Double Pumpkin Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Have you fully recovered from the Halloween sugar high? Don't even look at me like some mini-Snickers didn't find their way out of your kid's basket and into your mouth...

I didn't eat one chocolate bar, peanut butter cup or sour candy this weekend. Mostly because I was too busy stuffing my face with everything else in the world at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

If you haven't ever been, let me tell you a little about it: It is a dangerous playground of tapas-style food and drink samplings from just about every country on this planet. {At least it sure feels that way.} Those Disney folks are pretty clever because they encourage you to get a special little swipe card that you load with funds and wear on your wrist for easy access at each station. And the next thing you know, you have spent your child's college fund and your retirement on escargot-stuffed croissants and Irish cream ale and all you have to show for it is indigestion and an empty bank account.

Our first stop was the Hawaiian kiosk with Kahlua Pork Sliders & pineapple wine.

Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it does get pricey because every kiosk looks better than the last. On the positive side, you're walking the entire time {when you're not waiting in line because, duh, it's Disney} so you're burning calories while you are consuming them, and while I'm fairly certain that it doesn't exactly balance out, it's a nice consolation.

Anyway, between the walking, carrying all 20-some odd pounds of Cole and calling on my self control, I didn't feel like I did too much damage in the end.

It is fun, fun, fun. I highly recommend it!

That being said, we sort of missed out on Halloween festivities because we were too busy showing Cole the ways of the World {showcase, that is}. There was a tiny bit of mom guilt, but then I realized that 1.) He's not old enough to eat candy anyway and 2.) We had already given him a chance to dress up the night before and walked him around a local festival... and the guilt melted away.

My baby chef. Love, love, love.

Guess what else melts? {Nice segue, right?} Cheese. 

Yes, I know I just told you that I spend the weekend eating and I should probably spend the next week or two eating kale and air before the the holiday season gets underway... but look at this.

There is a real possibility that you are all pumpkined out by now, but I had to give pumpkin just one last hurrah since I didn't do Halloween. And besides, this isn't as terrible as you'd think.

Remember the Pumpkin Seed Pesto I recently posted as a dipper for chicken nuggets? Well, as it turns out, it makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches, too. Since I also had pumpkin puree leftovers in the fridge, I slathered that on the sandwich as well. Lastly, a handful of arugula adds a little more green, which is always a nice touch and helps to ease the conscience.

You can use whatever type of melty cheese you enjoy, but I used Cabot's Farmhouse Reserve Aged Cheddar because I like the sharp, salty bite with the creamy pumpkin and herbacious pesto. Yum times a million.

Ok, I think all the pumpkin is out of my system now. What flavors and recipes do you want to see as we enter the holiday season?

Double Pumpkin Cheddar Grilled Cheese

1 tablespoon butter, divided
2 slices bread {I used White Mountain bread,but sourdough would be good, too}
2-3 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup fresh arugula leaves
1 tablespoon Pumpkin Seed Pesto {recipe found here}
About 2 ounces {or more!} Cabot Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar, sliced or shredded

1. Over medium heat, melt half the butter in a skillet.

2. Meanwhile, assemble sandwich. I made mine by spreading pumpkin puree on both pieces of bread, then spreading pumpkin seed pesto on one side. I placed the slices of cheese on one side and the arugula on the other so that the spread would hold onto them like glue, then closed up the sandwich. You can make your sandwich as you please! :)

3. Place sandwich in melted butter and toast until browned, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Lift sandwich and add remaining butter to skillet, then flip the sandwich and toast the other side until the bread is browned and the cheese is melty.

Goes great with a hot cup of soup!

Honey-Dijon Chicken Quinoa Wraps with Apple Slaw

I have had the privilege of witnessing dozens of friends enter a fascinating stage in their lives: Parenthood.

It is truly an experience like no other. Watching folks who I have seen dance on tables, do keg stands, date their way to their Mr. or Mrs. Right and forget to feed goldfish bring new little lives into this world -- and become amazing mommies and daddies -- is semi-magical. 

All joking aside, looking on at what it takes to do the job well has earned my utmost respect. Raising tiny people is hard work. 

Today, I'm joining a group of bloggers in virtually showering Katie from Katie's Cucina with love, dishes and well-wishes as she gets ready to welcome a precious baby boy into her family! 

Katie and I first met at an Orlando bloggers' conference a few years ago. We didn't get to chat much what with all the learning & conferencing going on, but I started to follow her blog after getting some tips from her during a food blogger breakout session. Soon after, I determined that we were birds of a feather. She's a blogger, a foodie and she's even super-crafty... if we lived closer, I'm sure we'd come up with a project {or twelve} to work on together! 

I just know that Katie is going to make a fantastic mama, and I can't wait to see all the fun things she whips up for her little one -- he's going to be one lucky little guy having a mom who is a great cook & a DIY superstar!

If I've gleaned one thing from observing hard-working moms, it's the fact that they are often tired, busy people. People that sometimes don't get to shower for days on end because they're looking after everyone elses' needs. And that means that sometimes these moms aren't getting time to eat properly, either.

But if anyone needs proper nutrition and sustenance, it's a mama. They need energy for late night feedings or running after teetering toddlers; vitamins and minerals to produce nutrient-rich food for itty bitty babies; substantial meals for holding them over when they can't quite get into the kitchen or out of the nursery.

The wrap recipe I'm sharing today -- Honey-Dijon Chicken Quinoa Wraps with Apple Slaw -- take a little preparation, but once you have all the ingredients, you've got yourself a simple "just assemble" meal that also makes you feel like you're getting to eat something a little more fancy than a stale PB&J.

Protein-filled quinoa is tossed with shredded chicken {go ahead, take a shortcut from store bought rotisserie if you need to, you deserve a break!} and moistened with a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Crunchy bits of green apple and walnut add both nutrition and texture, while arugula lends some green and a zippy bite.

The best part about wraps is how easy they come together and how simple it is to add or omit your favorite ingredients to suit your needs. Baby or not, this is a dish no one will want to turn down -- unlike diaper duty. ;)

Best wishes to Katie and her husband as they round the bend on the next great adventure and meet their new addition!

Check out the other easy, parent-to-newborns-friendly recipes {and crafty projects!} from the other bloggers who participated!

Easy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup from The Little Kitchen
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers from Cook the Story
Individual Tortilla Caprese Pizzas from a farmgirl's dabbles
Easy Cheesy Potato Corn Chowder from A Little Claireification
Slow Cooker Jambalaya from A Spicy Perspective
Italian Style Stir Fry from Aggie's Kitchen
Apricot Chicken from Bombshell Bling
Easy Baked Spaghetti from Chocolate & Carrots
Cuban Casserole with Whole Grain Mustard Butter Biscuits from Climbing Grier Mountain
Freezer-Friendly Quinoa Meatballs from Cooking with Books
Baby Boy Subway Art Printable from H2OBungalow
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Cake from Inside BruCrew Life
Asparagus And Leek Quiche from Kokocooks
Roasted Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Red Potatoes from Life After Empty Nest
Yogurt Blueberry and Honey Smoothie from My Sweet Zepol
Pesto Parmesan Chicken Salad from Shaken Together
Printable Baby Whale Themed Cards and Project Life Mini Album from Simply Kelly Designs
Coconut Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies from Simply Southern Baking
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Garden Vegetables from Sweet Remedy
Easy Kofta Kebabs from Tasty Chomps
Crock Pot Fajitas with Chicken and Quinoa from The Dinner-Mom
Overnight Oatmeal from The Hungry Housewife
Honey-Dijon Chicken, Apple & Quinoa Wraps from The Kitchen Prep
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup from The Lemon Bowl
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos from The Nifty Foodie
DIY Whale Art from While They Snooze
One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice from Yellow Bliss Road

Honey-Dijon Chicken Quinoa Wraps with Apple Slaw
Makes 2 wraps

1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken {or rotisserie chicken, shredded}
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 a green apple, sliced or shredded with a mandolin & tossed with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to prevent browning
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
1 cup arugula
2 whole wheat wraps {make sure it's a good, flexible kind}

For vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake until well combined.

1. In a medium bowl, toss together chicken and quinoa. Pour vinagrette over top {you may have some left over} and mix well.

2. Place each wrap on a plate. Top each wrap with half of the arugula. Add half of the chicken mixture to each.

3. Place half of the apple slaw on top of each wrap. Sprinkle each with about a tablespoon of chopped walnuts.

4. Carefully roll up wraps and secure with a toothpick. Serve immediately.

Coming Clean: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

So, here's a little update on life: It's crazy busy.

I realized a few days ago as I was planning for the month that I divulged all kinds of TMI back in May and then never followed up about it.

{Kind of like those NYC posts that I STILL haven't had the time to finish sharing. Ugh.}

Since that time, I've shared 10 "Coming Clean" recipes, went just about completely dairy-free for 6 weeks, and majorly curbed my sugar intake. It was glorious.

Then vacation happened. And birthdays. And baby showers. And weddings. I gave myself a little wiggle room {mostly in the form of ice cream}, and have been more lenient with the types of foods I've allowed, making sure to stay veggie and fruit-heavy, but definitely indulging here and there.

I was supposed to have my follow up appointment with the doctor in the beginning of July, but had to postpone it because her schedule and mine just wouldn't sync up.

So... the news is, there's still no news.

This week I'll finally get everything checked out again and see what's going on. I'm bracing myself for things I may not want to hear {i.e. surgery}, but hoping that my push to actively "clean up" my diet has made even the tiniest bit of a difference.

I guess we'll see.

Meanwhile, I've continued to stay busy playing in the kitchen with different ways to make eating healthy fun and exciting.

Here are a few things I've discovered or confirmed throughout this little journey:

1. Some brands are tricky. "All Natural" does not, in fact, mean All Natural. Read labels and try to stay away from weird stuff. {I'll be sharing an in-depth post about this soon.}

2. It's easier {and less expensive} to make your own healthy food than to buy it pre-made. Finding the time... now that's a whole other topic.

3. Stevia tastes funny.

4. It IS possible for a dairy-holic {like myself} to enjoy a dairy-free lifestyle. There are a surprising array of different foods out there to make up for a lack of lactose. :)

5. Avocados make my day. So do super-easy healthy recipes like this one.

I'm embarrassed to even call this a recipe. It really isn't. It's just a bunch of yummy stuff tossed into a bowl that happens to taste really good together.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad should be called "No Excuse Salad". Because there's really no reason you can't throw it together in about two seconds and have a healthy lunch or snack that is both filling and delicious.

One word of caution: You may want to serve this with a side of mouthwash or think about omitting the garlic {sacrilege, I know} if you're planning on coming into close proximity with others after eating it. In my opinion, the flavor is totally worth the stink.

Keeping my fingers crossed that this week will bring good news to share with you in upcoming posts, but for now, good recipes will just have to do. :) Have a great Monday, friends!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon dried mint {or 2 teaspoons fresh mint, well-minced}
1 clove garlic, grated
Sprinkle of sea salt
2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1-2 tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup crumbled or diced feta cheese
1/3 cup Greek olives, chopped
Optional: Whole wheat pitas

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, mint, and salt.

2. Add chickpeas, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese and Greek olives. Pour prepared vinaigrette over top.

3. Gently toss together to combine, making sure ingredients are fully coated.

4. Serve with warm whole wheat pitas, if desired.

*This can be eaten immediately, but it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge over night!

Coming Clean: Quinoa "Burrito Bowl"

Things have been busy, busy, busy lately.

I started a new job, have had an event in or out of town every weekend for weeks on end, have been planning our anniversary getaway {which is happening next week... I have no idea how it got here so fast}, and have been working on a handful of other projects {With deadlines. Not the "clean the closet" kind}. Not to mention, you know, life and stuff.

What happens when you're constantly on the move?

You get hungry. {Well, I do, at least.}

And what happens when you're hungry but you don't have much time to dedicate to cooking?

You make baaaad decisions. Drive-thru decisions. Ice cream for dinner decisions.

{For the record, I am a strong supporter of ICFD [Ice Cream For Dinner] nights once every so often. And no, "every so often" shouldn't be happening every week.}

Anyway, it's good to have quick and easy meal ideas in your back pocket for days when you barely have enough time to breathe, let alone cook a decent meal.

In my world, quick and easy often equals Quinoa.

Why?

  - It's fast-cooking.
  - It's hard to mess up, even when you can barely think straight.
  - It's a blank canvas for flavor.
  - It's chock-full of nutrition.
  - It fills up my bottomless-pit-of-a-husband.
  - It makes for good leftovers, hot or cold.

Thinking back, I have no idea what I used to do before I discovered quinoa. I'm guessing I probably ate things that I shouldn't have.

Yesterday was one of those days I mentioned above. I left work at 5:30, ran home and photographed a recipe before the light started to fade, and stood in front of the pantry wondering what the heck I'd make for dinner so hubs and I could eat together {though I was tempted to eat an avocado right out of its skin}.

Within half an hour, I had this:

As we talked over dinner, Steve mentioned that it tasted a lot like a burrito bowl. And I have to say, I agree.

We love burrito bowls from Chipotle, and they're actually a pretty healthy option on the run. If you choose brown rice. And you avoid the cheese. And you skip the sour cream. But really... how often do you do that when you're standing in front of that assembly line?

This "Burrito Bowl" Quinoa is dairy free, gluten free, and nutrition-full. {That's not a word, but you know what I mean.} And just like your favorite meal on the run, it's totally customizable! You can even set up an assembly line for your family and they can mix their own creations if they'd like to get in on the cooking action.

It's time you turn your ICFD nights into QFD {Quinoa For Dinner} nights. And this recipe is a good start.

Quinoa "Burrito Bowl"

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 1/4 cups water

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lime {or half of a very juicy lime}
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 medium tomatoes, diced {I use roma or plum when I can}
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced

1. Cook Quinoa: In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring rinsed quinoa and water to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer, covered, until most of the water is evaporated. Stir and cover, cooking on low heat until the quinoa is cooked {you'll be able to see the little strands that have separated from the seed}, about 8-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil,  lime juice, salt, oregano, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.

3. In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, black beans, and cilantro with cooked quinoa. Carefully fold in avocado.

4. Pour oil mixture over the quinoa and gently mix to coat.

5. Serve hot, room temperature, or cold!

{Note: This would also be delicious with an added protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, etc.}

Prep Praises: Field of Greens in West Palm Beach, Florida

I love fast food.

Shocked??

Get your mind out of the deep fryer...French fries and quarter pound burgers aren't what I mean. I'm talking quick, quality food that you can feel good about eating, even when you're on the run.

Let's face it, as much as we plan out our days, sometimes things just get hectic and we need a helping hand for a satisfying meal. Every once in a while it's nice to have someone make lunch for us. {Ideally without having to dunk it in a vat of oil.}

Co-owner of Field of Greens, Hess Musallet, knows that "fast food" isn't always calorie-laden, artery-clogging fare served up in a greasy paper bag. The newest location in Downtown West Palm Beach makes smart choices easy AND delectable, catering to health-conscious foodies with an appetite for real, tasty food.

Hess Musallet & me, toasting to health!

I was invited to check out the recently opened Field of Greens on Clematis Street, and I was psyched. As much as I love the occasional naughty treat, I also crave balance and -- you know, vegetables! -- that make healthy eating enjoyable.

What to choose, what to choose...

It's hard not to have fun when you've got a smorgasbord of healthy options you can mix and match to suit your taste. Field of Greens offers an endless variety of choices in a Create Your Own salad and sandwich bar, as well as a full menu of artfully created salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups for the days when you don't feel like thinking.

The best part of Field of Greens, in my opinion, isn't just that you can grab a quick bite, but the fact that the space also offers such an inviting atmosphere if you want to slow down and veg out while you get your veg on.

Though the space itself is large and open, it also boasts little touches that draw you in to settle down and make yourself at home.

Oh, hi. I feel like I'm in someone's living room.

Pretty hydration station.

Traditional table seating is offset by cozy corner nooks {complete with pillows and comfy cushions}, high tops, and even a communal table. {One of my favorite features! Check out the genius "painted" rug!} The walls are adorned with carefully curated pieces of photography {all found on Etsy} punctuated with quirky and motivational quotes & phrases. Each table even holds a sweet little potted rosemary plant. {It's all about the details!}

No crumbs under the rug here!

Lennon, Journey, and a smiley face gracing the back parking lot. I'm feeling zen already!

Lavish furnishings {like the gorgeous chandelier centerpiece that dangles from the high, exposed pipe ceiling} are mixed in with modern yet "green" elements for a playful feel. The juxtaposition of reclaimed wood surfaces and rustic accents with metal fixtures add to the hip vibe, all while maintaining a light, airy ambiance.

The menu follows suit by providing diners with wholesome options with an edgy twist.

Menu Items Sampled:

Juices & Smoothies

Gut Soother

Pear, Carrot, Pineapple, and Ginger

Spin My Apple

Spinach, Apple, Kale, Pineapple, Protein

The Pump

Almond Milk, Bananas, Chocolate Protein Powder, Peanut Butter

Salads 

The Tuscan

Baby Field Greens, Roasted Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Walnuts, Portobello Mushrooms, Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

The Meditteranean

Baby Field Greens, Cucumber, Red Onions, Kalamata Olives, Garbanzo Beans, Read and Green Bell Peppers, Parsley, Feta, Lemon, Olive Oil

Sandwich

The Country Chicken Club

Crunchy Baked Chicken, Avocado, Cranberry Jam, Crispy Bacon, Mayo, Romaine, and Tomato on toasted Multigrain Bread

With the popularity of juicing growing daily, Field of Greens caters to customers looking to get a serving of fruits and veggies, liquid style. The "Gut Soother" pleases the palate and the tummy with sweet notes of pineapple and pear with a kick from carrots and ginger.{I'm not even a carrot-lover and I really enjoyed this juice!}

One of their most popular drinks, the "Spin My Apple", keeps you lean and green by throwing in some kale, spinach, and protein powder and sweetening the deal with apple and pineapple. Another thumbs up!

And finally, "The Pump" is a delightfully decadent choice for a protein power boost with the bulk of a bodybuilder and the essence of a peanut butter cup.

A trifecta of juices!

The salads were full of fresh, satisfying ingredients that have just enough heft to get you through the day without weighing you down. I loved the combination of the hearty portobello, tangy goat cheese, and {housemade!} balsamic vinaigrette in The Tuscan along with the rich, crisp walnuts.

The garbanzo beans in The Mediterranean add some substance to the classic combo of cucumber, feta, peppers, and salty olives leaving you feeling full and content... so important to avoid that "hangry" afternoon crankiness.

But the real showstopper was the Country Chicken Club, which features a creatively "breaded" crunchy baked chicken nestled alongside creamy avocado, tart cranberry jam, and smoky bacon. The only downside -- trying to figure out how to cram this giant sandwich in my mouth! {And I have a pretty big mouth, I'm not gonna lie.} Once I managed to unhinge my jaw tackle the sandwich, I was rewarded with a mouthful of deliciousness!

Ok, ok... so I know this borders on luscious rather than "light", but FOG is big on letting you make the choice that's right for you. And with all the greens, fruits, and veggies I'd already tried, I let myself indulge just a tiny bit.

In the end, Field of Greens is all about the customer. Looking to keep it light? You got it. Want to bring in your own protein powder to add to your smoothies? No problem. Need a giant cookie to keep some balance in your life? As you wish! Whether you visit for a quick, healthy bite, or decide to stay for a spell and soak in the positive vibe, Field of Greens has got you covered.

Proof that you don't have to visit a drive-thru to "have it your way".

A big thank you to Hess & the FOG crew for taking the time to show me around, and Alyson of Seligman Brand Strategies {and The Average Girl's Guide!} for setting up the meeting! {Fun Fact: We are all University of Florida Alums... Go Gators!}

I hope you're feeling inspired to give some of these dishes a try whether you stop in to Field of Greens or create your own version at home! Since the salad recipes are pretty self-explanatory, I'm leaving you with a lightened up balsamic vinaigrette from Joy Bauer that makes a perfect dressing for your veggies.

Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
from Joy Bauer

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Combine all ingredients in a bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Shake, shake, shake to combine. {Make sure the lid has a good seal, otherwise you'll end up wearing your vinaigrette instead of eating it!}

Good for salads, veggies, marinades...

Store in the refrigerator & shake before using each time.


Disclosure: The dishes and drinks mentioned in this post were provided free of charge. No other compensation was received for this review. As always, all opinions written here are my own.

Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 2} & "Hamptons Club" Sandwich

 

Part 1 of my post about my very first trip to NYC was long, it's true. But there's a lot more to tell. So, if you're game, I'll continue down memory lane and you can come along for the ride.

I left off at the morning after our night out in the city and a raucous time at McSorley's. While we were all feeling like death dragging a little the next day, we had to get up bright and early in order to catch the Hamptons Jitney for our impromptu visit to the Hamptons.

I really wanted to spend another day {or 5} in the city, but I also knew it was a fun opportunity to get to check out the Hamptons {on Labor Day weekend, no less} and stay in our friend's summer house rental. I had no idea what to expect.

We arrived at a beautiful {albeit slightly neglected}, classic shingle style home, which I was told had belonged to an artist at some point. After taking a look around at some of the unique details in and around the home, I was convinced it had to be true. I think it takes an artist to find beauty in this:


This was prominently displayed in the back yard. 

My favorite detail was this piece of furniture for wine storage. It reminded me of something out of Alice in Wonderland. Or a Salvador Dali painting. So cool. {I'm not sure if it was made by this company, but the pieces look similar, don't they?}



We spent the day lounging poolside recovering from the day before {well, ok, I was recovering... everyone else wasn't as concerned with liver failure, apparently}. Someone grabbed lunch from a nearby deli and for the first time I was introduced to the concept of adding crisp, sweet slices of apple to a savory sandwich. {I told you this was pre-blogging days... I guess my taste buds weren't as adventurous back then!} 

It was so good that for weeks after our trip I would make a wrap with the same ingredients and take it to work with me. Before we knew it, the day was over and it was time to check out Hamptons nightlife.

Our friends had planned to take us to a place called The Surf Lodge, a popular Montauk spot that I've since then seen on The Travel Channel and mentioned in several places. I was a little worried that I was under dressed for an evening Hamptons outing... after all, when I packed for the trip, I had no idea we'd end up there. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that unlike what I had envisioned in my head {Ahem Ina. Pearls. Cable knit sweaters. Popped collars, etc., etc.} it was actually a super laid back atmosphere.





Image Source

The Surf Lodge is an interesting spot. It's a bar, restaurant, and hotel all in one. It has a surfer-chic aesthetic mixed with a pinch of modern and a dash of posh. I loved the decor -- lots of white, neutrals, and natural woods & wickers mixed with bright, beachy punches of color. The inside bar and lounge area reminded me of a surf enthusiasts living room, and the outside featured a large wooden deck overlooking Fort Pond Bay and bustling with patrons sidling up to the bar {and each other} for cold libations. We spent some time in each spot, taking in the scenery {and people watching those who wanted to be seen}.



Click links for Image Sources: Left, Top Right, Bottom Right

 They also had a beach area littered with adirondack chairs and logs to sit on, with a bonfire going that was perfect for getting away from the crowd and snuggling up with your guy or gal. I have to admit that as much fun as I was having, I was exhausted and I thought about curling up by the fire and taking a nap. No one seemed to feel the need to do the same, so I sucked it up and stayed awake for the remainder of our night out.

Click links for Image Sources: Bottom Left, Right

The next day we were heading back to Florida, so we didn't have time to do too much other than enjoy the bus ride back and relax.

My first trip to New York City {and beyond} was over, but it was just the beginning of my budding love affair with The Big Apple. It took over a year for me to return, but when I did, I came ready to take on the town -- fork, knife and all. I'll be sharing the highlights of my next {longer} trip in Part 3!

Since I was so inspired by the sandwich I had during my stay in the Hamptons, I thought I'd share a "recipe" for this simple, yet delightful combo. Smokey turkey, sharp cheddar, and tart Granny Smith apple come together to create a light, fresh sandwich reminiscent of the feel of the Hamptons. Add bacon for extra crunch and saltiness, or enjoy as is... but either way, savor every bite!

"Hamptons Club" Sandwich

Inspired by The Hamptons

1 crusty baguette, ciabatta, or favorite roll {I made my own using this recipe}

Dijon mustard

2-3 slices smoked turkey breast {I like the Boar's Head Mesquite}

1-2 slices sharp white cheddar cheese

3-4 slices Granny Smith Apple, thinly sliced

A few leaves spring mix lettuce

2 slices tomato

{Optional} Your favorite jelly, bacon {cooked crisp}, etc.

1. Lightly toast your sandwich roll if desired. Spread the top with Dijon mustard. {I like to spread a little jam on my sandwich, too. It makes for a nice sweet touch. You can also use honey mustard which will have a similar effect.}

2. Place cheese and apple slices over the mustard/jam.

3. Pile some turkey onto the bottom part of the roll. Top with lettuce, tomato, and bacon if using.

4. Combine top & bottom of sandwich... and enjoy!

*This is obviously just a suggestion. Everyone makes their sandwich differently. You can certainly leave out any ingredients you aren't fond of or "build" your sandwich how you like it! But you should definitely try the apple/cheddar/turkey together... so tasty! :)