Subscribe to Pleasure in Simple Things via RSS ReaderFollow Pleasure in Simple Things on InstagramFollow @InSimpleThings on TwitterLike Pleasure In Simple Things on FacebookFollow Pleasure In Simple Things on PinterestEmail Jackie

Tag: food and festivities


have a heart

13
February

heart cookie cutter salad

It’s easy to get into the Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day spirit simply by using a heart shaped cookie cutter on something edible!  Transform something ordinary into something extraordinary with a simple cut!

watermelon and mozzarella salad valentine

You have seen me use a cookie cutter on Valentine’s Day before…remember the Valentine stuffed French toast The lavender shortbreads?  Or, even the bird seed for the bird feeder?

Well, today I am taking my Fancy Watermelon Salad (click here for original recipe) and transforming it for Valentine’s Day, simply by cutting the watermelon rounds into hearts!  Easy, right?

watermelon salad trio

I hope I have inspired you to use a heart cookie cutter this Valentine’s Day!  What will you use it on?

Enjoy!

tasty watermelon valentine

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, xo Jackie

Comments Off on have a heart | diy, food & festivities, inspiration, recipe

june book giveaway!

29
May

June book giveaway pleasure in simple things blog 063

For June, the giveaway book selection is Vibrant Food by Kimberley Hasselbrink. This book celebrates the ingredients, recipes, and colors of each season. I really love when recipe books are organized by season, because it encourages healthful eating and is so compatible with healthy shopping! What better way is there to shop at this time of year than to visit farmer’s markets for in season ingredients that are fresh and grown local?

june giveaway book pleasure in simple things vibrant food

The author invites you to look at ingredients differently – to let the colors inspire! This book can help you think about produce in terms of color and can reinvigorate your relationship with food. In this collection of recipes, Hasselbrink employs aesthetics, flavor, and texture to build gorgeous yet unfussy dishes for every season.

Leave a comment for a chance to win this wonderful selection! I know the winner of this book will enjoy jumping right into ‘the bold colors of summer’ section to create some wonderful summer dishes!

pleasure in simple things giveaway book vibrant food book

Now, to announce the winner of last month’s giveaway selection. Daria was chosen at random from the comments left during May and will receive a copy of the book Secret Garden by Johanna Basford.  And, I have added a box of brightly colored pencils to the giveaway!  Congratulations Daria and happy doodling!  Thanks to everyone that left a comment. :)

In honor of the June book selection, the Instagram challenge for June is to share photos of your own vibrant food! Use hashtag #pleasuregram to post photos of brightly colored in season ingredients throughout the month of June.

june 2015 instagram challenge pleasure in simple things blog

Thanks so much for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

1 comment » | food & festivities, good reads, monthly book giveaway

roasted chickpeas recipe

9
September

roasted chickpeas pleasure in simple things

Have you tried roasting chickpeas? For me, roasted chickpeas are a great alternative to eating a pint of sorbet! I can eat a can (or two) of chickpeas in one sitting and not feel nearly as guilty!

Roasted chickpeas as a snack are so simple to prepare and require very few ingredients – chickpeas and spices and you are good to go! I always have canned chickpeas in the house, so the ingredients for roasted chickpeas are always at the ready. And, with chickpeas costing 65 cents a can, they produce a very inexpensive snack!

roasted chickpeas recipe pleasure in simple things

If you want to experiment with the recipe I provided, use any spice you may love to flavor the chickpeas – try some of your favorites. I love to use fresh rosemary, but smoky flavors also work really well. I don’t use much salt since I am not a big salt fan, but a smoky salt would work great if salt is your thing.

roasted chickpeas in a bowl pleasure in simple things

When you rinse and dry the chickpeas, be sure to dry them thoroughly. By doing so, you will ensure you get a crispy snack. The other key to crispiness is not to use too much olive oil – if you use too much, your chickpeas will be soggy. I put 2 tablespoons in the recipe – use a little less if you can, but never more than 2 tablespoons.

chickpeas on a baking sheet plesure in simple things

After I rinse them, I also remove any loose casings – but it is not a big deal if you miss some.

I turn the chickpeas once during cooking, but if I happen to be in the kitchen while they are in the oven, I will shake the pan a couple times also.

This snack is the best when eaten shortly after cooking. I usually do not have any leftovers, but on the one occasion when I do, I find I can ‘recharge’ the crispiness of the chickpeas by putting them back into a 400 degree oven for a short time to remove any moisture.

making roasted chickpeas pleasure in simple things

I hope you will try roasting some chickpeas if you haven’t already…they are a great crunchy snack!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Crafts a la Mode.

Comments Off on roasted chickpeas recipe | food & festivities, recipe

Back to top