Monthly Archives: January 2011

January 29, 2011 · 11:14 pm

5 Things On My Mind in January

Despite dreary weather, this January brought many surprises and new experiences. The following lists a few things currently on my mind during this past month:

1. Rubber Ducky & Bubble Bath – I do realize this IKEA Rubber Ducky is HUGE; however, I think it is absolutely necessary and adds a unique touch. Plus, Sundays without baths and The Body Shop’s satsuma scented bubbles wouldn’t be complete!

2. Belmont Station — Offering quite the plethora of beer, Belmont Station presents just about every possible beer you could imagine (all right, not quite every beer, but over 1,000 is quite the statement!) ranging from fruity flavored ales to dark stouts to imported goods. Beervana if you will?

[In typical fashion, I chose a few that were
completely random of course!]

3. Globes – When I was younger, my friends and I used to play a “game” with the globe in our Social Studies class. We would take turns spinning the globe, closing our eyes, and placing our index finger on some unbeknownst place on the globe before it stopped spinning. Simply, wherever our finger landed resulted in where we had to travel to next in our lives. Now, although these random destinations never came to fruition, it was fun to play the game and dream of  travels to places such as Australia, Greece, and Japan. Perhaps someday I will get to travel to these places. But, for now, I plan on finding an inexpensive globe to add to my room or bookshelf!

[Vintage globe found at House of Vintage in the
Hawthorne neighborhood of Southeast Portland]

4. On-Sale Earrings – I love jewelry. The only problem I have is that I like no-fuss jewelry. This means that dangly earrings or long necklaces and I do not get along well. The other problem I find is that jewelry can often be very expensive for good quality items. But, a few weeks ago, I happened to find a non-dangly pair of earrings marked on sale for $4.99 at Urban Outfitters. I knew I couldn’t pass this offer up and I’m glad that I didn’t!



5. Monster Sudoku — My ultimate nerd emblem: Monster Sudoku. Every Sunday, I attempt the Monster Sudoku puzzle from that Sunday’s newspaper. I just started this one, but it could be awhile until it is completely solved!

To recap: January wouldn’t be complete without bubble baths, random finds, Monster Sudoku puzzles, the luck of finding inexpensive earrings, and the motivation to find a vintage globe!

Cheers!

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· 2:19 am

Turkey Chili

I am habitually cold during the Winter months. I often find myself shivering or continuously making tea in an attempt to increase the temperature of my frigid body. Besides cozy blankets and scaulding beverages, the one food item that always seems to warm me up and simulateneously satisfy my taste buds is chili (especially spicy chili). As a result, during one of these cold January days, I decided to make a healthier and super-simple recipe of Turkey Chili.

Step 1: Heat Onions in Olive Oil Until
Translucent; Brown Turkey in Skillet

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Kidney Beans,
Chicken Stock, and Black Beans to Large Pot

Step 3: Add Onions and Turkey to Pot;
Simmer for 1 Hour; Stir Frequently

Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese/Sour Cream/
Whatever You’d Like and Enjoy!

This was an incredibly simple  dish. Of course, due to my love of spicy flavors, I added almost quadruple the amount of hot sauce recommended and added an additional teaspoon of cayenne pepper and red chili pepper flakes. Totally recommend it!

Cheers!

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January 19, 2011 · 5:45 am

Cranberry Orange Scones

While perusing through the cabinets the other day, I happened to unearth an unused baking dish specifically designed for scones. Instantly, my mind started to crank through ideas of different scone recipes I could try. The usual combinations came to mind: lemon poppyseed, blueberry, pumpkin, and cranberry and orange. But, as I started to think about the combinations, I realized I already had all of the ingredients needed for cranberry and orange scones. So, with the help of a recipe from Epicurious, I was set to make Cranberry and Orange Scones!

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients;
Add Grated Orange Peel

Step 2: Combine Mixture with Butter Using
Hands Until a Coarse Meal Forms; Use a Fork to Combine Buttermilk to Mixture

Step 3: Roll Dough onto Floured Board;
Knead Four Times and Cut into 8 Pieces

Step 4: Bake at 400 Degrees for 25 Minutes

Step 5: Combine Fresh Orange Juice With
Powdered Sugar for Glaze; Spread onto Scones

I really liked this recipe. However, I only put icing on four of the scones. As a result, I would dare to say that I liked the scones without the icing more than the scones that I did put icing on. Go figure. But, for now, I’ll add this to the “regular” recipe list and look forward to making this again in the future sans icing!

Cheers!

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January 17, 2011 · 2:37 am

Bittersweet Molten Chocolate Cakes

 I needed something to provide some cheer during this dreary month of January. Chocolate always seems like an easy solution, but I definitely wanted to try something different than standard chocolate chip cookies or a candy bar. So, when I found the recipe for Bittersweet Molten Chocolate Cake, I became ecstatic.  A chocolate cake that oozes chocolate? I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try it. Plus, the recipe only calls for five ingredients!

Now, this was an incredibly simple and easy recipe; however, the cook time is the most essential part of the baking process. These cakes cannot be undercooked or overcooked. They have to be just right.  To ensure that this cooks correctly, these chocolate cakes have to be taken out of the oven when “the edges are puffed and slightly cracked but center one-inch moves slightly when shaken gently (about 13 minutes).” The result of following these last instructions flawlessly: chocolate-y decadence.

Step 1: Chop Chocolate; Stir Chocolate
and Butter Over Low Heat

 

Step 2: Beat Eggs, Egg Yolks, and Sugar
Until Pale Yellow in Color (8 minutes)

Step 3: Fold Chocolate and
Egg Mixture Together

 

Step 4: Place in Rammekins;
Bake at 425 Degrees (13 Minutes)

Step 5: Add Powdered Sugar or
Ice Cream and Enjoy!

Two words to describe this: Chocolate Coma. Although that may sound bad, it was a totally good feeling.

Cheers!

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January 15, 2011 · 10:12 pm

Chicken Piccata

Every now and then, I immensely miss the days when I studied abroad in Italy. Nothing compares to the authenticity of fresh lemons or gooey mozzarella or creamy pesto. In order to help transport me back to these blissful days, I decided to make a classic dish: Chicken Piccata.

After research for recipes, I happened to learn a few facts about this esteemed dish:

  1. Piccata means to “sauté or slice with lemon, butter, and herbs”
  2. Capers are actually unripened flower buds of Capparis spinosa (a prickly plant found in the Mediterranean and various parts of Asia)
  3. This dish is most commonly made with veal in parts of Italy

Eat this dish family style and slice additional lemon slices to create a nice aroma!

Step 1: Season Chicken, Dunk
In Flour, Shake Off Excess Flour

Step 2: Heat in Oil for 2 Minutes; Rotate;
Add Chicken Broth, Wine, and Capers

 


Step 3: Serve With Rice,
Vegetables, or Pasta and Enjoy!

 This was a flavorful dish, but definitely not for those who don’t like a strong presence of lemon flavoring. I’d make this again, but I’d add more spices to the flour mixture just to take some of the credit away from the lemon!

Cheers!

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January 10, 2011 · 6:18 am

Chicken and Waffles

A few years ago, we held a family reunion in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Although vastly different than the Pacific Northwest, I thoroughly enjoyed that vacation and absolutely fell in love with the scenery, food, and people.  Prior to this trip, I had never been informed about Waffle Houses and a Southern favorite: Chicken and Waffles. I then became highly intrigued as to how savory fried chicken eaten jointly with sweet waffles and syrup would taste. Unfortunately, we ran out of time in Tennessee and I regretfully never tried Chicken and Waffles.

Now, it wasn’t until recently that I was reminded of Chicken and Waffles after flipping through Bobby Flay’s Cookbook. Instantly, my first thoughts reverted to my family’s trip to Tennessee and my regrets for never trying the esteemed dish of Chicken and Waffles. Well, luckily for me, my boyfriend and his roommates happen to love fried chicken. So, with little convincing, the decision was made to make these on a weekend morning.

We chose to make Melba Wilson’s Fried Chicken and Eggnog Waffles with Strawberry Butter from that cookbook. However, we didn’t have eggnog or strawberries (oops!). Instead, we substituted buttermilk and blackberries. The waffles were very similar to a recipe that I used a few weeks ago for brunch (as seen here).

Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken With
Spices and Buttermilk for 2 Hours


Step 2: Coat Chicken With Flour

Step 3: Fry Chicken in Vegetable Oil

Buttermilk Waffles

Step 1-2: Combine Dry and Liquid
Ingredients; Add Whipped Egg Whites
Step 3: Drop Batter on Waffle Iron

Blackberry Butter

Step 1: Cut Softened Butter into Cubes;
Whip in Food Processor; Pulse Berries

Step 2: Form Into “Loaf”; Put in Freezer
to Shape; Serve with Waffles

[Don't let the picture fool you -- although it doesn't
look appetizing, the butter was one of the best parts!]

Voila: Chicken ‘n Waffles!

[All previous qualms regarding this dish and it's
questionable taste were completely abolished.
Delicious and a great success!]

Every now and then I crave fried chicken. And, every now and then I crave waffles. But, after this meal we had this weekend, I will definitely crave chicken and waffles concurrently. Although not the healthiest, this is a perfect meal to share with friends and when in the mood for fried goodness and a sweet treat!

Cheers!

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· 6:08 am

Weekend in Seattle

The Space Needle, Pike’s Place Market, the birthplace of “Grunge”, and the destination for corporate giants such as Microsoft, Starbucks, and Nordstrom are a few characteristics that describe the city of Seattle. In addition, Seattle is home to many different culinary tastes ranging with everything from classic American food to Seafood to the authentic flavors of the International District. Since I’m a natural “foodie” at heart, I couldn’t help but document a few culinary adventures I had while visiting Seattle this past weekend.

Gaudi — Lately, I’ve been trending towards eating smaller and lighter meals (essentially tapas, as mentioned in a prior post here). We choose to go to Gaudi which is a Spanish inspired restaurant in the Roosevelt neighborhood. We enjoyed a bevy of items from the menu including Papas Bravas (potatoes with spicy sauce), Bavas (Spanish meatballs), Jitanitos (dates wrapped in bacon), Mojama (fresh cured tuna), and a few other items. But, our favorite part about Gaudi was the dessert we shared: a sponge cake filled with apricots and cream and topped with a raspberry glaze. Besides the fact that it just LOOKED pretty, it also tasted wonderful too.

Apricot and Cream Filled Sponge Cake
With Raspberry Glaze


Homegrown — Sandwich shops have a hard task to accomplish: to develop sandwiches that are fresh, flavorful, and cannot be easily replicated by any random Joe. To be perfectly honest, what differentiates the turkey sandwich made at an independent sandwich shop from the sandwich made at home or from a nationally recognized sandwich franchise? The key differentiator resides in ingenuity of ingredients. That being said, after glancing at the menu of Homegrown, I noticed a multitude of unusual and unique components within the sandwiches. After much contemplation, I settled upon the Roast Pork sandwich (Stumptown Coffee and cayenne rubbed pork loin, pickled red onion, apple butter, mixed greens, and sage aioli served over whole grain bread). After first bite, savory (pork and sage aioli), sweet (apple butter) and tangy (pickled red onions) flavors simultaneously combined to create a medley of enticing flavors. So, unlike the standard and ordinary sandwich shop, Homegrown mastered the art of combining diverse ingredients and creativity to make delicious sandwiches.

Roasted Pork Sandwich and Lentil Soup

High 5 Pie – I absolutely love and adore pies. Not only do I love combining fruit into desserts, but I enjoy making non-traditional fruit desserts or putting a different spin on a classic pie. That being said, High 5 Pie in Capitol Hill in Seattle serves pies that definitely match this description. The selection at High 5 Pie consists of “Pie Jar” (pies in a jar), Flipside (hand-held pie turnovers), Cutie Pie (mini pies), 7″ Deep Dish (classic pie), and Pie Pop (literally, a mini pie on a stick). Flaky crusts, pie fillings bursting with flavor, and a hip venue unite to make this a pleasant stop for a weekend afternoon. Plus, where else can you purchase pie on a stick?

Classic Caramel Pecan Pie


Pie Pop — Cherry Almond
& Cutie Pie — Berry

Good times and good eats this past weekend in Seattle. All in all, I definitely enjoyed these places and hope to visit again sometime soon!

Cheers!

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January 5, 2011 · 4:34 am

Palace of Industry — Rare Vintage Shop Find

Originally, I discovered Palace of Industry through a post from Portland Picks. I felt obligated to pay a visit after I learned that this vintage store is not only a haven of unique classic and antique items, but a café and friendly neighborhood establishment as well. So, after spending time in the store, I have decided the following best illustrates my recent outing at this North Portland shop:

Definition of Palace of Industry n. [Pal-ace of In-dus-try]: An eatery, vintage shopping store, and friendly, entertainment experience.

Upon entry into Palace of Industry, one can proceed directly to the counter to order delectable treats or alcoholic beverages (champagne, cocktails, wine, and beer) or immediately begin perusing the store for odds and ends. But, if neither of these options satisfy at the moment, Palace of Industry offers several other entertainment options including card games, music/DJ’s, and various themed parties (as advertised at the store and on their Facebook page).

Vintage shopping is often a very fun experience; however, some vintage stores can be overwhelming, pricey, and filled to the brim with an excess of items. However, the words “cluttered” or “overwhelming” or “pricey” are not be associated with Palace of Industry. This local business provides a clean and vibrant store that is cleverly filled with a plethora of items (clothes, books, jewelry, handmade goods, games, furniture, lighting, etc.); however, it is not in the slightest bit intimidating or daunting. In addition, I was absolutely shocked at the extremely low prices of many of these items. In fact, I couldn’t help but take a few pictures of neat things I found while navigating through the store:

Adorable Mid-Length Skirt
(Fabulous Find — Only $20)

Matches From Everywhere & Badminton Balls
(With Real Feathers Inside)


Art, Lamps, and Clocks Galore


Vintage Labels


Vintage Jewelry

I plan on bringing a friend to my next visit of Palace of Industry so we can shop together and converse with the welcoming shop owner. Perhaps we will even find ourselves sipping on champagne at the café while eyeing vintage clothing items from the rack. We’ll make an afternoon out of it!

Cheers!

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January 3, 2011 · 12:39 am

Happy 2011! New Year’s Sunday Brunch Bonanza

 

This year my friends and I decided to hold the first annual New Year’s Sunday Brunch Bonanza. We thought this would be a perfect time to get together, catch up on each other’s lives, and cheers to a Happy New Year (despite the fact that my previous statement sounded incredibly cheesy). 

[My brother bought this gigantic cookie on sale -- I thought it was cute!]

Naturally, I awoke too early on a Sunday and had plenty of time to mosey around the house before everyone arrived. With the extra time, I devised a few items that I think no casual Sunday brunch should be without.

Sunday Morning Paper

Different Coffee Mugs

Vanilla Candles

Flowers 

Non-Traditional Holder for Utensils

[Hand-painted mug circa 2000]

New Year’s Sunday Brunch Bonanza included a Spinach and Bacon Quiche and Belgian Buttermilk Waffles with Glazed Bananas (courtesy of FoodNetwork and Epicurious).

I chose to make a quiche for several reasons:

1. Can easily alter/modify/add ingredients

2. Option to pre-buy the crust or make from scratch

3. Simple and I have never made one before!

That being said, for this quiche, I altered the ingredients to cater to certain food preferences and allergies of my friends (I substituted cheddar cheese for swiss cheese (on one-half of the quiche only), nixed the bacon, and added mushrooms and roasted red peppers). I also chose to make the dough/crust the day before in order to avoid waking up too early to make it the day of brunch. Despite the fact that I had to bake the quiche for 20 minutes longer than the recipe suggested, the quiche turned out well and next time I’d like to experiment with other ingredients such as chicken, asparagus, and gruyere!

Step 1: Use a Blender/Food Processor
to  Make Dough; Fill 9-inch Pan with Dough

Step 2: Chop Dry Ingredients; Place in Crust


Step 3: Blend Liquid Ingredients;
Pour Onto Crust

Step 4: Bake, Cut, Serve!

The waffles seemed like the easy, go-to choice to complement a savory dish for this brunch. Plus, I couldn’t remember the last time I actually ate waffles and almost had forgotten what they taste like. That fact by itself solidified this choice as a done deal. These were very crunchy and the bananas provided a great flavorful kick in combination with maple syrup!

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Together; Mix
Liquid Ingredients Together; Combine


Step 2: Preheat Waffle Iron and Pour
Batter (3 minutes each round)

Step 3: Heat Butter Until Foam Subsides;
Place Bananas on Pan for 1 Minute Each Side

Step 4: Add to Waffles, Drizzle Syrup, Enjoy!

I’m hoping that we can make New Year’s Sunday Brunch Bonanza a tradition for next year too!
Cheers to a Happy 2011!

 

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