Captains Log

Bridal Tidal Wave

2012-01-23T11:31:00.002-05:00

So here we are. 278 days away from saying "I do"
and I have to say that I'm pretty pleased with all the progress that
we've made. We have the venue, the photographer, the dress, I've picked out
the bridesmaids dress, we have the save the dates just about ready to go, the
hotel that we will be staying at for the wedding, I've started to work on decorations,
and we have the florist and our day-of planner. whew!

It's not so overwhelming if you take one thing at a time. I had a mini meltdown
in October because it was so intense. Once the venue was booked my body
decided to go back to normal, thankfully. But everything has been going
smoothly so far. We're trying to follow the basic timeline for booking things, just to
give us some structure.

The best advice that I can give for the initial planning is to make or find a
timeline that works for you and to take it one thing at a time, or have a list of
small things that you want to accomplish for the week. The knot has a really good timeline
on their website, and most bridal magazines have them too.

It's also good to check out what other people are doing for their weddings
my favorite bridal blogs are:
Brooklyn Bride
Style Me Pretty
Ruffled
100 Layer Cake

Happy Planning!

Recipe of the Week

2012-01-19T11:37:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking that this post should come with a warning.
Caution: this dish is highly addictive

Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper)
This pasta dish is ridiculously simple and completely satisfying.

source

I got the recipe from Bon Appetit, and I highly recommend trying it.
The bonus is that once you make it, you'll never need to look at the recipe again-
it's really that simple. I've already made it twice in the past 2 weeks!

Kosher Salt
6oz Pasta (I used spaghetti but, bucatini is also recommended)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp freshly cracked pepper (or more if you like)
3/4c grated Grana Padano or Parmesan
1/3c finely grated pecorino

Bring water to a boil and season with salt.
Add pasta and cook until about 2 minutes before tender, reserve
3/4c of the pasta water and drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tbsp butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, about 1 minute until toasted.

Add 1/2c of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Add the pasta and remaining tbsp of butter. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan,
stirring and tossing with tongs until melted. Remove pan from heat and add the pecorino,
again stirring and tossing until the cheese melts. Plate and serve.

I topped it with extra pepper and a bit of pecorino.

Buon Appetito!

Latest Obsessions

2012-01-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

*Are You Being Served-which I finally got on dvd
(favorite episode)

*New Season of Portlandia

*Switching from plastic containers to glass
(a slow process)

*The Pavilion Hotel in Phnom Penh
(possible honeymoon destination)

*Getting the horrible pet store in my neighborhood to close
(sign here)

*Fighting winter laziness, though it's not really working...
(I can feel myself falling into hibernation mode,
where I only want to sleep or watch 30 Rock on Netflix)

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-30T13:04:00.000-05:00

I don't know how it got to be December 30th, I really don't.
This year has been, by far, the quickest year of my life.
An absolute whirlwind of trips, surprises, passings, arrivals,
a proposal, planning-the list goes on. All in all, it has been
a really great year. The only dark cloud was the loss of mon
petit ami, Serg. He continues to be missed, and is still loved
as much as when he was here.

2012 is shaping up to be an exciting year, the wedding is only about
10 months away and we are jumping into the rest of our planning
in January. As usual I have prepared a list of things that I want to
do/change/work on in the New Year.

*Get rid of the junk
(cleaning out our studio space and just purging the unnecessary)

*Learn to can
(Carmen's Mom bought me a canning book and I will learn this year)

*Cut down on Facebook and wasting time online
(I need to be productive, and facebook is the most anti-productive creature ever)

*Tone up for the wedding
(I don't want to lose any pounds but I do want to feel healthy and un-puffed for when
I walk down the aisle)

*Always have homemade chicken stock in the fridge
(this is filed in my "why buy it when I can make it" pile)

*Eat more legumes
(health benefits)

*Have more patience and be more mellow
(will this really work? I don't know but, it's worth a shot)

*Get back into going to the greenmarket
(Now that our Sunnyside one is gone til June I'll have to get back to Union Sq.)

*Get back to dance class
(I miss ballet. I just wish that we could wear fancy costumes in class- that would be ideal)

I hope that everyone that reads this has a
very happy and safe new year!! xo

A Year in Photos

2011-12-29T11:17:00.002-05:00

What can I say? 2011 Has been a whirlwind year for me.
And with the exception of losing Serg, it has been a really
great year. Here are some of my favorite photos:

The morning after that ridiculous snowstorm

Playa del Carmen

My favorite photo of Sergie and I

I had asked him to show me his teeth. This picture cracks me up.

At Carly and Rick's Wedding

Central Park on Memorial Day

Strawberries and Rhubarb. Summer Staples

Joelie and Uncle Carmen

My first trip to Carly's Cabin

Summer Pastries

City View from the Williamsburg Flea

Jellyfish from the Newport Aquarium

28th Birthday!

Love this photo of my parents

Perfect Summer Day, Rockaway Beach

Lounging on the boardwalk @ Rockaway

Backyard games and snacks

Kitty Friends

Vegas with the ladies

Sea Lion show, pre engagement

Celebratory poses, post engagement!

Pumpkin Carving Party

Beautiful Sunset in the West Village

Pittsburgh

Creepster Christmas

Cousins and Mom Mom

Will reading Santa Mouse to Joelie

I'll be posting my resolutions tomorrow.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-28T10:40:00.002-05:00

This past holiday season has been fantastic.
I didn't go overboard on the holiday markets,
which gave me plenty of time to actually enjoy
the time leading up to Christmas.

The fiance and I roamed the holiday markets, watched Christmas-y movies,
went to see the Muppet Christmas Carol on the big screen, had a very
fun Christmas gathering, and our fair share of hot cider and hot chocolate.
It was so nice, so relaxing. This was the first time in years that I didn't go
home completely stressed out and sick.

Christmas with the fam was fun as always. At this point you kind of know
what to expect from the evening. It's the same food, same crowd, but it never
disappoints. It's taken on a whole new spin because of my nephew being
of "Santa" age-which is so much fun! Well, the waking up at 7am on Christmas
morning was not so enjoyable. But watching J Bear open presents was worth it.

Now we're headed towards 2012 which, I believe, will be a very exciting year
for everyone. Oh, but more about the New Year later this week.
For now I'll post some photos from Christmas

Cookies

2011-12-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

Making Christmas cookies has turned into a favorite
tradition of mine, especially now that I have a kitchen-aid mixer.
It was a little more stressful when I just had my old school hand
mixer. I'm slowly amassing a collection of my staple recipes,
but it's always fun to add new ones to the mix.

Here are my top 5 new cookie picks for the season.

1.)Peppermint Meringues
(I debate these every year, but this time I'm making them)

2.)Chrusciki
(I used to eat these when I was little, it'll be nice to see how these compare!)

2.)Butterscotch Blondie Bars with Peanut-Pretzel Caramel
(da-what..)

3.)Raspberry Refrigerator Pinwheel Cookies
(raspberry anything is always good)

4.)Fleur de Sel Caramels
(OK so these are not technically a cookie,but who doesn't love caramels??)

5.)Lavender Truffles
(decadent truffles with a little taste of springtime)

Happy Baking!

Christmastime is Here...

2011-12-07T11:08:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we are fully into
holiday mode here in Sunnyside. Our tree is up,
decorations are out, and the Christmas music has been
playing constantly.

I know I'm way behind on blogging, but I'll try to catch up for my favorite
season. I'll start with a few Holiday Obsessions.

*The Union Square Holiday Market
(even if you don't buy anything, just walking around will get you into the holiday spirit)
(and be sure to sample the truffles)

*Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream
(2-3 drops of peppermint flavor+heavy cream+kitchen aid mixer=peppermint whipped cream)

*Gift guides from blogland
(designsponge, cupofjo, coolhunting, Etsy)

*Salt Roasted Chicken
(I made this for our decorating feast and it was super easy and delicious)

*The Return of Sequins
(Finally, I can buy them anywhere!)

Dog Parade

2011-10-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

I don't usually do two posts in one day, but I wanted
to continue with my Halloween theme while I still can.

One of my favorite events is the Tompkins Square Dog Parade.
Some people get so creative! And who doesn't love cute dogs
in funny costumes?

Look at this handsome man in uniform.

Princess Leia and Yoda pugs!

Bonjour!

Slinky Dog!

Little Lady Gaga

I just wanna hug this little bee.

For more photos go here and here

One Year Away

2011-10-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

Right now I am in my pajamas, thinking about breakfast,
and watching the Finale of Top Chef:Just Desserts.

One year from today I'll probably be surrounded by my family/bridal party,
eating breakfast, and getting ready for our wedding.

Seems so far away and almost hard to imagine but, time flies
these days. So I'm sure that this next year will be the quickest yet.
We have most of the big stuff taken care of already, so it shouldn't
be an overly stressful planning process. We have the venue, the dress,
day of coordinator, and photographers.
I think we're doing OK for being so far out. Don't you?

Source

Etsy Finds: Halloween Cards

2011-10-25T12:43:00.001-04:00

I know that Halloween isn't the most popular time
to send greeting cards, but the selection is so amazing!
Unlike holiday cards, the Halloween ones are
(in the words of my best friend's wedding florist)
Just for fun.
There is still some time left to send out some cute Halloween
cards to friends and family. It's never too late to start a new tradition!

Ghost and Witch Die Cut and Card from BettyAndDot

Little Black Cat Trifold Card from pumpkintruck

Halloween Greeting Card from Sparrownestscript

Fall Pumpkin Card from Inkwhimsy

Pumpkins!

2011-10-24T14:49:00.000-04:00

2011-09-13T09:40:00.000-04:00

The thing that I love about Vegas is that you can
make it your own. I go for the luxury hotels, Canyon Ranch Spa,
lounging by the pool, and the amazing food.
It comes at a price, but it's always worth it.

My girlfriends and I went for a few days last week and had a blast.
We stayed at the Venetian (which happens to have the most
comfortable hotel beds ever!!) and as usual, it didn't disappoint.

We saw a show, did a small amount of shopping, an even smaller amount
of gambling, and got some spa/salon treatments. It was a perfect
trip. Let me also recommend the Red Velvet Pancakes from the
Grand Luxe Cafe at the Venetian. Out of this world!!

Ohh but now it's back to reality, time to start thinking about
Christmas cards and handmade stamps. But for now
here are some photos from my Diana camera.

Recipe of the Week

2011-09-12T12:50:00.000-04:00

I had the urge to bake this past weekend, but I didn't
want to do something that was really time consuming,
chocolatey, or that would use up most of my eggs.
I turned to my trusty German cookbook and found
Quick Coffee Cake or (as I prefer to call it) Blitzkuchen.

The whole process took about 35 minutes, which is good
if you need some dessert in a pinch.

**The only thing that I changed about the recipe was the amount of sugar.
I always put in less than what they tell me in the cake part, but I did
put the full amount in the strudel.

Quick Coffee Cake or Blitzkuchen

For the Strudel
1/4 c sugar
1/3 c flour
1/2 c chopped almonds or walnuts
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tbsp butter (melted)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the Cake
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 c sugar
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/3 c butter
2 eggs
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 375F. Combine the dry strudel ingredients and then mix in
the melted butter with a fork until you have crumbs. Set aside.

Sift 2 cups of flour together with sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut butter
into small pieces and add to dry ingredients, working it in with a pastry cutter
until it has the consistency of a coarse meal. Beat the eggs well and mix with
milk and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add in the
egg mixture. Stir together gradually, just enough so that the mixtures combine-
do not overmix.

Butter and flour a 9" round cake pan, turn batter into it.
**quick sidenote: I really had to work at spreading the batter
out- try to keep it as even as possible so that everything cooks the same.
I worried that it wouldn't be enough cake, but it all worked out.
Sprinkle strudel onto the batter and bake for about 25 minutes
or until a skewer comes out clean. Serve warm or cold, and cut servings
right out of the pan.

**eating this cake right out of the oven is absolute heaven.

Currently Reading

2011-09-01T12:18:00.001-04:00

Agatha Christie: An Autobiography
I'm not too far into this book, but I already love it.
She is old fashioned and modern at the same time,
a true Victorian lady but also an adventurous spirit.
She is an interesting person to read about.

A Notebook for the Wines of France
(1961 edition)
I want to learn more about French wines, and this book-
though outdated- gives nice descriptions about each of the wine regions
and a little space for tasting notes. It's a nice jumping off point
if you are interested in the wines of France.

Other books that I've recently read and recommend are:

Dancing on my Grave- Gelsey Kirkland
The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho
Sputnik Sweetheart- Haruki Murakami

Just Around the Corner

2011-08-24T21:17:00.001-04:00

I made chicken stock for the very first time today, and having something
simmering over the stove got me thinking about the fall.

There's something exciting about the anticipation of Autumn.
What used to be the dreaded Back-to-School season is now a time
of a new harvest, hot apple cider, scary movies, scarves and blazers,
and weekend excursions.

Source

I know there is still some summer left and I plan on enjoying it
to the fullest, but I'm secretly getting super excited for fall!

Summer (so far) in Photos

2011-08-23T13:56:00.000-04:00

Oh hello. I'm back and ready to blog again.
I'll start with some of my favorite photos
from the past 2 months

Recipe of the Week

2011-06-28T10:59:00.002-04:00

This next item caused one of those "Oh my god, this is perfect,
I can't believe that I made it" moments. It involved pie crust,
which has never been my strong point-but as it turns out
I make a pretty badass pie crust.....as long as it's not being used in a pie.

I had some rhubarb and strawberries so I decided on mini galettes.
Not as time consuming, stressful, or messy as a pie.
You can substitute any fruit filling, blueberries are coming
back right now and cherries should be too- so feel free to
experiment with your favorite.

Other Notes:
*I used less sugar than the recipe called for. You can use anywhere from
1/2 c to 2 cups of sugar.

*If you make this on a hot day, you will have to work quickly with the dough,
if it seems like it is getting too soft just put it in the fridge until you need it.

Mini Rhubarb and Strawberry Galettes

Pate Brisee, do not divide into 2 disks
All-purpose flour, for dusting
about 3-4 pieces of rhubarb, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 c quartered strawberries
1/4 c cornstarch
1/2 c sugar (the original recipe called for 2 cups)
Coarse sanding sugar, for sprinkling

Divide dough evenly into 8 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece
to a 7-inch round, 1/8 inch thick. Transfer rounds to 2 large parchment-lined
rimmed baking sheets, arranging several inches apart.
(If rounds become too soft to handle, refrigerate until firm,)

In a large bowl, toss to combine rhubarb, raspberries, cornstarch, and sugar.

Cover each round of dough with a heaping 1/2 cup rhubarb mixture,
leaving a 1-inch border. Fold edges over rhubarb filling, leaving an opening in center;

gently brush water between folds, and press gently so that folds adhere.

Refrigerate or freeze until firm, about 10-15 min.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush edges of dough with water,

and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake until crusts are golden brown,

about 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees, and bake until

juices bubble and start to run out from center of each galette, 15 minutes more.

Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely before serving.

Original Recipe from Martha Stewart

Wilderness Girl

2011-06-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

If you've ever seen Troop Beverly Hills then you can visualize my
preferred style of camping. Luxury hotel with a fireplace to roast the s'mores.
No bugs. No forest.

I haven't been camping since I was 9, when my girl scout troop traumatized
me by having a weekend camping trip in some cabin. I ruined my new hiking boots
from J.C Penney, walked through a spider web in the woods, and had to listen
to the story of Scheherezade on cassette one too many times before bed. I hated it.

Dating the bf has made me want to give nature a second chance, and
it isn't that I really hate nature I just hate bugs.
(They haunt my dreams and give me night terrors. )
Though my version and his version of the outdoors greatly differ,
I'm taking baby steps to being a better Wilderness Girl.
This past weekend we went down to Southern NJ for my
first camping experience in 18 years, and I had a great time and only 2 bug freak outs.

I swam, canoed, learned how to play 500 Rummy, impressed everyone
with "Gourmet Night", had a photo shoot with my lady, and ate a lot.
It was lovely.

I'm actually excited for next year!
So thanks to the bf, Carly and Rick for making my
second shot at camping a success.

Latest Obsessions

2011-06-09T11:55:00.000-04:00

Watermelon
It has been so refreshing in this hot weather.
Did you know that you can grow them into squares?

Journelle
Finally, a bra shopping experience that doesn't suck.
Nice staff, good selection, wide range of prices.

Cat hugging kitten video
so sweet!

Morning Bell Dress
from DearGoldenVintage on Etsy
I'd wear this constantly.

Italy
Been reading up on the different wine appellations,
thinking that a visit to Northwestern Italia might be nice.

Kunik Cheese
buttery goodness. so perfect for a picnic

Recipe of the Week

2011-06-06T11:49:00.001-04:00

Since it's been so long since I've posted a recipe,
I've decided to go wild and post two!

This year the bf, a few friends and I have bought into a
CSA and we got our first box this past week.
We received a bag of greens, white radishes,
spinach, and the reddest rhubarb that I've ever seen.
It matches my cutting board!

I had already made a rhubarb pie earlier in the week so
I needed another plan for this new bunch. After extensive
rhubarb recipe hunting, I decided on a rhubarb strawberry compote.

...and then I also decided to make corn bread. Which made for a delicious combo.
I highly recommend this for a nice snack.

Rhubarb Strawberry Compote

*bunch of rhubarb-7 or 8 thin stalks or 4 thicker stalks
cut lengthwise then cut into 1" pieces
*1 lb strawberries
*1/2 cup sugar
*1/4 cup apple juice
*1 tbsp grated orange or lemon zest
*1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

In a large heavy bottomed pot combine the rhubarb, strawberries,
sugar, apple juice, orange zest and vanilla. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Reduce heat and continue to gently simmer for 50-60 minutes or until
the mixture has reduced and thickened.

**This can be used warm, room temperature or chilled.
I transferred my compote to a metal bowl and put that onto an ice bath to
cool it down a little quicker.

Put it into a jam jar or glass container and it should keep in the fridge
for a week or so..if you don't eat it all before then..

Buttermilk Cornbread

*1 stick of butter (melted)
*1 1/2 c yellow cornmeal
*1 1/2 c all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
*1/4 c sugar ** I used just a spoonful, so use what you like**
*2 tsp baking soda
*2 tsp salt
*3 large eggs
*2 1/2 c buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425F coat the sides of a 13x9" pan with butter or
non-stick spray.

In a medium bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda,
and salt. In a large bowl whisk together eggs and buttermilk;whisk in melted butter.
Stir cornmeal mixture into buttermilk mixture until just combined.
Do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20minutes or until a skewer comes
out clean and the top has turned golden brown. Let cool in pan at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Now you combine the two and stuff your face full of rhubarb/berry/cornbread goodness.

NY Exploration: The Frying Pan

2011-05-31T14:58:00.001-04:00

There can only be one reason for New Yorkers to flock
to the West Side Highway, and that is the promise of having drinks
on the water.

The Frying Pan is the perfect place to indulge in some good
ol' day drinking. Grab some frozen Margarita's or a pitcher of
White Sangria and you're set. (we also split a burger and crab fries!)

(I would recommend getting there on the early side
if you want to get some seats in the shade. )

Frying Pan
205 12th Avenue
Pier 66 Maritime

New York Moments

2011-05-28T10:33:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was just perfect.
The bf and I stopped in at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods
to pick up provisions and then had a lovely picnic in Central Park.
There is something truly enchanting about that place,
and because we don't go too often I tend to forget.

2011-03-29T10:55:00.006-04:00

This recipe comes from the Power Foods
cookbook, which I am becoming a huge fan of.
Tons of recipes, all very fruit and veggie focused,
and easy to execute.

**This recipe originally calls for
sablefish (aka black cod) but I
decided to make it with Wild Coho Salmon.

Hoisin-Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 piece fresh ginger (3 inches), peeled, thinly sliced, then cut into very thin matchsticks
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 head bok choy (1 1/2 pounds), sliced crosswise into 1-inch wide pieces, greens and stalks separated
2 celery stalks, quartered lengthwise and cut into 2-inch lengths
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 bunch scallions, trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
4 salmon fillets(or sablefish)

I realized today that I haven't done
any cooking recently. With the passing of
the dude we've kind been doing the take out
thing. But I'm going to get back on top of
my cooking game this week.

I bought this month's Bon Appetit yesterday and
was intrigued by the Pantry Raid recipes.
Easy desserts that shouldn't require any extra shopping-
as long as your pantry is well stocked.
I chose the Fudgy Meringue Cookies, and the only
thing that I didn't have in my arsenal of ingredients
was cream of tartar.

Whether you have all the ingredients or not, these
are great cookies to make in a pinch if you are
entertaining, need a quick gift, or just want to sit
down with chocolate goodness and a big glass of milk.

Fudgy Meringue Cookies
(taken from this month's Bon Appetit)

*Non-stick vegetable oil spray
*1c bittersweet chocolate chips, divided
*1 1/2c powdered sugar, divided
*1/3c unsweetened cocoa powder
*2 tsp cornstarch
*2 large egg whites, room temperature
*1/2tsp vanilla extract
*1/8 tsp salt
*1/8 tsp cream of tartar

Pre-heat oven to 350F
Coat large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray

-Melt 1/2c chocolate chips, either in double boiler
or in the microwave. Let chocolate cool, about 10min

-Whisk 1/2c powdered sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch in a small
bowl.

-Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites, vanilla, salt
and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining
cup of powdered sugar. Continue to beat until whites are thick
and glossy.

Beat in cocoa mixture. Fold in melted chocolate, and
then chocolate chips.

-Drop batter by rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheet.
Bake cookies 7 minutes, turn tray and then continue to bake for
another 6 minutes or until dry looking and cracked.
Cool cookies on sheet 5 min, then transfer to wired rack.

*These are best eaten the day that they are made.
*I only used half a cup of chocolate chips, and one cup of
powdered sugar because that was all that I had left!

2011-02-02T08:55:00.007-05:00

This past weekend, the bf and I celebrated his
birthday in sunny Mexico.
Playa del Carmen to be exact.

This trip far exceeded any hopes that we had for it.
The hotel was amazing-thatched roofs, hammocks
on the patio, no tv/phone/internet.
Delicious breakfast every morning, and a private beach.

Outside the hotel was amazing too- it's not very often that I
actually embrace being a tourist. But we did indulge in souvenir
shopping, and you'll be seeing my embroidered shirt once the
weather warms up.

A general highlight of our travel is food and Mexico did not disappoint,
It may be one of the few cuisines that I just do not get tired of.
We really had a full spectrum of experiences- from a local hole in the wall
to fine dining.

-Tostadas with Victoria beer. It's extremely hard to find
Victoria in the States so that was something we sought out
when we arrived.

Fried oysters with choice of black truffle mousse or lime and salt.
Bet you can guess what I went for...
(this was part of our 6 course tasting menu at Ambar
in the Mandarin Oriental- I can't even get into how
incredible that meal was. It has taken a place in my top 10
meals of all time)

On the flip side, this was our lunch after our massages
on Sunday. A tiny hole in the wall where locals were eating.
$17 got us 2 beers, a huge bowl of guacamole, 2 bowls of soup,
the medium size shrimp ceviche (can you imagine how big the large is!?)
and a chicken burrito. So.Good.

Needless to say, we already want to go back.
There really is nothing like sunshine and the ocean
to wash away the winter blues.
Next year I hope that we can stay for a month!

Recipe of the Week

Recipe of the Week

2010-12-28T09:08:00.005-05:00

Whoopie pies always seemed like an elusive
recipe to me. How do you make them all the same
size? Will the cake be fluffy or more like a cookie?
I just had no idea, but I made the decision to
put them into my holiday cookie rotation,
and they were a success.

So now I'll pass this on to you.
Because who doesn't love red velvet anything
with a cream cheese icing?

**I did buy a couple special tools for this recipe:
~a cookie scoop
~disposable pastry bags
~1/4" round pastry tip

They definitely came in handy- if anything
I say absolutely go for the cookie scoop as
it helps with uniformity of the cakes.

For the Cookie/Cake:

* 1 ounce semisweet chocolate
* 1 ounce milk chocolate
* 12 tablespoons butter, melted
* ½ cup sour cream
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
* ½ teaspoon vanilla
* 1 tablespoon red food coloring
* 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup cocoa powder
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

*8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
*3 tablespoon butter, room temperature
*2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
*1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Melt chocolate on a double boiler or in the microwave.
Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda in a bowl. Whisk it to make sure it is well combined.
Place butter, sour cream, eggs, vinegar, vanilla and food coloring in a bowl. Mix on medium low speed until well combined.
With mixer on slowest speed, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients gradually. Mix just until combined.
Add melted chocolate and mix until well combined.
Use a scoop to fill parchment lined trays with cookies.
Moisten fingertips with water and smooth out any rough edges on your cookies to ensure good circle shapes.
Bake for 9-10 minutes or until sides are somewhat firm and top springs back when pressed.
Allow cookies to cool on tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Place all of the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
Apply filling to one cookie with a knife or piping bag and tip. Sandwich with another cookie.
Store in an airtight container.

1 spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds), halved lengthwise
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon dried breadcrumbs
8 ounces lean ground turkey
8 ounces mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster, cut 1/4 inch thick (about 3 cups)
1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
4 ounces baby spinach (about 5 cups), washed well

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season cut sides of squash with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake, cut sides down, on a baking sheet until tender, about 45 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Scrape flesh into strands using a fork. Let drain, covered to keep warm, in a colander set over a bowl.
Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic, stirring, until soft but not brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add oregano; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Divide mixture between 2 bowls.
Stir 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese into 1 bowl of onion-garlic mixture. Mix in breadcrumbs, turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper using your hands. Form mixture into 12 balls.
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs, turning, 4 to 6 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet. Cook mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, adding a few tablespoons water if skillet browns too quickly, until soft and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add remaining bowl of onion-garlic mixture, meatballs, and stock; bring to gentle simmer. Cook, partially covered, until meatballs are cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Add spinach; cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
Divide squash and meatball mixture into 4 servings. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Halloween Flicks

2010-10-25T09:33:00.002-04:00

If you really want to get into the Halloween
spirit, a scary movie will surely do the trick.
Last night the bf, a few friends, and I watched
Evil Dead. Just scary enough to make
me scream, but just campy enough to not
give me nightmares.Win.

Here are a few movies to get you in the
Halloween mood.

*The Exorcist
(still scares the crap out of me)

*Candyman

*The Shining

*The Evil Dead

*Uzumaki
(because who doesn't love Japanese horror)

*The Ring

*The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Latest Obsessions

2010-10-21T08:53:00.002-04:00

*Photo Gallery of Senior Dogs by Garry Gross
(I kinda want him to take some photos of Serg)

*The You Might Like Feature on Etsy
(sign in first and it's on the homepage)

*Lace Up Boots
(this is one trend that I'm into)

*Itsy Bitsy Doughnuts
(These just look so good!)

*Drugs Inc. on NatGeo
(so interesting, it's worth watching)

*Pretty In Pink
(it was on last night and I fell in love all over again)
(mostly with James Spader)

*Bobby BottleService Returns
(I would like for me to propose you this..)

Oh Yoko

2010-10-20T15:29:00.002-04:00

I really love this interview with Yoko Ono.

Recipe of the Week

2010-10-19T09:20:00.004-04:00

Another pumpkin recipe for you,
this time in the form of a cake.
What a cake it is too, I couldn't stop
eating the icing-so be warned.

**2 notes with the icing:
double the recipe for enough to cover the top,
and work fast because it sets quickly.

You can find the recipe here