Dublin Coddle
Need a delicious and easy recipe for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations? Head over for this KY Proud recipe!
It's that St. Patrick's time of year! What better way to celebrate than by making an Irish recipe to enjoy with your Irish beer/whisky (or to soak it up at least!)? This recipe is so delicious and fantastic, I can't wait to have it again (and I won't even have the excuse of the holiday because I have no shame)!
The recipe notes for this coddle gives a great background so I will let it do the talking while I finish my bowl of coddle:
"This traditional supper dish of sausages, bacon, onions and potatoes dates back at least as far as the early eighteenth century. It seems to be more of a city dish than a rural one; it was a favorite of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels and dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.... The name of the dish is probably descended from the older word caudle, derived from a French word meaning "to boil gently, parboil, or stew"...Serve with Guinness and Irish soda bread. Although this is an easy to prepare one pot meal and its simplicity belies its amazing taste and flavor - comfort food at its best!"
I mean, can you really go wrong with potatoes, onions, bacon and sausage! (Side note: I didn't get around to making soda bread this year, but it's already on the list for next year!)
Dublin coddle
adapted from www.food.com
makes 6 servings
1 pound bacon (local favorite Stonecross Farm), diced
1 pound sausage links (local favorite Stonecross Farm), diced
2 onions, sliced
2 pounds potatoes (local), diced
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Heat a pot up to medium.
- Add bacon and cook until browned.
- Add sausage links and onions to bacon; cook until browned.
- Add potatoes and broth.
- Boil potatoes until tender about 40 minutes.
- Season with pepper (you shouldn't need salt).
- Serve topped with parsley, bread, and Guinness (please drink responsibly!).
Sláinte! (cheers/good health)
My favorite Irish proverb
Jennifer is the chef behind a girl eats world. Head over for more seasonal, KY Proud recipes!
How Barre Class Changed My Life
Last winter, I was in a lot of pain. I mean A LOT. I'd been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and the two herniated discs I'd suffered led to a lot of daily problems. I couldn't feel my arm. I couldn't feel my leg. My head hurt constantly, and I could barely turn my neck. I tried not to talk about it too much, but my daily life was becoming severely limited. I couldn't sit through meetings, I could barely sit at the computer long enough to answer an email, and I didn't know whether the pain would ever go away. I was terrified that this pain was irreversible; words can't appropriately convey what it's like to face these fears around your 39th birthday. Let's just say that I hope none of y'all ever have to go through it.
I knew that an intensive exercise program was the key to improving my health. When my doctor suggested core strengthening through physical therapy, I decided to try barre exercise classes. On a whim, I contacted B.You Fitness owners Stephanie Bristow and Rashna Carmicle about trying their studio. I had no idea that I was changing my entire life with a simple email.
Now, I'm not going to lie, the first class was one of the biggest challenges I've undertaken in a long, long time. I immediately texted my fiance "I didn't die!" after the first class, and I felt like that was a huge success. Barre class is a well-choreographed sequence of stretches, lifts, and steps; it took me a little while to get the hang of it. But I saw the results quickly. I was soon able to move with less pain. The numbness in my arm went away, and the numbness in my leg subsided a great deal. I was encouraged by both the amazing fitness program at B.You and the wonderful attitude of the instructors and my classmates.
I just have to share some exciting news with y'all. At my last visit to my neurosurgeon, he released me from “every 6 weeks” follow up visits and said that I have absolutely no need for additional spinal surgery. He said he’d never heard of barre classes being used for rehab, but I walked him through the core strengthening process and told him how much the classes had changed my life. He specifically asked about the B.You program, and followed up his questions with a cheerful “Whatever you’re doing, keep on, because it’s clearly working!”
Clearly, this is a lifelong journey to good health. I'm not going to stop attending barre classes just because I'm not writing about them every week. I know that degenerative disc disease brings flare-ups and that I have no guarantees that I won't have further pain, but I fully credit B.You with putting me on the road to recovery!
I hope to see y'all at the Barre soon!
{This post is brought to you by b.you Fitness. Please note that I am speaking only from my personal experience. I am neither a medical professional nor a barre instructor. I was advised by my physician to work on core strengthening to relieve a lumbar spine injury.}
The Cats Fans' Guide to Breakfast in Nashville
Good Morning, Big Blue Nation!
Whether you were out too late in the Gulch or SoBro celebrating the Wildcats' win or simply enjoying the other SEC games at Bridgestone Arena, chances are, you had an exciting night. Now, you sure could use some breakfast. Here are a few of my Music City favorites.
If you don't want to move your car, 417 Union is the way to go. We discovered this little gem during one of the Cats' Music City Bowl appearances. It's open at 7, you can probably walk there from your hotel, and you'll get a good, hearty meal without a huge crowd or a lot of pretension. Think: a really good version of your hometown diner.
If you want to drive all the way across town, the Loveless Cafe is calling your name. There's a reason that this motel-turned-diner is a quintessential Nashville Must-See. The food is, quite simply, that good. Try to rustle up a party of four for the all-you-can-eat breakfast, and don't miss the biscuits, country ham, or hash brown casserole!
If you want to stand in line with Vandy students, tourists, and everybody else under the sun, don't miss the Pancake Pantry. The food is fantastic, don't get me wrong. I particularly love the French toast and the sweet potato pancakes. But, weekend lines often reach Disney World proportions, and you may just miss the game while you're waiting on your carb fix.
If you want to have a great brunch experience, walk across the street from Pancake Pantry to Provence. There, you'll find amazing food, an unbelievable dessert selection, and the best cup of coffee in town. (Always, always order the Dancing Goats coffee. I could write a love sonnet to that blend.)
If you want to feel artsy, head over to East Nashville's Marche Artisan Foods. The food is incredible. The atmosphere is laid-back. And even the simplest fare -- a PB&J or a cup of hot chocolate -- is transformed into a work of art.
Finally, if you want to make me extra jealous, make plans for Sunday Chicken & Waffles at Hattie B's. The hot chicken is amazing, and I hear that, on Sundays, they serve it up with waffles and PBR. You really can't miss that.
Enjoy your breakfast and your visit to NashVegas! Go Cats!!
What to wear to the SEC Tournament
It's only a few hours until the Wildcats take over Nashville, but who's counting? Like Hunter S. Thompson in the above quote, I always believe that Kentucky will go undefeated in March and win everything. This year, we've got a really good chance of doing it.
Whether you're cheering the 'Cats on at home or in NashVegas, here are my picks for most stylish, fun ways to rep the BBN.
Shop Local Kentucky's Seersuckertucky Sweatshirt. I'm just in love with this.
Since you're in the Music City, you need some boots. Seriously, you need an excuse for these.
Letter Raglan from Shop Local KY. This is so classic and old-school.
I honestly never take my Maya Brenner Kentucky necklace off. It's the perfect way to express your Bluegrass pride wherever you go.
Legacy Tee From High Street Fly. Go Cayuts.
These Tory Burch flats are a perfect way to stay cute and comfortable.
Go 'Cats!!
Rep the Cards in Style at the ACC Tournament!
It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year, y'all!
There's more basketball on TV than I can possibly watch, but I'm trying valiantly. With the Louisville Cardinals kicking off their first game of the ACC Tournament today, there are some fun, stylish ways to show your loyalty. Here are a few favorites that are substantial enough for work, stylish enough for a night out, and filled with Card spirit if you're fortunate enough to be in Greensboro this week.
These Tory Burch Flats are great for game day, driving to the game, or any other time you want to look stylish yet stay comfortable.
This Cardinals headband is so sassy!
This men's button-down would be awesome with leggings and skinny jeans; it features a fun Cardinal logo
These packable Hunter Wellies are great if the weather turns wet!
The Best Swag For Bluegrass Babies
So, I'm going to be an aunt soon. Like, any minute now.
Since I can't seem to stop shopping for baby clothes, I thought I'd share with y'all some of the best Kentucky-themed onesies that I've run across.
Born and Breaded Onesie, Kentucky for Kentucky. This just makes me laugh so hard.
Y'all Onesie from Kentucky for Kentucky. I wear the t-shirt version of this one all the time; my niece and I should coordinate, no?
Kentucky Kicks Ass Baby Onesie from Kentucky for Kentucky. Who can resist adorning a child with mild expletives?
Commonwealth Baby Thermal -- High Street Fly. This just looks so snuggly!
via High Street Fly
502 Onesie from WHYLouisville.
via WHYLouisville
Kentucky Home T Onesie via The Home T (available locally at The Prickly Pear) It's never too early to teach them where they come from.
via The Home T.
Be You at B.You!
I like a lot of things about B.Barre Fitness at B.You. I love the workout. I love that the studio is close to my house, so I don't waste all day driving to and from the gym. I love the fabulous turquoise and chartreuse decor of the studio. But, most of all, I love that B.You encourages me to take the workout at my own pace.
I'm a really competitive person by nature; I tend to benchmark my own performance against others'. For years, I'd push my yoga poses or bootcamp moves farther to mimic or surpass my classmates'. A little push is good, you know. It encourages you to push your muscles a little harder and to get a little more out of the workout. I'm not exactly in a place to push myself too hard these days, though. Part of it is the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease that I received last year, with the accompanying surgeries and treatments. Part of it is the somewhat painful fact that the birthday I celebrated earlier this year is the last one that will begin with a 3. And, a not insignificant part of it is the fact that I've spent a lot of time over the past year "medicating" my back injury with red velvet cake and Netflix binges. (It made sense at the time that Scandal was more therapeutic than Lortab...) Needless to say, I don't have a lot of "personal bests" in me right now.
The great thing about classes at B.You is that, well, they actually encourage you to be you. You'll often hear "Focus on doing your best, not your neighbor's best!" or "Think about your reason for being here today!" as you hold a difficult pose. You'll hear a lot of suggestions for modifications,with the assurance that even with modifications you can attain the muscle shake that comes along with strengthening and sculpting. You'll often feel the instructor's gentle nudge to correct your form, but it's always discreet and encouraging. (Once, in a big-box-gym yoga class, an instructor told me, "Oh, don't even bother. Let me tell you, it was the Least. Namaste. Moment. Ever.)
I love a lot of things about B. You, but what I love most of all is that it's a friendly, inclusive studio that focuses on each participant setting and achieving her personal goals. In just a few short weeks, I've felt myself become so much stronger and I've lessened the pain and numbness that resulted from my two herniated discs. I've had to go at my own pace, and make a lot of modifications, and that was just fine.
{This post was brought to you by B.You. All opinions are my own. I am neither a medical professional nor a fitness instructor; please consult professionals before attempting to rehab an injury.}