I have just spent the past four days in Tex-Mex food heaven. So it seemed only appropriate that I kick off my week back home with a fun south-of-the-border-inspired treat — Spiced Chocolate Popcorn!
Ok, I should backtrack.
I can make cupcakes galore. I can even rock a cheesecake. But pretty sure that age 30, I am just now learning how to bake a layer cake.
But look out, world. I am now a cake-baking fan. :)
Friends, I made you a rose cake!
And yes, those are real roses.
At my most recent book club, my friend Kerry served a delicious tomato basil bruschetta. And I have been craving all things caprese ever since. So this weekend, I gathered some fresh ingredients from the market and decided to create a new appetizer — Caprese Phyllo Cups!
These simple little phyllo cup appetizer could not be easier. All you need are five ingredients — any kind of tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and of course, my favorite little phyllo cups (or you can make baked cups with wonton wrappers). And less than ten minutes later, you can have an entire batch ready to serve and enjoy. So quick and easy. And so fresh and delicious!
This has been the week of Gatsby!
Last Saturday, my delightful book club spent an entire evening talking all things Gatsby and Fitzgerald (which led to a 90′s hits dance party…of course). Then on Monday night, three of us Gimme Some writers had the chance to attend an early screening of Baz Luhrmann’s new film at our favorite movie theater downtown. But people, this wasn’t just any screening. Full-on 20′s costumes were required, vintage cars were parked up and down Main Street, old movie posters lined the theater, and everyone came ready to have a roaring good time. Our friend Malina, a remarkably talented and gracious costume designer, was to thank for most of our group’s amazing costumes (including some great hats!). Our own Sarah from Gimme Some Film gave a rockin’ interview after the screening. And the movie — well, you must experience it for yourself. It’s epic Luhrmann, and a given must-see.
Last week, I received a random afternoon text from one of my neighbors who is just learning to cook. He had walked across the street to our neighborhood market and picked up a fresh pineapple for a whopping $0.50. (Oh yes – one of the many reasons I moved to live next door to this market!) But when he arrived home, apparently he was a little unsure about how to cut a fresh pineapple. So he called the resident food blogger in the building. And being that I am obsessed a big fan of pineapple, I was more than happy to give him a little tutorial.
And then it reminded me of the other handful of friends over the years who have asked me the same question. So as I was making my fresh pineapple margaritas this week, I decided to whip up a quick tutorial on how to cut up a pineapple. It’s definitely not rocket science, but it can be a little confusing the first time.
This past weekend is going down in the record books as one of my favorite in history.
Well, in all of my 30 years, to be exact. :)
I turned 30 yesterday!!!
Feels a little crazy, but also really good. I’m ready for a new decade, and all of the adventures and life lessons that I’m sure are to come!
Ok, I have officially updated my list of food that is hard to photograph: quesadillas, popsicles, soups with clear broths, and taquitos!!!
Gah. For some reason, I could not seem to take a remotely satisfying photo of these yesterday. The lighting was all wonky, the shrimp looked weird, and I could not seem to find the right angle to save my life. So finally after way too many failed photo attempts, I did what any good food blogger should do…and just ate them. :)
Toto, I think we’re back in Kansas City now. But if I eat this Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad, I just might be able to pretend like I’m still in California at the Big Traveling Potluck!
That’s right. This past weekend, I traveled to beautiful So-Cal to spend the weekend with about 75 other food bloggers for a non-conference-y conference. There were no sessions on SEO. No 5-point plans to grow your business. No huge crowds to press through. Instead, it was a wonderfully low-key weekend overflowing with encouragement, avocados, great conversations, breathtaking California sunsets, make-your-own-spritzer bars, avocados, late-night chats, a surprise raffle win from Whole Foods (crazy exciting!), warm sunshine, great wine, guacamole contests, margaritas, and some truly amazing people. Oh, and did I mention avocados? It’s true. From celebrating the release of Gabi’s new Absolutely Avocados cookbook, to taking a tour of a stunningly beautiful avocado ranch from a self-proclaimed “gentleman farmer”, to a make-your-own-guacamole contest, to a gourmet 4-course avocado dinner, to an avocado toast breakfast bar, I had no idea that this conference (sponsored by the amazing California Avocado Commission) was going to treat us to a taste of avocado heaven. Such a treat!!
