tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17855995380328323832023-11-16T08:29:32.034-05:00Cooking, Reading, WearingAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-82059075152385288532014-03-17T05:00:00.000-04:002014-03-17T05:00:07.115-04:00SOBEWFFFor my birthday, the H bought me tickets for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. The big event finally rolled around, and we had so much fun.<br />
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First up, we saw Alex Guarnaschelli. She is BY FAR my favorite Food Network chef, and I couldn't wait to see her demonstration. Mo Rocco (whom I also love) introduced her as the Tracy Flick of the culinary world, which was enough to send me over the edge, but her demo was just awesome. She seems as delightful in person as she does on tv. And when I asked her who her favorite chef is, she told me it's Bobby Flay, which also delighted me.<br />
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We also got to see (and meet!) Trisha Yearwood. She is a DELIGHT. Absolutely wonderful She even sang "Wrong Side of Memphis" while she iced a cake. I want her and Alex to be my new BFFs.<br />
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We missed Giada's demo (it conflicted with Alex's and I have my priorities) but I did see her at her book signing, standing with this random person. We also saw demos by Andrew Zimmern, Masaharu Morimoto, the Deen family, and Aaron Sanchez. Aaron was HILARIOUS. He cursed up a storm so I had to add him to my future BFF list, too.<br />
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I would definitely recommend the big event to anybody who likes to eat and drink as much as the H and I do. I got a couple of autographs out of the deal, and was close enough to Tyler Florence to touch him (I didn't. I wasn't trying to get arrested). It was a GREAT weekend!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-23058222408936267752014-03-10T05:00:00.000-04:002014-03-10T05:00:00.731-04:00Kale Salad<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
It's been a month since I posted (and during that post I told you peeps that I suck), and I still suck. My camera is broken and, since I've gotten used to the new camera, I haven't wanted to take pictures with my stupid camera phone. So I've been slacking.<br />
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I read <a href="http://andeelayne.blogspot.com/">Andee's blog</a> regularly and when she posted<a href="http://andeelayne.blogspot.com/2013/04/home-made-version-of-true-foods-kale.html"> this kale salad</a> I knew I had to try it. Since the first time I made this salad, I've been incorporating kale into all of my salads. I actually like it best with some spinach, red onions, tomatoes, parmesan, and a lite raspberry vinaigrette. But I go back to this recipe regularly, too!</div>
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Reading:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345535529/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345535529&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0345535529&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cookinhe-20" height="192" width="200" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0345535529" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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With the Season 4 premier upon us (April 6!) it would be wrong of me to not include <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345535529/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345535529&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20">George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0345535529" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> series on this blog. I am a bit of a sci-fi/fantasy geek, and these books (which I finished last summer but the H is reading now) scratch every itch I have in that genre. Just don't get too attached to the characters.<br />
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Wearing:</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMsVLU7R38s/Uxyr0bGDEkI/AAAAAAAACro/pdj9-GOyP18/s1600/NMT7EZJ_mx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMsVLU7R38s/Uxyr0bGDEkI/AAAAAAAACro/pdj9-GOyP18/s1600/NMT7EZJ_mx.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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T Tahari via <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/T-Tahari-Lanette-Short-Sleeve-Sheath-Dress-T-Tahari-Daytime-Dresses/prod164870285___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253DT%252BTahari%252BDaytime%252BDresses%2526_requestid%253D60770&eItemId=prod164870285&cmCat=search">Neiman Marcus</a></div>
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The H bought me this dress for Valentine's day, and I'm having it altered in preparation for a conference I'm attending next week. I'm presenting, too, and even though I'm crazy nervous, this dress will help me look the part!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-54396484962413417292014-02-05T15:18:00.000-05:002014-02-05T15:18:03.098-05:00Layered Bean Dip<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
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So, last weekend, law school besty texted me with a simple question: <i>what's a fun thing to bring to a Super Bowl party that's not too intense as far as cooking</i>? That's right up my alley, of course. When I told her about this bean dip, she asked if it was on the blog. <br />
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The answer, of course, was NO because I have been remiss in my blogging. I suck. <br />
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This dip doesn't. And it's easy. A layer of beans. A layer of salsa. A layer of corn and onions, then a layer of cheese. You could add more layers, I don't care, but put the beans on the bottom and the cheese on the top to seal in the goodness, and you'll be good to go. <br />
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I like this hot, because everything sort of oozes together and gets all creamy. I've topped this with avocado and sour cream, in the past, and it's wonderful. And I haven't, still wonderful. And perfect for the Super Bowl.<br />
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<h3>
Reading:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399161899/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399161899&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399161899&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cookinhe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399161899" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I am becoming well-versed in the snark of Simon Doonan, and I love every minute of it. His latest, <i>The Asylum</i>, is no exception. He is funny, he tells great stories about himself and the wonderful world of fashion, and he seems to know EVERYBODY which I love. It's like having a best friend who's friends with famous people but with whom you are not actually friends. For someone like me, who is <i>actually</i> a friend of the friendless, this is perfect.<br />
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Wearing:</h3>
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The H and I are going to the <a href="http://www.sobefest.com/">South Beach Wine and Food Festival</a> in a couple of weeks, and I need these:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDMrFqtOkq8/UvKbI9YG1gI/AAAAAAAACok/IyDyWIE-UFg/s1600/NMX1ZQ8_ai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDMrFqtOkq8/UvKbI9YG1gI/AAAAAAAACok/IyDyWIE-UFg/s1600/NMX1ZQ8_ai.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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Christian Louboutin via <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Christian-Louboutin-Tramontagne-Red-Sole-Wedge-Sandal-Beige/prod163720369_cat15490733__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat15490733%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30%2526Ns%253DSELLABLE_DATE%257C1%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod163720369&cmCat=product">Neiman Marcus</a></div>
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These will be perfect for meeting my NEW best friend, <a href="http://alexguarnaschelli.com/">Alex Guarnaschelli</a>, and brunching at <a href="http://www.tandcmiami.com/">Tongue & Cheek.</a> I can't wait. The countdown is on (14 days, for those who are counting).Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-41793197637531144322014-01-21T05:00:00.000-05:002014-01-21T05:00:12.157-05:00Spicy Tequila Lime Chicken Quesadillas<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
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First, I almost forgot how to spell quesadilla. My confusion may come from the fact that I totally forgot that I made these AND I made them back in October (if the date stamp on my camera can be trusted). Or I'm tired. One of the two.<br />
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I marinated these chicken breasts in a plastic bag with tequila, lime juice, cayenne pepper, olive oil, and minced garlic for about 4 hours. <br />
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I grilled my chicken, then my peppers and onions, in the same pan (so the veggies would pick up some of the seasoning from the marinade).<br />
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I topped one flour tortilla with sliced chicken, onions, peppers, and shredded <a href="http://boarshead.com/products/cheese/15061-3-pepper-colby-jack-cheese">Boar's Head three pepper colby jack cheese</a> (I am OBSESSED with this cheese). Then topped it with another tortilla and threw it on my grill.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bGBWtbsbpus/Utw5Q-PbItI/AAAAAAAACmk/n-CnpL_dhmU/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bGBWtbsbpus/Utw5Q-PbItI/AAAAAAAACmk/n-CnpL_dhmU/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We enjoyed these tasty treats with light sour cream, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LG2AW0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004LG2AW0&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20%22%3Ehabanero%20salsa%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004LG2AW0%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">habanero salsa</a>, and <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-saturday-sip-fresh-margaritas.html">homemade margaritas</a>. It didn't suck.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Reading:</h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307341550/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307341550&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0307341550&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cookinhe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307341550" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<br />
So you're clearly all going to think that I only read really weird books. Or books with dark characters. Or books with murder. Or whatever. And I'm ok with that, because I always let people know that the books I tend towards are different before I make recommendations. I give you the same disclaimer, peeps.<br />
<br />
<i>Sharp Objects</i> is good. The characters are interesting (if a little exaggerated in their imperfections) and the setting is well-described and spot-on. I felt a little like Gillian Flynn fought too hard to make the reader go "WTF!" with this one, and so I didn't love it. (For the record, I felt this way about <i>Gone Girl, </i>too, but not as strongly). Given that this was her first novel, though, it was excellent. And her mind must be a VERY dark and twisty place, which is nice for people like me who like dark and twisty (and slightly depressing) things.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wearing:</h3>
<br />
The <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2014/01/molasses-cookies-and-shining-girls.html">fun-spending ban</a> is still on, and since I don't consider working out to be much fun, I don't consider purchasing this tank a violation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmWedXi0prQ/Utw74LDleoI/AAAAAAAACmw/38r3iqw2jHg/s1600/14802576_201311151435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmWedXi0prQ/Utw74LDleoI/AAAAAAAACmw/38r3iqw2jHg/s1600/14802576_201311151435.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-women-s-mesh-fashion-cami-tank-assorted-colors/-/A-14844678#prodSlot=large_1_1">via</a></div>
<br />
But a girls' gotta keep herself in shape (for me, to keep myself from going absolutely CRAZY [or crazier than my normal nature]) so bring on the bar(re). Boo.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-32291260336768442862014-01-12T16:49:00.000-05:002014-01-12T16:49:01.592-05:00Molasses Cookies and The Shining Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
Before the holidays this year, I made several different treats for the people in my life whom I really like. The people who I REALLY like got some of these <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/chewy-ginger-cookies">Chewy Ginger Cookies</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtHjOvVDp5Y/UtMLNMHnh1I/AAAAAAAACk4/HTGUP4ZUNXY/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtHjOvVDp5Y/UtMLNMHnh1I/AAAAAAAACk4/HTGUP4ZUNXY/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I say that partially, but not wholly, in jest, because it turns out cardamom is expensive. And I used fresh ginger. And so I thought these cookies, which took longer than usual to make and cost about $15 per cookie, should only go to really high quality peeps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVDRZGV7QUI/UtMLgKGHj7I/AAAAAAAACk8/FBVTjxiwqWo/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVDRZGV7QUI/UtMLgKGHj7I/AAAAAAAACk8/FBVTjxiwqWo/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And I'm not going to lie to you, these expensive little gems not only looked better than your average cookie, but they tasted better, too. Cardamom and ginger for the win? <br />
<br />
<h3>
Reading:</h3>
Remember many moons ago when <a href="http://www.cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/12/cookie-swap-time-coconut-oatmeal-crisps.html">I told you</a> I would update you on <i>The Shining Girls</i>? Well it took me longer than expected to get to starting this book because of a variety of reasons (the least of which being that I went to get my hair done <i>sans book</i> and had to go buy another book [more on that later] which I then had to finish before I got back to this one. Whew.) But, y'all, this book is GOOD. Totally bizarre and twisty turny in an <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Inception</a> sort of way but SO, SO GOOD. If you like serial killers and kickass female characters and time travel (I realize that sounds wrong, but it's not) then pick this up yesterday.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wearing:</h3>
I am on a self-imposed "fun spending ban" for at least two months (food doesn't count), which means I haven't been wearing anything all that special lately. I have decided, however, that I need a perfectly vaguely oversized men's white t-shirt to wear to work so that I can look like a librarian/cater-waiter crossover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hh3AeWPtDQ/UtMM-12AmFI/AAAAAAAAClI/YeLVCLZqRmY/s1600/219308_5Y07_LF_WHI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hh3AeWPtDQ/UtMM-12AmFI/AAAAAAAAClI/YeLVCLZqRmY/s1600/219308_5Y07_LF_WHI.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
And because I have the body of a twelve-year old boy I am lucky enough to be able to buy these "men's" shirts in the little boys department. This one is from <a href="http://www.landsend.com/products/boys-long-sleeve-oxford-shirt/id_172775?sku_0=::WHI">Land's End</a> and will join my wardrobe as soon as this spending ban is over (and maybe I'll even make the H take pics - unless I hear violent protests from the masses, in which case I will continue to keep this blog from becoming a personal style blog).Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-55421485728241252792013-12-30T09:10:00.003-05:002013-12-30T09:10:40.912-05:00Year in ReviewThis has been a BIG year for me and for the blog. I got married, traveled, got promoted, turned 30, and completely revamped the blog. Here are a few of my favorite posts from 2013!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/01/brioche-rolls.html">Brioche rolls</a>. 'Nuff said.<br />
<br />
The BEST <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/02/french-onion-soup.html">french onion soup</a>. And so easy.<br />
<br />
I developed a love of <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/09/blueberry-drop-biscuit-cobbler.html">drop biscuit cobbler</a>. Blueberry, specifically.<br />
<br />
I found a recipe for the tastiest (and most dangerous) <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-saturday-sip-fresh-margaritas.html">margaritas</a>.<br />
<br />
The H and I ate in three spectacular cities: <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/06/eating-on-moon-london.html">London</a>, <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/06/eating-on-moon-paris.html">Paris</a>, and <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/06/eating-on-moon-rome.html">Rome</a>.<br />
<br />
The blog redesign (and rename!) <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/11/back-and-hopefully-better-than-ever.html">launched</a>.<br />
<br />
And I participated in the <a href="http://cookin-in-heels.blogspot.com/2013/12/cookie-swap-time-coconut-oatmeal-crisps.html">Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap</a>!<br />
<br />
2013 was an amazing year and I can't wait for 2014 to be even better. Thanks for sticking with me through it all!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-11960236536462024472013-12-11T05:00:00.000-05:002013-12-11T13:23:01.873-05:00Cookie Swap Time! Coconut Oatmeal Crisps<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
As I announced previously, this year I decided to join the <a href="http://www.fbcookieswap.com/">Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap</a>. It was with some trepidation that I made this decision, as I normally only try out new recipes on people that HAVE to like what I make (ie the H or other immediate family members). But I went out on a limb nonetheless and made some Coconut Oatmeal Crisps<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMnbkfME9f8/Uqes7pYqnSI/AAAAAAAAChU/EYh9L31hszU/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMnbkfME9f8/Uqes7pYqnSI/AAAAAAAAChU/EYh9L31hszU/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Oatmeal Crisps (adapted from <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cookies/buttery-oatmeal-crisps/?socsrc=bhgpin092013butteryoatmealcrisps&crlt.pid=camp.LiLB7UOkEDiZ">BHG</a>):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
1 3/4</span>
cups
quick-cooking rolled oats</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
3/4</span>
cup
sugar</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
3/4</span>
cup
all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredientinfo"><span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes, plus more for sprinkling </span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
1/2</span>
teaspoon
baking powder</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
3/4</span>
cup
butter, melted</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
1/4</span>
cup
light-colored corn syrup</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
1/4</span>
cup
whipping cream</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
1 1/2</span>
cups
bittersweet chocolate pieces</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredientinfo">
<span class="amount" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="count">
3 </span>
tablespoons
shortening</span>
</li>
</ul>
<span itemprop="recipeInstructions"></span><br />
<div class="instruction">
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and get out a big cookie sheet to line with foil. (I am normally hard core about using my baking stones for cookies, but they didn't work well with this recipe.) Then combine your dry ingredients, including the coconut flakes.<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--oqiQTJZ4ig/UqetHepUpfI/AAAAAAAAChc/J5x5ILbivAM/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--oqiQTJZ4ig/UqetHepUpfI/AAAAAAAAChc/J5x5ILbivAM/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction">
</div>
<div class="instruction">
In another bowl combine your butter, corn syrup, and whipping cream, and stir that into your dry mixture. Drop the dough onto your foil by rounded teaspoons and bake for about 11 minutes. The cookies will start to brown around the edges. Remove the foil from the cookie sheet, replace with a new sheet, and start it all over again, allowing your cookies to cool completely on the foil (I had about 4 sheets of foil going during the process).</div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzxDzhKTg88/UqetrpVrWkI/AAAAAAAAChk/qrl-X4-r-TQ/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzxDzhKTg88/UqetrpVrWkI/AAAAAAAAChk/qrl-X4-r-TQ/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction">
After all of your cookies are completely cooled, heat the chocolate and shortening in a double boiler, stirring occasionally, and then dip your cookies in the chocolate. I then laid my cookies on a cooling rack with foil below, and sprinkled them with coconut before placing them in the fridge to harden a bit. </div>
<div class="instruction">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZgaaWWPyYQ/UqeuUF2utaI/AAAAAAAAChs/usGCx3tXSe8/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZgaaWWPyYQ/UqeuUF2utaI/AAAAAAAAChs/usGCx3tXSe8/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction">
I sent my cookies to three bloggers in totally different parts of the country (<a href="http://www.pineappleandcoconut.com/">Shanna</a>, <a href="http://www.laaguacate.com/">Annakate</a>, and <a href="http://yumeating.com/">Chrystal</a>), and I hope that they enjoyed them! I received cookies from two other bloggers, <a href="http://sunandgoodeats.blogspot.com/">Erica</a> and <a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a> and dang, these people know how to make cookies. They put me to shame!<span itemprop="recipeInstructions">
</span></div>
<br />
<h3>
Reading:</h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316216852/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316216852&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316216852&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cookinhe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316216852" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<br />
I bought The Shining Girls <i>months </i>ago (in April, I believe?) and it just arrived. I haven't had a chance to crack it yet (it's on my agenda for the weekend) but I can't WAIT. Word is it was slated for a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio before it was even released to the public. I hope it lives up to the hype!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wearing: </h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld0HVjUBnrI/UqewCOR_EmI/AAAAAAAACh4/xt9_AIzgq_M/s1600/85_916_5997_058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld0HVjUBnrI/UqewCOR_EmI/AAAAAAAACh4/xt9_AIzgq_M/s1600/85_916_5997_058.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scuba Leggings via <a href="http://www.express.com/clothing/scuba+legging/pro/9165997/cat290004">Express</a></div>
<br />
I purchased these leggings (at the recommendation of a friend) for Thanksgiving and they didn't disappoint. They wipe clean and they stretch, and they kept me warm in the below-freezing Minnesota temps. I require nothing more of holiday eating attire.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-12493550777924546392013-12-04T16:47:00.000-05:002013-12-04T16:47:58.516-05:00Corn Casserole and The Book Thief<b>Cooking:</b><br />
<br />
Literally <i>years</i> ago, I asked my sister for the corn casserole that she makes nearly every time I come home. Instead of scanning it and sending it to me, like a normal person, she took a picture of the recipe with her phone and emailed it to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA8d8WNPCeg/Up-bqBXXUsI/AAAAAAAACgY/cpT01udUXas/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA8d8WNPCeg/Up-bqBXXUsI/AAAAAAAACgY/cpT01udUXas/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The best part about this, though, is that she wrote down the recipe, then took the photo and sent it. And the recipe was a little loosey goosey on the details:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Lu7KJBhGY/Up-cGLfGcsI/AAAAAAAACgg/wrYFtgskfEQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Lu7KJBhGY/Up-cGLfGcsI/AAAAAAAACgg/wrYFtgskfEQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Who's ever heard of a CAN of sour cream?! Anyway, I revised this and made my own (more exact) recipe.<br />
<br />
<b>Jalapeno Corn Casserole</b><br />
<br />
2 stick of butter, room temperature<br />
2 eggs<br />
16 oz sour cream<br />
2 boxes Jif Corn Muffin Mix <br />
2 cans sweet corn<br />
2 cans cream style corn<br />
1/2 cup diced jalapenos<br />
<br />
Mix the ingredients together, then pour in a 9x13 baker and bake at 350 for approximately 60 minutes, or until brown and set. (My recipe is bigger than the original, and obviously packs a bit more of a punch).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vs4qlmUMM_U/Up-c8-e7g9I/AAAAAAAACgs/w8xniA0Ajkw/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vs4qlmUMM_U/Up-c8-e7g9I/AAAAAAAACgs/w8xniA0Ajkw/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Reading:</h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375842209/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375842209&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0375842209&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cookinhe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375842209" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<br />
I'm currently immersed in <i>The Book Thief</i> by Markus Zusak, and anxiously awaiting the release of the movie. I'm already bracing myself for the fact that the movie will be a let-down compared to the book, primarily for two reasons: (1) the actress they chose to play Liesel has blue eyes and the author is VERY careful to point out that she has brown eyes (not insignificant in a book about WWII); and (2) the book is narrated by death, which is effective and startling in a way that I wasn't expecting to enjoy, but that I'm afraid will come off as cheesy in the movie. I guess we'll see!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wearing:</h3>
<br />
I am, literally, wearing these jammies as I type:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Nkq_ZNLcjw/Up-hlY3ciRI/AAAAAAAACg4/jRqATk59YU0/s1600/40805_990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Nkq_ZNLcjw/Up-hlY3ciRI/AAAAAAAACg4/jRqATk59YU0/s320/40805_990.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
via <a href="http://www.hannaandersson.com/style.asp?from=SC&pcid=332&styleid=40805&simg=40805_990">Hanna Andersson</a></div>
<br />
These were a must have in my wardrobe for two reasons. First, they look like prison stripes (the bottoms are also black and gray striped) which is hilarious in my family for a couple of reasons that I won't discuss here. Second, the H and I walked down the aisle after we were married to the Imperial March from Star Wars. We are dorks, and my dork status is even more solidified now that I own Darth Vader prison jams. Expect a pic on instagram of me rocking these sometime soon.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-44417136689108152212013-11-25T09:48:00.002-05:002013-11-25T09:48:56.089-05:00Pizza Dip and Divergent<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
<br />
The H is CONSTANTLY requesting things that are not particularly appealing to me, specifically the inclusion of pepperoni in everything. Don't get me wrong, I like a greasy pepperoni pizza as much as the next girl, but I don't believe that pepperoni would improve upon everything else in the food-iverse.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIn4T4ogTnQ/UpNeoADbM7I/AAAAAAAACew/AFHUNn2GuHc/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIn4T4ogTnQ/UpNeoADbM7I/AAAAAAAACew/AFHUNn2GuHc/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Pizza Dip</h4>
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1/2 package of pepperoni, diced, plus additional for layering<br />
1 package chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained<br />
2, 8 oz packages fat free cream cheese<br />
1/2 large red onion, finely chopped<br />
1 jar pizza sauce<br />
Mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)<br />
Toasted baguettes <br />
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Combine the chopped pepperoni, cream cheese, onion, and spinach and spread into a square baker. Top the mixture with a layer of pepperoni, followed by a layer of pizza sauce and then a layer of mozzarella. Bake at 350 for about half an hour, or until hot and bubbly. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTRpcPx4vsI/UpNfeDwyV_I/AAAAAAAACfQ/XxV147qrKpQ/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTRpcPx4vsI/UpNfeDwyV_I/AAAAAAAACfQ/XxV147qrKpQ/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Reading:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062278789/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062278789&linkCode=as2&tag=cookinhe-20"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062278789&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cookinhe-20" width="140" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cookinhe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062278789" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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That is a terrible photo of a great set of books. I have a lot of thoughts on this series, most of which are vaguely spoiler-y so I won't go into them. But I will say this: if you liked <i>The Hunger Games</i>, the<i> Divergent </i>series (comprised of <i>Divergent, Insurgent, </i>and <i>Allegiant</i>) is better. Much like <i>The Hunger Games</i>, these books have a slightly heavy-handed (in my opinion) commentary on society and the government, but the characters are really well-rounded and Veronica Roth truly does them justice from beginning to end. <br />
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<h3>
Wearing:</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMAYroODris/UpNiB6JeShI/AAAAAAAACfo/uRtvEge3s_0/s1600/_8156009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMAYroODris/UpNiB6JeShI/AAAAAAAACfo/uRtvEge3s_0/s320/_8156009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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VC Signature Peony Pump via <a href="http://www.shoptheshoebox.com/peony-pump/58011?pla=1">Shoebox</a></div>
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After trying on a million pairs of shoes at Nordstrom, I finally settled on these (though I really, really, REALLY wanted these <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/rag-bone-harrow-bootie/3641535?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=CLAY&resultback=929&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_4_C">Rag & Bone booties</a>, I didn't succumb to temptation), and they've been in heavy rotation ever since. They are well-worth their relatively modest price and they go with everything! <br />
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And the booties will be mine soon, I assure you.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-61148032067780424392013-11-21T18:01:00.000-05:002013-11-21T18:01:46.274-05:00Back, and (hopefully) better than everSo here we are. A new blog name, gearing up for another round of holiday festivities, and a new outlook on this whole thing. A warning: you're still not going to see much of the H on the blog for a variety of reasons, but you are going to see more of moi. Join me for my first Cooking, Reading, Wearing post about, as promised, our wedding!<br />
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<h3>
Cooking:</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5W8oftJoHQI/Uo6MuC-peRI/AAAAAAAACdM/I9aoFzFaba8/s1600/Ashley_Dane-420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5W8oftJoHQI/Uo6MuC-peRI/AAAAAAAACdM/I9aoFzFaba8/s320/Ashley_Dane-420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First and foremost, we had THE MOST AMAZING group of people in the universe help us with our wedding. These photos are courtesy of our photographers-turned-friends Reid and Wendy at <a href="http://12-1photography.com/">12-1 Photography</a> (they also have a great, fun company called Crash My Event that is doing cool things). While I can't recall eating much of anything at the reception, I have heard nothing but great things about the food. The pictures don't do it justice!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVSDKz1JbZ4/Uo6MuhIUQUI/AAAAAAAACdc/DMEDz4dje6A/s1600/Ashley_Dane-423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVSDKz1JbZ4/Uo6MuhIUQUI/AAAAAAAACdc/DMEDz4dje6A/s320/Ashley_Dane-423.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Who doesn't love a Tequila Lemon Poached Pear?</span></i></div>
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We couldn't have done it without Mallori, our go-to-gal at the Hyatt where we were married, and their amazing team. I was never without a full glass of champagne (thanks to my waiter, who I asked to marry me more than once that night - H doesn't keep my champagne tank full the way he did)!<br />
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<h3>
<b>Reading:</b></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBQOF5abZ5A/Uo6Nzb5TE3I/AAAAAAAACdo/Hd1bx2O3cH8/s1600/Ashley_Dane-371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBQOF5abZ5A/Uo6Nzb5TE3I/AAAAAAAACdo/Hd1bx2O3cH8/s320/Ashley_Dane-371.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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One of the best things about the H is that he really <i>gets</i> me. When people were telling him to buy me jewelry as a wedding gift, he got on the internet and ordered me a quarto of Shakespeare's plays FROM 1776. When I opened them I cried and asked if we could skip the ceremony so I could smell them all day. That's love, ladies and gentleman (him for me and me for the books . . . and me for him, too, despite my many proposals to champagne cater waiter).<br />
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<h3>
Wearing:</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA5BQd9YgEg/Uo6OubQYlhI/AAAAAAAACd0/oAWN6s2Xr1o/s1600/Ashley_Dane-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA5BQd9YgEg/Uo6OubQYlhI/AAAAAAAACd0/oAWN6s2Xr1o/s320/Ashley_Dane-5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The shoes, as you ALL know, are Fendi, and my dress was from Pronovias with a custom belt created by the fantastic tailor at <a href="http://www.thedroom.com/">The Dressing Room</a>. Seriously, I had THE BEST PEOPLE around me while planning my wedding and the day-of. I would love to post more photos of my friends and family, but not everybody's cool with having their face splashed all over the internet, so I'll leave them out of it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjYl99xKgdc/Uo6PqkliK_I/AAAAAAAACeQ/7c7vEpc_oBc/s1600/Ashley_Dane-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjYl99xKgdc/Uo6PqkliK_I/AAAAAAAACeQ/7c7vEpc_oBc/s320/Ashley_Dane-39.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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This year has been huge for me in so many ways, and I hope that using it as a jumping off point for new content on this blog will re-inspire me and interest all of you! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new content and style, and I look forward to writing more regularly now that I've kicked things off.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-46189627986603372922013-11-19T18:17:00.000-05:002013-11-19T18:17:31.811-05:00Let's Begin AgainI've been debating a revamp of this blog for a long time. I love to cook, but I also love to do a lot of other things. Then I saw<a href="http://master-degree-online.com/infographic-anatomy-of-a-librarian/"> this infographic</a>, and it all became clear.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RQM1q34hOU/UovsA0ePbII/AAAAAAAACcE/zlJguYFjA14/s1600/AnatomyofaLibrarianLrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RQM1q34hOU/UovsA0ePbII/AAAAAAAACcE/zlJguYFjA14/s640/AnatomyofaLibrarianLrg.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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Specifically, this part:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2oHUBg1cdg/UovsWB8CgxI/AAAAAAAACcM/Mg-zHCXl6Yk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2oHUBg1cdg/UovsWB8CgxI/AAAAAAAACcM/Mg-zHCXl6Yk/s1600/Capture.JPG" /></a></div>
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This is so in-line with the people I know in my profession, and I've found that a lot of the people who read this blog are also interested in these things. Books and reading, cooking and recipes, and the infographic has shoes! HELLO! With that in mind, the blog is starting from the beginning . . . kind of.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2y_BYQSUVDs/Uovw2fM9uyI/AAAAAAAACcY/QOSwybAt1cc/s1600/CookingReadingWearing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2y_BYQSUVDs/Uovw2fM9uyI/AAAAAAAACcY/QOSwybAt1cc/s400/CookingReadingWearing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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About 48 hours after this post runs, I'll be incorporating new content that encompasses, I think, a lot more of who I am, and that includes what I'm cooking, reading, and wearing. I'm actually going to start it off with a wedding post, since I spent so much time planning and talking about it on Cookin' in Heels, and never shared. The time for that is done, peeps, and you're going to get a much better idea of who I am. I hope you like it, and I hope you'll stay with me during the transition. It's going to be great!<br />
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AshAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-54161925908801494722013-11-02T05:00:00.000-04:002013-11-02T05:00:07.133-04:00The Saturday Sip: Skinny Pina ColadasMy sister in law was in town about a month ago for our annual pilgrimage to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. In order to prep for the main event, we drank these skinny pina coladas.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHWSkrMr8mw/UnLE0o7E-7I/AAAAAAAACaI/28-iYkk1QAA/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHWSkrMr8mw/UnLE0o7E-7I/AAAAAAAACaI/28-iYkk1QAA/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For a pitcher of these bad boys, I combined equal parts pineapple juice and strawberry vodka, without about a cup of coconut vodka, and then topped the whole thing off with club soda. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MGL0ajPGQU/UnLFUaQXUsI/AAAAAAAACaQ/iV2thYIaKtE/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MGL0ajPGQU/UnLFUaQXUsI/AAAAAAAACaQ/iV2thYIaKtE/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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We had them over ice and garnished with fruit. Festive, low-cal, and nice to look at - I don't ask for much more.<br />
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Also nice to look at:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USxUFLZhFDk/UnLGxb1WImI/AAAAAAAACac/loDTYMi4SpM/s1600/speedy+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USxUFLZhFDk/UnLGxb1WImI/AAAAAAAACac/loDTYMi4SpM/s320/speedy+25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.louisvuitton.com/front/#/eng_US/Collections/Women/Handbags/products/Speedy-25-DAMIER-AZUR-N41534">Louis Vuitton Speedy 25</a></div>
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This bag was purchased for me by the H in Paris. I love it. It's a lot bigger than it appears at first glance, and since I live in Florida I can get away with the light color year round. Festive and nice to look at, am I right?Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-26599410857897832892013-10-29T05:00:00.000-04:002013-10-29T09:22:56.368-04:00Vanilla Bean Pound CakeI <i>love</i> Trisha's Southern Kitchen, on the Food Network. LOVE. She is a riot. Have you seen the Steel Magnolias episode? It is absolutely priceless and, someday, I will make my own armadillo cake. In the meantime, I'm content to watch Trisha be hilarious, although the H and I suspect that her sister Beth is actually the genius cook in the family, given the fact that she's on "assisting" Trisha in every other episode. Regardless, I love them both (and I love when Garth makes an appearance. It takes me back to my childhood).<br />
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ANYWAY, Trisha makes a <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/cold-oven-poundcake-recipe/index.html">Cold Oven Poundcake</a> (a favorite of one of Beth's kids! Beth is EVERYWHERE) and I always thought it looked delish.<br />
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I changed Trisha's episode ever-so-slightly by adding the seeds from two vanilla beans and a little more vanilla extract, and using about 1/3 cup less sugar. Otherwise I left it exactly as is.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiCTO3Tjcjc/Ul8sgKd5ROI/AAAAAAAACYc/uIQDpoUj_8w/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiCTO3Tjcjc/Ul8sgKd5ROI/AAAAAAAACYc/uIQDpoUj_8w/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And it. Is. FABULOUS. Moist and delicious. And since I love vanilla SO much, the beans added a little extra oomph.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGoFlKE8jTQ/Ul8s2HYRuHI/AAAAAAAACYk/1L2xz1IITKA/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGoFlKE8jTQ/Ul8s2HYRuHI/AAAAAAAACYk/1L2xz1IITKA/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I enjoyed this poundcake with chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. Nightly. Because that's how I roll.<br />
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For some reason, I saw these and thought <i>man, they kind of look like my strawberry and chocolate-laden poundcake.</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwxJlvZ7NfE/Ul8ts4EgpLI/AAAAAAAACYs/QIIUz8j3SPA/s1600/NMX1RKA_ai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwxJlvZ7NfE/Ul8ts4EgpLI/AAAAAAAACYs/QIIUz8j3SPA/s320/NMX1RKA_ai.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>Christian Louboutin via <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Christian-Louboutin-Resillana-Lace-Net-Peep-Toe-Red-Sole-Bootie-Black-Shoes/prod157630286_cat39620738__/p.prod?icid=home0a&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.jsp%253FitemId%253Dcat39620738%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod157630286&cmCat=product">Neiman Marcus</a></div>
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Just me? Whatever.</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-33988089668550348532013-10-23T05:00:00.000-04:002013-10-23T05:00:00.412-04:00The Big 3-0Today's the day, peeps. I'm 30. 3-0. Dirty thirty. And I'm PUMPED.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQdaG8Q-eDs/Ul8ux6KmwXI/AAAAAAAACY4/omnNiko136I/s1600/toronto-77536_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQdaG8Q-eDs/Ul8ux6KmwXI/AAAAAAAACY4/omnNiko136I/s400/toronto-77536_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pixabay.com/en/toronto-canada-skyscrapers-77536/">image</a></div>
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I'm also currently scooting back to Florida from Toronto. If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/cookin_in_heels#">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cookin_in_heels">Twitter</a>, you'll know I'm traveling all over the place, but I'm doing my best to keep up the posts.<br />
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Have a happy Cookin' in Heels birthday, everyone!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-72348502437542480242013-10-21T05:00:00.000-04:002013-10-21T05:00:06.375-04:00Cookie Swap Time!<div style="text-align: center;">
I am thrilled to announce that, this year, I am going to be participating in The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap! I can't wait to get started and share my cookies with you!</div>
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<a href="http://www.fbcookieswap.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap 2013" border="0" src="http://www.fbcookieswap.com/images/fbcookieswap2013_badge.png" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned! </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-4626442818253990092013-10-18T05:00:00.000-04:002013-10-18T05:00:07.713-04:00Quickie Friday: Baked Tortellini and SpinachHere's an easy one for you all on a Friday: baked tortellini. Throw in some frozen, chopped spinach (thawed, of course) and you've got a meal made in heaven.<br />
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I'm a big fan of Buitoni pastas, and they make my lazy meals so much easier. Here's the recipe:<br />
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1 package Buitoni three cheese, whole wheat tortellini<br />
1 package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and drained<br />
1 jar low sodium marinara<br />
1 red onion, finely chopped<br />
olive oil<br />
mozzarella<br />
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Prepare the tortellini according to the package directions and preheat the oven to 300 degrees. While the pasta is boiling, saute the onion in some olive oil until translucent, then add the spinach and pasta sauce. Add the tortellini and top with mozzarella, then throw the whole thing in the oven for about 20 minutes.<br />
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Couldn't be any easier. Seriously, this whole meal takes less than 10 minutes to prep. I have been known to walk in the door, throw it together while still in my work gear, and to use the 20 minutes while it's baking to make myself more comfortable (i.e. throw on my jammies and pour myself a glass of wine). Life is hard sometimes.<br />
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The fact that these are at <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/15695?article=15695-A">H&M</a> for less than $60 is also hard.<br />
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All I'm saying is that a world with these booties and meals that fast doesn't suck.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-52274611627280405072013-10-10T16:36:00.000-04:002013-10-31T18:45:35.079-04:00Favorite Things Thursday: Smokin'I want to tell you about my new favorite weekend past time.<br />
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But first, a confession.<br />
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Sometimes blogging is a bit of a drag. I love this blog. I started it for me, but there is a LOT of pressure to get a million hits a month and make money off of this damn thing. And I think you can tell from my last few <strike>whiny</strike> posts, I don't have time or energy for that! I would love to hear from some of you who blog for fun about how you deal with the stress, or whether you care about statistics and/or pleasing the masses at all!<br />
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Alright, enough of that.<br />
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New favorite thing:<br />
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No, not fire (per se) but using the hell out of the grill. But not grilling, either!<br />
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Smoking! That's right, I'm a smoker. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. Smoking meat is my new favorite thing to do on the weekends, and the rewards are sweet.<br />
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This is my grill/smoker/everything:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookinhe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001CJKUO4" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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And I love it. I can toss some veggies on the left, and smoke meat on the right. And, keep in mind, I lay in the pool and read a book when I'm not tending the food. It doesn't suck. <br />
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I have now smoked and shredded multiple pork picnics (after rubbing them with a combination of cayenne, salt, and pepper), and then doused them with barbeque sauce. It's a feast for the senses. Really.<br />
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Rest-assured more smoking recipes will be coming. And for those of you who like details - it takes about 12 hours, at 250 degrees, to smoke a 12 pound pork picnic (bone-in) with applewood chips. You can thank me later.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-49070298859682620212013-09-30T05:00:00.000-04:002013-09-30T05:00:05.171-04:00No-Bake Strawberry Oat BarsPrior to finding this recipe, I had never eaten a date. Not that I can recall, anyway, and given my new-found love of them (due solely to this recipe) I think I would have remembered.<br />
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There's really nothing easier than <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/133473/strawberry-oat-bars">this</a>. Combine the following in a food processor and pulse it until it combines:<br />
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1 1/2 cups pitted dates</li>
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1/4 cup raw macadamia nuts</li>
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2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats</li>
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Once combined, press the mixture into a baking dish. I used my square Pampered Chef baking stone.<br />
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Then top the whole thing with thinly-sliced, hulled strawberries. And chill.<br />
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The recipe didn't call for chilling, but I liked these cold. Mine also could have used more strawberries, but I didn't care. These were wonderful. And you know how they were best? Crumbled up over frozen vanilla yogurt. You're welcome.<br />
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I'm going a little off-script with my fashion in this post. I have a (BIG!) birthday coming up, and the H claims he has no idea what to get me. I suggested this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1UZuO_ZTu4/UkcgIEa-xzI/AAAAAAAACU8/ZASk6SHCFdM/s1600/NMD0KRF_mx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1UZuO_ZTu4/UkcgIEa-xzI/AAAAAAAACU8/ZASk6SHCFdM/s320/NMD0KRF_mx.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Alexander McQueen via <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Alexander-McQueen-Stained-Glass-Skull-Scarf-Rose-White-Black/prod160860477_cat41270753__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat41270753%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526Ns%253DPCS_SORT%2526refinements%253D75%252C&eItemId=prod160860477&cmCat=product">Neiman Marcus</a></div>
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<br />I feel like there's a hole in my wardrobe that can only be filled by one of these beauties. I also have a hole for Louboutins, though, if we're being honest. Wish him luck, peeps. He may need it!</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-46902309957622992982013-09-21T18:04:00.001-04:002013-09-21T18:04:37.824-04:00The times, they are a-changin.Things in my life have changed drastically in the last six months. I got married. I got promoted. I'm thinking about going back to school. I'm traveling ALL the time (upcoming trips include Atlanta, Toronto, Ohio, Charleston, & Minneapolis). And I'm not cooking as much (which sucks). <br />
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Because of these changes, I'm thinking about making additional changes to the blog and incorporating more personal content. What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know!<br />
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I also wouldn't mind knowing what you all think about these:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLi6wQGg6XQ/Uj4WnlEyO0I/AAAAAAAACTw/AXzj64Xh9_k/s1600/0469628323685_247x329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLi6wQGg6XQ/Uj4WnlEyO0I/AAAAAAAACTw/AXzj64Xh9_k/s320/0469628323685_247x329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Belle by Sigerson Morrison via <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306440858&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446619711&R=887897112036&P_name=Belle+by+Sigerson+Morrison&N=306440858&bmUID=k50EYpR">Saks</a></div>
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I think it's love. And I need them for all of that northern traveling - obviously.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-20177182436603678962013-09-04T05:00:00.000-04:002013-09-04T05:00:05.393-04:00Blueberry Drop Biscuit CobblerBlueberry season is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Really. When I was in college, I met a delightful woman, from Georgia, who made a <i>bitchin'</i> blueberry pie but WOULD NOT give me the recipe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/blueberry-drop-biscuit-cobbler">This cobbler</a> is not that blueberry pie, but it's what I'm going to make when I want to wow people with my sweet culinary skills. <br />
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It certainly wowed the H. He has never shared my affinity for blueberries, but I believe he may now be a convert. And who can blame him. Look at those dark berries and sugar. Sweet.<br />
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It also bakes up so easily, and so beautifully, and SO QUICKLY. I made this twice, the first time according to the recipe and the second with fat free sour cream and whole wheat flour. I actually preferred the latter, as the whole wheat flour gave the topping a nice texture. But to each his own! I'm just glad that my own now contains blueberry cobbler, in either form.<br />
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I would also take these:<br />
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Gianvito Rossi via <a href="http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=502729779&cgid=womens-shoes&index=12">Barneys</a></div>
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They are THE blueberry cobbler boot equivalent, if I do say so myself.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-55301745071768193212013-08-30T05:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T05:00:07.598-04:00Quickie Friday: Asparagus Salad with Gorgonzola VinaigretteThis is another recipe that I made back at Easter (oh, so long ago) but it was too delicious to leave on the kitchen floor.<br />
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(1) Sam's Club sells THE BEST "artisinal lettuce." I'm not kidding.<br />
(2) Blanched asparagus is delicious<br />
(3) Mixing 1 & 2 with a vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and gorgonzola yields THE BEST light salad.<br />
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That is all.<br />
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Oh wait, no it's not.<br />
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<a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes&ProductID=2000050635&VariantID=">via</a></div>
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I almost forgot that this blog is about food AND shoes. I need a vacation. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-69733835911814378762013-08-22T05:00:00.000-04:002013-08-22T05:00:08.445-04:00Baked Chicken TaquitosHave a mentioned things have been crazy?<br />
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Oy.<br />
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But I can't leave you hanging for much longer, peeps, so I present to you baked chicken taquitos.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 and combine the following:<br />
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4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts,<br />
6 oz. softened cream cheese,<br />
4 oz. shredded Mexican blend cheese<br />
half a jar of jalapenos<br />
1 can rotel (I used the super spicy stuff)<br />white pepper, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and cumin to taste<br />
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I piled my "stuffing" onto a small corn tortilla, rolled it up, placed it on my baking sheet and baked them for about 20 minutes.<br />
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The results were cracked and crispy and totally delicious, if not particularly lovely to look upon.<br />
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Unlike these.<br />
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Valentino via <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Valentino-Rockstud-Crisscross-Platform-Pump-Black-Pink/prod158030020_cat47190746__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat47190746%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526Ns%253DSELLABLE_DATE%257C1%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod158030020&cmCat=product">Neiman Marcus</a></div>
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These are lovely.<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-64180151731067463592013-08-15T10:25:00.000-04:002013-08-15T10:25:06.899-04:00Oy!So, basically, this is me lately.<br />
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Traveling, a promotion, being ill, the H quitting his job, EVERYTHING has me a little overwhelmed.<br />
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So I'll back back.<br />
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Next week.<br />
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I promise.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-39217869118163764252013-07-30T05:00:00.000-04:002013-07-30T05:00:11.243-04:00Easy Grilled RibsThe H told me, many months ago, that he wasn't a fan of barbeque. If I remember correctly, it went something like this:<br />
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Me: I could really go for some ribs. Or a pulled pork sandwich. Or a half a chicken. With barbeque sauce, obviously. And cornbread.<br />
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H: Huh?<br />
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Me: Don't you ever get cravings for barbeque?<br />
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H: No. I don't really like barbeque.<br />
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Me: . . . .<br />
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That ellipses is there because I passed out. Who doesn't like barbeque? Or, more accurately, what person who was born and raised in Iowa and lives for meat and potatoes doesn't like barbeque? What kind of world do we live in?!<br />
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And then we went to <a href="http://www.sonnysbbq.com/">Sonny's</a> and the H changed his mind and we lived happily ever after.<br />
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Which is all true, but not where this story ends because this is a FOOD blog and I'm supposed to deliver food-related content, not just complain about what a goofy weirdo the H is. I get it (and he is). So I made ribs at home for you, peeps. And damn, were they good.<br />
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I covered a cookie sheet with foil and slapped (is there any other way?) my ribs onto it, bone-side down (I used about 2 pounds of baby backs for the two of us). I seasoned the ribs with lots of salt and pepper, then slathered on my favorite barbeque sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's, but with added onions, tobasco, and garlic). I baked them, loosely covered, at 350 degrees for an hour and a half.<br />
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Then they got thrown onto a grill preheated to medium high, for about 3 minutes a side. I assure you, you won't be disappointed. Unless you have a husband who doesn't like barbeque, in which case I'm sure you're disappointed on a number of levels right now, and this post is just rubbing it in.<br />
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I'm sorry.<br />
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But I'm not sorry about these.<br />
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Enzo Angiolini via <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/enzo-angiolini-demario-pump-nordstrom-exclusive/3321959?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=228&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_2_D">Nordstrom</a></div>
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Are they boring? Sure. Are they basic? Absolutely. Are they the perfect librarian pump? YES.<br />
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I shall wear them while reading and eating ribs.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785599538032832383.post-6246983368740575382013-07-19T05:00:00.000-04:002013-07-19T05:00:02.134-04:00Quickie Friday: Another Round of Roasted VeggiesThere is nothing easier than roasting a big pan of vegetables. I like to roast them and store them for many future meals, if they last that long.<br />
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For these roasted veggies (which I made at EASTER!) I started by roasting up some quartered Yukon gold potatoes and white onions (which I seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper) at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. I pulled my baking sheet out and added the artichoke hearts (which I buy jarred in water) and cherry tomatoes, then roasted everything for another 20 minutes or so.<br />
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The tomatoes burst to give the all of the veggies a bit of sauciness, which the H loves. It's a simple side dish that would be a quick and easy accompaniment to almost any meal.<br />
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I saw cute, short, slouchy boots all over Europe. Obviously I need a pair.<br />
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<a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes&ProductID=2054750932&VariantID=">via</a></div>
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Although at this price point, I may obviously need <u>five</u> pairs.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120327296998647108noreply@blogger.com0