I wish I could say that my first day of Summer vacation was FANTASTIC, but alas… I cannot. Relaxing, lovely, chill, peaceful, yes. The only thing stopping it from being FANTASTIC was the everlasting stuffy head and cough that just won’t go away! Oh well… I went to bed early last night, which then caused me to sleep in to a whopping 6:30 a.m.! I made the decision then and there that it would be a relaxing day. I watched a movie OnDemand (Wall-E), some old HBO favorites (Six Feet Under), and episode after episode of old 90210. I shipped out some foodie charms, got some diet crack coke, drank a beautifully green monster with some boyfriend powder in it… OK, my day was pretty fantastic.
Adam didn’t have to go to work until 4 p.m. today, so we went to a place I’ve been dying to try for a while now: Todai Sushi. Trust me, I’ll be going back and doing a full blogworthy recap… it was THAT good. Granted I probably ate a little too much for the appetite level I had today… but the extra-spicy sauces made me able to breathe for a little while! We walked around the mall a bit, and then hit up CVS for some cold medicine. I usually HATE taking the stuff because it makes me loopy… but hey, its vacation! I get to be loopy! When we got home, there was a package waiting for me on the patio… I opened it to find that the Pure Bar fairy had come! Rebecca from pure bar contacted me, and I was so excited because I’ve only ever found ONE of these bars that VeggieGirl raves so much about…and that girl has good taste! Thanks Rebecca and Pure Bar!
When 6 p.m. rolled around, I was finally hungry for dinner. I tweeted (twitted?) that everyone should circle their calendars because I had NO IDEA what to make for dinner. A few people made some suggestions (thanks Kristin!) and then I remembered: I had leftover stuff from nacho day. I had potatoes. So, I put two and two together and came up with Mexican Potato Stacks!

- Low-fat cheddar cheese
- Fat-free refried beans
- Herdez tomato salsa
- Avocado
Each little bite was like a mini meal, full of flavor and different textures… SO delicious! I’m definitely patting myself on the back for this one! Now… if I only had some Früz to finish off the meal…
I’m honored to bring you tonight’s guest…well, guests for dinner! Chrystal and Amir (a.k.a. The Duo Dishes) answered my request for guests for dinner with something that’s yet to be seen here on What’s For Dinner. They have presented us with an amazing cocktail recipe! So, Chrystal and Amir, pull up a chair, have a seat, and tell us about your meal drink!
We had a little pomegranate party, and it was a party for two. No one but the Duo from The Duo Dishes. We’re not sure how this pom party got started, but it went from a simple dinner to a full out pom extravaganza. Due to the huge nutrition benefits of pomegranate juice, this entire meal was buzzing with antioxidants and feel good flavors, so we felt no guilty following the gluttony. Here’s the menu:
Pomegranate Kiwi Granita CocktailsGrilled Salmon with Orange Avocado Salsa, Fennel Polenta and Pomegranate GlazeApple and Pomegranate Galette
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When we say this started as a simple dinner, what we mean is that the original idea was to make a pomegranante glazed salmon. At some point, our creative juices started to flow, and we tacked on a couple of other recipes to try. Our favorite of the evening was the granita. By no means does that indicate we didn’t enjoy the rest of meal. In fact, we simply loved it to death! But something about the cold, fruity granita on a warm day really shook up our spirits. Plus, it was the easiest thing in the world to make. It may be our summer drink of choice now! And you can do it too. Here’s how:
Pomegranate Kiwi Granita Cocktails – Serves 8
4 cups pomegranate juice1 cup vodka4 kiwis, choppedZest of 2 lemons1/2 cup sugar
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Pour half into a large blender and blend smooth.2. Pour the blended mixture into a jelly roll baking pan and slide into the freezer.3. Pour the remaining liquid into the blender and, when smooth, transfer it to the jelly roll pan.4. Freeze for an hour, then scrape semi-frozen liquid with a fork to break up the crystals. Continue to freeze for another 1 1/2 -2 hours, scraping the crystals every 30 minutes or so.5. Serve crystallized granitas in the vessel of your choice. If there are leftovers, place in a air-tight container and keep in the freezer.
Now we invite you to visit our site, The Duo Dishes, if you want the other two recipes. Pom party your next weekend!
Happy eats!Chrystal & Amir
Thanks so much Chrystal and Amir! I’d love to come to your place for dinner someday…virtual or, you know, for real
Tomorrow is a big day here in blogland… it’s Oh She Glows’ Shop-4-a-Cause! I’ve donated one of each foodie charm to be bid on, and there are 50 some other amazing items up for bidding. All proceeds will go towards the Canadian Cancer Society. Happy bidding!
Is anyone else way too excited for Top Chef Masters tonight?? I know I am!
Have a wonderful night all!











{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad to be included. Mmmm to those tater stacks. Really lovin’ that! Avocado=yes!
[rq=1182,0,blog][/rq]The Power of Pom
feel better! I love wall-e!
I have been counting down to Top Chef Masters! Feel better!
[rq=1234,0,blog][/rq]Travel: Ireland’s Wild West
Sorry you’re feeling sickly
Glad to hear you had a good day though! I loved Wall-E, it’s so cute!
[rq=1243,0,blog][/rq]Goo goo baby love.
mm that salmon and polenta is calling my name!
We’re DVRing the new Top Chef! I think b/c they’re already established chefs they’re going to be full of attitude. They’ve already paid their dues and worked their way up the ranks, so it’ll be interesting to see them critiqued and tested!!
[rq=1335,0,blog][/rq]Video Demonstration: Pan Fried Pork Chops
Those look so good! My favorite pub makes “Irish nachos” with nachos fixins over waffle fries. These looks like a much better version of those.
[rq=1414,0,blog][/rq]Weekend Recap Park 2
Is your boyfriend really Jay Robb, or is it Luke Perry?
How many ways can I tell you I love thee?!
[rq=1682,0,blog][/rq]Just Call Me Cousin Oliver
Hope you feel better soon so you can start enjoying summer break!!
Chef Masters? It sounds like something I’d be excited about however I have no idea what it is. *giggle*
[rq=1981,0,blog][/rq]Wandering Mind
Oh no! I’m sorry you’ve got a cold, but it sounds like you really made the best of your day and started summer off well
Dinner looks great as usual…I love the idea of little mini-meals in every bite!!
[rq=2028,0,blog][/rq]Just a Hello!
where have I been? off to check out shop4acause….
Hi! I hope you feel better soon! Colds are no fun, but a great excuse to catch up on TV!
[rq=2144,0,blog][/rq]A Tropical Front is Blowing In…
LOVE your stacks!!!
Sorry to hear you’re still battling that cold, though (((HUGS)))
[rq=2309,0,blog][/rq]An Oddball Breakfast
omg…twitted…love it!! hehe! These looks SOOO good – great job improvising on the spot!
[rq=2319,0,blog][/rq]Three Question Thursday: Round 6
Kev and I love the Todai sushi restaurant. Yum-o! Glad you enjoyed it.
Your Mexican potato stacks look good, very creative!
[rq=2393,0,blog][/rq]Menu Plan Monday: June 8
Sorry you’re not feeling so hot! I think you should have Adam pick you up some Fruz!! Love the Mexi-stacks
[rq=2436,0,blog][/rq]Whatever You Like
MM sushi! I think the absolute worst part of being sick- is the no appetite part, ugh! I hope the drugs helped a little, feel better Mara!!
[rq=2487,0,blog][/rq]Don’t Sweat It
i’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling sick! hopefully you feel better soon!
[rq=2717,0,blog][/rq]Raisin Bread
Avocado just makes every meal better. Yum.
[rq=2776,0,blog][/rq]Strawberry Pretzel Jello
Feel better soon!
The Mexican Potato Stacks look awesome. Very creative, and a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.
[rq=3584,0,blog][/rq]Lime, Coconut, and White Chocolate Blondies
CONGRATS ON VACA even if you’re not relaxed yet– you will be!!
[rq=3635,0,blog][/rq]EEEEEEEEEEELLLOOO!!
You inspire me! Just thought I’d let you know!
Your potato stacks remind me of a recipe we learned to make in my foods class back in junior high school (grade 9 I think?) – potato nachos! you slice up a potato super thin, spread the slices on a plate, and nuke it until they are cooked. You usually have to add a little water & cover it to get them to cook properly. Then you top it like you would nachos. My sister was so excited when I showed her how to make it – nachos happened alot in our house after that!
[rq=4314,0,blog][/rq]At The Car Wash
Wow…
Those Mexican potato stacks look tasty like woah. I thought the potatoes were sausages when I first glanced at it though. I wonder how that would taste…