tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347031592024-03-13T08:07:16.886-07:00miso hungry"You piss me off you Salmon... You're too expensive in restaurants."
Eddie IzzardCorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-89987010636006080322010-06-14T08:14:00.001-07:002010-06-14T10:16:53.759-07:00dinner party numero uno<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/TBY-OOPODOI/AAAAAAAAI3E/xxcfnYJWTwM/DSC_3371.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/TBY-OOPODOI/AAAAAAAAI3E/xxcfnYJWTwM/DSC_3371.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I am so happy to report that as of a week ago, I do, in fact, have a fully functional kitchen. A kitchen means cooking and cooking means blogging. I'm so happy to be back!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/TBY-MJ4SpTI/AAAAAAAAI2o/M40Y-5pnwls/DSC_3364.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/TBY-MJ4SpTI/AAAAAAAAI2o/M40Y-5pnwls/DSC_3364.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Brandon entertained our guests while they enjoyed libations in the backyard and I cooked up a storm in the kitchen. Our guests drank cosmos and a twist on my <a href="http://misohungry.blogspot.com/2009/04/mixology-monday-plan-c-big-batch-minted.html">minted lemondrop</a>, sans mint with the addition of fresh cherry juice from the farmers market. In the kitchen, I worked on a farmers market Greek salad, risotto with leeks, and<a href="http://misohungry.blogspot.com/2009/03/searing-scallops.html"> seared scallops</a>. <br /><br />Our guest list was exclusive, I must say. My parents have been so instrumental in our house-fixingupness. I am so lucky to have them. Also, Rich and Alba, our neighbors and my parents BFF's, have been there to help us throughout this process. Rich has helped my dad for countless hours with plumbing and the kitchen, and Alba helped me cut up old narsty plants among other things. I am so thankful to have a kitchen, but more so to have such an awesome crew who I can show my thanks (however ill-sufficiently) by cooking on Saturday night. And it was fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/TBY-OjL5VaI/AAAAAAAAI3M/DnWM9EYVHws/DSC_3373.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/TBY-OjL5VaI/AAAAAAAAI3M/DnWM9EYVHws/DSC_3373.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-76835189263998566252010-01-04T13:43:00.000-08:002010-01-04T16:03:46.610-08:00is it safe in here?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sz_lEmgj0lI/AAAAAAAAHg8/sIOWRvr_71g/s512/P1010210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sz_lEmgj0lI/AAAAAAAAHg8/sIOWRvr_71g/s512/P1010210.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oh my, is <span style="font-style: italic;">has</span> been a while, hasn't it?<br /><br />I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I am still here, living and breathing and creating, but in a way other than cooking at the moment. My husband and I bought our very first home! It's a big fixer upper with the time commitment that you would imagine goes along with a complete overhaul. We are living with my parents until we get in working order (and have been for a while), so you can imagine how cooking has been put on the back burner (pun most definitely intended). Once it is all fixed up, I fully intend to come back with a bang, or possibly a boil or simmer. <br /><br />If you want to keep track of where we are with the progress on the house, check out my other project <a href="http://misohandy.blogspot.com">misohandy</a><a href="http://misohandy.blogspot.com">.blogspot.com</a>. I miss my food blog like crazy!! I can't wait until I can carve a little piece of this world out for me and my cooking adventures. Till then!Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-10182079068203441012009-08-17T10:41:00.001-07:002009-08-17T11:46:46.090-07:00monteverde<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY6xS-v-ZI/AAAAAAAAGSk/C49NcL_uQZ0/DSC_9872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY6xS-v-ZI/AAAAAAAAGSk/C49NcL_uQZ0/DSC_9872.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The pictures speak for themselves... Monteverde was amazing. </span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY5-yiY73I/AAAAAAAAGI8/vKL5GxlLko4/DSC_9736.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY5-yiY73I/AAAAAAAAGI8/vKL5GxlLko4/DSC_9736.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Our fantastic room at <a href="http://www.hiddencanopy.com/p/user/hotel.php">Hidden Canopy Treehouses</a><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7CWkDu-I/AAAAAAAAGVc/RfGZY0WFKLM/s512/P1000237.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7CWkDu-I/AAAAAAAAGVc/RfGZY0WFKLM/s512/P1000237.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Howler Monkey at Monteverde Cloud Forest. It was rife with all sorts of exotic creatures.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7VluLw8I/AAAAAAAAGZY/_R_devn18R4/P1000267.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7VluLw8I/AAAAAAAAGZY/_R_devn18R4/P1000267.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>It looks just like a leaf! That really is a bug!<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7VxMmdDI/AAAAAAAAGZc/LeCJcofIGE4/P1000268.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7VxMmdDI/AAAAAAAAGZc/LeCJcofIGE4/P1000268.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Same on this one...<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7NoOF8xI/AAAAAAAAGX0/ArYPzWKXXF4/DSC_9948.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7NoOF8xI/AAAAAAAAGX0/ArYPzWKXXF4/DSC_9948.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>When it rained, it poured!<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7UeBMl_I/AAAAAAAAGZI/DQkggoDD2bw/P1000262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7UeBMl_I/AAAAAAAAGZI/DQkggoDD2bw/P1000262.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tarantula from our night hike<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY698yscsI/AAAAAAAAGUo/ntGAre-T-8o/DSC_9910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY698yscsI/AAAAAAAAGUo/ntGAre-T-8o/DSC_9910.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>A mushroom growing on a beetle. Quite the sight!<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY67eeXgeI/AAAAAAAAGUI/IYzJNRbeQh8/DSC_9902.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY67eeXgeI/AAAAAAAAGUI/IYzJNRbeQh8/DSC_9902.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>They called this Angelina Jolie Lips<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY6Q-BtBJI/AAAAAAAAGM8/w6nb_aJ35r8/DSC_9782.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY6Q-BtBJI/AAAAAAAAGM8/w6nb_aJ35r8/DSC_9782.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Humingbirds...<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And now for the food...</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY6JLVsi5I/AAAAAAAAGLM/wdEKNBZVx-8/P1000220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY6JLVsi5I/AAAAAAAAGLM/wdEKNBZVx-8/P1000220.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Arroz con pollo<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7GD_NQaI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/yQA-dhzWUCU/DSC_9921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7GD_NQaI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/yQA-dhzWUCU/DSC_9921.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Empanadas in a rich, buttery crust<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7YVp0o-I/AAAAAAAAGaE/JT22ryY04OQ/P1000278.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7YVp0o-I/AAAAAAAAGaE/JT22ryY04OQ/P1000278.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7dS6jaOI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/ldd65RijJm0/DSC_9974.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7dS6jaOI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/ldd65RijJm0/DSC_9974.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Breakfast at Hidden Canopy<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7YsW-r0I/AAAAAAAAGaI/tZh7_W6KLFs/P1000279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SoY7YsW-r0I/AAAAAAAAGaI/tZh7_W6KLFs/P1000279.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Heart of palm fritters<br /><br /></span></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-23775237195121027432009-07-30T13:16:00.000-07:002009-07-31T07:57:27.661-07:00arenal noshings<span style="font-size:100%;">It's true that when in Costa Rica, the food is not going to be the rich mole's and spicy chiles that you'll find in Mexican cooking. In fact, the food is quite simple. Comida tipica (typical food) called gallo pinto (rice and beans) and casado (rice and beans + protein) are eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's modest and can be quite lovely, just like the people of Costa Rica.<br /><br />Our first stop in Arenal was where we were exposed to the most Americanized version of dining in Costa Rica. Well... actually I take that back. It's actually kind of hard to find real, honest to goodness, comida tipica in major Costa Rican cities. Randomly enough, our very first stop was at an Israeli restaurant on our way from the airport to Arenal. Loveat is a super cute restaurant serving ecclectic foods from burgers to pad thai to casado.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U8uqQA5I/AAAAAAAAF3E/1QksuRJ2XqU/DSC_9650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U8uqQA5I/AAAAAAAAF3E/1QksuRJ2XqU/DSC_9650.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Loveat<br /><br /></span></span></div>I was starving and the view was amazing. We were lucky enough to meet one of the owners, an Israeli lady who had moved to CR 5 years prior with 18 people. They opened this restaurant alongside the ziplines right next door. I always admire people who can take such a big leap of faith.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U9ZdNbMI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/v75GukaFRL4/DSC_9653.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U9ZdNbMI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/v75GukaFRL4/DSC_9653.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">inside the restaurant</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span>The first thing that we ordered was guanabana (pronounved gwa-NAH-veh-nah) juice. It's a funky big green fruit that is sweet but round, kind of like ripe pineapple. It was very tasty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U-ag1CQI/AAAAAAAAF3c/FW8IPo59ez8/DSC_9656.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U-ag1CQI/AAAAAAAAF3c/FW8IPo59ez8/DSC_9656.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">oddly refreshing guanabana juice<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As for the main course, what option did I have, really? Of course I got the Med platter and I was very glad I did. Everything was just the perfect texture and taste. I thought to myself that it was quite odd to be eating perhaps the best falafel I've ever had in Costa Rica, but I wasn't about to argue. I was too busy eating.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U_X6RwyI/AAAAAAAAF3o/WJRFyFHOlWs/DSC_9660.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_U_X6RwyI/AAAAAAAAF3o/WJRFyFHOlWs/DSC_9660.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">look at the cute little pita patties<br /></span></span></div><br />Here are come random pictures from other restaurants we went to.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_Vd3nqgoI/AAAAAAAAF9M/5pImZ1hU5Ss/s512/P1000089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_Vd3nqgoI/AAAAAAAAF9M/5pImZ1hU5Ss/s512/P1000089.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">the coolest iced tea, ever. look at that lime! the flesh was an amber color I've never seen before.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VeUTw8GI/AAAAAAAAF9U/MYWYsW8DISw/P1000091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VeUTw8GI/AAAAAAAAF9U/MYWYsW8DISw/P1000091.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">flauta</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VenYtAHI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/7xPCJZYWU1Y/P1000092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VenYtAHI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/7xPCJZYWU1Y/P1000092.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">fajitas</span></span><br /></div><br />Then, for our one year anniversary (!), we went to the nicest/most expensive/most American restaurant in town, <a href="http://www.donrufino.com/en/">Don Rufino</a>. Why did we do it? We read very good reviews, it was open late and had wine. Mostly the the latter two.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V26buMjI/AAAAAAAAGBs/uImvzqoXtAw/P1000169.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V26buMjI/AAAAAAAAGBs/uImvzqoXtAw/P1000169.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">mmm... the wine was a lovely white blend from Chile.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V6faLCnI/AAAAAAAAGCk/bP-PnsVxWCM/P1000185.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V6faLCnI/AAAAAAAAGCk/bP-PnsVxWCM/P1000185.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">some sort of steak, but I have to admit the potato piles looked like teeny turds.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V6OaKAdI/AAAAAAAAGCg/jYnGUZPX0Dg/P1000184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V6OaKAdI/AAAAAAAAGCg/jYnGUZPX0Dg/P1000184.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The seafood plate was so much food. it was buttery and garlicky, but not overly so.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V8qnuX4I/AAAAAAAAGDU/xAoacfavMqU/P1000200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V8qnuX4I/AAAAAAAAGDU/xAoacfavMqU/P1000200.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The obligatory anniversary dessert.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V8JoDqPI/AAAAAAAAGDM/OU4EH1PezvM/P1000194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V8JoDqPI/AAAAAAAAGDM/OU4EH1PezvM/P1000194.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">check out that tea timer!<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Arenal may not have been the food mecca of Costa Rica, but I think more than anything, we chose the wrong places to go (barring the two restaurants I mentioned). Better food was to be had, and we were determined to find it.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div></div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-43757587449750453162009-07-29T19:15:00.000-07:002009-07-29T19:15:00.311-07:00sizzle fizzle in arenal<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_WBew_p_I/AAAAAAAAGEk/ViAMm95zkC0/s576/P1000206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 573px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_WBew_p_I/AAAAAAAAGEk/ViAMm95zkC0/s576/P1000206.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can you see it??!</span></span><br /><br /></div>Arenal Volcano. From our hotel room. Like a real, live, oozing, exploding, melting, torching, amazing volcano with lava and all. We had a great view from our balcony at <a href="http://www.casalunalodge.com/index.php?lang=en">Casa Luna Lodge</a> in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Costa Rica in July is smack dab in the middle of rainy season, so we saw a whole bunch of just that... rain. Not to fret, it did manage to clear just enough to almost see the peak of the currently active and erupting volcano. It was quite the amazing sight from our very nice and reasonable hotel room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V_KjMYKI/AAAAAAAAGD8/gGZ4XYBh4XM/s400/DSC_9680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_V_KjMYKI/AAAAAAAAGD8/gGZ4XYBh4XM/s400/DSC_9680.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The open air hotel lobby</span></span><br /><br /></div>Arenal was the very first stop in our 3 city tour of Costa Rica. It was hard to plan a vacation in a country I didn't know, with hotels I've never heard of, in towns that I had no clue as to where they were. I am lucky enough to work with a few people who all seemed to agree that a three city trip was best to see the country in a short amount of time. Arenal (volcano), Monteverde (cloud forest), and Manuel Antonio (beach and jungle). So I took their advice and cross referenced my Lonely Planet Guidebook with TripAdvisor reviews and took the plunge. Veni, Vini, Vici.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">Casa Luna Lodge was not my first choice. The Arenal Observatory was my first choice but it was completely booked. Because of their view of the volcano, Bran and I decided to take the drive (probably 20km, but about an hour of driving on craptastic CR roads) to the Observatory to check out all the fuss. It was definitely worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VjunX_dI/AAAAAAAAF-U/uSW-0Q7Qr5c/s576/P1000109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 432px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VjunX_dI/AAAAAAAAF-U/uSW-0Q7Qr5c/s576/P1000109.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There were views of the lake:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VldP4TII/AAAAAAAAF-o/rDBBg7jiDE8/s576/P1000114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 432px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VldP4TII/AAAAAAAAF-o/rDBBg7jiDE8/s576/P1000114.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Hikes through the jungle:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VzSnt2eI/AAAAAAAAGBE/NK9phItnnJA/s576/P1000157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 432px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VzSnt2eI/AAAAAAAAGBE/NK9phItnnJA/s576/P1000157.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A nifty suspension bridge:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_Vu-ybunI/AAAAAAAAGAU/y0yus8AsuGI/s400/P1000141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_Vu-ybunI/AAAAAAAAGAU/y0yus8AsuGI/s400/P1000141.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Cute critters:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VsyHMwjI/AAAAAAAAGAE/YuuCHkwVkYs/s576/P1000137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 432px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VsyHMwjI/AAAAAAAAGAE/YuuCHkwVkYs/s576/P1000137.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It was definitely worth the drive. And then some.<br /><br />The next day (and our 1 year anniversary!), we took a trip to La Fortuna Catarata (waterfall). It was too beautiful to even capture in a picture, but I'll do my best.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VaVStO0I/AAAAAAAAF8k/7isx1McnD3Y/s400/P1000079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VaVStO0I/AAAAAAAAF8k/7isx1McnD3Y/s400/P1000079.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />and this was the other one that only shows up with lots of rain:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VVvEnc9I/AAAAAAAAF7s/3rMBj_rPzJ8/s576/P1000066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 432px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VVvEnc9I/AAAAAAAAF7s/3rMBj_rPzJ8/s576/P1000066.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So yes, Arenal! It was definitely worth a stay! As for the food - I'll save that for tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VCQ1YJmI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/59r2lWK9lS0/DSC_9670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 572px; height: 381px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm_VCQ1YJmI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/59r2lWK9lS0/DSC_9670.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Heaven...</span></span></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-6472805836319589272009-07-27T06:42:00.000-07:002009-07-27T08:46:49.963-07:00*peeks in*<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm1FG-VLAgI/AAAAAAAAF1o/6TO9sQQPdP8/s576/DSC_0289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 303px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sm1FG-VLAgI/AAAAAAAAF1o/6TO9sQQPdP8/s576/DSC_0289.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Guess I'm not eating tonight</span></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></div><h2 style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="¡¢£¤¥¦§¨©ª«¬®¯°±²³´µ¶·¸¹º»¼½¾" class="h2heading h2" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></a></span></h2><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="¡¢£¤¥¦§¨©ª«¬®¯°±²³´µ¶·¸¹º»¼½¾" class="h2heading h2" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><b>¡</b></b></a>Hola mi preciosos amigos! <span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">¿</span><em style="font-weight: normal;">Hablas español</em><span style="font-weight: normal;">? I don't (well, yo habla un poco </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em style="font-weight: normal;">español)</em></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">*! It's definitely an asset when traveling in any Spanish speaking country, including Costa Rica. ...smooth transition... Speaking of Costa Rica, guess where I've been hiding out the past little while? That's right, Brandon and I went to CR to celebrate our 1st anniversary (In related news, he got me a small camera to keep in my purse and true lens for my Nikon to boot, so I will be taking muy pictures from now on! Also, I'm an ass. </span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We said that the trip was our gift to each other. </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I didn't get him anything but a sweet card and the news that I'll officially be adding his name to mine, shocking everyone, expecially Bran. It is the paper anniversary you know!).<br /><br />I have so many cool things to share about my far too short trip through this ridiculously amazing and fascinating country - some food related, some note, all fairly awesome if I do say so myself. Stay tuned!<br /></span></span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >*I apologize for most likely butchering most of that. Why, oh why, did I take 5 years of Latin?</span>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-13545644046411702842009-07-09T06:58:00.000-07:002009-07-09T20:56:51.128-07:00salted rosemary and olive focaccia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd8DAdvTI/AAAAAAAAEFs/K7lgXDlZLyY/s576/DSC_8632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 249px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd8DAdvTI/AAAAAAAAEFs/K7lgXDlZLyY/s576/DSC_8632.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Do you remember that scene from Clueless where Cher plops that big piece of doughie substance on to a baking sheet before stumbling into some "bad lighting" while trying, fruitlessly, to seduce the "Oscar Wilde reading, Streisand ticket holding friend of Dorothy" Christian? Cher was really on to something. There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread when you walk through the door. Whether it's to show your love or in anticipation of some lovin', bread is always a wonderful, homie, satisying smell to unexpectedly wander in to.<br /><br />This focaccia recipe is one from my vegetarian stage (though I still eat very minimal meat- only fish and fowl). The recipe is one from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Comprehensive-Reference-Introduces-Vegetables/dp/0754800903">The Greatest Ever Vegetarian Cookbook</a> (no, that's really it's name) on the very last page. The first time I tested it, I was a junior in college. It was at the very start of my getting extremely interested in cooking AND when I started dating Bran. Ahhhhh memories. Anyway, it always turns out well. Just make it, mmkay?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd5_XdGzI/AAAAAAAAEFA/E9LXc8WVzBM/s576/DSC_8594.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 252px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd5_XdGzI/AAAAAAAAEFA/E9LXc8WVzBM/s576/DSC_8594.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>*Salted Rosemary and Olive Focaccia*<br />2 cups bread flour, sifted<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/a oz sachet rapid rise dried yeast<br />4 garlic cloves, finely chopped<br />2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves removed and chopped<br />10 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (optional)<br />1 tbsp olive oil<br /><br />for the topping:<br />6 tbsp olive oil<br />2 tsp rock salt (or pink salt if you have it)<br />1 sprig of rosemary, leaves removed<br /><br />Mix toghether the flour, salt yeast, garlic, rosemary and olives in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and 2/3 cup warm water. Mix thoroughly to form a soft dough.<br /><br />Turn out the dough on to a floured work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. Put the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with oiled plastic wrap or a dish towel. Leave to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, until the dough has doubled in bulk.<br /><br />Turn out the dough and knead lightly again. Roll out to an oval shape, about 1/2 inch thick.<br /><br />Place the dough on a greased baking sheet, cover loosly with oiled plastic wrap of a dish towel and leave in a warm place for 25-30 minutes to rise again.<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Make indentations with your fingertips all over the top of the bread. Drizzle 2/3's of the olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with the salt and rosemary.<br /><br />Bake for 25 minutes until golden. The bread should sound hollow when tapped underneath. Transfer to a wire rack and spoon the remaining olive oil over the top.<br /><br /><br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-25842351855886715392009-07-01T17:32:00.000-07:002009-07-01T22:02:00.371-07:00cherry pickin' fun and infused vodkas<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Skrjt3bTNlI/AAAAAAAAE24/mH0nm5tQsh8/DSC_9464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 437px; height: 292px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Skrjt3bTNlI/AAAAAAAAE24/mH0nm5tQsh8/DSC_9464.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The trees</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>Riddle me this: Is it fun? Is it free (or close to it)? Is it outdoors? If an activity meets all three of these criteria, then Brandon and I are probably doing it, have done it, plan to do it, or want to plan to do it on the weekend. Cherry picking is a fun Saturday activity that definitely fits the bill. It's cheap, tons of fun, and beautiful!<br /><br />We went to<a href="http://rileysfarm.com/index.html?http://rileysfarm.com/cherry_details.htm"> Riley's Mile High Ranch</a> all the way out in Yucaipa because, after a few minutes of research on the Internet, we knew they still had a good crop left. It was quite the trek, but well worth it. Walk up to the giant barn and they will give you a bucket for $10. You can pick to your heart's content - or as much as you can fit in the bucket. The cherries are perfect right now, so get your patooties out there and start picking!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Skrj3kXt1EI/AAAAAAAAE4o/tqJS5glOls0/DSC_9494.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 296px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Skrj3kXt1EI/AAAAAAAAE4o/tqJS5glOls0/DSC_9494.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lugging my haul... heavy!<br /><br /></span></span></div>I got home with two giant bags of cherries and no real idea what to do with them. One can only eat so many plain cherries in the matter or a week. So, to start off, I figured I'd deal with them in the best way I knew how... in booze!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Cherry Vodka*<br />Crap ton of cherries<br />Crap ton of vodka<br /><br />Mix together. Let sit for a few days. Mix in cocktails or drink straight!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And since I bought two handles of Absolut Vodka (I almost always use Absolut or Smirnoff because they are perfectly suitable here) and had plenty of extra, I made a batch of my famous...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Pineapple Lime Vodka*<br />1 Pineapple<br />5-6 limes, zested<br /><br />Mix together. Let sit for a few days. You can add pineapple juice and lime juice if you need it to 'mature' faster. Serve over ice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Skv4DSeS0TI/AAAAAAAAE6A/Kv8qzNz9OqA/s512/DSC_9507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 330px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Skv4DSeS0TI/AAAAAAAAE6A/Kv8qzNz9OqA/s512/DSC_9507.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">mmm...</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love to keep these vodka concoctions in the freezer during the summer... they are absolutely fabulous and always a crowd pleaser. Bonus: These make cute gifts if you bottle them in mason jars and tie a ribbon around the top.<br /></div></div></div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-20971435713324640842009-06-26T08:31:00.000-07:002009-06-26T08:47:42.889-07:00breakfast for dinner<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQs1QneQgI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/ARcz9fs7LJw/s576/DSC_8905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 282px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQs1QneQgI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/ARcz9fs7LJw/s576/DSC_8905.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Starkweather Lake<br /></span></div><br />TGIF! It seems like this week just started. Time flies when your having fun and eating well.<br /><br />Capping off this week of camping food is a meal that I often make at home- breakfast for dinner! I know, a bit repetitive being that yesterday I couldn't so much as think of anything besides bacon, but you can't have too much breakfast food. Breakfast for dinner is wonderful because there aren't as many ingredients to lug around with you and you definitely don't need a recipe to whip together something tasty.<br /><br />You have nothing but options: french toast, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos... the possibilities are endless. We had french toast, scrambled eggs and turkey sausage (Jennie O is my favorite, and I've tried them all!).<br /><br />Your fellow campers won't be disappointed, I promise you. And for sticking with me all week long (and for tolerating my weaseling out of posting pics and recipes for this meal), here are some pictures of Mammoth Lakes, Ca and my trip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQs1BlY43I/AAAAAAAAE1U/qMihYQxg5Vc/s576/DSC_8829.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 300px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQs1BlY43I/AAAAAAAAE1U/qMihYQxg5Vc/s576/DSC_8829.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Peace<br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQqw7qncEI/AAAAAAAAE1I/iyqjF7uwlsY/s400/DSC_9149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQqw7qncEI/AAAAAAAAE1I/iyqjF7uwlsY/s400/DSC_9149.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My renaissance man<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQqOzICQdI/AAAAAAAAE08/nn_WGhDCXok/s576/DSC_9259.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 302px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQqOzICQdI/AAAAAAAAE08/nn_WGhDCXok/s576/DSC_9259.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mom and Sis fishing<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQqiXgISiI/AAAAAAAAE1E/p6qer1mIItE/s576/DSC_9180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 447px; height: 302px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQqiXgISiI/AAAAAAAAE1E/p6qer1mIItE/s576/DSC_9180.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jack and me playing fetch<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQp13QgRKI/AAAAAAAAE04/U3XyNZIvY4w/s576/DSC_9263.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 459px; height: 308px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQp13QgRKI/AAAAAAAAE04/U3XyNZIvY4w/s576/DSC_9263.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The stream right next to camp<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQpcM-n_RI/AAAAAAAAE00/LZxHR44xcxI/s400/DSC_9413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQpcM-n_RI/AAAAAAAAE00/LZxHR44xcxI/s400/DSC_9413.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I love camping ♥</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkQpcM-n_RI/AAAAAAAAE00/LZxHR44xcxI/s400/DSC_9413.JPG"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></a></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-5867321649215191032009-06-25T06:03:00.000-07:002009-06-25T06:03:01.537-07:00need i say more?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLNrkUkLMI/AAAAAAAAE0I/gA3Pql5j4TU/s576/DSC_9446.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;">For today, suffice it to say:<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLNrkUkLMI/AAAAAAAAE0I/gA3Pql5j4TU/s576/DSC_9446.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 428px; height: 286px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLNrkUkLMI/AAAAAAAAE0I/gA3Pql5j4TU/s576/DSC_9446.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />+<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLKTfbvCII/AAAAAAAAEz8/A1_mIXBCWRE/s576/DSC_9430.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 293px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLKTfbvCII/AAAAAAAAEz8/A1_mIXBCWRE/s576/DSC_9430.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />+<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLMLcfLsUI/AAAAAAAAE0E/FCtesvAKNOc/s576/DSC_9233.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 286px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkLMLcfLsUI/AAAAAAAAE0E/FCtesvAKNOc/s576/DSC_9233.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">=<br /><br />Happiness.<br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-30256218768647438092009-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:002009-06-24T07:15:00.316-07:00chicken strips and fries<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkF5BRxLnHI/AAAAAAAAExY/aVSfl9OMQPc/s512/DSC_9390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkF5BRxLnHI/AAAAAAAAExY/aVSfl9OMQPc/s512/DSC_9390.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>This one is too pretty, too<span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">easy, too tasty to </span>no</span>t cook while camping. Sure, you have to stand over the stove and fry, but it is so worth it. I know what you're thinking - "it's only chicken and french fries!" Seriously, I know, but there is something about this recipe that is just ridiculously good!<br /><br />The best part of this meal just may be the chef - my pops. You see, growing up, if my dad had the day off, you pretty much knew you were getting the one thing that he knew how to cook: scrambled eggs, toast, OJ. It is literally the only time I can remember my dad making a meal. So imagine my shock when my family came back from camping last year (I was unable to make the trip) and everyone went on and on about Dad's chicken and french fries meal. I said exactly what you're saying right now - "it's only chicken and french fries!" - but everyone assured me that they would live up to the hype.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj17N8tKTpI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/N25O6bVYj9Y/s576/DSC_9159.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 252px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj17N8tKTpI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/N25O6bVYj9Y/s576/DSC_9159.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">He made me laugh. This is my dad. My mom is fishing in the stream in the background. He wanted to make absolutely sure I got documentation that he was prepping dinner.<br /></span></span></div><br />So when it came time for the meal, my expectations were high. My dad sat down on the old picnic bench, picked up his knife and went about his potato slicing. He was in the zone. If there is one thing my dad is, it's thorough. He is a masterful woodworker, mechanic, painter, handyman. You name it - if my dad does it - he does it well. The same is true for slicing potatoes. He slices those puppies up like a champ! No thick cut steak fries for his diners, these were pomme frites!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkF48veC-WI/AAAAAAAAEvo/NRi13RYSmdo/s400/DSC_9331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkF48veC-WI/AAAAAAAAEvo/NRi13RYSmdo/s400/DSC_9331.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*chicken strips and fries*<br />1 cup Bisquick<br />1 cup flour<br />2 tbsp seasoned salt<br />chicken breasts, cut into strips<br />1 cup milk<br />3 eggs<br /><br />potatoes, slice thinly into fries<br />onions, sliced into rings<br />salt<br />lots of veg oil<br /><br />*equipment*<br />pot for frying fries<br />pot for frying chicken<br />2 large plastic baggies<br />tongs<br /><br />Put the milk and eggs into the plastic baggy. Mix it together and put in your chicken. Let it sit while you prep everything else.<br /><br />Bread your chicken in the flour/salt/Bisquick combo. Fry to deep golden brown on each side. Fry your fries and onions at the same time.<br /><br />Serve immediately.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkF4-Fl8pOI/AAAAAAAAEwE/JV8vcfMODbU/s576/DSC_9349.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 245px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SkF4-Fl8pOI/AAAAAAAAEwE/JV8vcfMODbU/s576/DSC_9349.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, *that* good.<br /></div><br /><br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-62340788770546895212009-06-23T10:26:00.000-07:002009-06-24T08:20:03.838-07:00nectarines, glazed and grilled - it's a picnic!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSBwBNDTmdjp2z0EbQ8LBwSn9N_43Z8repRh5Z5m62j-JWOZGgYH9EHSlhVOrL_lrSkoXV3enkmYgKMUjjYQ60Lnr46MxmURe0ePmMAGWGfdBAnjrJQTAiireLUUsfZbumBnV8w/s1600-h/nectarineio.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSBwBNDTmdjp2z0EbQ8LBwSn9N_43Z8repRh5Z5m62j-JWOZGgYH9EHSlhVOrL_lrSkoXV3enkmYgKMUjjYQ60Lnr46MxmURe0ePmMAGWGfdBAnjrJQTAiireLUUsfZbumBnV8w/s320/nectarineio.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350913934119682738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We grilled this one on the George, which is why it's lacking those purty grill marks. Still tasted delish!</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div>I'm taking a break today from my camping posts to participate in a virtual picnic! Louise from <a href="http://monthsofediblecelebrations.blogspot.com/">Months of Edible Celebrations</a> has organized this fun little get together to scarf down great recipes from some mega talented and interesting ladies and gents in the blogging community. What a treat!<br /><br />I'm going to a picnic and bringing nectarines!<br /><br />My favorite kinds of picnic foods are fresh tasting and quick to prepare. There is basically no prep work involved in this dish besides cutting and pitting the nectarines. Just pop them on the grill (there may even be a BBQ at the picnic location, so you can do it there!), baste them with a little spiced honey, and top with whipped cream, ice cream, or creme fraiche. There isn't even a recipe! Simple, simple, simple!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Nectarines - Glazed and Grilled*<br />Nectarines<br />A Bit of Butter<br />Honey<br />Cinnamon<br />Whipped Cream, Ice Cream, or Creme Fraiche<br /><br />Halve you nectarines. Brush them with butter and put them flesh side down on the grill. Once they get a bit of a char, turn them over and brush them with some honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. When they are warmed through, they're done!<br /><br />Top with the cream of your choice. I like mine plain.<br /><br />Dig in! It won't fill you up too much to enjoy ultimate frisbee and a three legged race afterward. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now that I think about it, this would be a perfect camping dessert! I'll remember this for my next trip in September. I can't wait to see what everyone else brings!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">More camping dinners tomorrow morning :)<br /></div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-25057727834061771802009-06-23T07:06:00.000-07:002009-06-23T08:27:07.024-07:00japanese curry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16ieITmdI/AAAAAAAAEbA/D5bQmHWOJZQ/s576/DSC_8941.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 269px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16ieITmdI/AAAAAAAAEbA/D5bQmHWOJZQ/s576/DSC_8941.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's risky cooking for my dad. He's yin, always choosing meat and potatoes over all other conceivable option. He'd rather eat in and watch the game on TV.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Me: "Dad, what do you want for your father's day dinner?" </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Him: "Hamburgers."</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Me: "Aw, I want to make you something special! If you could pick anything in the world, what would it be?"</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Him: "Pizza."</span><br /><br />I'm yang, preferring fresh tasting Cal Med fare or other interesting flavors. I adore eating out and consider myself a budding foodie (probably not apparent by these simplified meals, but I'll get to the good stuff soon!).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Him: "What's on your agenda tonight?"</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Me: "Bran and I are going out to dinner at a place called <a href="http://www.simonlarestaurant.com/">Simon</a>. The chef is Kerry Simon, Iron Chef America champion! He's creating a 4 course tuna tasting menu with wine pairing. I'm so excited!"</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Him: "You had me until 'out to dinner.'"</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16exY2ZLI/AAAAAAAAEaA/_J1ALTRHhyI/s576/DSC_8924.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16exY2ZLI/AAAAAAAAEaA/_J1ALTRHhyI/s576/DSC_8924.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">My Funky Potato (would be an awesome band name, right?)</span><br /><br /></span></div>So you can see why he might be a bit apprehensive about this Japanese Curry business. Brandon did vouch for it- we have made it on other camping trips and he quite loves this meal- but it was very out of my dad's comfort zone. It didn't help that it's not the most visually appetizing meal in the world, though it smells divine! Dad, the trooper that he is, gave it a shot...<br /><br />... and he liked it!<br /><br />In fact, everyone liked it! It's quite a feat to successfully feed 14 hungry campers with a meal that only one had ever even tried before. Even the kids were fans. You'll like this. It's easy, warm, soul soothing. Perfect for camping. It will be an instant comfort food. I promise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16gTczRtI/AAAAAAAAEac/wdXbc4wvlJA/s400/DSC_8932.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16gTczRtI/AAAAAAAAEac/wdXbc4wvlJA/s400/DSC_8932.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">*Japanese Curry*<br />equal parts:<br />yukon gold potatoes, diced<br />carrots, diced<br />onions, diced<br />chicken, diced<br /><br />oil for sauteing<br />water for boiling<br /><br />1 (or more) box prepackaged Japanese curry*<br /><br />white rice<br /><br />*available in the Asian foods section of most big markets<br /><br />*equipment*<br />1 high sided pot (such as a dutch oven)<br />something to make rice in<br />serving spoons<br /><br />Saute your meat and onions in a big pot in a few tbsp of oil or butter. When the onions are soft and meat slightly browned, add in the rest of your diced veggies and add just enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot (about 3 cups). Cover and bring to a boil.<br /><br />When the potatoes and carrots are just tender, add the broken up curry to the pot. Stir to mix. Let cook 5 more minutes.<br /><br />Serve over rice.<br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-43155375892836186812009-06-22T07:06:00.000-07:002009-06-22T07:50:37.984-07:00tacos!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16LzkGwlI/AAAAAAAAEVY/mR8IqTN2SSE/s400/DSC_8836.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16LzkGwlI/AAAAAAAAEVY/mR8IqTN2SSE/s400/DSC_8836.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Camping in Devils Postpile (Mammoth Lakes, CA) was great fun and the food was simple yet fabulous! The weather was cold and cloudy for the most part, but the fishing was decent and the scenery is some of the most beautiful you can find anywhere in the world. There is something incredibly special about cooking while set amongst towering pine trees and a rushing river. Everything just tastes better.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj15-FqHmxI/AAAAAAAAESA/oGK1Z5kMoSs/DSC_8758.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 263px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj15-FqHmxI/AAAAAAAAESA/oGK1Z5kMoSs/DSC_8758.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">You can't beat this view.</span><br /></div><br />Cooking successfully while in nature takes lots of forethought, especially if it's in a secluded location (like DP) and you have to pack in your ingredients AND your equipments. This means that planning is key! With just a little bit of work - and a very good checklist of items to take with you - you can be prepped to make meals simply and deliciously. I suggest making a list of meals that you'll make for each night, then thinking about every ingredient you'll need in making it. It's important to remember to pack simple things like salt, pepper, tongs, etc. or you'll regret it (says the chick who forgot oil a few years back).<br /><br />So, to help you out, I'll be making a very detailed list of the items needed to pull off each of the next 5 meals. Each meal for my camping trip was planned for about 10 adults, and since it is camping, I'll just write an ingredient list rather than exact measurements. These meals are so simple that you will want to estimate how much you'll need for the number of campers in your party. Also, I'll jot down the equipment that you'll need.<br /><br />These meals are not meant to be gourmet. It's just good, wholesome food that can be thrown together relatively quickly and with little prep time. And it tastes good.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16HW_bTRI/AAAAAAAAEUY/d-BWbF2rqss/DSC_8818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 247px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16HW_bTRI/AAAAAAAAEUY/d-BWbF2rqss/DSC_8818.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>*Simple Camping Tacos*<br />ground meat (turkey or beef)<br />garlic salt<br />salt<br />pepper<br />vegetable oil<br /><br />cilantro<br />onions<br />grated cheddar cheese<br />jarred salsa<br />lime<br /><br />corn tortillas<br /><br />*Equipment*<br />cast iron skillet<br />large non stick pan<br />tongs<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">plates<br />napkins<br /><br />For the meat: Brown the meat up in a couple tbsps of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet. Season and set aside.<br /><br />For the shells: Heat up 1/4 cup of oil in the non stick pant. To fry them, quickly put them in the oil on side A and leave in for just a sec. Quickly turn it over to side B and fold it in 1/2 until lightly browned. Flip it over to the other side of side B and brown on that side. As soon as they're cooked, put them on a paper towel lined plate and salt them! Seriously, this makes them great!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16F165BvI/AAAAAAAAET4/-urWX9WjTQc/DSC_8807.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 257px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj16F165BvI/AAAAAAAAET4/-urWX9WjTQc/DSC_8807.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Assemble your tacos with whatever accoutrements you like. I like cilantro, salsa, cheese and a super quick squirt of lime, but feel free to bring anything else you like.<br /><br />It will fill you up and satisfy you. Until s'mores, that is.<br /><br /><br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-44331598951124491632009-06-20T18:29:00.001-07:002009-06-20T19:05:12.425-07:00i'm ba-ack!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj17TQ0xCCI/AAAAAAAAEno/WokfO6aiczs/s576/DSC_9191.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 406px; height: 272px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj17TQ0xCCI/AAAAAAAAEno/WokfO6aiczs/s576/DSC_9191.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>That's right campers! I had a WONDERFUL trip to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/depo/">Devils Postpile National Monument</a>, but I can safely say I'm stoked that my hair no longer smells like smoke from the campfire! And I've finally showered (and so has Bran, thank GOD!)! And I no longer need fret that a bear is going to creep in and raid my ice chest! And I no longer have to hover while I pee (TMI?)! Camping is one of my favorite vacations in the world, but there really is nothing like coming home and cuddling with my kitties in my own bed.<br /><br />Since I'm home, I'm getting my posties together and starting Monday of this week, I'll feature 5 ridiculously easy camping dinners, along with ingredient and equipment lists so that you're not left stranded without tongs or salt or something equally annoying. These meals were all made on a propane powered stove (you can see it in the pic) and with all the food and goodies that we could carry up in our cars. You forgot your coffee filters for the percolator? Tough tootles! No roasters for the marshmallows? Well, you better whittle yourself one or better luck next time!<br /><br />Question of the day: What is it about food at high elevations tasting so damn good? <br /><br />Hope to see you Monday!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj17qmnMeBI/AAAAAAAAEso/5uaz33SUkk8/s576/DSC_9276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 265px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Sj17qmnMeBI/AAAAAAAAEso/5uaz33SUkk8/s576/DSC_9276.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-73876919237797011602009-06-11T15:21:00.000-07:002009-06-11T17:27:32.130-07:00camping<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n213/ariel310/MammothandSequoia2005102.jpg?t=1244758876"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 437px;" src="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n213/ariel310/MammothandSequoia2005102.jpg?t=1244758876" alt="" border="0" /></a>The bags are packed, the hiking boots are laced up, the cooler is stuffed full with lots of goodies. It's time for a break. Time for CAMPING! But you know what that means. No Internet access! Or phones! Or TV! You might as well take away food and water. I can't remember a time without these things around me at at all times! It will be a welcome vacation not only from my day job, but from all the other technological distractions that are hard to separate yourself from on a daily basis. But that also means, no blogging :*(<br /><br />In a very short amount of time, I have come to love this silly little blog. I so enjoy it - posting pictures, telling stories, meeting other people with interesting blogs, and having an outlet where I can create and then say "Hey, I did that." With this new-found love, I have big plans for when I get back.<br /><br />First things first. I'm going to do a week-long ode to camping food. S'mores should not be the only food you eat while camping. These will be field-tested, Brandon-approved meals that are easy and satisfying to eat whilst in the wild. Also on the docket, I'll be teaming up with Natty from <a href="http://www.lifeisafeast.com/">Life is a Feast</a> to chronicle our happy hour findings and escapades in an 8 week long look into happy hours in Southern California. We both like good drinks, cheap eats and great conversation. I look forward to it!<br /><br />So, with that, I'm going to rest up, take some pictures, and enjoy my week off with mother nature (and my wonderful husband, and parents, and 2 sisters, and their husbands, and their 6 kids, and the Jack!). It will be an adventure! See you soon!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SjGchHzbZ8I/AAAAAAAAEKY/TpPli4rL_yE/s576/DSC_7294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 266px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SjGchHzbZ8I/AAAAAAAAEKY/TpPli4rL_yE/s576/DSC_7294.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Jack will miss you!<br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-51027221401814517152009-06-09T06:38:00.000-07:002009-06-09T10:09:26.220-07:00recession mondays at mo's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFeYmmo-vI/AAAAAAAAD_g/kS7efc-cwII/s512/IMG_1625.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 305px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFeYmmo-vI/AAAAAAAAD_g/kS7efc-cwII/s512/IMG_1625.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I am a sucker for all things discounted. I'm one of those people who is tricked into thinking I'm getting a good deal, even if (the proverbial) "they" jack up the prices so that they can discount them back down to basically regular price. I admit it. It makes me feel better to see the red marks on garments. 25% off! That's like making money!<br /><br />Bran and I always look for deals when it comes to food (remember my <a href="http://misohungry.blogspot.com/2009/05/katsu-ya.html">Katsu-ya</a> post?). I think it may have even been one day on our way to Katsuya that we saw the sign out in front of <a href="http://www.eatatmos.com/">Mo's</a> advertising their recession Mondays! So, being the deal-luvr that I am, I googled it when I got home to make sure it was legit and not some marketing scheme to get you in the door.<br /><br />I couldn't find much about it online. I found it referenced in their <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/mos-burbank">Yelp</a> reviews, but that was it, so we made the decision to give it a shot.<br /><br />We have been to Mo's before and it's decent. It's not gourmet, it's not trying to be something it's not, it's just ok burgers at ok prices with decent ambiance and service. When it's cheap, as it is on Mondays, it's a nice place to grab a beer and a burger. I got the turkey burger with mozzarella and marinara and it was good. The onion rings and french fries are also pretty decent! I would definitely go back, but probably only on a Monday to take advantage of the discounts.<br /><br />Here, have a fuzzy beer!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFeXaxcv0I/AAAAAAAAD_M/2tBLboA2pAs/s400/IMG_1620.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFeXaxcv0I/AAAAAAAAD_M/2tBLboA2pAs/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-400330844426139892009-06-03T17:31:00.000-07:002009-06-03T17:31:00.955-07:00peanut butter bars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd2BAX3wI/AAAAAAAAED0/IVUDCnilfBo/DSC_8605.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 264px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd2BAX3wI/AAAAAAAAED0/IVUDCnilfBo/DSC_8605.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's a great feeling to be inspired. Sometimes that inspiration comes from the darndest of places.<br /><br />I was lazing around early Friday morning because I had the day off, flipping through movies on a gloomy May day. I stumbled across that Catherine Zeta-Jones movie <span style="font-style: italic;">No Reservations. </span> It had just started and I hadn't seen it, it was about food, Aaron Eckhart is easy on the eyes- 3 reasons that made it good enough for me.<br /><br />If you've seen the movie (and probably even if you haven't), you know that while it's not exactly Oscar-worthy, it's a cute chick flick that satiates the sweet/sappy craving that some people feel at one time or another. But if you're a cook at heart, it also kind of gets your burners fired up. Since I had the whole day to myself, cooking is what I did.<br /><br />I got out all of my mom's old cookbooks from throughout the years and spread them around my living room floor. They were stacked high but not at all intimidatingly so. I carefully looks through each one, separating them into piles of good, no good, and downright hilarious. It was so fun reading through them, coming across some of my big grandma's (which we lovingly called her because she had a big house) newspaper clippings that were neatly folded and tucked away inside the books. My big grandma was a great cook. I wish that she had been around longer so I could have learned some of her recipes and cooked with her. I loved, so much, finding these hidden little gems so many years later (and I can't wait to make her newfound beloved recipes).<br /><br />I can't explain it well, but it felt like I was going back in time when I read these recipes. The recipes were so different from what you'd find in current mainstream cookbooks, food TV and the foodie blogosphere that I frequent. One of the New Orleans Donut recipes called for the little pillows of dough to be deep fried in fat. What does that even mean? Most recipes today hold your hand through the entire process. Is it lard? Canola Oil? Crisco? Halp?!<br /><br />I have many-a-recipe now dogeared, awaiting my attention, but the first one I went for came out of this book:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd3g8oODI/AAAAAAAAEEM/DZnNDyqWFCs/s400/DSC_8553.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd3g8oODI/AAAAAAAAEEM/DZnNDyqWFCs/s400/DSC_8553.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>And the recipe that I based mine off of (I only altered the frosting):<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd3Gvlg2I/AAAAAAAAEEI/ltDmFJIfX0U/DSC_8550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 262px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd3Gvlg2I/AAAAAAAAEEI/ltDmFJIfX0U/DSC_8550.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />*Old Fashioned PB Bars*<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">bars</span>:<br />1 cup crunchy peanut butter<br />2/3 cup butter or margrine<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar<br />3 eggs<br />1 cup sifted all-purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp salt<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">frosting</span>:<br />8 oz good quality semi sweet chocolate<br />2/3 cup cream<br /><br />Combine peanut butter, butter or margarine and vanilla in a large bowl: beat with electric beater until well-blended; beat in sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs, one at a time.<br /><br />Stir in flour and salt just until well-blended;spread batter in a greased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.<br /><br />Bake in moderate oven (350) for 35 minutes or until center springs back when lightly touched with fingertip. Remove pan from oven to wire rack; cool.<br /><br />Heat your cream in a heavy saucepan just until you almost see a boil, but don't let it boil. Take the cream off the heat and stir in your chocolate until smooth.<br /><br />Slather the top of the cool cake with the frosting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The recipe was very good! The was a dense cookie/cake texture, but the edges were my least favorite part, so I just cut them off. Here is the books version:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd20LFaaI/AAAAAAAAEEE/2BrL4xYvZlQ/s576/DSC_8549.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 262px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd20LFaaI/AAAAAAAAEEE/2BrL4xYvZlQ/s576/DSC_8549.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>It is a good find!<br /></div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-16400740707802028222009-06-02T16:37:00.000-07:002009-06-02T18:25:32.081-07:00bibimbap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFekuVrKEI/AAAAAAAAECU/A68GvREF7NA/s512/IMG_1670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 264px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFekuVrKEI/AAAAAAAAECU/A68GvREF7NA/s512/IMG_1670.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>BEE-BIM-BOP! This is the most awesome word to say. I'm really lucky that Audrey did not smack me across the face when we were shopping for the ingredients and then while we were making it. I can be annoying at times. C'mon, say it with me!<br /><br />BEE-BIM-BOP<br />BEE-BIM-BOP<br />BEEEE-BIIIIMMMM-BOOOOOOP!<br /><br />That's not even how you say it! It's buh-BEEM-bop, but BEE-BIM-BOP has a much better ring to it, if I do say so myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbap">Bibimbap</a> is a traditional Korean dish that means "mixed rice." That's because you throw everything over rice and mix it all together. Audrey's family makes it (though they're not Korean), so she was kind enough to show me the ropes this weekend.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFef1NpjvI/AAAAAAAAEBM/rEKY4Dl2Hdo/s512/IMG_1652.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 267px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFef1NpjvI/AAAAAAAAEBM/rEKY4Dl2Hdo/s512/IMG_1652.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>*Audrey's Bibimbap*<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 pound ground turkey<br />1/3 cup red miso<br />2 bunches green onions<br />1 bag bean sprouts<br />2 big bunches spinach, rinsed well<br />white rice<br />4 eggs<br />soy sauce<br />sesame oil<br />sesame seeds<br /><br />First things first, make your rice.<br /><br />Boil a big pot of water. Blanch the bean sprouts for less than a minute. Fish them out of the water and set them aside. Now, blanch your spinach. Strain through a colander and set aside in a separate bowl. Flavor both the spinach and sprouts with about a tbsp each of soy sauce and sesame oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and let marinate.<br /><br />Meanwhile, cook the meat through in a large saucepan with 3/4 of the green onions. Once the meat has been cooked through, add in the red miso and soy sauce to taste.<br /><br />Keep the meat covered and warm. Fry the eggs in a separate non stick pan, but keep them runny in the middle.<br /><br />Assemble the bowls by layering the bottom with rice and each the spinach, bean sprouts and meat into 1/3s over it. Top with the egg.<br /><br />Mix it all up. Eat.<br /><br /><br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-73375783161799976172009-06-01T17:34:00.000-07:002009-06-01T20:44:04.488-07:00pom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV6oRzUQI/AAAAAAAAD0U/WxDetsbP48A/DSC_8302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 236px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV6oRzUQI/AAAAAAAAD0U/WxDetsbP48A/DSC_8302.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I remember the day like it was a few weeks ago (because, well, it was a few weeks ago). I got a suspicious email from someone named the POMblogger. Since I get at least 50 pieces of SPAM a day, I was thisclose to just hitting the delete button, but then I read the title.... <span style="font-style: italic;">Hello from POM wonderful! </span>I thought to myself "I like POM.!" Then I was like, "hmmm, blogger?" I have a blog. I wonder if the two could be related.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />When I opened the email, I was very surprised to see that Janny, blog searcher-outer extraordinare, had stumbled across my blog. The email stated that she wanted to send me a free sample of their juice! I thought to myself for a split second that she must have mistaken my blog for someone else's, but then she commented on some of my content and I knew it was my blog she had been reading. Do you have any idea how cool that made me feel?<br /><br />The awesome thing is that I already knew that I liked POM. I'm a huge fan of cranberries and cranberry juice, which is what is most closely resembles, though a bit thicker and more flavorful. My mind went kind of wild when thinking about the possibilities of what I could make with it.<br /><br />I have some great cocktails in my arsenal that feature pomegranate juice, though the alcohol may negate the many health benefits, but c'est la vie! You can be healthy and tipsy at the same time, right?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd45bVv9I/AAAAAAAAEEo/vnmqQflAzr4/s576/DSC_8584.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 237px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd45bVv9I/AAAAAAAAEEo/vnmqQflAzr4/s576/DSC_8584.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>*Pomegranate Grenadine*<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup pomegranate juice<br />1/2 cup sugar<br /><br />Combine the two ingredients in a saucepan and let boil for about 10 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by half. Let cool.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Use this in any way that you might use regular grenadine. For instance, in a...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Laverne and Shirley*<br />...because she is a bit saucier than good old Shirley Temple<br />2 oz good vodka<br />1/2-1 oz pomegranate grenadine<br />7-up<br />pomegranate seeds<br /><br />Shake the vodka and grenadine with some ice. Pour over a glass full of ice and top with 7-up. Garnish with a spoonful of pomegranate seeds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd9VdEfII/AAAAAAAAEGA/uJjHDW_O-3o/s576/DSC_8669.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 237px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiSd9VdEfII/AAAAAAAAEGA/uJjHDW_O-3o/s576/DSC_8669.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-22969746556500922009-05-30T09:26:00.000-07:002009-05-31T13:30:28.659-07:00sushi nishi-ya<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFeqoPeLeI/AAAAAAAAEDs/NundTf1KT9E/s512/IMG_1693.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 254px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFeqoPeLeI/AAAAAAAAEDs/NundTf1KT9E/s512/IMG_1693.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Do you remember the infamous Soup Nazi of Seinfeld fame? Here is his description via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soup_Nazi">Wikipedia</a>:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">A stone-faced immigrant chef </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">with a thick Stalin-es</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">que</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;"> moustache, he is renowned throughout Manhattan f</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">or his soups</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">. He demands that all customers in his restaurant meticulously follow his strict queuing, ordering, and payment policies. Failure to adhere to his demands brings the admonishment, "No soup for you!", whereupon the customer is refunded and denied his or her order.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-nishi-ya-glendale">Sushi Nishi-ya</a> in Glendale stars the same idea of that character in the form of a much gentler, though still imposing, superbly talented Japanese sushi chef. Behind the bar in this teeny-tiny, mom and pop run strip-mall sushi joint, he won't refuse service as the soup nazi would. However, he will tell you what you can order and when you can order it. His motto is you get what he gives you, in essence. Read the sign. The chef is the boss. His first question is, "is there any type of fish you don't like?" And from there, he takes charge. He even instructs you with which dishes you may use soy sauce.<br /><br />If you put your faith in him, you will not be disappointed. Everything is extremely fresh and meticulously prepared by the sushi chef. Even the wasabi is freshly grated. <br /><br />Because the restaurant is so intimate, I felt a little sneaky and disrespectful snapping pictures, so I only got a few and the ones I did are blurry and annoying, but I'll post them anyway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFepPAQy_I/AAAAAAAAEDU/P-En8yxRfC8/s512/IMG_1687.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 253px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFepPAQy_I/AAAAAAAAEDU/P-En8yxRfC8/s512/IMG_1687.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>If you are thinking about going to Nishi-ya and want to be surprised at the omakase, I would suggest not reading the following blurb. The sushi chef picks out the fish from mongers several times a week, so it does change up based on what looks best, but of the 3 times I've eaten here, it has only varied slightly. I know it seems silly, but the whole experience is kind of fun and adventurous to go into blindly, so read or don't read, it's your choice!<br /><br />- marinated maguro from Boston<br />- fresh hamachi from Osaka (one belly, one back)<br />- smoked and fresh salmon with kelp from Scotland<br />- fresh scallop from Okaido<br />- blue crab hand-roll from Maryland<br />- fresh albacore with Ponzu sauce from Japan<br />- toro from Spain<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFepjTSmZI/AAAAAAAAEDc/R52RV1HpLXM/s512/IMG_1689.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 255px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SiFepjTSmZI/AAAAAAAAEDc/R52RV1HpLXM/s512/IMG_1689.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>It is fantastic every time I have it. The only negative I can fathom is the portion size, which is admittedly small for the price, but when it comes to raw fish, quality is far more important to me than quantity. If you eat the sushi and drink a beer, you will be more than satiated.<br /><br />Good quality sushi, well-prepared and served by an informed and talented sushi chef in an intimate setting. Service is great and there's rarely a wait, but you may want to call ahead to ensure your seats at the bar.Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-89000552215128139762009-05-25T19:16:00.000-07:002009-05-26T09:09:59.473-07:00sangria<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShtPMydgz2I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/_56rOTyd7kk/s576/DSC_8408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 235px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShtPMydgz2I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/_56rOTyd7kk/s576/DSC_8408.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>This is some good stuff.<br /><br />Sangria is one of those drinks that is easily made with what's already in your fridge: the wine (red, white, rose), the sweetener(sugar or fruit juice), the fruit(tons of options here), the bubbly(sparkling water, lemon lime soda, none). So much of it is simply taking what you have and adjusting the the amounts so that it tastes yummy. Play around with it and have fun!<br /><br />Plus, it's one of those make ahead batch drinks that you can prep the night before and put it out and let people help themselves. Easy, tasty, no fuss. What's not to love?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Simple Sangria*<br />a bottle of decent red wine (I used a Spanish table wine)<br />1/2 cup vodka<br />1/2 cup triple sec<br />1 1/2 cups pomegranate lime juice (Trader Joes special!)<br />1/2 cup OJ<br />Any fruit you have available (I used apples, oranges, limes, strawberries)<br /><br />Cut up fruit and throw it in all the liquids combined. Let it sit for a few hours, or even better, overnight. You can top it off with the bubbly or your choice or drink it straight over a big glass filled with ice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's a lovely drink to end a long weekend with!<br /></div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-11662340160299824462009-05-23T15:40:00.000-07:002009-05-23T16:17:15.759-07:00katsu-ya<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Shhz6sTDfzI/AAAAAAAAD2w/PWzxsK4ZHlQ/s576/DSC_8362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 245px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Shhz6sTDfzI/AAAAAAAAD2w/PWzxsK4ZHlQ/s576/DSC_8362.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>For years, Bran and I have had one major goal when dining out at places we know we're going to love. We want recognition. We want fame. Well, not really. We just want to be 'regulars.' You know, sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came? I can't believe that the first place that it happened was at the one and only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Katsu</span>-ya in Studio City.<br /><br />For example, today we waltzed in and were greeted by warm smiles from every angle; "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Irasshaimase</span> (Japanese for please come in)!" they exclaimed. Our greeter asked "sushi bar or table?" Even though he already knew what we were going to say.<br /><br />My favorite waiter, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TK</span>, came over to our table and greeted us, "Welcome back! Two sushi lunch specials, one with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">udon</span>, one with tempura. I just can't remember what you normally order for drinks."<br /><br />Party foul. I forgave him.<br /><br />I said "I'd like an iced tea, please, and he'll have water. We'd also like an order of the crispy rice and spicy tuna today." I like to keep him guessing, you know?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Shhz7foir5I/AAAAAAAAD28/ggVY0MjTwaw/s576/DSC_8365.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 247px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Shhz7foir5I/AAAAAAAAD28/ggVY0MjTwaw/s576/DSC_8365.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>But today, there was something different. I brought my camera to the table with me and unearthed her in the crowded restaurant. I'm sure it's nothing new to the crew from Studio <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">City</span>, mostly people in 'the industry,' anyway, but I felt kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">awkward</span> snapping pictures throughout the meal. My Nikon D80 isn't the most covert camera in all the land.<br /><br />But I finally got pictures, so I can finally blog on this awesome recession buster. I go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Katsu</span>-ya at least twice a month on Saturdays to take advantage of the sushi lunch special- one piece each of a variety of sushi (tuna, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hamachi</span>, white fish, salmon, clam, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sh imp</span>, egg), one California roll, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">miso</span> soup, and your choice of the following: veggie and shrimp tempura, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">udon</span> soup, salmon skin salad, baked clams, or chicken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">teriyaki</span>. All of this for just over 10 bucks. And the thing is, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Katsuya</span> has consistently been our favorite sushi restaurant around for the past 6 years or so, way prior to our knowing about this awesome recession buster. But one day we popped in for lunch and we found this little gem.<br /><br />The sushi quality is top notch. The portions are generous. The tempura is light and crispy. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">udon</span> is fabulous. The price is right. The service is impeccable. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Domo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">arigato</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Shhz5KCyDnI/AAAAAAAAD2M/uBND0Uu2jwg/s576/DSC_8353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 250px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/Shhz5KCyDnI/AAAAAAAAD2M/uBND0Uu2jwg/s576/DSC_8353.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />One side note: order the crispy rice with spicy tuna. You will thank me.Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-46964849889901905682009-05-17T11:23:00.000-07:002009-05-18T08:54:39.007-07:00toffee chocolate chip scones<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV8YaiATI/AAAAAAAAD00/oirQ1STzfE4/s576/DSC_8323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 249px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV8YaiATI/AAAAAAAAD00/oirQ1STzfE4/s576/DSC_8323.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Have I told you that I started bootcamp? Not military style, buzz cut requiring, kick your ass into the ground bootcamp, but a kick your ass gently while encouraging you to do be better and svelter bootcamp. I can attribute, at least partially, my lack of posting in the last weeks to a few things: <a href="http://www.westcoastbootcamp.com/">West Coast Bootcamp</a>, waking up a 5am to make it too said bootcamp, and my food journal. Yup, you read that right. Food journal. :(<br /><br />So, I've been cutting back a bit lately. I'm drinking less booze, eating fewer sweets, making sure that I eat more meals throughout the course of the day. I'll never eliminate anything that I love from my diet. I think moderation is the key to eating healthfully, but I'm giving their way of life a shot. I told myself that at least for these 6 weeks, I'd follow their food plan during the week (kinda sorta) and I'll eat how I normally eat on the weekend. Well, guess what! It's SUNDAY! And I want scones.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Toffee Chocolate Chip Scones*<br />(adapted from <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Chip-Toffee-Scones-4290">this </a>epicurious recipe)<br /><span>3 1/2 cups all purpose flour</span><br /> <span>1/2 cup sugar</span><br /> <span>1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder</span><br /> <span>1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br /> <span>1 cup semisweet chocolate chips</span><br /> <span>2/3 cup chocolate-covered </span><span>English toffee bits</span><br /> <span>2 cups chilled whipping cream</span><br />zest of a lemon<br /> <br /> <span>2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</span><br /> <span>Additional raw sugar for sprinkling</span><br /><br />Preheat your oven to 375.<br /><br />Mix together your dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, chocolate chips, toffee bits.<br /><br />In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Add in the zest of a lemon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV7aX76hI/AAAAAAAAD0k/LRRrp6GVZsE/s576/DSC_8317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 248px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV7aX76hI/AAAAAAAAD0k/LRRrp6GVZsE/s576/DSC_8317.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones. Once they are combined, turn the dough out on to a cutting board and knead until it comes together - it will be sticky! Once it has come together, cut it in 1/2 and form it into 2 logs. Cut each log into 1/3's (forming basically 3 squares) and each 1/3 in 1/2 (diagonally). You will be left with 12 triangular scones. <br /><br />Place the scones on 2 Silpat-lined baking sheet. Brush them with the melted butter and sprinkle them with sugar (I use Maui raw can sugar). Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you look close enough, it kind of looks like an alligator. A delicious, sweet alligator.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV8Y5tq_I/AAAAAAAAD04/VulJ2rs0pjw/s576/DSC_8328.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 248px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/ShBV8Y5tq_I/AAAAAAAAD04/VulJ2rs0pjw/s576/DSC_8328.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34703159.post-12641965769337700802009-05-06T06:49:00.000-07:002009-05-06T08:10:16.236-07:00s'mores cookie bars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SgGebV5Kn9I/AAAAAAAADvI/Na-13Chk8gM/DSC_8253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 256px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SgGebV5Kn9I/AAAAAAAADvI/Na-13Chk8gM/DSC_8253.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm going to blow your mind right now. You are either going to think this the most vile and revolting concoction known to man or you will bow down and kiss my toes when I make these for you. I don't think there is too much in between here.<br /><br />I have had a hankering for s'mores for weeks at this point. I don't know where it came from, but I do know when my sweet tooth speaks, I must listen. Since then, I have been on a desperate mission to curb this craving. I came across <a href="http://www.lovintheoven.com/2008/12/day-11-smores-cookie-bars.html">this </a>recipe from the super cute fun blog, <a href="http://www.lovintheoven.com/">Lovin' From the Oven, </a>and I knew this was it. This was the recipe that would quite my inner s'mores-demanding demons.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*S'mores Cookie Bars*<br />(adapted from Lovin' From the Oven)<br />1/2 cup butter, room temperature<br />1/3 cup brown sugar<br />1 large egg<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1 1/3 cups all purpose flour<br />1 cup graham cracker crumbs<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />2 king-sized milk chocolate bars (e.g. Hershey’s)<br />1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)<br /><br />Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 baking pan.<br /><br />Cream together the butter and sugar (if you like a sweeter cookie, you can add another 1/3 cup white sugar). Mix in the egg and vanilla.<br /><br />In a separate bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder and salt.<br /><br />Add your dry ingredients to the wet ones. Divide dough in half.<br /><br />Press 1/2 the dough into your baking pan. Layer in your chocolate, then your marshmellow creme. Top with flattened remaining dough.<br /><br />Pop in the oven for 30 minutes. Ding! It's dunzo. Wait to cut into this until it's cool or you will be sorry.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SgGeaJwORdI/AAAAAAAADug/rLpcq_qI7qs/DSC_8248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 255px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W7UG6GwZ90k/SgGeaJwORdI/AAAAAAAADug/rLpcq_qI7qs/DSC_8248.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>If loving these is wrong, I don't wanna be right!<br /></div><br /></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813880019005765729noreply@blogger.com2