Inspiration Station: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

The Dish:

Dating a vegetarian could be a deal breaker for a guy (it may even be one for me) so Andie tells Ben she doesn't eat meat to scare him away...and then scarfs a hot dog in the back of the hippy restaurant after crying to the waitress that her boyfriend thinks she's fat.  It's enough to drive away any dude. I always hope I come off as the cool girl Andi really is - the one who can take down a burger and likes sports but can wear the heck out of a dress.  But just in case you have a ::gasp:: vegetarian friend, you, like Andie, should pretend to like the meat-free meals.  Thankfully, you won't have to fake liking this farro bowl, inspired by Andi and Ben's meal but looking and tasting much better than the gruel they eat.

Start with farro as your base (I found a quick cooking kind at Trader Joe's - only took 10 minutes!).  In a pan, saute portobello or cremini mushrooms, garlic, fresh spinach (or kale), and shredded/julienned carrots.  I also wanted to add zucchini but the store was out and it turns out I didn't need it.  Top it all off with a drizzle of avocado crema (avocado, sour cream, and cayenne, blended) and some salt and pepper.  I was a slave to bad lighting and a faulty piping bag so my bowl doesn't look picture perfect, but it tasted great.

The Doodads:

1. You'll need an easy to care for plant so your love fern doesn't die.  If you're like me and don't have a green thumb, check out Apartment Therapy's list of hard to kill plants.  My fave is the ZZ plant.
2. Get a fun deck of cards for family games of B.S like these by Jonathan Adler.
3. Ben loves that Andie likes the Knicks and she looks pretty killer rocking a jersey instead of a slinky dress for their date.  Nowadays, the Nets are a hot NYC team and that black jersey would look pretty good.
4. Andie makes sure puppy Krull the Warrior King is decked out in bling ("just a little frosting").  It's always good to give your dog a fun collar but I would gravitate towards a bow tie instead of diamonds, like this one I found on Etsy

Inspiration Station: The Fault in our Stars

This month's "Inspiration Station" is built around "The Fault in Our Stars."  I tried to wait for the movie mania to die down a bit and now feel like this is an appropriate time to revive one of the summer's biggest hits.

The Dish:

Augustus tells Hazel that he's using his wish on a trip to Amsterdam by taking her on a picnic filled with all things Dutch, including cheese and tomato sandwiches.  So maybe this Inspiration Station isn't a toughie to prepare, but it doesn't make it any less satisfying.  I used heirloom tomatoes for this and instead of turning this into a grilled cheese (which is always my first instinct), I added mayo and left it cold so it would be more true to the movie and actually suitable for a picnic.  I did a Wikipedia search for Dutch cheese and decided to go with Parrano.  It's a semi firm cheese that's not too strong.  The mildly nutty flavor worked well with the sweet and juicy tomato.  When the tomato is firm like that, it's a perfect stand-in for meat.  I was lazy when it came to slicing the tomato and cheese so it's not the prettiest, but it still tasted great.  Using an actual cheese slicer would solve this problem...I just couldn't find mine.  I mixed a little dill in with my mayo and the herb made me feel like I was outside even though this picnic was, sadly, on my couch.

The Doodads:

1. One of the reasons Hazel likes "An Imperial Affliction" is because it's a cancer book that's not really a cancer book.  Since her favorite novel doesn't exist, I recommend reading Carole Radziwill's memoir, "What Remains."  Yes, her husband dies of cancer, but it's about much more than that.
2. Augustus uses cigarettes but refuses to light them so he feels a sense of control over cancer/death.  Instead of buying real cigarettes, do the same thing with candy cigarettes.  I'm not sure these are p.c. anymore, but I don't really care.
3. Instead of breaking trophies or throwing eggs like Isaac, I think a great way to handle stress is by screaming into a pillow or throwing the pillow against a wall.  No damage done and I find it quite cathartic.  Might as well use a cute pillow while you're at it.  I like this one from Urban Outfitters with it's empowering message.
4. Augustus' parents hang inspirational quotes all around their house that they call "encouragements."  I'm a big fan of fun phrasing, especially when written in fun typography so they don't look like cheesy, guidance counselor office art.  Etsy is a great place to find pieces that will brighten up your day.

Inspiration Station: Friends with Benefits

One of my New Years Resolutions was to revive this monthly feature...so here we go!

The Dish: A take on street meat.  There is a string of scenes where Mila Kunis' character is trying to convince JT's character to move to NYC by showing him all the amazing things about the city, ranging from a great view to a flash mob.  It is during this time that Mila Kunis cements herself into every man's fantasy as the ultimate cool girl.  She doesn't mind rolling on the ground in her business casual attire and she has no qualms about eating a greasy, messy gyro from a Halal cart.  The character disappears and everyone watching the movie seemed to believe that Mila herself is an easy going gal who can curse like a sailor and doesn't care about calories.  In real life, no one could maintain that figure on a regular diet of street meat and the scene is merely acting.  But I don't want to completely shatter the image so here's a recipe for a healthy street meat inspired meal at home so you can eat a dirty and delicious sandwich, just like those easy going girls.

I started with this recipe, but omitted the allspice because I didn't have it.  I piled the chicken into some flatbread and topped it with chopped tomato, cucumber, and Greek yogurt with feta mixed in.  If you eat it in the flatbread, I recommend wrapping the whole thing in tin foil.  That will help you avoid the mess, plus you'll really get the street meat feel.  Or ditch the flatbread altogether and get after it like a burrito bowl.

The Doodads:

1. As Mila Kunis' character gets dressed after her romp in the sheets with JT (so jelly), she pulls her tshirt down over a lacy bra.  I remembered thinking this type of undergarment, while sexy in a prudish way, would probably be impractical.  It doesn't seem to offer much support but dang does it look cute.  This camilla lace bralette from Urban Outfitters is lined so you don't feel like you're walking around naked while still giving off that girlishly seductive vibe.
2. Just before she's unceremoniously dumped by Bryan Greenberg's character, Mila runs out to get coffee for the two of them on the street corner.  I've always thought that some of the best coffee in NYC is from the street vendors and I love when they still use the iconic Greek-style cups.  You can get your own ceramic version at Uncommon Goods to last forever.
3. Throughout the movie the Jamie character (Mila) wears a lightning bolt necklace and Dylan (Justin Timberlake) has a lightning bolt tattoo.  Follow the trend yourself by donning some lightning of your own; this time, as a double finger ring.
4. In an effort to cheer Jamie up, Dylan performs all of Kris Kross' "Jump."  I couldn't think of anything but the backwards overalls those boys wore in the 1992 music video.  Not sure that I could pull them off in 2014 but overalls are attempting a comeback.  Somehow they don't look terrible when they're styled like this.  

Inspiration Station: "Easy A"

I'm baaaaack.  Another long break for "Inspiration Station", but I'm back in business.  Here we go:

I think Emma Stone is just adorable.  I want to be her.  Gorgeous and witty?  Can't ask for anything more.  Easy A was her big break-out film.  Sure it was a high school comedy, but it didn't pander to the teen crowd with gross-out jokes, making it something to be enjoyed by just about any generation.

1. The Dish: Turkey Sandwich with Peas.  When Emma Stone's character tells her parents that she was sent to the principal's office for calling another student a bad name ("twat" - teehee), they ask her to spell the word out to with her peas to avoid tainting her little brother's ears.  I'm not a huge fan of peas, but I am confident that with some creativity it can be incorporated into the meal plan.  Originally I was going to make a dish where peas are the star - and show you (or, more accurately, prove to myself) that a side of peas isn't terrible.  But then I saw a tweakable recipe in Real Simple that made peas a complementary ingredient.  I have never heard of peas in a sandwich (if you say you have, I call your bluff) so that got me to scrap my previous recipe ideas.  Here's how it goes down: melt some butter in a pan and thaw some frozen peas in it with salt and pepper.  While that's happening, spread some pesto on one side of toasted sourdough bread and goat cheese on the other.  Once the peas are cooked, mash them together.  There's no cream or cheese so it won't completely form a paste but it will hold together enough that you can spread it onto the sandwich.  Then just add some southwestern style deli turkey and you're done.  It is an easy [I'm sure you could guess this was coming] peasy dish.   Because it incorporates so many other ingredients, this may not be a Capital P dish, but I love that it shows how versatile peas can be.  Peas may not be the star, but they are such a fun, unexpected ingredient in the sandwich that it could definitely win the Oscar for best supporting actress.  
   
2. The Doodads:

• When Olive realizes that haters gonna hate, she embraces the rumors and starts dressing like a trollop in bustier/corset tops.  Believe it or not, this look can be done tastefully.  I love this one I found on Modcloth.com.  I just wouldn't recommend sewing the scarlet A on it like Olive did.
• Amanda Bynes had not yet lost her marbles when she appeared in this film.  She plays a snooty bible thumper determined to take down poor Emma Stone - why would anyone want to hurt Emma Stone - she's a national treasure?  In one scene Amanda's character takes out her frustrations on a stapler in the guidance counselor's office.  If you're gonna staple, I would recommend doing so with fun office supplies.  I like this Jonathan Adler stapler I found on dormify.com.  
• Olive trades false sex rumors for gift cards.  Some people are not gift card fans, but I happen to love them because I get to pick out whatever I want.  If you're one of those who doesn't like to give them because they're not creative enough, I recommend re-thinking that approach.  Instead, just give a more creative gift card.  I would love to get one for etsy.com.
• "When She Woke" - If you liked Easy A, why not treat yourself to another Scarlet Letter adaptation, this time in print.  Check out my book review for more info. 

Inspiration Station: You Don't Mess With The Zohan

It may be a weird choice, but I'd like to look at You Don't Mess With The Zohan for this month's movie.  I admit, it's a stupid movie, but as much as I tried to roll my eyes, I found myself laughing through much of it.  Oh Adam Sandler, I have such a soft spot for you.

1. The Dish: Hummus may as well be its own character in this movie.  It is eaten off of everything - from a candy bar to a pair of glasses.  Instead of making my own hummus, I made a hummus dish: 5 Layer Hummus Layer Dip.  This is the Mediterranean version of the Mexican 7 layer dip that you may now want to replace at potlucks.  It is so unbelievably simple and requires zero cooking.  Simply layer  ingredients as follows: hummus (I used my favorite edamame hummus from Trader Joes), tabbouleh, Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, and feta.  Serve it with pita, flatbread, pita chips, or any combination of the above.  The recipe listed is the simplest version, but there are plenty variations.  Chopped iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickled veggies, or kalmata olives are also nice additions.  I'm just thinking of all the things I tried to pile into my falafel/shwarma/shnitzel sandwiches while I was in Israel.
2. The Doodads:

• Adam Sandler's character has his heart set on cutting hair so get yourself a snazzy new 'do.  Karina has recommended Fox and Jane and I think I'm going to check it out for my next trim.  I think they'll make my hair silky smooth.
• Everyone in this movie loves Fizzy Bubblech.  We may not get that here, but Maine Root sodas come in unique flavors like Blueberry, Ginger Brew, and Pumkin Pie so it should satisfy your fizzy cravings.
• Zohan runs around in denim cutoff shorts for a good portion of the movie.  It may feel a little middle school to wear them now, but denim cutoffs are making a comeback and if paired with the right top and accessories can look great for errands around the city.  I like these Rag and Bone boyfriend shorts for inspiration and plan to find a cheaper version for myself this summer.
• It seems Mediterranean folk are keen on hacky sack.  My game of choice for the park, however, is bocce and I think it could be cool to own an antique set.

Inspiration Station: "Father of the Bride"

Wow oh wow am I sorry.  I promised you an Inspiration Station post each month and I didn't hold up to my end of the bargain.  Two posts.  That's all I ended up doing.  I could blame it on moving and the lack of kitchen space to make the more intricate recipes I like to include in these posts, but where would that get us?  Instead, I'll shove the excuses to the side and just get back on track starting...NOW.

Father of the Bride (parts one and two) is one of those movies that I will watch whenever it's on tv.

1. The Dish: Apricot Chicken.  Notoriously thrifty George Banks (Steve Martin's character) finally puts his foot down when wedding expenses start getting out of hand.  Instead of serving something fancy, he insists on the "chipper chicken," which I'm sure is the same bland roast chicken served at every banquet hall across America (alongside rice pilaf and a vegetable medley, natch).  My take on simple, cheap chicken is my Mom's recipe.  It's just apricot jelly/jam, Lipton Onion Soup mix (1 envelope), and 1000 Island salad dressing mixed to taste and then poured over chicken and baked in a 350 oven.  Bake it covered for most of time (45 min to 1 hour) and then uncovered for about 20-30 minutes to finish cooking.  George Banks' chicken sounds boring, but this sort of sweet and sour chicken is a great weeknight update.
2. The Doodads: 

• Annie's engagement ring came from a flea market in Italy.  Perhaps look at the internet's own flea market, Etsy, for a unique and inexpensive wedding band like this hammered gold one with inset diamond.
• Brian's gift of a blender to Annie almost brought the wedding to a halt.  My can't-live-without-it appliance is not just any blender but a stick blender.  It's perfect for making soups, sauces, smoothies...just about anything.
• George thinks he got a steal on a genuine Armani only to be told later that Armani doesn't make a "nah-vy blue tux-ahh-do."  Turns out the navy blue tux is kind of in vogue.  Here's a great one in midnight blue from J. Crew that really makes a statement.
• Since George runs a tennis shoe company, good running shoes are a must.  And what could be better than shoes that are customized and all your own?  I'm a big fan of NikeIDs - the possibilities are endless and the shoes themselves are great.

Inspiration Station: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

Yes, I know last month's Inspiration Station was also a John Hughes movie, but I couldn't resist using Ferris Bueller as February's inspiration once this teaser clip came out:

Could it be?!   A modern day Ferris adventure is exactly what the world needs.  Sadly, no.  While we now know this was just the beginning of a longer Super Bowl commercial for Honda, it still got me thinking about some things you might enjoy:

1. The Dish: When they try to eat at a fancy French restaurant, Ferris impersonates Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago so sausage had to be the base of my dish.  I decided to make a potato and sausage gratin using apple chardonnay chicken sausage.  I used a mandolin to get perfect thin potato slices and then cut the sausage into 1/4" thick slices.  Make sure you grease your casserole dish so you can actually get the tasty potatoes out once it's cooked.  I layered the potatoes like shingles, topped with a layer of shredded cheese (gruyere is the classic gratin cheese, but I used another aged cheese that I found because it was less expensive but still provided that earthy flavor), sprinkled with chopped cipollini onions, added a layer of sausage, and then repeated.  After two full layers of everything, I added one more layer of potatoes and reserved some cheese for the end of baking.  To lighten it up, I used half and half instead of cream (pour until it's about 3/4 of the way up the dish) and then baked it at 350 for a little over an hour.  In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle some more cheese on the top and finish cooking until the potatoes are soft and the cheese is browned.  It'll need to sit out for a few minutes to tighten up, but once it does, you're in for a treat.  This is so much better than the gratins you find at steakhouses because you get to add your own fun ingredients and control how fattening it is.  Using a strong, aged cheese adds a ton of flavor so you don't need too much of it to get the taste you want (despite what those steakhouses try to make you think) and I can now tell you that heavy cream isn't necessary to get the flavor you want.
2. The Doodads:

• Sloane wears a great fringe jacket throughout the movie that, thankfully, is back in style.  I'm a big fan of fringe in unexpected places so it doesn't look too line dance-y, but I'm already over the fringe hobo bags and boots that were so popular a year or two ago.  This bathing suit top uses fringe to add sex appeal on the beach without showing too much skin.  Unfortunately, I already forgot where I found this so you'll have to do some searching online.
• I still have not realized my dream of commandeering a parade float and leading the crowd in a crazy singalong, but I'm pretty sure the feeling is the same as the one I get at karaoke.  New York is filled with karaoke bars where you can fill a private room with your friends and belt it out for a few hours.  One of my new favorites is Radio Star Karaoke because of the great drink specials.
• Every day can't be a parade day, but I recommend incorporating some confetti or streamers into your home to make it extra cheerful.  I'm a big fan of these garlands from Confetti System that remind me of the parade floats and get me in the mood for a little Twist and Shout.
• I did the shower faux-hawk for years after I first saw this movie.  I may not have fully matured out of this phase, but I have moved beyond No More Tears shampoo.  I still don't use fancy shampoos, but a hairdresser recently used Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray on my locks, and I was pretty pleased with the results.  It may not be faux-hawk, but beachy waves is a look I may actually be able to rock outside the shower.

Inspiration Station: "Sixteen Candles"

It's a new year and I'm starting a new series on this blog called "Inspiration Station".  Basically, once a month (at minimum), I'll take a movie and show you how it influences me in two ways.  First I'll cook a recipe that relates in some way to the film (aka: "The Dish") and then I'll show you a bunch of non-food items (aka: "The Doodads") that are inspired by the flick.

First up is "Sixteen Candles".  Of all the "day in the life" high school movies that inevitably end in a major party, this is one of my absolute faves.  It makes you think that anything can happen and keeps every girl hoping that one day the sea of cars will part and you will be looking straight into the eyes of the dreamiest guy in school who is leaning against an equally dreamy car.

1. The Dish: Samantha (Molly Ringwald) makes her mom pack carrots in her lunch every day because she thinks they'll help increase her bust.  As a painfully flat-chested high schooler myself, this piece of the movie and the burning desire to transition from girl to woman always stuck with me.  Since carrot was the most stand-out ingredient in the film, I decided to make a carrot ginger soup and found one on epicurious.com that looked both simple and flavorful (well, technically, I combined the best parts of two recipes).  I hauled out my soup pot and started sauteing onions in butter.  After a few minutes, I added garlic and ginger and let it go a few more minutes before I added chopped carrots, tomato, and lemon zest.  Once all the main ingredients were in the pot, I added chicken stock, brought it to a boil, and then let it simmer for about 20 minutes.  At that point, everything was properly cooked so I just blended it until smooth, adding in extra chicken stock until it was the right consistency.  I topped it with a dollop of sour cream and sliced almonds (pine nuts would have been better, but I had almonds on hand).  Ginger is usually spicy, but when combined with the sweet carrots and onions it just makes the soup a little zestier.  It's thick and rich without any cream, making it completely healthy.  If you want to be super good, use fat free greek yogurt instead of sour cream for that velvety tang.
2. The Doodads: 

• There's a lot of headgear action in this movie so it seemed only fitting to include bracelets made out of the brackets and bands from braces.  Love this idea from Braced-lets, especially with the $5 price tag.  They remind me of how much fun I used to have picking out my colors each month.
• A big portion of the movie revolves around the high school dance and nobody does a high school party frock better than Betsey Johnson.  Her funky dresses have a little 80s flair and are just as rad as the movie.
• Though I'm not sure why they sat on the table when there were six perfectly good chairs available, the last scene of the movie where they kiss over the cake is adorable.  Next time you're decorating a birthday cake, try some of these DIY glitter candles that I found on a blog.
• I don't think I would ever be able to live down the embarrassment of a dork showing my panties to a bathroom of fellow nerds, but if it ever happened to me, I hope he would be showing these that I found at H&M.  A bra and panty set will only set you back about $20 and they are super cute.