muffuletta and a hiatus

Well, this is awkward.  Sorry I haven't been around in a while... I know it's no excuse but a few months ago, my computer crashed.  I lost everything.  My files, my photos, my software... The whole enchilada. That seemed to happen at the worst possible time.  A time when work, family, life demanded my full attention.  Just juggling my schedule seemed like more then I could handle.  So, I just took a pause from blogging. I took some time to invest in people, to really focus on my job, and to reevaluate priorities.  It was really good.  But, I'm back.  My hair's a bit longer, my life's still not under control, and I still love really good food.  Needless to say, I was thrilled to find that you guys still visit SSL. I was pretty sure that even my mom stopped checking it, so thank you for not giving up on me.  

Let me introduce you to my friend, the muffuletta.  She likes to hang out with kettle chips and San Pellegrino.  

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blueberry granola

When I was younger, my mom and I were the only ones that woke up early. Of course, Dad woke up early but he was usually leaving by the time I graced the downstairs.  Mom would make coffee and then we'd munch on granola and talk about boys, school, work, and funny things that happened that week. Those conversations/counseling sessions (let's be honest) were some of my warmest memories of living at home.  So, while I am typically a smoothie girl these days, I do make a big bowl of granola every once in a while.

Like my Cranberry-Almond Granola, this cereal has a great crunch.  The ginger gives it a sassy flare while the seeds and nuts add enough protein to kick your morning off right. 

I like my granola in a tea cup with a little bit of milk, regular 2% or coconut depending on my mood.  Mom likes hers with Greek yogurt. 

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tajin chicken chili

Do you know what Tajin is? Technically, it's a Mexican fruit seasoning, but it just happens to be one of the most explosive combination of flavors on the planet.  Chile, sea salt, and lime.  BAM!  Sprinkle a little on an avocado, and good grief, you may never need another recipe again. 

This soup embodies those three bold flavors.  The result is sensational. It's filing, but somehow light.  (Even though chili is one of my favorite meals, most recipes send me into a deep food coma.  Deeeeeeeep. Like collapse on the couch for three hours deep... This recipe, however, is safe to take for a warm lunch at work or make as a light spring dinner.)  Chile, garlic, and cumin flavor the broth while a hint of citrus makes the flavors pop. Make it, slurp it, glup it, repeat.

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