Cup of Good Cheer

I've been meaning to pick up some rum to spike my holiday eggnog, but these cocktails ( found all around the web) have me second guessing whether that's the best way to go. Festive in both name and presentation, they're great options for your imminent Christmas gathering. And if you aren't planning on putting your hostess hat on this time around, sip on one during a leisurely night-in with the flannel pajamas you got last year under the tree. You know the ones.

*Candy Cane Cooler*

*Italian Eggnog Martini*

*Apple Snowball*

*Peppermint Patty*

(see links for recipe and source)

Eat Up: Pumpkin Brownies

You know you've found a yummy dessert when you can't stop yourself from licking the remaining batter from the mixing bowls. Yes, I'm guilty as charged. These pumpkin brownies (recipe here) have been my go-to treat for the past couple nights, along with an ice cold glass of milk. While you can't go wrong with a traditional brownie, this recipe has the added perk of pumpkin puree with a little kick from spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Fall has officially found it's brownie, and I've found another guilty pleasure to add to the mix.

Indoor S'mores

As my boyfriend plans an upcoming camping trip with his brother, the only thing that sounds appealing is the thought of making s'mores by a campfire. Lucky for me, my fondue pot serves as a more appealing option considering it means no bug spray, summer humidity and the whole sleeping in a tent thing. In addition to graham cracker and marshmallow dippers, crisp "pink lady" and "golden delicious" apple slices and whole strawberries were dunked into my blend of marshmallow fluff and chocolate sauce. My mind kept thinking of other items to dip, and I'm sure just about anything would taste great dipped into that mix.

Ole, Ole!

There are a few certain recipes that I always remember being prepared in my grandparent's kitchen, and ceviche was one of those dishes. Most kids would put their nose up to any fish dish, especially one prepared in such a way as ceviche, but I was never a picky eater. In fact, there are certain stories that involve me scarfing down oysters on the half shell as if they were chicken nuggets. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, I put together this recipe last night (with the addition of shrimp). All the components have been marinating and cooking in the fridge, and I can't wait to devour and enjoy after my work day.

Eat Up: Mango Parfait

Fruit Loops seemed unappealing yesterday morning for breakfast, so I turned to this recipe as an alternative to the sugary O's. The presentation may look fancy, but the steps are as simple as you can get. Parfait combinations are endless, and I keep drumming up more versions for later in the week. I've even got my sights set on a dessert adaptation with Oreos+whipped cream or maybe peanut butter cups+marshmallow fluff. It all evens itself out when you have a healthy and classic strawberry+granola .

toasted coconut sprinkled over cut mango cubes

plain yogurt mixed with pure maple syrup

layer until complete

You Are What You Eat

This past week, I finally got around to watching Food Inc., and it gave me a wake-up call and boost to start paying more attention to the things I'm eating. While incorporating more organic foods, my time in the kitchen has skyrocketed and the minutes spent in the drive thru have become pretty obsolete (subtract that one trip to In-N-Out). Kitchen accessories like these, will no doubt, bring a traditional twist to my time in front of the stove. Betty Crocker, watch out.

All items from Anthropologie:
Silverware Dishtowel in Fork and Spoon
Stackable Blooms Measuring Cups
Cupcake Apron, Recipe Book
Mugs in Spearmint & Cabbage

'Tis the Season

Yesterday something happened that hasn't occurred in quite a while. For the first time in months, my car turned into a sauna and I had to turn on the AC. While soon the apartment will take on the same routine, I choose to focus on the good things that spring brings, instead of the power bill that will be calling my name. Here are the seasonal fruits and vegetables that will be on my farmer's market shopping list and will have my taste-buds wanting more.

avocados in ceviche
or homemade guacamole
(image via flickr)


sliced pineapple put on the grill
or in tarts and cakes
(image via flickr)


strawberry and mango in smoothies
or over froyo
(image via flickr)


artichoke hearts in salads
or simply roasted with olive oil and lemon
(image via flickr)

Playing With Your Food

I was always the kid that bought lunch at school. There was something far more alluring about pizza or chicken fingers, as opposed to a pb&j that had been sitting in a lunchbox for half a day. If only Mom had the bento box creative genes like this lady. Lunchtime would have stepped up a notch for sure and made me the talk of the 4th grade cafeteria.

images via here

This Little Piggy

Yesterday was spent reminiscing on the previous night's festivities, which included my first AMF and a bunch of dancing that would later equal out all the lazy Sunday munching. Oh, silly justification.

After a good old fashioned pig out session at Mr. Cecil's Ribs, the rest of the day flew by watching the Goonies for the first time (shocking I know) and rooting for my favorite team (Jeff & Jordan) on The Amazing Race.

pork chopped salad & buffalo wings

food coma setting in...

Like Mom Used To Make

There's nothing like a homemade chicken soup to aid a cold, and that's exactly what I needed with all my sniffling and sneezing these past few days. Without the luxury of a Mom at home, I had to venture out on my own with this one. This particular recipe is Caldo de Pollo, a Mexican style chicken soup with an assortment of veggies, chicken, cilantro and a spritz of lime. It's hearty, delicious, and simple to make, even while on cold medicine.

I used a mix of a family recipe and this one for the specific cooking instructions.

*Start off by bringing your chicken to a boil. I used 6 drumsticks. Make sure there is enough water to cover the chicken. Add more, if needed, to keep it covered.
*Add a quartered onion and a couple pieces of garlic to the water.
*When chicken is cooked, remove onion and garlic.
*Add all chopped veggies. Carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and corn. Add any that you love. Cabbage is traditionally used, but I left it out of mine.
* Add 1/4 cup of rice.
* Add Knorr Caldo de Pollo seasoning & salt to taste.
*Bring to boil then simmer for 15 minutes (or until veggies are cooked).
* Add cilantro in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* Squeeze some lime on top.
* Eat and enjoy!

In other news, congratulations nfmgirl! You are the winner of my first giveaway! I'll be emailing you to get your address so we can get the item out to you a.s.a.p! Last but not least, special thanks to AllModern.com.

Can't Have One Without the Other

Last night's after work festivities consisted of a mango margarita accompanied with some chips, salsa and good company. It got me thinking what other combinations can compete in a list where margaritas, alongside chips and salsa, rank pretty high on my list of favorites. Here's what my food loving self came up with.

Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwiches

(image via webecoist)

Rootbeer Float

(image via bigY)

Popcorn & Peanut m&m's

(image via awynhaus)

I think any 10 year old would agree with my list. Lucky for me, I can choose to have these any time I want without a begrudging reply from an elder. Oh, the joys of being an adult. What food combos do you adore?

Tutti Frutti Smoothie

The summer season may be coming to a close, but it sure doesn't feel like it. The heat and sun still exhaust me after 5 minutes lounging by the pool, so I decided to make a smoothie from the comfort of my air conditioned apartment instead of making a run to Jamba Juice. Lucky for me I had the basic necessities to quench my thirst in less than 5 minutes.

3/4 cup lemonade
1 1/2 cups of strawberries
1 sliced banana
2 cups of ice
splash of milk (substitute for yogurt)

Play with what you have in your fridge or pantry. You really cant go wrong. Canned fruit, peanut butter, pudding packets, granola, milk, yogurt...there's so many options and so easy!

On A Pie High

The other night while lounging around in my pajamas I blurted out, "I could go for some pie." To my delight I got a "me too!" followed by a light bulb going off in the head expression. Ten minutes later I was dressed and we were headed over the hill to House of Pies.

Ten minutes after getting my strawberry slice and his French apple, this is what our plates looked like.

If only our empty plates could do the pies justice. :) Here's to hoping all of you satisfy your cravings this weekend. Meet you back here on Monday!

Pizza Lovin'

I'm always on a mission to find a great pizza place, and I definitely found one in Lucifer's in Los Feliz. The best part about it is their inclusion of hot sauce on the pie. You choose the level of hotness and a pizza on the menu. We chose the Pepperoni Ultimo that includes pepperoni, red onion, green bell pepper, sliced pineapple, buffalo hot sauce and arugula.

Doesn't that make your mouth water?