Perfect Morning

As usual, Coco woke us up this morning by crying promptly at 7 AM, which is when we wake up during the week.  We've got to teach her weekdays vs. weekends.  Anyways, instead of dreading the early hours, I looked out the window to see snow!  I got so excited and saw it as an instant opportunity to go have some fun wear out Coco.  I was a little nervous because dogs usually emphatically love or hate the snow.  Luckily Coco responded with favor and didn't want to come inside.

After dragging her inside, what do I find? My fiance.  Awake at 8 AM. Making pancakes.  Honestly, I'm more surprised that he was awake, but apparently he had this scheme all planned out.  And best yet? He bought non-high fructose corn syrup syrup.  He knows me well!

I couldn't have asked for a better start to the weekend!

Ramen Remix

Last week I was invited to share in the release of Genji's new ramen bar at Whole Foods.  I chose to try the shrimp and scallop version and was not disappointed.  (They also have calamari and vegetable.)  What you get is freshly prepared, not the typical pre-packaged ramen dish.

Having a Chinese fiance (yes, I finally said fiance and not boyfriend), I eat lots of noodles and authentic cuisine.  I was really impressed with this dish because it didn't have the typical American Chinese taste to it.  I partly think it's because of the chili miso base, which is nice and spicy like I prefer.  The best part?  It's $5.49!  Fresh food, good portion, and great price!  I'm sounding a little like an infomercial, but trust me, it's delish!

Try it at Whole Foods at 95 E. Houston, right by the 2nd Avenue F train stop.  You'll be happy you did!

Holiday Love

I love most sweets, but my seasonal favorite has to be the classic iced sugar cookie.  I would always look forward to decorating them, which usually consisted of half of the bottle of sprinkles.  Obviously not much has changed in twenty years.  I found myself baking some cookies, but realized that I didn't let the dough cool long enough, so I ended up with a giant cookie heart.  Patience is not my forte, but it looks like it finally turned out well for me!

Cookie(s):

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp milk

In a bowl, mix the butter and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla.  In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Combine the wet and dry ingredients and add in the milk.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Roll out on a floured  surface and cut into desired shapes.  Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 drops food coloring
3 drops peppermint extract

Mix all together and place on cookie(s) when cooled.

What's your favorite holiday treat?

Holiday Fun.

This week, we had our annual work department party, which included a gift exchange.  I was lucky enough to end up with Momofuku Milk bar treats.  I couldn't have picked something else out better for myself!  Take a look, and if you're in New York, go try some!

I got the Stollen loaf and B'day truffles.  I. Can't. Get. Enough.  Thank you, co-worker!

Huo Guo

If you follow me on twitter, you know I talk about Hot Pot quite frequently.  It's essentially a stew that you cook yourself.  It consists of a boiling pot of seasoned water or broth and lots of meats and veggies to add in.  There is also a special sauce for dipping that consists of soy sauce, hoison sauce, sriracha, and cilantro.  Many Chinese restaurants offer it for all you can eat, but we prefer to do it at home for a more relaxed feel.

Have you ever tried Hot Pot?

Easy Cheesy Pasta

Last night, I made this recipe for Gorgonzola and Apple Porkchops.  I had some leftover ingredients, so I thought it would mix perfectly with a pasta.

1 cup wheat pasta
1/2 cup gorgonzola
1 apple, peeled and sliced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp pine nuts
Italian seasoning to taste
Salt & pepper to taste

Boil your water and add the pasta.  Drain and mix in olive oil and gorgonzola.  Let the gorgonzola melt into a creamy sauce and serve.  Add the apple slices and pine nuts as garnish.  As a side note, the apples can be browned will some butter, but I felt the raw apples added a better texture.

Tasty

1. Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls
2. Flavour Snack Cold Rice Noodles
3. Macaron Parlour Macarons

Just a few of my favorite treats as of late.  I know it's not the best idea to eat through feelings, but sometimes it just tastes too good not to!

Lobster Attack!

One of my most favorite things in this world is lobster, especially in the form of a traditional Maine lobster roll.  Boyfriend and I have talked about making these forever and finally got the nerve to do it.  It was lot easily than I thought, but also very difficult for me to actually deal with live creatures.  Luckily I got over my squeamishness and dug right in!

Even Coco wanted some!    We made the following recipe when we were really hungry, so we overcooked a little bit.  I think it would be more suitable for 4 servings.

3-1.5 lb lobsters
1/2-cup mayonnaise
1/2-stick melted butter
Celery to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
Salt & pepper to taste
4-rolls

Boil your lobsters for about 15 minutes or until red.  You know they're done when you can easily pull out the antennae.  Rinse with cool water and then pull out the meat.  You can easily find tutorials online about de-shelling lobsters.  We used this one.  From there, cut the lobster meat up into cubes.  Mix all of the ingredients together and let cool in the fridge for about 15 minutes.  In the meantime, heat up the stove and toast your rolls!  Then make your sandwich and enjoy!

Sweet Cream

Often I desire desserts that are rich, chocolatey, and caloric (although that one is most definitely not by choice).  I've been trying curb my habit of always ending a meal with a sweet, if I can help it.  But sometimes it's nice to indulge in something sweet, especially if it's easy to make and not completely horrible for you.  Let me introduce you to this delight!

It's as simple as this:

1. Pick a fruit for dipping.
2. Mix equal parts plain Greek yogurt and sour cream.  Add organic honey to taste.
3. Dip & enjoy!

Fast Food

Lately I've been so busy with school, work, a new blog (Blog Trends Chat), disciplining Coco, and planning a wedding/honeymoon, I haven't had time to make dinner.  This has resulted in ordering take-out every night.  It's actually gotten quite embarrassing, especially when the delivery driver recognizes you.  I finally decided to get everything done, avoid any distractions (almost impossible with a puppy), and make a good dinner.  Luckily this only takes 15 minutes, so I can still prepare it even when I'm in a rush.

Lindsay's Italian Chicken Pasta

Whole Wheat Pasta

Fresh Mozzarella

Chicken Cutlet

Marinara Sauce

Garlic

Olive Oil

Parsley

Italian Seasoning

Red Pepper Flakes

Salt & Pepper

Start by boiling some water with salt.  I usually add my pasta before it boils because I'm terribly impatient, but I suppose the proper thing to do is to add the pasta after the water boils.  Slice some fresh mozzarella and keep it on the side to add later.  Slice your chicken cutlet into small strips or cubes.  Add it to a pan with a small amount of oil olive and proceed to season with parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.  In the meantime, heat your sauce.  In a rush, I use a jarred marinara (sue me), but I improve it by adding garlic and spices.  Drain your pasta.  Get a bowl, add the pasta, the chicken slices, some sauce, and fresh mozzarella.  And voila! You've got a meal!

What are your solutions to a quick meal?

That's my jam!

I've never been one for jam, jelly, preserves, etc. (I don't even know the difference in the titles.)  That is, until I found this delicious treat.  It's The Great San Saba River Pecan Company Peach, Pecan, & Amaretto Preserves.  I first tried it in Texas when visiting my grandparents and I fell in love.  It's great to slather on toast, ice cream, biscuits, or even as a filling in croissants.  My grandma just sent it over as my Halloween treat this week and we've definitely been putting it to good use!

Get your fix here!

Spooky Treats.

I am very lucky to have grown up in the Midwest.  We had big backyards to play in, safe neighborhoods to roam until dusk, clear blue skies, and stars that you can actually see.  Best of all, a dessert with whipped cream, cream cheese, butter, and cookies is totally acceptable, if not welcomed.  

I'm now able to laugh at all of our "hillbilly" concoctions with weird names and a complete excess of butter (among other unhealthy ingredients).  I'll be sure to share tons with you over time, I'm sure, but for now I'm just going to focus on a couple.  Let's talk dirt pudding!

1/2 cup butter

1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.)

3/4 cup sugar

1 pkg. instant pudding (3.5 oz, chocolate or vanilla)

2 cups milk

1 pkg. whipped cream (12 oz.)

1 pkg. Oreos, crushed

Mix the first three ingredients together.  In a separate bowl, mix the next three.  Combine the two and mix.  Layer the mixture and the crushed Oreos. Chill until ready to serve.

Want to make it spooky for Halloween?  Add some gummy worms and/or gravestones.  

Next up is bacon wrapped dates.  WARNING: These are very addictive.  It's a sweet and salty mix with some crunch from the bacon added to the caramelization of the dates.  I know anything is better with bacon, but this combo is out of this world delicious.

This is very easy.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around one pitted date.  Make sure the pit is actually out so you don't have any unpleasant surprises.  If you like, you can stuff it with various cheeses and/or nuts, but I like it just the way it is.  Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.  Enjoy!

Want to make it spooky for Halloween?  Good thing you don't need to do much!  Just label them as bacon wrapped cockroaches and you'll be sure to scare the guests!

A Drink & A Beverage

Fall has a million benefits that I've touched on before (comfy sweaters, cooler weather, etc), but I think my most favorite is the food and drink changes.  Comfort foods like chili, casseroles, and lasagna are always high on my list.  The highest? Apple cider and hot cocoa.  They're easy, filling, and no-hassle regardless if you're making a serving for 2 or for 20.

Lindsay's Spiced Apple Cider

Apple Cider
Johnny Walker Whisky
Orange Juice
Cloves
Cinnamon Stick
Tung Hing Cinnamon

I didn't put quantities for a reason, although it is in order of percentage.  Have fun with it and taste while you make it.  It's much better that way!  Add everything at once with the exception of the alcohol, which goes at the very end right before serving.  Regular cinnamon is fine, but tung hing is very spicy, so I like it better that way.

Lindsay's Spicy Hot Chocolate

Milk
Cocoa Powder
Cinnamon
Sugar
Vanilla
Chili powder
Nutmeg
Cloves

Even the mug is sweating, this cocoa is so hot!  I love this.  I'm a huge believer of food being much better when it's spicy.  Again, add the ingredients to your taste.  They can all be added after the milk is warmed.  Enjoy and make sure to memorize the ingredients because you will soon be addicted!

PS: Bf painted this mug for me!

Last note, I got this Penzey's Spice kit for an office gift swap last holiday season and boy am I grateful!  You should check it out here for the upcoming season!

Gascogne

On Saturday, I had brunch with my lovely ladies, Sarah and Kira.  You can see what we did all day in the previous post.  Gascogne is a French restaurant with a lovely outdoor garden area.  Since it was strangely warm, we were able to take full advantage.  It was a leisurely meal with wonderful service, even better food, and a warm, friendly ambience.  And get this: it was quiet and they didn't rush us out!  You should definitely check it out if you're in New York.

I chose the Prix Fixe which included L'entree, Le plat, Creme Caramel, and a mimosa.  Pretty awesome deal for $22!

L'entree: Butternut Squash Mousse with Chestnuts and Pickled Beets

Le Plat: Crab Cake Benedict, Crab Cake, Purple Cabbage with Poached Egg,
Hollandaise, and Horseradish Sauce

Creme Caramel

For those in NY, please go here. It's an escape from the typical restaurant.  You have plenty of space to eat and sincerely nice wait staff.  For a moment, I forgot that I was in the city and it was swell.