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So life is crazy. Now that I've dropped my personal bomb on you in my last post, I might as not hold back the ranting. But, I will. Because it's a Monday and no one needs that kind of negativity to start the week.

Giada, from Food Network is my personal goddess. When the world slowed down for a second, instead of merging into the couch and having a good old fashion veg-out to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, I got off my rump and did some good cooking. The meat was a little over cooked, but do not underestimate the power of coriander and cumin. Without them, I think my family wouldn't have let me cook again. My major suggestion to anyone who would want to repeat this recipe (remind me to post it on here later) is to replace the beef tenderloin with Angus steak. The meat was cheaper and even burned stayed fairly tender.

But the real star of the meal was the Mediterranean salad with cranberries. I made enough for six people (four people came for dinner) and at the end of the night barely had enough leftovers for one. Meet my go to Thanksgiving recipe.

Here are some supremely attractive photos of myself, taken at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Yes, my friends and I are that hipster- I mean, sophisticated. In fear of sounding pretentious I won't give you my run down of the show. It's not like I went to Oxford, England and saw the Royal Shakespeare Company or anything. And it's not like I fangirl scream every time I think about it. I'm too world weary and well traveled for that sort of non-sense.

My dog wishes you a great week!

Dress: Rodarte for Target

Jacket: Vintage

Necklace: Vintage

Ring: Metro Park

Shoes: Unknown

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Yum.

I feel bad for anorexic girls. I've mad it a generally established fact that food is delicious. So if you're not eating it, you are missing out. I mean, really. Food is universal, cultures can come together over a dinner table, a single smell ignited by a stove can remind you of your childhood, and a taste can change your whole day. I firmly believe that I had to choose an eating disorder, I pick bulimia. At least then I get to taste it before I waste it.

This bruschetta is my own recipe. Find some good bread at the grocery store, I really sourdough, but just anything with a good crust. You need something that will support the toppings. Cut the bread into small, bite-sizes slices, then butter both sides. Turn a pan on low heat, pour some oil in, and saute the bread for a few minutes until crunchy.
The chutney I used was from a farmers market in Wisconsin, but anything that's sweet and has whole chunks of fruit in it will do. You don't want jam, because the texture and the taste of the chutney is richer and more complex (my personal favorite is the cranberry chutney from Le Pain Quotient in New York).
Finally, grate some Parmesan cheese over the top. Just a few flakes will do, it's just to contrast the taste of the chutney so it isn't too sweet.
This is definitely one of my favorite fancy snacks, I eat it when I just want to cook something, but don't want to put in a lot of effort. It takes five minutes, promise!

*If you want to add an interesting flavor, place a basil leaf on the bread before adding the chutney. It's definitely different, but be warned you either like it or you hate it.

Also, Geri from BecauseI'mAddicted is wearing the Jeffery Campbell Litas. Super serious shoe porn. I would take the shoe home with me and do some very nasty things to it. Someone want to send me a very nice birthday gift, Mr. Campbell?

Images Via: Becausei'maddicted, and personal (All Images hosted by Image Shack)