Scoot on over to JC's Loft to check out this month's contributing post by yours truly!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Valentine's Menu (Part Two)
I gave the BF a choice between two desserts for Valentine's day: chocolate hot pots (a Nigella Lawson recipe and a personal favorite) OR a Chocolate Cookies 'n' Cream Tower. God forbid he pick the easy one, that requires no assembly and very little time.
(I apologize for not clearing away all of the crap stuff in the background of this picture. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off and cleaning up after myself was the LAST thing on my mind). In the spirit of all things valentine-y, the BF and I ate these while we watched The Bachelor (bye bye Michelle! You looney tooney!)! A great end to a great meal.
Also great:
Reed Krakoff via Saks
Boar hair sandals. Oh no she didn't . . .
Not yet, peeps. But I will.
Also great:
Reed Krakoff via Saks
Boar hair sandals. Oh no she didn't . . .
Not yet, peeps. But I will.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Valentine's Menu (Part One)
I made a rather extensive Valentine's meal for the BF and I, which included this and this, as well as this french onion soup. Having never made french onion soup before, I was a little bit worried about how it would turn out, but it turned out AWESOME.
Soup bubbling in the front, toasty croutons in the back, messy stove-top ALL over.
I've had some great french onion soups in my day (the best EVER at Junior's in Times Square) but I was happy that mine almost measured up to the greats.
The (blurry) finished product. Just enough crouton, just enough cheese, and plenty 'o' onion! Loved it! And so did the BF. THAT is a Valentine's success, in my book.
Last Friday, my sister and her fiance decided to get married in The Vegas. (Anybody who loves Sandy Cohen as much as I do can refer to it in no other way). A wedding in The Vegas requires some SERIOUS foot fashion.
Christian Louboutin via Bergdorf Goodman
On any normal day of the week, these shoes would so NOT be my style . . . but for a wedding in The Vegas they're pretty much required.
Soup bubbling in the front, toasty croutons in the back, messy stove-top ALL over.
I've had some great french onion soups in my day (the best EVER at Junior's in Times Square) but I was happy that mine almost measured up to the greats.
The (blurry) finished product. Just enough crouton, just enough cheese, and plenty 'o' onion! Loved it! And so did the BF. THAT is a Valentine's success, in my book.
Last Friday, my sister and her fiance decided to get married in The Vegas. (Anybody who loves Sandy Cohen as much as I do can refer to it in no other way). A wedding in The Vegas requires some SERIOUS foot fashion.
Christian Louboutin via Bergdorf Goodman
On any normal day of the week, these shoes would so NOT be my style . . . but for a wedding in The Vegas they're pretty much required.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Little Overwhelmed . . .
Peeps, I'm sure you've noticed that I've been totally MIA lately, and for that I apologize. I have a big paper due next week, and have been trying to get all of my ducks in a row with business things, travel things, and company coming to visit the BF and I things.
I promise things will pick back up again, soon. But for now, I leave you with this:
Arnie is DARN cute. And she always makes me feel better.
I promise things will pick back up again, soon. But for now, I leave you with this:
Arnie is DARN cute. And she always makes me feel better.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day
I have never been one for Valentine's day. Ever. In high school I used to wear a necklace that actually said "I hate Valentine's Day." Last year, the BF and I went to see The Wolfman. That's how into Valentine's day I am. And, 99% of the time, I forget that it's Valentine's Day because it is also (and MUCH more importantly) my BFF Erin's BIRTHDAY!
While I am not a huge fan of the holiday, I DID drag the BF to Gnomeo and Juliet this weekend (it was AWESOME . . . I don't think the BF enjoyed it but, then again, he's never even read Romeo and Juliet (or seen a film adaptation of it) so his opinion doesn't count) and I will be making a nice supper tonight (posts to come) so I thought I'd share a pic of my ideal table setting for this (stupid) holiday.
Love the black and white with the simple organic elements. So chic. And it could be used for ANY holiday. I realize that black and white (on Valentine's day, especially) isn't everyone's taste, but it's mine, so too bad. HA!
Another thing that would be great for the holiday (and any other day):
Report Signature via Bloomingdale's.
These suit my style perfectly, any day of the year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRL! LOVE AND MISS YOU!
While I am not a huge fan of the holiday, I DID drag the BF to Gnomeo and Juliet this weekend (it was AWESOME . . . I don't think the BF enjoyed it but, then again, he's never even read Romeo and Juliet (or seen a film adaptation of it) so his opinion doesn't count) and I will be making a nice supper tonight (posts to come) so I thought I'd share a pic of my ideal table setting for this (stupid) holiday.
Love the black and white with the simple organic elements. So chic. And it could be used for ANY holiday. I realize that black and white (on Valentine's day, especially) isn't everyone's taste, but it's mine, so too bad. HA!
Another thing that would be great for the holiday (and any other day):
Report Signature via Bloomingdale's.
These suit my style perfectly, any day of the year.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Chicken Scallopine
This is one of my favorite go-to chicken recipes. I've made mine substantially less-complicated than Giada's since I first made it (less ingredients = quicker cooking on nights when I've been at work all day) but I maintain that my version is just as tasty as the original.
That is the chicken pre-annihilation. That meat tenderizer/pounder thing is one of my favorite kitchen tools. Great for the end of a long day.
I used mozzarella cheese instead of fontina, because I had the mozzarella on hand. I will say that this recipe is better with fontina. For sure.
Unlike Giada, I use an olive oil cooking spray in my pan and throw the garlic into the San Marzano sauce. I also skip the wine phase. I, honestly, don't notice too much of a difference either way, but others may disagree.
I didn't take an after picture but I figured this one from the food network would do. The BF and I had a lot more sauce than that and it sort of drowned the chicken. But it sure did taste good! I served this with garlic mashed potatoes (for the BF), asparagus, and a side salad.
My BFF Danielle wore some Badgley Mischka shoes for her GORGEOUS wedding last May, and she informed me that they left her feet numb for two days afterward . . .
Mark & James by Badgley Mischka via Nordstrom
I'm REALLY hoping that won't be the case for my feet, when these inevitably end up in my closet.
That is the chicken pre-annihilation. That meat tenderizer/pounder thing is one of my favorite kitchen tools. Great for the end of a long day.
I used mozzarella cheese instead of fontina, because I had the mozzarella on hand. I will say that this recipe is better with fontina. For sure.
Unlike Giada, I use an olive oil cooking spray in my pan and throw the garlic into the San Marzano sauce. I also skip the wine phase. I, honestly, don't notice too much of a difference either way, but others may disagree.
I didn't take an after picture but I figured this one from the food network would do. The BF and I had a lot more sauce than that and it sort of drowned the chicken. But it sure did taste good! I served this with garlic mashed potatoes (for the BF), asparagus, and a side salad.
My BFF Danielle wore some Badgley Mischka shoes for her GORGEOUS wedding last May, and she informed me that they left her feet numb for two days afterward . . .
I'm REALLY hoping that won't be the case for my feet, when these inevitably end up in my closet.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Superbowl Snacks: Part Three
Last, but certainly not least, in my superbowl snack fiesta are parmesan garlic chicken wings. A nice change of pace from these wings (which are crispy and greasy while remaining delicious) the garlic parmesan variety are baked, have a great texture, and are STILL delicious!
In my food processor I combined 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 head of garlic (roasted) and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and pureed it until it was smooth (then poured it into a breading tray). In another tray, I combined equal parts parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, and seasoned it with salt and pepper. I put the wings through the breading process and layed them out it a 9x13 baker.
I baked the wings at 350 for 50 minutes, and they turned out nice and crispy and full of flavor.
I thought the wings tasted great sauce-free, but the BF informed me that they were even better dipped in Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce. To each his own, I guess!
For my final wedge-centric shoe obsession, I present you a pair that I can afford (and WILL own):
Sam Edelman via Nordstrom
These are different, the height of the wedge is awesome, and they would inject some much-needed pattern into my wardrobe!
In my food processor I combined 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 head of garlic (roasted) and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and pureed it until it was smooth (then poured it into a breading tray). In another tray, I combined equal parts parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, and seasoned it with salt and pepper. I put the wings through the breading process and layed them out it a 9x13 baker.
I baked the wings at 350 for 50 minutes, and they turned out nice and crispy and full of flavor.
I thought the wings tasted great sauce-free, but the BF informed me that they were even better dipped in Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce. To each his own, I guess!
For my final wedge-centric shoe obsession, I present you a pair that I can afford (and WILL own):
Sam Edelman via Nordstrom
These are different, the height of the wedge is awesome, and they would inject some much-needed pattern into my wardrobe!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Superbowl Snacks: Part Two
The third item up on the big stupid bowl menu: potato skins. I had never made these before, but they were a HUGE hit. The BF and I both loved the way they turned out and, given my hatred of all things potato, that's a step in the right direction.
To start, I washed and dried the potatoes, brushed them with olive oil, pricked them with a fork, and baked them for an hour at 425. While they were baking, I grilled 4 slices of pepper bacon, chopped the bacon, and set it aside. After the potatoes were done baking, I cut them in quarters, scooped out the pulp (leaving about 1/4 inch on the peel) and set it aside (to be used for mashed potatoes . . . or something . . . later).
Then I laid out the skins in a baking dish, sprinkled them with mexican cheese and the bacon, and popped them back in the oven at 350 for about half an hour.
Topped with jalapenos and served with sour cream and salsa, these were AWESOME and went perfectly with the wings I made (post to come tomorrow)!
Another pair of wedges on my lust-list for spring/summer:
Elizabeth and James via Saks
I love the combination of suede and metallic. They would be (yet another) perfect addition to my wardrobe.
To start, I washed and dried the potatoes, brushed them with olive oil, pricked them with a fork, and baked them for an hour at 425. While they were baking, I grilled 4 slices of pepper bacon, chopped the bacon, and set it aside. After the potatoes were done baking, I cut them in quarters, scooped out the pulp (leaving about 1/4 inch on the peel) and set it aside (to be used for mashed potatoes . . . or something . . . later).
Then I laid out the skins in a baking dish, sprinkled them with mexican cheese and the bacon, and popped them back in the oven at 350 for about half an hour.
Topped with jalapenos and served with sour cream and salsa, these were AWESOME and went perfectly with the wings I made (post to come tomorrow)!
Another pair of wedges on my lust-list for spring/summer:
Elizabeth and James via Saks
I love the combination of suede and metallic. They would be (yet another) perfect addition to my wardrobe.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Superbowl Snacks: Part One
Can I just tell you all that the BF and I made (and ate) WAY too much food on Sunday. It was borderline absurd, peeps. The first thing to go into the crockpot for the big game was this dip, a favorite around these parts. The second crockpot delicacy for (what I like to call) the "stupid bowl" (only this year . . . stupid #*&$^*@#&^ packers) was the 'ole lil' smokies standby.
My first tip, go with the beef lil smokies instead of the regular pork guys; the beef absorb the sauce so much better and are, therefore, so much tastier!
For two packs of smokies, I combined 2 cups of ketchup, 2 cups of hot barbecue sauce, 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of grape jelly. It made an excess of sauce, but they were so good that I couldn't get enough of the smokies OR the sauce! I couldn't even take a picture of the finished product because we tore through these so fast!
This month begins the season of visitors - the BF and are booked solid through the first weekend in April - so I am in need, I believe, of a pair of go-everywhere, comfy wedges like these:
Ash via Saks
Perfect for going from beach to bar, if you ask me!
My first tip, go with the beef lil smokies instead of the regular pork guys; the beef absorb the sauce so much better and are, therefore, so much tastier!
For two packs of smokies, I combined 2 cups of ketchup, 2 cups of hot barbecue sauce, 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of grape jelly. It made an excess of sauce, but they were so good that I couldn't get enough of the smokies OR the sauce! I couldn't even take a picture of the finished product because we tore through these so fast!
This month begins the season of visitors - the BF and are booked solid through the first weekend in April - so I am in need, I believe, of a pair of go-everywhere, comfy wedges like these:
Ash via Saks
Perfect for going from beach to bar, if you ask me!
Friday, February 4, 2011
When I don't Feel Like Cooking . . .
Skewers and a bottle of store-bought marinade are all I need.
This week, amidst the crazy, I marinated some chicken in a caribbean jerk marinade, threw some grape tomatoes and red onions on (water-soaked) bamboo skewers, and grilled it all up in my handy dandy grill pan. Easy peasy.
Sometimes, with this blog, I feel like I have to try big fancy recipes all the time but who has time for that? I don't even work full time and I sure don't. It's nice to have go-to dishes like this to make my night alittle lot easier.
Also in the category of things that (will) make my life easier:
Jeffrey Campbell via Nordstrom
I love a blingy, metallic flat sandal for running around town. I'm thinking these would be great for when my favorite aunt and mom come visit in two and a half weeks!
This week, amidst the crazy, I marinated some chicken in a caribbean jerk marinade, threw some grape tomatoes and red onions on (water-soaked) bamboo skewers, and grilled it all up in my handy dandy grill pan. Easy peasy.
Sometimes, with this blog, I feel like I have to try big fancy recipes all the time but who has time for that? I don't even work full time and I sure don't. It's nice to have go-to dishes like this to make my night a
Also in the category of things that (will) make my life easier:
Jeffrey Campbell via Nordstrom
I love a blingy, metallic flat sandal for running around town. I'm thinking these would be great for when my favorite aunt and mom come visit in two and a half weeks!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Balsamic Pork
I'm not going to lie to you, peeps, but I haven't been all that inspired to cook lately. Between school, work, and starting my own business I'm pooped, and cooking is the last thing on my mind.
This recipe is easy and quite tasty, and at only 137 calories per serving, it fits the weeknight diet bill!
Saute four pork loin chops (seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper) and 10 cloves of garlic (peeled) in one teaspoon of olive oil until browned on both sides, then set the pork chops aside and cover them to keep them warm.
Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard to the pan, with the garlic cloves. Bring just to a boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
It doesn't get much easier than that! I like to serve this with garlic bread (I can't EVER get enough garlic) and a small Caesar salad.
With the promise of 77 degree temperatures tomorrow, my mind is back on open toes and high wedges.
Miu Miu via Barneys
Loooooooooooooooove 'em. Perhaps my tax return cash would be well spent on these beauties. Whaddya think, peeps?
This recipe is easy and quite tasty, and at only 137 calories per serving, it fits the weeknight diet bill!
Saute four pork loin chops (seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper) and 10 cloves of garlic (peeled) in one teaspoon of olive oil until browned on both sides, then set the pork chops aside and cover them to keep them warm.
Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard to the pan, with the garlic cloves. Bring just to a boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
It doesn't get much easier than that! I like to serve this with garlic bread (I can't EVER get enough garlic) and a small Caesar salad.
With the promise of 77 degree temperatures tomorrow, my mind is back on open toes and high wedges.
Miu Miu via Barneys
Loooooooooooooooove 'em. Perhaps my tax return cash would be well spent on these beauties. Whaddya think, peeps?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Buffalo Chicken Dip
While it seems like just yesterday that my poor Bears suffered a chilling defeat to the (STUPID) Packers, it does not seem like just yesterday that I had this dip. I love this dip (the recipe came from the BF's sister . . . THANK YOU!). I could eat it EVERY day, and I would probably make it a lot more often if I didn't go to the trouble of carefully shredding the chicken by hand every time I make it.
I shred four chicken breasts into a baking dish (slightly smaller than a 9x13), then top it with a mixture of one cup of Frank's Wing sauce, 3/4 of a cup of light ranch dressing, and eight ounces of cream cheese (whisked together until smooth).
Topped with shredded cheese and baked at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes, it comes out hot, bubbly, and delicious. The BF and I like to top it with a drizzle of the ranch and hot sauce, and jalapeno peppers, and eat it with tortilla chips.
Just looking at the pictures makes me hungry and, because of that, I'm probably going to have to put it on the superbowl menu!
Also on the superbowl menu:
Schutz via Shopbop
Since I will be cheering for neither the Steelers nor the (STUPID) Packers, I could cheer for them, looking fabulous on my feet!
I shred four chicken breasts into a baking dish (slightly smaller than a 9x13), then top it with a mixture of one cup of Frank's Wing sauce, 3/4 of a cup of light ranch dressing, and eight ounces of cream cheese (whisked together until smooth).
Topped with shredded cheese and baked at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes, it comes out hot, bubbly, and delicious. The BF and I like to top it with a drizzle of the ranch and hot sauce, and jalapeno peppers, and eat it with tortilla chips.
Just looking at the pictures makes me hungry and, because of that, I'm probably going to have to put it on the superbowl menu!
Also on the superbowl menu:
Schutz via Shopbop
Since I will be cheering for neither the Steelers nor the (STUPID) Packers, I could cheer for them, looking fabulous on my feet!
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