Goiabada e Queijo

'O rei da goiabada' is what they called me, or 'the king of goiabada'. I want to estimate about 5 meals a week at least included goiabada while I was at the island. This is a typical dinner. Goiabada with queijo Prato (cheese).

Less is More!

There is something about pizza that is just too good to be explained. When I went visit my grandma, we went out for dinner, and to keep it simple, decided on a pizza place. Personally I am not a huge fan of too many toppings on a pizza. Take this mozzarella pizza for example.

Just mozarella, onions, some seasoning, parmesan cheese, and a little sauce and you have a perfectly delicious pizza. Good quality toppings is what makes the pizza. Everything food related is about quality not quantity! Though we want to enjoy everything of quality in great quantity!

So Fresh!

There is nothing quite like a fresh fruit from a street vendor to sate that sweet craving everyone gets now and then. Fruits make the best snacks, they are full of energy and relatively healthy. However, in The US (at least Texas...) it is very hard to find fresh fruits (maybe in California...). I will say, that you don't know what a mango is until you have eaten a fresh one from a sub-tropical to tropical climate like Brazil, or India. Nothing beats the sweet juices and soft consistency.

The grapes are just for extra show, in the US you can find pretty good usually imported grapes.

Sweet Party!

A while ago, me and my fellow diver co-workers decided to go to a local party, whose proceeds were going to provide new materials for the Island's school. Who had ever heard of a school charity event being held at a bar with loud electronic music? This was certainly my first. Also tucked away at the corner of the bar was this table (left).

I know! What kind of awesome party has a huge table full of fruits?! This party does! Now tell me... Do Brazilians know how to party or not? And you thought we only had super models and soccer players...

I suppose next time you are planning a party, consider serving up some fruit. To, you know, sweeten up your guests.

Simple Bowl Complicated Salad

In my hometown (The Woodlands, TX) there is a upscale outdoor shopping center called Market Street. There is now a salad wrap/bowl location there, which is not creatively called Salata. This place is pretty cool. You first choose whether you want a tossed salad bowl or a wrap, then you pick from their vast array of extras to compliment the lettuce just the way you want it. Then, for a small fee you can add some protein in the form of chicken or seafood (salmon, shrimp, etc.).

Though some will say it's a bit pricey for 'just' a salad, I think it's a great fast option for a light and healthy meal. Also the salads are quite big, and all the ingredients are incredibly fresh and of great quality.

I got mine with a pesto toast (devoured before picture...), mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, green and black olives, grilled chicken and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Grimaldi's!

In my opinion the best pizza in the woodlands is from Grimaldi's Pizza. The price is a little high for pizza, but it is well worth it. You also get to make your own pizza's, pick your base and toppings from a list and sit tight while your pizza bakes in their brick oven. The small salad is a good size starter...

The pizza had ricotta cheese, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and ham. on a tomato sauce mozzarella thin crust base. I don't quite remember what salad we ended up getting... All in all a great meal. If you like pizza, you must check this place out.

Nice Rice

Rice pudding or arroz doce was one of my favorite desserts growing up. Now it's still one of my favorites. It is easy to make, easy to garnish, and tastes like delicious with a little of awesome on top. It is not too sweet and its very light, which means it can be enjoyed in moderate portions after just about kind every meal.

If you are wondering that is cinnamon on top, gives it a good contrasting garnish, and changes up the taste enough to keep your taste buds guessing.

Perfect, or should I say Parfait!

I'm not going to lie. My brother introduced me to the deliciousness of yogurt, but since that fateful day I have made my fair contribution diminishing dairy stocks all around the world. Mostly in the form of parfait consumption. This is my most recent venture into "perfection".

Two peach halves, lots of granola, and a healthy serving of honeyed Greek yogurt. This is a very satisfying breakfast meal, and takes no time at all to prepare.

Merci, Bon appétit!

I'm going GREEN, or am I?

Ok mostly green... I am a big fan of salads, they are easy to make, light on the stomach, healthy, and good for lunch or dinner. They are also easy to present, vibrant colors bring the plate to life.

The draw back of course is the short life expectancy of fresh ingredients that salads require.
Easy solution: to-go salad bars. There is a small organic market (it'll pop up various times, H&H) near my house where I can just drop by make a salad on my way to work, from work, the gym, or whatever have you.

I made this on the way back from a mid morning workout...

The beauty of this particular salad is that it requires no sauce, though I did add a little because I wanted to see what it tasted like. The olives in combination with the tuna salad will give plenty taste to keep your buds occupied while you work through the leafy part. Quinoa grains are not only a good vegetarian protein source alternative, but also gives salads a little more texture, and I couldn't resist grabbing a few artichoke hearts while I was at it.

ps. that to-go box is made of recycled materials!