His & Hers Weekend Treats

My weekend desires sure have changed. Normally I'd like to enjoy a nice bottle of wine with the hubs...these days, we have his & her treats. Beer for him, ice cream for me.

Belly update

Hi my foodie friends!

You may have noticed I've been a little quiet lately.

I assure you this is not for a lack of eating! As you can see, my preggo belly is expanding! A little more so each day it seems. My appetite has also expanded.

While I've been posting less than normal, please know I am here, thinking about food. And on higher energy days, I am found in the kitchen - actually cooking. In the meantime, my hubby has gotten very good at making dinner. My hunger-panged belly appreciates his culinary contributions.

- Kelly (& Baby Girl)

A Hummus Duo

In need of more healthy snack options to take with me to work - I am after all, in a frequent snacking phase of my preggo life - I set out to make a batch of hummus. As I warmed up my food processor blending tahini hummus, inspiration struck. What about a couple of different flavored hummus options?

I usually turn to hummus for the snacking appeal, but it's also good for spreading on to sandwiches as a healthy alternative to mayo. These hummus flavors would give me great versatility.

Citrus Herb Copper River King Salmon with Potatoes

As a member of the Fresh Catch Crew, I get to taste the salmon varieties of Copper River Salmon - the wild caught, high demand, top-of-the-market salmon.

I know, I'm one lucky gal, huh?

I posted a few weeks ago about Sockeye salmon. And now I am talking about King salmon. So, how is King salmon different? What makes it unique?

BIG news & foodie cravings

I have a BIG announcement! ...

Dan and I are expecting our first baby! Arriving in November!

I told you it was big news!

This experience has been wonderful and adventure-filled already. I am learning all sorts of things in terms of how the body prepares for baby - of particular note, the desires of my belly!

As you know, I've always been a foodie. Now, I am a foodie with a purpose! I am one hungry girl. And believe it or not, even that has been a learning process.

In the first couple months, it took me some time to figure out just how many snacks I needed to pack each morning to get through the workday. I must admit that on more than one occasion, I had a hunger freak-out as I found myself ravenous during my commute home. Eventually, I found a balance for fueling my body. And packing extra snacks just in case is always a good idea.

And then there are CRAVINGS. A commonly asked question and topic of preggo discussion.

Happy Anniversary with Fresh Squeezed Lemonade!

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of The Salted Spoon! I can hardly believe it it's been 2 years already!

Those of you who've been with me since the beginning know it took a little time to find my blogging groove. For you The Salted Spoon newcomers - I WELCOME you!

Thank you for following, supporting and chatting with me as I journey along in my foodie adventures.

On this special day, I am happy to celebrate a blog I truly enjoy with an ice cold glass of homemade lemonade!

Cedar Plank Grilled Sockeye with Parsley Butter

I’ve long been a salmon lover. This summer I get the opportunity to become a salmon aficionado.

As part of the Fresh Catch Crew, I get to taste the different salmon varieties that come from Copper River Salmon. I’m always up for expanding and fine-tuning my palate. Of course, this will come at the cost of ruining me for other, lesser quality salmon. But that's a cross I am willing to bare. :)

Watermelon Mint Granita

I had some leftover watermelon from a barbeque and refashioned it into a tasty after dinner treat.

A treat that's both fresh and fruity that satisfies my ever-so-present desire for ice cream.

Copper River Salmon season is here!

Warm weather has arrived and this means backyard grilling, dinner on the patio and my favorite part - light, fresh, colorful meals. I love this time of year!

And this summer, I'm excited to share (!), I will be representing Denver as a member of the Copper River Salmon’s Fresh Catch Crew. Being a Crew member means that I get to cook with this *prized* salmon throughout the summer.

Celebrating Mom

Sunday was Mother's Day and this day is one of my favorites.

In childhood, my momma was wonderful as I grew, learned, explored and figured out who I am today. As an adult, I am blessed to call my mom my friend.

Here's to the woman who instilled so many great things in me - amongst them, my love for cooking and sharing food with others. What a better way than to celebrate mom with a lovely brunch.

Maple Almond Cookies

I've been baking up a storm ... and I am so excited to share my creation with you! These cookies are both delicate and delicious. Their light almond flavor and texture is reminiscent of a sugar cookie.

We've been enjoying these cookies in our house for a couple of days now. But they are nearly gone. A treat this good doesn't last long around here!

Popcorn Friday: Cracked Pepper Corn

Popcorn Friday is here and I am back to flavorings of the savory persuasion.

If you like salt and pepper potato chips, this week's popcorn is a healthy alternative to those chips. The flavor comes from the freshly cracked pepper - ground pepper is no substitute here.

Crepes and Soufflés Galore!

I took a hands-on Crepes and Soufflés class at Stir Cooking School last weekend. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

The school is so cute and colorful! I had a great time. And seriously indulged!

As you know, I cook healthy versions of recipes in my home kitchen. Wow, was this a change. I left the class feeling energized with ideas yet lethargic with a very fully belly. I had to take an afternoon nap to sleep it off! Ha!

In the coming weeks, I hope to re-create the crepe into a healthier version of itself. While it will still be a special treat, at least it will be a bit healthier.

Soft Pretzels

I've had a tasting for soft pretzels lately. This must be because yesterday (April 26th) was national pretzel day. How timely of me, right? So this week, in lieu of my normal popcorn adventures, I changed things up with a little baking.

There are numerous pretzel recipes out there. Some are more complicated than others and may require boiling the twisted dough prior to baking.

Sautéed Mushroom Cups

When entertaining for dinner, I like to have a starter ready to go when our friends arrive. It satisfies those who are arrived with hungry bellies and gives me time to visit before serving dinner.

We had friends for dinner and I had leftover wonton wrappers from some recent potstickers I had made. I dont think wonton wrappers freeze well so I needed to use them up.

Popcorn Friday: Homemade Kettle Corn

This week's popcorn continues my sweet twists on popcorn. And it's one of my favorites - Kettle Corn.

I love that at nearly every farmers' market, fair and outdoor event there's kettle corn to be had! I typically smell it roasting before seeing the kettle drum roaster and I reach into my purse for cash - that is if my husband doesn't already have the money out.

What draws me in? It's the combination of sweet and salty that gets me. That, and crunchy. An ideal combination for snack time eats!

Celebrating a mother-to-be friend

My dear friend, Melissa, is pregnant and expecting a baby very soon. Melissa is one of my best friends and I am so excited for her as she is about to become a first-time momma.

Selfishly, I am looking forward to her having the little guy soon so I can hold him! :)

This weekend, my other friend and I got to honor Melissa by throwing her a baby shower. Our shower had all the festive ingredients you would expect from a baby shower – decorations, friends, food and ‘oohing and aahing’ as she opened gifts and help up teeny-tiny onesies. Simply adorable.

German Chocolate Cake Popcorn

I've enjoyed the sweet twists to popcorn. This week, I was inspired by a desire for chocolate. Rather than have a whole chocolate bar, I created a chocolaty and crunchy popcorn.

Mango Madness Cocktail

Dan and I vacationed in Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed a full week of much needed R&R!

It was glorious. I was so relaxed, I took very few pictures. Nearly all of them of food! Thankfully, I have a couple pictures to at least remember our laid back trip.

Together, we sipped on fruity beverages while overlooking the beach from the comfort of our lounge chairs. Since then, I’ve had adult beverages on the brain.

Lightened-Up Egg Salad Sandwich

Every year, my adult siblings and I dye Easter eggs. Yes, I said adult siblings. We still enjoy doing this and have convinced our spouses to join in on the colorful creations as well.

Naturally, this tradition leaves us with lots and lots of hard-boiled eggs. The quintessential Easter leftover dish is an egg salad sandwich. But with the common ingredient of mayonnaise, I am sorry to say, such a sandwich makes for a calorie-laden lunch.

To health it up, I swapped Greek yogurt for the mayo. The result, the same great flavor but without the excess calories and fat.

Popcorn Friday: Party Time Popcorn Balls

I've been loving these Popcorn Fridays! It's so much fun to get creative in the kitchen!

This week, I changed things up by getting sweet with popcorn. These party time popcorn balls are coated in marshmallow - much like a rice krispie treat!

Curry Chicken Salad with Watercress

I have been traveling quite a bit these past months. I spend my days working for a wellness company for older adults and I get the opportunity to travel the nation visiting our partners.

In doing so, I also have many food-related experiences. Some healthy and some not so much. My travel eats inspire ideas about how to make dishes healthier.

This dish was inspired by a trip in which I enjoyed lunch with the team at a senior living community. The menu was much like a restaurant menu and offered several common lunch-time fares, such as tuna and chicken salad.

Popcorn Friday: Honey Mustard Popcorn

This week's popcorn is a shout out to all you honey mustard fans! I know you are out there and having lived with a honey mustard enthusiast in my early college years, I also know how fanatical you can be for this flavor.

I must share that this popcorn flavoring has proved the most difficult of the Friday Popcorns thus far. Now before you're scared away, let me reassure you that it won't be difficult for you to recreate.

In fact, it's actually quite easy. I strive to make my popcorn snacks quick and easy. I imagine you eat your popcorn as I do ... as a crunchy late night snack or for eats during a weekend movie night.

Vanilla Bean Ricotta with strawberries & toasted coconut

I've had some gorgeous vanilla beans burning a hole in my kitchen cabinet for several months now.

There are many good uses for a vanilla bean pod . I considered flavoring my sugar canister, making sweet treats and even a savory treat with the vanilla. I finally settled on dessert. A light dessert.

How to eat healthy when dining out: Tips from 5280's Food Editor

Last week I shared my interview with 5280's Food Editor, Amanda Faison. I promised you a second installment from our interview - one exploring the topic of eating healthy at a restaurant.

As you know, The Salted Spoon is a health-minded food blog. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask about healthy tips from the person who's job requires eating out often and indulgently.

Popcorn Friday: Cajun Corn

Dan has been in the mood for something a little spicy this week. He is the spice lover in the family, not me. This usually means he adds Cholula to his dinner.

But his desire for spicy food inspired a new popcorn flavor - Cajun. Its got a touch of heat but not too spicy for me to enjoy alongside him.

New Dine & Dish rating

Hi fellow dining out enthusiasts!

I'd like to introduce my new restaurant review rating system. You might have seen its first appearance in the D&D: ChoLon. Well, it is pretty simple. A rating of Salted Spoons...



Each D&D restaurant will be awarded Salted Spoons, with a maximum rating of 5 spoons. Spoons are awarded based upon several factors including food fare, libations, service, atmosphere and overall dining experience. Of course, the greatest factor earning spoons is the central part of dining out - the FOOD!

Likely, the lowest score you will see is a 3 Salted Spoon rating. I typically don't bother writing if a restaurant isn't at least deserving of 3 spoons.

Cheers to enjoying all 5 spoon restaurants!

5280's Best New Restaurants and Q&A with Food Editor

"Our food scene has never been more vibrant..." reads the first line of 5280's article on Best New Restaurants. I couldn't agree more with this sentiment.

We had nearly 300 restaurants open in 2011 and while several have vanished as quickly as they appeared on the Denver dining scene, the good ones have only gotten better.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with 5280 magazine's food editor, Amanda Faison, who shared with me all that goes into narrowing down restaurants to the small list of 8 best.

Popcorn Friday: Truffle Cheese Popcorn

Continuing with my Friday night feature, I've got another flavored popcorn to share with you! And this one is ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!

Comfort food is so IN right now! It has been so for a few years already. There's no sign of its popularity slowing either. One of those uber popular comfort food dishes is Marconi & Cheese. And there's several takes on it...Lobster Mac, Truffle Mac...

Raspberry Breakfast Muffins

I've been testing out recipes for an upcoming baby shower for my friend. Breakfast muffins are always appropriate for such an occasion.

Dan has been my happy taste tester - with a full mouth, he approves!

In this recipe, I swapped half the flour with whole-wheat flour for a healthier muffin. I also toasted them lightly to get a crunchy top. This toasted muffin top pairs nicely with the soft raspberry center.

Foodie Event: The Big Eat

Tickets are on sale now for The Big Eat, a Denver foodie event featuring signaure fare from 50 local restaurants.

While this is the 6th year of The Big Eat, it will be my first time!

Join me! Tickets are $25.

Get your tickets here: The Big Eat tickets.

New Series & Garlic Herb Popcorn

I sure do love my salty, crunchy snacks! And I am a huge fan of popcorn.

Popcorn is a staple in my snacking diet. It's a satisfying alternative to other fat-laden salty snacks such as potato chips.

The good news - popcorn is a natural, healthy source of fiber. And inherently, popcorn is a healthy snack choice...it's all the stuff we do to it - adding butter, butter and more butter - that takes popcorn over to the dark side.

Dine & Dish: ChoLon Bistro

When entering ChoLon Bistro, a downtown dining hot spot, a friendly staff greets you with the ease and class of an long-time established restaurant. In their second year, ChoLon has carved out a particularly blissful section of the Denver dining scene - modern Asian cuisine.

ChoLon Bistro's Restaurant Week menu was served family style allowing dinners to try many dishes. We, along with my family, tasted nearly all the menu offerings.

A statement piece - a sesame crisp - served dramatically upright started off the meal. For dipping was a sauce with the strong, familiar flavors of chili powder.

Colorado Green Chili - Guest Post from SonnemanLand

Hi Foodie Friends....I've got a treat for you. My sister is guest posting! She is actually the person who got me into blogging in the first place!

You can read more about her life as mom to the adorable Josie at Sonneman Land. Take it away Meg......

Hi Everyone! I’m Megan, Kelly’s sister, and I too love food and trying new recipes. But sometimes you need staples you can always fall back on and this here is exactly that. Green Chili, it’s on of my favorite things to eat any time of the year, although getting fresh chilies is seasonal.

Shamrock Smoothie

With an anticipatory festive spirit and inspirations from St. Patrick's Day signature color, a GREEN smoothie is born!

It's loaded with vitamin C, potassium and heart healthy mono-unsaturated fat.

On the road again...

I travel a bit with my job. Have I ever shared that with you? I suppose not.

I work for a wellness company. Yes, I get to live and breathe wellness in my work-life and I LOVE it! It is such an exciting and fulfilling field to be in. And naturally, this fits with my own chosen healthy lifestyle.

But, in instances when I am on the road - perhaps, several back to back trips - I have to find ways to maintain my health despite traveling.

I consider work travel different that vacation travel. In that, when vacationing, I give myself the allowance to indulge a bit more than I normally would. Have to take advantage of the opportunity to experience a new city and culture through their food, right? It's my favorite part of vacation travel!

But, when traveling for work, I approach these days no different than being at home. Meaning, I seek out healthy food options. So, what does a gal do when traveling and hungry?

Starbucks. For breakfast anyway. Even though it's a chain (and I typically prefer small businesses), they have oatmeal on the menu. And I can add in nuts for extra protein. A good start to a full work day.

Here's to making healthy choices - on the road or otherwise!

Roasted Rosemary Garlic

Entertaining this weekend? Roasted garlic is a sophisticated, yet simple, starter to an evening meal. The long cook time transforms the otherwise pungent raw garlic into a mild and buttery spread.

The fresh rosemary enhances the flavor even further. Crusty bread is the perfect carrier for enjoying this spreadable garlic.

When Kelly is away, what do I eat?!?!

Allow myself to introduce ... myself. I'm Dan. Kelly's husband. Also known as hubby, babe, that guy with the crazy sweet tooth, and the CTO of The Salted Spoon.

Being married to a foodie, I've become used to a certain level of cuisine, both out and at home. So, when Kelly is out of town, it puts me into a little bit of a predicament.

Social commentary of the foodie kind...

Last week, a man had a heart attack whilst eating a Triple Bypass Burger at the Las Vegas location of the Heart Attack Grill.

I hear this man is in the hospital and recovering. Thankfully.

When the Congress came out with ruling that pizza was a vegetable, I kept my blogging mouth shut. (I personally don't get pizza. - I don't want what is essentially a breadstick for dinner.) But, with this news, it's time to ask some serious questions.

Parmesan Crisps

Class up soups and salads with this very easy and FLAVORFUL crispy garnish. The best part ... there is only ONE ingredient! Can you believe that?!

And this simple garnish takes less than 5 minutes!

Mushroom Soup with Parmesan Crisps

There ground cover of snow outside seems to be growing rather than melting away. Hence, a nice bowl of soup is in order.

I've always enjoyed the hearty and earthy flavors of mushrooms. The use of a variety of mushrooms adds to the depth of flavor this healthy soup.

Lightened-Up Cookie Dough Cheesecake

The hubs has a sweet tooth. This is an understatement! He has a mouth full of them! And his favorite treat is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake, to which, I make for him this time every year.

Tri-Colored Pepper Chili

Can you tell I am really on a soup kick?! Looking back over the past month is certainly a glimpse into my cooking cravings.

This one's no different - cold weather inspires my desire for soup. Or in this case, chili. I love it because making a big pot of chili on Sunday means I can eat it throughout the week.

5280: Top of the Town voting

Have you cast your vote yet for 5280 Magazine's Top of the Town?

This highly coveted honor is awarded to the best-of-the-best in Denver. It's based upon the people's choice - as it should be!

Cast votes now on all things related to Denver - but most importantly, best restaurant, burger, seafood, vegetarian dish, dining patio, happy hour and blog (wink, wink).

Denverites - let your opinion be known! Click here to Vote Now!

Guest Post at Healthy Cooking for Me

Today, I am thrilled to be guest posting my Cinnamon Crunch Baked Apples over at my friend Ann's blog: Healthy Cooking for Me.

Ann has adopted a healthy lifestyle and blogs to share her journey.

As you know, I too share the passion for healthy eats. So naturally, we quickly became friends! Plus, she has such a positive spirit - I love that too!

I invite you to check out my healthy baked dessert - and say "Hi" to Ann on her blog Healthy Cooking for Me.

See you there - for a yummy, yummy dessert!

Restaurant Week update

2 dinners scheduled ... hoping for 2 more!

So far, I will be dining with my foodie family - The Hubs, Momma, Sister, Bro-in-law and of course, Baby Josie.

Reservations at ChoLon Bistro & Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

Restaurant week countdown ... 17 days!!

Denver friends - where will you be eating during Restaurant Week?

Valentine Treats

The day for LOVE is nearly here! What sweet treat are you making for your Sweet?

This conversation heart inspired treat is both festive and easy. And the possibilities are endless - adapting words for love of all kinds. A 'Cutie Pie' treat for my niece and a 'Kiss' treat for the hubs.

Restaurant Week!

My favorite time of the year is nearly here! In the life of a foodie, Denver Restaurant Week is big!

It's bigger than the excitement the Superbowl creates amongst a group of football fanatics. Why? Because it lasts for 2 weeks! The opportunities to try new restaurants are plentiful.

I am selecting my Restaurant Week eatlist now. It's hard to choose!

I can't wait!!

Denver friends - Where are you making reservations?

Long-distance friends - Many cities offer something similar to Restaurant Week. What exciting foodie events does your city offer?

Need a bigger helping?:
Restaurant Week Menus

White Bean and Spinach Soup

January in Colorado means we're not yet past the possibility of wintertime snow storms. Cold weather always inspires me to make a big pot of soup! And I was craving a healthy veggie soup.

The great thing about making this soup - it's E-A-S-Y! And healthy too!

Perfect for supporting a healthy lifestyle. Can't get much better than that.

White Bean and Spinach Soup
Recipe adapted from Fitness Magazine

Ingredients: *Serves 6
1 tsp. olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
8 c. vegetable broth
1 15 oz. can tomato puree
1 15 oz. can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 c. brown rice, uncooked
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
8 c. fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
3 tbs. shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. In a large non-stick skillet, sauté onions in oil until browned, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. About 1 minute. Remove from heat.
2. In a large pot, combine broth, tomato puree, beans, rice, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir in onion and garlic.
3. Cover and cook on medium heat, to a slow simmer, for 2 1/2 hours.
4. When ready to serve, stir in spinach and garnish with cheese. Dig in and enjoy!