tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42701553181793641152024-03-13T11:34:53.634-04:00amber cooksAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-11067042501218883222019-06-25T12:04:00.000-04:002019-06-25T12:04:58.228-04:00banana chocolate protein toastYa'll. I have been obsessing over this toast for almost a month now.<br />
I had great intentions to tell you about it two weeks ago, but here we are, somehow at the end of June <i>(WHAT?!)</i> and I'm just now getting to it.<br />
Please forgive me, because once you try it you'll certainly be upset with me for waiting so long to share.<br />
<br />
I've been doing this challenge at my barre studio - <i>what up Pure Barre Cumming!</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>- and part of it has been about nutrition.<br />
I am always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to eat healthy food.<br />
Personally, I love the taste of healthy food.<br />
But I'm also the type of person that needs variety, so I get in food ruts quickly and often.<br />
Thankfully, it's like my studio can read my mind sometimes, so for the month of June I've been participating in a challenge that isn't just about hitting a certain class count, but also about the nutrition piece of wellness!<br />
The coach of my challenge team has been sharing recipes and ideas with us weekly, and I'll tell you - it's been worth it for this one recipe in particular.<br />
<br />
Actually, her recipe for this is a bit different...I've just kind of built on what I prefer, but the idea of mixing protein powder in peanut butter is completely new to me and promptly changed my life once I realized how delicious it can be.<br />
<i>(Thanks for that, Terah!)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
So let's discuss.<br />
<br />
First off - I did this with <a href="https://www.foodforlife.com/product/breads/ezekiel-49-sprouted-whole-grain-bread" target="_blank">Ezekial 4:9</a> bread and Dave's Killer Bread, the <a href="http://www.daveskillerbread.com/21-whole-grains-and-seeds" target="_blank">21 whole grains</a> one. Use whatever you like! I prefer Dave's Killer Bread, and my Costco carries it.<br />
<br />
Second - I feel like people have a strong preference about protein powder. I don't see any reason why you couldn't do this with whatever brand is your favorite. I love Vega brand protein powder, and this chocolate one is bringing me life lately.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8188oeQS23zt7Fmbu8fyD7kAqCO1tvhQ2KJnSB_Z_0drbaT_GCI0StcqBkdeypuDP4CQVN-VFwpuvFEwUF85RYYTq8DlbsE-j0zaj6z8wjxRVNzGjYuWo9pU_MOPzYTjwb0vRbCersZ4/s1600/protein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8188oeQS23zt7Fmbu8fyD7kAqCO1tvhQ2KJnSB_Z_0drbaT_GCI0StcqBkdeypuDP4CQVN-VFwpuvFEwUF85RYYTq8DlbsE-j0zaj6z8wjxRVNzGjYuWo9pU_MOPzYTjwb0vRbCersZ4/s640/protein.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lastly - peanut butters. Listen, I know some are better for you than others, and there's a whole debate on chunky vs. creamy. For the purposes of this toast, go for creamy.<br />
In our house, I have an all-natural crunchy peanut butter and the good ol' classic, creamy JIF <i>(#becausekids)</i>. The natural one is a bit better for you calorie-wise, but it's also harder to mix into the protein and not as easily spread because it's refrigerated.<br />
So, to make my own life easier, I used creamy JIF for this and I have zero regrets.<br />
Worth every calorie.<br />
And let's be honest, when you're working out 4-5x per week and eating generally clean, are a couple of tablespoons of JIF really going to kill you?<br />
Just do it and let your inner child be free.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOdtcnAo_LG7QB8_-1wbPDrjm6wHOMYXvIVjsvmlIptmL54yxRDjfd-ZsIm4Sy146lU8zlYoHj4veLbMf1iolWUk7Weq8Xzhmmc3ns90CYCgPc60SnChrjwLU02EDQtLF8LNimFGAy84/s1600/toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOdtcnAo_LG7QB8_-1wbPDrjm6wHOMYXvIVjsvmlIptmL54yxRDjfd-ZsIm4Sy146lU8zlYoHj4veLbMf1iolWUk7Weq8Xzhmmc3ns90CYCgPc60SnChrjwLU02EDQtLF8LNimFGAy84/s640/toast.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 slices of Dave's Killer Bread, toasted</li>
<li>2-3 tbsp creamy peanut butter</li>
<li>1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder</li>
<li>1 medium banana, sliced</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Place your bread of choice in the toaster.</li>
<li>While bread is toasting, add protein powder and peanut butter to a small bowl and carefully mix. I find it easiest to use the back of a spoon and sort of mash the peanut butter over and over until it starts absorbing the powder. It takes a minute for it all to come together, but trust me, it will and it will be amazing.</li>
<li>Spread mixture over each slice of toast, and top with sliced banana.</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I keep telling everyone at work that this toast tastes like Reese's. The chocolate protein/peanut butter mixture is just so smart, and I don't know the exact number, but think of how much protein you're getting with this!</div>
<div>
Dave's Killer Bread has protein, peanut butter has protein, and the powder itself has protein.</div>
<div>
I've been eating this on the way to work everyday, and it keeps me full until lunchtime. </div>
<div>
THAT is a miracle in itself, my friends.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, if you aren't a banana-lover <i>(hi Kayla 👋)</i>, I've used sliced strawberries before as well.</div>
<div>
I imagine it would also be really good with fresh raspberries!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you for letting me share a recipe for toast with you.</div>
<div>
I mean, it's a little more involved than the recipe for scrambled eggs I shared, so I guess I'm upping my game a tiny bit.</div>
<div>
😄</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-72738446967065336572019-05-14T09:07:00.000-04:002019-05-14T09:07:09.754-04:00chicken bacon brussels sheet panI am so into sheet pan meals right now.<br />
After work when I have zero motivation to cook, it's just so easy to throw whatever we have onto a sheet pan, season it up, and roast it all together.<br />
No fuss, easy clean up.<br />
The perfect weeknight meal!<br />
<br />
Pro tip: do this on aluminum foil and you won't even have to wash the sheet pan afterward.<br />
That's how easy I'm talking, people.<br />
<br />
Also, sheet pan meals are so versatile.<br />
You can seriously use whatever protein and veg you have.<br />
I have made many varieties of this meal lately <i>(and I'll definitely post more on those later)</i>, but for now, let me tell you about my current favorite combo.<br />
<br />
Chicken.<br />
Bacon.<br />
Brussel sprouts.<br />
Balsamic glaze.<br />
<br />
How can you go wrong here?!?!<br />
<br />
Spoiler alert: you can't.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNF4upiwacOk163U8b609MxroPYP4FkxMBdbQug0zRYlI4WcXSIaL3b9FTba6NP_Zp_ETmmJ-9NRZUUf-UX8V_6Nhx_rZiWecJAtBKaPmCKvEo8lE1jSFIhbHywmY6sGv2etvJhBMPLo/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="784" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNF4upiwacOk163U8b609MxroPYP4FkxMBdbQug0zRYlI4WcXSIaL3b9FTba6NP_Zp_ETmmJ-9NRZUUf-UX8V_6Nhx_rZiWecJAtBKaPmCKvEo8lE1jSFIhbHywmY6sGv2etvJhBMPLo/s640/0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 lb chicken breast, diced into cubes</li>
<li>1 - 1.5 lbs brussel sprouts, quartered</li>
<li>4-6 slices of bacon <i>(I opted for 6, obvi)</i></li>
<li>2 tbsp olive oil</li>
<li>salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder - to taste</li>
<li>balsamic glaze, for drizzling</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions:</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.</li>
<li>Cut the ends off the brussels, and then quarter them - cut in half, then cut in half again. Spread them out on the pan.</li>
<li>Dice chicken, and evenly distribute the cubes on the pan.</li>
<li>Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and brussels, and sprinkle on seasonings. I use maybe 1 tbsp of each, give or take? We like a lot of seasoning around these parts, but you do you.</li>
<li>You have two options with the bacon:</li>
<ul>
<li>Dice the bacon and evenly distribute onto the pan to roast with everything else.</li>
<li>Cook bacon separately, and sprinkle on at the end.</li>
<ul>
<li>I only had pre-cooked bacon on hand, so I went with the latter option and sprinkled on at the end. Both ways are equally delicious!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>Place the sheet pan in the oven, and roast everything for 22-24 minutes.</li>
<li>If you chose the latter bacon option like I did, sprinkle crumbled bacon onto everything and gently stir.</li>
<li>Serve it up, and drizzle with balsamic glaze at your leisure!</li>
</ol>
<div>
This is my favorite balsamic right now, if you need a recommendation on that. It is deliciously thick and sweet, perfect addition to a savory meal <i>(or your avo toast!!!)</i>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for nonna pia's balsamic reduction" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61hGSaJd2IL._SL1500_.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have made this many times without the balsamic, and it's super tasty either way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But personally, I think the pop of sweetness takes it over the top.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We just got back from vacation with the kiddos, so I am desperately trying to get us back on track food-wise.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I won't lie though - I had the best coconut shrimp of my life on that trip <i>(I see you, <a href="https://shrimpbasket.com/" target="_blank">Shrimp Basket</a>!)</i> and it was worth every single calorie.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#noregrets</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-17204297066904052082019-04-02T15:16:00.000-04:002019-04-02T15:16:15.154-04:00turkey taco bowlsConfession: I ate taco meat for dinner Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday last week.<br />
All in different forms (a bowl, a tortilla, and a zucchini boat), but still.<br />
That's a lot of tacos!<br />
<br />
I am always looking for new ways to spice it up when it comes to tacos.<br />
I have added vegetables to the mix, tried all the meats <i>(traditional beef, ground turkey, chicken, steak, pork...)</i>, put it in casseroles/skillets/various shells, you name it.<br />
Since we've been eating low carb, we've had a lot of the lettuce cup variety...and I mean, a lot.<br />
<br />
Like, a lot.<br />
<br />
A girl can only eat so many lettuce cups, ya'll.<br />
So lately, I've just been throwing it all in a bowl and calling it a day.<br />
It seems so simple, to just throw it all in a bowl.<br />
I don't know why I didn't do this sooner - mostly because it gives me free reign to add as many toppings as I want without the mess! <i>(Surprise - lettuce tacos aren't thaaat topping-friendly.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I fully realize that I'm basically telling you to make a taco salad - what an epiphany - but bear with me.<br />
Sometimes we all need a reminder that salads CAN give you the Mexican fix you are craving!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ytxTrslxCGZ_s4WSJ3s3GGgv34vD1zfPhyphenhyphendWxs2m0zykmGkts8ryoaRREqP367J2CEcSDFSuq_40hO5pGPj4sAlkSqVseVYgs3XBA5FP-x5vV49PByeBDIEBtW8paNDrnHWb4Xj2eY/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="574" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ytxTrslxCGZ_s4WSJ3s3GGgv34vD1zfPhyphenhyphendWxs2m0zykmGkts8ryoaRREqP367J2CEcSDFSuq_40hO5pGPj4sAlkSqVseVYgs3XBA5FP-x5vV49PByeBDIEBtW8paNDrnHWb4Xj2eY/s640/0.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 lb ground turkey</li>
<li>1 bell pepper, diced</li>
<li>1 packet taco seasoning <i>(or you can make your own - I like <a href="https://gimmedelicious.com/2018/03/16/the-best-homemade-taco-seasoning/" target="_blank">this one</a>!)</i></li>
<li>1 head of romaine lettuce</li>
<li>toppings of choice</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions:</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat.</li>
<li>When the turkey is cooked through, drain, add diced bell pepper and taco seasoning, and saute for 20-30 seconds. Add some water <i>(about a cup or so</i>) and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is gone.</li>
<li>While the meat is simmering, prepare your toppings. Here's what I like:</li>
<ul>
<li>chopped lettuce</li>
<li>shredded cheese</li>
<li><a href="https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com/Kirkland-Signature-Organic-Salsa%2C-Medium%2C-38-oz%2C-2-ct.product.100130164.html" target="_blank">this</a> salsa</li>
<li><a href="https://goodfoods.com/products/avocado-mash/avocado-mash-organic-16-singles/" target="_blank">this</a> avocado mash</li>
<li>If I wanted to get crazy, maybe a sprinkle of sauteed corn or black beans? Or some crunchy tortilla strips?</li>
</ul>
<li>When the meat is ready, layer up! I do equal parts lettuce and meat, then sprinkle the rest on top at my own discretion. Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
This is definitely a simple recipe, but for a quick weeknight dinner, you can't beat it.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mean, unless you're eating real tacos in a flour tortilla.</div>
<div>
Or nachos...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, you can't beat it <i>if you are watching your carb intake</i>. How about that?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This girl has been loving taco meat lately too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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💕💕💕</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-26468531387014682902019-03-26T16:22:00.000-04:002019-03-26T16:22:45.049-04:00bacon-wrapped stuffed mini peppersI said it in my last post, but in case you are wondering my status - SURPRISE! Still in a food rut!<br />
<br />
We have been keto-ing for awhile (can I use that as a verb?), and while I've been feeling great, I am SO. TIRED. OF. CHICKEN.<br />
At the beginning, I was all ambitious with our meals. Super motivated, going all out, making all kinds of complex dinners.<br />
Naturally, that tapered out #becauselife. Working, mothering, doing laundry, keeping life together in general - all of these things took over my motivation, and somewhere along the way we started having a protein + roasted veg every night.<br />
And I mean <i>every</i> night.<br />
A girl can only eat so much chicken, ya'll.<br />
<br />
Help!<br />
What are your favorite low carb meals? And/or snacks?<br />
I am still on the workout train (love you Pure Barre Cumming 💓), but food-wise I need a major re-haul.<br />
<br />
Full disclosure: I made waffles over the weekend, and I don't regret one bite of those. Not one.<br />
They were the <a href="https://shop.kodiakcakes.com/products/kodiak-cakes-buttermilk-power-cakes-flapjack-waffle-mix" target="_blank">Kodiak Cakes protein waffles</a> (buttermilk flavor), and if you haven't had them, run don't walk to get them now!<br />
They are so versatile! They're great plain but can easily be dressed up, which I love.<br />
I added chocolate chips for Tuck's birthday breakfast, and Saturday morning we had them with strawberries and syrup!<br />
The greatest part is that, depending on how you make them, they can have up to 21g of protein!<br />
<br />
Also, can we talk about how great waffle makers are? I honestly think that's my most-used wedding gift.<br />
<br />
*steps off the waffle soap box*<br />
<br />
By Sunday, I was ready to get back to the grind.<br />
So, in an effort to pull myself out of this rut, I took a quick survey of all the groceries we had left in the house and decided to spend a little time making a fun snack.<br />
<br />
You guys, these were delicious!<br />
IMO, this would be even better with a jalapeno in place of the pepper <i>(I love stuffed jalapenos so much)</i>, but we had a bag of mini sweet bell peppers on hand, so I went with it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_tKY0EDJ7FTP1Ed_UCa0uu_OBgH1-AFU9_-vzMjHIsu3N4jjHIzG7YbhXk4xG8n8E5pZboJ25jZWPdoQek5D-sKzWvmh4ZMVyTNb4e1fhQAtk9SwBkD3CikkRAo9E3FyFfzxmCipYKo/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="593" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_tKY0EDJ7FTP1Ed_UCa0uu_OBgH1-AFU9_-vzMjHIsu3N4jjHIzG7YbhXk4xG8n8E5pZboJ25jZWPdoQek5D-sKzWvmh4ZMVyTNb4e1fhQAtk9SwBkD3CikkRAo9E3FyFfzxmCipYKo/s640/0.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>8-10 mini bell peppers</li>
<li>4-5 strips of bacon</li>
<li>your favorite pimento cheese<i> (feel free to make your own! I used <a href="https://www.pimentocheese.com/palmetto-cheese-jalapenos-12oz/" target="_blank">Palmetto Cheese w/ Jalapenos</a> to spice it up a little)</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions:</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</li>
<li>Wash and dry the mini peppers. Slice in half and clean out any seeds.</li>
<li>Put a spoonful of pimento cheese in each pepper. Make sure to smooth it throughout the whole pepper half!</li>
<li>Cut all of the bacon strips in half. Wrap half a strip of bacon around each pepper.</li>
<li>Put a baking rack on top of a sheet pan, and line the peppers up <i>(seam down)</i> on the rack.</li>
<li>Bake for 20 minutes <i>(or until bacon is at desired level of crispiness) </i>and enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
I sort of wish I brushed these with a smidge of BBQ sauce at the end and tossed them back into the oven to let it caramelize for a few minutes...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, they were delicious as-is!</div>
<div>
And just what I needed to spice up my currently boring dinner routine.</div>
<div>
I served these as a side to BBQ chicken cutlets, but they would be great as a pre-dinner appetizer as well!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What fun snacks are you making these days?</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-44652257652511186742019-03-12T10:16:00.001-04:002019-03-12T10:16:34.659-04:00cheesy chicken and broccoliThis is a lazy recipe.<br />
I'm just gonna go ahead and throw that out there.<br />
But it's lazy in a good way, and it's delicious, and easy, and you should make it because we all have chicken and broccoli and cheese on hand <i>(even when all we want is takeout)</i>.<br />
<br />
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<i>Ingredients</i>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 lb of chicken breast, diced into cubes</li>
<li>1-2 tbsp of your oil of choice <i>(I used avocado oil this time, EVOO is perfect too!)</i></li>
<li>2-3 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 lb broccoli florets</li>
<li>handful of shredded cheddar cheese <i>(maybe a cup? Make it as cheesy as you like!)</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions:</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Cut chicken breast into cubes, and season with salt & pepper to your liking.</li>
<li>Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat, and saute chicken with minced garlic for 2-3 minutes.</li>
<li>Before the chicken is done cooking, add the broccoli. Continue to saute until the chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender. <i>(This would be a great time to add cauliflower rice too, if you wanted some extra veg!)</i></li>
<li>Drain any extra liquid that has accumulated. Add cheese and stir for a few moments, until melted and delicious. Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
We are still trying to eat mostly low carb meals, but this would be great served over white or brown rice.</div>
<div>
I really wanted to add cauliflower rice to ours, but somehow we were out. Isn't that how it always happens? I feel like I'm always missing one ingredient if I don't actually meal plan.</div>
</div>
<div>
We had this for lunch one weekend when I was refusing to grocery shop, but it turned out great and was super quick <i>(which means it would also make a great weeknight meal)</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lord knows I've been looking for easy weeknight meals lately.</div>
<div>
Do you have a meal you are loving?</div>
<div>
Please share if you do. I am in the biggest of food ruts.</div>
<div>
Especially for breakfast. I cannot eat one more egg!!!!</div>
<div>
#sendhelp</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is an exciting week in the D household.</div>
<div>
Tuck is turning 3 tomorrow <i>(HOW?! WHY?! MAKE IT STOP!)</i>, and I started my part-time schedule at work to get more time with the kiddos.</div>
<div>
Moms in the Atlanta area, what do you do with your kids?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have all this extra time that I didn't have before, and I want to do all the things!</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-54368844042076174042019-02-05T16:25:00.000-05:002019-02-05T16:25:19.943-05:00green protein smoothieI am super into smoothies right now.<br />
Particularly on Saturdays. I get home from working out at prime chaos time with the kids - everyone is hungry, needs a nap, and I could use approximately ten extra hands to get everything done.<br />
A protein smoothie is the perfect option for something quick, nutritious, and filling enough to get me to dinnertime.<br />
<br />
The pictures for this aren't glamorous or anything <i>(I don't have any fancy glasses to pour this in like a proper food blogger would)</i>, but you get the gist.<br />
Mostly I just wanted you to see what a pretty green it is!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBl9GGCyl6Sr6mp_Fa201_8TtH75gWJRZbjAxRQdUk713OKsjfC0KMlL7gknfETYXM1xghpoDOCYTj79f08QyYnJ5csDh8bXOxdX-ahkh4EkbUPt7SXGrmRFhfPpdAyzrtTt_0xc5_Fo/s1600/IMG_8091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBl9GGCyl6Sr6mp_Fa201_8TtH75gWJRZbjAxRQdUk713OKsjfC0KMlL7gknfETYXM1xghpoDOCYTj79f08QyYnJ5csDh8bXOxdX-ahkh4EkbUPt7SXGrmRFhfPpdAyzrtTt_0xc5_Fo/s640/IMG_8091.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Like bright green grass in the springtime when it's warm and the freezing cold rain we've been having for months has ended.<br />
No? Just me? I might be a little bitter about the rain...<br />
<br />
In my defense, it seems unfair to keep two children indoors for an entire weekend.<br />
We need to run! Play! Ride bikes! Get our sillies out in the great outdoors!<br />
Never have I ever been an outdoor person until I had kids, but Lord please hear my springtime prayer.<br />
<br />
I digress.<br />
<br />
Here's a smoothie for you to drink while you dream of warmer days.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqyNOYh-uE2_s-qySMvef7BHgiYMBo1gVxCjLlSBA1u1VZ0-xXBseNTC379ggnQQqaivQm9f-R8ZJlR9P5QY1UFdUdublzqQPmRvyjIbBwA_WhHsGzG2pk7APJgr2BBsASe2qy4YmxPo/s1600/IMG_8090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqyNOYh-uE2_s-qySMvef7BHgiYMBo1gVxCjLlSBA1u1VZ0-xXBseNTC379ggnQQqaivQm9f-R8ZJlR9P5QY1UFdUdublzqQPmRvyjIbBwA_WhHsGzG2pk7APJgr2BBsASe2qy4YmxPo/s640/IMG_8090.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>3 cups spinach <i>(I just fill my blender to the top with spinach!)</i></li>
<li>1 cup water</li>
<li>2 tbsp almond butter</li>
<li>1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt</li>
<li>2 scoops vanilla protein</li>
<li>2 tbsp MCT oil, optional</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions:</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Fill your blender with spinach, and add water. Blend until spinach is liquified.</li>
<li>Add the rest of the ingredients (almond butter, yogurt, protein, and oil), and blend for a few seconds.</li>
<li>Add ice and blend until you've reached desired consistency. I like to use about 2 cups of ice, as I prefer my smoothies to be a bit thicker. Totally your preference!</li>
<li>Pour into glasses and enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
Recipe makes enough for two smoothies, so share with a friend! Or, cut the recipe in half for one serving.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also worth noting: I originally started making this recipe by adding a banana as well. SO GOOD.</div>
<div>
If you are not on the keto diet, add that banana and rejoice in the delicious drink you have made.</div>
<div>
However, bananas are not really keto-friendly, so skip the banana if you're strictly keto.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not going to lie though, sometimes I still add half a banana if I want to have a real treat. 😍</div>
<br />
Happy Tuesday, ya'll!amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-5394506333152505122019-01-29T15:11:00.001-05:002019-01-29T15:11:20.927-05:00the most perfect cheesy eggsCan we talk real quick about this "snow day" that's happening in Georgia right now?<br />
My office closed (which hardly <i>ever</i> happens), and it's currently sunny with no clouds.<br />
What on earth?!<br />
<br />
I won't lie, I am enjoying the surprise day at home with the kiddos!<br />
But working from home with two small children is a whole thing, ya'll. I think I could go a lifetime without seeing another Mickey Mouse Christmas movie.<br />
An actual lifetime.<br />
<br />
In the spirit of being "snowed" in, staying in pjs all day, and hopefully having the time to make some breakfast in your own kitchen for once<i> (I swear, it is such a luxury to me to make breakfast at home on a weekday - it's what I look forward to on work from home days!)</i>, let's talk about cheesy eggs!<br />
<br />
Eggs are such a tricky thing.<br />
I don't think I've ever really been good at eggs, honestly. Mine were always too dry, or had that weird film they get if the pan is too hot when you pour them in, or were just generally <i>meh</i>.<br />
Then one day years ago, Joe decided he wanted to be good at eggs and did some research on how.<br />
<i>Quick question - why did I never think to Google it?</i><br />
So anyway, he taught me the magic of cooking eggs "low and slow," and boy, does that make a difference.<br />
It takes a liiiiittle bit longer, but it's so worth it. And when I say longer, I mean it takes like 3 minutes instead of 1 minute.<br />
<br />
I will say, I remember him telling me once that you shouldn't season the eggs ahead of time. I think I prefer to season them pre-cook because it ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed, but they are a little prettier if you don't.<br />
Let's not make this more complicated than it needs to be.<br />
Do we even really care when S&P is added if there's cheese involved?<br />
<br />
Didn't think so.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCbJlm7ZMXWIQWOCzkYx2bTarY8G72oxhRL8hDEvDWJTdsqqWCfguz9I9a1B0EO1Ua8Vg5j8z3xyfgurJELSOFMqpugfYDnr3BmcvV0tVHztFG2TWE8VuyVEuwhXmZyWFOmVPeEG5Ujc/s1600/IMG_7969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCbJlm7ZMXWIQWOCzkYx2bTarY8G72oxhRL8hDEvDWJTdsqqWCfguz9I9a1B0EO1Ua8Vg5j8z3xyfgurJELSOFMqpugfYDnr3BmcvV0tVHztFG2TWE8VuyVEuwhXmZyWFOmVPeEG5Ujc/s640/IMG_7969.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>2 tbsp butter</li>
<li>3 eggs</li>
<li>shredded cheese of choice <i>(I used a Mexican blend - sharp cheddar would be tasty too)</i></li>
<li>salt and pepper, to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Instructions:</i></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Heat a skillet on low/medium-low heat, and melt butter. I'd say juuust under 2 tbsp for every 3 eggs you're making. <i style="text-align: left;">(I think the butter is key and takes them to another level! It's going to look like a lot, but trust me on this.)<br /><br /><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwWw5UQ2UAeRSvCyk7f7k27AGw-upTFVrludrMKomiT9TFaZU5HJFLGB2Vbf2QGfw9OBd1JtZcWjsz2PhHAnPCxNXOVh16VzT5hEGJ1LasCOGYwBhPnSCyZsuesbnnuJmywQpN4k2RAQ/s640/IMG_7966.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="480" /><br /></i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Whisk the eggs with some salt and pepper, to taste. Really whisk them up - put some muscle into it!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Pour them into the butter, and slowly stir until they begin to come together.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">When they are still wet in the center, add your cheese of choice. Add a healthy handful, between 1/4 - 1/2 cup.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnXojYRHP0UXewoUdbLb-0clKoc7H4tcUK7gETZ29iR1fN49RoN8kD2e_AbMWGgF5WYQk0iTlGRfMXtqDjfAQOVVbhEmmlAq-sqaj2VQeI_31j89Up6xvwUWQU291cJywc0jXiDoxj10/s1600/IMG_7967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnXojYRHP0UXewoUdbLb-0clKoc7H4tcUK7gETZ29iR1fN49RoN8kD2e_AbMWGgF5WYQk0iTlGRfMXtqDjfAQOVVbhEmmlAq-sqaj2VQeI_31j89Up6xvwUWQU291cJywc0jXiDoxj10/s640/IMG_7967.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Stir a few more times, and take them out of the pan early. When my gut says they need 10 more seconds, I take them out and they tend to be perfect! <i>(They'll still cook a little on your plate from residual heat.)</i></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think whisking them up quickly makes them fluffier <i>(am I making that up?)</i>, and then cooking them in butter, slowly, and taking them out before they can overcook makes such a difference.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They are so delicious!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And here's the good news - the keto diet encourages you to have butter...and cheese...AND EGGS. So eat these and bask in your healthiness.</div>
</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-25311298771460301882019-01-23T14:00:00.004-05:002019-01-23T14:45:38.579-05:00protein coffeeI am an avid believer in morning workouts.<br />
Mostly because if I don't do it before noon, I convince myself I'm too busy/tired/insert excuse here and I skip it.<br />
So, many weekday mornings, I'm up at 4:55am to make it to a 5:30am barre class.<br />
<i>I know it sounds hard, but trust me - this is the best way to start the day!!! The world is quiet, everyone is still asleep, and I can spend some time serving myself before I serve others. I have found this to be key to my sanity as a working mom.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The thing about morning workouts, though, is that I'm usually ravenous afterwards.<br />
I'm one of those people that wakes up ready to eat a full breakfast, regardless of the time.<br />
So after a tough workout, I am ready to eat anything and everything in sight.<br />
Lucky for me, there's no time for that.<br />
Between getting myself ready, getting the kids ready, prepping bottles for daycare, making sure we all have everything we need for a successful day (in an hour's time, by the way), I rarely have time to cook breakfast at home on a weekday.<br />
And by rarely, I mean, never.<br />
<br />
Enter the idea of protein coffee.<br />
<br />
I am not the first person to have this idea (thank goodness).<br />
There are tons of threads online about this very notion with tips and tricks, most of which say "whatever you do, do not add protein to hot coffee because it will clump."<br />
<br />
And listen, I love iced coffee just as much as the next person.<br />
It's really my caffeine vehicle of choice, if available.<br />
But it's SO COLD outside right now!!!!<br />
I cannot drink iced coffee in a cold car on the way to work in 20 degree weather. My bones need to be warmed!<br />
<br />
I asked this question on Instagram the other night, and so many of you had great ideas.<br />
- Use a frother (I ended up doing this!).<br />
- Use collagen peptides instead (I already do this sometimes, but I had a very specific idea in my head of something new here).<br />
- Try different kinds of blenders and proteins.<br />
<br />
So many good things.<br />
<br />
So I woke up Tuesday on a mission to try, and it worked! It wasn't quiiiiite sweet enough, so I tried again today and I think I'm getting closer!<br />
But it's at a place where I think I can share it with you as a base idea, and you can fancy it up however you please.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCalMTaMcMADY6AC3aOyY9WP5his0qg0HrMtbgbUkl333uxWi1yBVzwWO7qbPzpwFp22bTUCAZze41tGPZly0VJjKsfHQSAa59RrtNPuZrA6lIz0ltK4qvn1zduakdrpv69eUJTdsmuMM/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCalMTaMcMADY6AC3aOyY9WP5his0qg0HrMtbgbUkl333uxWi1yBVzwWO7qbPzpwFp22bTUCAZze41tGPZly0VJjKsfHQSAa59RrtNPuZrA6lIz0ltK4qvn1zduakdrpv69eUJTdsmuMM/s640/coffee.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>2 splashes of half and half</li>
<li>1/2 scoop of vanilla whey protein <i>(I used Simple Truth brand for this, but I love Vega brand Protein & Greens too!) </i></li>
<li>1 splash vanilla extract - optional</li>
<li>1 cup hot brewed coffee</li>
<li>sweetener to taste <i>(I used monk fruit sweetener, sugar would work fine too!)</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Instructions</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Add the half and half, protein, and vanilla to your frother (or in a cup, if you have a hand frother - I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LXY2HA/ref=sxr_rr_xsim_1?pf_rd_p=9ddc66f6-9fc0-49ff-b2fa-06a39d9859e6&pd_rd_wg=E49wf&pf_rd_r=T0DKZM70J2N5TXWYAY09&pd_rd_i=B003LXY2HA&pd_rd_w=Yzc4Z&pd_rd_r=e6c35081-4d84-47e5-9ec8-f59eb03e1067&ie=UTF8&qid=1548272687&sr=1" target="_blank">this</a> one instead)</li>
<li>Froth together until foamy and perfect</li>
<li>Fill your mug with coffee, add a little sweetener, and pour the protein froth on top</li>
<li>Mix and enjoy!</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
Here are some things I've found:</div>
<div>
- A full scoop of protein made the froth kind of pasty...at least for me it did. It was still delicious, but it wasn't as light and foamy as I personally like it to be. Go with 1/2 a scoop and work your way up - I'm sure some protein brands react differently!</div>
<div>
- The particular brand of protein I used is not as sweet as you'd think - <i>I would say the vanilla flavor is extremely subtle </i>- so if you like your coffee sweet, definitely add sweetener!</div>
<div>
- The only thing I forgot this morning was a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I think that would make this even more of a treat, so do that if you want to get fancy.</div>
<div>
- The key is frothing the protein with a cold liquid first, because in this case, the internet wasn't wrong - protein <i>will </i>clump in hot coffee if added in powder form.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have you ever tried this before? What was your outcome?</div>
<div>
Do you have a favorite way to make coffee?</div>
<div>
Please tell me!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And for anyone interested, this is the sweetener I used.</div>
<div>
Joe and I have been following a keto diet for a few weeks now, so I'm still learning what we are and aren't allowed to have, but this is a sweetener I have been referred to many times!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK3scO3Zv_TrQZgDT6zVwZeug0Wecciy8WCkFuxi3qFwX2Y49AHehvMesSIUoQQu1nw5kxdVWLykBVbff1g8y7npQFLB49LvC_LLrdXu3lLXeZeT6x208Uhw4XnM9LN6AvL_7HG1sdlQ/s1600/sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK3scO3Zv_TrQZgDT6zVwZeug0Wecciy8WCkFuxi3qFwX2Y49AHehvMesSIUoQQu1nw5kxdVWLykBVbff1g8y7npQFLB49LvC_LLrdXu3lLXeZeT6x208Uhw4XnM9LN6AvL_7HG1sdlQ/s640/sugar.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Found it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077VSBDGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">here</a> on Amazon if you are interested.</div>
amberdestefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589597377349576563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-39526999783090048502019-01-21T16:32:00.000-05:002019-01-21T16:32:02.309-05:00I'm baaaaaaackWell, it only took me 4+ years to muster the energy to get back on track here. Guess it could be worse.<br />
<br />
Or could it?<br />
<br />
A lot of life has happened since I blogged last. I got married, got a job I love, built a house, had not one but TWO babies, and, well, just turned into some version of an adult, I guess!<br />
I mean some days I <i>do </i>look in the mirror and think "oh my god, who left me in charge of two human lives, I'm just a child myself!"<br />
But then I remember I'm 31 now.<br />
HOW did that happen?<br />
<br />
Alas, here I am.<br />
I've spent these last 4 years growing up, becoming a wife and mother, navigating so many new responsibilities...but one thing has stayed constant. My love of cooking.<br />
I've practiced, failed, triumphed, <b>majorly </b>failed (ya'll, do not put raw garlic into cauliflower mash...trust me on this), and triumphed again. I am so ready to share with you all that I have learned!<br />
<br />
I have so much more to talk about these days, too. My number one goal here will always be recipe sharing, but I want to chat with you about life things too! Kids, marriage, motherhood, what it's like to be continuously trying to lose baby weight (oh hi, last 2 years of my life).<br />
<br />
Let's be friends again, okay?Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-57692998886745238532014-09-05T15:53:00.000-04:002014-09-05T15:53:31.643-04:00one-pot drummiesI don't know about you guys, but I am so<i> </i>pumped it's September.<br />
<br />
I mean, I can't believe it's <i>already</i> September, but I'm happy about it!<br />
Bring on the fall weather {even though in Georgia that means it won't be cool until October at the earliest}.<br />
Just the possibility of 'cool weather' sounds like heaven these days.<br />
<br />
And because I'm so ready for fall, I've been doing a lot of fall activities these days, like...<br />
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...making football wreaths at a champagne-fueled craft night with girlfriends <i>{#godawgs!}...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdIzD507IdBLl8mVq3zu35rPdsPI-3eTVHUuRmVdSgmrk7yBDFoAdzokhTXCDp2OoKbSeB0Ycmb6xnb3Uhy7sC1xcITaRBw66QB6UhdwddtDpbuBgaji2uY2mzIbMus6O-9JyyUuS3Bs/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdIzD507IdBLl8mVq3zu35rPdsPI-3eTVHUuRmVdSgmrk7yBDFoAdzokhTXCDp2OoKbSeB0Ycmb6xnb3Uhy7sC1xcITaRBw66QB6UhdwddtDpbuBgaji2uY2mzIbMus6O-9JyyUuS3Bs/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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...celebrating the return of Georgia football with fancy cocktails <i>{thanks, <a href="http://thelittlethings711.blogspot.com/">July</a>!}</i>...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouPg4F-OS9dEkatatEDO_AbPDg5jQ_rB4qCLXJxYQNJ2uxXiqOFxCjj13IKUgey8baJmIWenTatYqmD8B6ikT9d9OBM7j06OXKPfHW-cBT5N9ZXyzB_N8S3kGOyeVgoXa-YXK4zorW48/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouPg4F-OS9dEkatatEDO_AbPDg5jQ_rB4qCLXJxYQNJ2uxXiqOFxCjj13IKUgey8baJmIWenTatYqmD8B6ikT9d9OBM7j06OXKPfHW-cBT5N9ZXyzB_N8S3kGOyeVgoXa-YXK4zorW48/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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...and, of course, having a pumpkin spice latte or two!</div>
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It's been great so far, and needless to say, I can't wait to continue the trend right on into sweater/boot weather.</div>
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I've also been getting back into my cooking groove.</div>
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Particularly with drumsticks {or drummies, as my cute fiance likes to call them}.</div>
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We may have had them for dinner twice this week.</div>
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Two different ways though - don't judge me!</div>
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This is the way I made them last night, and Joe really loved them.</div>
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And so did I, because who doesn't like having the whole meal done in one pan?!</div>
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To say it was luxurious having hardly any dishes to do afterwards is an understatement.</div>
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Unfortunately, I did a horrible job of taking pictures because I wasn't planning to blog about it, but when I pulled the pan out of the oven, Joe ran to get my phone and told me to take a photo.</div>
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I guess he knew it was going to be good!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOvDwL4g2AgIqYQCGz-jOi9wG2qa5M5Qu0ZZkVDYX4gOklpQGnbFxCqwS3FV_8V3anXl077gsWQWV3wv2RhKWEujsUbEu8AzerW4iNy5ApFsTdgIVFWqEyRCDbmYZig0XZ30XuT8fIc0/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOvDwL4g2AgIqYQCGz-jOi9wG2qa5M5Qu0ZZkVDYX4gOklpQGnbFxCqwS3FV_8V3anXl077gsWQWV3wv2RhKWEujsUbEu8AzerW4iNy5ApFsTdgIVFWqEyRCDbmYZig0XZ30XuT8fIc0/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe <a href="http://letthebakingbeginblog.com/2014/01/one-pot-meal-roasted-drumsticks-potatoes/#more-2417">via</a></td></tr>
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<i>Things you'll need:</i></div>
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8-10 chicken drumsticks</div>
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6-8 medium-sized red potatoes, chopped into large pieces</div>
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4-6 carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces</div>
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sea salt, to taste</div>
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black pepper, to taste</div>
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1/2 tsp paprika</div>
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3 tsp olive oil</div>
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<i>Directions:</i></div>
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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking dish with parchment paper {or aluminum foil - spray lightly with cooking spray if using foil}.</div>
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2. Chop potatoes and carrots and add to baking dish.</div>
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3. Arrange drumsticks on top of carrot/potato mix, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drizzle olive oil over the top of everything, and rub seasoning into chicken.</div>
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4. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. If they're not as brown as you'd like, feel free to broil for a minute or two at the end. Mine browned up just fine though.</div>
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5. Enjoy!</div>
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This was a super easy meal to throw together.</div>
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The potatoes were soft and flavorful from cooking in the chicken juices, and the carrots were tender and sweet {how do carrots get so sweet and delicious when roasted?!}.</div>
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I'd definitely recommend it for a week night when you don't feel like hovering over the stove.</div>
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Also, after Joe's first serving, he made it a point to tell me it was a keeper.</div>
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That does not happen unless it's serious, trust me.</div>
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What are you up to this weekend?</div>
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<a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla</a> is coming to visit me tonight, my mom is coming to town, and Sunday is my first bridal shower!!!</div>
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Brunch-themed, because duh.</div>
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Mimosas on deck!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-54926243165447166042014-08-07T16:47:00.002-04:002014-08-07T16:47:45.400-04:00honey banana chocolate chip muffinsI really love working from home.<br />
<br />
It's probably good I only get to do it once a week because otherwise I'd never change out of my pajamas.<br />
Or brush my hair, if I'm really being honest.<br />
#sorryimnotsorry<br />
<br />
I've always been the type that needs background noise to be able to focus {I never studied in college without at <i>least</i> some music playing}, so there's just something about working while watching endless reruns of Grey's Anatomy that is just right up my alley.<br />
<br />
Another part I love about it is the food.<br />
Particularly the lunch possibilities.<br />
When I don't have to waste half my lunch break driving home to pick something up, the sky is really the limit!<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I was totally feeling some banana muffins.<br />
Seriously, does it get better than making banana muffins on a random Wednesday afternoon on your lunch break? Working from home is my jam.<br />
With muffins in mind, I did a little research and decided I wanted to make some sweetened with honey.<br />
<br />
I'm all about the honey these days.<br />
Not going to lie, I've even started sweetening my smoothies with it.<br />
Stevia still works fine, I've just found that I just prefer the taste of a drop a honey more.<br />
{And speaking of smoothies, I have found the perfect smoothie blend and will be sharing that with you soon, promise - it's so good that I've had two every day this week!}<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the muffins.<br />
If you're in the mood to make a batch of something delicious that will last, these are for you.<br />
This recipe made 15 muffins, so I put half of them in the freezer {they'll keep for up to three months} and the other half I've been nibbling on and sharing with friends.<br />
Everyone loves a good muffin!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPZxHPvQa9F47BGQVv4grI3DGy4R4Me45z0I4gdexPfslBF6gOhp47-CIsf0tZf_RulO-71PWtXBFIiaJlPOKfoeMKxkNZzS3CDYLzuiKmd6vivDJF3VMEi1ME5GkxhCE6yYSkktO0RQ/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPZxHPvQa9F47BGQVv4grI3DGy4R4Me45z0I4gdexPfslBF6gOhp47-CIsf0tZf_RulO-71PWtXBFIiaJlPOKfoeMKxkNZzS3CDYLzuiKmd6vivDJF3VMEi1ME5GkxhCE6yYSkktO0RQ/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe <a href="http://weelicious.com/2011/05/25/banana-chocolate-chip-muffins/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Things you'll need:</i><div>
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<div>
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/4 cup honey</div>
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1 large egg</div>
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2/3 cup almond milk</div>
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3 tsbp vegetable oil</div>
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2 ripe bananas, mashed</div>
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7yTAMIAe_ZfN88L2sRmEi7oKF1RAl0aRlbX01kvEgWTrOCIb8Q-0hfwAspg_ofHAzU3WMLfhbB6GjhkxW0vA4nAEU_cRgPSO0dwpvonxqkJ6L7Ltb0j7gN2TG8Js-P9kruyclTjHjNs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7yTAMIAe_ZfN88L2sRmEi7oKF1RAl0aRlbX01kvEgWTrOCIb8Q-0hfwAspg_ofHAzU3WMLfhbB6GjhkxW0vA4nAEU_cRgPSO0dwpvonxqkJ6L7Ltb0j7gN2TG8Js-P9kruyclTjHjNs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</div>
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine dry ingredients {flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt}.</div>
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Whisk together to combine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bat0l_oEYdHgbVD8wFa5QTp2hBecEFHYlwyJ2xKfX3m9rf-0DmzcnmDakYPefM3GsrIoGuq9BP5yfzjWn8DM8XVuK_SnhM9Kbx5PYXHNh43cuyA1SLf5Gq8pnWqG4xUHTXEFuyfOY4s/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bat0l_oEYdHgbVD8wFa5QTp2hBecEFHYlwyJ2xKfX3m9rf-0DmzcnmDakYPefM3GsrIoGuq9BP5yfzjWn8DM8XVuK_SnhM9Kbx5PYXHNh43cuyA1SLf5Gq8pnWqG4xUHTXEFuyfOY4s/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Mash your bananas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjefzTU76S0DlxEh5vFrwNgWkSp795AzlnxCk_kl1b-3a0g8D2nb1VazFJMCEJCRigsRhle3g2mV0o0EJkrytKvqSarLCOQiIEhap4HrWIXIh883lPXpp7A4e1fPqnpVOMB5Ege58JwKc/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjefzTU76S0DlxEh5vFrwNgWkSp795AzlnxCk_kl1b-3a0g8D2nb1VazFJMCEJCRigsRhle3g2mV0o0EJkrytKvqSarLCOQiIEhap4HrWIXIh883lPXpp7A4e1fPqnpVOMB5Ege58JwKc/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients {mashed banana, honey, egg, milk, and oil}.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxvFa70s0xvqg0ssoAhxOg9JDLOjoHB3gZRQHKxjzqIyOzcvMWEvOB0n_AWG7V3oh7Gr8W9MEF_n6UekxPNTTyctiSE7eKeu0G9CarjQ4lg_vf2JdbPjtWQBcyAcbfwqGCa5zkW1TeiI/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxvFa70s0xvqg0ssoAhxOg9JDLOjoHB3gZRQHKxjzqIyOzcvMWEvOB0n_AWG7V3oh7Gr8W9MEF_n6UekxPNTTyctiSE7eKeu0G9CarjQ4lg_vf2JdbPjtWQBcyAcbfwqGCa5zkW1TeiI/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients.</div>
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I added the dry mix in three or four batches to ensure it was all combined thoroughly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir2duNsRggpUntAdBL75TSUI5fJaZSco1iusgZljYAwW3dFV4VEPfc_-v0gr-9HteIee_s65nTcK3kTwkJh6WFkFzj9r51ifThKTKeu8ebJtyY7YdAbJIoRKxlDCDeB9Z20qzfIz-uGg/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir2duNsRggpUntAdBL75TSUI5fJaZSco1iusgZljYAwW3dFV4VEPfc_-v0gr-9HteIee_s65nTcK3kTwkJh6WFkFzj9r51ifThKTKeu8ebJtyY7YdAbJIoRKxlDCDeB9Z20qzfIz-uGg/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Stir in as many chocolate chips as you like!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV7G0B4qreKIPQjb3wTM13M4jgexWpqmsvVyl2YPuHntW5M_BilR6iW_HnqMTwkxJspqf_UXxutsbivZHzlJuX36EuNfvvqylPcNxvIbXQkYfXeVbNKlK8mbyXGadk7FY0O2mbcDo1Og/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV7G0B4qreKIPQjb3wTM13M4jgexWpqmsvVyl2YPuHntW5M_BilR6iW_HnqMTwkxJspqf_UXxutsbivZHzlJuX36EuNfvvqylPcNxvIbXQkYfXeVbNKlK8mbyXGadk7FY0O2mbcDo1Og/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lightly grease a muffin pan {or use cupcake liners like I did to make it super easy}, and fill each cup 2/3 of the way full.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-doLJHUTbvea-GZ8RC0tB34MV37kc4jq1ifp0mCEe7gqX05l62WQSBG0NnfapO3z-uTzD5ojuG_6ORTv3eIqC2qsGyK7oI0OT-bpbREYl89x6pwdBtTBSYn_avbfebCUrFqrhU5f1DLI/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-doLJHUTbvea-GZ8RC0tB34MV37kc4jq1ifp0mCEe7gqX05l62WQSBG0NnfapO3z-uTzD5ojuG_6ORTv3eIqC2qsGyK7oI0OT-bpbREYl89x6pwdBtTBSYn_avbfebCUrFqrhU5f1DLI/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bake for 16-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.</div>
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My suggestion would be to do them a little less than 18 minutes so that they don't dry out {mine are delicious, just a little drier than I would prefer}.</div>
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The last couple I baked for 16 minutes and they were a little lighter in color, but definitely more moist!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGoynJ826oVx_VgQP1qN8huIgU67u9Cr9cDmipawmxbbWTKhcUxqBZJ2eXBWVZnNq17XBkfleEy0jJ0pTt3qbKwZ1_foyUd73AImIaycdfHIrk32r6ohRcGyp8dxICgN0ouDbLsESFq0/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGoynJ826oVx_VgQP1qN8huIgU67u9Cr9cDmipawmxbbWTKhcUxqBZJ2eXBWVZnNq17XBkfleEy0jJ0pTt3qbKwZ1_foyUd73AImIaycdfHIrk32r6ohRcGyp8dxICgN0ouDbLsESFq0/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Cool completely, and enjoy!</div>
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Store in an airtight container, or wrap and freeze for up to three months!</div>
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These little guys are perfect for a quick breakfast on your way out the door in the morning.</div>
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Or, in my case, a quick lunch on a day I had some extra time to bake!</div>
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Also, FYI, you do not miss the sugar in this recipe.</div>
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The honey does the perfect job of sweetening, and you'd never notice there wasn't white sugar if I didn't tell you.</div>
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Whew, it feels good to be in the kitchen again!</div>
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Lately I've been cooking a lot, but mostly:</div>
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1. repeat recipes that I've already shared;</div>
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2. things that are embarrassingly easy and didn't feel post-worthy {like a cucumber tomato salad I've been debating on telling you about for a month}, or;</div>
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3. simple sides to go along with grilled BBQ chicken.</div>
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I've been making Joe grill me BBQ drumsticks all summer, and I'm almost tempted to force him to guest post about them because oh my god.</div>
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He has pretty much mastered the chicken drumstick.</div>
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Every time I eat one I'm like <i>hurry up and marry me so I can eat these the rest of my life!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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...I wish that was an exaggeration.</div>
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Hope you're having a good week!</div>
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IT'S ALMOST FRIDAY!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-54605431001990193722014-07-22T14:55:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:55:58.110-04:00catching upYOU GUYS!<br />
I haven't blogged in two months, and it seriously feels like it was just yesterday.<br />
Is it just me, or is summer <i>flying </i>by?<br />
<br />
What have you been up to?<br />
Are you having a fun summer?<br />
I figured I'd catch you up on what I've been doing these past two months since I took an unplanned hiatus so suddenly.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I've been busy.<br />
All over the place.<br />
I don't really feel like I've had any time to breathe, honestly!<br />
But with that said, I will say that most of it has been awesome.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfQTsDo1NRbofPRMhyphenhyphensZb-_oxhAyo4xqV356vmhhOCse83iVvUDba_5DfJEMdPxSrOq4Bfwt-_hbDrwOe6UPyV1PV53R0lfnliEmfr3-6ZrtsUlTj8dLe3VUcsK1T2dQ4KynRW2WndhQ/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfQTsDo1NRbofPRMhyphenhyphensZb-_oxhAyo4xqV356vmhhOCse83iVvUDba_5DfJEMdPxSrOq4Bfwt-_hbDrwOe6UPyV1PV53R0lfnliEmfr3-6ZrtsUlTj8dLe3VUcsK1T2dQ4KynRW2WndhQ/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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Joe sent me "happy 6 months 'til our wedding" flowers, and my heart melted, appropriately...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVnHsuPE1waKTxuwG0DusVPnbjfQy6p9k9v-maS3WsTUqIxo7Qp0Y96blYBfUiAGneNO1hyjWXS-5IbFelkkgAeG1Kg_D8pqyTNpsbnI3RMQBOEt1PQ-fnxiu2l4OmHWzntieh6N4Dgw/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVnHsuPE1waKTxuwG0DusVPnbjfQy6p9k9v-maS3WsTUqIxo7Qp0Y96blYBfUiAGneNO1hyjWXS-5IbFelkkgAeG1Kg_D8pqyTNpsbnI3RMQBOEt1PQ-fnxiu2l4OmHWzntieh6N4Dgw/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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...I hosted a girls' night at my apartment, complete with six hours at the pool, cocktails, dinner, and a face mask bar {thanks to <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla's</a> crafty skills!}...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMI4eez8nSkMugv2Is1iZnyBcvAteuhn0k8d2RkcBzBPTagfaIFJ_jHx8aOGrJlYjnckKeJ_54yc91ev7gvbvxH9OOkPBSj7l8usjTKSg3F7zEn8pGF5HL7QwnpWcIXoMFjhNkfFrMks/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMI4eez8nSkMugv2Is1iZnyBcvAteuhn0k8d2RkcBzBPTagfaIFJ_jHx8aOGrJlYjnckKeJ_54yc91ev7gvbvxH9OOkPBSj7l8usjTKSg3F7zEn8pGF5HL7QwnpWcIXoMFjhNkfFrMks/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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...I brunched...a lot...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KNgwItljt9GdE8uGw322HMmY0FRYwo_plYCOA4omC798Mjkk_58GQ1ZyT06mUl8hDEJ6kRWhjnjhAzUHlrej3cPXQJ_psV-6dxcRjSwLISFgYwFbADkIhY1EJca5OrFL6-MSk_8SDzE/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KNgwItljt9GdE8uGw322HMmY0FRYwo_plYCOA4omC798Mjkk_58GQ1ZyT06mUl8hDEJ6kRWhjnjhAzUHlrej3cPXQJ_psV-6dxcRjSwLISFgYwFbADkIhY1EJca5OrFL6-MSk_8SDzE/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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...Joe and I spent the 4th of July in Mexico on a family vacation {I miss you <a href="http://www.privilegehotels.com/">Isla Mujeres</a>}...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OFni03ZH1mdWy4kHc5yx4DKrNakLhqYRTKdopNdWGUQGsYqn4IpgH5wyYMD_48e9ZmoGuDvd95eUM_8_Yi1R6pvtEDvEcF1Nt20taXDy4DcXLCeEUg3Hx4_FDga6cl7o-Y083kzJc0M/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OFni03ZH1mdWy4kHc5yx4DKrNakLhqYRTKdopNdWGUQGsYqn4IpgH5wyYMD_48e9ZmoGuDvd95eUM_8_Yi1R6pvtEDvEcF1Nt20taXDy4DcXLCeEUg3Hx4_FDga6cl7o-Y083kzJc0M/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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...I went to more girls' nights...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkA2WhdMSLE-nPY6jWg3Q0qrWGH2AbTnqqwPXJYd2LIQjvEAR-NdDnqzyiqmGJB7rBqEY4w5FgXjC5wlNKfaAJ7-gC0xAQ5pJbZiPQ9TIYf6CJizW1c7Twrwrpv_D5wLYaBSonB51FkE/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkA2WhdMSLE-nPY6jWg3Q0qrWGH2AbTnqqwPXJYd2LIQjvEAR-NdDnqzyiqmGJB7rBqEY4w5FgXjC5wlNKfaAJ7-gC0xAQ5pJbZiPQ9TIYf6CJizW1c7Twrwrpv_D5wLYaBSonB51FkE/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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...I helped host a nautical-themed baby shower {using <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2013/09/roasted-chicken-salad.html">this chicken salad</a> for these little crabs!}...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPJU2sKSoyAIaWXbJU5pniOKRzOeYdgxxeB6EmYzJt_x0TejJzJfFgYjGtpJbKUKOq9FJrFlUaF2lnUY-ZsUNDGU12eXUWKFm0WZ9YuEoQSIxCpj6vXco0Nlw6SQef5Ju8fpr40plazo/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPJU2sKSoyAIaWXbJU5pniOKRzOeYdgxxeB6EmYzJt_x0TejJzJfFgYjGtpJbKUKOq9FJrFlUaF2lnUY-ZsUNDGU12eXUWKFm0WZ9YuEoQSIxCpj6vXco0Nlw6SQef5Ju8fpr40plazo/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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...and finally, I helped host a surprise hashtag-themed bridal shower for a bride friend/fellow hashtag-lover of mine at work {don't get excited, the mimosas were made with sparkling grape juice}.</div>
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On top of all of that, there's been parties, dinners, brunches, Orange is the New Black marathons, wedding planning, <i>and</i> a promotion at work!</div>
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<i>SO MUCH STUFF.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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There's also been a lot of recipe fails.</div>
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One day I'll have a cauliflower mash to share with you, but that day is sadly <u>not</u> today.</div>
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Question: Have you ever tried to eat paleo before?</div>
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Joe is interested in doing it {and when I say that, I mean he's interested in <i>us</i> doing it because I'm the one who makes our meals}, but I don't know too much about it.</div>
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Really just touching the tip of the iceberg at the moment.</div>
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Any/all suggestions would be great on places to start.</div>
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Oh yeah, also, are you watching The Bachelorette?!</div>
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#teamjosh</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-83979594115967987692014-05-20T14:06:00.000-04:002014-05-20T14:06:48.482-04:00cacio e pepeWe've been good with our <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-post-on-dieting-very-green-smoothie.html">green smoothies</a>.<div>
Lets eat some pasta, shall we?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacio_e_pepe" style="font-style: italic;">Cacio e pepe</a>, meaning "cheese and pepper" in Italian, is just that.</div>
<div>
A simple pasta dish with the main ingredients of cheese and pepper.</div>
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It really doesn't get any easier.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
This is a perfect meal for one of those <i>I-don't-feel-like-cooking-tell-me-what-you-want-to-eat-I-give-up-lets-just-eat-popcorn</i> nights {i.e. last night at our place}.</div>
<div>
I was all set to oven-roast some BBQ chicken when I realized the fridge did not defrost my chicken as fast as I had expected.</div>
<div>
After a few minutes of frantically pacing the kitchen looking at bag after bag of smoothie fruit, I remembered I had bought the ingredients for cacio e pepe!</div>
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Not the healthiest dinner, but I had put it on my grocery list for an occasion exactly like this.</div>
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You can't fight fate.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Also, when Joe and I can't agree on what we want for dinner, we have no problem agreeing on pasta.</div>
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Especially this one.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMtb9I0kV7-uzC3ebBOqq24kLPp1I12NRAbpt6fQXpcbfSgcWn0FQFjqhqWULiAF2y4QtXtJpwlk08bvxnLvZqDExyX53lq9IYzgeW4c0nIghyZrot_k2xRHiYAR4Cgtv6M3b9fsyAv8/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMtb9I0kV7-uzC3ebBOqq24kLPp1I12NRAbpt6fQXpcbfSgcWn0FQFjqhqWULiAF2y4QtXtJpwlk08bvxnLvZqDExyX53lq9IYzgeW4c0nIghyZrot_k2xRHiYAR4Cgtv6M3b9fsyAv8/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe adapted <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2013/10/eating-dinner-alone.html">via Cup of Jo</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Things you'll need:</i><div>
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<div>
1/2 box of linguine noodles {or spaghetti noodles; I personally prefer a thicker noodle, but either works fine!}</div>
<div>
6 tbsp olive oil</div>
<div>
3 tbsp butter</div>
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3-4 tbsp ground black pepper {I go heavy on the pepper; again, personal preference}</div>
<div>
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and more for sprinkling</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SDbMsTZyLRl7N7q-YrmsedwsDR9rMwoGF3XdbCdVCjtlcRY9lX5ACMeJILKgXdWfppb-5yutrBcuTFwYZJmmeSiljB7PGDVISt9dP5A-UxJPpzrzT9RYVhfSG_mjJ3oXJ3LFSIyKa0Q/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SDbMsTZyLRl7N7q-YrmsedwsDR9rMwoGF3XdbCdVCjtlcRY9lX5ACMeJILKgXdWfppb-5yutrBcuTFwYZJmmeSiljB7PGDVISt9dP5A-UxJPpzrzT9RYVhfSG_mjJ3oXJ3LFSIyKa0Q/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a large pot, cook noodles according to package instructions.</div>
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Don't forget to salt the water!</div>
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Unsalted pasta water is total blasphemy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZH6k6s0T8karB-ebKM3y966qgZpgPgKafABOr0hkwWb1nPskMkRp7f78tw71mwIyeVJIZzQTHZaZzciXmqh9XIGR_iHJro41R93aB1kKkFCMWZSWd307OAzm1S30jfwbtWdb0TzCv23k/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZH6k6s0T8karB-ebKM3y966qgZpgPgKafABOr0hkwWb1nPskMkRp7f78tw71mwIyeVJIZzQTHZaZzciXmqh9XIGR_iHJro41R93aB1kKkFCMWZSWd307OAzm1S30jfwbtWdb0TzCv23k/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="640" width="511" /></a></div>
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While pasta is boiling, heat butter and oil on low-medium heat.</div>
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Add pepper and stir slowly, letting the pepper gently toast in the butter/oil mixture.</div>
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When you add the pepper, it will make the liquid bubble up and become a little noisy {pictured above}.</div>
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However, don't fret.</div>
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After a little stirring, it will calm down...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JlUai_S5vC9q-0TNv1np3EABryGlekY6uzf09ILGSqbc3kDaY_tdywbNqTjPpDmtFnzIFIvL9d61QInarYiJZGEJswOfXgN24mhpywdNngKanCrC3VnawxMCH9wyxhmif4WnWnJ7oNs/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JlUai_S5vC9q-0TNv1np3EABryGlekY6uzf09ILGSqbc3kDaY_tdywbNqTjPpDmtFnzIFIvL9d61QInarYiJZGEJswOfXgN24mhpywdNngKanCrC3VnawxMCH9wyxhmif4WnWnJ7oNs/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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...and look more like this.</div>
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Brown and toasty and delicious.</div>
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When the pasta is done, drain it carefully, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.</div>
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<b><i>This step is crucial.</i></b></div>
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You need that delicious, starchy, salty pasta water to make the magic of the dish come together, trust me on this.</div>
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Turn the oil mixture to medium heat, and gently toss in the pasta to coat.</div>
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Add the Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of the pasta water.</div>
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Stir until cheese is melted.</div>
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At this point, you can add more pasta water to make it the consistency you like.</div>
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I think I ended up adding almost the full cup here {I went for a creamier texture}.</div>
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Scoop into a bowl, sprinkle with an extra pinch of pepper, and top it off with some more Parmesan cheese.</div>
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Stir and enjoy!</div>
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The great thing about this dish, besides its simplicity, is that you can totally make just one serving.</div>
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When Joe is traveling, I always have a hard time finding dishes to make for one {that don't include <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/spicy-lime-avocado-toast-and-feta.html">avocado toast</a> or a bowl of cereal}.</div>
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I found <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2013/10/eating-dinner-alone.html">this recipe</a> on Cup of Jo back in October and have since tweaked it to make closer to 4 servings, but when I'm home alone that's still my go-to recipe {except I always end up adding more pasta water and cheese...<i>I can't help it!}.</i></div>
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Do you have any good one-serving recipes?</div>
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Or easy go-to meals for weeknights?</div>
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I need some inspiration these days.</div>
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How was your weekend?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9amF0icXIn6e5foDVnHM12XmW-OIffQWyKs9P5ImpIMgsjcm-KjSXICgUqmIwZFDL_sLMrGt2MGH1cbD5yHZ2UNI6YMff8H_EDXCGLH1ir1b2kLVxEbE4f1Em0p5GB2Oh7B34fNut6ls/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9amF0icXIn6e5foDVnHM12XmW-OIffQWyKs9P5ImpIMgsjcm-KjSXICgUqmIwZFDL_sLMrGt2MGH1cbD5yHZ2UNI6YMff8H_EDXCGLH1ir1b2kLVxEbE4f1Em0p5GB2Oh7B34fNut6ls/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Joe and I watched some dear friends of ours get married on Saturday <i>{congratulations, Brittany and Brian!}</i> and then spent our Sunday watching Game of Thrones on the couch together.</div>
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I'm sorry, is it just me, or does Game of Thrones have a habit of killing off the best characters?</div>
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I'm still not fully recovered from Drogo!</div>
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I only just started season 3, so I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for all the craziness coming up.</div>
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We'll see how that goes.</div>
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Oh and also, I officially became that obnoxious bride that has a t-shirt so that everyone will know she's a bride...</div>
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...I'll consider myself judged.</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-47379335099679965262014-05-16T14:10:00.000-04:002014-05-16T14:13:04.388-04:00a post on dieting + a very green smoothieDieting is my jam.<br />
<br />
I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't <i>love</i> depriving myself of pizza and tacos and queso forever and ever amen, but if I had to choose between diet and exercise, I'm going diet 100% of the time.<br />
<br />
Joe and I had this conversation the other day.<br />
I've been forcing us to try this green smoothie cleanse I read about it, and after a couple of days it was evident that it was a lot harder for Joe than it was for me.<br />
And he seemed to clear it up with one statement.<br />
<i>"I know that if I really want to, I can exercise for an hour and a half every single day, but I just don't think you have that in you."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He was so right.<br />
I <i>don't </i>have that in me.<br />
I've joined every gym and taken every class known to man, and I still only really love walking and yoga. It's as simple as that.<br />
If I had to choose a strenuous workout, I'd choose spin class - I do love spin. However, I typically only do spin in one or two-month increments when I'm in crunch mode.<br />
Long-term, walking and yoga have always been my thing.<br />
<br />
And dieting.<br />
I'm lucky enough to be one of those people that like and will eat almost anything<i> - except tuna...keep your nasty can of tuna away from me </i>- but I wasn't always this way.<br />
There have been foods over the years that I would never go near that I finally decided I should really put some effort into trying to like.<br />
For example, avocado.<br />
Two years ago I wouldn't have been caught dead eating guacamole.<br />
But after experimenting with different ways to make it and serve it, now I can't get enough!<br />
Slather it on any and all sandwiches you give me, thanks.<br />
<br />
My point is, even if you have the plainest of plain taste, it's worth getting out of your comfort zone every now and then and trying new foods.<br />
You never know how much you might really enjoy them!<br />
<br />
Last year, I really wanted to start trying more green smoothies.<br />
I even posted about my <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-great-green-smoothie-experiment.html">very first one</a> {which was good, but looking back now I can't <i>believe </i>I didn't liquify the greens first...#newbie}.<br />
Ever since we did the green smoothie cleanse last week, I've started really experimenting and incorporating as many greens into my diet as possible.<br />
And smoothies are the perfect way to do that! I get more greens in the one batch of smoothie I drink per day than I would eating a salad <i>by far</i>.<br />
Also, I find it incredibly interesting to mix and match the fruits and greens and see what combinations I like best.<br />
<br />
This morning I mixed up a particularly good combination, so alas.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jhjfb1XBAcAvwCMBCLqoJSINZ9Qkh5PsEFKQZ1njY3UMQDYGWqlvKhGDdW7yGQVz0aaFdTomQt67VaA7ToYE1Y3Jiive9IKEknOIGLa7Ii_5wyYh6nt0pYm8M9qm5q7gKF6RpyNCWsc/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jhjfb1XBAcAvwCMBCLqoJSINZ9Qkh5PsEFKQZ1njY3UMQDYGWqlvKhGDdW7yGQVz0aaFdTomQt67VaA7ToYE1Y3Jiive9IKEknOIGLa7Ii_5wyYh6nt0pYm8M9qm5q7gKF6RpyNCWsc/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<i>Things you'll need:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 handfuls fresh spinach leaves<br />
1 handful baby spring mix<br />
3 large kale leaves, destemmed<br />
2 cups cold water {more if needed}<br />
2 apples, diced<br />
1 cup frozen peaches<br />
1 cup frozen strawberries<br />
handful of frozen mango chunks<br />
1 stevia packet<br />
2 tbsp ground flax seed<br />
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This step I have found to be crucial to keeping me on track.</div>
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Before I go to bed at night, I prep as much as possible.</div>
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I put all the greens for my smoothie in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and keep it in the fridge.</div>
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I also chop and put any fruit for the smoothie in a bag to be kept in the freezer.</div>
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That way, in the morning, all I have to do is grab and blend {and the smoothie gets a great consistency from the frozen fruit, requiring no ice!}.</div>
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Add your greens to the blender with the water, and blend until smooth.</div>
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The more I make these, the more greens I tend to use, so lately I've had to add an extra splash or two of water to get things moving.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7__moQ7mSRVOOk2PscoNob4na5gW8534PTTGWr4_y4KFzoyJVUaNKFf59wDzreEYDVu7bqrKs02qIkQGZK9yivoStNQlGyWS0p0z8qREnEXPlTCmwfXPbP3PhPS_LLB_G6j14bs8aTI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7__moQ7mSRVOOk2PscoNob4na5gW8534PTTGWr4_y4KFzoyJVUaNKFf59wDzreEYDVu7bqrKs02qIkQGZK9yivoStNQlGyWS0p0z8qREnEXPlTCmwfXPbP3PhPS_LLB_G6j14bs8aTI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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Add all the fruit, and blend until smooth.</div>
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If you have a powerful blender {like a Vitamix or something similar}, this will take no time.</div>
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My poor, old Black and Decker is on it's very last legs {it's cracked all the way down one side, so it's only a matter of time}, so it takes me a little longer. More like 3 to 5 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKsRCHQ9o85ibw-kDp9qktcuqWuEuFVKmsjfm6LyNL6CuROfKKzrd6hLuNnpK-w3xMCjZCGXLfRMtNdJ-eVEeQJlB1yEQ23HdZr6pHa4E7NdAs9dXv_GJAd8wt5MOYyI5Vji0XltlV5o/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKsRCHQ9o85ibw-kDp9qktcuqWuEuFVKmsjfm6LyNL6CuROfKKzrd6hLuNnpK-w3xMCjZCGXLfRMtNdJ-eVEeQJlB1yEQ23HdZr6pHa4E7NdAs9dXv_GJAd8wt5MOYyI5Vji0XltlV5o/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once smooth, add stevia and ground flax seed {which I found in the natural/organic section of Kroger} and blend for another 15-20 seconds or so.</div>
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This makes a lot of smoothie, so I drink a big cup for breakfast {my to-go cup is 24 oz} and then save the rest to be drank with a light lunch.</div>
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Another good thing about this method - because you're using frozen fruit instead of ice to thicken it up, it doesn't melt in the refrigerator!</div>
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I have found this to be key.</div>
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The other day I had a lunch date so I saved my extra smoothie for dinner, and it was still perfectly creamy and not the least bit watered down 9 hours after I made it.</div>
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Can't beat that!</div>
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Also, please don't feel like you have to stick with the ingredients I listed. You can mix, match, and replace anything you want.</div>
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I made one with an apple, pear, banana, and peaches the other day that was just as good!</div>
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Not everyone likes the bitter taste of kale, so start out more mild if you're intimidated.</div>
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All spinach is just as healthy.</div>
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Make it your own!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you have any go-to smoothie combos?</div>
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Dieting tips?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I recently started the '28 to Great' <a href="http://www.barre3.com/">Barre3</a> challenge online, and so far I'm loving it {although it's seriously kicking my butt}.</div>
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It's seven months until the wedding, and that dress is looking more and more elusive...</div>
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And speaking of the wedding, I'll leave you with our magnet save-the-date, which finally arrived last week!</div>
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Have a good weekend, friends!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-13732574617924517172014-05-06T16:00:00.003-04:002014-05-06T16:03:24.348-04:00pesto pasta with asparagusYou guys.<br />
I'm alive, I swear.<br />
I've been having photo editing issues, but now that they are all taken care of I'm back in business!<br />
<i>{Thank you, <a href="http://vsco.co/vscocam">VSCOcam</a> customer service, for being so helpful!}</i><br />
<br />
For awhile there, I felt like I was going through a cooking rut.<br />
It's happened once or twice before here on this little space of mine, and you can always tell when because the new recipes dwindle.<br />
It always takes me awhile to start feeling motivated and inspired again, but it never fails - something happens to bring me back to the kitchen.<br />
<br />
This time, it was these guys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE48Z1aNWdXgIdfy33ay_ELLhFLwzmU5Q3Xia9QUjnAb-NhqMXxiduNET8C8ShR-K3-9bhPPNJTOqFGAB-eTbwiZKcAptgnZe66t1vzemJvqNh8wB5EDxONmn31RrnH9nja0NrAzbwps/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE48Z1aNWdXgIdfy33ay_ELLhFLwzmU5Q3Xia9QUjnAb-NhqMXxiduNET8C8ShR-K3-9bhPPNJTOqFGAB-eTbwiZKcAptgnZe66t1vzemJvqNh8wB5EDxONmn31RrnH9nja0NrAzbwps/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our first shipment of wine from lovely Napa Valley!</div>
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I'm going to dedicate a post to that soon because it was just too wonderful to condense into a couple of sentences, but while we were there, we joined the winery where our <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-engaged-part-one.html">engagement wine</a> came from!</div>
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Meaning, every couple months we get a shipment of amazing wines to save, share, or enjoy with our friends.</div>
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Wine shipped directly from Napa to my doorstep?</div>
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Sign me up!</div>
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When our first shipment came in, we decided it would be fun to have a nice dinner and open a bottle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fhipyj5wrcIHXg716hIDgawasBRYeJmCbGlfoMNszyJmQefPpGHxAH0fcr0eIuXVlRBkIF6TUuUevoC6w8g49zV5o-qKjPutMsZsEZmsnLBQmSV0yZK2Nk7qWWYdHV8zkyRNbbwlEGg/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fhipyj5wrcIHXg716hIDgawasBRYeJmCbGlfoMNszyJmQefPpGHxAH0fcr0eIuXVlRBkIF6TUuUevoC6w8g49zV5o-qKjPutMsZsEZmsnLBQmSV0yZK2Nk7qWWYdHV8zkyRNbbwlEGg/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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{We also got to play with some wedding gifts, so I didn't hate that part either!}</div>
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So, in lieu of the delicious wine at my doorstep, I felt like it was time to get back in the kitchen and make us something new.</div>
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I hadn't tried a new recipe in weeks, and what better a thing than <i>wine </i>to inspire a girl?</div>
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Something delicious ensued.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BeEV0ucm_91gJeqvny7gLzdvfK_M-DFbXw3SdA7U4CGr0Z__joLh5AeDnBf_Y22X6FNd1of1m6Ev9S0yQ2Vo33lSim9mBMzAgfARekdwagC-1_z-lRwifhBrMeiq7IsayrG0SvmzE50/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BeEV0ucm_91gJeqvny7gLzdvfK_M-DFbXw3SdA7U4CGr0Z__joLh5AeDnBf_Y22X6FNd1of1m6Ev9S0yQ2Vo33lSim9mBMzAgfARekdwagC-1_z-lRwifhBrMeiq7IsayrG0SvmzE50/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2012/07/21/pesto-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-roasted/">adapted via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Things you'll need:</i><br />
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
10 oz bow tie pasta {a little less than a whole box}</div>
<div>
1 lb asparagus, cut into 1-2 inch pieces</div>
<div>
2 tbsp olive oil</div>
<div>
salt, to taste</div>
<div>
black pepper, to taste</div>
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1/2 cup basil pesto</div>
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1/3 cup Mozzarella, cubed</div>
<div>
fried egg {optional}</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<i>For the pesto {recipe <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2012/10/22/chicken-pesto-sandwich/">via</a>}:</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves {one mini package from the grocery store}</div>
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2 cloves garlic</div>
<div>
3 tbsp pine nuts</div>
<div>
1/2 cup grated Parmesan</div>
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salt, to taste</div>
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black pepper, to taste</div>
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1/3 cup olive oil</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6QrxWzCkJKDIwX8NNzUQSqpOSGuz4-Hretzgo7vrNeC-sPzBUcmXmG2w6M9LGSXK4UqokM6hyphenhyphen8JdxDrrcWt-ZM8uxH_Ki3gq1ljl8ZZutoMoZb66T8Thy1JEy7u0d5BnDAMIlJXKseA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6QrxWzCkJKDIwX8NNzUQSqpOSGuz4-Hretzgo7vrNeC-sPzBUcmXmG2w6M9LGSXK4UqokM6hyphenhyphen8JdxDrrcWt-ZM8uxH_Ki3gq1ljl8ZZutoMoZb66T8Thy1JEy7u0d5BnDAMIlJXKseA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the pesto, simply add the basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, salt and pepper into a food processor, and pulse a few times to roughly chop.</div>
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Add olive oil, and turn the processor on until emulsified.</div>
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My food processor doesn't allow me to drizzle the oil in while it's running, so I add the oil all at once.</div>
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If yours will allow you to slowly stream it in, go for it!</div>
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Set aside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-pVUCxytBz4Ynj1hd_n1MQiETPzfCMXF-WmpINheNjGn4Ak7AJd5h4j9b_etDdkIRnKDJm9B1TEDVW0WL0najm_Dc9RywoxLAmD2IzhZvI5pKwFl5MSUJeAuWKymiVRarXe_Z55addI/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-pVUCxytBz4Ynj1hd_n1MQiETPzfCMXF-WmpINheNjGn4Ak7AJd5h4j9b_etDdkIRnKDJm9B1TEDVW0WL0najm_Dc9RywoxLAmD2IzhZvI5pKwFl5MSUJeAuWKymiVRarXe_Z55addI/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Cook pasta according to package instructions.</div>
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While pasta is boiling, chop asparagus into 1- to 2-inch pieces.</div>
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Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium.</div>
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Toss in asparagus, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until asparagus is cooked through but still has a crunch.</div>
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<i>{I loathe mushy asparagus, so I hardly ever roast or steam it - sautéing is totally my jam.}</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b5gpEqWb7SYrTdjB8-2SUByrXJG60wojmHK7ytE3XPSfMw_ls5o8CZ74hBr-57EbbXhz_1X9zeb2rsSi806AZXGFbJytJS5ec_LtlQTe6BhTPkYpnI_zsYp-EE4WTdEsV9WQAgt3XPI/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b5gpEqWb7SYrTdjB8-2SUByrXJG60wojmHK7ytE3XPSfMw_ls5o8CZ74hBr-57EbbXhz_1X9zeb2rsSi806AZXGFbJytJS5ec_LtlQTe6BhTPkYpnI_zsYp-EE4WTdEsV9WQAgt3XPI/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl along with the asparagus, mozzarella cubes, and pesto.</div>
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The pesto recipe makes a bit more than 1/2 cup, but not enough to save, so I just use all of it.</div>
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Stir to combine, and watch the mozzarella cubes begin to melt.</div>
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Mmmm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwq1rLIxK1IFNDmb_pSyOeYrO4Wr4YVNeri4QquvNTUXb-IDuWVjiwvZSNJeTFJ256tb_1BBKTTk2baDFB4Re9nh8DNQbVgpHFF1ency9W-bcFHEi5NUo8TTKp3a7-Dw5_jB8DLQqdkI/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwq1rLIxK1IFNDmb_pSyOeYrO4Wr4YVNeri4QquvNTUXb-IDuWVjiwvZSNJeTFJ256tb_1BBKTTk2baDFB4Re9nh8DNQbVgpHFF1ency9W-bcFHEi5NUo8TTKp3a7-Dw5_jB8DLQqdkI/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then, if you so choose, top with a fried egg.</div>
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Let the warm yolk run onto your serving, and enjoy!</div>
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The fried egg is totally optional.</div>
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We've had it both ways and loved it with and without.</div>
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In fact, Joe said he wouldn't mind this being our meal <i>every </i>Thursday {which is good, because it <i>has been</i> the past two Thursdays!}.</div>
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The first time, I didn't serve this with anything.</div>
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Just good wine and good company.</div>
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And it was very filling!</div>
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The second time, I added a baguette with some garlic oil for dipping {also from Napa, possibly my favorite purchase}, and it was just as amazing.</div>
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It sounds sort of strange to put asparagus in a pasta dish, but trust me, you want to do this.</div>
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Asparagus is one of those vegetables that I struggle finding new ways to use, and this is definitely my current favorite.</div>
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And lets just take a minute to talk about pesto.</div>
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I've been wanting to make it for years now, and I can't believe I waited this long!</div>
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I seriously can't stop.</div>
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I've made two batches of the basil pesto, plus a <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2013/06/04/kale-pesto-egg-salad-and-a-giveaway/">kale version</a>, and I can't wait to see what other greens I like!</div>
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Maybe pea pesto next?</div>
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How have you been lately?</div>
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Tell me everything!</div>
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I may have been quiet via blog, but I've definitely been reading along.</div>
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Is it just me, or is every blogger and their sister pregnant these days?</div>
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I love it!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-4154854174619631082014-04-11T13:49:00.003-04:002014-04-11T13:49:41.689-04:00i'll be here...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsKO_cIgePkfaFYblkzMjlb-LqaSaq2B1Bdg1-I_H6DcGIKZIUIgxQVapLbtP8Tzpu06ZrM_j3INlogAgir3Sd9JuRJwiddjU76b6ZziBj7uiuDlM4agBTHyyw5mnLp26iKzIqsyT5Mc/s1600/8f700c6d5d737e3aa2832c108fe89123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsKO_cIgePkfaFYblkzMjlb-LqaSaq2B1Bdg1-I_H6DcGIKZIUIgxQVapLbtP8Tzpu06ZrM_j3INlogAgir3Sd9JuRJwiddjU76b6ZziBj7uiuDlM4agBTHyyw5mnLp26iKzIqsyT5Mc/s1600/8f700c6d5d737e3aa2832c108fe89123.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://erikabrechtel.com/2012/11/20/napa-valley-my-dos-donts/">photo cred</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In a couple of hours, Joe and I are off for a weekend of wine tasting in my dreamland - Napa Valley!<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
He's been traveling so much lately, particularly to California, so we decided it was time I tag along and see the sights with him for once.</div>
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I mean for a $5 plane ticket, why not? {Thank you, Delta Skymiles!}</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We have a full day planned tomorrow, but there are two things I'm particularly excited about:</div>
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1. We are visiting the Kathryn Hall winery {which, if you've been reading along, you know is where our <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-engaged-part-one.html">engagement</a> <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-engaged-part-two.html">wine</a> came from}, and;</div>
<div>
2. We're doing an olive oil tasting! I don't think I've ever had <i>really good</i> olive oil, so I am really interested to see if I can tell a significant difference. Hopefully I don't get spoiled!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
What are you up to this weekend?</div>
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Did you make any good meals this week?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Please do tell!</div>
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I'm currently in a healthy food rut.</div>
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After seven bowls of <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2013/08/zucchini-and-rice-soup.html">zucchini soup</a> this week {literally...seven...so many leftovers}, "rut" is probably the understatement of the century.</div>
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Hope your week didn't drag by as slow as mine did!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-61166748801620613162014-03-24T20:48:00.001-04:002014-03-24T21:01:37.780-04:00blueberry muffins with a cinnamon crumb toppingAm I the only one that watches Charlie and the Chocolate Factory every time it's on television?<br />
I have so many shows on my DVR right now it's sickening, but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory just started and I can't seem to turn it off.<br />
Maybe it's how delicious they make the chocolate look?<br />
I mean who doesn't want to swim in a chocolate river?<br />
No girlfriend of mine would turn that down...and if you would, I'm not sure I trust you.<br />
#getmeinthatriver<br />
<br />
That literally has nothing to do with these muffins...except that they are also quite delicious.<br />
And that I halved the batter to make a chocolate chip version too.<br />
Because, duh.<br />
<br />
Joe is traveling <i>again </i>this week {third week out of four...it's safe to say I'm over it}, so Sunday morning I decided to make us breakfast while we got in our last cuddles for the week.<br />
I did a test run of these muffins about a week ago since I had never made muffins from scratch before, and I can tell you now - I'll never go back to the boxed stuff.<br />
These things are just as moist, filled with fresh blueberries, <i>and</i> are topped with a crispy cinnamon crumb topping that's to die for.<br />
I could eat the blueberry version every day if I had the choice {or anything blueberry really, if I'm being honest...I'm going through a serious blueberry kick these days}, but if you've been following this little blog of mine at all, you know Joe loves his chocolate.<br />
Morning, noon, or night, I'd venture to say that's one of his favorite foods.<br />
<br />
So, naturally, he requested chocolate chip muffins.<br />
Thankfully, because I made them from scratch, it's really simple to just split the batter in half and do two different versions at once!<br />
<br />
But if you're a fruit gal like me, I totally recommend the blueberry version.<br />
<i>So good.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBG4Hon8QKLSZBmbPuo3VPFj3mYnv3PbsSBZysF1rpK3NyblxzEQvwdte0_lP8E0I7eyCXjgpt33cFioJkUGCK1HVQ-p9-yt_5tNBGYABEeq_umKl7QRnnguuz8t4z5sny_hB2Vne6W8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBG4Hon8QKLSZBmbPuo3VPFj3mYnv3PbsSBZysF1rpK3NyblxzEQvwdte0_lP8E0I7eyCXjgpt33cFioJkUGCK1HVQ-p9-yt_5tNBGYABEeq_umKl7QRnnguuz8t4z5sny_hB2Vne6W8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe adapted <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Things you'll need:</i><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 egg<br />
1/3 to 1/2 cup almond milk<br />
1 cup frozen {or fresh} blueberries<br />
<br />
<i>For crumb topping:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/6 cup all-purpose flour<br />
2 tbsp butter, cubed<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ugPIsIcKID3VKptc38MsAHw_PoZeRwq50VrxAD5cU1TDUSvncbLOxI5OfF2CcSpGn8HN4RVwqv2vhVYsMz9V8PSB3cTSDYlg5sOJDfiPtnrCNVVE0KHsxXjbyDPRNA0X9j0TsnLSgU/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ugPIsIcKID3VKptc38MsAHw_PoZeRwq50VrxAD5cU1TDUSvncbLOxI5OfF2CcSpGn8HN4RVwqv2vhVYsMz9V8PSB3cTSDYlg5sOJDfiPtnrCNVVE0KHsxXjbyDPRNA0X9j0TsnLSgU/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</div>
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Lightly spray muffin pan with cooking spray. I use the large muffin tin {the one that makes 6 jumbo muffins} because I'd rather have one large breakfast muffin than two smalls ones.</div>
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Totally up to you though - any pan will work fine!</div>
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Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl, and whisk together to remove lumps.</div>
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In a separate bowl, mix together vegetable oil, egg, and 1/3 cup of milk.</div>
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Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients.</div>
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I always end up having to add a splash or two more of milk because the batter is too thick...so I probably end up adding closer to 1/2 cup total.</div>
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You don't want your batter to be runny, but you don't want it to be too thick either.</div>
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The photo above is the right consistency.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXU_D4NbNuxj7gkimVtEeRBx35HrYhTccubVFq_D0tabGiXAS31B_W67pyCdd1U090OZ7aQQwWof9B_1WK8Egi7cZ-4tP_b0HFRmdqxi_LPljbDI6ViDcmUdjKaXibASqTz5vZ7wdqVg/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXU_D4NbNuxj7gkimVtEeRBx35HrYhTccubVFq_D0tabGiXAS31B_W67pyCdd1U090OZ7aQQwWof9B_1WK8Egi7cZ-4tP_b0HFRmdqxi_LPljbDI6ViDcmUdjKaXibASqTz5vZ7wdqVg/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJglSAJ79Mk3TV9mp5iEVjxNs-7DeJXd1ZxvpuHgPDeHrGOGzgVg-KK7CH32ErXqCA6GvUeCFlumr_WmUnl-aOKqq1pEud3ziFEHPRjavXOe1o1enLHDnqBCk0g1tWl92E75NEsjYOWEo/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJglSAJ79Mk3TV9mp5iEVjxNs-7DeJXd1ZxvpuHgPDeHrGOGzgVg-KK7CH32ErXqCA6GvUeCFlumr_WmUnl-aOKqq1pEud3ziFEHPRjavXOe1o1enLHDnqBCk0g1tWl92E75NEsjYOWEo/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you're doing the all-blueberry version, now would be the time to gently fold in a cup of blueberries.</div>
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I use frozen wild blueberries, but fresh would work too!</div>
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If you're making a half-and-half version, fold 1/2 cup of blueberries into one half of batter and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the other half of the batter.</div>
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{Feel free to mix up the fruit you use too! I think chopped strawberries would be divine.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OWR94v5W7iVqCFkCadC2NkPJvixbB8F49nKcvh2IeL2r8LKE2WO4j4t0ZTiQBAcyNFBxLAS2sjGjQ178edrHlkjrvLDILvJNVlzc5E_2jQsFuc1cQHp4rFzD-X4Np1xenXZRiepniH4/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OWR94v5W7iVqCFkCadC2NkPJvixbB8F49nKcvh2IeL2r8LKE2WO4j4t0ZTiQBAcyNFBxLAS2sjGjQ178edrHlkjrvLDILvJNVlzc5E_2jQsFuc1cQHp4rFzD-X4Np1xenXZRiepniH4/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the crumb topping, mix sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl, using a fork to smash up the cubed butter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E65JXn7JPvrhyphenhyphenE5u5qngtbUO9pOd11UysjxMyh-j8P0HpIQgFG7zNHfj6nhQPXdWiGA5JrXZekkgiOwexKQmxyVXSJcEIq3Q-Noscm0XP99A_5VhHRumyaacA-cGLgOvRQxLUtQ5Ug8/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E65JXn7JPvrhyphenhyphenE5u5qngtbUO9pOd11UysjxMyh-j8P0HpIQgFG7zNHfj6nhQPXdWiGA5JrXZekkgiOwexKQmxyVXSJcEIq3Q-Noscm0XP99A_5VhHRumyaacA-cGLgOvRQxLUtQ5Ug8/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Fill the muffin cups 2/3 of the way full, and top generously with crumb topping.</div>
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It's going to feel powdery, but don't worry!</div>
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The butter will melt in the oven and work some serious magic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg1i6bMnZ_ggKu6pG49O9-JeOd6NUOSj5PF_221ih16lu-3h049pcO2JwBnEkfa6Y48OIVqcyw_MfugxNdUeGr4FtuUCZqpQYspFgllGo71Z6_HmDlL1AbG_Goc1zeANcudA8tgbfVFU/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg1i6bMnZ_ggKu6pG49O9-JeOd6NUOSj5PF_221ih16lu-3h049pcO2JwBnEkfa6Y48OIVqcyw_MfugxNdUeGr4FtuUCZqpQYspFgllGo71Z6_HmDlL1AbG_Goc1zeANcudA8tgbfVFU/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out relatively clean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aCFr9dJOhlyahfOFczKohTSEkwq0ZxdXHms66_1QRkgoUWgYzdm8N6kJdiUdjPnTqkJ6Uc7-E0z2En30z7GUxgWFmTuS_P1UfEstaNM4UQj2l3jv6fip_IQC2BomnSa8dquMNmrFB_k/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aCFr9dJOhlyahfOFczKohTSEkwq0ZxdXHms66_1QRkgoUWgYzdm8N6kJdiUdjPnTqkJ6Uc7-E0z2En30z7GUxgWFmTuS_P1UfEstaNM4UQj2l3jv6fip_IQC2BomnSa8dquMNmrFB_k/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Let them sit for about five minutes, and then serve while still warm!</div>
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These muffins are light and fluffy, and I'd definitely venture to say that the crumb topping is what makes them.</div>
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It kind of makes them taste like you bought them at a coffee shop or a bakery.</div>
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They're just a bit fancier than your everyday muffin {making them the perfect special weekend breakfast, if you ask me}!</div>
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Go ahead and plan on trying these out ASAP.</div>
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You'll thank me, I promise!</div>
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Did you do anything exciting over the weekend?</div>
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Besides our Sunday muffins, <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla</a> came over for a slumber party, Joe and I watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/">Frozen</a> twice {totally obsessed}, and we got our engagement photos done in Athens!</div>
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It seemed only appropriate to do them on campus at UGA, since that's where we met.</div>
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I haven't gotten them all back yet, but I'll leave you with the sneak peek our photographer sent me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdyxx0a06m_nhC_PMicmYa6X1_95_F8uKRbWRs1meDEzr2aSiNGvUeo2ZecDO_-udXrckKGxvuxSA7b5lfDOQ8cb4wgHY1p4i0AD-nKaSGnsYM0jdxyZqcBg11rnQqUzohjlufPkBjUw/s1600/10013025_10103089517204600_1377737835_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdyxx0a06m_nhC_PMicmYa6X1_95_F8uKRbWRs1meDEzr2aSiNGvUeo2ZecDO_-udXrckKGxvuxSA7b5lfDOQ8cb4wgHY1p4i0AD-nKaSGnsYM0jdxyZqcBg11rnQqUzohjlufPkBjUw/s1600/10013025_10103089517204600_1377737835_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy Monday, friends!</div>
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Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-24853792091399160002014-03-20T15:04:00.000-04:002014-03-20T15:04:33.848-04:00getting engaged - part twoHi friends!<br />
Hope your week is going well and that you enjoyed part one of our engagement!<br />
If you missed that, feel free to catch up <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-engaged-part-one.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, let's finish this love story.<br />
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--------------<br />
<div>
<br />
Where we left off, life was good.<br />
<br />
Joe and I were settled in Alpharetta and doing really well at our jobs.</div>
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We hadn't talked about getting engaged since the wine incident, and even though I was a little sad it hadn't happened yet, I was very content in our relationship.<br />
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Before we knew it, it was December - our five year anniversary, Christmas, and New Years.<br />
December has always been one of our favorite months {clearly because there's a lot of celebrating to be done}, and this one was no exception.<br />
We had a lovely, low-key anniversary on the 19th, and then spent some time at Joe's parents' house for Christmas.<br />
For New Years, we had planned to have <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla</a> and her boyfriend over for a couple of days to celebrate.<br />
They were set to arrive on December 30th, and I couldn't wait!<br />
<br />
I remember that day being a very normal day.<br />
I had to work and Joe didn't, so he was tasked with cleaning the apartment before our friends arrived {which obviously had me slightly panicked...<i>will he get it all done in time?!</i>}<br />
I was grumpy because something at work wasn't going my way, so basically I was watching the clock - ready to get off, have drinks with my friends, and relax for the next couple of days.<br />
Because Joe was in charge of cleaning {and I know that he would choose Xbox over actually cleaning any day of the week}, I texted him a few times throughout the day to make sure things were getting done.<br />
But he never answered.<br />
Which is so strange, because normally we talk pretty much all day. If an hour or two goes by that we haven't touched base, it's unusual.<br />
So by 3:00, I was straight up worried. Worried enough that I told my manager that I needed a minute to FaceTime him because this was so unlike him not to answer.<br />
And thank goodness, he finally answered...only to tell me he had been playing Xbox and was just about to start vacuuming.<br />
<i>What?! Please start cleaning, they'll be here in two hours!</i><br />
That's pretty much how the conversation went.<br />
My manager laughed once I got off the phone, and at 5:00 she wished me luck on the cleaning, to which I responded, "If he hasn't vacuumed, he's dead."<br />
If I knew what he had really been doing all day, I never would have said that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8TEOKza3xBFxctjCmp6RAOB9wPxnqAyJzT4iWX1YRnxa8o_Hjzb94gYPbQDGI7EsBSFaRsmMmz2yEpHYpdGJHdR_piKWwWTXyelm-vr2pYqBMB-0AQHWFBLgJA4-8TZ-WPln5adsrQA/s1600/1002024_10102874259188390_412441634_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8TEOKza3xBFxctjCmp6RAOB9wPxnqAyJzT4iWX1YRnxa8o_Hjzb94gYPbQDGI7EsBSFaRsmMmz2yEpHYpdGJHdR_piKWwWTXyelm-vr2pYqBMB-0AQHWFBLgJA4-8TZ-WPln5adsrQA/s1600/1002024_10102874259188390_412441634_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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{What he was really doing all day was ring shopping with <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla</a> and <a href="http://thelittlethings711.blogspot.com/">July</a>...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpw6YOHkwQrUjiy2DPDRnnKC3KEhFmAmNUa8w97KaNWm0NWTGYKZNApP4_O8Ld_CtKNfYC60Bsa_pzsYx8Qgta944gvECq45UEpU0rDY3hlGCi1fSPoLaWNRO9u_GdqSZRUWoktvTpjw/s1600/1014250_10102874259313140_1038892396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpw6YOHkwQrUjiy2DPDRnnKC3KEhFmAmNUa8w97KaNWm0NWTGYKZNApP4_O8Ld_CtKNfYC60Bsa_pzsYx8Qgta944gvECq45UEpU0rDY3hlGCi1fSPoLaWNRO9u_GdqSZRUWoktvTpjw/s1600/1014250_10102874259313140_1038892396_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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...and buying me the most beautiful ring!}</div>
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I got home, and thankfully the apartment was spotless, so I proceeded to tell Joe all about how awful my day was - so awful that I didn't even feel like changing out of my work clothes for dinner. {These days I'm kicking myself for that...}</div>
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Our friends arrived around 6:00 and brought their dog along with them, which AJ was less than thrilled about.</div>
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I remember offering at least three times to take him to daycare, and everyone kept insisting I didn't leave {which I totally didn't understand...<i>why is everyone being so weird?! It's not a big deal!</i>}, until finally Kayla suggested we go freshen up for dinner.</div>
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The two of us went into the bedroom and started touching up our makeup and chatting about our day.</div>
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After a moment or two, Joe peaked his head in and asked me to come to the living room real quick, which I assumed would just be him asking me a question about the plans for the night...</div>
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He quickly walked over to our Christmas tree, so {still oblivious} I followed him to see what he needed.</div>
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When he turned around, he handed me a glass of red wine...</div>
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<i>"Taste this - is it good? Do you know what wine this is? Do you remember what you said about this wine?"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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It immediately clicked, and all I could said was "yeah...I do..."</div>
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{In my head I was thinking <i>is this really happening?! NOW?!</i>}</div>
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He took my glass, set it down on the TV stand, and took both of my hands in his.</div>
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Then he said the things I had been waiting to hear for five years.</div>
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I wish I could remember it all verbatim, but after he said, "I can't wait to have kids with you one day," I honestly think I blacked out from the realization that this was actually happening. Here. In our apartment. On what seemed to be a normal Monday night.</div>
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He asked me to marry him right there in our living room, in front of my best friend and her boyfriend, and obviously I said yes immediately!</div>
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That wasn't the last surprise of the evening though.</div>
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Joe had planned a celebration for us {clearly he was confident in the 'yes'}, so immediately afterwards, his family and a ton of our friends were at our place, toasting and celebrating and admiring my sparkly new addition.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZwZ6M9fbxPoPPA3TfqC0aHn_1HiCxRUdRp_iNF773HWLUpLTr2reqMo7mi-kDxRT5oCZaoLJtiwo43g4NrwjI9TNdAXsLilh7EzPnx1U9uwHza1uNwh9yp3IyiKOn_ATkDDshYAFn8U/s1600/1514429_10102874259008750_742993296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZwZ6M9fbxPoPPA3TfqC0aHn_1HiCxRUdRp_iNF773HWLUpLTr2reqMo7mi-kDxRT5oCZaoLJtiwo43g4NrwjI9TNdAXsLilh7EzPnx1U9uwHza1uNwh9yp3IyiKOn_ATkDDshYAFn8U/s1600/1514429_10102874259008750_742993296_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsFh_q0gcwuKi6bSh1sHBHUPE1lq-MOK1LJL84q2BYH3O6KB_QmwWuoKgk-bPM49f0Ovb_6fgL_O7ZG7YcxvdkBtdkXRZ1rYB7YcwMRlbFzr5t_7FZwXBHPTIvX44pdjrKCvl2fWQsQI/s1600/1538686_10102874259083600_654837687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsFh_q0gcwuKi6bSh1sHBHUPE1lq-MOK1LJL84q2BYH3O6KB_QmwWuoKgk-bPM49f0Ovb_6fgL_O7ZG7YcxvdkBtdkXRZ1rYB7YcwMRlbFzr5t_7FZwXBHPTIvX44pdjrKCvl2fWQsQI/s1600/1538686_10102874259083600_654837687_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freshly engaged :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />It was the single most perfect night I've ever had, hands down.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And this brings me back to my original point on 'perfect timing.'</div>
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If Joe had proposed back in year one when I was ready, we wouldn't have been surrounded by all of the amazing friends we've made over our years together, it wouldn't have been as personal and intimate as it was {in our shared living room of the place we both call home}, and {biggest of all} we wouldn't have been able to afford the wedding we both envision having with each other.</div>
<div>
It was so important for Joe to make sure we were taken care of {education, careers, savings} before he felt comfortable taking us on this next step, and now I understand why.</div>
<div>
Wedding planning so far has been virtually stress-free because we're so settled, and for that, I am grateful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That guy of mine, he's smart.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So there you have it folks.</div>
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That's the story of how we got engaged.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
For those of you that are wondering, the wine we had was a Kathryn Hall cabernet.</div>
<div>
I think it was <a href="http://www.hallwines.com/2010-hall-kathryn-hall-cabernet-sauvignon.html#.Uys5leetmCI">this one</a>, but I'd have to double check to be sure.</div>
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It was amazing though, and totally worth the wait {much like our engagement!}.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Lastly, since I was lucky enough to get engaged with my best friend present, I have a video of the whole thing that I will cherish for the rest of my days.</div>
<div>
Thanks, <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a little dark, but you can hear the sweet words he said and I love it.</div>
<div>
I can't wait to show it to our kids one day.</div>
<div>
Enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzZVHt_JSJQzEXxeAVP3iv6CZ_LoMklG0Ge7fAAWEAt35LdV9L7HUZha4MujfrOG--elhyCZvYBIN3dL3VnQw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-87830268584474961042014-03-18T21:57:00.000-04:002014-03-18T21:57:02.549-04:00getting engaged - part oneWe've been engaged for two and a half months now, and things have finally calmed down enough to where I feel like I can actually write about it.<br />
<div>
I know, about time!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me just start by saying this.</div>
<div>
I've always had an irrational fear of becoming <i>that bride</i> - you know, the bride that never stops talking about her wedding and annoys everyone within a 20 mile radius because she can't talk about anything else.</div>
<div>
My <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">MOH</a> can attest to this.</div>
<div>
She may or may not have told me once that it's like pulling teeth to get me to tell her details about the wedding...<i>I just don't want to be that bride!</i></div>
<div>
So, naturally, I didn't want to turn this into a wedding blog either.</div>
<div>
But as I thought more about it, I realized something.</div>
<div>
This is the perfect place for me to share wedding stuff. Whoever wants to read it can read it, and I don't have to feel like I'm talking about it all day everyday in real life {although sometimes I am...the half of me that isn't worried about being annoying loves to relive it all :)}.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So without further ado, I'll start from the beginning.</div>
<div>
The story of our engagement.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Joe and I have been together for five years - that's five years full of college and tailgates and graduations and new jobs and moving and buying our first puppy and vacations and laughter and tears.</div>
<div>
All of that and more.</div>
<div>
And I've known since year one that I was going to marry him.</div>
<div>
I just couldn't see myself with anyone else.</div>
<div>
He was so different than any other guy I had dated. No guessing games, no lying. I always knew where I stood with him, and I loved it.</div>
<div>
Being with him was so easy. He was total husband material.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing I've always loved about him is how level-headed he is about big decisions.</div>
<div>
He puts a lot of thought into the future, and he doesn't take decision-making lightly.</div>
<div>
If I had it my way, we would have been engaged before I graduated college.</div>
<div>
<i>Why wait?! We're meant to be! Let's do this!</i></div>
<div>
But he would always brush it off - <i>we're not in the right place, things need to happen before we can get there, </i>and my personal favorite, <i>stop asking me about this, Amber.</i><br />
There was a lot of frustration over the years regarding these responses, but looking back on it now, I'm actually grateful.<br />
Grateful he was smart enough to wait until the timing was right. I truly believe it made all the difference.<br />
And to those of you that think "the timing will never be perfect," you may be right - but from my experience, timing was everything, and it was pretty darn close to being perfect.<br />
I'll tell you why.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
One particular night last summer, we went out to dinner after work - our Friday routine.</div>
<div>
We were having a great time together, and on our way home Joe suggested that we crack open a fancy bottle of wine he brought home for us from his trip to Napa Valley.</div>
<div>
We had been holding on to that bottle for a few months because it was pricy, way more expensive than anything we'd buy ourselves on a regular night, and in my head I just assumed we'd be saving it for a very special occasion - i.e. our engagement.</div>
<div>
I hadn't told him this before though, so when he suggested we open the bottle I just blurted it out - <i>I was thinking we'd drink that when we get engaged!</i></div>
<div>
Obviously, blurting it out in the middle of a date {completely out of the blue, by the way} was not the most smooth way to suggest this, but what can I say?</div>
<div>
After four and a half years together, I hardly felt the need to dance around my thoughts and feelings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Long story short, we did not drink the wine that night.<br />
Joe was hardly thrilled with my revelation, and the wine went back in the corner of our kitchen - out of sight and out of mind.</div>
<div>
<br />
Six months or so passed without either of us mentioning the wine incident, and besides the occasional complaint to my girlfriends {I'm a girl, what do you expect?!}, we were really happy.<br />
I got a new job, Joe was doing really well at his job, and we had settled into a comfortable routine together in our new city.<br />
Basically an unmarried married couple, if that makes sense.<br />
I had no idea whatsoever that soon he would give me the surprise of the century.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
Because this post would be the longest and wordiest post I've ever shared if I continued the story, I'm breaking it into two parts.<br />
Please don't hate me!<br />
And tune in later this week for part two {plus a video of the big moment!}!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-81656342653339579732014-03-14T15:29:00.000-04:002014-03-14T15:29:31.820-04:005-ingredient chocolate pie with vanilla whipped creamIt seemed appropriate to share this recipe with you today, what with it being <a href="http://www.piday.org/">Pi Day</a> and all!<br />
<br />
Last weekend, I got in one of those moods where I just <i>had </i>to make a pie.<br />
Particularly pie crust.<br />
I really love making pie crust.<br />
It's so easy to make, and it just tastes <i>so good</i>.<br />
Happiness resides in freshly made pie crust.<br />
<br />
So on Sunday, I had big plans to make a pie.<br />
Until we ate so many <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2013/12/mexican-stuffed-peppers.html">stuffed peppers</a> that I couldn't bring myself to move from the couch.<br />
Attractive, I know.<br />
It ended up working out better though, because I made it on Tuesday and got to share it with my coworkers the next day!<br />
The last thing we need around our place is a whole pie for just the two of us.<br />
<br />
Personally, I'm more of a fruit pie kind of gal.<br />
Apple, peach, blueberry...you name it, I love it.<br />
But Joe has this idea that it's not really dessert unless it's made of chocolate.<br />
{Okay, he has never said that...but considering how much chocolate I've seen him eat over the years, there has to be a little bit of truth to that.}<br />
So chocolate pie it was!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie4EPXTSSwL5Wl8_picX5ZgvgieVjknQJTHbPeB2CIaxruWLO7OF_MLfdRmrNQ1vtclODoCTwd3ornLEHJxdJMtxthDArzs7ULYkog_udcA575Uh-ik_bHSbTLxLqzi5ErZiSdNaPNX8/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie4EPXTSSwL5Wl8_picX5ZgvgieVjknQJTHbPeB2CIaxruWLO7OF_MLfdRmrNQ1vtclODoCTwd3ornLEHJxdJMtxthDArzs7ULYkog_udcA575Uh-ik_bHSbTLxLqzi5ErZiSdNaPNX8/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2012/05/easy-chocolate-pie/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>For pie:</i><div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
1 refrigerated pie crust {or make your own! I always use <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/carla-hall-pie-crust">Carla Hall's recipe</a>}</div>
<div>
3 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder</div>
<div>
1 1/4 cup granulated white sugar</div>
<div>
2 eggs</div>
<div>
1/2 stick melted butter</div>
<div>
1 can evaporated milk</div>
<div>
*optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>For whipped cream:</i></div>
<div>
1 cup heavy cream</div>
<div>
1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div>
3 tbsp granulated white sugar</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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If you made your own dough, roll it out and place in a pie dish.</div>
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I haven't quite figured out how to correctly pinch the edges yet, but practice makes perfect, right?</div>
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Using a fork, poke holes in the crust.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEvfviH8SxuJXmxHNKkQZCsioXMqmkLYbvUoA5nqgJhw_0k8xhm-UQEqPCyIsLBqJRc0oWRk-6Q8nc4ayl05tdN54MduG6J9okC_rA6YbxCs2J1Vd5oSBicPckTX5-WTi-F6xYmp4Eh0/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEvfviH8SxuJXmxHNKkQZCsioXMqmkLYbvUoA5nqgJhw_0k8xhm-UQEqPCyIsLBqJRc0oWRk-6Q8nc4ayl05tdN54MduG6J9okC_rA6YbxCs2J1Vd5oSBicPckTX5-WTi-F6xYmp4Eh0/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a bowl, mix together cocoa powder and sugar.</div>
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Whisk in eggs, melted butter, and evaporated milk.</div>
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Carefully pour mixture into the crust.</div>
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Don't worry if there's lumps - as you can see, mine was a bit lumpy, but it still turned out great!</div>
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Bake for 50 minutes.</div>
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When it comes out, the batter will look like it's risen a little.</div>
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As it cools, it will fall a bit and set more.</div>
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I'd suggest letting it cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it.</div>
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You don't have to let it cool all the way though!</div>
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We ate it warm, and it was dreamy.</div>
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For the whipped cream, put cream and vanilla in a mixing bowl and whip {with the whip attachment} on speed 8.</div>
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Slowly add sugar, and whip until thickened.</div>
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It's ready when peaks have formed!</div>
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It takes about 30 seconds or so, I'd say.</div>
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Serve up the pie with an obnoxiously large dollop of vanilla whipped cream, and enjoy!</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you need an easy dessert for a party or holiday dinner {or for just a random Tuesday, if you're like us}, I'd absolutely suggest this.</div>
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It was a real crowd-pleaser!</div>
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Joe ate two slices in one sitting, so I deem that a success.</div>
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Plus, it only has five ingredients!</div>
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It doesn't get any easier than that.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The whipped cream is obviously optional, but let me just say, it was divine.</div>
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This was my first time making whipped cream in the Kitchenaid, and I can't wait to do it again!</div>
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It was so easy, and the possibilities are just endless.</div>
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I can't wait to sub the vanilla for peppermint extract to make a peppermint version!</div>
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Don't you think that would be an amazing way to top a big glass of hot chocolate?</div>
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Oh, the possibilities.</div>
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Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?</div>
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Or St. Patrick's Day?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Joe and I are attending a birthday party tomorrow afternoon {happy 1st birthday, Stella!}, and I'm going shopping for a new pair of jeans.</div>
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Big weekend, clearly.</div>
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There's talk about throwing a trip to Mexican in tomorrow night, so I'm not complaining!</div>
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Regardless of your plans, I hope you start your weekend off right - enjoying some chocolate pie!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-23929551914784183652014-03-04T21:09:00.000-05:002014-03-04T21:09:30.934-05:00overnight banana oatsI'm writing this tonight in the hopes that you are as lame as me and instead of celebrating Fat Tuesday, you're sitting on the couch with a glass of wine watching Couples Therapy on the DVR.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No?</div>
<div>
Just me?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fine.</div>
<div>
But trust me when I say that you should prep this breakfast tonight before you stumble to bed.</div>
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You'll thank me tomorrow, I promise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been saying for months that I was going to try overnight oats, and yesterday I <i>finally </i>remembered to do it!</div>
<div>
It only took about a year.</div>
<div>
And shame on me, because this breakfast was the bomb.</div>
<div>
I should've known I'd like it just based on the fact that I can make it ahead of time.</div>
<div>
Is there anything worse than having to pack breakfast in the morning when you're exhausted and would rather just:</div>
<div>
A. go through a drive-thru, or;</div>
<div>
B. skip breakfast altogether?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wish I was the kind of person that could skip breakfast.</div>
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I just can't do it.</div>
<div>
When I wake up in the morning, I'm ready to eat my own arm I'm so hungry.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Clearly it's best case scenario that I wake up and breakfast is already made.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64lCPMacb5Af5wVMN60-rWT_Y9p3Xj1B2xhVveOIGLqJ2EPAdst759avzm6CLa5_EtMJ91fBlUs1auhBzaOPZul9I1N__pPzefsS_NxJN0PXNJIjcy0wfODHeHMWztfO7VGIj8VNqJhU/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64lCPMacb5Af5wVMN60-rWT_Y9p3Xj1B2xhVveOIGLqJ2EPAdst759avzm6CLa5_EtMJ91fBlUs1auhBzaOPZul9I1N__pPzefsS_NxJN0PXNJIjcy0wfODHeHMWztfO7VGIj8VNqJhU/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe adapted <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/01/overnight-oatmeal.html">via</a></td></tr>
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<i>Things you'll need:</i></div>
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2/3 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats</div>
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2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk</div>
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1 tbsp pure maple syrup</div>
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1 banana, sliced</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikotZFXpmd80MBDDVhDizwMYBD9bZrT6N4t0hTyh39z76odj94zKthXXkiSoTSaJIjOvcq1GeI00xoPDKBXnXo2RQIhxofwPRUYHMwY_4Re6dCxKNKnN_xG92w4cOLlSucK7HzwSyLKoM/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikotZFXpmd80MBDDVhDizwMYBD9bZrT6N4t0hTyh39z76odj94zKthXXkiSoTSaJIjOvcq1GeI00xoPDKBXnXo2RQIhxofwPRUYHMwY_4Re6dCxKNKnN_xG92w4cOLlSucK7HzwSyLKoM/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a mason jar {or any jar with a lid}, combine oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, and syrup.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG6XMgcV361KMckFsMEEQlnLFXRJRcr0lVp-MVkCnOdC8ouH5iuZ1nPHMv_64vfBdCwgoUgswSaEWFkzWoQF4eYAoi-_JW35l36KHzkYN0T6oxwSQnf3QJvNuKzzBh1HTFaNA_ey_T2Q/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG6XMgcV361KMckFsMEEQlnLFXRJRcr0lVp-MVkCnOdC8ouH5iuZ1nPHMv_64vfBdCwgoUgswSaEWFkzWoQF4eYAoi-_JW35l36KHzkYN0T6oxwSQnf3QJvNuKzzBh1HTFaNA_ey_T2Q/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the syrup I used.</div>
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You want 100% pure maple!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5NC6bRIpgLOpJhKVUhn_UJrHf80-mvfsWULXnHwL9HKJQOcIt5dGjEII-t8a7SEBVMdU6WImYGnEKDOu6uK9gslVxovu5VwPw7msnxe8Fc2-Rq_dDFUWAOEgOo1WbfhlQMd9oU6vKMU/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5NC6bRIpgLOpJhKVUhn_UJrHf80-mvfsWULXnHwL9HKJQOcIt5dGjEII-t8a7SEBVMdU6WImYGnEKDOu6uK9gslVxovu5VwPw7msnxe8Fc2-Rq_dDFUWAOEgOo1WbfhlQMd9oU6vKMU/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Put the lid on tight, and give it a good shake!</div>
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Put it in the fridge overnight, and let the oats do their magic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq1_VoCDTY-k9dGyNB_SxmF1rptCjMYKyFlPbYiz-05qPMwY1Kzii2CpNmzdq86xBhvl-IlJ5P6kZF8k6Ot_8ScmiP7KodO1C5NfaDRA07r6BjD-OHFPA9F4LuaoWMK00kWGRvWZg6W8/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq1_VoCDTY-k9dGyNB_SxmF1rptCjMYKyFlPbYiz-05qPMwY1Kzii2CpNmzdq86xBhvl-IlJ5P6kZF8k6Ot_8ScmiP7KodO1C5NfaDRA07r6BjD-OHFPA9F4LuaoWMK00kWGRvWZg6W8/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the morning, the oats will have absorbed 90% of the liquid and look like this!</div>
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Plump, soft, and full of flavor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_rlJGMwDEYmR71_Yzb60z71Te8ZUGX2YYyrJuyqAawkOdx-9qBcGphOw2lA-6xGdcVgp3vPuYPcXJfpZoJXPeQR2Lzo6oHIsnlIPaQspqANAkg1VmhrfYtLuIb_5VXDUMaKVC_zR5D0/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_rlJGMwDEYmR71_Yzb60z71Te8ZUGX2YYyrJuyqAawkOdx-9qBcGphOw2lA-6xGdcVgp3vPuYPcXJfpZoJXPeQR2Lzo6oHIsnlIPaQspqANAkg1VmhrfYtLuIb_5VXDUMaKVC_zR5D0/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Slice up some banana and toss it in.</div>
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Give it a stir, and enjoy!</div>
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The original recipe tossed in some chopped pecans too, which I think would be great if you're looking for some texture.</div>
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Or a sprinkle of granola.</div>
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I will say, though, that it was perfectly delicious with just the banana.</div>
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The maple syrup gave it just enough sweetness, and I honestly think the vanilla is the secret weapon.</div>
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It took the flavor over the top.</div>
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If you're not a fan of banana, feel free to mix it up.</div>
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I think blueberries would pair quite nicely with this flavor combo.</div>
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Also, feel free to warm it up if you're not into eating your oatmeal cold.</div>
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This was my first time trying cold oatmeal though, and I <i>loved it</i>.</div>
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Don't knock it 'til you try it!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm definitely going to try the other variations of overnight oatmeal on the site where I found the <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/01/overnight-oatmeal.html">original recipe</a>, so I will gladly report back about those.</div>
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What are your go-to breakfasts on weekdays?</div>
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I'm always looking for new ideas {considering I've had yogurt and granola every morning for the last year and a half, <i>at least</i>}.</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-82008400408545413622014-03-03T14:08:00.000-05:002014-03-03T14:08:12.461-05:00mustard-dipped oven "fried" chickenI'd say "happy Monday," but I'm not sure such a thing exists.<br />
So, lets just dive right in.<br />
<br />
How was your weekend?<br />
<br />
Mine was pretty darn amazing if I'm being honest!<br />
One of my bridesmaids hosted an engagement party for us at her house, and it was nothing short of amazing.<br />
I mean above and beyond, times ten.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U697iISkixriQ8fas6CsLrsTTsHQSZeAE6TGDttkEwwWt0m7koNVvM6q82rwT8YDzveZf4Mi9x5tFlAraEF2FwpHquJl0UbqRCgHKVELxpbp4vOYiJH5h6hC6Cg84nCoAk6Yhyphenhyphen0qlMA/s1600/1947323_10103039967866870_327479858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U697iISkixriQ8fas6CsLrsTTsHQSZeAE6TGDttkEwwWt0m7koNVvM6q82rwT8YDzveZf4Mi9x5tFlAraEF2FwpHquJl0UbqRCgHKVELxpbp4vOYiJH5h6hC6Cg84nCoAk6Yhyphenhyphen0qlMA/s1600/1947323_10103039967866870_327479858_n.jpg" height="640" width="477" /></a></div>
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You can't really read the sign in this photo, but we decided on the hashtag #destefanieverafter for the wedding.</div>
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No one warns you how hard it is to come up with a good wedding hashtag!</div>
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But if you want to see what's new with our wedding, you can search that on Instagram and have at it.</div>
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Or click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10103039967507590.1073741829.4944005&type=1&l=bc9a5d6c6b">here</a> to see more photos from the engagement party.</div>
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I'll spare you a photo recap here since we have that nifty link above, but I will share one thing.</div>
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My MOH, <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla</a>, taped the speech Joe gave, and it's just to sweet not to share.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8ymApWjkR8J_bVGu3-LjTsnDYlTsFKanuVSxw293-_V544aObVzaBew6zgWxMfWnsCgwE4xmVPQJadKGWWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Thanks again for the amazing party, friends. We love you all!</div>
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Jumping back about a week, I made something to tell you about last weekend and never got a chance to write about it.</div>
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Do you ever get a craving that's so intense that literally nothing else sounds good?</div>
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Last weekend I had that issue with fried chicken.</div>
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Which is so weird, because I hardly ever eat fried chicken.</div>
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But out of nowhere on Sunday night, I could not stop thinking about it.</div>
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As you know, fried chicken is not so great for a person on a diet.</div>
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That's part of the reason it tastes<i> </i>so good, I suppose.</div>
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It's not supposed to be healthy.</div>
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It's just fried deliciousness that you have to embrace if you're going to eat it.</div>
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And I'm all for indulging when the time is right.</div>
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Last Sunday was not that time though.</div>
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After a weekend of indulgence, I was ready to get back in the kitchen and make something a bit lighter to get us back on track for the week.</div>
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So what's a girl to do when she wants to be healthy, but she's also dying for a piece of fried chicken?</div>
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Embrace the oven and bake it, that's what.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcerp4DKwQ1nEEd2sUFEM-eDHo_itOZX3hSuxESjBVlwy7eDTg_snMUrB_aYuwtm7j8zl8jytpwWL8dZ4vykrwXUAwBi5211kW2USuc-Vnpok6PcTdG8ZXfNFY171hVmLZMEFIvYkkt4/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcerp4DKwQ1nEEd2sUFEM-eDHo_itOZX3hSuxESjBVlwy7eDTg_snMUrB_aYuwtm7j8zl8jytpwWL8dZ4vykrwXUAwBi5211kW2USuc-Vnpok6PcTdG8ZXfNFY171hVmLZMEFIvYkkt4/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe adapted <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/oven-fried-chicken-recipe.html">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Things you'll need:</i><div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
2-3 thinly sliced chicken cutlets</div>
<div>
1 cup panko breadcrumbs</div>
<div>
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</div>
<div>
3 tbsp olive oil, divided</div>
<div>
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper</div>
<div>
salt and pepper, to taste</div>
<div>
1/4 cup dijon mustard</div>
<div>
2 tbsp water</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdoP3orzDkBSwcsM2BvrEcDY1hLlRycB6GDqmzZpmbyiFxkWleTg5U02hlQ5Anl-CElDgJd4vn_-yJR9loWbgBI0LngcG1aiSlYxx-cTq6h7D5o5mLiha27Ej-cRgd5efdc9YdvBisJc/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdoP3orzDkBSwcsM2BvrEcDY1hLlRycB6GDqmzZpmbyiFxkWleTg5U02hlQ5Anl-CElDgJd4vn_-yJR9loWbgBI0LngcG1aiSlYxx-cTq6h7D5o5mLiha27Ej-cRgd5efdc9YdvBisJc/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</div>
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top of it.</div>
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Lightly spray cooling rack with cooking spray.</div>
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In a dish {I used a flat tupperware bowl}, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cayenne pepper, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and one tablespoon olive oil.</div>
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Feel free to add a little more olive oil if you don't feel like one tablespoon was enough.</div>
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I added an extra little splash for good measure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_pC_wNYCWEIEEZPUCHJDPhUgeXtlOci7ZE0z4TRcqj-oCE8kGiIr0KdxWxTP27GgJJtYgF-HO6Uai-tRIgacK5HxwZQn0byzjLRkhZZ3YlVk45LFOjiJR6J4cyeYyzW8i7gTj6_tYfU/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_pC_wNYCWEIEEZPUCHJDPhUgeXtlOci7ZE0z4TRcqj-oCE8kGiIr0KdxWxTP27GgJJtYgF-HO6Uai-tRIgacK5HxwZQn0byzjLRkhZZ3YlVk45LFOjiJR6J4cyeYyzW8i7gTj6_tYfU/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a separate bowl, use a fork to gently whisk together dijon mustard, two tablespoons of olive oil, water, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO2KZLLPo85pVqGhalpIsimm9BidpD4Oouoa_ZWBHwbOukRnb-glU2oBPJaR8pW2u4Iz4V8syV3ZGRRwDb-NuMC2pvZDqTuL6wvTdHvTqUs2xEjUbZCU-qxje8tRG9zq4DQlNLl2n0PY/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO2KZLLPo85pVqGhalpIsimm9BidpD4Oouoa_ZWBHwbOukRnb-glU2oBPJaR8pW2u4Iz4V8syV3ZGRRwDb-NuMC2pvZDqTuL6wvTdHvTqUs2xEjUbZCU-qxje8tRG9zq4DQlNLl2n0PY/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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One piece at a time, coat the chicken in the mustard mixture, and then dredge through the breadcrumb mixture.</div>
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Bake for 20 minutes.</div>
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After 20 minutes, flip the chicken and bake for an additional 10 minutes {to give both sides a chance to crisp up}.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q3D5UluzFrSi5EpG9C0h9ccI4sMcnp2ZoXNM8kOQ4qMBnqMv2QVjVwBJm-BFLz-DySxZzwV3uhxHnLLcHkwCZmewN3XsS25BS7pA4nRXLiD9Uq46HWTKjr_RR-ZR4uObRadPnH_QeZY/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q3D5UluzFrSi5EpG9C0h9ccI4sMcnp2ZoXNM8kOQ4qMBnqMv2QVjVwBJm-BFLz-DySxZzwV3uhxHnLLcHkwCZmewN3XsS25BS7pA4nRXLiD9Uq46HWTKjr_RR-ZR4uObRadPnH_QeZY/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Serve with your veggie of choice and enjoy!</div>
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This chicken was so so good, I can't say enough good things.</div>
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I had never heard of using a mustard coating before, so I was a little nervous about that part {Joe's not a huge fan of mustard}.</div>
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But, in this recipe, it makes ALL the difference.</div>
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We both loved the flavor it gave to the chicken, and it also kept it extremely moist and juicy.</div>
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That, paired with the little bit of heat I added with the cayenne, made for quite a yummy dinner if I do say so myself.</div>
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And, because this chicken is baked instead of fried, you can feel a little less guilty about eating more than one piece {because if it's available, you will...trust me}.</div>
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Do you have any tricks for oven-fried {or regular fried} chicken?</div>
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The mustard mixture blew my mind, so now I'm curious as to what else I can dip it in!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-43126397079675570092014-02-21T12:58:00.000-05:002014-02-21T12:58:05.396-05:00friday thingsI have been going through a slump lately.<div>
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Let me clarify - I've been going through a <i>cooking </i>slump lately.</div>
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Like, the only things I cook are soup or tacos {because those are the best meals anyway}, and then I feel like a crappy wife-to-be because a man can only eat so many grilled cheese sandwiches before he goes crazy.</div>
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That kind of slump.</div>
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Hence the silence on the recipe front lately.</div>
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I am getting back in the groove this weekend though.</div>
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I'm determined.</div>
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Meal planning, shopping, the whole shebang.</div>
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Until then, let's catch up since the last time we spoke.</div>
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Here's what I've been up to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgHy93XhEDADYmJ3nF1-l-xQCUs4zdtbQRZJfTAyIfpyn_TgTjZZj8Yum0evb5lNUz4cbMWAs95WCW6fDAzF2GmBCsJhdCWPOvUc9k_XlwxyoNWIs44DYciG1epOcOg2YlC1n0Masr80/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgHy93XhEDADYmJ3nF1-l-xQCUs4zdtbQRZJfTAyIfpyn_TgTjZZj8Yum0evb5lNUz4cbMWAs95WCW6fDAzF2GmBCsJhdCWPOvUc9k_XlwxyoNWIs44DYciG1epOcOg2YlC1n0Masr80/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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Joe got a promotion at work!</div>
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So we did the adult thing and celebrated with caramel gelato, naturally.</div>
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So proud of you, lover!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGROyPCn668XyG7nzIstHvWyDg2JRAgMee-ZQuJMK52DoSTCgqhNEltpTVI-9e67bnAueA3ZwX32stTyJ1Ie90MLO85VU4-unwIJecbtBIg6Q7EH3hA8gTaqg-Py35GkecC90ClqBfdmc/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGROyPCn668XyG7nzIstHvWyDg2JRAgMee-ZQuJMK52DoSTCgqhNEltpTVI-9e67bnAueA3ZwX32stTyJ1Ie90MLO85VU4-unwIJecbtBIg6Q7EH3hA8gTaqg-Py35GkecC90ClqBfdmc/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I found my wedding dress {and bridesmaid dresses}!</div>
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And I'll tell you, it was way less stressful than I was expecting.</div>
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I'm notorious for being a bad decision-maker, so frankly I was terrified at how the process would go.</div>
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But then I put on the dress, and it was just so easy to say yes.</div>
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To celebrate the engagement {and marking that huge task off the list}, my dad came to town and took us out for a celebratory dinner at <a href="http://www.atlanticseafoodco.com/">Atlantic Seafood Company</a>.</div>
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Who can turn down an engagement brownie?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulX4NvCpWXlqmpWIZ4RvWHvq2HvssgpZc6hyphenhyphen0V0V7Eo5dOPnE-gX3i7Uh1siQzXAqJPqwyorrBxwORNIbzTj-HIbCgKNnzWKRygvTucndRlNuc8ScHALsiMPOyL9ncUA9R-xGSMKVNsc/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulX4NvCpWXlqmpWIZ4RvWHvq2HvssgpZc6hyphenhyphen0V0V7Eo5dOPnE-gX3i7Uh1siQzXAqJPqwyorrBxwORNIbzTj-HIbCgKNnzWKRygvTucndRlNuc8ScHALsiMPOyL9ncUA9R-xGSMKVNsc/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Atlanta suffered through it's second snowpocalypse of the year.</div>
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Personally, I don't mind waking up to a winter wonderland.</div>
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You know I'd stay in my pajamas all day everyday if I could!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyM_OC63cEjd5nDL7Znwfc3yc-C3zBLEJltB3dSTpqXkrd418KXQehMIcGqF-__XVCed3fJh-xSVOHctPQpxfxw_Dp5ybFIiyQuUx-rWOGerpOggxONdysh26cQ0IBLGlDxfvr_HbmLU/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyM_OC63cEjd5nDL7Znwfc3yc-C3zBLEJltB3dSTpqXkrd418KXQehMIcGqF-__XVCed3fJh-xSVOHctPQpxfxw_Dp5ybFIiyQuUx-rWOGerpOggxONdysh26cQ0IBLGlDxfvr_HbmLU/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Joe, pup, and I ventured out into the ice once for an icy stroll.</div>
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It was so pretty!</div>
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And strange...seeing our street nearly abandoned.</div>
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You can't tell in this photo, but there were tons of people like us out walking, enjoying the sites.</div>
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Note: That photo was taken last week, and yesterday it was 70 degrees here.</div>
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#georgiaweather</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tvhFEpu8wFerOSsBuaqtGOey07wb60Oxjk11SsOc3ZAk7ggwCzk-fJjc4lOVEm65wBbyN_ArodZgubz_D6tnppozlrAqEUyXgvz6gLN9H4cUuQlpdK-YBjJXauAn6YA5HJDfUGk6Mbg/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tvhFEpu8wFerOSsBuaqtGOey07wb60Oxjk11SsOc3ZAk7ggwCzk-fJjc4lOVEm65wBbyN_ArodZgubz_D6tnppozlrAqEUyXgvz6gLN9H4cUuQlpdK-YBjJXauAn6YA5HJDfUGk6Mbg/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Somehow, after working from home for a week, I managed to get sick.</div>
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More sick than I've been in years, actually.</div>
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So I stayed in my pajamas and drank tons of hot water with lemon and honey out of the new coffee mug my company gave me {which is <i>giant </i>by the way...obsessed}.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaT2dN9m4WlXgkm7dQxCK08iJTHwSMEMnqFbOIelce94g14Bwr0yWN9aRPmub2fJPZ37Fl_HNMotqwoS875FuK5dSAd2X4DwK0u_iF3-5_XcsWX7LrDCQJXfnc1s5fx2LUVz5Zp_yd90/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaT2dN9m4WlXgkm7dQxCK08iJTHwSMEMnqFbOIelce94g14Bwr0yWN9aRPmub2fJPZ37Fl_HNMotqwoS875FuK5dSAd2X4DwK0u_iF3-5_XcsWX7LrDCQJXfnc1s5fx2LUVz5Zp_yd90/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lastly, Joe and I celebrated Valentine's Day.</div>
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If you know me, you know V-day is one of my favorite days of the year, and it never disappoints!</div>
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Since we were working from home, Joe made me breakfast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7jCD1nbbjZCdl8-8p9dbEbhmSvYFyUR-aVA05yGt8nE9IICQLU-AZxTzvY7ZIK0RPO1yptxZjGr4j2pH5YYuvLU6dUf1iBB8E6fsAZi-9bxqNs_bMY_jvNpfmLuufDPW9X5XYq7AY2M/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7jCD1nbbjZCdl8-8p9dbEbhmSvYFyUR-aVA05yGt8nE9IICQLU-AZxTzvY7ZIK0RPO1yptxZjGr4j2pH5YYuvLU6dUf1iBB8E6fsAZi-9bxqNs_bMY_jvNpfmLuufDPW9X5XYq7AY2M/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then we headed off to Chattanooga for the weekend to visit some friends and have an <i>amazing </i>dinner at <a href="http://www.riversidefoodworks.com/">Riverside Food Works</a>.</div>
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We had a butterscotch creme brulee that singlehandedly convinced me I should register for a mini blow torch.</div>
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Dessert party at my place, anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvvG2uSvL46CvM_RUvZ29A3mQKyin-pHSB0wCurSrf6v_L06h2xjKNWHHbDuiXHpZvzguvBBiQ7nH4Io41tPiplnaOFBpaB7gl35gizqt-G_rWb47FqnbA6MUH3vH6mli5TeBShYGOwA/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvvG2uSvL46CvM_RUvZ29A3mQKyin-pHSB0wCurSrf6v_L06h2xjKNWHHbDuiXHpZvzguvBBiQ7nH4Io41tPiplnaOFBpaB7gl35gizqt-G_rWb47FqnbA6MUH3vH6mli5TeBShYGOwA/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Joe's gift is still growing on him...</div>
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He'll get there.</div>
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So in a nutshell, that's been my life the past couple weeks!</div>
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What have you been up to?</div>
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Made any good meals lately?</div>
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Tell me everything!</div>
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This weekend we're off to celebrate my MOH, <a href="http://talesofamoh.blogspot.com/">Kayla's</a>, birthday and new job!</div>
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<i>{Can't wait to celebrate with you tonight, friend!}</i></div>
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Then Sunday we're registering for the wedding at Crate & Barrel.</div>
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Which means this could potentially be the best weekend ever, clearly.</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-32405382536437540852014-01-29T18:33:00.000-05:002014-01-29T18:33:43.441-05:00crockpot salsa chicken bowlsFor those of you who aren't Atlanta natives, let me bring you up to speed.<br />
We are in the midst of the snowpocalypse over here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCvHAbnv5Z7eS4oyQrVZ4ff5LvhwQaz4ze87VEWX3ZGjwMDcJ7qLd2-91BYaKdvgaEW6nNxAGcllfPevRrkUKqSa2poTEBF2cd4pEjdAmsCqbDCWEDntBKWciqulqH45_qIaW128bXlI/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCvHAbnv5Z7eS4oyQrVZ4ff5LvhwQaz4ze87VEWX3ZGjwMDcJ7qLd2-91BYaKdvgaEW6nNxAGcllfPevRrkUKqSa2poTEBF2cd4pEjdAmsCqbDCWEDntBKWciqulqH45_qIaW128bXlI/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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It may not look like much, but us Georgians aren't prepared for anything more than flurries that melt as soon as they hit the ground, so this has been quite the disaster.</div>
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Like, a people-sleeping-in-their-cars-and-commutes-taking-18-plus-hours disaster.</div>
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I was lucky enough to be sent home from work just in time to miss the madness.</div>
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Thank goodness!</div>
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Joe is off on a business trip this week, so pup and I have been holed up in the apartment snuggling and keeping warm.</div>
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{Working from home is the best!}</div>
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Except for the couple of times I've pulled him outside to see the sights, which he was not thrilled about to say the least.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tNbKFSehNxt250iBo-CEp-y0u-QhmIFVDpWaic5owfAzIEW_YPsEhu7SjzH0pmBoYdRFi0XtpbOfrTRz7FjQBh10EMAIM5s-v5YR0tAbw6tRhCiGPH7-us15LriSIR6aOBjbt-a5h3w/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tNbKFSehNxt250iBo-CEp-y0u-QhmIFVDpWaic5owfAzIEW_YPsEhu7SjzH0pmBoYdRFi0XtpbOfrTRz7FjQBh10EMAIM5s-v5YR0tAbw6tRhCiGPH7-us15LriSIR6aOBjbt-a5h3w/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMb8ZMXzOv1jcIW4Rk9jMQeVx3BdiRkx7HkQOkaYe9jw_cWwFQH2hJi1x0XRK9EipD4ht0Tap0eM_VKfpL3N4Qvmy0eWzTKxPRriC9ZByTSabLuRUT4LDn4-seHg2aTA31pcCOwAylAw/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMb8ZMXzOv1jcIW4Rk9jMQeVx3BdiRkx7HkQOkaYe9jw_cWwFQH2hJi1x0XRK9EipD4ht0Tap0eM_VKfpL3N4Qvmy0eWzTKxPRriC9ZByTSabLuRUT4LDn4-seHg2aTA31pcCOwAylAw/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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This morning, I woke up, took the pup on a walk through the winter wonderland outside, and decided I wanted something cooked low and slow for dinner.</div>
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I didn't go grocery shopping before the storm hit {I know, blasphemy}, but luckily I had a couple of staples on hand that I thought would make a decent meal.</div>
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And I was right!</div>
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This salsa chicken is so so good.</div>
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I've made it in the oven before, but it's even better in the crockpot {as most things are}.</div>
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Plus, it's incredibly easy to make <i>and</i> multi-functional!</div>
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I made a bowl out of it, but it would be delicious as a taco filling or on top of a bed of nachos.</div>
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...and my love affair with Mexican food continues.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7bZg4ULNIMM_0iUT_296Keeq4NZewkp0qhyjxl94_r0ombvEHXlBAatZ0Wwnw7EhzCEdWswxtS71omaXlYv3pnBD5DzlPgjKSwJkewITN0mFZFHsGI0XQKnaz5cof6QIJgtDgFLYaoQ/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7bZg4ULNIMM_0iUT_296Keeq4NZewkp0qhyjxl94_r0ombvEHXlBAatZ0Wwnw7EhzCEdWswxtS71omaXlYv3pnBD5DzlPgjKSwJkewITN0mFZFHsGI0XQKnaz5cof6QIJgtDgFLYaoQ/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Things you'll need:</i></div>
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4-5 chicken cutlets {breasts or thighs will also work!}</div>
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1 jar of salsa</div>
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1 cup of cooked rice</div>
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toppings of choice: shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, cilantro, sauteed peppers...sky's the limit!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U55dV1YRTnv0uXMtM5DdUKLmHWWYzXbrVDCPiqgPLxCPsPO85gqT3ZsKtf_vtjqnOP1ABVgf8-31FlSGaPpAPZb4Mr4VdXAjIJUmbw9Szmc9him_7ZeSIcq0yJS590hbu8oMRdaSkDg/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U55dV1YRTnv0uXMtM5DdUKLmHWWYzXbrVDCPiqgPLxCPsPO85gqT3ZsKtf_vtjqnOP1ABVgf8-31FlSGaPpAPZb4Mr4VdXAjIJUmbw9Szmc9him_7ZeSIcq0yJS590hbu8oMRdaSkDg/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lightly spray your crockpot with cooking spray.</div>
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Put chicken in {I used frozen cutlets, no need to thaw!} and cover with salsa.</div>
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For five cutlets, I used almost 2 cups of salsa.</div>
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As long as the chicken is covered, it'll work!</div>
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours {or on high for 4-5 hours}.</div>
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After chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZoUhUeBqII8iyDp_WZ4o8Gru1iUX_qiGrmv0XdbR39bpWGQ9rPEvIrusR3pQute3y_nXq9-3ypMurownHnGlCx1KeQr4lruVg_enw8eZuNLZO0GKbi1TWDC1iVeOoONyYanW_FSmF_8/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZoUhUeBqII8iyDp_WZ4o8Gru1iUX_qiGrmv0XdbR39bpWGQ9rPEvIrusR3pQute3y_nXq9-3ypMurownHnGlCx1KeQr4lruVg_enw8eZuNLZO0GKbi1TWDC1iVeOoONyYanW_FSmF_8/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Cook rice according to package directions.</div>
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You want about a cup of rice for each serving.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_waEJRuqpdohbLr4ALYZJYc7MUiq-YXNf7JyStIqn2w3232LLWuneu_ikgYwcHD_9VKItTez6pv1ucM6j1gYi0buL6qU1SFBwMUkMQA821mMZ_bfWHaP03I1phxYotwwGKvB992egFQ/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_waEJRuqpdohbLr4ALYZJYc7MUiq-YXNf7JyStIqn2w3232LLWuneu_ikgYwcHD_9VKItTez6pv1ucM6j1gYi0buL6qU1SFBwMUkMQA821mMZ_bfWHaP03I1phxYotwwGKvB992egFQ/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spoon the chicken mixture over the rice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vuCnDeg3PpMNmUico79s_Mxd82KU8bHVbirK1JtacBfwlb6P887ORFqMlsH79p_DSiY1xslovx21N3U_Z9u_nxcLj7YpEeDoaxUGhX_6JduKWJ8FAntGgH4mvPEgqaCHrK9EQKn-Q84/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vuCnDeg3PpMNmUico79s_Mxd82KU8bHVbirK1JtacBfwlb6P887ORFqMlsH79p_DSiY1xslovx21N3U_Z9u_nxcLj7YpEeDoaxUGhX_6JduKWJ8FAntGgH4mvPEgqaCHrK9EQKn-Q84/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sprinkle on toppings of your choice!</div>
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Because I didn't grocery shop beforehand, all I had on hand was cheese and low fat sour cream.</div>
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I think it'd be great with some shredded lettuce, black beans, and a sprinkle of cilantro.</div>
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Maybe even some tortilla strips?</div>
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Make it your own!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yKtjja_KSpMnz8yO2jwV6-dXvjdUX7dFKBJXk9qyWgNYDH-tUPBMKvxIXfunnl2Ekk1g7k6Uxh9sMec_y6M3iDc2UPwGb5TZcWoxWl95kvBbPQLeHRwpMarUiBDIy-F_gOuIVA3U6a4/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yKtjja_KSpMnz8yO2jwV6-dXvjdUX7dFKBJXk9qyWgNYDH-tUPBMKvxIXfunnl2Ekk1g7k6Uxh9sMec_y6M3iDc2UPwGb5TZcWoxWl95kvBbPQLeHRwpMarUiBDIy-F_gOuIVA3U6a4/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Stir it up to melt the cheese, and enjoy!</div>
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If you're looking for something easy and relatively quick {I mean you really only touch it while you're assembling}, then I definitely recommend this!</div>
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Also, it was very filling.</div>
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The perfect meal for a day when you're in your pajamas taking refuge from a snowstorm!</div>
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{Besides <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/spicy-tortilla-soup.html">soup</a>, that is...we all know I'm also having a love affair with soup lately.}</div>
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How has your week been going?</div>
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Besides the weather, everything is pretty slow here.</div>
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Just taking it easy with pup, working from home in pajamas, and marking things off the wedding checklist.</div>
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Officiant and dj are officially booked!</div>
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Hope you're all staying warm!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270155318179364115.post-12339926210869470062014-01-17T15:58:00.000-05:002014-01-17T15:58:27.901-05:00spicy tortilla soupYou guyyyyyys.<br />
We <i>cannot </i>stop eating tortilla soup.<br />
Like, I make it once a week and if it's not on the menu, Joe requests it.<br />
Every week for at least a month now.<br />
<br />
I suppose things could be worse.<br />
If the biggest problem I have is an addiction to tortilla soup, life is going pretty well.<br />
<br />
Back in March, I shared a <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/crockpot-chicken-tortilla-soup.html">crockpot tortilla soup</a> with you.<br />
Truth be told, we lived off that recipe for a good while.<br />
But sometimes a girl just doesn't have time to prep all the ingredients she needs for a crockpot meal.<br />
I mean, yeah, the crockpot is still one of my favorite appliances and makes undoubtedly some of the best meals that come out of my kitchen.<br />
But what's a girl to do when her boyfriend/now fiance is begging for tortilla soup an hour before dinner?<br />
<br />
Easy.<br />
Make a one-pot tortilla soup that can be ready in 30-45 minutes instead of 6-8 hours.<br />
<br />
This soup gives the crockpot version a run for it's money, I will tell you that.<br />
It's warming, makes a delicious broth {which I'm <a href="http://ambernicolecooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/scenes-from-weekend-whatevers-in-your.html">obsessed with lately</a>, if you didn't notice}, and is a tad bit spicy.<br />
Courtesy of the jalapeno and cayenne, of course.<br />
We do it big at our place.<br />
<br />
If you're not into the spice though, feel free to leave one {or both} of those ingredients out.<br />
Soup is all about making what comforts you the most.<br />
For us, the more spice the better.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlBKv1UwxBGzSPzaSfua6WYhBwiDW9EUtc9Ri8JzgZyDbCpD1becg26eEd26L60h1CSRCft5do7a9P2yjQEdO5qtQVY-fC0x_7k_TXzeFStleQR70JLktSdg2RR2NKi7133ZZ2dWfezo/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlBKv1UwxBGzSPzaSfua6WYhBwiDW9EUtc9Ri8JzgZyDbCpD1becg26eEd26L60h1CSRCft5do7a9P2yjQEdO5qtQVY-fC0x_7k_TXzeFStleQR70JLktSdg2RR2NKi7133ZZ2dWfezo/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe adapted <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/12/easy-one-pot-tortilla-soup/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Things you'll need:</i></div>
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2 tbsp olive oil</div>
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1 red pepper, diced</div>
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1 green pepper, diced</div>
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1/2 onion, diced</div>
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2-3 cloves of garlic, minced</div>
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1 jalapeno, seeded and diced</div>
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1 tbsp cumin</div>
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dash of cayenne pepper</div>
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sprinkle of salt</div>
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sprinkle of pepper</div>
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2-3 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets</div>
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32 oz. low sodium chicken broth {or 5 1/2 cups of water!}</div>
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3/4 can of red enchilada sauce</div>
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1 can chopped green chiles</div>
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSjQVYMWfHeviaDq7gqTAuiPH8Xm550Sr59wV_v6SEehyphenhyphenrM5o_EphTJBGtqOBKpnpif-_HOlOHaCsQyw5Qmyncz7qX9V4iHMsZsPc73FpL0iYjZA1T0_3DX13uDUZvLeoDYzDGli-H7I/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSjQVYMWfHeviaDq7gqTAuiPH8Xm550Sr59wV_v6SEehyphenhyphenrM5o_EphTJBGtqOBKpnpif-_HOlOHaCsQyw5Qmyncz7qX9V4iHMsZsPc73FpL0iYjZA1T0_3DX13uDUZvLeoDYzDGli-H7I/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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Prep your veggies.</div>
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Wash, dice, seed, mince...you know, the works.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa8QUs-uAPlt0w_hwOaFMvOws03lr1EPL9eDoG7yyr9FBMyopJAf8iMG_gTTiagX1vUXGCamgJBdE4CDqksC48XkK_VzohRjKtlYRsLhyphenhyphen8lLVIPaT5nP8f6ojOLKF3rw1LOP6sxkvaJQ/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa8QUs-uAPlt0w_hwOaFMvOws03lr1EPL9eDoG7yyr9FBMyopJAf8iMG_gTTiagX1vUXGCamgJBdE4CDqksC48XkK_VzohRjKtlYRsLhyphenhyphen8lLVIPaT5nP8f6ojOLKF3rw1LOP6sxkvaJQ/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a pot on medium heat, heat olive oil.</div>
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Saute peppers and onion until slightly tender, about five minutes.</div>
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Add garlic and jalapeno, and saute for another minute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrHclGoRCYpyUUN-FwHexRzVdzYdloCMXfBMyBzVtz_xX9-35UwBgS6lzEsukxtAQkac9fDKNutEVHux0_I-h6tfP8RtmKjvH9zMisK0MEHlONd6GAj3iPzvJXrvc3GxFrlQCJ1ZtnZ8/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrHclGoRCYpyUUN-FwHexRzVdzYdloCMXfBMyBzVtz_xX9-35UwBgS6lzEsukxtAQkac9fDKNutEVHux0_I-h6tfP8RtmKjvH9zMisK0MEHlONd6GAj3iPzvJXrvc3GxFrlQCJ1ZtnZ8/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Add cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper, and give it a quick stir.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEACNw3WU6RC9IKXbReqloozbJaX15r92tr7iKz_Os1aOUXKBGuWatZsLUorF_wF-9S15wSa_YH9R5Sk9i26puiM5_WiOM0tpySkja2Dz5XDHUJqcA8icjA1sswcVbciTdQc4Y7189QNU/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEACNw3WU6RC9IKXbReqloozbJaX15r92tr7iKz_Os1aOUXKBGuWatZsLUorF_wF-9S15wSa_YH9R5Sk9i26puiM5_WiOM0tpySkja2Dz5XDHUJqcA8icjA1sswcVbciTdQc4Y7189QNU/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now add the chicken.</div>
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While I was chopping the veggies, I boiled two pieces of chicken for 15 minutes and then shredded it in my Kitchenaid.</div>
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However, if you don't have time for this, you can also just cut your chicken into cubes, toss it in the pan now, and cook it for about 8 minutes, until it's browned on all sides.</div>
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I've tried both ways, and both are equally delicious!</div>
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<i>{Side note - I think it would also be amazing to stop here and put this mixture on top of some nachos with some beans and cheese...just saying.}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOqKm88yH5MV5hHhvlUbIOw1x0jz-iZbZCicq-4ZcmkSVjeoyRBd1icQ_Yornvh2u1-j011H8osVwIeOQzX_81Z0apYs4-gVGw_aQd1__IFVAzlSrUXrF_uI5iOcpBm1Jx3DVtYb-PSo/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOqKm88yH5MV5hHhvlUbIOw1x0jz-iZbZCicq-4ZcmkSVjeoyRBd1icQ_Yornvh2u1-j011H8osVwIeOQzX_81Z0apYs4-gVGw_aQd1__IFVAzlSrUXrF_uI5iOcpBm1Jx3DVtYb-PSo/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pour in broth/water, enchilada sauce, and green chiles.</div>
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Now is also a great time to add the cilantro, but I forgot to do that so I added mine at the end.</div>
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Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, however long floats your boat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UxStGgZ6OiuYJegE87kbgsl2c9yIrfUinWn-B0Gv21J5tE9u8oy8SbqdcClyTC6vqseZIz10DQcbD_nrB3zKFuMFvAlioxLKc5zKDHUOvYG6BPINoXYrZ2wr3GcC8Z9ASwmYIFcpnHo/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UxStGgZ6OiuYJegE87kbgsl2c9yIrfUinWn-B0Gv21J5tE9u8oy8SbqdcClyTC6vqseZIz10DQcbD_nrB3zKFuMFvAlioxLKc5zKDHUOvYG6BPINoXYrZ2wr3GcC8Z9ASwmYIFcpnHo/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Twenty minutes later, all the flavors will be married and your apartment will smell incredible.</div>
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Assuming you like the smell of Mexican soup, which we do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmwkD3fSAcBPykUc1BHq0A28BPdtXfaI3hWU7ueX9Uq_SjXufyIVAQwsxUrDbblb4SmALmZCAkeWk0HnUTMNyniISRtaWq9xiukSaOj9W_1kS9wcUwGCH6M5ZfAz3743WCUlsaRClamg/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmwkD3fSAcBPykUc1BHq0A28BPdtXfaI3hWU7ueX9Uq_SjXufyIVAQwsxUrDbblb4SmALmZCAkeWk0HnUTMNyniISRtaWq9xiukSaOj9W_1kS9wcUwGCH6M5ZfAz3743WCUlsaRClamg/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then, if you're like me, you can stir in the cilantro you should've added earlier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLoyQ-5VkS06DniJX5NitgOIvs3e8rLrIr4Z-UMyNQ3JGn5ytJWQ6TLwpEnq-qab3HxIGYHZjjG0Z2QytZfYt6UubO05dd8bn7pzJNaH3fM8sW_wT9AGZBGBAA9z4TNJn7iYF24dTWFU/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLoyQ-5VkS06DniJX5NitgOIvs3e8rLrIr4Z-UMyNQ3JGn5ytJWQ6TLwpEnq-qab3HxIGYHZjjG0Z2QytZfYt6UubO05dd8bn7pzJNaH3fM8sW_wT9AGZBGBAA9z4TNJn7iYF24dTWFU/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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Serve up and garnish with shredded cheese, a dollop of low fat sour cream, sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime...the sky's the limit!</div>
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But whatever you do, do <b>NOT </b>forget to crush some tortilla chips on top.</div>
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That part is mandatory.</div>
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Sorry.</div>
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So there you have it!</div>
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A quick and easy tortilla soup that is perfect for a weeknight when it's too late for the crockpot to feed you dinner.</div>
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This soup is seriously delicious, and I would know because soup is literally all I'm making these days.</div>
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Trust me.</div>
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I wouldn't steer you wrong when it comes to anything soup/Mexican/cumin related.</div>
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What are you up to this weekend?</div>
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Joe and I have no plans {what?!} except an appointment at our wedding venue tomorrow to finalize plans and put down our initial deposit.</div>
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So exciting!</div>
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Except I've been having a mini-meltdown about the date lately.</div>
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I'm ready to get this part marked off the list so I can stop thinking about dates nonstop.</div>
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I also plan on finally finishing up my Breaking Bad marathon.</div>
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It was just as good the second time through as it was the first, no question.</div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12418052534141543777noreply@blogger.com1