Tender: Tinder For Food

Guys. Guys. GUYS. I have a new app. And it might be the best app of all time. Keep in mind, this is coming from a girl who has almost no apps on her phone. Not only am I excited about this app, but I want YOU to be excited about it. Let’s chat about apps.

This is for the foodiest of foodies aka my *people*. I first read about Tender on BostInno and downloaded it .6 seconds later. Then I started using it and loved it and thought to myself, my people need to know about this. They will die for it. SO at this point you’re probably wondering what in the world Tender is, right?

Okay, stop being grossed out that it’s named Tender. We’re all adults here. Let’s act like it.

Well, it’s Tinder but for FOOD. The whole idea of Tinder is that you swipe left on those who you don’t care for and right on those who you’d like to, let’s say ‘form a relationship’ with. On Tender, you’re faced with pictures of delicious dishes from around the world. If you swipe left, you’re done with the dish and never have to see it again. I plan on doing that with dishes including beets. But if you swipe right, the dish is stored in your ‘cookbook,’ where you can go to find all of the dishes that you’ve liked and their recipes. Love a dish that you made and are dying to share the recipe with your bff? It’s easy to share the recipe directly from the app instead of having to search for it online or find a similar recipe.

Honestly, it sounds like this is a sponsored post but I swear it’s not. The app is great for when you’re bored on public transportation and trying to think of what to make for dinner this week, for when you’re feeling gastronomically creative but don’t know what to make, and/or for when you feel like torturing yourself by looking at delicious food. The best part? Tender is free. AND it’s Boston-based. So hey, postgrads and yuccies alike, get to downloading!

The Perfect Roasted Spiced Chickpeas

Behold: the perfect snack. Flavorful, savory, bite-sized, and healthy. Oh, don’t let me forget to mention how simple these are to make. Want the steps? Let me be so kind as to tell you them…

1. Drain and wash canned chickpeas (as if I was about to soak dried chickpeas; you know that’s asking far too much of a 21 year-old).

2. Spread chickpeas on a paper towel and ensure that they dry completely. Don’t be afraid to take another paper towel to them and rub them over.

3. Pour a tad bit of olive oil on a pan. I lined mine with foil so that I didn’t have to worry about washing the pan afterwards. Laziness is bliss.

4. Spread the chickpeas across the pan and toss them through the olive oil.

5. Sprinkle the spices over the lil chickpeas and toss them around again.

6. Bake for 15 minutes. Toss. Bake for another 15 minutes.

TA-DA! And just like that, you’ve got the most delicious, nutritious, and convenient snack there ever was. I’m 100% serious that I could not stop eating them straight out of the oven. They are absolutely divine. I suggest leaving them out until they are completely cooled so that they stay crunchy; I made the mistake of putting mine in a container while they were still slightly warm, which caused them to get a bit soggy. If you do have this problem, simply toss the chickpeas on a tray and broil them for 5-10 minutes when you’re ready to eat them so that they crisp up again. Problem solved!

These babies are scrumptious on their own but also go fabulously over a creamy soup. I had them over a bowl of sweet potato soup and they added the perfect crunch and spice to the more subtle soup. They would also be magical over a simple arugula salad with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar! Let’s bond over the flavor combo of the peppery arugula, the smooth, tangy goat, the salty tomatoes, and the sour-sweet vinegar. I’m in if you are.

Find the recipe here!

-G

I’m Hung Up On

¡Buenas noches, rubias! How are we all doing tonight? I’m really, really wonderful, probably because I just ate my favorite things for dinner (couscous, pisto, and Moroccan chicken) followed by a lil’ dark chocolate. All good for the soul. Are you wondering why I refer to you as a rubia? Please, allow me to explain. I stop at a fruteria every morning before class to pick up a pink lady apple. The supreme apple. The woman who works there always calls me rubia, which confused me because rubio means ‘blond’ in spanish. You understand my confusion, as I have curly brunette hair. I asked my host mom why I’m suddenly a rubia, and she explained that rubia is a term of endearment in Spain. Like ‘honey.’ So that’s that.

Let’s get on with the good stuff. I’m heading to Extremadura this weekend for some culture and hiking and running and fun. WOO. Like the good mommy I am, I’m leaving my babies with a few fun links to drool over in the coming days. Enjoy, my rubias!

This amazing video about the Boston Marathon that gave me goosebumps. I have mixed feelings about not being in Boston this year; while I want to be there to represent for my city, I also know that security will be TIIIIGHT and probably overwhelmingly so. That being said, I think I’d rather be there than not. I’ll be cheering on all the runners from here in Spain and hopefully will be one of them next year! #bostonmarathon2015 #badknees #help

78 Thoughts Beyoncé Has Every Day. I nearly died laughing. Hey B, I love you.

Banana blondies with chocolate peanut butter ganache. Let that sink in, people.

And double chocolate banana bread. BOOM. Double trouble.

To balance all of that chocolate goodness, here’s an avocado sandwich with green harissa.

Salsa verde chicken and black bean burritos. BRB dying.

I need one of these rings. Need. Now. Or like, eventually. Thinking of getting one with the coordinates of Sevilla! How cute, right? Right. **Hey Mom and Dad, my birthday is in 6 days, I like silver, I’m turning 21 so this birthday is important**

This green soup with lemon and cayenne might be too healthy even for me. See, Spain is changing me. I’d probably add cheese because obviously.

I definitely need new sandals this summer because I’ve been wearing mine for 2 years now (1st world problems, I know). These would be nice. I love a good artisan woven huarache. Or these.

As you all know, I’m JT’s #1 fan. Here’s a list of things you never knew about Justin Timberlake. I think it’s missing the one about us getting married in 5 years. I should really contact Buzzfeed about that…

Fiiiiinally, I leave you with these. 5 things that men do that women openly hate. #4. I’M SINGLE BECAUSE NO ONE LOVES ME. DON’T ASK AGAIN. Also, 8 jobs that former babysitters are perfectly qualified for. Let me know when you want to talk, CIA.

-G

Musings #5

Hey boys and girls what’s shakin’? Things in Sevilla are pretty much the same. Still have no idea what is going on in class and still eating a lot of delicious food, but both of those things are to be expected while studying in Spain right? Right, that’s what I’m telling myself. I did join a kayaking club by the river which is a great way to exercise and enjoy views of the sunset every night. The club members consist of my two friends and I and 55 year old Spanish men in short shorts so you can imagine how fun it is. Making great friends! But really it is awesome and makes me feel like I’m being somewhat active.

The one big thing to look forward to and put in your calendars (actually) is the fact that Gabby and I are going to MOROCCO this weekend WHOA. Hold on to your hats it’s going to be a crazy (camel) ride. <<– Good one right? Expect camel pictures and pictures in front of blue doors and pictures of bazaars because that’s what I’m thinking our weekend will consist of. It will be capital G-r-e-a-t. AWESOME.

For now, here are things that I’m distracting myself with while crashing during siesta…

This piece in the latest issue of Kinfolk. What a cool couple, space, and life they live. Makes me want to move to California tomorrow.

This song by Will Heard accompanied by Cara Delevingne. I imagine she recorded this after stepping off the Chanel Fall ’14 Paris runway don’t you? All in a day’s work.

Registering for classes for the fall makes me simultaneously so excited, anxious, and sad that I really don’t know what to think. This article from Thought Catalogue is cheesy but in the way I will probably feel a year from now. Please don’t let it come.

This recipe for Fudgy Vegan Double Chocolate Beet Muffins. I’ve had chocolate beet cake before at Fido in Nashville and also enjoy things like carrot cake and zucchini bread so I fully trust the use of this vegetable and chocolate.

This super cool video that interviews people while running to show how the action of running lowers our guard and liberates us, resulting in unexpected honesty. It makes people funny, aware, and profound.

This home tour of Wit and Delight author Kate Arends’ apartment. Added to my list of home inspiration for my new casa (abode) back in New York.

This series of photos by Slim Aarons. A great showcase of the lifestyle and architecture during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

Last but not least, this recipe for Penne with Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Pesto Chicken Sausage. I know I’ll like a recipe when every word in the 6-ingredient name appeals to me.

x
C

 

I’m Hung Up On

Happy midterms, people. It’s that time of the semester here in Sevilla, which means I’m doing lots of web-surfing and not that much studying. I’d say that my social networking to Spanish test studying ratio last night was roughly 5:1. Maybe worse. Whatever, the test is over and I speak Spanish all the live long day so no one can fail me. Vale?

My tendency to become easily distracted does benefit someone. Not me, really, and definitely not my parents, but YOU ALL! Here’s a list of the links I’ve been loving lately! I’m also throwing in a new spin playlist for you spin lovers. You’re welcome. 

Side-note: SoulCycle tweeted at me the other day! My heart skipped a beat.

This Lily Allen song that was in a newish episode of Girls. That show kills it with the music.

The shot glass cookie. My dreams are coming true.

Chunky chocolate buckwheat granola to put on all the things.

Chana Masala, my favorite Indian dish. I actually inhale it. It’s not ladylike of me.

Well and Good NYC’s Refrigerator Lookbook with the chef for Team USA in Sochi! The Olympics may be over but I’m still fascinated by what those olympians are eating.

I’m obsessed with Sheryl Sandberg’s Ban Bossy campaign. Beyoncé supports it so you know I’m in. I’ve also been called bossy for much of my life, which I hate. If a man takes charge, he’s powerful and respectable. If a woman does the same, then she’s a bossy bitch. Not fair and I’m so glad to see that Sheryl Sandberg agrees. That woman rocks. There’s nothing wrong with being the woman in charge.

Penne with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pesto Chicken Sausage. WOW.

Now, about that spin playlist!

Happy by Pharrell. I don’t tire of this song. Or this video by the best school in the world. I smile and end up dancing every time. Warm up between 1 and 2.
Oh No! by Marina and the Diamonds. Warm up between 1, 2, and 3.
Moving In the Dark by Neon Trees. Warm up between 1, 2, and 3.
Tiptoe by Imagine Dragons. Warm up with increased resistance, 1 and 2.
Wide Awake by Katy Perry. Hill. Increase resistance every time she says Wide Awake. Yes, seriously.
That Man by Caro Emerald. Positions 1, 2, and 3.
Demons by Imagine Dragons. One of my favorite songs, ever. Hill in position 1.
Pusher Lover Girl. JT. Because I want to be his Pusher Lover Girl. Hill in position 1.
Right Here by Brandy. Remember her? Hill in positions 1 and 3.
Let The Groove Get In by JT. Oh yes JT, it’s getting in. Positions 1 and 2.
Thriller/Heads Will Roll by Glee. Positions 1 and 2.
Last Friday Night REMIX with Missy Elliot. Great remix. Positions 1 and 2.
Souk by Jay C & Baumgartner. Thanks for this, Dad. Sprint in positions 1 and 2.
Dog Days Are Over by Glee. Yes, I went there. Hill in positions 1 and 3.
Grown Woman by Beyoncé. Always Beyoncé. Positions 1, 2, and 3.
Ave María by David Bisbal. Positions 1 and 2, 3 if you’re in the mood.
Timber. I needn’t explain. Sprint in positions 1 and 2.
Drink You Away– JT. Hill, increasing resistance every 15 seconds.
Back Home by Chocolate Puma. Sprint with 30 second intervals.
#thatPOWER by…Justin…Bieber…I know, I know. But I can’t deny how good it is for spin. Sprint to the end between positions 1 and 2.

-G

PS. My 21st birthday is in 28 days. Feel free to send gifts and love notes.