Wherever You May Be

This past weekend I was able to reconnect with an old friend while I was home for the holidays. We got into a long conversation over coffee about the great reflective aspect of each year's end. As the year draws to a close, I love to look back and reflect on all that I've learned through all of the joys and lows of various experiences. My friend and I were discussing how much had changed for us this year, when she mentioned "you know, I guess it is always true though, that the grass is greener on the other side." 

The familiar phrase reminded me of a quote that I had read from Robert Fulghum a while back, and I think it is relevant to share in my reflection of 2011. Fulghum writes:

"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be."

I absolutely love Robert Fulghum for his ability to pack such profound notions into such simple statements, and this quote is a great example. It is a favorite for the two crucial truths it voices. One would be to stay present. So often we are living in the past or living in the future, saying "things will be great once such and such happens.." Time spent looking forward or looking back at the past ultimately means that we are missing out on soaking up the current moment. Basically, wherever you are, be there fully.The second truth would be that life is what you make of it. It is often tempting to want a different situation, surrounding, or experience than the one we currently find ourselves in. However, ultimately, we cannot control much of life but can control how we chose to react to it and what we will chose to do with it. Tend to the grass wherever you may be.

Farmer's Market Brunch

One thing that I have been loving lately is attempting to recreate dishes from restaurants that I enjoy. It allows for a little strategy, creativity, and an overall exciting experiment in trying to discover the pride of knowing that you can make something just as good (ideally :).

One of my favorite brunch dishes can be found at the Farmer's Markets in Portland, where Verde Cocina cooks up fresh farm-to-fork dishes using veggies from the market that day. People wait in a steady line throughout the day for these sought-after healthy and delish plates. I love that the veggies they cook up always change depending on what the market has to offer that day, while the rest of the dish stays the same. I have been craving their creations since moving back to the east coast, and thus figured it the perfect recreation attempt. 

What resulted was an easy yet impressive meal that I would definitely recommend and will make again.  It is great for lazy Sundays spent walking to the Farmer's Market, picking up a cup of coffee, and then putting some love into brunch:

Verde Cocina's Buenas Dias Breakfast Recreated (for two) 

4 Corn Tortillas

1 Can Pinto Beans

4 Eggs, Scrambled

1 bunch Swiss Chard, de-veined & chopped

1/2 chopped onion

2 small carrots, peeled

Shredded cheese to top (we used Monterey Jack)

Your favorite salsa

4 slices of bacon (optional)

Sauté the veggies with olive oil, scrambled the eggs, warm up the beans & tortillas.
Layer everything on the plate and enjoy!

The great thing about this dish is you can really use any veggies you want--next time I may pick up kale, zucchini & red peppers if they are at the market. You can switch it up for a flavorful and fun way of incorporating what is in season for brunch!