I’m trying to get better at using Instagram. I used to love it, but over the past six months it’s become more of a hassle than fun. I never invested much time in the platform and mostly use it to share behind-the-scenes photos. While Instagram celebrities certainly exist, I’m not one of them — and honestly, that’s probably for the best.
After a recipe photoshoot I’ll often grab my phone and snap a quick picture. It’s a fun way to tease what’s coming, but I frequently forget to let my followers know when the post goes live. I’m trying to improve, but opening Instagram can be overwhelming: so many images and updates trigger a major case of FOMO and I end up closing the app altogether.
Another thing that frustrates me is the direction Instagram culture has taken. The healthy living community has shifted away from harmful “fitspo” slogans, yet many accounts still promote them. I’m tired of seeing half-dressed young women constantly sharing “transformation” stories — can we please focus on something else for a change?
The reality is those posts work. A provocative selfie will get attention and followers, but that’s not the route I plan to take. My feed will keep featuring recipe previews, my quirky dinners, and the occasional photo of my boyfriend — who absolutely hates being posted but is included anyway (love you, C!). I also have a weird habit of taking photos with my arms in the air whenever I’m in a cool spot. No idea why.
Everything will change the day I get a dog. I’ll probably post nothing but dog photos — adorable outfits, homemade treats, and all the silly moments. That imaginary dog already has a name and a breed in my head, and I daydream about the things we’ll do together. I may even consider renaming the blog “The Dog Maven” when that day comes. He’ll be so cute I won’t need a thousand hashtags to keep followers — I intend to be the next Toast Meets World, in spirit.
Until then, you won’t see me parading around in minimal clothing, contorting into extreme yoga poses, or photographing my Garmin. Plenty of people are doing that already. My priority is simply remembering to post things like these Maple Pistachio Seared Scallops to Instagram, and calling it a day.
Rant over.
Maple Pistachio Seared Scallops
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- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 scallops 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 U/10 sea scallops*
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp butter
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender grind pistachios and garlic.
- Slowly add in maple syrup until a thick paste is formed.
- Divide paste into 10 and roll into balls.
- Flatten balls on top of scallops to cover tops.
- Heat up a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add butter and melt. Butter should sizzle but not burn.
- Add scallops and sear for one minute.
- Flip and sear for another 45 seconds-1 minute making sure pan does not get too hot and burn scallops.
- Serve warm.
Notes
This means around 10 scallops per pound. They are bigger, but feel free to use any size.