March 12, 2014

French Quarter Cocktails

I’ve been thinking about Louisiana A LOT lately. With my True Detective obsession and my best friend moving to New Orleans it’s activated my wanderlust for a trip to the South. I flew all the way out to Louisiana in October to see how Tabasco is made on Avery Island but never made my way into New Orleans. How rude is that? Can you believe I’ve never had a beignet at Cafe du Monde??!

Time to change that.

I hope to make it to NOLA before the Fall, but for now I’m going to welcome my maj in her new home with a cocktail made all the way over here in her home state of California. I was cleaning out a stack of papers in my office last week and a little recipe card from Martha Stewart Living March 2004 for this drink popped out. It’s like Martha KNOWS and Martha wants us to get our buzz on.

With the two hour time difference, Joy can get started on Happy Hour a little sooner than I can. Perhaps we can share a skype cocktail session and drink these French Quarter Cocktails while she’s living in the French Quarter? {META} They taste like a sunny/tropical vacation in a glass. What will they taste like when you’re a full time resident of the French Quarter? Water?

recipes

March 10, 2014

Sausage & Kale Stuffed Shells

Monday. Let’s do this. We will probably be eating these stuffed shells for dinner tonight since I had bright idea to freeze half of the batch and tuck them into our freezer last week. Three cheers for thinking ahead! I love when I do that. God knows I didn’t have energy to do any meal prep yesterday because I was too busy watching the SEASON FINALE of True Detective.

Stuffed shells always seem like a real treat, don’t they? My grandma made them for us on special occasions. We left our plates clean! I really wish I could get Cooper to try them so he could have the same childhood experience, but I’ll just continue making large batches and freezing half for Casey and I. We’re big fans and my coworkers sure enjoyed the leftovers.

Stuffed shells are for those who like lasagna but don’t want to commit having to cut gooey/messy squares and while fighting for edge pieces. Shells are scoopable! One? Two? Four? Easy. I’m not sure why we didn’t have these more when I was a kid. They honestly don’t take that long to make. Once you have a rhythm going it’s smooth sailing. These shells in particular are fortified with sausage & kale. You can easily omit the sausage if you desire. The kale tastes just like spinach and nicely mixes with the cheesy ricotta filling. I think you’ll like it. I think you’ll like the stash you put in your freezer for future Mondays even more.

my everyday life, Photography

March 8, 2014

My Everyday Life: Week 10

Here’e what this past week looked like:

I love blossom season.

March 7, 2014

I love lists, Friday!

I’m so glad Claire introduced Pipe Cleaner Crowns into my life last weekend!
This photo series is everything I love.
Umm. This APP is called SPRITZ. I’m so fascinated by the idea it.
You had me at BOURBON.
If you love all the Wes Anderson soundtracks like I do,you’ll like this.
10 Painfully Obvious Truths Everyone Forgets Too Soon. Oh dear. YES.
I respect this kitchen tweak SO MUCH.
This is my brain while meditating.
These DIY Peanut Butter Chips look so good.
Emily’s powder room is gorgeous. How beautiful is that wallpaper??!
I enjoyed reading this post about being Addicted to Criticism.
What You Learn In Your 40s. I love this so much.
Japanese man becomes a turkey by using a sweater. Umm. Terrifying.
I wish I could sniff this soap!
Can you imagine lugging mannequins over 10,000 miles?
Mars is in retrograde. Welllll THAT explains a lot.
Say Something….that song gives me the feels too, kid!

A Bushel & A Peck adapted my Vegan Banana Nut Waffles

Lemon Jelly Cake made my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ready to Salivate made my Addictive Brussels Sprouts Salad

Killer Bunnies, Inc. made my Pizza Waffles vegan!

Big Sis Little Dish adapted my Kale Salad with Coconut & Sesame Oil

Lizy Tish Knits made my Lemon Chicken

recipes

March 5, 2014

Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars

An energy bar that tastes like a chocolate chip cookie. A chocolate chip cookie that tastes like an energy bar. Which one would you choose?

I say an energy bar that tastes like a chocolate chip cookie!

I had a hard time naming these treats because they taste like cookie/cookie dough but they’re not baked, contain no butter, eggs and oil and they’re filled with health. Energy bars? Totally! They’re inspired by the chocolate chip cookie dough Larabar but even better because they’ve got some oats up in. There’s a little more bite to them and less dates.

They give you energy. I mean…a real cookie gives you energy but it’s fleeting energy. This is the read deal kinda energy. They’re also vegan! They are a great after-school treat or a 3PM where’s my chocolate I NEED CHOCOLATE treat. Also great for after dinner…I’m thinking it would be good to sandwich some ice cream between two squares. What do you think about that? I think yes.

recipes

March 3, 2014

Chocolate Cake with Strawberries & Cream

Last Monday, I drank enough water, took my vitamins, had myself a delicious/healthy breakfast, and made myself a healthy salad for lunch. Things were going well! When I got home and stood in front of the fridge trying to figure out what we’d eat for dinner the leftovers of this cake stared back at me. I accidentally put it on shelf that was at eye level and a little voice in my head said, “DON’T DO IT, TRACY!!!” But then I did. One sliver turned into a gigantic piece. I had cake for dinner while standing in the kitchen because MONDAY.

I made this cake for taco dinner night with my parents last weekend. It was so simple that I was able to take pictures of the process while entertaining and getting dinner ready. The ingredients are modest and the cake is actually vegan if you subtract the whipped cream!

It’s a cake that doesn’t smack you over the head with chocolate; it’s all about the whipped cream and strawberries! This cake is so good, fluffy, and airy that it makes you abandon your intentions of eating “healthy.” It might become a staple this Summer when we’re entertaining.