Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Grapes with Pecans

With the arrival of Fall, my favorite magazines have been covered with all sorts of vegetables to roast.  Inspired by the latest cover of Whole Living magazine (November 2011), I did some experimental roasting today and roasted brussel sprouts, red seedless grapes, and pecan halves.  I served it over a plate of quinoa and it was DIVINE.  So healthy and light, but the grapes added just a little bit of sweetness while the roasted pecans had that wonderful nutty meat that we all love.

16 oz. Brussel Sprouts - halved
8 oz. Red Seedless Grapes
1/2 cup of Pecan Halves
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, toss brussel sprouts, grapes, and pecans with olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Spread on a baking sheet and roast on the top rack of the oven for 20 minutes.

Top Things to Do in Paris

• Visit Mona at the Louvre.
• Take a night time Seine River Cruise.
• Enjoy some macarons from the creator of them all, Laduree.
• Try escargot -- even if it means that you don't look at it before tasting it.
• When entering an establishment, say Bonjour/Bon soir to the shopkeeper before the shopkeeper says it to you.
• Create a self-imposed chocolate tour and stop in as many chocolate shops as possible for a tasting
• Enjoy a carafe of the house wine.  It's GOOD and CHEAP!
• French kiss a Frenchie.
• Explore the city by walking or renting a bicycle.
• Sit on the outside patio of a cafe with a cup of espresso and people watch.

Top Things NOT to Do in Paris

• Wear sneakers even though you aren't out for an actual run.  This is the fashion capital after all.
• Look for a big American Breakfast!  The French enjoy an espresso and croissant in the morning -- save your big meal for dinner.
• Be shocked at the numerous pick-pocket warnings at all of the popular tourist sites.
• Be in a hurry.

Homemade Energy Bars

4 cups dried organic coconut flakes
5-6 medjool dates (pitted, chopped)
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 T flaxseed meal
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup agave syrup
1/4 tsp salt

In a high-powered blender, puree the dried coconut flakes until warmed and melted (consistency of coconut butter).  Use a spatula to scoop the coconut mutter into a mixing bowl.  Mix the remaining ingredients. 

Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.  Pour mixture in.  Press very firmly into the loaf pan.  Refrigerate overnight.

All Signs Pointed to Paris

Do you ever experience weird coincidences?  Maybe someone tells you about a book that they think you should read and then two days later someone else recommends to you the same book.  I make it a mission to read these signs -- I interpret them as things I'm meant to do.  A sort of divine guidance if you are spiritual about things.

Today, I had such an experience. 

(1)  I was contemplating my upcoming travel plans with a friend.  I want to make a major trip to Asia, but I postponed it year after year to take advantage of shorter trips instead.  Yet, year after year, there was one place that I kept thinking about and hadn't made to yet...Paris.

"Paris isn't so great.  But you should go if you haven't yet," was her response. 

Not so great?!!  The last time I had almost booked a trip for myself to Paris was in 2007.  But while I was in the middle of planning a round-the-world itinerary for myself, I found myself an amazing condo at an amazing deal (once again, the stars were all lined up).  So, my Paris money went towards a downpayment and my Frommers "Paris 2007" guide ended up on a bookshelf of my new condo.

Fast-forward 4.5 years later, I'm reading an article on one of my favorite sites, CrazySexyLife, and (2) the October 6th entry read "We use money stress to keep us from really experiencing life."  *sigh*  She was right.  Now I'm not an advocate of putting yourself in debt, but I was at a point where i could plan a short trip to Paris for myself.  Why continue saying it?  As Nike says, Just Do It!

(3)  A text from Paul tells me excitedly that he and the family are going to Paris in early November...again.

The world was rubbing it in my face.

WTH?!!  That's it.  I started to look up the cost of flights to Paris on Kayak.com.  Maybe Thansgiving weekend would be a good time for me to go?

As I have a lists of prices running across my screen, I get a NEWSFLASH from Travelzoo.  (4)  It's a special for a direct flight to Paris flying business class for the same cost that I was looking up flight on economy class.  The catch...I needed to go in the month of October.  So, I checked my calendar and *click.*

Ladies and gents, in one week from today, I leave for a 4 day tip to Paris!