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Monday, March 14, 2011

Justin's Nut Butter


I want to share with all of you one of my favorite products. 
I discovered Justin's nut butter about 6 months ago while browsing the aisles of Whole Foods. 
I was impressed at the fact you can purchase small packets of the nut butter to sample before you buy a whole jar. This was convenient because I can't tell you how many times I have bought things I don't like and end up throwing it out.

The nut butter packets run anywhere from 50 cents to $2 each and you can sample the almond, hazelnut and peanut butter. The flavors are chocolate, honey, cinnamon, and original.
I am in love with ALL of the flavors! 
The texture is perfect for topping a whole grain waffle or a tablespoon in your oatmeal!

You can purchase Justin's at Target, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and more! 
This is a great product and I highly suggest checking it out if you love nut butters as much as I do :)

Friday, March 4, 2011

Flank Steak

Many of you probably have never tried flank steak for the simple fact that you didn't really enjoy the bland taste or you weren't sure what it is. Well my dad and I made dinner last night and decided to take a stab at making flank steak since I have seen so many recipes for it and it's low in fat! It's a great source of protein. Our recipe and dinner turned out beautiful, we were VERY impressed with our results and how easy everything was. On the menu was Flank Steak and Oven fries! I will include the recipe to both and give you a little more info on what exactly "Flank Steak" is.

Information found on several accredited websites:

The flank steak, also known as bavette, is a beef steak cut from the abdominal muscles of the cow. A relatively long and flat cut of meat. It is quickly seared in a hot pan and eaten rare to maintain its tenderness. Flank steak is best when it has a bright red color. Because it comes from a strong, well-exercised part of the cow, it is best prepared when cut across the grain. It is great particularly for women who must get a certain amount of iron in their diet. This is a very lean, protein rich cut of meat.



Flank Steak with Soy Marinade -- This stuff is SO good!

Steak Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound flank steak

Mix all ingredients of flank steak in a large zip lock baggy. Place the steak in the baggy and smother with marinade, rubbing and tossing the bag back and forth. If you have time you may place the bag in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinate. We didn't have time and it still turned out wonderful, as long as it is in the bag marinating for about 10 minutes.
Heat the skillet to medium, add the steak, and cook for about 8 minutes on each side. The temperature must reach at least 140 degrees, other than that it's cooked to your liking.
Remove from skillet once the temperature reaches your desired temp, and transfer to a large cutting board. Cut the steak across the grain in strips. You may pour extra marinade on top.

Oven Fries: Created by my father

3-4 Idaho potatoes, depending on family size
1 tbsp rosemary
1-2 tbsp sea salt
1.5 tbsp garlic salt
1 packet Lipton Onion Mix
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil -- I use garlic gold because it's SO good and lightly infused but regular is fine.

Cut potatoes into spears, microwave for 5 minutes in large microwavable bowl, and place on greased baking sheet. Cover potatoes in all ingredients mixing around as you add. Heat oven to 400 degrees and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Enjoy!