Healthy Chicks

Good afternoon ladies, and happy Friday to you all. Currently, I’m on a bus heading back to my teeny-tiny hometown, fully equipped with one stop light and a Dunkin’ Donuts, in CT. Yes really, it’s that small. Quite the transition from Boston if I do say so myself. I’m excited for a weekend of shopping with my sister, relaxing, catching up with old friends, going to a graduation party and MEETING THE PARENTS (dun dun dun). Or shall I say, my parents are meeting The Boy’s parents for the first time this Sunday! So I guess it’s more like Meet the Fockers really, except for that none of our father’s really fill the De Niro role.  I’m praying it all works out well, although I’m sure I’ll have some funny stories. Wish me luck!

Anyway, it’s Friday and that means it’s time for my weekly Friday Favorites. Here’s what made the cut this week:

1. Copley Farmer’s Market: As you know, I am obsessed with attending farmer’s markets of all kinds. If it were up to me, I’d do all of my shopping at the market, though that would require a much large paycheck. So instead I go to browse, chat with local vendors and purchase a few necessities for the week. This week I attended the Copley Farmer’s Market the first time  this season. I was so excited to see some of my favorite vendors from last year, as well as some exciting new arrivals! I browsed, chatted it up, and ended up purchasing an Herbal Spring Roll with Thai Peanut sauce from an herbal vendor that’s there weekly. It was absolutely delicious, flavorful, and super refreshing for a hot day.

While I was at the market, there was also an art exhibit going on, which made me fall in love with Boston all over again. There was a little grey-haired man in a wheelchair handing out star stickers to put on your favorite piece of artwork.

I ended up choosing this one, as I loved the city at night vibe.

2. Fastachi: Fastachi? What’s a Fastachi? I didn’t know until my trip to the Copley Farmer’s Market either. But boy am I glad I came across this company dedicated to making gourmet, hand-roasted nut mixes and nut butters. I have to say that after sampling their trail mixes and all of their nut butters, I am totally nuts about this company!

There’s just something about locally, hand-roasted nuts that make them taste better, fresher, and more savory. The best part about the company is that they keep their blends simple – no fancy seasonings, no added crap. Just simply nuts and a touch of sea salt is all you need to bring out the ultimate flavor.

I was also impressed by the variety of options they had! Who knew you could do so much with a nut? From the Hot & Sour Wasabi mix to their perfectly blended almond butter, this company truly knows their nuts, and they know it well. The kind folks at Fastachi even sent me home with their delectable Cranberry Nut Mix, which I snacked on guilt-free all week! Want to try their nuts for yourself? Join their email list and get $5 off your next order of $35 & up.

3. Goat Cheese: It’s no lie I’m a lover of cheese. In fact, I’m surprised I haven’t turned into a walking block of cheese by now. However, I usually play it conservatively and stick with my favorites: cheddar, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan and feta.

This week, I’m branching out and have really been loving the goat cheese. It all started when I purchased a Garlic & Basil blend from Crystal Brook Farm, a Massachusetts local. I absolutely love how soft, light and versatile goat cheese is; you can add it to a salad with spinach, cranberries and walnuts or spread it on top of a freshly sliced piece of bread or pita.  I’ve had so much fun with it this week, that I was even inspired to make this Summer Veggie Quinoa with Asparagus & Herbed Goat Cheese. Can you say delicious?

What are you in love with this week? Share your favorites here!

XoXo,