Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 420

Tuesday Things.

1. I find the first two or three months of the year to be semi-miserable with gloomy grayness and freezing temps, so I’m wearing as many neons as I can. You should see my lipstick.

2. Holy cow: this buttermilk chocolate chip and passionfruit naked cake needs to happen. Want.

3. If you’ve been following the blog since the start, then you’ll know that Eddie still often adopts the “cheat meal” once a week rule and eats dessert on Saturday nights (while standing over the kitchen sink, of course). Well on Sunday at brunch, he had a cheeseburger AND blueberry pancakes but it “wasn’t his cheat meal.” Seriously. This man.

4. Yesterday I got a notification that it been eleven years since I joined Facebook. That was when you had to be in college to join and my school was one of the last (or at least what FELT like one of the last) to get it. I still remember the day I joined and uploading sooo many photos. See ya later myspace.

5. As I was scrolling on my phone last week, I had a thought that I wish I could type in my own font. Like can’t be instagram captions be in my own handwriting? Who wants to agree that this will probably be possible by 2020.

6. Tracy’s closet organization = goals.

7. TV TV! With every episode I just love Billions more and more. I love Damian Lewis in this role for some reason. And what his wife did to the book writing woman? Holy power trip. Also, did you watch Grease Live?! I’m just going to put this out here: I LOVED IT. I’m already a huge fan of Julianne Hough and while I thought she was incredible (seriously, could anyone else play that role as well?!), who really killed it for me was Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo. I thought she was fantastic.

8. 22 photos for people who love color. Whoa. I want to frame half of them.

9. What are you having for dinner tonight?

Crunchy Chicken Spring Rolls with Blood Orange Dipping Sauce.

I’m all about the perfect Monday meal right now. Especially one that leaves room for a chocolate square or two.

You know? Light but filling. Something other than a salad. Includes veggies so I feel better about life. Check check check.

Spring rolls rank up there as one of my go-to appetizers and I think it’s because they remind me of tacos. Yes, in one of the more asinine comparisons I have ever made, they are somewhat similar in my brain if only because that means I can stick a bunch of different ingredients inside and wrap them up. And dip them in something.

Also, sidebar, can I get a round of applause for providing a recipe today without cheese. WHAT IS GOING ON.

That’s another reason I’m a spring roll fan. No cheese and I still crave them. It’s like they have magic powers.

I always love spring rolls the most because the rice paper is just so… texture-ally appealing. If that makes sense. I know. It doesn’t. But!

All texture freaks unite. You get me. It’s almost chewy but wrapped around fresh and crunchy ingredients. In this case…

Lots of crunchy chicken.

Mango sticks!

Cucumber sticks. (Eddie hates me for it.)

Some green leaf or butter lettuce.

Cilantro sprinkles.

Lots of lime spritzes.

A whole lot of warm weather wishes.

You can totally add in some avocado but I am having major first world problems over here and am unable to find a decent avocado to save my life. As in, I’ve bought about ten and have waited until they seem perfectly ripe, only to slice open and discover that beautiful rotten I’ve-been-ripened-on-a-truck appearance. Next batch, definitely adding the avo.

If you’re looking for something simple but fun to make in the kitchen for Valentine’s Day – like if you want to make something WITH your significant other (is this possible without killing each other? I do not know how, says this control freak) – this is such a perfect meal.

It takes just the right amount of work (you can even skip the crispy chicken and just use grilled): you can prep the ingredients, assemble the rolls together and then eat them. No having to assemble then cook and wait and be impatient. You know?

I’m totally speaking from experience here. Not that I’m impatient EVER.

Plus! It’s ridiculously festive with the blood orange dipping sauce. Beautifully hot pink and vibrant and oh so delicious. Sort of just want to take a spoon to that and call it a night.

In a perfect world I would love for Eddie and I to be able to cook in the kitchen together, like actually both be cooking and/or prepping but it is just not in the cards for us. It’s one of the places that we don’t jive whatsoever, unless there is a square cardboard box filled with pepperoni and cheese. Maybe when we are old and gray?! Maybe when I gain some patience or he stops turning the oven burner to high in order to cook, well, everything? We shall see.

For now, I’m just rolling these crunchy little bites on my own and serving them up. Impressive and EASY. I dig it.

Crunchy Chicken Spring Rolls with Blood Orange Dipping Sauce

Yield: serves 2 to 4

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

8 boneless, skinless chicken tenders

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 head of green leaf lettuce, 8 leaves torn, washed and dried

1 mango, peeled and cut into matchsticks

1/2 cucumber, cut into matchsticks

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

8 rice paper wrappers

blood orange dipping sauce

3/4 cup blood orange juice

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1/2 lime, juiced

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray.

Place the eggs in a bowl and lightly beat. In another bowl, please the breadcrumbs, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg and then coat in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the chicken on a greased wire rack and repeat. Once the chicken is finished, you can spritz each tender with canola oil spray. Bake for 15 minutes, then gently flip the chicken and bake for 15 minutes more. While the chicken is baking I like to assemble my roll ingredients and make the blood orange sauce.

Once the chicken is finished, you can either leave the tenders whole or cut them into pieces. I did it both ways!

To assemble the rolls, fill a round cake pan or skillet with warm water. Dip each piece of rice paper in coat it completely, then remove it (don't let it sit in the water!). Place the rice paper on a cutting board and top it with the lettuce. Add a piece of chicken, along with the mango sticks, cucumber sticks and cilantro. Start rolling from one end and fold in the sides as you go. The paper will stick together and your roll will hold!

Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

blood orange dipping sauce 

Whisk all ingredients together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring it to a simmer and cooker for 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let sit until it comes to room temperature. It will thicken a bit more as it cools!

that plate is all for YOU.

January Favorites: Food and Lifestyle.

Welcome to things I’ve been obsessing over in January, edition one million.

Theo Coffee and Cream Chocolate Bar. WHAAAAT. My cousin told me about this stuff and I only found it at Whole Foods last week but it easily makes it in these faves. It’s so ridiculously delicious. I’m tryyyyying to stick to one square a night or every other. (yeah right.)

Shonda Rhimes Year of Yes. GAH. This book was so good but also, completely fascinating to me. If you’re into inspirational reading and self-help of sorts, you’ll probably love it.

Adele’s “When We Were Young.” Not to be totally cliche, but this song kills me. I don’t always fall fast for Adele songs and tend to find them later. This one just… ugh… it’s like the equivalent to reading a beachy love story for me. I get chills, feel all the feels, and it seems FAMILIAR. So weird.

Voluspa candle in Suede Blanc. This is one of those scents that definitely smells like cologne, but almost a wintery cologne. It makes our entire house smell incredible and warm without being Christmasy.

MY BULLET JOURNAL! I realize I sound like such a broken record mentioning this AGAIN but I swear, it has helped my productivity so much. And I’ve said it before but mine is not fancy whatsoever. I just use a Leuchtturm notebook and my own chicken scratch. No doodling or stickers – I wish I had time to add in fun stuff, but I totally don’t.

Califia Farms Better Half Creamer. This is definitely the BEST coconut milk creamer I have tried (and beats just putting canned coconut milk in your coffee). So good!

Beats Pill in White. Eddie bought me this for Christmas (I had previously bought him one for Christmas years ago, and he still uses it everyday) and I absolutely LOVE it. We don’t have any type of stereo and I was sick of sticking my phone in a coffee mug while listening to podcasts and music. I use it constantly.

Noosa Yogurt in Blood Orange. I love Noosa to begin with but the blood orange is off the charts. I found mine at Target!

Beards Brush paintings – this original art. It’s so cool. And local! My brother bought everyone in our family paintings for Christmas (you can see Max and me here!) and they are just super cool. So bright and fun.

Evolution Fresh Juice in Essential Vegetable. I KNOW! Me! Eddie has been really into juices (odd for him) and grabbing us one on the weekends. This is my current pick.

Pretty much everything in the Alala activewear line. I love all of this. I have this scarf, vest and some leggings (all bday and Christmas gifts from November on) and am obsessed. I really want the silver metallic pieces but um, totally don’t need that. Nor would it be flattering. But everything is super cool and doesn’t look like all clothing from lululemon.

But! Speaking of that. My lululemon falling freely neck warmer. This is a sweater-like scarf that zips up the center and I adore it! Unfortunately it’s sold out, but I had to mention it in case it gets restocked or something or they have it next year.

Trader Joe’s Sour Gummies. Cannot stop eating these. It’s horrible. They are fantastic if you like citrus.

Finally, my Samsung nx300 camera. I’ve mentioned it before but since the new year (and my resolutions) I’ve been using it nonstop! I keep it in my car or bag and have used it to capture everything of Max I can. I love it so so much.

[none of this is sponsored, just like to talk about things that I discover and love over the month. tell me your faves! there may be a few amazon affiliate links above. love love.]

Currently Crushing On.

{via}

This past week felt SO super wintery that I am… feeling it. Like two-glasses-of-wine feeling it. You know? I can’t even believe it’s almost February. Are you still resolutioning? Have you given everything up for a cupcake yet? What are your weekend plans? I’m feeling some shopping and movies. Maybe another closet re-org.

A few days ago over on the pioneer woman, I showed three of my favorite ways to use one roast chicken for meals. We roast a chicken almost once a week and use the leftovers for everything delicious. AND. Bacon goat cheese guacamole. You need it in your superbowl life.

Also, don’t miss it! Shared my January beauty faves earlier this week. Be a bad influence on me.

there is so much GOOD on the internets right now. >>>>>

this entire week i have been wanting to make these marbled tahini chocolate cups. craving.

a loaded grilled cheese sandwich is exactly what i need this weekend.

love the idea of this mint and green tea (although I just wrote green TREE) smoothie. so refreshing.

how adorable is this love potion #9 martini?! i cannot.

oh my gosh. kale pesto pizza. my mouth is watering.

can hardly stand these chocolate stout truffle mousse bars. they have a freaking pretzel crust!

these drugstore valentine’s hacks. so cute!

yes please: boozy clementine lemonade with bruleed citrus.

clearly my citrus preferences are going nowhere because i also want these clementine greek yogurt parfaits.

wishing everyday could contain an ultimate breakfast sandwich.

gingerbread corgi cookies that are making my heart explode.

what is this madness? a grilled pineapple latte?! WHAT.

whoa whoa whoa. vanilla bean rice krispie treat cupcakes.

majorly loving these carnitas taco bites. mini = eat more!

chocolate chip cookies with chickpea flour. i want to try it. i do.

Buffalo Chicken Beer Cheese Fondue Fries.

I’ll hold on a minute while you grab a defibrillator.

Just have a bite! One trashed up bite. We can do it together. It won’t be bad. 

I have wanted to make homemade cheese fries foreVeR. Really forever. My favorites are found at Shake Shack and since we don’t have a Shake Shack here, I only eat cheese fries maybe once a year. I love those ones so much, no need to waste a meal or snack or 2am treat on any others.

Unless it’s my own! Obviously.

This is pretty much my dream casual party appetizer. Certainly for the Super Bowl, but also maybe for a random Saturday night.

There is no need to make your own fries – we’ve had great ones from the freezer section! – but if you really want to and don’t have tons of time, you can roast wedges.

I’ve done this before with my crispy roasted buffalo oven fries and it’s as close to a fried fry as I can get. Plus, it can totally be dinner too. Since it’s not… a “fry.”

Jess justification.

Can somebody tell me… why oh why oh why is the buffalo chicken flavor combo so freaking fabulous?! It’s not like I’ve been eating it my whole life either… maybe come high school and college? So it’s not a nostalgia or sentimental thing (which I am always guilty of, always), it’s just a holy-cow-this-is-dang-good thing.

If there’s any question to where my buffalo love lies, let’s check it out:

baked buffalo chicken pasta

stovetop buffalo chicken shells and cheese

crunchy buffalo chicken salads

grilled buffalo caesar salads

buffalo chicken french breads

buffalo chicken grilled cheese

buffalo chicken soup

buffalo chicken tacos

buffalo chicken enchiladas

It’s clear that I HAVE A PROBLEM. The proof is in the repetitive (buffalo) pudding. Apologies?

Beer cheese fondue! This is how cheese fries should be done. Cheese fry goals, right here.

Oh hello meltiest cheese that I ever did see.

So since I’ve talked about these flavors ten million times, I’ll spare you that. This is clearly the most decadent comfort food. No, I really don’t think you should eat it for dinner but yes, I absolutely think that you should make a plate to share with friends.

PLUS, you’re making it at home, so you know exactly what is going into it. I mean, it’s practically good for you when you look at it that way.

Buffalo Chicken Beer Cheese Fondue Fries

Yield: serves 4 to 6

Total Time: 1 hour (shorter with frozen fries!)

Ingredients:

4 russet potatoes, thinly sliced (peeled if you like)
canola, vegetable or peanut oil for frying

 

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce + extra for drizzling
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 lime wedge

beer cheese fondue

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
2/3 cup beer
10 ounces freshly grated white cheddar cheese



Directions:

To make the homemade fries, slice the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Cover with cold water and let sit for one hour. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Heat 3 to 4 inches of oil in a large pot fitted with a candy thermometer. Once the oil reaches 350 degrees F, add a handful of potatoes and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and place them on a paper towel; repeat with other potatoes. When they are all finished frying once, you want to fry again. Add a handful of fries again and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove and place on a new paper towel to drain.

To make the chicken, eat a large skillet over medium-high heat and the add olive oil. Toss chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked through, add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add in buffalo wing sauce and butter. Stir to toss and coat.

Place the fries in a bowl or on a plate - or leave on the baking sheet! Cover with some of the cheese sauce, then a drizzle of wing sauce and some chicken. You can do the fries in layers too. As as much cheese sauce as you'd like, all of the chicken, lots of extra drizzles of wing sauce and crumbled gorgonzola. Cover with green onions, chives, cilantro and a spritz of lime. If desired, you can also add a drizzle of ranch on the fries.

beer cheese fondue

To make the beer cheese sauce, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Once sizzling, whisk in flour and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and fragrant and bubbly. Add in beer, whisking well to combine, then reduce heat to low and add cheese, stirring until totally melted and smooth. Keep over low heat and stir every few minutes until drizzling over fries.

This is enough of a touchdown for me.

January Favorites: Beauty.

Hi! New year, new favorites!

I love January favorites because I’ve had a month to use things I got for Christmas and also usually found some new things with Christmas gift cards. I’m still trying a few things out that I’ve recently bought, but already have a bunch of new faves that are going to stick. [Sidebar, I’ve talked about my samsung nx300 camera in the past as a lighter option to my DSLR, you guys always ask about the quality – all of these pics are taken with my samsung for reference!]

So I’ve been a little lip product crazy this month. I mean, really crazy. I’ve found that wearing a brighter lip shade makes me feel so much more put together, so much more alert and kind of, in a way… WAKES ME UP! that I practically made it a resolution to put some on every morning before I start to work. I swear it’s helping. For the most part, I’ve been wearing super bright lips and not much eye make up. 

Which seems to be the story of my life for the last year or so. If you’ve been reading then you know that since 6th or 7th grade I’ve been ALLLL about eye makeup. The brighter and more fun the shade, the better. I’ve always loved doing my eye makeup, it’s easily been my favorite part of a beauty routine. BUT. A few things. I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, the more makeup I have on my eyes… the older I look? It just doesn’t seem as flattering anymore. It could also totally be because I haven’t slept in a year, but you know. I’m also choosing for the most part to spend my time in other ways in the morning – as in doing some super fast makeup and a really bright lip. I’m loving it. And at the same time I’m mourning all of my purple eyeshadow.

Don’t get me wrong, if Eddie and I go out or if I have an event or something, I still do my eyes up. But for the most part, I’ve been wearing easy neutrals and the Gwen palette. I don’t know how I feel about this! But I think that less eye makeup + brighter lips is leading to a slightly younger look. Is this a real thing? Ha.

K let’s talk favorite things.

Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme. Still LOVING this. And it just came out in a rollerball, so I’m sure I’ll increase my rollerball hoard soon. I’ve been going back and forth between this and the Jo Malone Cardamom Mimosa. I really love how this Tom Form lasts though. Like you can smell remnants of it on your skin the next morning, but nothing strong or overwhelming. You know?

Burts Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser. Oh my gosh. This might be my favorite purchase of the month. For the last two months I’ve mentioned I was searching for a new cleanser. I’ve used Caudalie cream cleanser, but it’s almost too gentle if that makes sense – it kind of would leave a film on my face, which was difficult since I use an oil cleanser before anyway. I liked this Andalou Naturals one because I love foam cleansers, but I loathed the scent. I am not a rose or floral scented person. This Burts Bees is SO SO SO moisturizing. It kind of reminds me of the ten plus years I used Clean and Clear, but without the cooling affect. Adore so much. Also, I was very excited about trying the Burts Bees Argan Oil Cleanser. Not a fan. It burned my eyes so badly. I still use MAC Cleansing Oil and nothing can beat it.

Essie Sunset Sneaks. As you can see, I’m having a coral moment. Needing some sunshine and brightness in my life. This has been on my toes all month!

Sephora Be Spotted Makeup Brush Set. Eddie bought me these brushes for Christmas and put them in my stocking. (I KNOW. He saw them on my gift guide! Unfortunately they are sold out.) I like them all, but this one above is so awesome for high on the cheekbones. I use Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Luminous light and this is angled perfectly.

Trader Joe’s Moisturizing Cream. A repurchase and re-mention, but my biggest necessity come the winter season. I have the driest skin ever (and seriously, it’s SO HARD to not take hot showers) and love that this has a pump!! It’s practically as rich as body butter, but in pump form.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. Also a repeat, but this is what I use on my face. Eddie and I go through tub after tub of this. A year or two ago he tried it one night and loves it too. It’s so gentle but incredibly moisturizing. And no scent. It’s fantastic.

Gwen Stefani Urban Decay Blush Palette. Guys. I tried to resist. I tried. I don’t like blush palettes and rarely stray from my favorite Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes. But man. It’s the Gwen effect. I can’t help it! I bought the eye palette and figured that would be it. But then I kept watching and reading reviews on the lipsticks and blushes and was like… I need the blushes. Um, I am SO GLAD I got this. First up, I thought the two bottom outside shades might be too warm for me, but they aren’t. My favorites are clearly Easy, Hush and Cherry, but that’s just because I’m a pink person. The pigmentation on these is INSANE. Seriously the first time I used it, I had a huge stripes on my cheeks because I used way too much. These are gorgous and such great quality. I’m also excited to travel with it because I usually take two blushes anyway.

Bite Beauty Matte Lip Crayon in Pastille. Let it be said that while I’ve wanted to jump on the 90s-grunge-Kylie lip color at times, the trend looks TERRIBLE on my skin tone. Horrible. I’m so cool-toned and so pale, it’s just not flattering whatsoever. But I saw a review for this on Temptalia and ended up buying it the same day. I happened to walk into sephora and it was right there. It is gorgeous. It is so cool toned and actually works with with my skin and eyes. Plus, I have a few of these matte pencils and it’s one of the rather moisturizing matte formulas.

YSL Glossy Stain in shade 103 Pink Taboo. While I’ve been riding the serious matte lip trend for months, I’ve wanted something… not so matte. These seemed appealing since they leave a stain behind and wouldn’t need constant reapplying. I am absolutely in love with it. The YSL lip products smell delicious to me. Super old school, but sweet and delicious. This is comfortable on the lips, shiny but not glossy, looks natural and not drawn on, but leaves a stain behind. I want like ten more.

Maybelline Shocking Coral. An oldie but goodie, this has probably been on my lips more than anything this month. It brightens my face SO much. I’ve felt like my skin is so dull and dry lately and this instantly makes me look more awake and alert. It’s gorgeous.

Gwen Stefani Urban Decay Phone Call. Save the best for last!! This is a “sheer” lipstick but isn’t super sheer at all. It’s beautiful, very moisturizing and I’ve received a few compliments on it already. My only complaint is that the tube feels SO cheap. Like super plasticky cheap. Like I dropped it today and thought the tube might crack. Weird. But so pretty! Plus… GWEN.

Okay! Rambles over. I’m thinking about trying out a new foundation… maybe Giorgio Armani?? Maybe the Lumi Cushion?? What are you loving right now?

{as usual, none of this is sponsored and all of these products were purchased by me. i am not affiliated with any of the companies above, nor do i accept free products. just love to talk about what i like, makeup junkie to makeup junkie. there are a few amazon affiliate links above. thank you for being here!}

Strawberry Bottomed Pineapple Margaritas.

Because we need some serious SUNSHINE.

Hey! Remember last year around this time when I had a serious infatuation with pineapples?!

It’s back.

Back with a vengeance.

Just this morning I made a parfait with kiwis and pineapples and coconut cream and I don’t even know how to explain just how incredibly fantastic it was.

Except to say that this little margarita here is just as wonderful, albeit not the best breakfast choice.

Unless you’re on vaca then by all means DO IT.

Or still snowed in. Same thing, but not.

Think this sounds summery? It does sort of, yes. But pineapples are in season (at least, Caribbean pineapples are, thanks to dr. google who solves all my life problems) and we’re using frozen strawberries. That leaves zero excuses.

They can certainly find a home in your kitchen this weekend. Or next. For a big game, perhaps?

These beauts are filled with a layer of boozy strawberry puree and topped off with fresh pineapple juice. And pineapple simple syrup! Pineapple syrup is my new favorite thing until I have my next new favorite thing.

Let’s get this out of the way: make a double batch of the stuff so you can do mojitos and martinis and club sodas with that liquid gold. Kapeesh?

I was definitely the girl who was super excited to turn 21 so I could drink things like strawberry daiquiris and frozen margaritas. But this was back when I was, like, maybe 14 or 15 and would see my aunt order fun drinks on vacation – cocktails like huge frosty grasshoppers in tall glasses with a chocolate drizzle.

By the time I actually reached legal drinking age, I liked margaritas on the rocks with lots of salt, but I still went for the occasional fruity drink. And of course, I am a Sex and the City fangirl for life so I went through a cosmo phase and whatever else Carrie might have been drinking in [insert episode number here].

But!

It’s weird to say that I’m over those and have been for some time… because my sweet teeth never thought I would be. Now I reach for dryer wine, champagne, lighter cocktails, non-sugary stuff.

Makes me feel old, so occasionally I will have a sip of something with midori just to feel like it’s 2005 again. Minus the horrific St. Patrick’s Day parade memories during college.

These days, I don’t love sweet drinks or cocktails UNLESS the “mango” or “cherry” or “strawberry” comes right before the words margarita or mojito. You know? And I love just a hint of fruit sweetness, but sometimes a strong margarita with all the salt and a hit of sweet strawberry just does it for me.

To say I freaked over these little drinks would be an understatement. While they turn red from the strawberries, they are quite pineapple-y and it’s hitting every tastebud I’m feeling at the moment. Right now, I’m thinking puffy tacos, thin and crispy chips, tons of guac and fresh salsa. I like to add a few shavings of lime peel right into the drink too because it’s so fresh and bright.

And while it may seem slightly similar to this pineapple sangria from last year, it’s totally not. Because TEQUILA. It’s just as thirst-quenching though, so yeah, you should probably make a pitcher.

Strawberry Bottomed Pineapple Margaritas

Yield: makes 1 drink, is easily multiplied

Ingredients:

1/4 cup flaked sea salt, for glass rimming.
1 cup frozen strawberries, defrosted or even microwaved
2 ounces silver tequila
1 1/2 ounces Grand Marnier
1 ounce fresh lime juice
2 ounces pineapple simple syrup (recipe below)
3 ounces pineapple juice
lime wedges, for serving and garnish
pineapple cubes or wedges, for serving



Directions:

Place the salt on a plate. Rim a glass with a lime wedge and dip in the salt to coat.

Add the defrosted strawberries to a blender or food processor and blend until completely pureed. This will make more than you need. (You can keep this mixture in the fridge sealed tightly for a few days.)

In a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 to 2 ounces of the strawberry puree along with the tequila, grand marnier, lime juice and pineapple simple syrup. Shake for 30 seconds. Pour mixture into the glass, then fill with a lime wedge, pineapple wedge and crushed iced. Top it off with the pineapple juice and another lime. Drink up!

For pineapple simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and pineapple juice (such as 1/2 cup of each) in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisking to dissolve the sugar, bring it to a simmer and cook for a 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool to room temperature.

Note: I also juice my own pineapples in my juicer. I've done so in the vitamix too by blending then straining!

not even cold anymore! what snow?

Hot Bacon Cherry Pepper Hummus with Pizza Pita Chips.

I’ve got this problem.

As usual, I’m the annoyingly early person to EVERYTHING (seriously I probably spend an embarrassing amount of time in the car just waiting for things to begin because I’m so early, oh and catching flights? I will gladly sit at the gate for two hours rather than be the last one running on the plane…) – except trends, and well, things that would be really cool if shared before a certain event.

Like this hummus. It sort of looks like a Christmas wreath, no?

Only 35 DAYS TO LATE.

Any wreathing was completely unintentional as I sprinkled cherry peppers and crunchy bacon and herb leaves on top.

Then I looked and thought whyyyyyy. Why must I always think of an idea a few minutes too late? Whomp whomp. I’m so behind the times.

Regardless, I’ll remind you of this 37 times before next Christmas. Just in case. Do not fear.

And! It makes for an even BETTER recipe for Super Bowl weekend because bacon! cherry peppers! pizza pitas!

I can’t take credit for the idea of this recipe. I spied it on serious eats because Eddie and I have been in crazy hummus mode. We go through phases where we aren’t interested in it for a month or two and then bam – our fridge has two family sized containers and we demolish them in one weekend. Do you get me? The hummus obsession is real.

So this past weekend when we were “snowed in” – and I used the term “snowed in” lightly because yes, while there were a few hours that we shouldn’t (and couldn’t) have been on the roads, it was just that: a few hours.

Nothing too terrible, but the issue was that we were hummusless. Without the hummus, if you will. And we were craving some like mad.

Thankfully I had a billion cans of beans on hand, because that’s what my life has come to now. I found some leftover tahini in the fridge and this idea on the good old internets and went.to.town.

Here’s why I love it so much: if you’ve been reading for a while then you know that one of my family’s favorite salads is a hot bacon salad. The hot bacon dressing just does it every time. I actually haven’t had one since I made this version. My grandma used to get one once every other month or so – she LOVED them. My mom loves them too.

So the minute I saw HOT BACON in the description my life with over. I was making this, if I had the ingredients or not. I would shovel my way to the grocery store and back. I’m sure I could have fit a few bags of beans in my Uggs. (< questionable life choices, behind the times. please see above.)

It didn’t come to that. It came to this! I had everything because you might know that we are also slightly fanatical about cherry peppers. In fact, just this moment I realized I have my life trifecta of recipes made with cherry peppers: burgers, pizza, tacos. Bingo! And see, Trader Joes has big jars of them and I always stock up. Like, embarrassingly stock up.

Oh so yes yes, let’s get the pink elephant out of the room. There is bacon grease drizzled on this hummus.

I said it.

I can’t.

Don’t hate me. (name that TV show for ten points.)

Really, it’s not a requirement. The majority of the flavor comes from the hummus itself and the topping of crunchy bacon mixed with cherry peppers. You don’t NEEEEEED to add bacon grease.

But if you love me, then you will. Not to be manipulative or anything.

The pizza pitas are kind of faked pizza with spice though. They are perfectly crunchy and so delicious. No melty cheese or sauce or pepperoni, but more like the pizza spices that I use when mixing dough or toppings. Some oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, garlic, onion, salt, pepper – and parmesan, of course. I swear that it’s quite pizza-y without the… pizza. Let’s made this a thing?

Also, the amount of parmesan cheese in our fridge may be a sin. In fact it is, I’m sure. Gluttony at it’s finest.

Hot Bacon Cherry Pepper Hummus with Pizza Pita Chips

Yield: serves 4 to 6

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (plus, the reserved bacon grease)
2 (25-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup tahini paste
1 cup cherry peppers
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

pizza spiced pita

1 batch homemade pita bread (or store bought work!)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon onion flakes
1 tablespoons fine grated parmesan cheese



Directions:

 

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the bacon. Cook until crispy and the fat is rendered, then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Turn off the heat from under the skillet. You want to keep the bacon grease warm, and if you make the hummus to serve right now, it probably will be. Otherwise, heat some over low heat until warm.

In your food processor, add the chickpeas, tahini, 3 or 4 cherry peppers, the lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Puree until the chickpeas break down and the mixture starts to come together (it probably won't be smooth). Make sure to scrape the sides with a spatula. Drizzle in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease and blend. Drizzle in the ice water. Once the water is in, the hummus should really start to get smooth - if you need a little more water, add it 1 tablespoon at a time. And you can always add extra bacon grease, just save some for the garnish!

Once the hummus is smooth, taste and season additionally if desired. You might want a little more salt and pepper.

Chop up the remaining cherry peppers and place them in a bowl with the bacon. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and toss. Toss in the fresh oregano. It really is wonderful to have this warm, so when you combine the ingredients, you can always do so in a small saucepan over low heat.

Spoon the hummus into a bowl and top with the cherry pepper bacon mixture. You can stir it in or leave it on top. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease (preferably still warm) over to. Serve immediately with the pita!

pizza spiced pita

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the pitas into triangles and brush with melted butter. In a bowl, mix together all of the spices, from the salt to the onion, and stir in the cheese. Sprinkle the seasoning over the pitas. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until slightly golden and crisp.

serious bowl faceplant.

Tuesday Things.

1. Word I still can’t spell: opaque. The way that I spell it every single time is completely asinine yet I never learn. My fingers don’t work on the keyboard that way.

2. How absolutely dreamy is ? Little bites o’ love.

3. I’m also positive that I asked this same question before (back around the same time when I said I couldn’t spell opaque), but what are some of your favorite weekend getaway spots around the U.S.? Inquiring minds are dying to know.

4. Yesterday I woke up with a huge to-do list and dropped it all for the morning to instead do a big closet purge. I felt INSTANTLY better. I cleaned out drawers while Max played at my feet then moved to the closet during naptime. I think knowing that I only had a short amount of time made me more brutal in tossing items I haven’t worn. Also, does anyone actually DO the konmari folding method?!

5. Writing on a blog without fear. Speaking to my soul! 

6. Have you heard about these McDonalds fries with chocolate sauce? That kind of makes me want to die inside. And I even like dipping fries in a milkshake.

7. Like a four year old this morning, I had a muffin and ate only the top. But saved the bottom for someone else.

8. Did you start watching Billions yet?! I can’t get over the weird relationship between Paul Giamatti and Tara (I’m just going to call them what I want, btw), plus there HAS HAS HAS to be something between her and Brody. Right? Right? I like that this is a new show and has nothing to spoil.

9. Oh hey. What if I just want a mediocre life? So good.

snow day!

when eddie walked through the door on thursday night with this huge sled in hand, i knew exactly what i’d be doing friday morning before the blizzard hit: finding snow pants for max. as luck would have it, they had one pair left on clearance in his size (along with boots!), and even though eddie couldn’t find a sled to pull, he figured he could push him all around our yard (which is totally flat, by the way…).

max loved the snow, but especially when he was on the sled! he was slightly confused by it considering we got over a foot and he could barely stand up, let alone walk.

my little ralphie!