tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38313692699590880722024-03-13T09:04:17.380-05:00Nat's KnackSome say math is the “universal language" - but I say food is the median of the world. So join me in my (small apartment) kitchen and experience what I believe unites us all - a good meal. Bon appétit!nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-46714492966927226022011-09-24T13:50:00.001-05:002011-09-26T21:25:35.818-05:00Nat's Knack has MOVED!Hi everyone,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for following my blog. It has been so much fun experimenting in the kitchen and sharing pictures, stories, and recipes with you all on my blog. I realize my posts have been few and far between, but in light of my new blog I am making a conscious effort to improve my recipes and post more frequently. I am so excited about my nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-48635492495447465652011-08-28T20:21:00.007-05:002011-08-29T08:27:34.355-05:00Lentil Beet SaladLet's be honest, lentils and beets are NOT for everyone. But don't let your preconceived "dislike" for these ingredients dissuade you from trying this recipe. Not only will the subtle flavors surprise your taste buds, but this salad will make you feel great! The nutritional benefits are unbeatable. Plus - if you are the vicinity of a Trader Joe's grocery, this salad can be made in under 10 nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-47289620478407162702011-08-27T16:23:00.008-05:002011-08-28T22:08:31.340-05:00Fresh Spring Rolls
Nothing tastes better on a hot August day than fresh Vietnamese-style spring rolls. They are the perfect summer snack - cool, light, and delicious! Oh and incredibly easy to make.
You can virtually put anything inside of a rice wrapper and it will taste good - but I like to keep it simple and stick to crisp veggies, low-fat proteins, and fresh herbs.
Here is a basic recipe that I use when nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-62406720623409116692011-08-16T10:00:00.016-05:002011-08-17T15:15:55.999-05:00Celebrating 50 and 'Never-Fail' Salad Recipe
Grilled goat-brie cheese drizzled with thyme infused honey, fresh sliced figs, and cracked pepper
"Never-Fail" Spring Sensation Salad with Sweet Spicy Pecans
Recipe adapted from "Roux To Do" The Art of Cooking in Southeast Louisiana
FOR THE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons honey
3 garlic cloves, pressed
3 green onions, minced
1/4 teaspoon nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-16675259063665594692011-08-13T10:53:00.014-05:002011-08-13T14:07:57.888-05:00Simplicity. A Birthday DinnerThis past weekend my family and a few special guests celebrated my mom's 50th birthday. My mom didn't want to too much attention this year, so we opted against hosting a large party and decided to keep things intimate with a family dinner party at the house. My sister and her boyfriend live 4 hours away, so we had to celebrate my mom and her 50 wonderful years of life on Saturday. *(Recipes andnat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-46930409156935668172011-07-21T22:35:00.012-05:002011-07-23T13:40:32.883-05:00Inverted Veggie Burgers?Due to inferno summer temperatures, I prefer to run in the evening around 6:30 or 7:00 pm. However, recently I have attempted mid-morning runs. I noticed that instead of dinner on my mind, dreams of a hearty, satisfying lunch motivate me on my morning runs. On this day, I planned ahead a bit and decided BEFORE running that I was finally going to try my hand at homemade veggie burgers. I almostnat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-56277544503882055742011-07-21T10:22:00.013-05:002011-07-21T16:12:20.647-05:00Spiced Peach and Carrot Bread (GF)Although rare, Houston has experienced a bit of rain this week. We have been in an awful drought and desperately needed the rain. In lieu of the stormy weather, Charley and I decided it was the perfect opportunity to stay indoors and finally bake the Spiced Peach and Carrot Bread we had been talking about. We had seen this recipe in the July issue of Cooking Light magazine and ripped it out nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-68223839494809488862011-07-19T14:54:00.006-05:002011-07-19T16:44:17.348-05:00Summer Corn SaladI've noticed a trend in my blog post titles recently, the word "Summer." I can't help but obsess over the abundance of delicious Summer vegetables and fruits. More fruit than vegetables actually. I have to admit I am not the hugest zucchini or squash fan, and both just so happen to be the most seasonal vegetable right now. But I do think it is important to try to eat right, in season, and buynat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-33445831365084099612011-07-18T13:16:00.006-05:002011-07-19T16:47:03.944-05:00When life (your neighbor) gives you basil...make pesto.Basil Pesto Sauce(recipe adapted from Vita-mix Whole Foods cookbook). 2 cups fresh basil, loosely packed. 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled. 1/2 cup olive oil. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese . 3 tbsp pine nuts. salt and pepper to taste. freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)Combine all ingredients, except salt and pepper, in a Vitamix blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth. nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-11444079646899153912011-07-17T22:07:00.009-05:002011-07-19T16:47:45.318-05:00More Fresh Ideas for SummerPom-Berry Martini. 2 oz vodka. 2 oz 100% cranberry blueberry pomegranate juice. fresh squeezed lime juice (about a 1/3 of one lime). agave nectar (about 1/2 tbsp)Shake over ice and strain into cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with lime round.Black Bean-Goat Cheese DipOne of my favorite "go-to" appetizer dips(recipe adapted from delish.com). 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil, plus more for brushing (nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-48778486985463713372011-06-22T11:06:00.012-05:002011-07-19T16:48:13.412-05:00Summer PlatesMid-Summer Fruit Salad. cantaloupe, cut in cubes. watermelon, cut in cubes. strawberries, halved. grapes, halved. blueberries. fresh mint leaves, chopped. fresh lemon juice. agave nectar (optional - adds just a touch more sweetness)1. Toss all ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside and serve chilled.Mediterranean Artichoke and Edamame Stew(adapted from a NY Times recipe). 1 can quartered nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-15306848783186460922011-06-19T15:20:00.014-05:002011-07-19T16:48:44.567-05:00blueberry pancakes.Today is Sunday and it's Father's Day. Unfortunately, my father is out of town for business in Singapore or on a plane somewhere heading to South Korea? Which brings me to my next point - how proud I am of my father. He is the hardest working man I know and still continues to bring fun, happiness, and love into our family. Anyone who has been to our house on Sunday mornings knows that John (nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-4347321828863463412011-06-16T21:24:00.014-05:002011-07-19T16:49:05.014-05:00Indian Dal RecipeI am finally back from my adventures abroad in Asia. After spending over five months in Thailand and Cambodia, I returned "home" to Dallas this May to spend the summer with my family. Coincidentally, but not surprisingly, my family is moving yet again this summer. My dad's company merged with another and the corporate headquarters is changing from Dallas to Houston. Thankfully, this move nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-13658787336346746082011-04-25T05:23:00.008-05:002011-04-25T05:59:37.142-05:00Taste of VietnamView from our resort in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam - Thanh Kieu Resort Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Shrimp Crepe) Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and vegetables The wonderful cook Beach front "restaurant" Deep-fried treats from a beach vendor - Coconut and bean fillings Incredibly fresh seafood at the Phu Quoc Island night market BBQ restaurants Barbecued prawns Barbecued whole snapper with local Phu nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-72909586772570926512011-02-02T03:09:00.008-06:002011-02-06T02:53:38.876-06:00Mae Chaem Cooking CompetitionI was eager and excited when I found out I would be spending a week up in the beautiful hill-tribe village of Mae Chaem. I was even more thrilled to hear that we were going to learn how to cook from the locals and compete in a taste competition! We were divided into groups of 5 and assigned a leader who could translate Thai to English for each group. We then dispersed to neighboring village nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-67570000581729279972011-01-30T01:27:00.027-06:002011-02-02T06:47:01.035-06:00กิน อาหาร (Mae Chaem, Thailand)Thai Language Lesson: Kin: กิน (pronounced: ghaen); to eat. Aa-hăan อาหาร (pronounced: aar-haan); food.I just returned from a weeklong homestay in the Mae Chaem district; part of the Chiang Mai province in Northern Thailand. It was quite a winding drive to get there, but after only 3 short hours we arrived in the most beautifully serene village, nestled in a small valley up in the mountains. nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-51312170525211243312011-01-16T01:32:00.008-06:002011-01-19T03:54:44.923-06:00Traditional Chiang Mai LunchEach region of Thailand (Southern, Central, and Northern) is recognized for its unique style of Thai cuisine. Northern Thailand is often noted for having the best fare! I would have to agree, although I am a bit bias living in Chiang Mai. Today, I joined two other Americans and two local Thais for lunch at Huen Jai Yong เฮือนใจ๋ยอง. We enjoyed many of the traditional Northern Thai "share nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-89205886952163667812011-01-16T00:10:00.007-06:002011-01-16T01:30:55.899-06:00Nat's Knack in Thailand!What an amazing opportunity! On January 11, I landed in Bangkok, Thailand to begin my 5 month stay in Southeast Asia. I have not stopped smiling since I landed here. Everything about this country is beautiful: the people, the landscape, the fruits, the vegetables, the candies, the garments, the art, the temples... I am in a constant state of awe. I absolutely love the purity of the food here.nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-3470825499090817052010-12-15T19:31:00.011-06:002010-12-16T14:41:54.203-06:00You know you have a best friend when...Today Milena and I decided to have our last lunch "date" before embarking on our exciting journeys abroad next semester. She is truly the best thing to happen to me since I moved to Charleston last January. If you have been following my blog even remotely, you have probably noticed that Milena acts as my right hand in nearly everything. It's hard to call it chance when someone as remarkably nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-37710232014525260632010-12-09T13:27:00.009-06:002010-12-14T16:07:05.717-06:00Balsamic Glazed Winter VegetablesSkillet Balsamic Glazed Winter VegetablesAdapted from MyKitchenAddiction.com(Serves 3-4) * 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil * 3 cloves garlic, minced * 12 ounces mixed baby potatoes, quartered (I used purple-skinned and fingerling potatoes) * 8 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme * 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste) * 1 nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-13946943997430207402010-12-08T19:08:00.004-06:002010-12-09T08:51:11.724-06:00Simple Beet and Goat Cheese SaladThis might just be the simplest and most delicious 3 ingredient salad! I bought some beautiful red and golden beets at the Farmer's Market last Saturday, as well as some of the best looking and spiciest arugula I have ever seen and tasted. Preheat your oven to 450 F. To prepare the beets: Simply wash them, trim (cut-off) the roots, wrap them in foil and let them roast in the oven for 50 minutesnat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-49048842677462549302010-11-21T10:18:00.005-06:002010-11-21T10:42:52.375-06:00Eggplant PizzaIt's about that time of the month where I try to be a little less extravagant and a bit more frugal with my money. In the kitchen this means things get extremely creative! Around mid-day yesterday, I decided I wanted something savory and went to the fridge only to find some cheese, one eggplant, one tomato, half an onion, and one remaining naan bread from a dinner I made earlier this week. My nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-13765656089759325302010-11-20T15:42:00.005-06:002010-11-20T15:51:57.216-06:00Second Batch: Pumpkin GranolaWOW! This batch came out perfect! If you are craving a delicious, clumpy, fall-inspired granola please try this recipe ;)Nutty Pumpkin Granola (inspired by Ellie Krieger's recipe)Ingredients:1.5 cups rolled oats1/4 cup chopped raw or slivered almonds1/4 cup chopped walnuts (cashews)1/4 cup pepitas2 tbsp wheat germ (optional)2 tbsp flax seeds (optional)1/8 tsp. salt3/4 tsp. cinnamon1/8 tsp. nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-63451506315512878132010-11-05T14:45:00.009-05:002010-11-20T13:40:58.003-06:00Pumpkin MadnessPumpkin Spiced Granola I used my original recipe, left out the orange zest, added pumpkin spices, and a touch of Godiva's Pumpkin Spiced Coffee grains :) One of my favorite ways to enjoy homemade granola is over a bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey!Almost two weeks ago, Milena and I went on a pumpkin puree baking binge! We got very excited about the Fall weather, nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831369269959088072.post-26613434076153643112010-11-02T18:35:00.007-05:002010-11-04T23:01:04.037-05:00Berry Stella CookiesThese cookies didn't last long in my kitchen! They were the perfect crunchy and sweet accompaniment to a bowl of yogurt or ice cream. If you can't already tell by the pictures, I made three variations of the cookies using the original batter: 1)topped with fresh raspberries and a cranberry/blueberry compote 2) dark chocolate chunks topped with drizzled honey 3) dark chocolate chunks topped with nat2knowltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273802151844971079noreply@blogger.com1