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Pronto Pizza: Bringing Quality to the Suburbs

If you were to ask me about my favorite restaurants in Portland, I could rattle them off quickly and easily. Luce, Bollywood Theater, St. Jack. Du’s, Pok Pok, Boxer Sushi, Bunk, Apizza Scholls, Tanuki, etc. I could go on. We have so much good food in this town. I feel thankful and spoiled.

But, what happens when you drive 15 minutes outside of Portland? Or when you find yourself shopping at the mall or visiting relatives in the ‘burbs? Are you doomed to dine at chain restaurants and sketchy strip mall sandwich shops? (Disclaimer: I do not like chain restaurants. I find the food to be bland, processed, unhealthy, and uninspired. However, this is just my personal opinion and I don’t expect everyone to necessarily feel the same way.)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself in the suburbs a few times, asking these same questions. Honestly, it’s a little bit shocking. Portland is brimming with amazing restaurants, but Portland’s outlying neighborhoods have (mostly) abysmal food options. It’s Red Robins and Olive Gardens as far as the eye can see.

Which is why I was so delighted to discover Pronto Pizza – a delicious restaurant with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients – right smack in the middle of a strip mall off 82nd Avenue in Clackamas, Oregon.

My husband and I were invited to dine at Pronto Pizza a few weeks back, and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The space is huge, but is decorated in such a way that the place feels intimate and cozy. (Fun fact: the owners bought all the Beaker & Flask furniture when it went out of business.)

The service was great – our waitress was clearly passionate about the food and she gave us great recommendations. We sampled a number of different dishes throughout the evening, including appetizers, salads, pizzas, and even a few items from the recently revamped children’s menu.

Baked Cauliflower Sticks

While most of the dishes we tried were tasty, the pizza was the clear standout of the evening. Made with imported Italian pizza flour, the pizza crust is damn near perfect. It’s chewy and charred in all the right places. The toppings are thoughtful and restrained, the sauce is light and flavorful. (It should be said that my husband used to work for Apizza Scholls and is a true pizza geek. Even he was impressed with Pronto’s Pizza.)

Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon

Other standouts of the evening included the polenta fries, the Brussels sprout salad, and the cauliflower ‘breadsticks’ from the kid’s menu. I wasn’t really a fan of the pasta (too heavy) or the beet salad (over-dressed), but the rest of the food was stellar. I applaud Pronto’s dedication to quality and their use of fresh, local ingredients. And, while I don’t have children of my own, I really appreciate that Pronto’s kids menu is full of creative, fresh, and healthy options such as homemade apple cranberry sauce and breaded and baked cauliflower sticks. (I kid you not, the cauliflower sticks were better than traditional breadsticks.)

The moral of the story? If you find yourself in the ‘burbs of East Portland and you’re wondering where to eat, there is a place that offers much more than your typical strip mall offerings. Pronto Pizza is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise desolate fast food wasteland.

Full disclosure: While our meal at Pronto Pizza was comped, all opinions expressed are my own.

Friday Favorites: Super Bowl Snacks Edition

In general, I’m not one to write holiday-themed blogs or recipes. Most holiday food comes across as cheesy and inauthentic: heart-shaped cookies and lots of red food coloring for Valentine’s day; eyeballs and severed fingers and candy corn for Halloween; red, white, and blue for the 4th of July. I’m sorry, it’s just not my thing.

And then there’s the Super Bowl. I’m a little astonished by my enthusiasm for the day, considering that I don’t particularly like football. But you know what I do like? The Puppy Bowl. And clever commercials. And lazy Sunday afternoons. And most importantly, I love SNACKS. Especially snacks that are bad for you, such as: pizza, nachos, wings, chips, dips, etc. I love it all. Granted, I don’t often indulge my junk food cravings. I usually eat whole and healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, rice, and organic and free range meat. But this is my one day a year that I throw out all of my food rules. I allow myself to eat junk food. I’m not gonna lie, I look forward to this day every year. I especially look forward to devouring handfuls of Salsa Verde Doritos (they are my most favorite of all the guilty pleasures).

In light of my love for Super Bowl snacks, I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite snack and appetizer recipes. (I’ve even included a few healthy – and vegan! – options, for those who would like to enjoy lighter fare during the big game.)

Enjoy! And go Blazers! (Get it? Because I don’t like football…)

Sriracha and White Bean Dip | Rosemarried

Sriracha and White Bean Dip from Rosemarried

FRIDAY FAVORITES: SUPERBOWL SNACKS (ON SNACKS ON SNACKS):

Sriracha and White Bean Dip – My own recipe (and one of my all-time favorite dips). Spicy, easy, delicious.

Lemon Basil Hummus – My own recipe. Vegan, vibrant, and full of flavor. Would go great with pita chips and/or veggies.

Avocado Tomatillo Salsa – Chef Kelly Myers from Xico’s recipe for a fresh, bright, and tangy salsa. No cooking required, just throw everything in a blender and you’ve got salsa!

Garlicky Party Bread – from The Smitten Kitchen. Looks so good (and yet, so bad for you).

Ike’s Fish Sauce Wings – Portland Monthly Magazine was kind enough to share the recipe for Pok Pok’s famous (and insanely delicious) chicken wings.

Creamy Brussels Sprout and Shallot Dip – by The Minimalist Baker. I’ve made this recipe several times, and it always delivers. I prefer this dip to spinach artichoke dip.

Vegan ‘Tuna’ Stuffed Piquillo Peppers – from Mary Eats. My friend Mary is an inspiration. She is very dedicated to a healthy and mostly plant-based diet — and she managed to create an amazing (and healthy) Super Bowl recipe. Mad props to her. (Granted, Vegan Tuna does sound a little scary at first, but as I read the recipe and saw the ingredients I changed my mind. This sounds awesome.)

Guacamole – by 101 Cookbooks. I’m obsessed with Heidi’s avocado dip with mustard seeds, serrano chilies, and curry powder — but I do not believe that recipe is online. (It can be found in her Super Natural Every Day cookbook and I highly recommend it). I’ve not tried this guacamole recipe yet, but if it’s anything like her avocado and mustard dip, it’ll be nothing short of amazing.

Stilton & Shallot Paté – recipe from Ramson’s & Bramble. I think this is just a fancy way of saying “Blue Cheese Dip”. Whatever it is, I want to eat it.

Friday Favorites: January 2014

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted a Friday Favorites list.

Frankly, I’ve missed it.

There’s something strangely therapeutic about compiling a list of inspiring and lovely things. It reminds me how much I have to learn, and how much there is to explore and enjoy. Even in the midst of winter, there’s so much to see and do.

Here, in no particular order, is a list of a few of my favorite things. Happy Friday!

1. Turmeric Tea. I first saw this tea on 101 Cookbooks, and thought the tea looked incredible. My friend Kirsten recently posted her own Turmeric tea recipe on her blog, and I finally decided to give it a try. Let me tell you, it’s amazing. It’s unlike any tea I’ve ever had. It’s full of all sorts of wonderful things (for the mind and the belly!) and it also happens to taste great.

2. The introduction of Sriracha Kettle Chips and Juanita’s Chilepeno Tortilla Chips. Game changers in the form of chips.

3. My new freelance website! I quit my job in August, to pursue the freelance life. So far, I’m absolutely loving it. I recently launched a new website, which explains a bit more about what I do. I’m really proud of the site, and if you’re so inclined, take a look!

4. Happy Yolks. I can’t say enough good things about this blog. Not only are the photos and recipes stunning, but Kelsey is a really wonderful and thoughtful person. I’m constantly inspired by her writing, her outlook, and her food. My goal is to cook more of her recipes this year.

5. Rabbit Cafes. YOU GUYS THERE ARE REAL CAFES IN JAPAN THAT LET YOU HANG OUT AND DRINK COFFEE AND SNUGGLE REAL LIVE BUNNIES. That’s it. I’m moving to Japan.

6. MACARONI SALAD. I’ve had the strangest craving for macaroni salad lately. You know, the store-bought stuff that is strangely sweet and drowning in mayo and comes in a giant plastic tub. I love it. But, I generally don’t allow myself to buy the giant tubs of macaroni salad, because I know it’s unhealthy/processed/fattening/gross food. So, I’ve been searching for a homemade version that might suffice and I think this recipe looks mighty tasty. It might not be anything like the macaroni salad from church potlucks in my youth, but I think it’s time I let that macaroni salad go.

7. Kimchi. I can’t get enough of it. I love making it. I love eating it. I’ve been putting kimchi on tacos, burritos, stir fry, breakfast bowls, rice, soba noodles, salads, and more. I’ve been known to eat it straight out of the jar. (My favorite brand of kimchi is Choi’s, which is made in Portland. Usually, though, I just make my own or pick up a jar at the PDX Food Swap.)

8. Kefir. This week, I made my very first batch of kefir. I just poured some milk into a jar with kefir grains and let it sit on the counter for 36 hours. I then strained out the grains and was left with a wonderful and fermented milk drink, which is full of healthy bacteria (which makes for a happy gut).

9. The new Volcano Choir record. I can’t stop listening to it.

10. This recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprout and Carrot Salad with Cara Cara, Avocado, and Orange Tahini Dressing. (Recipe by the lovely folks at Brooklyn Supper.) I could eat this salad all winter long. It’s dreamy.

11. Bollywood Theater. This is the best Indian food in Portland. Period. (Granted, we don’t have a lot of good Indian food in Portland but that is beside the point.) The beets braised in coconut milk are to die for. Currently, they have one location in Portland on Alberta Street but they are opening up a second location on Division. I can’t wait.

12. Punk Domestics. This site is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in canning, preserving, curing, fermenting, and more. There’s just so much good stuff on this site. (After a quick browse today, I now want to make hard cider mustard, blue cheese paté, homemade yogurt, duck ham, and gravlax.)

Coconut and Date Granola + A Handmade Holiday DIY Gift Guide!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I really love Christmastime. It may sound cheesy, but I do believe this is the most wonderful time of the year.

Each and every year, I write out my thoughts on Christmas and include a handmade holiday gift guide. This year, I’m going to keep it short and sweet. I’ll include some of my text from last year’s post, as I think it sums up all that I want to say.

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I love Christmas: I love the baking, the decorations, the gifting, the crafting, the music, the family, the traditions, and the nostalgia of it all.

If only it were as simple as that. But there’s the ugly side of Christmas: The shopping malls, the parking lots, the Black Friday lines. The anxiety, stress, and despair. The wish lists, greed, credit card debt, and consumerism. The poor, the broken, the forgotten, the needy.

It’s all so unsettling.

But four years ago, I watched one short video (from the wonderful folks at The Advent Conspiracy) and it changed the way I do Christmas. The message was so simple and clear: Love All, Spend Less, Give More.

Those six little words pack quite the punch. They’ve given me a new outlook, they’ve given me hope. Christmas is different, in the best way.

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For the past four years, I’ve made most of my Christmas gifts. I find so much joy in the process and I have a ton of fun getting creative with gifts. I don’t pretend to be superwoman and I certainly don’t try to take on too much. I do purchase gifts from local businesses and artisans, and I’ll also pick up things at vintage and thrift stores.

This year, I put together A Handmade Holiday Pinterest Board, with 25 handmade gift ideas. There’s a little something for everyone – ornaments, terrariums, spice blends, jams, sauces, and more. Take a look!

Lastly, I am including a simple and delicious recipe for homemade granola with coconut, almonds, and dates. I plan on giving jars of this granola to various friends and family for Christmas.

You can’t go wrong with the gift of granola!

Coconut Granola with Dates and Almonds

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup roasted coconut chips (from Trader Joe’s)
1/2 cup toasted almonds
1 cup dried dates, pits removed and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Generous pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°. Line two baking sheets with parchment or a Silpat.
In a small pot, heat the coconut oil, olive oil, and honey over low heat. Whisk together until coconut oil is melted and the mixture is combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and spices.
In a large bowl, toss together the oats, shredded coconut, and chopped dates. Toss with the honey and oil, to coat. (Note: I don’t add in the toasted almonds and coconut chips until after baking.)
Pour onto prepared baking sheets. Using a spatula, spread granola into an even layer.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until granola is golden brown. Check granola every 5 minutes and stir, if needed. Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheets. Once cool, mix in the coconut chips and toasted almonds. Store in airtight containers in the pantry. Granola will keep for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

Adapted from La Casa De Sweets

http://rosemarried.co/2013/12/17/handmade-holiday-coconut-date-granola-diy-handmade-holiday-gift-guide/

Spiced Cider and Bourbon Punch

I’ll admit it, I’ve been hesitant about saying goodbye to summer.

Blame it on my California roots, but I’m a sucker for sunshine and blue skies. I like summer, a whole lot.

But, then, October creeps up on me and surprises me in the best possible way. Fall is a magical time in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves are turning and the trees are gorgeous shades of yellow, orange, and red. The days are sunny and crisp. All around the city, people are donning jackets, hats, and scarves. It’s really quite lovely.

When I think about it, saying goodbye to summer isn’t such a bad thing at all. There’s a lot to be celebrated, so I’m embracing autumn and all that it brings.

This cocktail is the perfect drink to usher you into the fall season. This cocktail strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of apples, the spice of ginger and cinnamon, the brightness of lemons, and the warmth of bourbon. This ‘punch’ is sweet, but not too sweet. The spices are present, but not overpowering. The drink contains no added sugar, only the sugar that is present in the apple cider.

All of that to say, cheers to the changing of seasons!

Bourbon & Spiced Cider Punch

Ingredients

For the spiced cider:
1 quart pure apple cider (No added sugar, seasonings, or preservatives.)
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
Several thin slices of fresh ginger (1 small knob of ginger)
3-4 large strips of lemon zest
For the cocktail:
3 oz. spiced apple cider
1½ oz. quality bourbon (I used Buffalo Trace.)
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, combine apple cider and spices. Allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes, until cider is fragrant and infused with the spices. Remove from heat and allow to cool. (The spiced cider can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days).
To make the cocktail, combine the bourbon, spiced cider, and lemon juice in a shaker or glass. Stir (or shake) and pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy!
(Note: This punch can be pre-mixed and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.)

http://rosemarried.co/2013/10/13/spiced-cider-bourbon-punch/

Adapted from Saveur

OCTOBER: SNAPSHOTS

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
To-morrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;
To-morrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow,
Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know;
Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away;

Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost–
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

– ‘October’ by Robert Frost

Feast Wrap-Up: A Wonderful Food-Filled Blur of a Weekend

This past weekend was a blur. A wonderful and delicious blur, filled with food and wine, friends and famous chefs, and a whole lot more. Feast is truly an incredible event and I am so grateful that I was able to take part in some of the festivities. Truth be told, I don’t think I’ll ever be hungry again, but that’s fine by me.

As for event highlights? I’m not even sure where to start! First, there was The Sandwich Invitational. I attended the event with the Bunk Sandwich guys, and it was a blast. They made Pork Belly Tortas with Jalapeno Slaw and Pickled Pineapple (and they had a Mariachi band at their booth! so good!). That same night, I got to meet Chris Cosentino and Duff Goldman and we got in a conversation about 50 Shades of Grey. Go figure. I drank a 20 year old Pinot Noir from Archery Summit. I ate baked potato ice cream (A Salt & Straw/Michael Voltaggio collaboration). I attended a panel on transparency in GMO labeling. I watched a fish monger and butchering competition, right after building myself the most epic Bloody Mary from the VIP Bloody Mary bar by Elephant’s Deli. (If you’re curious, I garnished my Bloody Mary with: a roasted beet, pickled green bean, Peperoncini, Aardvark hot sauce, and an entire smoked pork rib. Yep.)

I managed to snap a few photos throughout the event and have posted a few here, for your enjoyment. Take a look!

Whole Foods Market gave out custom screen-printed tote bags at the Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting.