Gwyn's Tuna Burgers

Memorial Day would not be the same if there was not a BBQ involved...we thought we would change it up this time and cook up some tuna burgers!  I just recently saw Natalie make these here and they looked so delicious!  Here's our version of the burgers...

Buying high quality tuna is a MUST...it needs to be bright red, not pink (or gray...ew!).  The color ensures that it is fresh, and though it is more expensive, it is defintiely worth it.  

The fresh ginger and wasabi made the flavors really come together...also, there was a TASTY mayo that was excellent.  I normally don't eat mayo, but this was killer!

Tuna & Ginger Burgers (From: My Father's Daughter)

• 1 tsp wasabi powder
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp water
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black powder
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 1 Tblsp peeled and finely minced fresh ginger
• 1 Tblsp peeled and finely minced garlic
• 1 1/2 Tblsp peanut oil, plus more for cooking
• 1 pound highest-quality tuna, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 sprouted grain or whole wheat hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup Soy & Sesame Mayo (recipe follows)
• Handful fresh arugula

Combine the wasabi, mustard, and water in a small bowl.  Scrape it into a food processor along with the pepper, salt, ginger, garlic and peanut oil.  Pulse it all together to make a flavorful paste.  Add the tuna and pulse just to combine--be careful not to overprocess the tuna as you want your burgers to have texture.  Form the mixture into 4 burgers and set in the refrigerator for at least one hour (up to overnight) to let the flavors really settle in.

Meanwhile, heat the the olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.  Add the shallots and sauté for about 10 minutes, until the get soft and sweet and a little brown.  Reserve.

Preheat your grill or grill pan over high heat.

Rub the tuna burgers with a little peanut oil and grill for 2 or 3 minutes a side, to desired doneness.  Grill the buns alongside the burgers.  Spread the buns with the mayo, pile on the sautéed shallots and a bit of the arugula, and tuck in the burgers.

Soy & Sesame Mayo

• 1/2 cup Veganaise
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Whisk everything together.

Did you make anything fun for the long weekend?  Hope you enjoy these!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

Spring Cleaning...

I hope you are all have a marvelous Memorial Day Weekend!  It's been snowing here this weekend, which has, unfortunately, kept us in-doors!  I guess that's a good thing since my closest looked like this...

SCARY...isn't it?!?!  That worst part is that we currently do not have any closet doors (still working on things from the remodel!) so this is wide open for everyone to see...yikes!  Here's a couple more detailed shots (I apologize in advance!):

Ahhh!!  Shoes galore!

Total and utter chaos!

Hopefully the point is made...it was definitely time to clean things up and organize.  So one more time...my closet went from this...

To this...

Ahhh...some order!  

The shoes are organized again...

The bags are back in their nook...hubby promises to build some shelves back there for more storage...one day!

 It's a little hard to tell...but the sweaters, blouses and dresses are in order by color now...SO much easier to find what I need...when I need it.

All my shirts are in order by color too...I used to organize my shirts by "type"...like tank top, long sleeve, turtle neck, etc, but it was hard to find what I needed.  I think this will help out!

It definitely feels nice to have a little order...got rid of some things in the process too...I still have a ways to go...but at least it's a start!

Did you get any spring cleaning done this weekend?  We have a little sun today, so I am going to catch some before the long weekend is officially over!  :)

xo natasha

Friday Fancies::Memorial Day Weekened

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

It's time to celebrate a 3-day Weekend!  And that means, BBQ's, good drinks, sunshine and relaxing!  I'm doubtful that it will be warm enough to wear a swimsuit, but HEY...that's what Friday's Fancies are ALL about...dreaming about what I wish I was wearing!  :) 

Memorial Day Weekened by schuelove featuring shirts blouses

First, I am just IN LOVE with this Missoni swimsuit...love the colors, love the patterns, love it ALL!  I've also been crushing over chambray tops and eyelet shorts...lovely!

Paired with these amazing Christian Louboutin flats {obsessed!}, floppy hat, and mint colored cuff...I am set for a day at the beach...don't you think?

We don't have any big plans this weekend, other than continuing Hubby's birthday celebration...which I want to thank you all for the wonderful birthday comments!  Hubs was surprised that his birthday elicited so much attention...he's very flattered and it definitely made his day!  :)

Tell me...what are your plans this weekend!?

xo natasha

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is my husband's 28th birthday!  Hip Hip Hooray!! 

I am definitely a lucky girl to be married to this guy...we met my freshmen year of college and have been "going steady" ever since.  He is just the most caring, loving, supportive and funny guy I know and I love that I get to spend the rest of my life with him!  :)

I thought I would show a little montage of his life...and some of ours together...to celebrate his special day!  

Such a cute baby!

His favorite cape!

Can't get enough of his cuteness!

Home Alone?

Always smiling!  :)

Yes, we were young and we were dorks!

Christmas in Newport Beach

Rockstar party!

Halloween!

Hubby's graduation!

Philly Love <3

Pebble Beach

Engagement Shoot

Wedding Day!

Honeymoon...married one week!

He got race NASCAR style...he was excited!

I really do!

So here's to my hubby...a very Happy Birthday!!!


xo natasha

Summer Living

Happy Hump Day Readers!

Since Memorial Day is this weekend and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is going to cooperate from now on...I thought it would be fun to share a post that I did from Kim over at Keller Creative a couple weeks ago.

We're planing on building a back deck this summer, so I've got my mind on all things outdoor living!  Here are some great images to get me, and hopefully all of you, inspired!

 Loving the painted yellow fence...great idea!

 The light blue stripes and mirror are a great touch.  I'm a firm believer that just because it's outdoor doesn't mean it can't feel "homey".

An outdoor fireplace is such a nice luxury...I would love to have one for those chilly Tahoe nights.

How relaxing would a hammock be in your backyard?  I just want to read a book out there all day long.

A nice outdoor kitchen is a "must" when it comes to outdoor living...loving the hood over the BBQ here.

A huge reason for having an outdoor living space is for the entertaining!  This navy blue looks crisp and inviting for a backyard get-together.

Last, you don't have to have a huge backyard for a great outdoor living space...I can just imagine having a glass of wine and some great finger foods in this space...perfection!

All images via Pinterest

And...if I had ALL the money in the world, I would definitely buy the following to accessorize my backyard space:

Double chaise?  Yes please!

This dining set and umbrella...and the ocean view would be nice too!  :)

I have a crush on this potting bench...I could see it also being used for a buffet for a party too!

A girl can dream right?  I'm looking forward to getting to work this summer and "beautifying" our backyard...I'm defintiely inspired now!

Do you have an outdoor space that you love?  Do share!

I'm also talking more "summer" over at a la mode...do stop by and say "hello!"  Here's a sneak peek:

See it here.

xo natasha

Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Pizza

Oh yes...this is the motherload people...perhaps one of the BEST pizzas I have had to date...peaches, goat cheese and honey?  I die!

This is the perfect balance of sweet and savory...so delicious...you must try it now!  I believe the secret is in grilling the peaches...they're soft and just melt once they're on the pizza.  Combined with the creamy goat choose and honey reduction...wow!

Definitely heaven on a plate!

Recipe adapted from Zested:

• Pizza Crust {homemade or store bought}
• Ripe peaches, thinly sliced 
• 1/4 water
• 3 T. honey
• fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 t. balsamic vinegar
• fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• good olive oil, for brushing
• freshly ground salt, to taste

Preheat grill on high.

Heat water until boiling, add honey and thyme. Cook down until reduced by half. Stir in balsamic vinegar and set aside.

Grill peaches directly on grill for a couple minutes on each side...just enough to warm them and show grill marks.

Brush one side of the pizza crust lightly with olive oil and lay it, oiled side down, directly on the grill until heated through with light grill marks.

Slide off the grill onto a flat surface like a cutting board and flip over, reducing heat to low. Brush again lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with goat cheese, and arrange peaches on top. Close grill top until dough crisps and cheese begins to soften, about 3 minutes.

Remove from grill and drizzle immediately with the honey-balsalmic reduction, and a few grates of coarse salt. Serve immediately.

 We made this last night and it lasted NO time at all...great as an appetizer for a party or dinner for two!  

I am also SUPER excited to showcase my wedding over at tickled. today!  I am also posting my creative spaces over at Rose Bredl...be sure to stop by check them both out!

Hope you enjoy!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays