Sausage, Arugula, and Walnut Rice Bowls

This rice bowl continues the obsession! I used grilled sausage, arugula, mushrooms, apple, toasted walnuts and rice with a drizzle of honey mustard. It was the perfect barely-needing-cooking for a summery dinner. It kind of is a nod to fall with the apples & nuts but the sausage, apples, walnuts, and arugula beg for the mustard.

The Three Bite Rule - Sausage, Arugula, and Rice Bowl

Sausage, Arugula, and Walnut Rice Bowls

Ingredients: (for 2-3 servings)

1-2 cups of rice/grain of choice (I used brown rice)
2 Sweet Italian Sausage (or chicken sausage)
1 cup mixed mushrooms
1 apple, chopped
2 cups arugula
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1/4 cup honey mustard

Directions:

Preheat the grill then grill the sausage.
Cook the rice and keep warm until serving.
In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts stirring regularly for 5 minutes over medium heat.
Empty the nuts out and saute the mushrooms in a little butter until golden in the same skillet.
Assemble the bowls with rice at the bottom and top with sliced sausage, nuts, mushrooms, arugula, apple and then drizzle with honey mustard.
Enjoy!
The Three Bite Rule - Sausage, Arugula, and Rice Bowl
Love! I live for the bites with all different elements.  I like the nutty brown rice, with arugula, with apple, with nuts, with honey mustard. Ohh yes.

What I Ate: French Onion Hot Dogs

What I Ate’ is a series of posts for so-easy-this-doesn’t-need-a-recipe but I’m sharing with you for the idea or inspiration.

Mr. J gets all the credit for these dogs! Normally we load up the toppings for burgers so this was a fun twist! We topped them with french onion dip, chips, and chives. So fun!

The Three Bite Rule - French Onion Hot Dogs

French Onion Topped Hot Dog

Ingredients:

2 hot dogs
2 hot dog buns
2 tablespoons French Onion Dip
chips, broken in to pieces
1 teaspoon chives

Directions:

Grill the hot dogs & slice the rolls.
Top with the dip, chips, and chives.
Enjoy!

The Three Bite Rule - French Onion Hot Dogs
Pssst. Need another dog option? This Hawaiian Hot Dog with teriyaki and pineapple relish topping. Plan a hot dog bar for your 4th celebration!!

June 2017 Recap

Summer is here! It has been awesome so far! I feel like we’ve had some fun get togethers and special things to go while also not going 1000 miles an hour. A lot of the year wizzes by but I’m loving this season we’re in. Our herb garden is taking off and the tomatoes are doing well.

This month was Mr. J’s biiiiiiirthday! His Birthday Burger was an Ultimate Mexican Burger with chorizo and topped with beans, queso, & guac.
The Three Bite Rule - Ultimate Mexican Burger
A new smoothie! Finally! Mojito Smoothie was new, with our own mint plant. We had a little smoothie demo at work and did this one, and a twist on this peanut butter & jelly smoothie.
The Three Bite Rule - Mojito Smoothie
And all the toast! I gave myself a self-imposed challenge to create some more interesting toast toppings!
The Three Bite Rule - Burrata, Pesto, Tomato Toast
Vanilla Almond Butter + Blackberries + Maple Syrup
Ricotta + Arugula + Bacon
Pesto + Tomato + Burrata
Nutella + Strawberry + Cinnamon

You know, I miiiight keep the toasts going in July. I make the rules, I can do what I want! They’ve been fun and I have a few more ideas. Stay tuned! I’m psyched for a few days off annnnd later in the month is a week at the beach!

The Little One:

We’ve been swimming! He wasn’t into it the first time of the season but then he went in and had a great time the last few times. We gave him a hand-me-down tee-ball glove from his older cousins and he plays with it daily. He’s loving the grilled foods.

2017 Goals:

Year of the seasonal decor: I did it! I framed a watercolor popsicle print annnd I got blue & white scarf with little tassels for my nautical mantle.
do more dinner prep more in advance: I’m on it. I’m focused on quick dinners to allow playtime outside or a walk before it gets dark.
read more (and always carry my book on me): I read Where’d You Go, Bernadette.
watch more movies: we watched/cried-our-eyes-out to A Dog’s Purpose
cook more fish: I had ton at work, does that count?
focus on clothes that I really like: none this month

What I Ate: #ToastedTuesday Almond Butter & Blackberry

What I Ate’ is a series of posts for so-easy-this-doesn’t-need-a-recipe but I’m sharing with you for the idea or inspiration.

Let the toast continue! There’s nothing better than peanut butter toast for breakfast. For this one, I picked a very special nut butter and fresh blackberries.
The Three Bite Rule - PB & Blackberry Toast
I chose vanilla almond butter as a treat over my usual chunky peanut butter…hello, that one is $12 a jar. tweleveeeee-dollarsssss. The packet for a buck was enough of a treat. I love peanut butter with berries instead of jelly. My little one is jelly obsessed so he’d think I’m crazy but hear me out.:  the sticky nutty pb neeeeeds fresh and juicy.

Ingredients:

Oatmeal toast
vanilla almond butter/any nut butter
blackberries, sliced in half
drizzle of honey or maple syrup

The Three Bite Rule - PB & Blackberry Toast
Toast. Top. Enjoy!

Pssst. June is basically over but I might keep the toasts going. I have a few I didn’t get to yet! Stay tuned!!

Ultimate Mexican Burger

This Mexican burger pulls out all the stops. Happy Birthday Burger Mr. J! The burger gets amped up with chorizo, queso, guac, and beans. I’be been saving this idea for awhile and it was perfect to plan for this one when I knew we’d have some taco leftovers!
The Three Bite Rule - Ultimate Mexican Burger

Ultimate Mexican Burger

Ingredients: (for 2 burgers)

1 link chorizo sausage
1/2 pound ground meat
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 tablespoons refried beans
3 tablespoons guacamole
3 tablespoons salsa con queso
lettuce
2 rolls

Directions:

Mix together the ground meat and the chorizo and form into patties. Sprinkle half of the taco seasoning on before grilling the burgers. Grill until cooked to your liking.
While the burgers are cooking, warm the queso and the refried beans.
After taking the burgers off the grill, sprinkle with remaining taco seasoning.
Spread the beans onto the bottom bun, then add lettuce, burger, queso, and spread the guacamole onto the top bun.
The Three Bite Rule - Ultimate Mexican Burger Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Burger Mr. J!

Here’s the history of the Birthday Burgers:
2016 it was a Mac & Cheese Stuffed Burger topped with bacon, onions, and tomato.
2015 it was a Picnic Burger with slaw & potato sticks
2014 it was a German Burger with horseradish, caramelized onions, pickles and a pretzel roll
2013 it was a Vermont Burger with maple mayo, cheddar, bacon, and spinach
2012 it was a Bacon Wrapped Burger
2011 it was a Stuffed Burger stuffed with bacon & cheddar or bacon & blue cheese

What I Ate: #ToastedTuesday Sourdough with Ricotta, Arugula, & Bacon

What I Ate’ is a series of posts for so-easy-this-doesn’t-need-a-recipe but I’m sharing with you for the idea or inspiration.

Ohh this is the stuff savory breakfasts are made of! Bacon. Arugula. Ricotta. Sourdough bread. I loved every bit of this and iiiiif you can’t get on board with this as breakfast, at least plan for this to be your next crostini appetizer, light lunch, or too-hot-to-cook dinner.
The Three Bite Rule - Arugula Toast with Bacon
My new realization for good toast is the special & fancy bread. I found this sourdough square loaf uncut but was cheaper than some of the others prob because it requires slicing myself. The bacon is your salty, and necessary. Arugula is the peppery and the fresh part. Ricotta is the most underrated cheese that seems to only survive in people’s lasagna. I like it cool & spread on toast but cream cheese could go here if that’s your preference.

Ricotta, Arugula, & Bacon Toast

Ingredients: (for 1 serving)

2 slices bacon
1 slice sourdough bread
2 tablespoons ricotta
1-2 cups baby arugula
1 teaspoon balsamic dressing

Directions:

Chop the bacon into small pieces and pan fry until crispy.
While the bread is toasting, toss the arugula in the dressing.
Spread the ricotta onto the bread, top with arugula, and sprinkle the bacon on top.

The Three Bite Rule - Arugula Toast with Bacon
Mr. J’s birthday burger is next. Stay tuned!!

Mojito Smoothie

This smoothie is gently green, with the mint & lime flavors of a mojito! This is like a baby step into adding greens into a smoothie. The green-ness seems appropriate and that you expect it to be green! I used frozen pear, but banana, apple would be fine too – shoot for something mild so the mint and the lime can really stand out.

The Three Bite Rule - Mojito Smoothie

Mojito Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 cup frozen pear
bunch of mint leaves
1/2 lime: squeezed for juice & zested

Directions:

Add spinach, yogurt, and milk to a blender and blend very thoroughly.
Then add in the frozen pear, mint, lime juice, and lime zest.
Blend and add more milk if it is too thick for your liking.

The Three Bite Rule - Mojito Smoothie

Enjoy! I loved that this was creamy from the milk and yogurt while fresh from the mint and lime.

The Three Bite Rule - Mojito Smoothie

What I Ate: #ToastedTuesday Burrata, Pesto & Tomato

What I Ate’ is a series of posts for so-easy-this-doesn’t-need-a-recipe but I’m sharing with you for the idea or inspiration.

More toast! I’m challenging myself to come up with more interesting toast toppers for June, thus, #ToastedTuesday ! With the weather warming, these are great meal ideas beyond breakfast…despite my quest for different breakfasts every day! I went savory and for this breakfast, I’d totally eat this for lunch or dinner! It is practically summer! Eat all the basil/pesto!
The Three Bite Rule - Burrata, Pesto, Tomato Toast

There aren’t really local tomatoes around these New England parts yet, but I’m chomping at the bit for gooooood tomatoes. Mine were fine, but I’m glad the burrata was steller and the pesto was addictive!

Italian Toast with Burrata, Pesto, & Tomato

Ingredients: (for 2)

2 slices of good bread
2 tablespoons pesto
1 tomato, sliced thin
1 small burrata ball (or fresh mozzarella)

Directions:

Toast the bread to your likeness.
Spread on the pesto and sliced tomatoes. Then slice the burrata and place on top of the toast.
Sprinkle with pepper & kosher salt and serve immediately.

The Three Bite Rule - Burrata, Pesto, Tomato Toast

Ohh yes. This is the perfect way to start the day. Burrata is softer and filled with a luscious cream for a gooey center. It is perfectly mild and creamy to contrast the pesto and crunchy toast. I was surprised to find it at the grocery store, but can’t wait for the farmer’s market go get it from local cheese folks.

I thought the salt was necessary and used a rosemary seasoned salt. This felt special, despite it taking only 2 minutes to make. Go ahead! Make a Wednesday special!

(today is Mr. J’s birthday so stay tuned for his special Birthday Burger! We’re on year 6 of this tradition: here are the years past, get caught up!  Happy happy birthday to my always-taste-tester!!)

Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is a staple with our fam and is over due to be blogged! It is crunchy the light dressing is just enough for the raw broccoli. It is still pretty good the following day, or easy enough to make just enough for a few servings…or a lot.

The Three Bite Rule - Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad (serves ~6)

Ingredients:

1-2 heads of broccoli (about 2-3 cups)
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2/3 cup raisins (or dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried cherries)

Directions:

Chop the broccoli into bite size pieces.
Whisk together the dressing of mayo, sugar, and vinegar.
The Three Bite Rule - Broccoli Salad
Mix together the broccoli, dressing, and raisins. Let it come together in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or 4 hours before serving.
The Three Bite Rule - Broccoli Salad
Enjoy!

I love this one. I used 1 1/2 broccoli heads and thought maybe there wasn’t going to be enough dressing, but it was perfect. Mr. J most often makes this and thought the ratio would be right. He advised it often looks like not enough but to toss it together and wait till dinner. (I do the same with pad thai and too much dressing isn’t great on that either!)

It is a good one to prep in advance, even if just mixing up the dressing and chopping the broccoli. I’m all about working to prep dinner in advance. I’d totally shake up the dressing and in the morning before heading to work.

The little one wanted to help so I was going to have him put the chopped broccoli into the container, but he was only in it for the snacks. He munched the broccoli & raisins and whisked the dressing with me. We got this from my mom and we keep it on a regular rotation through the summer.

What I Ate: #ToastedTuesday – Strawberry & Nutella Toast

What I Ate’ is a series of posts for so-easy-this-doesn’t-need-a-recipe but I’m sharing with you for the idea or inspiration.

I know, I know, I know. You do not need me for this. BUT, maybe you need breakfast inspiration? Or you have that overflowing and want to give ME ideas? Yes, I’ll take ’em all. I had lots of crazy toast toppings as ideas on my running food list and figured I’d challenge myself to making some. Welcome to Toasted Tuesdays! Ta-da!

They’re only getting more intense so please stay tuned…even if you’re thinking 2 toppings does not a-toast-make.
The Three Bite Rule - Strawberry Nutella Toast

Strawberry Nutella Toast

Ingredients:

1 slice good quality wheat toast
2 tablespoons nutella
2-3 ripe strawberries
sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:

Toast the bread, slice the berries, and assemble with a schmear of nutella, slices of strawberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The Three Bite Rule - Strawberry Nutella Toast
Enjoy!

What goes on your toast (besides avo, duhh)? This feels like dessert because it is sweet for sure. The strawberries were like the jelly for this toast. I looooove nutella so I wanted to start there. Strawberries have been suuuuper cheap lately, and the little one loves “strawbies” so we’ve had them a lot.

#toastedtuesday is here for June, stay tuned! Annnd tell me all your fav toasts. There’ll be fun cheeses, maybe some nuts, maybe more berries, possibly pesto, just. you. wait!