Memorial Day Recipe Roundup

Happy Sunday! If you're looking for a few new recipes to spice up your holiday weekend, I've picked some of my sure-to-please favorites to try. What are you making this weekend?

Fennel-Garlic Chicken

Firecracker Ice Pops

Spicy Quinoa, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Grapefruit Mojitos

Chile-Stuffed Cheeseburger

Hello Fresh

As much as I love the idea of preparing fresh meals at home everyday, but in reality I'm more of the grab something quick, order takeout Mon-Sat kinda girl. This is mostly due to convenience: I don't really have the time for full-fledged food shopping, and my tiny refrigerator won't allow it. I am making an effort to eat better though, and my boyfriend Vixon loves when we cook together. If it were up to him we'd probably make dinner every night. If left up to me, let's just say I have my favorite Chinese restaurant on speedial.

When HelloFresh gave me the opportunity to try one of their Classic boxes, I was definitely up for the challenge. Fresh food delivered to my door? I'm in. So what is HelloFresh? HelloFresh sends three recipes for creative meals along with all of the ingredients necessary to make them to your door each week. Most of the ingredients are fresh (not organic), and you simply follow the directions to make an amazing meal in 30 minutes or less.

When I received my Classic HelloFresh box ($69 with free shipping), I received all of the ingredients to make two servings each of Salmon Fillets with Cashew Crust, Beef & Broccoli Rabe Tostada with Arugula, and a Turkey Polpette recipes good for 4 servings. The only extra ingredients we needed were olive oil, butter and a couple of pots and pans. And having the exact ingredient portion ensured no leftovers, and no waste. Another plus, considering my small food storage space. I loved that I didn't have to think about what Vixon and I were going to eat for 3 days straight! We loved making these meals. It was great to spend a little extra time together in the kitchen, and try new recipes that we'll definitely prepare again. 

The recipes we received in the box...

Friday Night Coffee

As I'm typing this, I'm having a strong cup of coffee along with my newest obsession. I've become quite the java drinker lately (thanks to some really long nights), but I've always liked anything coffee-flavored. When I saw this package of Balis' Best Coffee Candy in my local grocer, the first thing I noticed was the design of the package. It reminded me of something you'd see in a general store, and I wasn't expecting much else than a novelty little-something that you drop in your basket on your way to check out. I opened one, then another, then another, and I won't get into how many I popped into my mouth at once but, they are so good. Made with real Arabica coffee, not too sweet, and just enough to curb a sugar craving. If you see them, buy them and thank me later.

Oscar Night: My Viewing Party

As movie lovers, watching the Academy Awards is especially exciting for my boyfriend and I, and we love to make a night of it- complete with loads of snacks, games and drinks to enjoy the 3-hour long show. Thanks to Bigelow Tea, this year's festivities were a bit larger, and definitely more fun!  We invited some of our family members over, and started the night by watching a few of the films that were nominated this year. We tend to pick a theme for our viewing parties, and this year our theme was Life of Pi (our favorite!), so I knew I wanted to pick snacks and drinks that were on the lighter side. Life of Pi is such an incredible story with beautiful visuals, and I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it.

We headed to Walmart for party supplies, and got ready for the big night. Be sure to take a look at my shopping experience on Google+ here. I wasn't sure of the entire menu for the night, but I knew for sure I wanted to include Bigelow tea. I've been drinking Bigelow since I was a child, and I remember my mom always having a few boxes in the cupboard at home. I typically have a cup of Mint Medley in the morning (just like my mom did), but one of my favorite things is iced green tea. I thought it would be perfect for our Life of Pi theme, so I knew I had to pick up a box in store. 

I sent out a few invites to our guests beforehand, and set out a few to add to the decor.

I also got a little festive with my nails, and chose a bright red mani for the occasion.

Winter Desserts Part 2

Remember my first Winter Desserts post? Well, with all of the talk surrounding the snowstorm that's due to hit NYC, I'm craving nothing more than staying in and indulging in the richest desserts I could find. Do you see where I'm going with this? Don't be shy, feast your eyes and click the photos for the recipes!

Mexican Chocolate Pots de Creme

Coconut Pancakes with Grilled Bananas and Salted Caramel Rum Sauce

Chocolate Cream Squares

Weekend Winter Meals...

The best thing about winter in NYC is the slight chance that there will be one weekend that will be unseasonably mild. This weekend was perfect - it was a long one that I spent shopping and walking around Union Square, and I stopped in to Duane Reade for a tasty mission (#DRAsianmeals). One of my favorite quick weekend meals is soup, so I was excited to try one of the new Asian Meals noodle soups from Malaysia Kitchen. Out of the Shiitake Mushroom, Sesame Garlic and Lemongrass flavors, I chose the Sesame Garlic. For a quick meal, the soup quality was similar to that of some of the best Asian soups I've had in the city. The little bowl included makes it so convenient if you need to eat and run. I also love that the soups don't contain any MSG, preservatives, trans fat or added coloring. I'll definitely be stocking up for when the mercury dips again.

Winter Desserts

I have no idea how I haven't come across Citrus and Candy before, but I just spent an hour drooling over the plethora of recipes for treats that need to be in my belly immediately. These three dishes are perfect for right now. Brunch anyone?

Brioche French Toast with Bananas, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Crème Patissiére

Chocolate Espresso Fondants

Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate

Lazy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

During the colder months, and really throughout the year, I love any and everything pumpkin/pumpkin spice flavored. Add this to my chocolate addiction, and it's a problem. Ideally, I love gourmet pumpkin hot chocolate made with real cocoa, pumpkin puree and all that jazz. But last weekend, I had none of those ingredients on hand, and hat to improvise with what was in my boyfriend's pantry. So what did I do? Keep reading.

Ingredients:

1 (or two) packets of your favorite hot cocoa mix (I used Swiss Miss)

2 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice 

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 cup milk (I used Almond Milk)

1 cinnamon stick (optional)

A dollop of whipped cream if you're fancy like that

Directions:

Mix everything in your favorite mug, Heat milk for about 2 minutes in microwave. Pour milk over pumpkin chocolate mixture and stir. 

As for the taste...well...it was damn delicious. 

Food | Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi

Confession: I cut peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches in little squares because I swear it tastes better that way. Yes, it's strange, and I love it.

When I saw this genius recipe on Domestic Charm for Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi, I thought it was the perfect snack. And you can substitute the peanut butter for Nutella. Can you tell I'm smiling as I type this?

The recipe is originally intended as a creative way to get kids to eat fruit, but I won't tell if you wont!

Photos and recipe via Domestic Charm

Weekend Breakfast: Baked Egg Boats

One of my favorite things to do during the week is think about the weekend. One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is wake up and make a fancy breakfast with my boyfriend. Unfortunately, the only thing we can think to make is scrambled eggs and cheese with toast. This recipe for Baked Egg Boats we'll be attempting combines all three in what's sure to be a deliciously pretty package. Plus, we always jump and squeal like three year olds whenever we don't burn a dish. We're all about small accomplishments!

Baked Egg Boats
Makes 4

Ingredients:

4 demi sourdough baguettes

5 eggs

1/3 cup heavy cream

4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped and fried until crisp

3 ounces gruyere cheese, grated

2 green onions, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste 

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut a deep “V” through the tops of each baguette until about a 1/2 inch to the bottom. Partially unstuff the baguettes. Set aside.
3. Place the eggs and cream into a mixing bowl and lightly beat together. Whisk in the remaining ingredients and lightly season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide and pour the mixture into each baguette boat and place onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown, puffed and set in the center. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, cut and serve.

images and recipe via Spoon Fork Bacon

Love: Brooklyn's Mast Brothers Chocolate

While browsing The Makers Project, Mast Brothers Chocolate immediately caught my eye. Mainly because - well I'm obsessed with chocolate. Especially handcrafted, not your run-of-the-mill chocolate. Everything from the printed specialty paper that the chocolate is wrapped in, to the Mast brothers' appreciation of family, makes me excited. And how cool is it that they share a staff meal everyday?

The Mast Brothers from The Scout on Vimeo.

I know where my first stop in Brooklyn will be this weekend.