Meatballs with Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce

June 13, 2018July 18, 2018by HellofromiggmailcomLeave a Comment

Meatballs with Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce

I live a hectic life, and I am always on the go, so creating a recipe that is easy, healthy and versatile is my idea of perfection. I love Mediterranean flavors, so meatballs with Greek yogurt are my savior for busy days.

I like to use FAGE Total plain Greek yogurt because it’s rich in protein, has no added sugar, preservative free and gluten free.

Greek style meatballs served with Tzatziki sauce are great as an appetizer or served over rice, in a salad or a pita bread. This recipe also makes a perfect make-ahead lunch.

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Meatballs

1lb of lean ground beef

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 large egg

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

black pepper to taste

Yogurt Sauce

1 1/2 cups of FAGE Total 2% Yogurt

1 small English cucumber, finely chopped

2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill

1 teaspoon of salt

pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, all meatball ingredients s kneading by hand or using a hand-held mixer

2. Shape meatballs using about 1.5 tablespoons of mix per meatball.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray it generously with cooking spray. Place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until thoroughly cooked.

4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the yogurt dipping sauce by simply whisking all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.

These are perfect to make ahead and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or served in pita bread for a more heartier dish.

If you make this recipe or want to share any recipes you have using FAGE, please tag me in them. I would love to see your creation.

Bon Appetit,

-Teresa

This post is sponsored by FAGE, all opinions are my own.

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fage 10 — Meatballs with FAGE Yogurt sauce

Eats, Hotels, Lifestyle, Travel

7 Reasons to Fall in Love With Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

March 30, 2018July 12, 2018by Hellofromiggmailcom1 Comment

Nested at the top of its own private road in North Lake Tahoe, the Ritz-Carlton feels like you’ve been transported to a castle in the Alps. Ritz- Carlton is the best place to stay if you want to re-charge over a long weekend or take a full week of skiing and frolicking in the snow.

I was lucky enough to visit The Ritz after a strong storm left fresh powder in the area. From the moment we drove up to the front, from the time we checked out, their staff was phenomenal. Friendly, informative, & detail-oriented.

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With endless activities on the property you never have to leave the property, so I leave you with my :

7 Must- Do’s at the Ritz Carlton- Lake Tahoe

1. Snowboarding lessons

I am a novice when it comes to winter sports, so getting out of my comfort zone any signing up for a snowboarding class what nerve wrecking to say the least. All I could imagine was falling over and over. I pushed through my fears and signed up for the private classes at the Burton Academy. The entire process was easy and convenient. A day before my class I got fitted for my snowboard boot and helmet at True North.

The day of the class my instructor was waiting for me to take me to the Burton Academy via a snowmobile. The instructor was VERY patient with me I fell about 100 times and he would not let me give up. I ended the lesson feeling proud of myself and with 1000% more snowboarding knowledge than when I began. THANK goodness for the magic carpet which made going back up the bunny slopes a breeze.

2. Apres Ski, at the Living Room

Nothing better after a long day on the slopes than to relax with friends, delicious bites and exquisite drinks. The Living Room at the lobby level of the Ritz offers a relaxed place to enjoy the warmth of the fireplaces, the sweeping views and delicious food and drinks.

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3. Dinner at Manzanita Bar

Top notch dinner service in an upscale setting. We ordered family style and portions were generous and beautifully presented. Go in there before your reservation to enjoy a cocktail at the bar.

4. Marshmology

Bring out the kids or bring out the kid in you to the Ritz’s Marshology, a fun hands-on experience where you get to roast marshmallows on a stick and get sticky while devouring your creations. The program takes place nightly by the fire pits and free for all Ritz Carlton guests.

5. Lake Club

The stunning lakeside property is only a year old and is opened year round. In the winter for small private events, and in the summer for a fun vacation house vibe. During the summer expect to enjoy water sports, BBQ drinks and a lot of relaxation. The sunsets from the club are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Lake Tahoe.

lake house terrace

Ritz lake house

ritz lake house

6. Gondola Ride

Make sure to take the free ride on the gondolas that connect the Ritz to the village. The view on the gondolas is breathtaking so get your cameras and phones ready to snap the perfect scenic photo. The village offers shopping and some additional dining options.

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7. Spa

The perfect way to rejuvenate yourself after a long day on the slopes, the Spa offers many treatments and massage that make you feel pampered. Make sure to arrive earlier than your appointment to take advantage of the spa amenities, such as their eucalyptus steam room and heated lap pool with incredible. view of the slopes. I opted for the 1 hr relaxation massage. My massage therapist, Michael was great and would highly recommend him.

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There are way too many amenities at the Ritz to even mention, but whatever you decide to do I am sure you will have a great time, even if it’s just relaxing and taking in the views. Everyone from the valets to the masseuse and housekeeper is genuinely dedicated to making your stay unforgettable. I can’t wait to visit again!!

RITZ CARLTON – LAKE TAHOE

13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court
Truckee, California 96161 United States

+1 (530) 562-3000

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/lake-tahoe .

Eats, Hotels, Lifestyle, Travel

Las Alcobas

January 8, 2018January 18, 2018by Hellofromiggmailcom2 Comments

I visited Las Alcobas Napa Valley during the Holiday season, which made my visit especially magical. I visited the property, with a friend, specifically to dine at Acacia House by Chris Cosentino. From the moment we arrived at the property I knew that I was going to fall in love. The staff here has gone above and beyond at every step to provide luxury service that one would expect from a luxury hotel. I was also lucky enough to indulge in a unique spa experience at Atrio spa.

This is the perfect romantic getaway or to catchup with girlfriends. I am excited to go back.

The pool area boasts heated pool, fire pits and very comfortable seating to lounge it. I can see myself drinking many glasses of bubbly here while enjoying the views of the vineyards.

Acacia House

Enjoyed one of the best brunches of 2017 at Acacia House by the incomparable Chef Chris Cosentino.

Some highlights were:

HERBtonic: apple, basil, cilantro, cucumber, spinach, ginger juice

Turmeric Shot: Fresh turmeric root

Oranges & Dates: Fresh Oranges serves with dates, pistachios and mint

Bananas & almonds: almond butter, coconut, coco nibs and tonka bean

Buttermilk buckwheat pancakes served with mascarpone, fruit and maple syrup

Croissant milk toast: croissant bread pudding French toast, vanilla and whipped mascarpone. This blew my mind, the BEST French toast I’ve had and I am picky when it comes to French toast

Purgatory: baked eggs, savory spicy tomato sauce, olives and fresh flat bread

Chilaquiles: enough said

Atrio Spa

Atrio is a aroma driven spa, my experience started with a customized blend of essential oils using a proprietary technique to find the best scent for me. This blend was later used on me in the massage room.

The massage was magical, I left feeling renewed. Can’t recommend the spa enough.

Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley

1915 Main Street, St. Helena, CA, 94574, United States

Eats, San Francisco, Travel

Opening of Asian Box – Fast, sustainable, delicious.

August 4, 2017January 8, 2018by HellofromiggmailcomLeave a Comment

I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to try asian food that emphasis on being fast, my thought go straight to mall food. This was not the case when I visited the newest Asian Box in the marina district. I was pleasantly surprised.

The interior is chic and welcoming with large windows that allow for beautiful natural light to come through. There is also a small patio section available.

On to the food (and drinks). I ordered a custom box, for my base I chose Asian salad, lemongrass pork ( which was perfectly seasoned and grilled) for my protein, and went all out with the toppings, which include fried onion, sprouts, cilantro and eggs. Full of flavor, not greasy and absolutely fresh!!!

Drinksssss….. from what I know this is the only location to have alcoholic drink, which are a nice welcome. I started with a pineapple mojito, which was refreshing and tropical, my second drink was a coconut cooler, this was my favorite, the vanilla- cardamom, combined with coconut and rum to die for.

This is also perfect to take out and go enjoy it in nearby Chrissy field. I can’t wait to go back.

Cocktails, Eats, Recipes, San Francisco, Travel

Gin Tasting and Cocktail Class

August 1, 2017January 8, 2018by HellofromiggmailcomLeave a Comment

I had the pleasure of attending a tasting and cocktail class centered around one of my favorite liquors, gin . The class was led by “ginnosseur” Keli Rivers who is very knowledgeable and witty when talking about gin.

The tasting took place in the amazing Anchor Distilling tasting room a top Anchor Brewing in Potrero Hill . The gin for the afternoon was No 3 Gin, which was aromatic, smooth and had a juniper driven taste. I can say I enjoyed the botanical aroma of No. 3.

We made 4 cocktails, which were all amazing. I wil put the recipie a below. They are all simple to make with a very craft taste that go beyond a gin tonic. All the recipes are perfect to enjoy the rest of the summer. I’ll be ditching the rosé for a nice gin cocktail. If you make the recipie please send me photos, I’d love to see them.

Cheers!!!

Teresa