Inspirations from Asheville, North Carolina

Just returned home this week from an AMAZING trip to Asheville, North Carolina.  It was a very special time with my mom, who is fighting the good fight against ovarian cancer, and my 2 daughters.

We stayed at the Grove Park Inn for 2 nights, visited their World Class Spa, and found some unique eatery's in downtown Asheville.( This trip was a very special gift and one that will be treasured forever!)

My favorite eatery was Tupelo Honey Cafe , right in the middle of the downtown area. 

I had the MOST delicious pancake I have ever eaten!!  ( and I am pretty picky about saying something is the BEST!) This was my Sweet Potato pancake, topped with pecans and warm syrup.  The french toast and eggs benedict were great too, and we loved that the plates were garnished with fresh orchids...

Asheville is a place that will cause your creative juices to start flowing.  It is so full of art, music, shopping and trendy eatery's, all with the organic, local, sustainable food and farming themes.  I am pretty sure I could spend at least 4 days trying all the restaurants!

 Upon returning home, the first order of business was to try to re-create the Sweet Potato Pancake.  Here is a picture of my "easy" version of the pancake.

Semi- Homemade Sweet Potato Pancakes

I asked them at Tupelo Honey Cafe, if there were whole grains in the pancakes and she said, no, we just use our pancake batter and add freshly mashed sweet potatoe, cinnamon and nutmeg.  So this is basically what I did.  My favorite "semi-homemade " pancake mixes are Trader Joe's Buttermilk Pancake Mix or, believe it or not, Jiffy Baking Mix! Yes it is in the little blue box and very inexpensive , but it makes great, quick and easy pancakes and waffles.  I added about 1/2 cup of mashed , baked sweet potato, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, some freshly grated nutmeg, and 1 tsp vanilla to the batter.  They turned out pretty good.

We topped them with pecans and I make a golden maple syrup by heating my syrup in the microwave in a mini pitcher for about 20 seconds and when it comes out just whisk in about 1 tsp of softened butter or Smart Balance Spread.  It is delicious!

We also stopped at the WNC Farmer's Market in Asheville on our way home and the heirloom tomatoes were bountiful!  I have used them in so many dishes this weekend, but my favorite was so easy....Steamed fresh okra ( 3 min. in the microwave) covered or in a steam bag and baby heirloom tomatoes.  We cut the fresh tomatoes in half and ate them with the fresh okra and it was better than edamame!!

steamed okra and heirloom tomatoes, my weight watchers friendly snack!

my grilled fresh eggplant sandwich ...with fresh mozarella, greens and HEIRLOOM tomatoes!

Chocolate Chip Heaven Cake, Rachel's favorite!

Last but not least, it was the birthday of my niece, Rachel, this week and I made her annual and most requested birthday cake.  This is so easy!  It is her favorite and one that is great for young chefs to practice with.  It is fool proof:)  I like to drizzle it with some chocolate ganache or frosting, but Rachel likes it plain, with powdered sugar.

Recipe follows:

Chocolate Chip Heaven Cake

1 box Yellow cake mix (I use Duncan Hines Yellow)

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

½ c. oil

½ c. water

12 oz. package Nestle mini chocolate chips

1 – 8oz container sour cream

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine cake mix, vanilla pudding, oil, water and eggs in mixer. Beat until combined then add sour cream and combine.  Lastly, mix in the chocolate chips and beat on medium speed about 1 min. until thoroughly mixed.  Bake at 350 degrees in a well greased tube pan for 45-50 min.  Remove from pan after cooling 10 min and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!