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{thirsty thursday – oktoberfest : from sierra nevada!!!}

it’s that time of year!

don’t you just LOVE autumn?!

the colours, the crisp air, the leaves falling, the clothing, the smell of pumpkin everywhere…

and it’s the time of year during which the only beer i’ll be drinking is oktoberfest! {pretty much}

and usually i’m sippin’ on some sam adams, cuz i just love that stuff. but i literally squealed with excitement when i discovered this sierra nevada oktoberfest!

i’m somewhat obsessed with sierra nevada. however, i only recently starting drinking their beers… and my goodness are they ahh-mazing!

a friend of mine told me that sierra nevada has been tested/known for their extremely clean water… and in my opinion, this greatly effects the taste of their brews. i don’t know quite how to explain it, but there is something distinguishably different about sierra nevada beer, and not just this wonderful oktoberfest. it makes sense to me that it could have something to do with the natural cleanliness and quality of their water.

furthermore, i love SN’s oktoberfest because it was brewed in collaboration with an old-school 19th century german brauhaus, using their recipe!!! the brewery is one of the oldest in the country… and i mean, it doesn’t get much more authentic than that!

and this stuff tastes incredible!

sierra nevada claims this is a ONE TIME ONLY release – so get your hands and taste-buds on some as soon as you can!

SLAINTE!

———

are you a sierra nevada fan?! and if so, do you agree with my theory regarding their water?!

Tags: adult beverages, audrey michelle, autumn, beer, drinks, fall, fall seasonal, food, food and wine, food photography, german beers, october, oktoberfest, photography, seasonal, seasonal beers, sierra nevada, thirsty thursday

Comments 3 Comments
Categories audrey michelle, blogging, food, food photography, fun, photography, the food, the foto

{100-mile diet : taco lettuce wraps w/ local grass-fed beef}

24 Sep

i’m kind of obsessed with lettuce-wraps, as of late…

they are so easy to make and they are fulfilling without the guilt – gluten-free {if you want them to be}, quick and simple to prepare, and full of colour!

i also like to eat lettuce wraps during my “transition” months… like september, when the weather begins to change and my body begins to prepare for the heartier foods, but i’m not quite ready to let go of lighter fare. lettuce wraps meld the changing seasons together nicely.

i also LOVE grass-fed beef… for the nutrition, the health of the animal, the health of the planet… and the sense of pride i take when purchasing sustainable, farm-fresh food.

furthermore, i love to eat locally and support a “100-mile diet” as often as i can in my life. the 100-mile diet simply means you only eat food that is raised or grown within 100 miles of where you currently live. for me, choosing this lifestyle is the best way i can “vote with my dollars” in supporting a food-system that is sustainable, healthy, and good for our planet earth. i pair that choice with seasonal and organic eating, and it has proven to be the best lifestyle for me.

almost everything in these lettuce wraps was locally grown/made :

grass-fed beef
mexican spices
red leaf lettuce
cherry tomatoes
red onion
black olives
manchego cheese
homemade salsa
guacamole
yellow corn tortilla chips

once you brown your meat {try really hard not to overcook grass-fed beef!} and add in any spices you wish, simply pile it all up on a clean lettuce leaf and wrap it up and eat it!

i created my wrap in this order : lettuce leaf, beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, olives, salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips..

and then…

nom nom… nomcrunch.. NOM NOM!!!

Tags: 100 mile diet, audrey michelle, cooking, eating, farm-fresh, food, food and foto, food photography, gluten-free, grass-fed beef, healthy, lettuce wraps, local, local eating, organics, photography, recipes, simple cooking, simple recipes, sustainable

Comments 4 Comments
Categories audrey michelle, blogging, food, food photography, fun, the food

{thirsty thursday : new belgium’s pumpkick brew!}

17 Sep

it’s just around the bend… that wonderful feeling in the air, as summer transitions to autumn… this is, afterall, my favourite time of year… and i humbly and somewhat eagerly welcome the change of seasons {both literally – in nature, and figuratively – in my own life} as i toast with a yummy, beautiful brew — pumpkick, from new belgium… and goodness, they sure know what they’re doing when it comes to beer!

and i’m slowly learning what i’m doing when it comes to life…

SLAINTE!

Tags: adult beverages, audrey michelle, autumn, beer, blogging, change, colorado, drinking, food and foto, food photography, fort collins colorado, fun, life, local, new belgium brewery, photography, pumpkick, pumpkin, seasons, thirsty thursday, whatever

Comments 3 Comments
Categories audrey michelle, blogging, colorado, food, fun, life, photography, the food, the foodie, thoughts, whatever

{foto friday : the beautiful, delicate, edible squash blossom!}

11 Sep

i love squash blossoms!

Continue reading →

Tags: art, audrey michelle, cooking, delicacies, eating, food, food and foto, food is art, food photography, foto friday, interesting, photography, squash blossoms, unique foods

Comments 5 Comments
Categories art, audrey michelle, blogging, food, food photography, photography, the food, the foodie, the foto

{silent sunday : happy labor day weekend!}

6 Sep

Tags: audrey michelle, blogging, colorado, eating, food, fun, holidays, iphone photography, iphoneography, labor day, life, photography, photos, silent sunday, snapshots, weekends, whatever, wordless

Comments 2 Comments
Categories audrey michelle, blogging, colorado, food, food photography, fun, holidays, iphoneography, life, photography, the food, the foodie, the foto, whatever

{eat the rainbow!}

27 Aug

eat the rainbow!

farm-fresh veggies and homemade ranch dip with simple greek yogurt and herbs.

colourful mixed bell peppers, olives, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, and mini cucumbers.

nom nom!!

Tags: audrey michelle, colourful, eat the rainbow, eating, farm to table, food, food and foto, food photography, healthy, healthy snacks, organics, photography, snacks, vegetables, vegetarian

Comments 2 Comments
Categories food, food photography, photography, the food

{a blue moon wedding!}

22 Aug

there were such beautiful and intimate moments at this wedding, that at one point – i almost forgot to keep taking pictures! i was completely enamored, what can i say?! these two are such magnificent souls… and their love carries such an intense energy with it that EVERYONE could feel!

they decided to wed on the blue moon, just three weeks ago, this past july. it was just the most beautiful day and only 20 people were present for the ceremony… and so was blue moon, the yummy beer.

congratulations, a & a! ❤

Tags: audrey michelle, backyard weddings, blogging, blue moon, colorado, colorado weddings, events, july, july 31, life, lookout mountain, love, marriage, mountains, photography, portraits, summer, universe, wedding photography, weddings

Comments 1 Comment
Categories audrey michelle, blogging, colorado, editorial, life, mountains, photography, portraits, the food

{healthy homefries}

18 Aug

my grandpa used to say, “a potato will cure what ails ya…” and i’ve held on to his words over the years. i can hear him in the back of my head when i’m making mashed potatoes, or any variation of potatoes. i just happen to love them. probably in part due to my irish and german roots and also due to my grandma always teaching me how to stretch a dollar. the potato is an inexpensive food that is loaded with vitamins and minerals. when i was a kid, i used to chop them up into small bits, sprinkle them with salt, and eat them raw!

today, i eat them any way i can get them. lately, i’ve been making a potato hash, or potato homefries. it keeps well in the fridge, and you can make a huge batch and heat them up for breakfast or a side dish with dinner. top with a fresh egg, or dip in a little ranch dressing or ketchup… and nom nom!

i’ve been keeping it pretty simple with mine :

russet potatoes {they are simply heartier and healthier}
bell peppers {i choose red for the colour and vitamin c}
garlic {does wonders for immunity and the body!}
onion {red, again, because – eat the rainbow!}
S&P {i mean, can’t have potatoes without it}

simply heat up some oil or butter on medium to high heat and add in garlic, onions, bell peppers, and potatoes… then cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occaisonally. you want the potatoes to crisp up a little bit… but keep in mind, if you are batch-cooking them, you can reheat them later and crisp them up at that time.

super easy and simple. and you could even freeze these if you wanted to! but i doubt you will want to or have any left over, because they are just so yummy! 🙂

Tags: audrey michelle, cooking, eating, food, food and foto, food photography, healthy, homefries, photography, simple, vegan, vegetarian

Comments 7 Comments
Categories audrey michelle, blogging, food, food photography, photography, recipes, the food, the foodie, the foto

{burger lettuce wraps}

7 Aug

i love finger food. therefore, i love lettuce wraps.

i’m all about lettuce wraps these days. i feel like it’s my favourite new way to eat things – especially in the summertime! i find that during the warmer months, i tend to want to eat “lighter” foods, and lettuce wraps fit the bill perfectly!

also, sometimes i just don’t care for the heaviness of bread or sandwiches. i mean, don’t get me wrong… i’m an east-coast girl at heart and i love my sub sandwiches from the local deli! however, as i said – when it’s hot like it’s been here {in the upper 90’s}, i feel like my body simply wants lighter fare… and so i willingly oblige.

PLUS – the waistline seems to appreciate it when i skip the bread 😉

i made these “burger wraps” the other day when i was craving a burger but didn’t have time, energy, or the grill to make a burger with. so, i improvised. what i love about lettuce wraps is they can be utilized for just about anything. the lettuce leaves themselves are the perfect vehicle to transport yumminess from plate to mouth to tummy.

in this recipe, i started with red lettuce leaves. i chose red because {especially} when it comes to food, in my book – the more colour, the better.

my method is simple : chop up some fresh tomatoes, red onion, dill pickles, and any other toppings you may want on a burger. then, simply brown some grass-fed ground beef on medium-to-high heat and add in a little S&P. finally, pile your toppings one-by-one onto your yummy lettuce wrap and then finish with some mustard and/or ketchup. i personally love both on my burgers. Continue reading →

Tags: beer, burger wraps, cooking, drinks, eating, finger food, food, food and foto, food photography, gluten-free, lettuce wraps, paleo, photography, recipes, session lager, simple, weekends

Comments 2 Comments
Categories food, food photography, photography, recipes, the food

{twins!}

31 Jul

😀 😉 ❤

Tags: eggs, food, food and foto, food is cool, food photography, fun, funny, humor, iphone photography, iphoneography, life, nature, photography, snapshots, twins, two yolks, whatever

Comments 1 Comment
Categories blogging, food, food photography, fun, nature, photography, the food, the foodie, the foto, whatever

{before & after}

24 Jul

simple pasta w/ chix & veg

fusilli, roasted chicken, caramelized onions, green peppers, olives, and fresh tomatoes…

Tags: batch-cooking, before and after, comfort food, cooking, eating, food, food and foto, food photography, foodography, healthy, pasta, pics, simple, whatever

Comments 2 Comments
Categories food, food photography, photography, recipes, the food, the foodie

{fun facts about flavourful forbidden rice}

20 Jul

{colourful, too!!!}

———

fun facts about flavourful forbidden rice {also known as “black rice”}:

– it’s {drumroll, please}… gluten-free!!

– it’s rare {which to me, just immediately makes it cooler!}

– it is cultivated in small amounts – in its early days, was only harvested for the emperor {of china!}

– helps support a healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels

– it’s rich in iron and offers a comprehensive range of amino acids

– it is much higher in protein and fiber than any of its cousins – brown, white, or purple

– makes a fun “risotto” or sticky pudding

– is extremely fragrant and beautiful on a plate

– gentler on the body, easier to digest than its cousins

– contains high levels of antioxidants {i mean, duh – look at that colour!}

———

you can find forbidden rice in health food stores or online. these days, you could probably even find it in your local grocery store, as i notice many of the mainstream chains are stocking more and more of this kind of thing as of late. 🙂

Tags: cooking, eat the rainbow, eating, facts, food, food is cool, food photography, forbidden rice, fun facts, gluten-free, grains, health, healthy, information, nature, nutritional information, photography, rice, whatever

Comments 2 Comments
Categories blogging, food, food photography, the food

{cherry season!}

14 Jul

cherries are so good for your heart, your muscles, your skin, and a myriad of ailments. they are in prime season right now – go out and grab some!

nom nom!

Tags: beauty, cherries, eating, food, foot photography, fun, nature, organics, photography, produce, seasonal, seasonal food, seasons, whatever

Comments 6 Comments
Categories blogging, food photography, fun, nature, photography, the food, the foodie, the foto

{meatless mondays : red quinoa with grape tomatoes, fresh corn, and black beans}

6 Jul

this {vegan} dish is totally protein-packed and nutrient-rich. i just love quinoa, don’t you?!

and did you know that quinoa is considered a complete protein… which means it contains all 9 essential amino acids. this makes it a wonderful protein-source for vegans. the black beans in this recipe add in healthy fiber, which is a great combination with the quinoa!

i can eat these grape tomatoes like candy!

and believe it or not, colorado boasts growing some of the best sweet corn in the US!

summer is for corn!!!! Continue reading →

Tags: clean-eating, cooking, corn, eat the rainbow, eating, food, food and foto, food photography, healthy, photography, quinoa, recipes, simple, summer, vegan, vegetarian

Comments 11 Comments
Categories food, food photography, photography, recipes, the food, the foodie

{‘merica tart}

4 Jul

lemon/vanilla-based tart with fresh berries and white chocolate rice “poppers”

aesthetics, humour, and deliciousness courtesy of the noshery cafe.

photography, enjoyment, and consumption courtesy of yours truly.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE WEEKEND!!!!

Tags: 4th of july, baking, colorado, cute, denver, eating, food, food and foto, food is art, food photography, fun, holidays, noshery cafe, photography, summer, tarts, weekends

Comments 3 Comments
Categories art, blogging, colorado, photography, the food

{red white and blue… cookies!}

2 Jul

i made these yummy cookies in 2012 for the holiday, and it’s become a tradition ever since.

it’s no secret to those who know me well, that i am not a good baker. i can whip up things in the kitchen over a skillet pretty amazingly, but one can’t “wing it” when baking… it is a legit science! and i respect that… i just can’t seem to nail it.

but i did with these cookies! Continue reading →

Tags: 4th of july, america, baking, blogging, colourful, cookies, cooking, eat the rainbow, eating, festive, food, food and foto, food photography, fun, holidays, life, photography, recipes, weekends, whatever

Comments 6 Comments
Categories blogging, food, food photography, fun, holidays, life, photography, recipes, the food, the foodie

{i think i heard a turkey sammy calling…}

29 Jun

with havarti cheese, fresh tomato slices, romaine lettuce leaves, crunchy pea sprouts, and deli mustard… neatly wedged between two artisan whole wheat slices…

ring ring…

nom nom…