Going Green with Gift Bags

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How many times have you paid $5+ dollars for a gift bag? Or paid more for the wrapping than the cost of the actual gift? And how many times have you thought to yourself- wait, I can reuse this gift bag, but I don’t remember who gave it to me, so I probably shouldn’t use it. Well, T.W.O. has a solution for you! Reusable shopping bags! They are cute, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly! Plus, it just adds another gift to your gift!

What you will need:
-Reusable shopping bag
-Tissue paper
-Raffia

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T.W.O. bought these bags from Whole Foods. Many other stores like Trader Joe’s or Sprouts sell these bags. So next time you see one that you like, buy it because it will come in handy for the next gift you need to wrap!

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Fresh Tomato Bun Burger with Avocado

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Love hamburgers? But don’t seem to eat them because of the carb-loaded bun? Well, we have a solution for you. Tomatoes! You will definitely not be missing that bun after you sink your teeth into that sweet, juicy tomato, complemented by that savory beef patty. This recipe is a healthy, gluten free option that works great for your next meal. Or just add a toothpick and serve as an appetizer for your next dinner party. Check out the recipe below:

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Ingredients:
-4 large tomatoes
-1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 teaspoon ground pepper
– 3 Tablespoons sriracha
– 2 Tablespoons Montreal Steak Seasoning
– 1 cup mushrooms, diced
– 1 cup bell pepper, diced
– 2 shallots, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, diced
– 1 avocado
– lettuce
– mustard (spicy, regular or dijon)
– ketchup
– mayo (optional)

In a bowl, mix the beef, ground pepper, sriracha, Montreal Steak Seasoning, mushrooms, bell peppers, shallots and garlic. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed between the meat. Form 5 patties and press them out on parchment paper.

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Now, let’s GRILL! You can grill the burgers on the bbq, but if you don’t have a bbq, try using a stove top grilling pan. Cook the patties to your liking. (Rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well-done)

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While the burgers are grilling, cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seed membrane with a spoon. Set aside. Cut the avocado in thin slices.

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Once the burgers are done, place them on a paper towel to soak up the excess grease. Place the patties on the cut tomatoes and add the avocado, lettuce and your favorite burger condiments. T.W.O put a squeeze of ketchup and spicy Dijon mustard on ours!

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Wine pairing suggestion: Old Vine Zinfandel

** Please note, if the tomato is too big or won’t stay on your plate cut the tops off so it creates a flat surface.

Fig Goat Cheese Appetizer

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Hosting a last minute dinner party on Friday night?  Need an easy appetizer to impress your guests? Well T.W.O has the perfect one for you! It’s gastronomical, quick and the best part is that it is only 4 ingredients! That’s T.W.O. times T.W.O! Wow!! There is no doubt your guests will enjoy this tasteful bite. Take a deep breath, relax- T.W.O has planned your first menu item for this Friday night!

Ingredients:
-Goat cheese
-Fresh Fig, sliced in wedges
-Rosemary Raisin Crackers*
-Honey

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Spread about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese onto a cracker. Place a slice of fig next to the cheese and garnish with some honey! Wah-lah! It’s that easy!

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*T.W.O. uses the Trader Joe’s Rosemary Raisin Crackers

Wine pairing suggestion: Rosé or Pinot Noir

 

Introducing T.W.O

…..And T.W.O. is launched!!!! After more than 20 years of keeping our recipes, DIY projects, travels and style behind closed doors we decided to share them with the world. T.W.O is excited about this new adventure and hopes that you will enjoy all the posts as much as T.W.O had in creating them!

Now sit back, relax and enjoy T.W.O!

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