Deliciously Unique Uses for Fresh Parsley

Fresh parsley is a very versatile herb, and it’s also one of the most common in any at-home herb garden. If you love the bright, fresh taste of parsley but you’re growing tired of your usual recipes, all it takes is a bit of inspiration to come up with brand new dishes. Here are three unique uses for parsley.

Parsley Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce
Instead of the traditional Italian ravioli, why not spice things up with the decadent flavors of brown butter, ricotta cheese, and parsley. These homemade raviolis are made using won ton wrappers instead of pasta, and the robust taste of flat-leaf parsley really shines against the creamy flavor of the brown butter sauce.

Cucumber, Onion and Parsley Salad with Feta Cheese
This fast and easy salad is perfect for a quick lunch at home. The cucumber and onion make a crisp, crunchy base, while the lemon juice and olive oil blend to create a healthy dressing. Sprinkle some fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese across the top before serving.

Chimichurri
This Argentinean sauce is similar to traditional pesto, but the addition of chili pepper gives it a bit of added spice. Fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, and olive oil create a lovely deep green color throughout the oil-based sauce. Argentineans use chimichurri as everything from a steak marinade to a pasta sauce.

Strenghten, Lengthen and Rejuvenate at The Woodlands Yoga Studio

The Woodlands Yoga Studio is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while building flexibility and strength. Classes are offered for all levels, from beginner to advanced, so don’t be shy if you’ve never before delved into the world of yoga; you don’t have to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel to join in on the fun here!

The studio is clean, light-filled, and serene, ideal for easing into the discipline of yoga in a supportive environment. Classes include Gentle Yoga, Yoga Therapeutics, Prenatal Yoga, Yoga for Cancer Survivors, and Core Balance. Trained and certified instructors are there to gently guide you through the movements, and they also offer classes in Tai Chi and Core Balance.

See the The Woodlands Yoga Studio website for class schedules and pricing information. The studio is open daily.

The Woodlands Yoga Studio
25126 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(936) 271-1485
thewoodlandsyogastudio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-woodlands-yoga-studio-the-woodlands

Wacky Mongolian Grill: Conquer Hunger

Craving some unique tastes? You’re in charge at the Wacky Mongolian Grill because you choose all the ingredients yourself! Just make your way to the buffet line and pick out all the meats, noodles, rice, and veggies that you please – it’s your creation. Then, you take your bowl to the big flattop grill, where the show begins! The chefs have a good time cooking, and you’ll have a good time watching them. And in the end, you are presented with a tasty bowl. You can also pick one of the Wacky Mongolian’s specials like the Chicken Teriyaki or the vegetarian Feast. Finish up with a fruit bowl or ice cream cake and you’ve had a meal good enough to conquer!

Wacky Mongolian Grill
21212 Kuykendahl Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 288-3232
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wacky-mongolian-grill-spring

Public Domain/Public Domain

Your Thai Fare Favorites Are on the Menu at Ploy Thai Cuisine

Fresh, friendly, and flavorful are the operative words at Ploy Thai Cuisine, where the food of the region is served in a cozy, modern setting. Stop in to quell your hunger with a bowl of yummy soup or a flavorful entree. The salad and appetizer bar comes with each entree, but be aware that you can’t take leftovers out with you, so come with a hearty appetite and clean your plate.

The menu features a curry du jour, featuring either Panang, Green, or Massaman curry. Entrees include Pad Prik Khing with your choice of meat with red curry paste, green beans, lime leaves, and bell peppers; Ploy’s Garlic with garlic sauce, steamed vegetables, and your choice of meat; and Cashew Chicken with onions, mushrooms, and cashews in brown sauce. Soft shell crab, seared salmon, and mahi mahi are among the seafood dishes.

Ploy Thai Cuisine is open every day.

Ploy Thai Cuisine
1500 Research Forest Drive
Spring, TX 77381
(281) 465-8399
www.ploythaicuisine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ploy-thai-cuisine-spring

4 Brunch Casseroles for Everyone’s Favorite Weekend Meal

Is there any meal better than brunch? It marks the end of a long work week, and it allows you to sleep in and still enjoy your favorite breakfast foods. If you prefer to host a brunch at home rather than battle the crowds at trendy eateries, these simple and elegant casseroles make truly scrumptious main courses that your guests will love.

Sausage Brunch Casserole [AllRecipes]
This traditional casserole incorporates hearty breakfast meats, eggs, and a fluffy crescent roll crust to create a filling brunch dish. Pair it with lighter sides such as fruit or a green salad to even things out.

One Dish Blackberry French Toast [My Recipes]
French toast is a delicious breakfast treat, but it can be difficult to make for a large group of people. If you want to enjoy the flavor of French toast without all of the dipping and grilling, this casserole takes just 20 minutes to bake and can even be prepared the night before.

Sunday Brunch Casserole [Bakerette]
Combining eggs, bacon, veggies, and hash browns, this simple and filling casserole includes just about every breakfast food into one indulgent main course.

Brunch Casserole [Betty Crocker]
This casserole includes a hearty assortment of meats and cheeses to create a dish that will leave even the hungriest members of your family feeling satisfied.

Public Domain/Photos-public-domain

Northshore Park: A Beautiful Gathering Spot

Northshore Park is one of the most popular spots in The Woodlands, and it's easy to understand why. This seven-acre park, situated on Lake Woodlands, has served as a central gathering spot for more than 20 years. From late spring until early fall, the park hosts free concerts on Sunday evenings, and the music ranges from jazz to The Beatles to country. The park is also the launching point for the annual Dragon Boat Race.

It has a playground for the kids, barbecue pits, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and soccer fields. You can bring a boat or kayak and sail around the lake, and kids will enjoy feeding the ducks and other birds that flock to the park. Northshore Park is also a popular spot for sport fishing.

Northshore Park
2505 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(281) 210-3900
woodlandsevents.com/parks/panther-creek/northshore-park
Read the reviews on Yelp.

The Counter: Build Your Own Burgers

The concept at The Counter is unique – when you walk into this eatery, you're handed a clipboard with an extensive list of ingredients that allow you to build your own gourmet burger. There are more than 300,000 different combinations, so you could have a unique burger every time you go.

Star by choosing what kind of patty you'd like, with choices including beef, chicken, turkey, or a veggie burger. There are 12 cheeses to select from, about 20 sauces, and a variety of premium toppings, such as sundried tomatoes, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, or chili. Regulars point out that The Counter offers gluten-free buns. If the choices seem overwhelming, you can always order from the regular menu, which is filled with sandwiches, salads, and side dishes.

The Counter
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 231-2147
thecounterburger.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

Kona Grill: Enjoy A Varied Menu in The Woodlands

Kona Grill serves up some stellar modern American cuisine along with an expansive menu of sushi. Indoor and outdoor seating and a bright ambiance add to the appeal of this popular local restaurant.

Happy Hour is a great time to visit to enjoy spectacular specials on food and drinks! Order a cocktail, beer or glass of wine and a sumptuous starter like Chicken Satay or Ahi Wonton Crisps. Flatbreads and salads are on Kona Grill's menu, along with a flavorful list of sandwiches. Offerings include a Turkey Burger, an Avocado Chicken Club, and a Big Kahuna Cheeseburger with applewood bacon. Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon with pork fried rice, Pan-Asian Noodles with beef tenderloin, and Miso Sake Sea Bass with ratatouille are among the entrees avilable here.

If you'd like to try it for yourself, Kona Grill is open every day in The Woodlands, Texas.

Kona Grill
3 Waterway Square
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 466-4061
www.konagrill.com/restaurants/the-woodlands-tx.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/kona-grill-the-woodlands-the-woodlands

Public Domain/Public Domain

Decode That Recipe With This Glossary of Common Cooking Terms

Even the most experienced chef gets stumped by a recipe every now and then. To prevent road blocks during your next cooking session, memorize these three common cooking terms.

Baste
You've probably come across this term when cooking that Thanksgiving turkey. Simply put, to baste is to keep meat or other foods moist during the cooking process by spooning over a sauce, water, or its own juices. This adds flavor, while preventing the meat from drying out.

Roux
Used as the foundation of thicker sauces and gravies, a roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour that's stirred constantly over low heat until smooth.

Macerate
Commonly applied to dessert recipes, macerating entails covering fruits or veggies in liquid, then letting them marinate until the fruits and veggies soften and the liquid's flavor has been absorbed. Said liquid is typically a mixture of lemon juice and sugar.

Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
The Basic Kitchen: Glossary of Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [BHG]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Cookery]

Shop, Eat, Take a Spin on the Carousel at The Woodlands Mall

In need of a little retail therapy? Treat yourself to a shopping spree at The Woodlands Mall, a mall boasting both indoor and outdoor shopping areas. Anchored by Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, JCPenney, and Forever 21, this mall offers a wide variety of retailers and specialty stores. Think Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Coach, Vera Bradley, Williams-Sonoma, Fossil, and many more.

The mall is clean, and dining options are available. If you have children in tow, take them for a ride on the carousel located on the second floor. Parking can be a challenge here, but valet service is only $5, cash. The Woodlands Mall is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Woodlands Mall
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 363-3409
www.thewoodlandsmall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-woodlands-mall-the-woodlands

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