Simple Spinach Salad & Mandarin Orange Chicken

Recently I've been cheating when I cook, I've been picking things up from TJ's (my favorite grocery store) throwing them together. Sometimes it is more cost effective with just the two of us and not to mention really easy. I bought the Mandarin Orange Chicken and cooked it to the oven specifications on the package, serve over rice. Now I don't know why but I suck at cooking rice. It's one of the first things I was taught in culinary school yet I can't make it to save my life.
I love Spinach so of course I love Spinach Salad. I think it's because I really dislike soggy salad and Spinach seems to hold up against dressing very well. 

For the salad:
Baby Spinach
Mini Heirloom Tomatoes
Persian cucumbers, sliced
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Sprinkle of sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Mix together, serve with Mandarin Orange Chicken...BOOM dinner.

Now I know that's not really a recipe but sometimes It's good to see what other people make to get ideas. Joe was one happy guy with this meal.

Cheese Review: Hirtenkase

Name: Hirtenkase

Origin: Germany

Type: Cow's Milk, Very Firm

Why I picked it: TJ's was sampling this cheese with a green olive and a piece of Columbus peppered salami.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this cheese, while chewing on the Hirtenkase it had a very creamy texture. Joe "liked" it but wouldn't say it was his favorite (cheese snob, he use to be a cheese guy at some Michelin rated restaurant).

Buy Again?: I'd buy again but not tomorrow.

Purchased From: Trader Joe's

*All opions expressed in this review are my own. I do this for fun and for the love of cheese.

Baby Holden

Scott Andrew (local photographer) and his sweet family could use a Christmas miracle. His baby boy Holden is struggling to stay healthy and needs a little help from a very pricey feeding clinic [not covered by insurance]. If you have any room to give this holiday season, please consider the Andrew family. Scott has made a touching video you can check out on his blog. And please spread the love and the word on this post...strenth in numbers people!

http://scottandrewstudio.com/blog/loving-holden/

Joe and I donated $20 dollars, as did Kristen!