Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad
this is based from a Moroccan recipe I found at epicurious.com
I served it with Morroccan chicken and couscous with Grammie's recipe for date cake for dessert. But, I think it would also be an interesting thing to bring to pot luck

1# carrots, peelled and coarsely grated
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
juice of one lemon
1/4 cu chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced or put through press
1/2 t ground cumin
1/4 t cinnamon
1 t paprika
dash of salt

In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients. Cover and let marinate 2hours - 2 days in fridge. I served it at room temp, but it could be served cold as well. Enjoy! (serves 4)

Review: Yaffa's
353 Greenwich St.
between Harrison and Jay Sts.
(tribeca)

This place was suggested when I was looking for an outdoors spot not too far from work. It was the most realistic price range for a Monday night dinner, and I was intrigued by the menu. TS and I didnt have to wait too long for a table along Greenwich St, with an interesting menu to browse. The place wasnt too noisy (as many sidewalk dining experiences can be), and the service didnt forget about the outside diners. Entering the indoors to find the Ladies' room, I was a little disappointed with the decor but overall a great place for drinks or dinner.

What I had: Guiness braised beef stew with mashed potatoes and apples (everything was mixed in one bowl . . . it was good, but kind of heavy) and Cote de Rhone red wine. We started with herb and walnut crusted goat cheese on fresh tomato sauce with bread toasts.

Recipe: Lu's Granola
based, sort-of, on a recipe I found on allrecipes.com called Megan's granola

this makes a LOT of granola, enough to fill a big canister for yourself, a big canister for a good friend and a mini canister for a second tier friend :)

one canister original oatmeal (not quick oats)
3/4 c oat bran
3/4 c wheat germ
1 c chopped almonds
1 c chopped pecans

1/4 c honey
1/8 c maple syrup (yes, the real stuff)
1/4 c brown sugar
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 t vanilla
1 t cinnamon

3/4 c raisins
3/4 c chopped dried apples

mix the first part in a big bowl. in a saucepan put all of the second portion (not the oats mix), on medium heat, bring to a boil while stirring. Pour over oats mix, mixing untill covered. Pour on a foil or parchment covered baking sheet and bake at 375 for 20 min, stirring once. Let cool, pour into big bowl, mixing with dried fruit, store in air-tight canister. Enjoy! (great with yogurt in the morning!)