It's All Good

My Instagram from dinner tonight. Follow me @abbeythegreat

Tonight we tried a recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow cookbook It's All Good. Over the weekend I made my Korean Pork Tacos for C's birthday and we've been on an Asian kick. The Thai chicken burgers ended up being really, really good. 

We also made a couple changes. I used some coconut milk in the ground chicken and it made the burgers extra juicy and flavorful. I highly suggest it. I also added scallions and a pinch of curry powder. Below is the original recipe:

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 shallots, very finely minced
1 teaspoon very finely minced red chili (or more or less, however hot you like it)
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola, grapeseed, or safflower oil)

Directions:
1. Thoroughly mix chicken with garlic, cilantro, shallots, red chili, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into 4 burgers, each about 3/4-inch thick.
2. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Rub each burger on both sides with a bit of oil and grill for about 8 minutes on the first side and another 5 minutes on the second, or until nicely marked and firm to the touch.

How I wear my Banana Leaf Joggers

In my last post I showed some of my favorite pieces with the palm leaf print that is such a craze this summer. When I ordered the Banana Leaf Joggers from Dorothy Perkins I didn't quite realize what the 'jogger' style was. I thought they would be more fitted like a fitted work pant, but they ended up being more of a harem style pant, loose and breezy. I honestly didn't think they would do anything for my bottom half, but I was wrong. The loose legs make my thighs look great and the wide waistband accentuates my small waist. For those who may be apprehensive about the style of pants, here's how I war them most often:

Hat - Target Pants - Dorothy Perkins Shirt - JCrew Factory (On sale!!) Bracelet - JCrew

How would you style the 'jogger' style pants?

Palm Leaf Print

One of the biggest summer trends this season is the palm leaf print. It's taken over my Instagram feed and I love it! The print just screams summer. Here are a few of my favorite palm leaf print pieces.

1. Banana Leaf Joggers from Dorothy Perkins

I bought these a few weeks ago and I LOVE them. They are the perfect pants for summer. Light and breezy, I love them with a pair of sandals and a fitted tee.

2. Palm Leaf Bikini from Target

Gosh is Target always on point. This suit is perfect for mixing and matching with other pieces, and it's great all put together. Throw on a floppy hat and you're beach ready!

3. Worthington Pleated-Front Skirt from JCPenny

I never, ever, shop at JCPenny but I saw this skirt on another blogger on Instagram and I fell in love. The colors in the photo on Instagram look a lot more of a bright green than the photo on the website does. Best part of this skirt is it's on clearance for under $20! Pair it with a black tee and a denim jacket or a chambray shirt and you're all set!

4. Palm Leaf print Business Cards from The Atelier

This print is so chic. I would always remember the girl who gave me the chic palm print business card at a function. Melissa of the Atelier is so talented. Also check out her blog! 

5. Leaf Print Strappy Back Beach Dress from ASOS

The perfect summer dress, weather you're on the beach or walking around town, this dress is very on trend.