Pesto Pizza

Pesto Pizza

Lately I've been trying to count calories. It's shocking how quickly a bit of oil or dressing will add up. This recipe I created is a delicious, satisfying, yet healthy dinner.

PESTO SAUCE- 

Cook 2/3 cup vegetable broth and 2 cloves minced garlic on the stove for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Blend 1.5 cups fresh basil, 3 tablespoons raw pine nuts, 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic broth until it forms a paste.

PIZZA- 

I use Trader Joe's whole wheat pizza dough. Follow the instructions on the package. Roll out the dough, and spread pesto over it. Add mushrooms, green peppers, fresh basil, and thinly sliced tomatoes. Top with pine nuts, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper, fresh lemon zest, and a tiny bit of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Bake 10 minutes at 475 degrees.

Enjoy!!

Alfred Hitchcock is The Man

Jake recently showed me this old Psycho trailer. I wish that all movie trailers were like this one! There is a reason Alfred Hitchcock is known as the master of suspense, but he is also straight up hilarious. I never thought I would giggle so much during a tour of a murder scene.

Lately I've noticed producers whoring out every good scene in the trailer, leaving the actual film-watching predictable and boring. Modern day directors could take a leaf from Mr. Hitchcock's book and leave some secrets for the movie-goer to discover during the film.

Overall, this trailer did exactly what a trailer is supposed to do. I can't wait to go watch this film.

Happy movie-going!

-Manda May

Little Cottonwood Trail

Sometimes a girl just has to get out in Nature. I had a very nice hike, and enjoyed spending some quality time with myself. It was a practice in mindfulness to notice all of the tiny wildflowers on the trail. We sure live in a beautiful place!

The Secret Life of Manda May

I just watched "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend that you do! Halfway through the film, I realized that I just had a permanent smile on my face. It was heartwarming, and... would it sound to cliche to say "inspiring?" I'll go there. It was inspiring. 

From the cinematography to the music, Ben Stiller did a great job on this film!

I'm sitting here on the couch, wishing that I was helicoptering in Iceland, or climbing the Himalayas. I can't wait to get out on another grand adventure! This movie may just be one of my new faves. :)

Five Great songs I Heard Today

So I love finding great new music. One of my very favorite gifts is when a friends makes a mix CD for me. With that in mind, here are 5 awesome songs that I heard today. I hope you find them uplifting, moving, or at least just groovy. :)

  1. John Scoffield- Something's Got A Hold On Me Kinda bluesy, with a slight touch of funky gospel. When I heard it in my car on KRCL this afternoon, I had to crank it up!

 


2. Belle and Sebastian- I Want The World To Stop This is one of those bands that I always forget how much I love. I am always pleasantly surprised when I discover them again.

  3. Gary Clark Jr. - Ain't Messin' Around The folks at Google told me I would love this song, and they were right! It's hard to cook when you can't stop dancing.



  4. ZZ Ward- Put The Gun Down I love the strong alto vocals here.

  5. First Aid Kit- Emmylou This is a little more Country then I usually like, but this song is just too sweet. It brings a smile to my face.

 I hope some of these songs bring a smile to your face, too. Happy listening!

Welcome to the 21st Century, Manda May!

So it's finally happened. I have a blog. I have officially joined the 21st century. Stay tuned for some real life adventures.