Food Blog Forum - Part 3: Beyond Farms & Baked Purple Potato Chips

These irresistible baked potato chips are made from the purple potatoes grown in my dear neighbor's garden, 100% homegrown and organic. I have baked them for the after school snack for my kids and as soon as I put chips out on the plate, they were gone. My daughter asked if I can bake more for her lunchbox and that is what I am going to do! You may use different spices, but I found smoked paprika and parsley being a perfect combination.

Food Blog Forum - Part 2: Highland Brewing Company & Harvest Cake with Apple Cider Frosting

Before posting second story from my Food Blog Forum trip, I would like to share with you the recipe for this moist and colorful cake, which I find perfectly fitting beginning of September. If you like carrot cake, this one would also match your taste. Don't be afraid to use too many vegetables, they all blend together beautifully. Let's celebrate first day of the harvest season with this cake (please scroll down for the recipe).

Food Blog Forum Orlando (FL) 2013

My dear readers,

Some of you probably did not know that last weekend I have traveled to Orlando, Florida. I apologize for not posting any recipes last week. I had an honor to be selected to take part in Food Bloggers Forum among hundred participants from around the country. These have been magical three days for me and my family. Besides stay at the gorgeous Grand Floridian resort we also had tickets to four Disney parks and while I have been making new friends and learning about blogging my family had exciting time visiting "Tower of Terror" and riding Mount Everest roller coaster. The time spent was priceless and my kids wanted to stay longer. I would love to share few moments from our trip. I hope you enjoy my reporting!

Perfect for Spring Vegetable Soup with Purple Potato Chips, Something Green for Good Luck and an Exciting Announcement - or two!:))

I have a great news, something I just have to share with you my dear friends!

First, I'll be attending the Food Blog Forum in sunny Orlando, at Walt Disney World the weekend of March 17th! I feel honored that I was invited to be there with some of the top food bloggers, food photographers, cookbook authors, web designers and others. This is a first time for me and I am very excited about it. I promise to bring back a lot of pictures and great story. Can't wait to meet all the wonderful people from everywhere.



Second, I've got featured with my photo of Baked Scallops with Cheese and Wine Sauce on The FoodPornDaily. And this is my 7th time, I am so happy!!!!

I have many pictures for you today and the lovely spring soup recipe with purple potato chips.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I'll be back on Monday -))




Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 leeks, white parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 1⁄2 cups green beans cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 1⁄2 cups small broccoli florets
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 5 cups vegetable stock (or water)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper 
• 4 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 3 purple potatoes, thinly sliced
• olive oil to fry

Directions:

Warm the oil in a pot over medium heat, and cook the leeks for a few minutes. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the broccoli, zucchini and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.



In the meantime, slice the purple potato with a mandolin or a super sharp knife (mandolin works best). heat the olive oil and fry the potatoes for about 1 minute until they crisp up. Drain them on paper towels and season with salt.



When the vegetables are tender, puree in batches in a food processor or blender or put through a vegetable mill.



Return the milled vegetables to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste cook, stirring, over medium heat for 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with chips and Irish soda bread.



As I mentioned, Something Green for Good Luck!:)