Year: 2012


Aug
2012

Las Vegas 2012 Pt 1: The Hotels

categories: Reviews

So sorry for the long break!  Being in Las Vegas and then recuperating from the trip have taken some time.  Every year at the end of July, my husband gets sent to Vegas for training.  Since the hotel room is payed for, I like to tag along and relax while he is working hard (poor guy).  The food scene in Vegas is pretty stellar, so we always like to try some new places in addition to hitting up old favorites.

The first half of the week of training is located at Caesar’s Palace.  Sometimes we stay there, but this year we wanted to try out the brand new Cosmopolitan Hotel.  The photo is the amazing view from our balcony out over the Bellagio fountain show (which I totally love).  Yes, the Cosmo decided to be risky and is one of very few places in Vegas with balconies! (more…)


Jul
2012

4th of July

categories: Recipes

It’s a little late, I know.  But I did some cool things for the holiday that I thought would be worth sharing.

First up, burgers:

I thought that mixing shredded cheddar and diced bacon into the burgers themselves instead of using them as a topping would be pretty tasty, and I was right!  I also added in pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika (no salt b/c I figured the bacon would be enough).  I didn’t really measure, but you can get an idea for the proportions here.

Next up – jello shots!

I am kind of obsessed with jello shots right now.  Not the kind you made in college in the little cups that tasted like Everclear, but the fun, creative, tasty kinds found on Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.  These are solid enough to stand on their own in little cubes (or whatever shape you cut them into).  I haven’t gotten too fancy with cutouts and shapes yet, but I am getting pretty good at doing layers. (more…)


Jul
2012

Update

categories: Uncategorized

We are attempting to really fine tune our diet to be as healthy as possible while still being tasty.  Hopefully you will see that reflected here with use of whole grains and lean proteins among other changes.  I still want to bake from time to time, but maybe only for parties or something where other people eat most of the sugary stuff.

Restaurants, however, are free zones with no restrictions, which brings me to my next update – Las Vegas week is next week, so keep an eye out for a big post when we get back!


Jul
2012

Zucchini, Pea, Mint, and Feta Tart

categories: Recipes

I am so excited about zucchini season it isn’t even funny.  I have literally been dreaming about zucchini!  The very first thing that I wanted to make was this gorgeous vegetable tart.  Flaky, buttery puff pastry is topped with thinly shaved zucchini, bright peas, tangy feta, and fresh mint.  Yum, oh yum. (more…)


Jul
2012

Creamy Shrimp Rolls

categories: Recipes

It has gotten hot, hot, hot out here – plants and people alike are wilting in the heat.  On days like these where you can’t bear to be outside for more than 5 minutes, slaving over a stove is out of the question.  These shrimp rolls are the perfect thing for oppressively hot days: fast, easy, cool, and refreshing.

All you have to do is mix together cold, cooked shrimp with celery, scallions, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Put a piece of butter lettuce on a bun, top with the shrimp mixture, done!  Dinner in less than 10 minutes.

Creamy Shrimp Rolls
adapted from Real Simple
Makes 4 rolls

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
kosher salt and pepper
1 1/2 lbs cooked medium shrimp, cut in half crosswise
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cup sliced scallion greens
4 soft buns
1 small head butter lettuce, torn into pieces

In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Fold in the shrimp, celery, and scallions. Line the buns with the lettuce and fill with the shrimp mixture.


Jun
2012

Recipe Showdown: Chicken Crescent Rolls and Hashbrown Casserole

categories: Recipes

Cruising around on Pinterest I found two very similar recipes for crescent rolls stuffed with chicken, and another two for a casserole made with hashbrowns.  In each case, I couldn’t decide which recipe I preferred over the other; so I decided to settle it with a recipe showdown.  I would make one pair of recipes one week, and the other the next, in order to decide the winners. (Note that none of these recipes are particularly healthy…) (more…)


Jun
2012

Cannon Beach, OR

categories: Reviews

So sorry for the break – we have been on vacation in the gorgeous coastal town of Cannon Beach, Oregon where my husband grew up.

While we were there, we stayed at the Stephanie Inn and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a visit.  The rooms are fantastic (especially if you get one with a giant jacuzzi tub and a beach view), the staff are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and the amenities are stellar.  (more…)


Jun
2012

Strawberry Rhubarb Lattice Pie

categories: Recipes

Rhubarb season is one of my favorite times of year and what better way to celebrate it than with the ultimate classic: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.  Buttery, flaky crust is the perfect background for the tart early Summer fruit flavors, and strawberries cut the tartness of the rhubarb without overwhelming it.

A mixture of strawberries, rhubarb, cornstarch, orange juice, and orange zest is loaded into the bottom crust and dotted with butter. (more…)