Foodie Friday | I LOVE Greek Yogurt

 FEAST YOUR EYES ON THIS SANDWICH FOLKS. I know, YOU. CAN'T. LOOK. AWAY.

Pancetta BLT+ avocado on whole wheat bread w/ a basil Greek yogurt dressing

I've been using Greek yogurt in a lot of different recipes lately: quiches, casseroles, soups, dressings and sauces. It's pretty much been my go-to substitute for anything that involves mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, and in some cases half-n'- half or heavy whipping cream.

It's really versatile because of its mild flavor and smooth, creamy consistency. Not to mention, it's
–100 calories per 6 oz serving (hellooo calorie saver!)
–packed with protein (perfect if you're trying to up your protein w/o the fat from most meats)
–good for your digestion because of the probiotics (having tummy trouble lately? this is a good start)

So to get you started, here's a few recipes that I've used Greek yogurt with:

• BLT sandwich. I don't use the may it calls for, just all yogurt. I also added some kick with cayenne and paprika
• Zucchini + dill quiche. I just replaced the half n half with  6 oz cup of Greek yogurt
• Tomato and orzo soup. So good for the cold nights we've had in the South lately.
• Cheesy potato casserole {light} I threw in some squash for a little more umph.
• Sweet potato tacos with spicy Greek yogurt sauce.

This should get you through a busy week just fine. :) And now you have no other reason not to try out Greek yogurt in your cooking. And let me know what you think!

Ciao y'all.

Foodie Friday | Farmers' market treasures!

From the Biloxi Farmers Market on Tues/Thurs

I absolutely love going to farmers' markets in different cities. Some are better than others. When we lived in Jacksonville, FL, they had an arts and farmers market that was absolutely fabulous. Biloxi has one that isn't bad either. In fact, I've found a couple of things there that I've not been able to find anywhere else, including duck and quail eggs, and milk straight from the farm! 

In this photo I've purchased 3 ribeye steaks, butter and milk from Country Girl's Creamery based out of Lumberton, MS. I pretty much buy these 3 items every week and they are extremely reasonable in price. I think I paid $24 for them? Also, this is by far some of the best milk and meat that Kyle and I have ever had! SERIOUSLY. Even from fine dining establishments (with the meat). I actually gave up drinking milk a few years ago and switched to almond because I was having some digestive issues with cow's milk, but once I tasted Country girl's milk for the first time I guess you could say I fell off the wagon. But, I haven't had any issues since drinking it, and I imagine that's due to the lack of pasteurization and processing, which store bought milks go through. 

I also purchased granola and jelly, which were a little more expensive then the store bought brands this size, but I like knowing that my jelly was made with fruit and sugar and none of the other preservative stuff I can't pronounce!

Foodie Friday| restaurant review

OK, I know I've missed Friday by a couple of days, but better late than never :). Kyle and I took an afternoon trip to Mobile, AL, and had the most fantastic and affordable lunch at this quaint cafe that I just had to share it will you all.

Mobile is a neat little city that offers a lot. Kyle and I had planned to go to Nola for the day but due to time constraints we couldn't make it. So instead, we drove the 50 mins to Mobile's downtown and ate at Cafe 615. We received the recommendation from Kyle's cousins who live there, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the food, service, ambiance AND price.

We were greeted by a very nice and personably bartender who complimented us me ;) and sat us right away. We opened the menu and the first page was an insert for the Friday special: filet medallions or a New York strip with salad, baked potato and asparagus for $19.99.

Since Kyle and I both felt a little lethargic from our previous date night outing, we agreed that a hearty meal was what we needed to recover. We also ordered from their small plate options and chose the fried green tomatoes with lump crabmeat smothered in a marsala cream sauce. Hooooweeee.

Everything was DELICIOUS. We both drank a couple of beers and the total was less than $50. Yes, I realize that's a little pricey for a lunch, but this wasn't your stand in line and grab a poboy type of place either.

We will definitely go back again!

Friend green tomatoes with lump crab meat and a marsala cream sauce
= HEAVEN ON A PLATE