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BBQ PORK HAWAIIN ROLL

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BBQ PORK HAWAIIN ROLL

With the 8 hour slow roasted pork I had left over (click here for recipe) I had enough to make 8 BBQ pork sliders. I just can't even begin with what you can make with leftover slow roasted pork. Even though my kitchen was a literal mess, the finished product was definitely worth the clean up.

I went to Ralphs grocery store after work today since it was just up the street to pick up the ingredients I needed to make this into another dish. I purchased a bag of original Kings Hawaiin rolls and a bag of "Dole Sunflower Chopped Salad" - tastes like sweet coleslaw.

In the bag of salad, it comes with a pack of bacon and sunflower seeds. I mixed the chopped salad with the sweet onion dressing that came with it, and set the sunflower seeds to the side (not used in this recipe). With the pack of bacon, I heated a hot pan to crispy the bacon up a bit. I then threw in the leftover pork butt, and watched it dance in the pan a little bit. It gets a little mesmerizing watching the cold fat slow render and melt around like lava. Now, the spices.

I added 1 teaspoon of Ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. There is no need to add any more salt since the pork is already salted. When the pork is heated through and starts charring up, add in your favorite barbecuesauce. Make sure you don't over sauce your pork.

yes. I have a pork chalk board. I love pork, what can I say.

I toasted the Hawaiin rolls on the inside until it gets nice and crusty. Now, start layering. Beware if you are very hungry like me. You will want to pile as much of everything as you can. The crispy onions strings you see were leftovers from The Counter Burger that I reheated in my Breville convectional oven.

I'm not a huge sandwich gal. But if I were to order a sandwich, I would want it to have a lot of meat. No turkey. No roast beef. I want it hot and heavy. Give me a steak sandwich or non type of deal. I die a little when people want to get sandwiches for lunch. But, most sandwiches I do have are the ones I make. Just because I can put whatever the F I want and no one can say otherwise. Besides John. John will give me a hard time later when he sees this. 4 humungo sliders that I devoured. Was full after the 3rd but I kept going.

There you go with 3 pounds of pork but. That's 4.5 plates of carnitas and rice, and 8 bbq sliders. Not bad at all. Though I am a bit depressed seeing all these Victorias Secret models in their "Train like an Angel" mode. And here I am. Making pulled pork, laying on the couch watching the Matrix. What is this life? What is this life.

But at the end of the day. I cannot give this up. I cannot go on any diets, because I would die early from depression. There are things I need need to have: white rice, hot cheetos, french fries, burgers, steak, tacos. Beverages is all the above minus diet sodas.

Now. Going to not do anything but brush my teeth and head to bed. And dream about BBQ pulled pork. I deserved it. I've been winning on this low and slow game.

Sincerely your pork lover,

Daisy

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Thrive Cocktail Party

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Thrive Cocktail Party

First of all, everyone needs to get a bottle of Thrive Algae oil. Everything that you see tonight was cooked or prepared with the oil.

I had the pleasure of attending another Algae Oil even at the Thrive House. This time, it was a cocktail party. From my last experience, I was able to sample many dishes that were cooked with Thrive's Algae Oil. This time, I was able to bring some friends with me to mingle, and for them to try how awesome Algae oil is.

Thrive Bar

Of course I was drawn to where the drinks were. But, they had an amazing cocktail served tonight.

Thrive Cocktail

Thrive Cocktail

This was an avocado drink! The cocktail consisted of white rum, avocado, agave, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sea salt. I loved the lime, a lot. It actually made the drink itself taste like kiwi. It was extremely fresh, so easy to drink, and it actually tasted like a smoothie. The salt also complimented the avocado throughout the drink. I mean if you think about it, it totally makes since. I normally eat my avocados with a dash of salt. Thrive wanted to promote the good fat in the avocado, so what better way to do that than in a cocktail. Now... they need to bottle this and sell it in stores.

Avocado Toast

These little corners were delicious. I believed they had a togarashi dressing they drizzled on because I tasted that slight hint of heat. I'm not complaining since I love spicy foods. The avocado were really creamy. The toast they used had seeds which gave it a good contrast with the avocado. The avocado had a consistency of mouse, so a crunchy toast with texture worked really well. 

Roasted Grapes - Chevre - Prosciutto - Crostini

Yes these babies were back tonight with Prosciutto vengeance. I'm telling you. Best cocktail party appetizer for the year! The prosciutto was nice and smokey, and almost had this roast duck crackling flavor which I LOVE. This is definitely going to be something you will see me make with Thrive algae oil during the holidays.

Mini Tofu Tacos

First of all, I thought the tofu was chicken. These were so adorable! So adorable I had 5. My friend Tamara were eyeing these the whole night, but the cocktail servers knew to bring them our way when they were ready. All the flavors complimented each other so well. I loved the simple spice rub that was put on the chicken. The tofu was sauteed in Algae oil, which again I was not able to taste. It's a great way to incorporate your ingredients without feeling like your oil is going to take over the dish.

Quinoa Fritters

These, I don't remember how many I had. My friend Frances definitely chowed on a few (believed these were her favorites). Ok these were also pretty freaking amazing as well. I'm really excited to experiment with the oil, and see how well it sears. By the looks, and taste of this fritter, I can let you know that It was crispy all around. And another one of those easy dishes to make at your holiday party.

Rosemary Nut Mix with Almonds, Pistachios, Pecans and Peanuts with Rosemary infused Thrive Algae Oil.

Fellas, these are your ultimate beer nuts. And ladies, you will drop jaws if you made this. I can't tell you how many handfuls we had, but you can really taste the velvety texture from the oil (SO GOOD). Thrive should create "Thrive Nuts". That sounds catchy doesn't it? I'm like, anticipating and hoping there will be a THRIVE SNACK STORE online. Just imagine how much great things that can happen? Everything had been fantastic we just wanted to have everything in containers!

Lemongrass Prawn - cucumber - carrots- pea shoot - rice paper wrap

I'm starting to realize that I actually ate a lot at thise vent. I think I had 5 of these as well if not more. Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought there was ginger in this. The oil was used to cook the prawn as well as the prepared dipping sauce for it. Spring roll wraps... let me take notes to make that during the holidays.

Veggie Platter

This was one of the funnest veggie platters I've had. They almost made a balsamic vinaigrette with the Algae Oil. I was so surprised with the consistency the dressing came out. It was a little thick in the best way to stick to the vegetables. Another holiday item this year. It's so simple, but I am really stoked about this one.
 

From Avocado cocktails, to wine, to beer. Why not right? Beer and BEER NUTS. So perfect.

Chicken and Haloumi skewers

Chicken cooked perfectly with a nice sear, paired with a roasted pepper dipping sauce. The sauce was also made with Thrive Algae Oil. The oil goes great into preparing sauces since the flavors are not over powering.

Chef Caroline Fey

Chef Caroline Fey is AMAZING. From the first coursed dinner I had with her preparations were beyond my expectations. This cocktail party was fantastic as well. There wasn't really one dish that stood out over the other. All the items served that night were fun and simple yet innovative. What I also loved, again, is how I could not taste the oil in the foods that were made. You just don't think about it. A lot of people probably perceive the oil to be oceanic of some sort, but it really isn't. Also, the chef was able to speak with us as she was preparing the meals. She was able to tell us why she loves the product and how great it was to use the oil in the dishes that were served that night. Thank you Chef for an amazing meal!

Goodnight Los Angeles

The day after the rain is always the most beautiful. The air was crispy, clear, and cold. The first cold weather in Los Angeles to be shared with Thrive. Is it winter yet? It sure feels like it. But, if you are curious about Thrive, feel free to check out their website here: http://www.thrivealgae.com/

They sell their oils online, and currently only, exclusively, at your local Los Angeles Gelson's. I believe that this oil will help a lot of families. Don't forget that 1 tablespoon equals 1 avocado. You get all the good stuff in 1 tablespoon. Honestly, you can't beat that.

Stay tuned for food dishes that I am planning on creating.

Happy Holidays!

Daisy

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Thrive House - Algae Oil

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Thrive House - Algae Oil

I've got to say, I was really excited when I received an invite to taste Algae Oil by Thrive. I know what it is... but in oil? I've never heard of such thing. Thrive is the first and currently the only culinary Algae Oil on the market. With that being said, their mission is straight to the point:

Our mission is to advance nutrition through algae oil to help people live better lives
— Thrive Culinary Algae Oil

Being at this event, we learned that the average person gets only half the daily monounsaturated fat -Also known as MUFA-. What is Monounsaturated fat? I hope it's pretty obvious by now that I am not a dietitian. All I can tell you, is that Monounsaturated fat is the good fat that we find in an avocado. The GOOD fat we are talking about here. Guess what one tablespoon of this oil gives? It's equivalent to one avocado. One. I don't know about you or if you've noticed, but avocados are expensive. And I'm sorry, I can't eat an avocado a day even though I love it. But Algae Oil? I can use that in absolutely everything. And being at this dinner proved that.

Upon entry, we were greeted with friendly smiles, and Oh My God look at that view

Gorgeous right? Tucked away in Hollywood Hills, this was definitely a million dollar view. But honestly, we were greeted with wine. A definite yes! And here I thought, I was going to eat vegetables and extremely raw green food.

No. I hear something in the background. Sizzling. The smell? Beef fat. What is it? Oh you just wait.

Roasted Grape and Chevre Crostini

I was just talking with my coworkers today, about how I cannot do Goat Cheese. Just something about the earthy, grassy, musky taste of it. And I knew, this was goat cheese. But like all foods, I try to keep trying foods to appreciate why everyone likes it. Verdict? I loved the combination. The goat cheese was very mild which complimented beautifully with the sweet roasted grapes. The grapes are roasted in balsamic, rosemary oil roasted and infused with Thrive algae oil. I am definitely going to make this at my next cocktail party that I throw. I knew I should've ate more. I just should've.

Chicken & Haloumi Skewers

 

Forgive me for the camera shake. It was such a challenge to keep the chicken on the stick without it twirling around. These were fantastic. So juicy, tender, flavorful. Served with a roasted red pepper salsa with some Thrive oil. ideas? Chimichurri madness. I am so excited to make this dish on my own with the Algae Oil.

 

Mini Tacos

 

Not going to lie, I had 2. These are minis I know, but when you have an extensive course ahead of you, you would want to pace yourself. Simple, clean, crunchy and decadent. By the way, I was not even think that I was consuming Algae Oil. So far, the flavors are very light and balanced.

 

 

Dinner time

Attention! take your seats. At the table, we talked about ourselves, what our blog entails, and most importantly, what Thrive is all about. I can really see the passion in their eyes when speaking about the difference they want to make in every household, every beating heart.

Without further ado, it's time to eat.

First Course

Roasted Beet Salad - Marinated Goat Cheese, Toasted Walnuts, Champagne Vinaigrette, Roasted Beets marinated and Blended with Thrive Algae Oil.

Seared Kampachi & Ahi Sashimi - Togarashi, Citrus Segments, Lotus Root Chips, Jalapeno Ponzu, Shiso, Seared, with Thrive Algae Oil.

Beef Tataki Salad with Fall Greens - Mizuna, Daikon Radish Sprouts, Shiitake Mushrooms, Miso-Dijon vinaigrette dressed with Thrive Algae Oil.

Roasted Beet Salad

So yummy, and one of the best beat salad compilations I've had. Again, I'm not a big goat cheese fat, but the way they infused the oil into the cheese just made it more mild and smooth. It definitely compliments the beets an the toasty walnuts. This might just change my perspective on goat cheese because of the oil.

Beef Tataki

Remember earlier when I said I smelled sizzling beef fat? This was it. So on this note, Thrive's Algae Oil has a high smoke point at 485 compared to Peanut Oil at 440, to Canola at 400, to olive at 375, and to corn at 320. Is that amazing or do we need to shut the door? I am so interested to see how this will sear with my Ribeyes. This dish was extraordinary. Exceptional. The beef was beyond tender. And this was one of the best Tataki takes I've had. I loved the vinaigrette that they created, with the subtle touch of the oil to give it a slight slick. Amazing.

Seared Kampachi & Ahi Sashimi

This was love x's infinity. Throughout the course, everything was extremely balanced. I told the Brand Manager Joshua, that I am eating food. Like, literally. Everything that I was tasting, tasted like how it should be. Nothing was masked in any flavor, but the ingredients spoke true to itself. The serrano pepper that made my ears hot in the best possible way, drizzled with ponzu, with the shiso... it almost felt like I was having a Kaiseki.

Second Course

Tea Smoked Salmon with Crispy Skin - Soba Noodle Salad, Baby Bok Choy, Sweet Peppers, Edamame, Yuzu Vinaigrette, Wild Salmon seared and dressed with Thrive Algae Oil.

Crispy Chicken - Blistered Green Beans, Tamari Ginger Dressing, Sesame Seeds fried, baked and dressed with Thrive Oil.

Crispy Chicken

They delivered on crispy. This dish reminded me of something my mom or dad would make as I was growing up. The flavors of the green beans is not something you will find typically in a restaurant. I honestly, haven't flavors like these beans since childhood. It definitely made me reminisce to the foods I grew up eating.

Tea Smoked Salmon

This was one of my favorite dishes. I loved how the tea smoke gave the salmon this beautiful sweet seaweed flavor to the skin. There was slight peaks of Yuzu that brought the dish together, not too much, just perfect. The bok choys were also a nice texture element to this dish. I am such a happy girl.

Dessert

Flourless Chocolate Cake - Black Sesame Brittle, Mandarin, Green Tea whipped Cream. Cake is baked with Thrive Algae Oil.

This cake was so moist. It felt like a Molten lava cake. The center was slightly wet with crusty edges. Not trying to freak anyone out, but this opened up my palette and I was hungry again. I don't even know how this is possible... to taste so freaking good, but it did. And I hate myself for loving everything so much.

As we are finishing up the rest of the wine, some guests were headed out as Ubers were being called. Me? I just wanted to stay in this house. They have enough oil to last me a while.

The end results? I am definitely going to start using Algae Oil. I am extremely pleased and impressed by this product, and how pure the flavors were to the dishes that were created. Not only that, it's better for the planet. At Thrive, they believe in nourishing people today and for generations to come with the earth's resources in mind. Their target for Thrive Algae Oil will be one of the most sustainably produced cooking oils, with more Thrive Algae Oil per acre of land, and a low carbon and water footprint, than nearly all other cooking oils.

Currently, you can only find Thrive Algae Oil at a Los Angeles Gelsons Market. But don't worry, you can always order their oil at their website: http://www.thrivealgae.com/buy-now/

I can't wait to share some culinary adventures with this product. It really reflects a lot of purpose with my blog, Food Within Reach. You don't always have to eat out to have a fantastic meal. Thrive proved that with their oils with their Gourmet, but yet simple meals.

Stay tuned for recipes you see above.

Go get your Thrive Algae Oil today!

Daisy


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