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June 26, 2014

Carrots + Peanut Butter

Carrots & Peanut Butter // shutterbean 

When I first had carrots & peanut butter, I was hanging out at my friend Julia’s apartment in San Francisco. We had just finished class at art school and she was cooking us dinner. She’s the one that taught me about kale (THANK YOU, JULIA! I am forever grateful) and when I saw her dip a carrot in a jar of peanut butter, I was like WHAAAAAAAT just happened? I’d only known celery, apples and bananas to be sufficient mates to peanut butter. But, carrots?!  So, I tried it and really liked it and have been having it as a snack ever since.  If you don’t go the baby carrot route, you can easily dip a carrot straight into the jar… If you’re gonna double dip…then make sure no one is looking?  I hope you like the combo too (if you haven’t tried it!). The carrots add a nice sweetness and crunch to the peanut butter. I’ve been known to substitute PB with sunflower seed butter. Just as good!

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June 25, 2014

Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Popsicles

Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Popsicles // shutterbean

I have this trait that’s both positive and negative… it’s this thing where I really want to prove someone wrong. It’s kind of like when someone calls Marty McFly a chicken; he can’t help but retaliate. This trait gets triggered the most when I’m parenting because I have a child who can be quite stubborn at times. His stubbornness comes out a lot when we’re eating. One week he loves broccoli. The next? DON’T EVEN SAY THE WORD (don’t do it!!). Raspberry jam is his favorite jam but will he eat a regular raspberry?? No, sir. Imagine me putting a raspberry on top each of my fingers showing him how fun it is. I did that and he was still not convinced.

Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Popsicles // shutterbean

This is when my brain locks into MUST PROVE HIM WRONG mode.

Oh yeah? You don’t like raspberries? How about I pack almost two containers of fresh raspberries into some popsicles (his favorite treat) and swirl in some leftover lemon curd for good measure? Let’s see how that goes.

It went something like this.

Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Popsicles // shutterbean

Him: MOM! These are NOT RASPBERRIES. Why did you say they are when they’re not?!

Me:  They are raspberries. 

Him: NO THEY ARE NOT because I LIKE THEM. Can I have a popsicle for breakfast tomorrow?

We pick our battles, folks.

CONTINUE READING

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June 23, 2014

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake // shutterbean

Want the recipe for the easiest ice cream dessert EVER? You’re gonna laugh when you see how easy it is. You ready?? Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake!

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake // shutterbean

Take two different ice creams. Set them on the counter for a bit so they get melty. Take a bunch of Oreos and smash them.

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake // shutterbean

Layer the ice creams in between a thick layer of the smashed cookies and FREEZE. This all happens in a loaf pan. The result is a super tasty showstopper that you can take a ridiculous amount of credit for…and no one will comprehend that something so pretty could be that easy. Kudos to you! You just won battle DESSERT.

CONTINUE READING

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June 22, 2014

My Favorite Summer Drinks Recipes

SHUTTERBEAN FAVORITE SUMMER DRINK RECIPES

Don’t you love a good SUMMERY DRINK? I searched my archives for you and put together a compilation of my favorites.

THE PAINKILLER COCKTAIL

The name says it all…..

BOMBAY FIZZ COCKTAIL

Lime….gin… fizz… What could go wrong?

MINT ICED TEA

We live off this drink in the Summer!

SPICY LEMONADE

Add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your lemonade!  Pairs well with tequila!

TARRAGON LIME GREEN TEA

Green tea gets FANCY!

STRAWBERRY GINGER PUNCH

They go down easy…which is something I appreciate in a good drink.

PINEAPPLE GIN PUNCH

Pineapple and gin is one of my favorite combos!
French Quarter Cocktails // shutterbean

FRENCH QUARTER COCKTAILS

Transport me to Nola STAT with these babies.

today's drink

STRAWBERRY LEMON BASIL SODA

Taste like a cocktail but there’s not booze in there! Gotta love the basil.

TOMATO-PARSLEY BLOODY MARYS

Some days call for Blood Marys…on a porch…before noon. You know what I’m sayin’?!

LEMON & MINT JULEP

Perfect for when you have an abundance of Mint in your garden! It grows like weeds!

CILANTRO LIMEADE

Can you say REFRESHING?!! Perfect drink for all you cilantro fans.

strawberry infused vodka

STRAWBERRY INFUSED VODKA

What do you do with excess strawberries? Make a vodka infusion with them!

ORANGE CREAM FLOATS

Cooper is quite a fan of these. I don’t blame him. ICE CREAM.

HONEY BANANA SMOOTHIE

A perfect light summer breakfast.

Avocado Superfood Smoothie // shutterbean

AVOCADO SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

When you realize you bought waaaaaaaaay too many berries & avocados, turn them into a smoothie!

cheers

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June 21, 2014

My Everyday Life: Week 25

Here’s what this past week looked like:

My baby graduated from preschool!

My Everyday Life: Week 25

CONTINUE READING

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June 20, 2014

I love lists, Friday!

I LOVE LISTS, FRIDAY!

  1. Crimes against design...I always love these.
  2. Who doesn’t love a good life hack?
  3. The perfect way to slice a cake...Am I the only one who thinks a rubber band around a cake is weird?
  4. Orange is the New Black characters that have been on  Law & Order. Holy crap!
  5. What to bring to vacation rental kitchen this summer.
  6. Aida!! You had me at chipotle!
  7. This Raspberry Polenta Cake looks scrumptious.
  8. 15 Lessons Learned from 20 Years at The French Laundry (love!!!)
  9. This video makes me want to go on vacation SO BAD.
  10. Maybe I don’t wanna go camping this summer….
  11. If I get some free time, I’d love to make these sparkly plant pots.
  12. These babies are THE CUTEST. They’re lucky to have such a funny Mama.
  13. I want to eat the Most Ridiculous Breakfast Sandwich Ever. Who doesn’t??
  14. Loved seeing a Day in the Life of Jeni Britton of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.
  15. If you’re obsessed with David Sedaris like me, you’ll love this interview & this video!
  16. You should check out St. George Spirits! I went there with Honestly Yum last month.
  17. I am too immature to watch this commercial.
  18. What a fun/informative interview with Jen Gotch.  I love ban.do.
  19. Some really good Ikea hacks. I love seeing what people come up with.
  20. I mishear lyrics ALL the time. These are hysterical.

butwait2

What in Your Fridge?! Food Blogger Edition! You can see mine here.

On the latest Joy the Baker Podcast, we talk about BLOGGING and the word WHEELHOUSE. We answer all of your questions about the subject and we figure out what Orange Is the New Black character I am…  Check out episode #22 here. ENJOY!

mybites 

Neelu’s Journal made my Spiced Orange Popovers

 

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June 19, 2014

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bites

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bites // shutterbean

When I posted the Avocado Sushi Bites, I got a couple of suggestions to add smoked salmon to the mix. WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA! So, here it is! We double up on roasted seaweed sheets, add a slice or two of smoked salmon on top with a little bit of green onions and sriracha. Next time  I make myself this delicious snack, I’m going to put avocado on top (I was out!!). These would be fantastic appetizers at your next party or a little afternoon pick-me-up to tide you over til dinner.