 10 poses
Original Gingerbread - $35
Vegan Gingerbread - $45

Happy Hour Menu

I found the happy hour menu for Devon Seafood Grill and it looks pretty darn good! I'm excited and know that everyone will have a wonderful time. Click here for the menu.

Also, the restaurant is located at 39 E. Chicago Ave. (2 blks west of Michigan Ave.)

I am not sure of what the parking situation will be like so I highly recommend everyone take a cab/train/bus...especially during rush hour.

KGC?

No, it's not the newest street drug promising an amazing high but Kentucky Fried Chicken's latest attempt at luring back the health conscious consumer. KGC, Kentucky Grilled Chicken, made its debut last month at select stores across the US in hopes of regaining customers that had given up the fried version due to diet or guilt for indulging in the juicy, fattening treat.

Unlike most black people in the US, I am not a huge fan of chicken, especially fried. There's something about biting into a piece and being met with veins that just bugs me out. If I'm going to eat something fried I'd prefer it be catfish or shrimp (2 of my favorites). While I'm on the topic (kinda) I don't like watermelon (or any melon for that matter) either and please save your comments about "taking my black card" not only is that beyond annoying, but rest assured, I suffer from constant CP time (but have managed to be on time for work 2 straight weeks... my friends know that's a big deal.)

Anyways, I found this to be interesting because given the current state of the economy companies everywhere are in a rush to create new ways to market their products and appeal to a larger consumer base. I think that KFC has their niche, fried chicken. I do not think they'll be able to captivate and blow people away with their foray into the world of grilled chicken.... Which kind of leads me on another tangent, do people really go to KFC because they want a healthy dinner for their family? Or lunch for themselves? If health is your top priority I'd suggest bypassing fast food altogether, heading to the grocery store and reacquainting yourself with your kitchen. There's nothing like a home cooked meal.

Papaya?

I love fruit. Dried fruit, fresh fruit, organic fruit...it's all so good to me. Last night I was blown away by Papaya. I've had it dried and thought it tasted alright...but after last night and tasting it fresh - - GROSS! Papaya is the nastiest, most bland, boring fruit I've ever had. It's the fruit for those that don't like sugar... any hint of sugar or sweetness. It was horrible! I can't believe that this is really a fruit! Yuck. Be warned:

Dried Papaya = Good
Fresh Papaya = Disgusting

Hidden Gem

McCormick & Schmick's
1 E. Wacker Dr.
312-923-7226

This is my hidden gem in the city. Feel free to stop by for happy hour which includes heavily discounted food and a few wine specials.

Mon - Fri
330p - 630p
930p - close

Sunday
All day




Ron is the BEST bartender and will make sure to take care of you all night!





I recommend the Cajun Burger w/fries $1.95 (yes...it's ridiculously cheap...and good!) and the Mahi Cakes w/ peanut sauce $3.95 (absolutely delicious and hits the spot for any fish lovers!)







Also, the wings $3.95 are a good choice too!

Noodles & Company - Great downtown lunch choice

I've been on this health nut kick as of late (the last week or so...lol...) and I decided to try out Noodles & Company for lunch! (it was much better than my first choice - McDonalds...I was craving french fries. lol..)

Noodles & CO
180 N. Michigan Ave.
312-981-7110

I ordered the trio special:


Japanese Pan Noodles with Beef
*Carmelized udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce with broccoli, carrots and shiitake mushrooms. Asian sprouts, black sesame and cliantro garnish.

Tomato Basil Bisque
*A rich and zesty tomato soup with a touch of cream, fresh basil and garlic. Topped with Italian parsley.

About $7 with a drink! You can also sub out the soup for your choice of salad.

As you can see (by the empty plates) I devoured my food! The meal was delicious!