tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89472761132156051352024-03-15T18:10:01.146-07:00LindseliciousLindselicious: Cooking up delicious dishes, while trying to fit my skinny jeans...Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-89959201475536094692012-09-10T20:45:00.001-07:002012-09-10T20:45:35.717-07:00Senator Hollings Cream Cheese Biscuits<p>I had spotted these biscuits on Pinterest and they just called out to me. The best thing about these? You can make them ahead of time and leave them in your freezer! I made these for the boyfriend and we devoured them with some porkchops. </p> <p>After finally writing about these months after I made them, I totally want to make some again and keep them in my freezer. Perfect for fall once soups and stews are in season, just pop a couple in the toaster oven and you’ve got the perfect meal! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8L9JINXYvPA/UE6z3J45DgI/AAAAAAAACXw/xfqDtnwFiJE/s1600-h/Biscuits%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Biscuits" border="0" alt="Biscuits" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z7TDiQvX8Ak/UE6z3i-mmKI/AAAAAAAACX4/QGLBwD1Vp0w/Biscuits_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="264"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Senator Holling’s Cream Cheese Biscuits <br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://sandynawrot.blogspot.com/2012/03/southern-biscuits-nathalie-dupree-and.html">Southern Biscuits</a></p> <p>8 oz. cream cheese, softened<br>2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened<br>2 1/3 cup self rising flour<br>butter for brushing biscuit tops</p> <p>1. Pulse together cream cheese, butter and 2 cups of flour. Mix together until the dough becomes a ball. Turn the dough onto a piece of wax paper and divide into two rounds. Wrap in wax paper or plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes at least</p> <p>2. When ready to bake preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lightly flour a smooth surface and roll each dough ball into 1/2 inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter, start from the outter edge and work your way in. (Resist the urge to twist the biscuit cutter).</p> <p>3. Using a spatula move the biscuits to a baking sheet, placing them 1 inch apart. Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan so that they brown evenly. When the biscuits are done, lightly brush the tops of the biscuit with melted butter. Turn the biscuits upside down on a plate to cool. (Serve them right side up)</p> <p>These are so good with a pat of butter and some jam, a slice of ham and cheese or with eggs in the morning! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-13932603613977987252012-07-30T20:52:00.001-07:002012-07-30T20:52:42.901-07:00Good Eats in Savannah<p>Last month I went on a short Southern Adventure down to Savannah, Georgia. I met up with my friend Chelle who was there for work in Augusta.</p> <p>The first night I got there we wanted to try out the famous <a href="http://mrswilkes.com/">Mrs. Wilkes’</a> fried chicken, but we realized they are only open for lunch!! It was quickly on to plan B, <a href="http://www.toucancafe.com/sweetP.html">Sweet Potatoes Kitchen</a>! When we pulled up we got excited since their marquee claimed they had the Best Banana Pudding in the WORLD- according to Andrew Zimmerman! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BSY1Dn-OJ9I/UBdWDo8o4fI/AAAAAAAACT8/xtACiGTT_V8/s1600-h/photo%2525203%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo 3" border="0" alt="photo 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TYBAoCz15E8/UBdWGsTMCJI/AAAAAAAACUE/_c9OjwVx3Uk/photo%2525203_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="312"></a> </p> <p>For my dinner I went with Corn Pudding, Brussel Sprouts and Peach BBQ Chicken. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PfHyRY_jTjM/UBdWHkUaS7I/AAAAAAAACUM/ff79ysWOQKk/s1600-h/SP2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SP2" border="0" alt="SP2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_k6kRldSJwc/UBdWIb4T4iI/AAAAAAAACUU/ZI1RFYhM4qY/SP2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="334"></a></p> <p>Chelle got Macadamia Nut crusted Chicken with a peach salsa, Cheesy Grits and Tomatoes and Okra. This was totally yummy and I want to try to make the chicken soon! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yg4bCoEnf6A/UBdWJK2H45I/AAAAAAAACUc/VJ_npGKYdW8/s1600-h/BP%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BP" border="0" alt="BP" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LDy3IVSa1xM/UBdWJ7kD-sI/AAAAAAAACUk/U4BdmhsvNx8/BP_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="369"></a></p> <p>Of course we had to try the Banana Pudding… It did not disappoint! And Chelle wanted to try the Chocolate Pecan Pie which was pretty good too. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O98uSaTNvGU/UBdWK-fTE6I/AAAAAAAACUs/TqjjV6VtIxY/s1600-h/G21%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="G21" border="0" alt="G21" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1aDInVkGsU8/UBdWLn5H2GI/AAAAAAAACU0/PVE2ccgsRVA/G21_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="288"></a></p> <p>The next morning we decided to walk a mile to the Farmers Market at Forsyth Park (same park they filmed Forrest Gump at). Let me tell you, it was so hot and humid!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vicwvEe1dTA/UBdWM9lMupI/AAAAAAAACU8/LL1iX3_ldrY/s1600-h/100%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100" border="0" alt="100" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5a_cmT-OHZ4/UBdWPuNYHFI/AAAAAAAACVE/E7__GfXs2kc/100_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="271"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZwwwE4jmD8Y/UBdWQTTz09I/AAAAAAAACVM/qAfTIfsvanQ/s1600-h/105%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="105" border="0" alt="105" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3uZrnTz_75Y/UBdWRA6uM-I/AAAAAAAACVU/xUda34Y5lm8/105_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="281"></a></p> <p>I wanted to buy all of these jams! Ginger Lemonade, Grapefruit Lemon Lime? Yes please! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_xOdfPfT2mg/UBdWR33uUQI/AAAAAAAACVc/-R_jDzIFXjk/s1600-h/106%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="106" border="0" alt="106" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Weud2hx4oA0/UBdWVgSA4tI/AAAAAAAACVk/H_Do2AGZ-EM/106_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="420"></a></p> <p>It seriously was so hot at 9am, I could not resist getting a Peach Ice Pop to help cool me down. Speaking of peaches, they looked gorgeous at the farmers market! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0HZejR8o-n4/UBdWWeeRzBI/AAAAAAAACVs/HqbsQRxU464/s1600-h/107%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="107" border="0" alt="107" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bY2dDxJh3L0/UBdWX8ozT-I/AAAAAAAACV0/4OAoFTjchaA/107_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="332"></a></p> <p>After freshening up, we were on our way to Tybee Beach! These beaches were so different from the ones I grew up with in Hawaii, or the ones that I see in Los Angeles. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GXvAmxLl1yQ/UBdWa1nnz7I/AAAAAAAACV8/p287jIGH2cQ/s1600-h/110%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="110" border="0" alt="110" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-smE6KeUjWSg/UBdWdYrhcLI/AAAAAAAACWE/vD_hDHty38M/110_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RvF-myRsiiA/UBdWdyRRUTI/AAAAAAAACWM/TR1o3G3Ojls/s1600-h/120%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="120" border="0" alt="120" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T58GbgrZlCU/UBdWe0_M-sI/AAAAAAAACWU/mAuchExw7XU/120_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>We hung at the beach for a bit and then decided to grab some beer and lunch. By the way, did you know that Savannah is one of the few cities that allows you to walk around with an open bottle of alcohol? Anyways, we decided to stop at Shrimp truck and see how the South did their Shrimp! <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/geralds-pig-and-shrimp-on-tybee-tybee-island">Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp</a> is so similar to the shrimp trucks I would see back home in Hawaii. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D8SmU7YhAto/UBdWgOx4UhI/AAAAAAAACWc/PLjMADby_7s/s1600-h/G8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="G8" border="0" alt="G8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SZDw79izDeo/UBdWguGtODI/AAAAAAAACWo/5hGrg7q0Hx4/G8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="312"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yHwibt1ptx0/UBdWhzhuieI/AAAAAAAACWw/BUabs7tKPuU/s1600-h/G7%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="G7" border="0" alt="G7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v0TTktRJOQM/UBdWicaByxI/AAAAAAAACW4/YX98kgLYoxc/G7_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="253"></a></p> <p>The star of the show was the jalapeno hush puppies (can you believe how many we got in one order?) and the Cajun shrimp was expertly seasoned. They had an amazing hot sauce too, I wish I had taken a picture of it. </p> <p>In part 2 I’ll share with you the best meal we had in Savannah at <a href="http://www.plantersinnsavannah.com/menu.htm">The Olde Pink House</a> and our last stop, Bojangle’s! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-71881997336632726052012-07-24T21:01:00.001-07:002012-07-24T21:01:18.979-07:00Pumpkin Mochi<p>I made this to bring over to my friend Linly when we went over to meet her new son Liam! This is like Butter Mochi with some pumpkin flavoring, I had been wanting to try this for ever! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7KVg_R5TCW4/UA9viW-MtPI/AAAAAAAACTo/lwgzFHfw1CU/s1600-h/photo%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z9OwXG_eGec/UA9vi7aBb3I/AAAAAAAACTw/Hc64_nzhDsA/photo_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="303"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Pumpkin Mochi<br></u></strong>from Friends Husband Ed</p> <p>1 box mochiko<br>2 tsp baking soda<br>29 oz Pumpkin Puree<br>1 cup butter, melted<br>14 oz can sweetened condensed milk<br>4 eggs, slightly beaten<br>2 cups sugar<br>2 tsp vanilla extract</p> <p>1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl combine mochiko and baking soda.</p> <p>2. In a large bowl combine all other wet ingredients and add in dry ingredients.</p> <p>3. Pour mix into a greased 13x9 inch pan and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Allow the cake to cool for several hours and then cut and serve. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-47852033946038666292012-07-12T19:29:00.001-07:002012-07-12T20:09:00.400-07:00Crockpot North Carolina Style BBQ<p>Sometimes your love life bleeds over to your cooking. You may have remembered all the great eats I had when I visited North Carolina last year for my friends wedding and I have been infatuated with the South ever since. I was also lucky enough to start dating a “Southern Gentleman” from North Carolina. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g_kiWx8JBew/T_-H_GisNkI/AAAAAAAACSk/eWOXDcWIj_4/s1600-h/044%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="044" border="0" alt="044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UOCakymcp-o/T_-H_o8dReI/AAAAAAAACSs/VYlzEr8XeZ4/044_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="242"></a></p> <p>I needed a crockpot dish for a work potluck and when I saw this I knew it was a great opportunity to test run a dish I could make for my boyfriend. I served it on King’s Hawaiian sweetbread rolls, so it was a little bit of me and a little bit of some Southern goodness as well. It was a perfect match! This dish is so easy and while it may create a vinegar sauna in your house, its well worth it. The pulled pork was a hit at the potluck. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KT1dQ_dd1Ho/T_-IAYnf4NI/AAAAAAAACS0/f1kF01Hh8fg/s1600-h/NCpulledpork%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="NCpulledpork" border="0" alt="NCpulledpork" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-30hfx1aLVAk/T_-IAw8dauI/AAAAAAAACS8/dJUo91nmLpw/NCpulledpork_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="286"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Crockpot North Carolina Style BBQ<br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-carolina-bbq/">Allrecipes</a></p> <p>6 lb Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt<br>1 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar<br>salt<br>pepper<br>2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar<br>2 Tbsp. Texas Pete’s Hot Sauce<br>2 tsp. cayenne<br>2 tsp. red chili pepper</p> <p>1. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot and season well with salt and pepper. Pour the vinegar around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 12 hours. </p> <p>2. Remove pork and shred with a fork. Reserve 2 cups of the liquid and add in all the seasonings. Add the pork back in and mix well. Leave on warm till you serve. </p> <p>I would let the pork sit in its juices for at least 30 minutes. I found that the sauce developed in taste the longer it sat. Serve these with your favorite rolls/buns, another dash of Texas Pete’s hot sauce and some coleslaw for one of the best sandwiches! </p> <p>Another simple Southern style dessert that takes minutes to make when you get a little help from Trader Joe’s is Strawberry Shortcake. I had seen these Shortcake Biscuits at TJ’s and had wanted to try them. They do not disappoint!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C4AOodrlwHA/T_-IBf1_KzI/AAAAAAAACTE/6kwlCQNHE3o/s1600-h/Shortbread%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Shortbread" border="0" alt="Shortbread" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ScEe-jXidb4/T_-IB14P1-I/AAAAAAAACTM/EJju490tTNs/Shortbread_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="304"></a></p> <p>Just serve with some berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for summer nights! Thanks Trader Joe’s!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a8UwKArnBvg/T_-IChiTddI/AAAAAAAACTU/3ii0PpyQEhg/s1600-h/Strawberryshortcake%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Strawberryshortcake" border="0" alt="Strawberryshortcake" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3p4feJMA3ZA/T_-IDOWXMAI/AAAAAAAACTc/p1RQPHozgJU/Strawberryshortcake_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="278"></a></p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-27633209657774222592012-06-04T18:02:00.001-07:002012-06-04T18:02:56.790-07:00Spaghetti with Braised Kale and Sausage<p>I have been traveling so much lately, I have hardly had the chance to cook. Once my travels died down, I just wanted to create something simple, hearty and fresh. I thought this Braised Kale Spaghetti I saw was perfect! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HSgV0w6VlZw/T81avbJjcjI/AAAAAAAACSE/xLGNstdUak8/s1600-h/Kalepasta9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Kalepasta" border="0" alt="Kalepasta" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aP0JvUSba0Y/T81av815FXI/AAAAAAAACSM/BQip4NhebEc/Kalepasta_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="321"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Spaghetti with Braised Kale and Sausage<br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2009/10/spaghetti_with_braised_kale">Bon Appetite</a></p> <p>2 lbs. Lacintano Kale (2 bunches), torn into pieces removing the stem<br>1/2 lb. spaghetti<br>1 medium onion, finely diced<br>1 Tbsp. minced garlic<br>3 Tbsp. olive oil<br>2 tsp. fresh lemon juice<br>4 garlic chicken sausage links, sliced<br>1 cup baby heirloom tomato, sliced<br>Parmesan cheese</p> <p>1. Rinse kale and drain, allowing some of the water to still cling to the leaves.</p> <p>2. Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan, add in the diced onions and cook till they become translucent. Add in the minced garlic and sprinkle with salt and cook until the onion pieces start to turn golden brown. Stir occasionally. </p> <p>3. Add kale and more olive oil to the pan. Cook until kale is wilted. Cover pot and cook on medium low until kale is super tender. Stir occasionally and add in Tbsp.'s of water if the kale seems dry. Cook for 5minutes, in the last five minutes add in the sliced baby tomatoes.</p> <p>4. In another pan either grill or pan fry the chicken sausage and set aside. </p> <p>5. Cook spaghetti in a medium pot and reserve 1/4 a cup of the cooking liquid before draining. </p> <p>6. Add kale mixture, sausage and noodles together in large pot/pan. Add lemon juice and 2 Tbsp. cooking liquid and season with salt as needed. (Add in more cooking liquid if needed). Toss to combine and grate parmesan cheese over the top before serving. </p> <p>This pasta is nice and refreshing with the lemony light sauce and to be honest I love anything with kale in it. It might be a little on the girly side, but the boy seemed to enjoy it too. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-39203758352071054562012-05-28T09:05:00.001-07:002012-05-28T09:05:14.831-07:00Short Order<p>Today is national Burger day! A lot of burger places are having special burgers to celebrate all month long. <a href="http://www.shortorderla.com/">Short Order</a> is the latest of many gourmet burger joints opening up in LA. Located at The Grove, this place is the collaboration of Amy Pressman and Nancy Silverman. Perfect for sunny summer days, this sits on the edge of the original Farmer’s Market. The best thing about this place? Is that it has an amazing bakery sorta attached to it as well!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-td0BSZHfEqo/T8OiB6pQeZI/AAAAAAAACRA/UWnc5TtPw6c/s1600-h/ShortO110.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ShortO1" border="0" alt="ShortO1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hF-x-wBS8ic/T8OiCcczU0I/AAAAAAAACRI/lYsLONsSuwQ/ShortO1_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="336"></a>My friend and I decided to try one of their burgers (they’re known for their high quality beef) and I had wanted to try the pretzel pups. We also got an order of Short Order Spuds with Truffle Salt. These are basically like rough cut potatoes tossed in yummy truffle salt. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rmHbiXaOydo/T8OiDXdNsYI/AAAAAAAACRQ/pTgN-PCKdI0/s1600-h/ShortO28.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ShortO2" border="0" alt="ShortO2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ucjI8h6hBig/T8OiD8-JysI/AAAAAAAACRY/35DW6oV_bLk/ShortO2_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="333"></a>For our burger we went with Nancy’s Backyard Burger. It starts with dry aged beef, applewood bacon, avocado, tomatoes, onions and lettuce. The meat was so delicious, I want to go back and try the Patty Melt! I wasn’t a huge fan of the lettuce they used (maybe too much?) I think I prefer shredded lettuce or no lettuce on my burgers. The big leaf is always so hard to eat and ends up slipping out and sliding down your face. No bueno when eating it on a date! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F4xZMmbABOE/T8OiEt7jOqI/AAAAAAAACRg/wWUjDX83qj4/s1600-h/ShortO38.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ShortO3" border="0" alt="ShortO3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1ifuKOo1ZkQ/T8OiFIHK3cI/AAAAAAAACRo/8t7w3feNS7k/ShortO3_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="314"></a>The Pretzel Pups weren’t what I had imagined. For some reason in my head I had imagined mini sausages encased in pretzel dough! But they were actually just smaller sausages and pretzel buns. I am a sucker for a pretzel but with sauerkraut so I enjoyed it, but my friend thought that these were just so so.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-98WGJNWCMHA/T8OiN91ZggI/AAAAAAAACRw/QtBqSxg3G_k/s1600-h/ShortO49.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ShortO4" border="0" alt="ShortO4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c7VtHIE3wb0/T8OiOdrQecI/AAAAAAAACR4/vO7HYBOPJTo/ShortO4_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="302"></a></p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-18330730237063075002012-05-17T07:33:00.001-07:002012-05-17T07:33:46.645-07:00Shrimp and Grits<p>I have been wanting to try Shrimp and Grits for about a year now. Sometime last year I saw it popping up on a lot of food blogs and thought it looked so simple and delicious. I called my friend Charlotte who lives in North Carolina to see if she had a good recipe for me to use. She didn’t, but she told me that <a href="http://hominygrill.com/">Hominy Grill</a> had the BEST Shrimp and Grits that she ever had! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3hbckqsAVoI/T7UMQfVc7EI/AAAAAAAACQc/OebMEBjgNvA/s1600-h/Shrimpgrits310.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Shrimpgrits3" border="0" alt="Shrimpgrits3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TOaZ1qL3WIg/T7UMRKDfgvI/AAAAAAAACQk/JB_30vpEf4o/Shrimpgrits3_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="321"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Shrimp and Grits<br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/hominy-grills-shrimp-grits-10000001891993/">Hominy Grill</a><br>(serves 2-3)<br></p> <p>1 lb. shrimp (approximately 15 shrimp)<br>1 Tbsp. flour<br>3-4 bacon slices<br>1/2 Lemon, juiced<br>1/2 box of mushrooms, sliced<br>1 Tbsp garlic, minced<br>Tabasco<br>Green onions, sliced<br>Salt</p> <p>Cheesey Corn Grits<br>Grits (Prepare as directed on package)<br>Corn<br>Cheddar Cheese</p> <p>1. Peel and devein shrimp. Toss in flour until lightly coated.</p> <p>2. Prepare grits as directed on the package. Add in 1 cup of fresh corn kernels and 1/2-3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. </p> <p>3. Cook bacon until crisp, set aside on a paper towel and allow to drain. Chop into pieces once cool. Reserve some of the bacon fat.</p> <p>4. Cook the mushrooms in some of the bacon fat. Add in shrimp and sautee until the shrimp are pink. Add in garlic, lemon juice, Tabasco and season with salt. </p> <p>5. Serve immediately over the Cheesey Corn Grits and garnish with bacon. </p> <p>This dish did not disappoint! The grits were a little rich for my taste, I might go with a little less butter and cheese next time (I used skim milk to make it). This is a nice comfort food dish that is easy to make! Perfect for the summer too! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-buD-oc5PqTU/T7UMRzTBlOI/AAAAAAAACQs/KLe1erCxOiw/s1600-h/Shrimpgrits213.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Shrimpgrits2" border="0" alt="Shrimpgrits2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8yCoFN2-uY8/T7UMSczEmmI/AAAAAAAACQ0/XLohSxObu2o/Shrimpgrits2_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="311"></a></p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-32147020394188467392012-05-11T08:24:00.001-07:002012-05-11T08:24:58.850-07:00More Vegas Eats!<p>This most <a href="http://lindselicious.blogspot.com/2012/05/eating-in-sin-city.html">recent trip to Vegas</a> I was there for almost an entire week. We were lucky enough to stay at the Mandalay. While we were there I went to an event at the Shark Tank.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sL4rbwoGM_U/T60vHgCao-I/AAAAAAAACOI/XEogIVCl-54/s1600-h/Mandalay%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mandalay" border="0" alt="Mandalay" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CSdjMvkMnO8/T60vICNAnJI/AAAAAAAACOQ/RFmjoj9-55Y/Mandalay_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="305"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rC98bIkzc_E/T60vI8d-JDI/AAAAAAAACOY/xLxMqgKCcCs/s1600-h/mandalay2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mandalay2" border="0" alt="mandalay2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--JTbkNeOqLc/T60vJR9lpcI/AAAAAAAACOg/kRXeCXM1K_A/mandalay2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D7gyna58eBQ/T60vJ8Bi1MI/AAAAAAAACOo/uaQjHsUdTr4/s1600-h/Mandalay3%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mandalay3" border="0" alt="Mandalay3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gjg4_cMJntM/T60vKLOHX-I/AAAAAAAACOw/mtIKUNUDxIk/Mandalay3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>My boss and I also made a quick getaway to downtown Las Vegas to the Freemont area. I took her to the casinos that every Hawaii person knows, the <a href="http://www.thecal.com/">California</a> and the Plaza!! As we stepped into the Cal, we were literally transformed back to Hawaii. Everywhere we looked we saw local looking couples! I took her upstairs to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/aloha-specialties-restaurant-las-vegas">Aloha Specialties</a>, which had all my local favorites! It was a tough choice, but I opted for the Korean Chicken plate with a side of haupia and my boss got the Teri Beef Bowl. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xjvWe9tQVqs/T60vKxQm8dI/AAAAAAAACO4/m9XaCDl9DwQ/s1600-h/KoreanChick%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="KoreanChick" border="0" alt="KoreanChick" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-meAxkkT9eww/T60vLdMlIKI/AAAAAAAACPA/-JmN8DRZQ_o/KoreanChick_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="288"></a></p> <p>We had enjoyed our dinner at Hubert Keller’s Fluer so much, that we decided to try his other place at the Mandalay; the <a href="http://www.burger-bar.com/lv_main.php">Burger Bar</a>. I had planned on getting the sliders- which had three different types of burgers! (Traditional Cheeseburger, a buffalo burger with caramelized onions and an angus burger with bacon). My boss did order this though and they looked so cute! At the last minute I changed my mind and went with the Hubert Keller Burger, which was a buffalo burger on a ciabatta bun with caramelized onions, blue cheese, spinach and a red wine reduction sauce. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v7ZlQ09B8gU/T60vL_hYsPI/AAAAAAAACPI/4_FwBrqwK8U/s1600-h/Burger1%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Burger1" border="0" alt="Burger1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XSvbMOsVcSY/T60vMaHZiKI/AAAAAAAACPQ/JKVLh0CiZHo/Burger1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="395"></a></p> <p>Look how cute the sliders are!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7uy6dM7OqvA/T60vNLRIFEI/AAAAAAAACPY/tNBcKO6NedI/s1600-h/Burger2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Burger2" border="0" alt="Burger2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6ySP9Z6NsmI/T60vNpIRr0I/AAAAAAAACPg/OAJQKAyEPm8/Burger2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="305"></a></p> <p>I got my burger with zucchini fries with a basil aioli dipping sauce. We also all go to try the mozzarella sticks and the onion rings as well. </p> <p>In my earlier trip to Vegas we also had the chance to eat at Mario Battali’s <a href="http://www.venetian.com/las-vegas-restaurants/casual-dining/enoteca-otto-pizzeria/">Otto Enoteca Pizzeria.</a> The meal was simple, delicious and excellently pre-pared!! We started by sharing one of Mario’s famous pizzas and an Octopus Salad. Both were amazing!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BVR3bOWkR30/T60vPRqIMCI/AAAAAAAACPo/OObfCTWzbkc/s1600-h/MB1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="MB1" border="0" alt="MB1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VRHnS10Q0fk/T60vP2lCWpI/AAAAAAAACPw/dHA0Ux4vOE0/MB1_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="324"></a> </p> <p>Mmm we went with the pancetta and goat cheese pizza to share! So good, I want to try the eggplant pizza next time I go back. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_GhTMwmV0q4/T60vQvhcI7I/AAAAAAAACP4/bwAXbmWOs8w/s1600-h/MB2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="MB2" border="0" alt="MB2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wc5ErX8Sp7w/T60vRElgcII/AAAAAAAACQA/LPNMZtemf8Q/MB2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="318"></a></p> <p>This salad was so good! Simple fresh and expertly prepared. It had octopus, potato and celery with a light and fresh vinaigrette. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CgJ7qIBiEYk/T60vSNZ3dsI/AAAAAAAACQI/pRpcPHrX7ew/s1600-h/MB3%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="MB3" border="0" alt="MB3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P2aI2ZJFeGQ/T60vSVu1AvI/AAAAAAAACQQ/PaTzbITQQL0/MB3_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="351"></a></p> <p>For my main I had a linguine with shrimp sauce that was super yummy. The thing I love about Mario Battali’s restaurants is that things are cooked expertly and simply so the ingredients are able to shine through expertly. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the portion was just right. </p> <p>That wraps up my Vegas eats! We had stopped by at Bouchon for some pastries and also had a diner at Sushi Samba (which I didn’t take pictures of). Both were so good… PS- Nothing beats a Bouchon croissant on the plane ride back to Los Angeles. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-38429745497196733792012-05-06T12:53:00.001-07:002012-05-06T12:53:23.413-07:00Eating in Sin City!<p>I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had a chance to post about some of the great eats I had on my two trips to Vegas this year. Here is a quick recap of some of the amazing places that I visited! </p> <p>Most recently I stayed at the <a href="http://www.mandalaybay.com/default.aspx">Mandalay Bay</a>, and we got to try many pf the great restaurants there! On the top of my list was Hubert Keller’s place <a href="http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/signature-restaurants/fleur.aspx">Fleur</a>. You may be familiar with Hubert Keller from Top Chef, every time I have seen his episodes I have wanted to try his cooking so badly. I convinced my co-workers to eat there and it was a great meal! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xZJCfcwEutg/T6bWeujXZvI/AAAAAAAACLE/95LirFXyOns/s1600-h/LV610.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV6" border="0" alt="LV6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K4hIWMZmrJ4/T6bWfXvqCBI/AAAAAAAACLM/IFIgT8BGdGo/LV6_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="308"></a></p> <p>On the menu, a $5,000 burger!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ArDj9BgnBpg/T6bWgGs8h9I/AAAAAAAACLU/RrOdKWCeJEU/s1600-h/LV112.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV1" border="0" alt="LV1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LyNZQxcDKhM/T6bWgd2nhiI/AAAAAAAACLc/oOwWst24PwA/LV1_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="324"></a></p> <p>I didn’t try that, but I did try the Ahi Tuna Tacos and the French Onion Truffle Shooters. I had done my research before hand and both items came highly recommended on yelp. I was a little surprised at how small the tacos were, but they were super good! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u-9RHDlTkW8/T6bWhN8CbRI/AAAAAAAACLk/hA9o_vRDCPk/s1600-h/LV23.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LV2" border="0" alt="LV2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UGUtdsg7A2g/T6bWhovOsYI/AAAAAAAACLs/dl2estJ2KlQ/LV2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ve66jUt1axw/T6bWiBeDJKI/AAAAAAAACL0/6Gd3O11nLdA/s1600-h/LV311.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LV3" border="0" alt="LV3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-94RhUVdGt0s/T6bWigyRAsI/AAAAAAAACL8/PpS1yf0fK6A/LV3_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a></p> <p>We also sampled one of the flat breads and the hummus and baba ganoush. The flatbread was terrific! My coworkers split the Prime Tomahawk Ribeye with the roasted asparagus and the truffled potatoes (which were amazing and melted in your mouth!). The meat was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u9-Azbsf2F4/T6bWjXqmt5I/AAAAAAAACME/GgLpQ68vtWI/s1600-h/LV44.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV4" border="0" alt="LV4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BaLivvSwdqs/T6bWj1cqMqI/AAAAAAAACMM/95mdGbAzUso/LV4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="319"></a></p> <p>I finished off my meal with the almond panna cotta that was topped with a honey tuile. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fpjteqamJ6E/T6bWkduKPCI/AAAAAAAACMU/ZWSKzUhVNGM/s1600-h/LV510.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV5" border="0" alt="LV5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OYBWXt3A3ic/T6bWk6bSoLI/AAAAAAAACMc/unU-1e9iqR0/LV5_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="326"></a></p> <p>Next on our list was Michael Mina’s <a href="http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/signature-restaurants/stripsteak.aspx">Stripsteak</a>, which was named Esquire Magazine’s Best Steakhouse in America! The steaks here are poached in butter and then wood smoked to perfection. The meal starts off with duck fat fries and a variety of dipping sauces. That night it was old bay seasoning, ketchup and a truffle aioli. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IJlr6OkrCjI/T6bWlljkjqI/AAAAAAAACMk/7XhbZDJqFa4/s1600-h/LV128.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV12" border="0" alt="LV12" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b7bhVesNtp8/T6bWl1nayjI/AAAAAAAACMs/Dzp0WJhBnw4/LV12_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="331"></a></p> <p>For my meal I decided to go with the Filet Mignon and all of the guys went with the American Kobe Rib Cap. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y-iCirojYts/T6bWm-6964I/AAAAAAAACM0/5O1KimbV0ZA/s1600-h/LV1410.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV14" border="0" alt="LV14" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lnQ-vE34uMI/T6bWnJhP-1I/AAAAAAAACM8/kwOQTRshOIA/LV14_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="342"></a></p> <p>Our table got a bunch of sides to share, Truffled Mac and Cheese, Brussel Sprouts, Artichoke Hearts with Goat Cheese and Chipotle Potatoes!! We washed this down with a nice Silver Oak Cabernet as well! My favorite sides were the truffled mac and cheese and the chipotle potatoes. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RxKs_v23H4Q/T6bWoWDlIEI/AAAAAAAACNE/khjIIdbmQFM/s1600-h/LV163.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LV16" border="0" alt="LV16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2P1t1VlUorc/T6bWot6Rk5I/AAAAAAAACNM/j36sNmki_1U/LV16_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XmM0E1Fl_tg/T6bWpu1ZbTI/AAAAAAAACNU/W-Hc3_ip8rE/s1600-h/LV173.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LV17" border="0" alt="LV17" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rnRznIE__pA/T6bWqE98W-I/AAAAAAAACNc/qCHFQ98ym58/LV17_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CVjXLzpEInE/T6bWrJ69y4I/AAAAAAAACNk/0j5A82qs-dY/s1600-h/LV183.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV18" border="0" alt="LV18" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4cdRSCqGR98/T6bWrdjymAI/AAAAAAAACNs/7NLgdcAOg98/LV18_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="208"></a></p> <p>For dessert I tried the dunkin donuts which came with a Jasmine Fudge, Chocolate and Salted Caramel dipping sauces. YUM! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8gjNFNHNhpA/T6bWsNbJPYI/AAAAAAAACN0/flP_V-weOHc/s1600-h/LV158.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="LV15" border="0" alt="LV15" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DtlAlpsqVeI/T6bWsvi5PxI/AAAAAAAACN8/OIM9Zl_uAKQ/LV15_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="317"></a></p> <p>There was a lot to eat so this is just part 1 of the Vegas eats! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-84826488531563008412012-04-29T10:21:00.001-07:002012-04-29T10:21:12.496-07:00Lunch at Sotto<p>A while ago my friend LT and I went to lunch at <a href="http://www.sottorestaurant.com/">Sotto</a> when it was DineLA. It was by far one of the best DineLA’s that we have ever been too. I can’t wait to go back for dinner one night, someone just told me that <a href="http://www.lamag.com/">Los Angeles Magazine</a> also named it as one of the years top <a href="http://www.lamag.com/lahandbook/story.aspx?ID=1584404">10 best new restaurants</a>. </p> <p>We started our lunch off with some amazing cocktails! I don’t know about you, but I take it as a good sign when drinks are served with clear, perfectly cubed ice cubes. A bartender once told me that to make them appear perfectly clear, you need to use hot water to make the ice cubes. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rCG6i8Pl2C0/T514YiD91eI/AAAAAAAACJA/BMGp4atCn0E/s1600-h/Sotto28.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto2" border="0" alt="Sotto2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BVVrY9fyt5s/T514ZI-VXBI/AAAAAAAACJI/wrd95776cy8/Sotto2_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="288"></a></p> <p>We tried the Grappa Don’t Preach and Dem Apples. I am currently in love with Bourbon drinks, Dem Apples was so good! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kNPS066MH-8/T514ZkyjeBI/AAAAAAAACJQ/1d9RQ8_YH5w/s1600-h/Sotto18.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto1" border="0" alt="Sotto1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LG7OPxisrTo/T514aOQxFTI/AAAAAAAACJY/4niir-QfF9o/Sotto1_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="301"></a></p> <p>We started off our meal with an amazing cauliflower almond soup, which I am still thinking about months later and some savory grilled pork meatballs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pVTRFtUGdo8/T514a0J6cmI/AAAAAAAACJg/ShzSsPjQdiY/s1600-h/Sotto38.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto3" border="0" alt="Sotto3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_XpwPj-xE54/T514bL-yu8I/AAAAAAAACJo/T369Bjlhi74/Sotto3_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="318"></a> </p> <p>So good, the almond essence added such a nice complex dimension to the soup. I need to learn how to recreate this! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-82ElhmF5iOE/T514cYirp2I/AAAAAAAACJw/yzIWXZGKsRA/s1600-h/Sotto49.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto4" border="0" alt="Sotto4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hDxal2exKMY/T514dN9mAFI/AAAAAAAACJ4/JDZrRa-ZW6s/Sotto4_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="338"></a></p> <p>For our main we had Casarecce, a perfect pasta with a lamb ragu. This pasta was seriously cooked perfectly. It was the perfect al dente and had so much flavor. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mSnAKXJ33DU/T514dzLXBNI/AAAAAAAACKA/GcoMYaWhW74/s1600-h/Sotto68.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto6" border="0" alt="Sotto6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M0SkAJq1xuM/T514eOJ5qgI/AAAAAAAACKI/7sjyColFnbM/Sotto6_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="316"></a></p> <p>The other main we had was highly recommended on yelp. It was the crispy pork belly porcetto sandwich, this was so decadent, I can’t imagine eating the entire dish, but it was perfect to share. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kGCo7t3Zb-4/T514fORFjZI/AAAAAAAACKQ/vR5YjiB-AUA/s1600-h/Sotto58.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto5" border="0" alt="Sotto5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PNofGruljW8/T514fgNHJxI/AAAAAAAACKY/qG7tyj6vuBo/Sotto5_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="321"></a></p> <p>The desserts were solid, but nothing special in my opinion. We went with the panna cotta and the chocolate hazelnut torte. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V3lCO75r6tM/T514gYEn81I/AAAAAAAACKg/TqHYvIU-7Vo/s1600-h/Sotto78.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto7" border="0" alt="Sotto7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KLU5J9adcU4/T514ggI3hxI/AAAAAAAACKo/VLaNxQMPjhQ/Sotto7_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5vsCzWfNHUk/T514hdvCCGI/AAAAAAAACKw/rd5y4jvgr1s/s1600-h/Sotto88.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sotto8" border="0" alt="Sotto8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-auyr_TVnJxs/T514hyIdy-I/AAAAAAAACK4/3kt9fbsk5OY/Sotto8_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="329"></a></p> <p>Overall a great meal! I really want to go back and try another pasta and their pizzas. I highly recommend this place if you are in the LA area! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-28214650631425191122012-04-19T21:28:00.001-07:002012-04-19T21:28:39.653-07:00Banana Pudding<p>Do you ever have cravings that haunt you for weeks? One minute you’re doing you’re thing and the craving pops in your head and for the next week or so you can’t get it out of your head. Banana Pudding is one of those things. Such a simple dessert, but so comforting! I had heard great things about <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/home.php">Magnolia Bakery’s</a> Banana Pudding, so the other week I decided it was time to give it a try. </p> <p>Let me tell you, this pudding is no joke! I brought in some left overs to work, and we’re already scheduling another time to eat it. I had just made a half recipe, but that was a HUGE mistake since I think everyone would have licked the container clean if I made the full one. Please excuse the horrid pics, I was in a rush and took them quickly with my phone. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DRgn7OXay4U/T5Dl8AndymI/AAAAAAAACIg/iiYJ1lEN4_k/s1600-h/BP2%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BP2" border="0" alt="BP2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7PHVtEpF6nQ/T5Dl8naJw7I/AAAAAAAACIo/ODs3poEiCNM/BP2_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="292"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding<br></u></strong>from Magnolia Bakery</p> <p>1 1/2 cup ice cold water<br>2/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix (Jello Brand works the best)<br>1 can condensed milk <br>3 cups heavy whipping cream<br>1 box Nilla wafers<br>4-5 bananas, sliced</p> <p>1. In a small bowl, mix the water, condensed milk and pudding. Set in the refrigerator and let set for at least 4 hours.</p> <p>2. In a large bowl whip the heavy cream until you reach stiff peaks.</p> <p>3. Fold the pudding and cream mixture into each other until well blended. </p> <p>4. In a bowl layer Nilla wafers (overlapping if necessary), sliced bananas and pudding. Repeat until pudding mixture is gone (2-3 layers). </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r3JpZyQQBCA/T5Dl9P_4AOI/AAAAAAAACIw/JJHcdtTSVDA/s1600-h/BP1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BP1" border="0" alt="BP1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PMoHZsTJktE/T5Dl9QPZP1I/AAAAAAAACI4/Ki2O3usFIz0/BP1_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="258"></a></p> <p>5. If you have any left over cookies, crumble a few and sprinkle on the last layer of pudding. </p> <p>Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve! </p> <p>Sorry I don’t have more pics, honestly this gotten eaten up so quickly I didn’t have the chance. I think I am actually making this again next week for some of my co-workers birthdays!! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-26968691462089751912012-04-02T22:08:00.001-07:002012-04-02T22:08:47.594-07:00Warm Brussel Sprout Salad<p>This is one of my favorite salads! My former Trainer actually was the one who taught it to me, I’ve changed it a couple times and reinvented it for my own. You can do so many variations on this, give it a try!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3IH9YfVJwNs/T3qF2DWRA7I/AAAAAAAACH8/eL-OhmZfKSM/s1600-h/brusselsprout18.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="brusselsprout1" border="0" alt="brusselsprout1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YhJ_YjGuHGY/T3qF2WGmhZI/AAAAAAAACIE/5dhB2r_7xvA/brusselsprout1_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="314"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Warm Brussel Sprout Salad</u></strong></p> <p>1 lb brussel sprouts, finely shredded<br>1 clove garlic, minced<br>1 oz. almond, chopped<br>1/2 lemon, juice and rind<br>2 Tbsp Olive oil<br>2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese<br>Kosher salt and black pepper</p> <p>1. In a large pan add in olive oil and garlic and cook on medium high heat. Add in shredded brussel sprouts.</p> <p>2. Once brussel sprouts start to soften add in lemon juice, and grated lemon rind. Stir in and top with chopped almonds, salt and pepper and parmesan cheese.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dt7aOD-XFxQ/T3qF3XA5ATI/AAAAAAAACIM/KhBHIsLwHnM/s1600-h/brusselsprout213.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="brusselsprout2" border="0" alt="brusselsprout2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m_-SiEkhgbE/T3qF3s7PiuI/AAAAAAAACIU/DZlSNC44hD8/brusselsprout2_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="342"></a></p> <p>This is always a hit at any potluck as well! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-68509257568861732462012-03-22T19:30:00.001-07:002012-03-22T19:30:42.328-07:00Ramen Crazy!<p>We all have a soft spot in our hearts for Ramen. From the 35 cent packs that we bought in college to the sophisticated ones served at Ramen houses, slow cooked broth, char sui and soft boiled eggs. My amazing friend actually made a Ramen costume for her little girl, please don’t die from the cuteness. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OQaMcm7peL8/T2vgQa35UTI/AAAAAAAACHM/I8j6sIsWxDI/s1600-h/Ramencutie%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramencutie" border="0" alt="Ramencutie" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gXCThmnUzYk/T2vgQxQeVxI/AAAAAAAACHU/MrQM_J7EYjw/Ramencutie_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="391"></a></p> <p>OK, too cute but just one more!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yxAO8H0At8o/T2vgRyc8RfI/AAAAAAAACHc/7xKwf5UvSAY/s1600-h/lilramen2%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lilramen2" border="0" alt="lilramen2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nyoJLiVBF-I/T2vgTF0O-lI/AAAAAAAACHk/8qw_wG1fecE/lilramen2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="294" height="445"></a></p> <p>Recently I went to <a href="http://tsujita-la.com/">Tsujita LA Noodles</a> by my house to have some of the Ramen noodles that the famed food reviewer Jonathan Gold raved about!! The first time I went I had the standard Tonkotsu Ramen which was so tasty. When I went back with my friend LT, I had the more unusual Tsukemen, in which the broth is served on the side and with a lime wedge. The Tsukemen broth is thicker, slightly sweeter and has seafood added in it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SZxxhvQIsNI/T2vgT7757qI/AAAAAAAACHs/M0z6Q16KLLA/s1600-h/tsujita19.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="tsujita1" border="0" alt="tsujita1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tBSmlB1X9WA/T2vgUIgNXVI/AAAAAAAACH0/kY2M9WhkKgE/tsujita1_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="347"></a></p> <p>The Tsukemen is definitely worth a try, there are some cute instruction cards letting you know how to go about eat it. However I think I preferred the standard Tonkotsu Ramen personally. Hmm maybe more research is needed? LOL</p><a href="http://www.hackcollege.com/blog/2012/02/27/infographic-we-love-ramen.html"><img border="0" alt="We Love Ramen Infographic" src="http://www.hackcollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/we-love-ramen-infographic.gif" width="500"></a><br>Created by: <a href="http://www.hackcollege.com">Hack College</a> <p>Thanks to Peter from Hack College for the awesome info graphic!!</p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-36806166582071963042012-03-12T20:50:00.001-07:002012-03-12T20:50:01.846-07:00Arancini Casserole<p>I had seen this recipe on the web a couple month ago and I was dying for an excuse to make this! I invited some friends over for some hot tubing, wine and dinner and made this! This comes from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/sicilian-rice-ball-casserole.html">Skinny Taste</a>, one of my favorite healthy eating websites. She is a great resource for those of you who do weight watchers. </p> <p>This casserole is pretty healthy and taste just like those awesome Arancini balls that I love!!! While I might have added a little more cheese and an extra sausage for my guests, this dish would still be amazing with out the extra add ins. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B2osbNds7BU/T17D5d9nKdI/AAAAAAAACG4/TJbBoavL8wA/s1600-h/arancini1%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="arancini1" border="0" alt="arancini1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JmMn_3GOPyM/T17D54lHa1I/AAAAAAAACHA/hLo8at4DYH0/arancini1_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="357"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Arancini Casserole<br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/sicilian-rice-ball-casserole.html">Skinny Taste</a></p> <p>2 cups long grain rice<br>4 cups water<br>2 sweet Italian Chicken Sausage links, casing removed<br>1/4 cup onion, minced<br>salt and pepper<br>1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms<br>1/3 cup egg whites<br>1/2 cup pecorino Romano<br>cooking spray<br>4 Tbsp. seasoned bread crumbs<br>1 1/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella<br>red chili flakes<br>basil</p> <p>1. Cook rice in water according to directions on the package, set aside to cool.</p> <p>2. Sautee sausage meat, cooking until brown and breaking up the pieces with a wooden spoon. Add turkey and onions and cook until browned, breaking up the pieces as it cooks all the way through. Season the mix with salt and pepper. Add in the mushrooms and 8oz tomato sauce. Simmer on low and cover for about 20 minutes. </p> <p>3. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl combine rice, pecorino, eggs and 4 oz. tomato sauce and mix well. <em>*Optional: Add in a couple dashes for red chili flakes for some heat* </em></p> <p>4. Spray a 9x12 casserole dish with cooking spray (get the edges too). Add in 2 tbsp. of the breadcrumbs into the dish and roll around so that it evenly coats the dish. </p> <p>5. Place half of the rice mixture into the casserole dish, cover the bottom of the dish and up the sides, pressing it firmly into a bottom layer. Layer in the meat mixture and sprinkle mozzarella on top (saving some to sprinkle on top). Top with the remaining rice mixture and spread it until even. Top with the remaining tomato sauce, bread crumbs and cheese. </p> <p>6. Cover with a piece of foil (tent the foil so you don’t loose any of that cheese!). Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. </p> <p>Let the dish sit for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with basil. </p> <p>So good! My friends and I completely ate this up in a heartbeat. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-31216768975484585882012-02-27T19:29:00.001-08:002012-02-27T19:29:22.380-08:00Giveaway Winner!!<p>I am a slacker, I’m not ashamed to admit it. The month of February was crazy and I have not posted or even let you all know who won the giveaway! In my defense I was busy planning a bachelorette party in Vegas for my good friend A. Now that I am single, I also find my time disappearing in other ways as well. But I finally am going to announce the winner! The lucky number was 21! I was so excited to see that Nami, from <a href="http://justonecookbook.com/blog/">Just One Cookbook</a>, was the winner! Nami was one of my first friends I made from blogging and she has the most amazing blog as well. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ebj0ekTeWlY/T0xKCGVzXFI/AAAAAAAACGY/limfBBqTw5k/s1600-h/random%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="random" border="0" alt="random" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HIRANIO4arU/T0xKCQyX0II/AAAAAAAACGg/VdhmDfofYhc/random_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="188"></a></p> <p>But back to the bachelorette, we had an amazing time in Vegas and ate at a lot of super yummy places!! I’ll recap on those soon, I promise… While what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, I thought I would share this one photo of my ladies! Congrats to A!! Can’t wait for the wedding in April. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WCmdwvojf3w/T0xKDY9HSZI/AAAAAAAACGo/Goln4azqPww/s1600-h/058%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="058" border="0" alt="058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nEtp_2O_TmY/T0xKD7Zcg6I/AAAAAAAACGw/OYpfjokwEUk/058_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="356"></a></p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-11061629845500245692012-02-05T18:32:00.001-08:002012-02-05T18:32:13.037-08:00Ginger Lemon Basil Spritzer<p>Happy Super Bowl Sunday! You all still have time to enter my Hawaii themed Blogiversary <a href="http://lindselicious.blogspot.com/2012/02/blogiversary-and-giveaway-portuguese.html">giveaway</a>…</p> <p>When I was in Hawaii I stumbled across the best booth at the local farmers market! They were making a ton of ginger flavored drinks. I don’t know if I mentioned it, but last year I completely gave up soda. I used to be a diet coke girl, drinking 1-2 diet cokes a day. Now days I hardly drink soda, with the exception of Ginger Ale and Fresca. </p> <p>I was beyond excited when I saw that they were selling some of their ginger concentrate, so I bought a small bottle and have been enjoying making my own Ginger Lemon Basil Spritzers at home. </p> <p> </p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9_n2vEh0-Oo/Ty87pSmQ7kI/AAAAAAAACGA/TCwKhizMSiE/s1600-h/Gingerbasil%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Gingerbasil" border="0" alt="Gingerbasil" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zaNkMYPxAZ4/Ty87qirFCHI/AAAAAAAACGI/anyaY4pVdUo/Gingerbasil_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="331"></a><br><strong><u>Ginger Lemon Basil Spritzer<br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://www.pacifikool.com/">PacifiKool</a> <p>2 basil leaves<br>1/2 lemon juice<br>1 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Syrup from PacifiKool<br>sparkling water<br>vodka <br>ice</p> <p>1. Tear and lightly muddle the basil leaves. Squeeze lemon juice over basil leaves. </p> <p>2. Fill cup up half way with ice, pour ginger syrup and sparkling water over the lemon basil mixture. Add in a “shot” or two of vodka and mix well. Add more sparkling water if necessary.</p> <p>So good and refreshing!! I am going to invite myself over to my friend MC’s house since she just got herself a juicer and try to make my own Ginger Syrup! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-60273518748309497682012-02-01T17:00:00.001-08:002012-02-02T08:33:10.224-08:00Blogiversary and Giveaway! Portuguese Bean Soup with Lentils and Butternut Squash<p>It’s my one year Blogiversary! Time sure has flown by and to celebrate I am doing a Hawaii themed giveaway. In this giveaway you will receive a Lilikoi (passion fruit) jelly, a hula girl ornament, a bag of Lion’s Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coffee, a box of Hawaiian Host Kona Caramacs and a Hawaii Cookbook (Hawaii’s Part Food)! To enter leave a comment that you did one of the following (multiple entries allowed): 1. Leave a comment on the post. 2. Like me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Lindselicious">Facebook</a>. 3. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/MsLindselicious">Twitter</a>. Here’s a pic of the goodies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nARvr3s7gYE/TyngHUU2boI/AAAAAAAACDQ/Qg9bG23H3mE/s1600-h/giveaway%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="giveaway" border="0" alt="giveaway" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RakmRIzWulY/TyngHhP98lI/AAAAAAAACDY/cY7W267f0Go/giveaway_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="360"></a></p> <p>One of the things I miss most about food in Hawaii is Portuguese Bean soup. This soup is so popular it’s served at many restaurants and even as school fundraiser. For Christmas I received a cookbook that had not one but FIVE Portuguese Bean soup recipes! Now I had no excuse and I was excited to try it now that the weather was getting a little cooler in So Cal. </p> <p>Portuguese Bean soup has nice chunks of Portuguese sausage, some type of bean and Macaroni in a tomato base broth. I chose this recipe first since it had Lentils and Butternut Squash and I was interested in seeing how this would make the soup heartier and creamier. (Maybe healthier?) Make sure you have 4-5 hours to make this soup! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HcMgZoOepF0/TyngI5r0kyI/AAAAAAAACDg/gbgY-bDEbiU/s1600-h/PortSoup%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="PortSoup" border="0" alt="PortSoup" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IFkG2LNdWmc/TyngJMpLQHI/AAAAAAAACDo/SMXmS5EJNj8/PortSoup_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="301"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Portuguese Bean Soup with Lentils and Butternut Squash</u></strong> <br>adapted from <a href="http://mutualpublishing.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=5">Hawaii’s Ohana Cookbook</a><br>serves 8-10</p> <p>1-1.5lb Ham Bone or Smoked Ham hock<br>1 package Butternut Squash, cubed<br>2 packages Portuguese Sausage (Linguisa and Kielbasa ok too)<br>1 medium onion, diced<br>2 cans pinto beans<br>1 can Progresso Lentil soup<br>1/4 cup Ketchup<br>3 Tbsp. dark brown sugar<br>1 Tbsp. minced parsley<br>6 dried Bay Leaves<br>1 cup small Macaroni Noodles</p> <p>1. Place ham bone and onions in a large deep pot with enough water to cover most of the ham bone. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the pot to a simmer. Let the pot simmer until meat softens and starts to fall off the ham bone. </p> <p>2. When the ham is falling off the bone, remove bones and cut any remaining meat off the bone and return to the pot. Slice Portuguese sausage in half length wise and then into 1/4 inch pieces and throw into the pot. Add in cubed butternut squash.</p> <p>3. Add in pinto beans, Lentil soup, ketchup, dark brown sugar, minced parsley and bay leaves. </p> <p>4. Let cook until the squash is easy to cut with the stirring spoon. Add in macaroni and simmer until noodles are soft. Adjust seasoning if necessary.</p> <p>This soup came out great! I shared some with my boss and my friend LT and both loved it. I had wanted to try the other 4 recipes for Portuguese Bean Soup in the cookbook my mom gave me, but to be honest I don’t know if I will be able to top this one. This soup freezes great as well! I have 2 more servings waiting for me in my freezer! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-10358354249506604442012-01-23T21:14:00.001-08:002012-01-23T21:14:40.019-08:00South Bay Noodle Tour<p>In Los Angeles there is no shortage of Ramen and Noodle Houses to try. One day my friend LT and I decided to do a Noodle tour to try a lot of the placed down in the South Bay Region that had been on our list. Our first stop was <a href="http://mottainairamen.com/">Mottanai Ramen</a>. Translated, Mottani means “What a shame” or “wasteful”, once you get seated there is a little story on the menu of how the restaurant got its name. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yr3C2p8yt3o/Tx4-JOFJaPI/AAAAAAAACBg/hYOoXqIQl7M/s1600-h/Ramen38.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramen3" border="0" alt="Ramen3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hD6tWF6P9Zg/Tx4-JosYw2I/AAAAAAAACBo/LxuU17NOHBc/Ramen3_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="358"></a></p> <p>I loved their menu! Of course I had to go with the Yokohama Pork Freaker, cause who doesn’t want to try the one that has the name “freaker” in it? The ramen came with toasted nori sheets, green onions, charsiu and we added an egg in there as well. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9W0AN56tnRU/Tx4-KCeZUZI/AAAAAAAACBw/I7937v54Jh8/s1600-h/Ramen18.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramen1" border="0" alt="Ramen1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FHY3YihdBVw/Tx4-Kftc2YI/AAAAAAAACB4/l0q1dXSSCHY/Ramen1_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="321"></a></p> <p>The broth was nice and tasty and the ramen egg had been marinated in soy so it was flavorful. However the egg was a little cold and the char siu didn’t melt in my mouth (like some of the other places I’ve been). But an over all good bowl of ramen, and their gyoza was great too!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pOV7KnK9Jiw/Tx4-LXiKN4I/AAAAAAAACCA/VNCLQ-FB-sE/s1600-h/Ramen29.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramen2" border="0" alt="Ramen2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--uwCjKaS0RI/Tx4-LgcbSCI/AAAAAAAACCI/PMycwLoPxug/Ramen2_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="299"></a></p> <p>Our second spot was <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/asa-ramen-gardena">Asa Ramen</a>, but sadly it was closed. So we’ll be back there later. On to the next spot on our list which was <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/otafuku-noodle-house-gardena">Otafuku Noodle House</a>! Otafuku has a humble store front and you must enter from the back. This place was known for their Seito Soba. My friend LT was especially excited since they also bring you the hot water the noodles are cooked in which you add to the remainder of the dipping sauce to drink as a soup. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-98ra3KqHeW0/Tx4-MCc1ZyI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Ql31mVPFomA/s1600-h/Ramen87.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramen8" border="0" alt="Ramen8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6BY1yE4spiU/Tx4-MgL77NI/AAAAAAAACCY/4YfTM8U3VcM/Ramen8_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="308"></a></p> <p>The noodles were so fresh and chewy! I am not a huge soba fan, but this was definitely fresh and we couldn’t stop eating it. We also got some fresh tofu that was topped with bonito, green onion, ginger and shiso! The combination was so fresh and so good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-btFeIics1WE/Tx4-NRHNQ7I/AAAAAAAACCg/nyJ5UGPSx9E/s1600-h/Ramen78.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramen7" border="0" alt="Ramen7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qLnKFKbFpU4/Tx4-NhAC4xI/AAAAAAAACCo/FDVojxy5Nhs/Ramen7_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="288"></a></p> <p>For our last stop I had to phone a friend, since Asa Ramen was closed. He suggested <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/hakata-ramen-shinsengumi-gardena-2">Hakta Ramen-Shin Sen Gumi</a>. We were pretty full by now but luckily this place lets you order half bowls of ramen and half orders of fried rice (which had amazing reviews on yelp). What I liked most about this place was the number of options, you got to choose how you wanted your noodles cooked (hard), what type of broth you wanted (mild) and how oily you wanted it (light). There was also a lot of condiments such as torigashi, soy sauce, roasted sesame seeds and vinegar at all the tables. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lyoKOTip4EE/Tx4-ObBXFZI/AAAAAAAACCw/VJgfZavO-mg/s1600-h/Ramen58.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramen5" border="0" alt="Ramen5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4UtK9EM-9Oo/Tx4-Oobua_I/AAAAAAAACC4/wE4HHTJs_uU/Ramen5_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="302"></a></p> <p>Hands down this was our favorite of the night. The broth was so rich and flavorful, the noodles were nice and chewy and the addition of the toasted sesame seeds added so much flavor! We forgot to add a Ramen egg in (so we couldn’t rate that), but the guy next to us had one and the yolk looked over cooked- but not sure if it was because he saved it for last and it cooked in his broth. The charsiu was pretty good, but so far no place has touched Jinya Ramen for both LT and I, since their charsiu melts in your mouth. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eBU6dqWICp8/Tx4-PaMPRSI/AAAAAAAACDA/3WL8Xec09fw/s1600-h/fr9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="fr" border="0" alt="fr" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JTafAOCtQ5Q/Tx4-P4mqlnI/AAAAAAAACDI/O7wAiIpWTFA/fr_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="322"></a></p> <p>The fried rice here totally lived up to the hype as well. It was seriously flavorful, and the place got extra points since they had vinegar at the table, which for some strange reason I love to drizzle over my fried rice. </p> <p>There are a ton of new Ramen places opening up right near my house, so a West Los Angeles Ramen tour will be in the works too. It will have Yamadaya, Jinya Ramen and Santokuya!! Maybe Asahi or Ramenya as well. Any volunteers to come with?? </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-40765482385299429022012-01-21T19:54:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:44:10.021-08:00Dinner at Ink with Michael Voltaggio<p>Ok so I didn’t technically have dinner with Michael Voltaggio. I did spend 95% of my dinner staring at him from my table which was right next to the open kitchen. I think there were several moments that we made eye contact- it was special, you will just have to trust me. =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N4NRG4KwWHw/Ty7tUpLpL7I/AAAAAAAACDw/lds9sNjSyu0/s1600-h/Ink311.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink3" border="0" alt="Ink3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YoL3X2Z0lXE/Ty7tVBPXtwI/AAAAAAAACD4/C5pkbKLltFU/Ink3_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="353"></a></p> <p>LT and I started off the night at the bar while we were waiting for our table. Our cute and extremely helpful waiter made us some drink suggestions. I went with the seasonal offering that was a warm bourbon drink. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KpDYdERks0U/Ty7tVvHRtoI/AAAAAAAACEA/ULg3gJkNqSg/s1600-h/Ink110.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink1" border="0" alt="Ink1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SdCpgpfXIrU/Ty7tV_6d6PI/AAAAAAAACEI/U5hEPlAz6JY/Ink1_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="286"></a></p> <p>Up first was the Kale, Burrata, Pumpkin Seeds, Asian Pear and Yuzu. I loved this so many things that I love that I would never had thought to pair together. I am inspired to create my own burrata and kale dish. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rl3-pFmtkd4/Ty7tWZCSrGI/AAAAAAAACEQ/svaSt6hT7qw/s1600-h/Ink29.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink2" border="0" alt="Ink2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JhxcwsLQN6Q/Ty7tXhgD38I/AAAAAAAACEY/B8ioxAVtGTU/Ink2_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="349"></a>Next we had the dish that our server had recommended to us, the charred avocado stuffed with crab, topped with wild hen mushrooms, with whipped fish sauce and chicharron. If you haven’t had grilled avocado, you haven’t lived. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oFhGTR0yhmg/Ty7tYdBMBsI/AAAAAAAACEg/ST57qG0gi5s/s1600-h/Ink74.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink7" border="0" alt="Ink7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8-WAyWra_dE/Ty7tYokFT8I/AAAAAAAACEo/L60muN6JUlI/Ink7_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="304"></a></p> <p align="left">Beef tartare is one of my favorite dishes that I like to order no matter where I go. It seems so simple, but I think it’s often these type of dishes that are a good measure of how great a restaurant is. I LOVED M.Volt’s Beef Tartare, LT and I both agreed that we could have eaten a couple more orders of this. It was served with hearts of palm, chimichurri, and powdered horseradish. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nO3or4Lo__I/Ty7tZSgAnYI/AAAAAAAACEw/cdm6d3rN4gg/s1600-h/Ink810.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink8" border="0" alt="Ink8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E1xLrGwBt7o/Ty7tZutfWOI/AAAAAAAACE4/4wCHuSlrsIk/Ink8_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="312"></a></p> <p align="left">This dish was a bit heavy but delicious. Pigs Ears, Apples, Lardo and Brussel Sprouts. The dish was really well balanced with a bit of salty, tart and savory bits all balanced throughout it. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AYWLnXg10QQ/Ty7taTcshKI/AAAAAAAACFA/n94GNWIJp-k/s1600-h/Ink68.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink6" border="0" alt="Ink6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XkJrw_xlidA/Ty7ta1sM9tI/AAAAAAAACFI/iG7TC_cAs3w/Ink6_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="328"></a></p> <p>I’m a huge Chicken and Waffle fan, so I was eager to see what Michael would do with this dish. LT was a little skeptical, but he let me order it since he is such a gentleman. Good thing, cause we both really liked this dish! The chicken was so moist with some smoked maple powder, burnt marshmallow and some hot sauce to top it all off. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2NNc8aqTJb0/Ty7tbkkHL6I/AAAAAAAACFQ/CdnfYrsmWeQ/s1600-h/ink513.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ink5" border="0" alt="ink5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bHaCxpvCXxU/Ty7tbyfRVnI/AAAAAAAACFY/U_2rKFEwP4o/ink5_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="311"></a></p> <p>Veal sweetbreads with charred cauliflower, smoked raisins and capers. This dish was solid but did not blow my mind. (Sorry Michael)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l2qiS6yqVEE/Ty7tcqm2HTI/AAAAAAAACFg/-8Cs3dJeH_g/s1600-h/Ink48.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink4" border="0" alt="Ink4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-joCOOrrd66E/Ty7tc4zNM9I/AAAAAAAACFo/TmW750AJLAU/Ink4_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298"></a></p> <p>I was not in love with this dish either, to be honest I wouldn’t have chosen this dish at all. But since LT let me pick my chicken and waffles, I let him get this… This was Sea Bass with a Lemon Brown Butter sauce. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GG2KK0j4ouA/Ty7tdS3mZ7I/AAAAAAAACFw/bb85tF_v5cM/s1600-h/Ink910.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ink9" border="0" alt="Ink9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ay1qmG6Clss/Ty7tdleVXtI/AAAAAAAACF4/NmSjFh8wV1I/Ink9_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="327"></a></p> <p>The dessert was amazing!! My co-worker had told me to order this and she was right! This is his apple, burnt caramel and burnt wood ice cream dessert. Simply amazing!! Love love the burnt wood ice cream. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-55128143417909514822012-01-20T14:01:00.001-08:002012-01-20T14:01:10.575-08:00Apple Pie Cookies and Cake Pop Tips<p>The other day my friend MC stumbled across this recipe from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/10/apple-pie-cookies/">Smitten Kitchen</a>. Little apple pie cookies, so cute right? We were supposed to hang out that weekend so we decided to make a batch. We altered the recipe slightly by using 2 boxes of pre made pie crusts. You can find the recipe <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/10/apple-pie-cookies/">here</a>, Smitten Kitchen provides great tips and pics to help you make these babies. My friend made it again and used cute little flower cookie cutters. The only tip we had was after we cut out all the pie crust discs, we put them back in the freezer for 10 minutes to ensure that they were nice and cold. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v6TLM9EEYmE/TxnkAulhh6I/AAAAAAAAB_g/iO8fra8Tzi4/s1600-h/062%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="062" border="0" alt="062" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OwT_0sKh4ic/TxnkA5rfd2I/AAAAAAAAB_o/XYcLo2wO3lo/062_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="271"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mYWJsncgjvM/TxnkBYdsZgI/AAAAAAAAB_w/YBXU0WaGrTo/s1600-h/067%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="067" border="0" alt="067" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rLk4As7MrDE/TxnkBq4bwvI/AAAAAAAAB_4/F4p4nnJ7GoE/067_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="283"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lBE5nZBqQuI/TxnkCR3GNdI/AAAAAAAACAA/p0BsXIlfRTY/s1600-h/070%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="070" border="0" alt="070" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I1s07HIBqpc/TxnkC_aHzdI/AAAAAAAACAI/r6GByTOz3nc/070_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="280"></a></p> <p>So cute and the perfect little pocket of goodness. I popped these back in the toaster oven to heat them up and they were amazing! This is the prefect mini dessert for your next get together. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. </p> <p>If you follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Lindselicious">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MsLindselicious">Twitter</a>, you know that recently I made a huge batch of Cake Pops for my friends son’s 1st birthday party. The goal? 175 cake pops!! We’ve all seen the recipes posted by many, but I thought I would share some of my tips that I learned along the way. </p> <ol> <li>Use a small cookie or meatball scooper. This ensures that all your cake pops are approximately the same size and makes the process a little faster, even though you still need to roll the balls. </li> <li>Be sure to freeze or refrigerate the balls long enough to get dense, it makes them a lot easier to work with.</li> <li>To dip that many balls and not constantly have to microwave or double boil chocolate and keep it warm- I used my mini crockpot!!! It was PERFECT. </li> <li>Chocolate seems to be the trickiest part, having a tub of Crisco on hand to work with the melting chocolates was a life saver. If the chocolate is to heavy, you will loose many balls in the bowl of hot chocolate. </li></ol> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rqfDK1jHdf8/TxnkDivwc4I/AAAAAAAACAQ/rTV_RTGO_CI/s1600-h/CB1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CB1" border="0" alt="CB1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TvAYba1uRrM/TxnkEGWDm2I/AAAAAAAACAU/pisd8z96xJY/CB1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295"></a></p> <p>Oh and another confession?? You will thank me for this if you are hosting a party and want to make cake pops but don’t have the time…</p> <p> 5. <strong>USE CAKE DONUT HOLES!!</strong></p> <p>If you need cake pops in a rush, cake donut holes work great!!! I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make the 175 cake pops in time, or that some of them would break during transport. I bought two boxes of Entemann’s donut holes that worked great! If you are making a lot this is a complete time saver!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oHkYTSFhjrQ/TxnkE57q9SI/AAAAAAAACAg/h6P7hqVlgiI/s1600-h/CB2%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CB2" border="0" alt="CB2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VSfZN_AYI0g/TxnkFjwdPhI/AAAAAAAACAo/eidQ7q9UbDg/CB2_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="299"></a></p> <p>Above are the donut holes and the ones with the blue sprinkles are the ones that I made by hand. While the homemade cake pops definitely taste better and are a lot more moist, the donut cake pops are pretty darn tasty and so quick to make too!! Here’s the finished product. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_mgMRUCp87k/TxnkGXJECJI/AAAAAAAACAw/NsaNqQHoOe4/s1600-h/cakeball2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cakeball2" border="0" alt="cakeball2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s7BCud5m5Tg/TxnkG_7V_II/AAAAAAAACA4/j_qKC7EZmu4/cakeball2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="316"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XLP81tSuEVg/TxnkHpOdCGI/AAAAAAAACBA/gPJbQglF3eo/s1600-h/004%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EePa5upScYM/TxnkIdMsd1I/AAAAAAAACBI/6n6pM_y7hjg/004_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="318"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4J_FD3SbSkI/TxnkJP-AI8I/AAAAAAAACBQ/OFTJ1GsUrug/s1600-h/008%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XsF2LZTmhuQ/TxnkJWg3tOI/AAAAAAAACBY/MwNMqgDCDyY/008_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="306"></a></p> <p>Everyone loved the cake pops, I heard that there were none left at the end of the party. Happy 1st Birthday to Kellan!! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-29735293930877044942012-01-15T14:30:00.001-08:002012-01-15T14:30:05.985-08:00Dinner at Nobu’s in Hawaii<p>On Christmas Eve I went to Nobu’s for an omakase dinner with my dad and step mom when I was home in Hawaii. I was excited to go since Nobu’s was actually one of the first “fancy” restaurants that I went to with my dad when we had traveled to New York together when I was in High School. I remember being severed paper thin slices of raw beef that we then cooked at the table on a smooth stone that had been sitting in an oven for hours. </p> <p>We started out meal with yummy cocktails lychee martinis, pickled pear sangrias and wine. The first course we had with the omakase was Bigeye and Bluefin Toro tartar with caviar and a Japanese berry as a palate cleanser. The fish was so amazing it literally melted in my mouth and the soy caviar burst in our mouths accenting the tuna so nicely. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eXYaPfAO4eM/TxNTRyz62XI/AAAAAAAAB9c/yQz-eBI3MNw/s1600-h/Nobu1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu1" border="0" alt="Nobu1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kAGTxWqzsk4/TxNTSVRCY8I/AAAAAAAAB9k/4y-QU1RxiME/Nobu1_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="277"></a>Our next course was a house smoked King Salmon with Maui onions and ponzu. For those of you who have never tried a Maui onion its almost sweet with a very subtle taste that paired so nicely with the rich taste of the salmon. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D6_pqft7AiY/TxNTTY4ldhI/AAAAAAAAB9s/ayhUO0jYptg/s1600-h/Nobu2%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu2" border="0" alt="Nobu2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kbyyr1tY5vk/TxNTTswUNSI/AAAAAAAAB90/DShLMHY_oUs/Nobu2_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="286"></a></p> <p>For our salad course we had a Ma’o Farm salad with Botan Ebi Sashimi with soy salt and a yuzu foam. The shrimp was amazing, my dad can’t eat shrimp, so my stepmom and I shared his as well!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6zBkKuhuv4w/TxNTUi58nFI/AAAAAAAAB98/R2IpV4XCaJc/s1600-h/Nobu3%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu3" border="0" alt="Nobu3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y_ko1cu543c/TxNTU5Oj8vI/AAAAAAAAB-E/OolUyxw4Tjk/Nobu3_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281"></a></p> <p>Next was my favorite course of the night, a Pan Seared Scallop with Roasted Corn and a Mascarpone Cake with Tomato and Sea Asparagus. Not only do I love all the ingredients in here but the Mascarpone Cake literally melted in my mouth. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-seJrnXfhmDI/TxNTViDpeAI/AAAAAAAAB-M/7lFcNUBPj1U/s1600-h/Nobu4%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu4" border="0" alt="Nobu4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zhkrrXCwgeM/TxNTWOimGfI/AAAAAAAAB-U/Cl76oWYSZF0/Nobu4_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295"></a> Our other main course was a Sake-Braised Wagyu Short Rib with a Root Veggie Puree and a Mushroom Confit. The Short Ribs literally fell apart when our forks hit it and I my dad could not get enough of the root veggie puree. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uSdGeyNGhXE/TxNTW-RnMDI/AAAAAAAAB-c/IgUY5bS_3aw/s1600-h/Nobu5%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu5" border="0" alt="Nobu5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nYMqbxOCCwc/TxNTXAguZsI/AAAAAAAAB-k/jV4YFjVn244/Nobu5_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="306"></a></p> <p>Our sushi course was simple and excellent courses of sashimi along with a Miso Lobster Soup. We all weren’t huge fans of the Miso Soup, but the sushi melted in my mouth. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_Iui76YvKAk/TxNTYIVFkZI/AAAAAAAAB-s/vR05v42qKYk/s1600-h/Nobu7%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu7" border="0" alt="Nobu7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m53Rl9XgSzU/TxNTYmBpLrI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ZDJxC98jwIM/Nobu7_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="295"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yl_lM1I4lfk/TxNTZuWtgPI/AAAAAAAAB-8/34fwNzKXVMk/s1600-h/nb%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="nb" border="0" alt="nb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bNBPkm-eN2E/TxNTZ3vvuwI/AAAAAAAAB_E/n-jz9HRCWds/nb_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="290"></a></p> <p>Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore, they brought out our final course. A “Snowball” Coconut Panna Cotta and Mouse with Raspberries, Chocolate Goma Crunch and Meringue. I am a sucker for Coconut Panna Cotta, so I just loved this!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g_FWYQ2lM6Y/TxNTa7tlS7I/AAAAAAAAB_M/atUfo69rAis/s1600-h/Nobu8%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nobu8" border="0" alt="Nobu8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-APsxoCma3Ss/TxNTbcvQO5I/AAAAAAAAB_U/TTCm4NrRv6U/Nobu8_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="292"></a></p> <p>Such an amazing meal! Everything so well executed true to what Nobu has been known for, for years. I definitely want to go back and try their Happy Hour menu and specials. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-75817731656138396242012-01-09T21:07:00.001-08:002012-01-09T21:07:40.453-08:00Laos Inspired Shrimp Packets (Mok Pa)<p>The other day my friend LT came over and cooked me an amazing Laos meal that he learned while traveling South East Asia. I was so in love with the fish dish he made (so flavorful and super healthy) that I decided to take my own twist on it! This is perfect for those New Years resolutions we all made to eat healthier or loose a few pounds. I promise you wont even know that you are missing anything, cause this dish packs such great flavors! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8SeQAUak-yY/TwvHlgtu1nI/AAAAAAAAB88/bOCop2SyB5U/s1600-h/1laos%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1laos" border="0" alt="1laos" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y3r5sqlPDvc/TwvHmHqTzTI/AAAAAAAAB9E/gqY2jpyjgVo/1laos_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="280"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Laos Shrimp Packets</u></strong></p> <p>1/2 cup cooked white rice<br>1/2 lb. shrimp (or any white fish)<br>lime, juice<br>3 garlic cloves, diced<br>1/2 jalapeno, diced and deseeded<br>2 Tbsp basil, chopped<br>3 Tbsp dill, chopped<br>3 sprigs green onion, chopped<br>1 tsp salt salt<br>1 Tbsp fish sauce<br>4 Tbsp water</p> <p>Optional: Add in any fresh veggies like shitake mushrooms, spinach or bok choy into your steam packet. <br></p> <p>1. Start boiling water for steamer. In a large bowl mix together rice, jalapeno, basil, dill, green onion, garlic, lime juice and salt in a large bowl. Using a pestle grind mixture together so that flavors blend into a rough paste. </p> <p>2. Add in shrimp, any additional veggies, fish sauce and water and mix until the herb mixture evenly coats everything. </p> <p>3. Place into (2-3) foil steam packets and seal securely and place in steamer. Depending on fish and veggie type steam for approximately 15-20 minutes. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sjkwEdFz3d4/TwvHmuHYsUI/AAAAAAAAB9M/JzQHvdtfldU/s1600-h/Laos2%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Laos2" border="0" alt="Laos2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fXLIqdKP7K4/TwvHm8l2e0I/AAAAAAAAB9U/QAMbAXthCVI/Laos2_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="326"></a></p> <p>This is such a great flavorful meal! I’ve had it with some white fish and shrimp and both are delish. This is also great to use up that left over rice and any veggies that you have lying around. </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-34541334739755679552012-01-06T11:10:00.001-08:002012-01-06T11:49:11.607-08:00Holidays in Hawaii<p>Over the holidays I had the chance to go home to Hawaii to spend time with my friends and family. One of my favorite things about going home is being able to eat all the great food that the island has to offer. Here is a recap of some of my favorites! (Well the ones that I was able to take a picture of before eating). </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S5vSll6onfY/TwdG31LvI4I/AAAAAAAAB6M/mn7BTMuOPW8/s1600-h/HI98.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI9" border="0" alt="HI9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PU0SLVsWBGE/TwdG4hCHqiI/AAAAAAAAB6U/gTnsNdEqGr0/HI9_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298"></a></p> <p>One of my favorite things to have in Hawaii, an <a href="http://lindselicious.blogspot.com/2011/04/protein-acai-bowl.html">Acai Bowl</a>! Somehow the ones I have found up in LA have never measured up to the ones in Hawaii! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UwitOJeMOnM/TwdG5as2rXI/AAAAAAAAB6c/7svp-okTweE/s1600-h/HI110.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="HI1" border="0" alt="HI1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cdn8eEAmOUc/TwdG5kyua2I/AAAAAAAAB6k/bI2RuBt7UE4/HI1_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Am-CuhrYiZo/TwdG6RZv55I/AAAAAAAAB6s/2xoYad-tPDM/s1600-h/HI29.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="HI2" border="0" alt="HI2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vdwolZDshrw/TwdG6lMNmCI/AAAAAAAAB60/uwmoVIYgEPA/HI2_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a></p> <p>The other awesome thing about Hawaii is you can eat things like grilled fish salads or poke bowls which are totally delish. But the best part is that you still have calories left to indulge in the awesome desserts. Two of my all time favorites: Sweet Potato Haupia Pie on the left and <a href="http://lindselicious.blogspot.com/2011/10/lemon-crunch-cake.html">Lemon Crunch Cake</a> on the right. From Diamond Head Grill just down the street! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eT8Rm-b546Q/TwdG7UHLH6I/AAAAAAAAB68/xG9NPNzxuk0/s1600-h/HI49.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI4" border="0" alt="HI4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vVilVzY6MIo/TwdG7j6LyBI/AAAAAAAAB7E/PtMnAOycxI0/HI4_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="317"></a></p> <p>Not food related, but this was my view after a quick “jog” down to the beach. Amazing, makes me appreciate what I had growing up! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pHWzf4WS1Eo/TwdG8AIloVI/AAAAAAAAB7M/fTLvhTM7i28/s1600-h/HI53.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI5" border="0" alt="HI5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gTjus8_NzOg/TwdG8vq7QfI/AAAAAAAAB7U/kVgDRVQXqnQ/HI5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>On Christmas Eve my mom and I were running errands on the other side of town and stopped by at one of my favorites while in high school. Mitsuken!! They have the best garlic fried chicken bento plates. YUM!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v1AUMBXxmA4/TwdG9T010iI/AAAAAAAAB7c/YxzBkZcz2B0/s1600-h/HI68.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI6" border="0" alt="HI6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qkkGTF23de8/TwdG90WOzcI/AAAAAAAAB7k/Yf3dZVftyvk/HI6_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="277"></a></p> <p>For those of you who aren’t familiar with Japanese/Hawaii style bentos they normally have a bunch of savory meats with rice. This one had a hotdog, piece of spam, teri beef, egg omelet and garlic chicken. So delish! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3hFcqAQSK78/TwdG-mppu3I/AAAAAAAAB7s/Q3_utzesPLs/s1600-h/HI178.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI17" border="0" alt="HI17" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QqampEe7oFY/TwdG-2xVr6I/AAAAAAAAB70/t6g99Ktyk_w/HI17_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="318"></a></p> <p>I also stopped by my classmates restaurant <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pancakes-and-waffles-honolulu">Pancake and Waffles</a>. This is one of my new favorites I love their breakfast plates and I am always torn between eating breakfast (love Hawaii style breakfast) or the Vinha D’alhos plate. Tender pieces of pork marinated in spices and vinegar and cooked for hours. This is on my list to try to recreate ASAP!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q4y3qNJOdtE/TwdG_VpXEdI/AAAAAAAAB78/Qb3YNSlEA-U/s1600-h/HI168.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI16" border="0" alt="HI16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5zBh9-jKlAU/TwdG_3obssI/AAAAAAAAB8E/lgG5rBVMojQ/HI16_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="363"></a>My friends hubby didn’t let us leave without trying one of their famous pancake creations. This was their seasonal Caramel Apple Pancake. Pieces of caramel in the pancake batter, topped with cinnamon apples, graham cracker crumbs and a mound of whipped cream. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7DsNorrMyR4/TwdHApUBIfI/AAAAAAAAB8M/eQ8cClgfd1k/s1600-h/HI148.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI14" border="0" alt="HI14" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sLmNnRAc0SM/TwdHAyYpwLI/AAAAAAAAB8U/oMvpqb1gSWY/HI14_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="321"></a></p> <p>Another place on my list that I had been wanting to try was Yogurstory, while they are definitely known for their brunch, I was only able to go for dinner. My mom and I shared this ahi topped with crab and some kalbi ribs with kim chee fried rice. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LXV3Sa5KhTo/TwdHB2lJx4I/AAAAAAAAB8c/57CAJWulFkA/s1600-h/HI158.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI15" border="0" alt="HI15" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-abrmZbdq-E0/TwdHC0Cd4iI/AAAAAAAAB8k/BzJRzY9fJao/HI15_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="329"></a></p> <p>This is just part one of my Hawaii recap, I had an amazing omakase dinner at Nobu’s in Hawaii as well! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n6pvHtw5_Xc/TwdHD_GNElI/AAAAAAAAB8s/nipy0scjfYY/s1600-h/HI79.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HI7" border="0" alt="HI7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xp3Ae61_xTA/TwdHERUWPhI/AAAAAAAAB80/1WqlwDTonw8/HI7_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="321"></a></p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-7941240914284417892012-01-02T11:08:00.001-08:002012-01-02T11:08:11.147-08:00Chicken Chili Verde<p>Happy New Years! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years with your friends and family. I’ve been MIA for the month of December, between the holiday rush, getting sick, traveling and food poisoning it’s been a crazy month. </p> <p>This is one of my all time favorite recipes that I have at one time or another made for all my friends when they have had babies. This recipe comes from Iowa Girl Eats, if you don’t know her blog, definitely check it out! She was one of the first eating/workout blogs that I fell in love with before I decided to start my own. I actually lost my pics that I took of this and a couple other dishes, but head over to Iowa Girl Eats blog to check it out!! </p> <p><strong><u>Chicken Chili Verde<br></u></strong>adapted from <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2010/10/25/embrace-your-imperfections/">Iowa Girl Eats</a></p> <p>1 Tbsp vegetable oil<br>1/2 cup onion, chopped<br>2 cloves garlic, minced<br>1/2 Tbsp. cumin<br>1 4.5 oz. can green chilies<br>jalapenos<br>2 chicken breast, cooked and shredded<br>1 can Northern Beans, drained and rinsed<br>2 cups chicken broth<br>oregano<br>salt and pepper<br>green Tabasco sauce<br>2 cups kale, chopped into 1 inch pieces (Optional)<br>1 Tbsp. cornmeal<br>1/4 cup milk</p> <p>1. In a large pot add in oil and onions, and sauté until translucent. Add in garlic and cumin and cook for another minute.</p> <p>2. Add in all ingredients till the green Tabasco sauce. Stir and cook and bring to a boil Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.</p> <p>3. Stir in kale, milk and cornmeal, add to the pot and cook for another 10 minutes. </p> <p>Serve with some sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and cheese! Love this chili so creamy without all the calories too!</p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947276113215605135.post-35523416670709372642011-12-18T19:17:00.001-08:002011-12-18T19:17:29.898-08:00Giveaway Winners!!<p>Sorry for the lack of posts and the lag on the giveaway winners. I have been busy with holiday things and also caught a cold that rendered me extremely lazy!!! So lazy that I didn’t want to switch computers to do screen shots of the winners, so you guys will have to just trust me this time.</p> <p>The first winner is comment 18, Erin from <a href="http://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/">Dinners Dishes and Dessert</a>! </p> <p>The second winner is comment 16, Lindsay from <a href="http://rosemarried.wordpress.com">Rosemarried</a>! </p> <p>The third winner is comment 2, Kimberly from <a href="http://www.unrivaledkitch.com/">Unrivaled Kitchen</a>! </p> <p>The fourth winner is comment 1, Aimee!</p> <p>The fifth winner is comment 7, Ramona from <a href="http://curryandcomfort.blogspot.com/">Curry and Comfort</a>! </p> <p>Congrats ladies, I will send you your Duncan Hines coupons and include a $5 dollar Starbucks card as well since I lagged on sending this out for so long! Please send me your contact info so I can send it off to you! </p> Lindselicioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934057228729155329noreply@blogger.com0