Friday, June 29, 2012

Buried Treasure











Dark chocolate seems to be a unique food item because it goes with some many different things and has a variety of flavors from sweet to bittersweet. It can be used in main courses and desserts, and no matter what you put it with I always seem to enjoy it. I don't usually like chocolate bars because they can be artificial tasting and somewhat boring. This one however, is none of the above. I was surprised to find that there were more little treats on the inside. First, I found raisins and I am a huge fan of chocolate covered raisins. The squishy texture of the raisin added depth and subtle fruitiness to the chocolate. After taking another bite, I was surprised to find I had bitten into a pecan. I can't think of another chocolate bar that has pecans in it, so that already sets this apart in my mind. The nuttiness of the pecan and its crunch factor paired well with the subtle raisin flavor in the background. I loved getting to have lots of flavors and textures in each bite, taking this chocolate bar from ordinary to extraordinary! Be sure to try this because it is a combination you don't want to miss. I could eat a chocolate bar like this any day. Let me know what other chocolate bars have really wowed you and unwrap a piece for yourself today!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Grains on the Go


Being in the workplace has put me on somewhat of a different meal schedule. I eat breakfast an hour or two earlier than I used to, which naturally means that I am eating lunch earlier. This would be fine except that I find myself needing a snack in the afternoon because it's no where near dinner time. I wanted something healthy and filling, however, I didn't have anything like that. I took a short walk in the scorching heat to see what Marshalls had. I was surprised when I found some granola amid their gourmet food section. It was just what I was looking for! I chose a 'Not Sweet Vanilla Granola', and was surprised that it was very aptly named. There was no artificial sweetness to it, but there was a hint of vanilla flavor that mimicked a sweet flavor. The interesting thing about this granola was that it's made with fruits and not assorted fats and oils. It was a bit weird at first that it wasn't sweet, but it was definitely filling and I didn't feel about guilt about eating it! This is something that I have tucked away in my desk for occasions like today. Try it if you get a chance and know that you will make your tummy very happy!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

White chocolate macadamia nut cookies are my boyfriend's favorite type of cookie. However, I am not really a white chocolate fan, so I tend to stay away from recipes that use white chocolate. I couldn't say no though, so of course I immediately grabbed the mixing bowl to begin. Since I don't make them often, I haven't quite found a "go to" recipe yet. What did I do? I once again turned to my favorite website, Pinterest, to find a recipe. One of the things that I do when looking at a recipe is to compare ingredients in my head. I don't really know what a typical white chocolate macadamia nut consists, of so it was a little hard this time. I know what a basic cookie recipe has in it, so I figured why not. If you want the full recipe from Brown Eyed Baker, you can find it on my Pinterest board.

This was a simple recipe, where you mix the wet and then dry, slowly combine the two and fold in the toppings. Scoop dough onto cookie sheet, bake, and cool! The thing about these cookies are that you have to take them out when they still look slightly doughy in the center. They cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, so if you bake them until they look fully cooked, then you will overbake them. This recipe made about two and a half dozen cookies, but that depends on what size you prefer. This time I opted for a larger size so that they wouldn't be as fragile when I ship them. I did't want him to receive a box of cookie crumbs. Even though they aren't my fav, I couldn't send them without verifying that they were acceptable, so I gave one a try. I have to admit that they weren't that bad and so hopefully he will think they are fantastic. If you like white chocolate, then this is a really good recipe. Give it a try and indulge in one of these yummy cookies!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Sugar and Spice

Everyone loves a great snack mix, but most of the time I find that they are usually way too salty. I was thinking about what I could eat for a snack because I wanted something slightly sweet, but also savory and somewhat healthy. I decided it was time to visit my favorite search engine, Pinterest. A quick search took me to this recipe for a sweet and spicy nut mix from myrecipes.com. What was even better was that it's totally easy and you can pretty much throw whatever you want in it. I would probably add some pretzels to it, but I have a non pretzel lover in my life, so I left them out.

There are basically four simple steps to this. First, mix all the spices together to create the most amazing smelling spice mixture you will ever encounter. As a side note...this might also be a fantastic dry rub, so maybe I'll try it out and let you know how it goes. Second, whisk an egg white until foamy. Toss nuts in the egg white and sprinkle with the spices. Toss and bake on a parchment lined baking sheet. It's amazing how the egg white creates this delicious coating on the nuts that cover them in a little bit of sugar, but provides the spicy kick that everyone craves. It's hard to tell in the picture, but I promise these aren't hum drum nuts!

There will be this very tempting aroma drifting through your house when you take them out of the oven. But...make sure you resist just long enough until it has cooled down, and then dig in! This is the perfect snack to have at your next get together, as it is sophisticated and full of flavor. Don't bother putting it in a bowl because it probably won't last long. This super simple recipe is almost like a neutral piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down to match whatever mood you are in. You can control the flavor profile so that you don't end up with just a salty taste. Try it out and let me know what you use and how you make it your own!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Good Morning Granola

I love granola, but sometimes it can be challenging to find one that actually tastes delicious and not just plain and boring. This granola is another gem from Trader Joe's...mango and passion fruit. Honestly, I would have never picked those two flavors for a granola because it sounds a little too adventurous right? Well it's definitely a super yummy summer breakfast that fills you up and gives you the energy you need to take on the day. It's also really great because it isn't too sweet and there are real chunks of dried mango in it. I decided to have mine with a touch of milk, though I could have thrown it in with my Greek yogurt. Let's just put it this way, no matter how you eat it, you will enjoy it. So pop open the box and pour yourself a bowl and enjoy your morning!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Munching on Menchie's

I am a huge fan of dessert, especially ones that are on the healthier side. Frozen yogurt seems to be the hot new treat, so I am always up to comparing the available options. My most recent frozen yogurt outing took me and a friend to a place called Menchie's. How can you not love a really fun, brightly colored yogurt scoop as the mascot? This concept is unique because they have lots of rotating flavors. They also have two different topping bars. One has healthy options like fruits and nuts and the other has less healthy, but just as yummy treats, like sprinkles and gummy bears. Plus, they have sauces like hot fudge and marshmallow, which are not available at the other places I have been to. One other really unique thing is that they have waffles bowls available. As a bonus they have waffle bowl Wednesday where you can get a free waffle bowl. What's not to love about that?! They have a great rewards program where you earn smiles which count towards coupons, making everything sweeter. Stop by Menchie's to beat the heat and customize your own frozen yogurt concoction.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Sipping and Dipping

I will be the first to admit that I am not a wine expert. I am new to the wine world and realize how much I don't know about wine. Most of the time I walk into the store and decide whether I want sweet or dry, and after that it's all about the labels. I know some might scoff at that way to make decisions, but I have discovered some great wines this way. My latest find was a cabernet sauvignon from Two Vines via World Market. This was a very light red that had a wonderfully fruity finish with very light tannins. I can honestly say that I very much enjoyed this wine, which is something that I don't believe I have ever said before. Even if you don't like red wines, I highly recommend giving this wine a try. You never know, you may be very pleasantly surprised like I was. Besides, it was around $10 so there is no reason not to try it!

The other great thing about trying this wine was that I got to break out these yummy new crackers I received. Rosemary and raisin crackers from Trader Joe's. They sound like an odd combination and I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be a really wonderful symphony of flavors. The earthy spice of the rosemary and the sweetness of the raisins took the crackers from ordinary to extraordinary. I didn't have any, but some herbed cheese might pair well with the crackers when you are entertaining. This isn't your run of the mill cracker. They have life, flavor and are sure to be a hit.

Let me know what wine gems you have found and what makes them so unique. Also, if you have any great suggestions of what to serve with your wine or any fun snacks you have tried, please let me know!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Requests, Reviews, Writers


I love to hear from my readers, so here's your opportunity to tell me what you want to know about. Whether you are looking for recipes, ideas on what to do or see, or help in the kitchen, I am all ears. I would love to give you new ideas or suggestions and maybe you might learn a thing or two from the other readers. You never know when you will find out about a cool website, like One Kings Lane or the best dishes to try at Benjy's. Plus, I am looking for guest bloggers, so pitch me your best ideas and you might get the opportunity to write your own post for BLT. I am here to offer my assistance, so ask away!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Mai Tai Margarita

Yesterday I got the opportunity to visit one of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants, Chuy's. I am a big fan of margaritas and was really excited that they had a new one for summer. A Mai Tai margarita, which basically means a pineapple margarita. I wanted to try it because I don't believe I have ever had a Mai Tai, so this was my chance to have an old favorite as well. I was super excited when I saw the bright yellow paper umbrella because most places don't use those anymore. They are so fun and festive, how could I not get excited when I saw it?! It was a really pretty pale pink color and it was topped with a cherry. I was pleasantly surprised after tasting it that it was not overly sweet and there was just a hint of pineapple. Pineapple is something that I really need to be in the mood for because sometimes it can be overwhelming. This is the perfect summer twist on a classic, so make sure you stop by and toast to the first day of summer!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Benjy's Brunch

Brunch is a combination of sweet and savory, where I struggle to decide which direction I want to go. So for this brunch outing, I decided to try somewhere new. Benjy's, a modern American restaurant, focuses on local ingredients with a seasonal menu. It's quaint little place with white leather 50s style chairs that make you feel right at home. Though, I do have to admit that it was pretty crowded and slightly hard to get around because it was so full. However, the super delicious muffin sampler served with apple butter was a pleasant surprise.

Even though I have this weird relationship with tomatoes, I decided to order the mozzarella, basil, and tomato omelet. This omelet was served a bit differently than how I usually get them and I think I actually prefer it. The egg was made into a tortilla and then the filling was wrapped inside. The best part is that there was no shortage of deliciousness, with red and yellow tomatoes tucked inside. It was topped with pesto, so the combination was fresh and light with a hint of saltiness from the mozzarella. It was served with fruit and oven roasted potatoes. The potatoes had a crunchy outside and soft inside, which made them delicious and some of the best brunch potatoes I have had. 


One of the dishes that Benjy's is known for is their nut crusted french toast. I would have never put those two things together, but the crunch from the nuts added a great textural element. It had a berry drizzle and was topped with fresh summer berries. It wasn't an extremely sweet dish, which was surprising because sometimes french toast can be overly sweet. It was served with homemade chicken sausage. The sausage was touched with cumin, creating a very unique flavor profile. I can say that I have not had anything like it and it was definitely a winner. Overall, brunch was a success and I will definitely be returning to check out their lunch and dinner menu. Plus, I hear they have a to die for chocolate cake, so I will be trying that.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Brownie Challenge

Ready to bake
Over my few years, I have found that finding the perfect thank you gift can be very challenging. However, I don't think that I have ever had someone turn down any sort of food item. I was in need of a thank you gift recently and immediately thought that I would do a baked good. In this case, there was an extra challenge because I couldn't use dairy products. Well, most dessert items have some kind of dairy in it, so nothing came to mind immediately. What I did think about though, were some unique chocolate chips I had seen at the grocery store. They happen to be dairy, soy, and nut free. Just what I needed, but what about the other ingredients?


A quick internet search didn't really turn up much in the way of dessert ideas. There were plenty of main dishes and sides to browse. Then I stumbled on this recipe on Food.com for brownies. Now how do you make brownies with no dairy? Substitute in applesauce and these chocolate chips and you are good to go. They are very easy to make. Wet ingredients, dry ingredients, make a well and mix the two together, fold in chocolate chips, and bake. I sprinkled some extra chocolate chips on top for decoration and because you can never eat enough chocolate.

Hot and fresh from the oven



Though I wasn't able to try them, they seemed to be moist and full of chocolate goodness, with the smell of chocolate lingering and tempting me to try a sample. However, I managed to resist and they brownies made it in one piece to my friend. Even though, I don't have specific dietary requirements, I believe that I will make them again to try them for myself. These brownies taught me not to be afraid of dietary requirements and that healthier options can be achieved just as well. Let me know if you have any great recipes to for specific diets or if you are looking for suggestions! I love a challenge and am sure we can find you something delicious!


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day!


Happy Father's Day! Make sure you take a moment to thank your father for all the times he fixed your car, mended your broken toy, or helped you with your homework. I am grateful for his continued support and willingness to my fix it guy. Thank you for all you have done for me Dad! So fire up the grill, grab your sports equipment, and enjoy this special time with your family. I hope you and your fathers have a wonderful day!

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Caprese Pasta


I am really weird about tomatoes. I don't like them plain or uncooked, and if they are they must be finely diced and they can only be on salads. I am not one of the people that can eat them like an apple. However, I will eat sun dried tomatoes or eat them when they are in a sauce. I love fresh mozzarella and basil has this fantastic fresh flavor that I can't get enough of. Sounds like I would be the perfect candidate for loving caprese salads, right? Sadly, no because of the large slices of tomato that are the main ingredient. Well in my adventures on Pinterest, I found this delicious sounding caprese pasta recipe. I love pasta, so I decided to give it a try.

No only is it a super recipe that you can almost just throw together, but it is light and has lots of fresh flavors going on. The recipe is from How Sweet It Is, so you can find the whole recipe on my Pinterest board. While you are cooking the pasta, you mix up the sauce, toss in the pasta and bake. What's even more fantastic is that there is not much preparation involved. For me, it was just cubing the mozzarella and slicing the basil. The recipe calls for a jar of pasta sauce and halved grape tomatoes. Since I have a weird relationship with tomatoes, I decided to use Italian style diced tomatoes and no pasta sauce. I don't really like a lot of sauce, so I was afraid that it would be overwhelming. I also opted to not top with mozzarella slices before baking to cut down on calories. I sprinkled some extra parmesan on instead.

Overall, this was a fantastic recipe that I will definitely make again. However, I do think that the pasta sauce is necessary to keep the pasta from drying out or being really bland. I just added some extra salt and pepper to mine. What's also really great is that you can substitute other types of cheese and fresh herbs. Put this caprese pasta at the top of your list to try the next time you are looking for a super simple, but impressive dinner.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Who needs the dentist?

I am a fan of at home beauty treatments because you can personalize them, they are fun to do, and easy on the wallet. One of the things that I am always looking at is teeth whitening options. There are mouthwashes, toothpastes, strips, and trays. It seems like every time I walk down the aisle, I am a little bit overwhelmed and at a loss for how to pick. I have tried my fair share of the products, but I have only really found one "at home remedy" that works. You know what the best part is?! It's not even on the aisle. It is at home in your pantry. I was browsing Pinterest and found this fantastic suggestion for whitening your teeth from The Budget Diet.

Mix together a small amount of toothpaste, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a 1/2 teaspoon of water. Brush with it for 2 minutes. Use once a week until you find your ideal shade of white and use once a month after that for upkeep. I can personally say that I tried it and it actually works! I know it sounds weird and it doesn't exactly taste super minty, but it's totally worth it. Let me know if you have any other home beauty treatments you love because I am always open to suggestions.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Mango Tango

You may think that this is a regular mango, however, you would be surprised to find that it is actually an ataulfo mango. It is indigenous to Mexico and somewhat similar to a regular mango, but much smaller. They have the same inedible core with juicy yellow flesh, but it is definitely not super sweet. It is a bit on the acidic side actually, which is interesting. As you chew, it tastes like a mango, but the usual sweet aftertaste was not there. The thing I did like about this mango was that the flesh was not as stringy, so it didn't get stuck in my teeth. When I enjoyed my mango this morning, I also had raspberries and blackberries which helped to add sweetness and balance the acidity. Overall, it is a unique fruit that everyone should try. Take a chance and tango with a new mango!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Skinny Summer Sweets




As per the request of one of my readers, I have tried to come up with some options of summer sweets that won't stretch the waistline. Believe it or not, it is harder than it sounds because let's just face it, sweets are not nutritional. They have lots of sugar and fat... which is why they are usually so delicious. However, one of my favorites is frozen grapes, which is more awesome than it might sound. They get slushy on the inside so that when you bite into them they are icy in the inside. As you are eating them they begin to melt and it makes them even better, making them a perfect substitute for ice cream or popsicles.

Another thing that I found to be very "in" right now is one ingredient ice cream. One of the most popular ones is made from bananas. Literally, all you do is freeze bananas slices and then put them in the food processor (which does all the work for you). Keep scrapping down the sides until you get the creamy texture of ice cream. The best part is is that you can add in whatever toppings you want, like nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.

Another one of my favorites is plain Greek yogurt topped with a little bit of honey and tossed with fresh berries. I wasn't initially a fan of Greek yogurt, but it has definitely grown on me. The consistency is not as runny and it doesn't taste as artificial as some regular yogurt does. The honey adds sweetness and keeps the sugar in check. Summertime is my favorite fruit season, so I stock up on berries and snack on those instead.

Hopefully, this gave you some cool ideas of super healthy summer sweets. I am always open to suggestions, so be sure to comment with your favorite treats!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Tea Time

There is nothing better than the fresh smell of brewing coffee in the morning. It is an immediate wake up call and to me signifies one of life's simple pleasures. However, every once in a while a change of pace is good, so I switch over to tea. My favorite is Stash Premium Tea, but Celestial Seasonings is also a great alternative. They even have some tea bags with the sugar already in it. The pomegranate raspberry green tea has a delicious fruit flavor, but the green tea helps to put a hop in your step. The best thing about this tea is that the fruit adds a natural sweetness and doesn't require any extra sugar. Please don't think it's as sweet as the good old Southern favorite, sweet tea. If that's what you want, then you will definitely need to add extra sugar. However, the pomegranate and the raspberry really tame the bitter taste that tea can sometimes have. Stash Premium Tea also has a fantastic breakfast blend that I discovered while vacationing in Vancouver. I'm sure the honey and milk made it ten times better, but by itself the tea is a great. It is a lighter tea that makes mornings very enjoyable. So put your water on the stove and pour yourself a nice steaming cup of a different version of morning joe.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Kitchen Helper

For graduation, I was lucky enough to receive a set of All-Clad stainless steel copper core pots and pans. If you don't know anything about pans, this is one of the best brands out there and I will basically have these pots and pans for the rest of my life. I do have to warn you though, that they are extremely heavy when they are empty which is a downside. Oh well, I just view it as upper body exercise when I am lifting them. I used one of the pans and found that after washing them there was a residue left on the bottom. After scrubbing and scrubbing, I was getting frustrated that it wouldn't go away. The instruction booklet also advised against soaking the pan in water, so I didn't know what to do.

Enter Bar Keepers Friend. Recommended by the All Clad company, this product immediately took the residue off the pan and had it looking brand new again! This cleanser works to remove the stains, but won't comprise the integrity of the product. This is used by industry professionals and I give it my stamp of approval as well. It is a "must have" product for keeping your kitchen clean. And as a bonus, it can also be used in the bathroom and garage, so it is somewhat of a household wonder in my opinion. Since these pots and pans will be with me for a while, why can't they always look brand new?! So be sure to use this next time you are struggling with messy pans.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Sauce on the Side

Everyone loves some good ole barbeque, especially in the South. However, there is always the sauce debate. Whether it's sweet, ketchup based, vinegar base, or the consistency is thick or thin, each area has it's own unique version. What you usually find in Houston is the smokier flavor that the meat is not only marinated in, but then also dipped in while eating. I am weird because I am not really a sauce person while eating barbeque. I don't like the meat drenched in sauce, but I do appreciate the meat that's marinated in the sauce. I found an interesting sauce recipe on Pinterest via The Black Peppercorn.

I have never made a barbeque sauce before and figured this would be the perfect time to try one. Father's Day is right around the corner and it seems like every weekend has the perfect weather for an outdoor gathering. This sauce is on the sweeter side and had a thicker consistency. I made a few modifications to the original recipe based on what ingredients I had. I had some difficulty with getting a super smooth texture, but it could be because my onions were diced not minced. You can definitely taste the sweetness of the brown sugar and it has a hint of of smoke at the end. Note*: I doubled the recipe and got about 42 ounces worth of sauce or about 3 of the containers pictured.

I haven't had a chance to try it on some meat yet, but I know it will be great. It will also be a great accompaniment to the dry spice rub I just made! What more could the father in your life ask for? Now you have all the essentials to create a perfect piece of barbequed meat. Try it out and let me know what you think! 

BBQ Sauce Recipe:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 onions, minced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 cup beer (I used Miller Lite)
  • 1/2 cup vinegar (I used rice wine vinegar)
  • 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne (I used chili powder)
  • 1 cup (8oz can)tomato paste

Directions
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the onion, and garlic to the saucepan and saute until they are tender and beginning to caramelize, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the molasses, beer, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper and cayenne . Bring to a boil. Let it cook with a low rolling boil for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so that nothing sticks to the bottom of the saucepan.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
  4. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
  5. Puree in a blender until smooth.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Homemade Spice Rub

Fire up the grill because there is a new spice rub that you need to try out and it's summertime, so it's a great excuse to have a barbeque. I found the original recipe on Pinterest from The Yummy Life, but modified it with the spices I had on hand. The great thing about this recipe is that it can be customized to your taste and it is super simple to put together (if you don't make the mistakes I did). It's sweet and spicy and great with all kinds of meat prepared in whatever way you wish. Chicken, beef, grilled, or slow cooked this rub has you covered. Now, you don't have to worry about marinating or advance preparation. Just grab, sprinkle, and cook.

Here is my modified 9 spice dry rub recipe:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup salt
1/2 cup paprika
4 teaspoons onion powder
4 tablespoons chili powder
4 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons dried rubbed sage
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger


Directions:

Dry the brown sugar for an hour or two so that it doesn't clump when you mix the ingredients together.


Sift all the ingredients together and then whisk. Store in an air tight container.

*Note: Do not try to sift the brown sugar. It clogs it up and won't work very well. After having to pour the spice mix into another bowl and resift it and then use a colander, I got a consistency that looked unclumpy. I am fairly certain that if you leave out the brown sugar, the sifting would be a piece of cake. The other option is to use a food processor, however, I don't have one.

So feel free to use this as a starting point to create your own spice rub. They are much better then store bought ones and you can make them to your liking. Come back and let me know what you used in your rub and how it turned out!


Friday, June 8, 2012

The Lone Star

After hearing that a friend was moving to Oklahoma, I was trying to decide on the perfect going away gift. I knew I wanted to do something Texas related since he's a big fan of the state. Browsing the internet, I saw some wall art and decided that I would attempt to make my own piece for him. I was thinking about painting the Texas Flag as the background and then doing an outline of the state on top. Well after trying that, it didn't exactly work out like I had planned. I added the phrase 'The Lone Star State' at the bottom, but it still wasn't what I had in mind.

So now what? I spent a long time looking at the painted canvas hoping for some inspiration, but nothing came. It was time to solicit some advice. After adding the suggested brads to the star, it started to look better but it still looked incomplete. I began to think about the signs that I had been trying to recreate and remembered that most of them had some kind of fabric tied to the hanger. I was afraid of looking it too girly, so instead of using ribbon I opted for a red bandana. What could be more representative of Texas than that?!

So here's the final product. Though it's hard to see in the picture, it still says 'The Lone Star State'. I think it turned out pretty well and came a long way from where I started. I found that I have a somewhat frustrating relationship with artwork. I think I have a clear idea of how I want something to look, but due to my limited drawing skills, it doesn't always go according to plan. But as I was reminded, it's art and you can never go wrong because there isn't a right or wrong way. So next time you find yourself discouraged about a craft project, just remember it's totally up to you, so you can't go wrong.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream... For Ice Cream!




After a hard day at work and the intense Houston heat, the best way to escape is with a scoop of cool and decadent ice cream... especially chocolate since it is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day! I am probably some kind of anomaly in that I really don't like plain chocolate ice cream. However, if you throw in some caramel, nuts, or strawberries then count me in. Usually, I will end up picking a vanilla based ice cream, but on occasion I will have the urge for chocolate. So do I choose? Simple, Rocky Road. The combination is everything you want with crunchy, salty nuts and smooth ribbons of marshmallow running through the ice cream. Sometimes as a bonus there will be extra chocolate chunks thrown in. My favorite is the Haagen Dazs version because it isn't overly sweet and there is a good ratio between the ice cream and add ins. I have had my fair share of ice cream where you can't even tell that it's not just plain chocolate ice cream and that's just a let down. I would have to say that in the overall ice cream category, Haagen Dazs and the crazy flavors of Ben & Jerry's are usually the only ones I eat. Some might call me an ice cream snob, but if I am going to eat the calories, then I want it to be totally worth it!

Comment with you favorite chocolate flavor or other favorite ice cream flavor or brand. I am always up for trying new flavors because you never know what you'll get. 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Tidbits about Technology

Today I learned how behind I am in the world of gaming and television technology. I got a Wii about two years ago and had a television where all you did was plug in the colored cords to the corresponding colored plug. Red to red, yellow to yellow, and white to white. Pretty simple right? Well apparently not if you upgrade to a television with HDMI. After buying an HDMI cable and finding that it didn't fit, I was told that you actually need an HDMI component cord for the Wii. A far cry from the HDMI cable and adapter that no one uses. And it's a little more complicated because there are now four colors: red, white, green, and blue to work with. So to save all the Wii users out there some money and time, make sure that you buy this kind of cord. If you have any other tidbits of technology advice, feel free to post them so that maybe I don't fall so behind again.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Satisfying Sweets

I love sweet things, however, my waistline does not especially since it's summer. So, I have taken on this challenge and am always on the quest to see if there is anything out there that will truly satisfy my sweet tooth without all the calories. While walking in the grocery store, I found these yummies. The best part about them is that they are only 120 calories and taste like real chocolate! These are clusters of crispy rice pieces covered in milk or dark chocolate. They come in individual packets and contain enough little clusters to actually feel like I am eating a legit dessert. You can choose from a variety of crisps or frozen ice cream treats as well. Though I haven't tried those yet, they are definitely on my list. Now I can eat something real, not feel super guilty about eating them and my waistline will thank me. If you have any other go to semi-healthy sweets, feel free to let me know!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Happy Cheese Day!


Happy National Cheese Day! In case you didn't know today is cheese day, so fortunately it's actually not just another Monday. I am a huge fan of most cheeses (minus Swiss and any cheese with mold purposefully put into it, not really my thing). I love that it is so versatile and can immediately add a hint of saltiness to any dish. The fact that it is a healthy snack and seems to be the perfect "go to" when you are having people over is also a plus. For me more importantly, it is an essential ingredient in one of my childhood favorites. The grilled cheese. But then again I have honestly not met someone who doesn't like grilled cheese, so it seems to be a hit with everyone. So tonight make sure that you eat some cheese in honor of cheese day and in celebration of this not being just another Monday!

*Bonus fact: It is also national frozen yogurt, cognac, and applesauce cake day, so you can feel free to celebrate those as well!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Preparing and Packing for a Picnic

When one of my reader's suggested that I check out One Kings Lane, I had no idea what I was in for. She had suggested it as an alternative for kitchen gadgets, but it is so much more. It is basically a private online home accessory and decor website that does different sales everyday. All you do is sign up with an email and then you get emails every day about the different sale items. There is everything from stationary to candles to books and chairs. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the items really are discounted, making things super reasonable.

Insulated Picnic Basket, RedAfter browsing through things, I found something that I have been subconsciously wanting for a while. Every now and then it will pop back into my head and I again contemplate purchasing it. What is it you may ask? Well, it's a picnic basket. There is something utterly romantic and old fashioned about packing up some food and wine and enjoying the scenery. Even though the Houston summers are brutal, there is plenty of sunshine year round to make the purchase worth while for me. There are also a lot of outdoor performances and concerts that I have been wanting to go to, so this would come in handy. I found some really cute totes and baskets on the website. Some of the baskets even come with plates, napkins, glasses, and flatware that are all dishwasher safe. What more could you ask for?! They are all insulated and come in a variety of colors and patterns, and also in wicker. 

6 Bottle Collapsible Cooler, Green
If you are looking for a great Father's Day present, they even have bottle holders, blankets, pop up tables and chairs, and a portable grill! Honestly, they seem to have everything that you would possibly need for a picnic, except the food and wine. But who wouldn't want to pick those things out? This has become one of my favorite websites to browse and if you haven't checked it out, then you definitely should!