To locals, this comes as no surprise at all. To those of you who aren't in the know, pay attention -- this Pittsburgh cake is a big deal!
The famed and fabulous-tasting burnt almond torte from local bakery Prantl's. It's one of those cakes that e'eryone -- and I do mean everyone -- who has tried it simply loves it. Matt surprised me with one at work on my birthday when we first started dating. We had one at the dessert bar at our wedding reception. And, heck, we even had one last weekend for my mom's surprise birthday party!
Check out the full Huffington Post article here. And, if you're within traveling/shipping distance, get yourself one of these cakes. Now!
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2014
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday Five: Pre-turkey amusement
It's been one heck of a week, hasn't it? I feel like every last hour has been devoted to this, that, and the other thing, leaving me only a few idle moments to be spontaneous. I enjoyed those moments the best way I knew how: gazing outside at the first snow (!) of the season and curling up on the couch to watch a little TV. Is there a better hour of television than the New Girl/The Mindy Project block on Fox Tuesday nights? I think not!
Despite eating breakfast standing up twice and mastering the art of the 5 minute shower (how do some women do this every day? I salute you!), I'm feeling full of energy heading into the weekend. After looking at the calendar, I'm hoping to maintain this Energizer Bunny feeling for the next two weeks. We've got so much planned before the turkey even hits the table. Here is this week's Friday Five: mega fun activities leading up to Thanksgiving!
1. Chili after church - This weekend is Commitment Sunday, when members pledge their tithings for the next year. After the service, everyone gathers for fellowship and a potluck to feast on chili, cornbread, and desserts. Last year there were nearly 30 Crock Pots filled to the brim with piping hot chili of all varieties. Can you imagine how it smelled?! The most unique I saw was elk chili. I'm contributing a double batch of my favorite pumpkin cornbread since it was such a hit last year. Check out any one of my chili recipes to have a feast of your own this weekend!
Despite eating breakfast standing up twice and mastering the art of the 5 minute shower (how do some women do this every day? I salute you!), I'm feeling full of energy heading into the weekend. After looking at the calendar, I'm hoping to maintain this Energizer Bunny feeling for the next two weeks. We've got so much planned before the turkey even hits the table. Here is this week's Friday Five: mega fun activities leading up to Thanksgiving!
1. Chili after church - This weekend is Commitment Sunday, when members pledge their tithings for the next year. After the service, everyone gathers for fellowship and a potluck to feast on chili, cornbread, and desserts. Last year there were nearly 30 Crock Pots filled to the brim with piping hot chili of all varieties. Can you imagine how it smelled?! The most unique I saw was elk chili. I'm contributing a double batch of my favorite pumpkin cornbread since it was such a hit last year. Check out any one of my chili recipes to have a feast of your own this weekend!
Friday, November 1, 2013
October in pictures
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Best Thing I Ever Ate
Have you ever seen that show on Food Network? I'm a total sucker for it. Basically, famous food personalities describe and sample an entree or dessert. I've seen both super high-brow cuisine and stuff so greasy it could only be enjoyed in a late night drunken haze. To each his own!
I love watching my favorite cooks and chefs on their regular shows, but there's something so candid about their appearances on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. They're a little less formal. In fact, some get a little cray-cray talking about the restaurant dishes that make them weak in the knees. I think I even developed a little girl crush on Sunny Anderson because of this show. She just gets so darn animated and holds nothing back. Makes me feel like my ramblings here on the blog aren't so bizarre after all ;)
If I were ever on that show, it'd be to talk about dessert. Not just any dessert, but the dessert. It hails from the Pittsburgh restaurant, Eleven. A few years ago, Matt and I dined there and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. But, truth be told, I don't really remember my entree. It's not that it wasn't delicious -- because it totally was and reading my review confirms that -- but it's because the dessert totally blew me away and stole the show that night: deconstructed banana cream pie. The best thing I ever ate, without a doubt!
I love watching my favorite cooks and chefs on their regular shows, but there's something so candid about their appearances on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. They're a little less formal. In fact, some get a little cray-cray talking about the restaurant dishes that make them weak in the knees. I think I even developed a little girl crush on Sunny Anderson because of this show. She just gets so darn animated and holds nothing back. Makes me feel like my ramblings here on the blog aren't so bizarre after all ;)
If I were ever on that show, it'd be to talk about dessert. Not just any dessert, but the dessert. It hails from the Pittsburgh restaurant, Eleven. A few years ago, Matt and I dined there and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. But, truth be told, I don't really remember my entree. It's not that it wasn't delicious -- because it totally was and reading my review confirms that -- but it's because the dessert totally blew me away and stole the show that night: deconstructed banana cream pie. The best thing I ever ate, without a doubt!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Springtime staycation!
Was that today or yesterday?
And so goes the question I asked myself again and again this weekend. In other words, there was so much fun jam-packed into three days that I could've sworn I'd been off work for an entire week. Many, many good times were had :) And, those good times were had all over this glorious city of bridges -- I hit 10 different neighborhoods, 5 on my run alone. Staycation!
Friday got off to an early start (6:00... without an alarm, ugh!) with a few chores before a glorious 8-mile run in the sun! The rest of the day flew by: I baked a cake (recipe to come this week), watched TV and read, had friends over for said cake, brews, playoff hockey, and hit the hay after midnight. Wild child alert!
A cup of green tea and a homemade breakfast sandwich, and we were off to savor Saturday. We headed to the North Side of the city to the Mexican War Streets area for a neighborhood-wide yard sale. But not before a quick stop at the bank to get cash and free lollipops.
The weather could not have been better for a day spent outdoors: sunny, almost 80 degrees, and a light breeze! While yard sales aren't really my thing (I did score this doughnut pan for $1), Laura and Matt had quite a knack for spotting treasures and bargaining. Matt bought a few books, terra cotta planters, and a telescope.
And so goes the question I asked myself again and again this weekend. In other words, there was so much fun jam-packed into three days that I could've sworn I'd been off work for an entire week. Many, many good times were had :) And, those good times were had all over this glorious city of bridges -- I hit 10 different neighborhoods, 5 on my run alone. Staycation!
Friday got off to an early start (6:00... without an alarm, ugh!) with a few chores before a glorious 8-mile run in the sun! The rest of the day flew by: I baked a cake (recipe to come this week), watched TV and read, had friends over for said cake, brews, playoff hockey, and hit the hay after midnight. Wild child alert!
A cup of green tea and a homemade breakfast sandwich, and we were off to savor Saturday. We headed to the North Side of the city to the Mexican War Streets area for a neighborhood-wide yard sale. But not before a quick stop at the bank to get cash and free lollipops.
The weather could not have been better for a day spent outdoors: sunny, almost 80 degrees, and a light breeze! While yard sales aren't really my thing (I did score this doughnut pan for $1), Laura and Matt had quite a knack for spotting treasures and bargaining. Matt bought a few books, terra cotta planters, and a telescope.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Your guide to Pittsburgh food
Attention Pittsburgh locals and past, present, and future visitors to this glorious city!
You may or may not have noticed that, in recent years, the 'burgh has become quite a magnet for cooks and cuisines of all backgrounds. I don't think I'm the only person here who is happy ecstatic to see the city shake its culinary reputation of being the place where Primanti's is located. The sandwiches with fries and coleslaw have their place in Pittsburgh culinary history, but there are so many more options these days that beg to be explored.
Not sure of where to begin? Pick up a copy of the Food Lovers' Guide to Pittsburgh, which hits shelves (and Internet stores) today!
The four ladies of eatPGH have eaten, toiled, and eaten some more to give readers the most comprehensive review of the restaurants, specialty stores, farms, festivals, and food havens in the area. The book is organized by neighborhood, too, for convenience, with an alphabetical index in the back. Order a copy (or seven) today.
Cheers, food friends! :)
You may or may not have noticed that, in recent years, the 'burgh has become quite a magnet for cooks and cuisines of all backgrounds. I don't think I'm the only person here who is happy ecstatic to see the city shake its culinary reputation of being the place where Primanti's is located. The sandwiches with fries and coleslaw have their place in Pittsburgh culinary history, but there are so many more options these days that beg to be explored.
Not sure of where to begin? Pick up a copy of the Food Lovers' Guide to Pittsburgh, which hits shelves (and Internet stores) today!
The four ladies of eatPGH have eaten, toiled, and eaten some more to give readers the most comprehensive review of the restaurants, specialty stores, farms, festivals, and food havens in the area. The book is organized by neighborhood, too, for convenience, with an alphabetical index in the back. Order a copy (or seven) today.
Cheers, food friends! :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Restaurant review: Sarris Ice Cream Shop
If you asked me what the happiest place on earth were, I'd surely respond with two words that would surprise no one: Disney World!
But, if you were to ask me what the happiest place in western Pennsylvania were, could you guess what my answer would be?
Sarris Candies Shop and Ice Cream Parlor in Canonsburg, PA.
But, if you were to ask me what the happiest place in western Pennsylvania were, could you guess what my answer would be?
Sarris Candies Shop and Ice Cream Parlor in Canonsburg, PA.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Like a stake through the heart
That's how I felt when I just discovered that my all-time favorite dessert (deconstructed banana cream pie) has been removed from its restaurant's menu. Let the tears begin!
I first gushed over Eleven over two years ago and haven't stopped raving about it since then. I've sent friends, coworkers, and anyone who would listen to the Strip District to experience the glory that is my favorite of the Big Burrito Restaurant Group's creations. The food is good, sure, but the dessert is out of this world.
Well, this girl was thinking of her upcoming birthday (cough July 19th cough) and began to search for where she'd like to go for dinner. With that banana cream pie in mind, I checked the menu and, lo and behold, it was gone. I know restaurants must update and change their menus to stay relevant, but how can they explain this? I feel like I've lost a dear friend. Sadly, Eleven has been removed from the list of birthday dinner restaurant candidates. #foodheartbroken
Have you ever experienced this -- a restaurant removing your favorite menu item -- and been crushed? Or, gosh this is so much worse, discovered it after you were seated to dine at said restaurant? Misery loves company, so lament away! We can get through this together... maybe.
I first gushed over Eleven over two years ago and haven't stopped raving about it since then. I've sent friends, coworkers, and anyone who would listen to the Strip District to experience the glory that is my favorite of the Big Burrito Restaurant Group's creations. The food is good, sure, but the dessert is out of this world.
Well, this girl was thinking of her upcoming birthday (cough July 19th cough) and began to search for where she'd like to go for dinner. With that banana cream pie in mind, I checked the menu and, lo and behold, it was gone. I know restaurants must update and change their menus to stay relevant, but how can they explain this? I feel like I've lost a dear friend. Sadly, Eleven has been removed from the list of birthday dinner restaurant candidates. #foodheartbroken
Have you ever experienced this -- a restaurant removing your favorite menu item -- and been crushed? Or, gosh this is so much worse, discovered it after you were seated to dine at said restaurant? Misery loves company, so lament away! We can get through this together... maybe.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Smashed potato pizza
"T.G.I.P.F.!"
Huh?
Thank goodness it's pizza Friday, yo! For the past two months or so, Matt and I have gotten into the habit of scarfing down pizza in any shape and flavor on Friday nights.
It started harmlessly with a "fend for yourself night" -- aka no set meal planned -- when we both wanted a cheesy pie. A few clicks later, and we were huddled around the computer tracking the Domino's team's progress making our dinner. After 30 minutes, our pizza hero arrived and we set up shop in the living room. Mushroom and roasted red pepper for her, pepperoni and jalapeno for him. The Ides of March from RedBox for both. (Great movie, by the way.)
But, not that pizza is expensive, per se, but ordering it every week can definitely add up. More important than cost is taste. We l-o-v-e making pizza at home. It's fresher, less greasy, and exactly how we want it.
The next week we vowed to use our pizza stone to turn out a masterpiece.
Masterpiece it sure 'nuff was: cheeseburger pizza! Each subsequent week we face the challenge to come up with a new kind of pie. There surely have been some great ones and some that make Matt so happy he could cry.
But you know me and my desire for new and shiny things recipes. I
got to thinking about the pizza I order at restaurants. At first,
nothing really came to mind since I usually opt for items I can't or
won't make at home. Suddenly, it hit me.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Restaurant review: Carmi's Family Restaurant
Hey, Pittsburghers and visitors of this glorious city! Ever get a craving for down home Southern food? I'm talking a deep yearning, must-have-it kind of hankering for soul food.
For me, the tiny little spark of curiosity turned into an all out fire after my trip to Savannah last spring. I adhered to my cardinal rule of dining out: order something you won't or can't make at home. It was the first time I'd ever tried collard greens, fried green tomatoes (with goat cheese... o.m.g.!), and black eyed peas. They were all so good. So good that I remember Laura and I eating lunch on our last day there and saying, "I'm not even hungry, and I definitely don't have any room in my stomach, but I'm going to eat this because it's so ----ing good and it'd be a crime to waste this food."
Looking for that same potty mouth-inducing flavor, I've been on a hunt for traditional Southern cuisine in the area and haven't found much. I really want to try my hand at some recipes in my own kitchen, but that adventure will have to wait because Laura discovered a little gem on the North Side of Pittsburgh that, lo and behold, specializes in Southern food! Hooray for Carmi's Family Restaurant!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Alliteration and Americana
Tonight, the University of Pittsburgh hosts the University of South Florida for a rare weeknight college football game, and I've been assigned the dessert course, natch. "To heck with second-rate tailgate food," is what I say! I pulled out all the stops last night and whipped up my most favorite pie: apple crumb!
What could be more American than college football and a classic apple dessert? Absolutely nothing! Panthers and pie!
P-I-T-T, let's go Pitt! (Try not to stink up the joint like you did for last weekend's bout with Notre Dame, k? Thanks!)
P-I-T-T, let's go Pitt! (Try not to stink up the joint like you did for last weekend's bout with Notre Dame, k? Thanks!)
Friday, August 19, 2011
How every weekend should start
Enjoying a summer sunset with a good book and cold beverage. Matt's got the right idea, no? (By the way, have you been watching or reading Game of Thrones? I think I'm the only person left in the country that hasn't... yet.)
That was last night. Tonight we're headed to Kennywood for some old-fashioned summer fun -- it just doesn't feel like summer until I've been there. Phantom's Revenge and fried Oreos, here we come :) Have a fantastic weekend!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The 27th year
Today is my 27th birthday! :)
But the celebrating started early when we visited my family and oohed and aaahed over fireworks on Saturday night!
There is no cooler birthday gift, I swear. A local church festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to my birthday (how awesome and convenient, huh?), so we enjoyed those on a perfect summer's eve. On Sunday, my mom served up a lunch of my choosing -- ham and cheese quiche and salad -- and dessert, also of my choice, of her famous iced brownies.
Because there is no such thing as enough celebrating, Matt treated me to dinner last night at my verrrrrrrrry favorite Pittsburgh restaurant, Monterey Bay up on Mount Washington. Due to his tricky evening class schedule for grad school, we chose to celebrate early (again!). Love this (rain droplet-spotted) view!
Loved it even more since there was quite a storm outside, so we had a show of bright lightning and whipping winds and rain to entertain us as we dined. For him, shrimp and scallop alfredo with housemade spinach fettuccine.
For her, macadamia nut crusted halibut. Don't we look so artsy and cool without the flash? Yeah, something like that...
Obligatory self picture for which I actually remembered to use the flash:
And, to keep the tropical nut vibe going, white chocolate macadamia nut mousse with praline biscuits and chocolate Chambord sauce. To die for, people. I'm telling you, this makes the top 5 for my "last dessert on Earth" list. That's huge!
Um, can we also applaud the gorgeous chocolate script? I want this talented man or woman to be my personal assistant so I can send office memos in chocolate from this day forward. Yes, I think that would be the key to my professional success. How could it not?
A perfect evening to reminisce and think back to what an amazing year it's been! Full of adventures involving lots of travel, both local, and far away, new foods, weddings, blizzards, moving into a new apartment, and a perfect proposal :) Looking forward to this next year even more! (Cough, 144 days, cough!)
One Year Ago: Happy birthday to me + chocolate wafer icebox cake
There is no cooler birthday gift, I swear. A local church festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to my birthday (how awesome and convenient, huh?), so we enjoyed those on a perfect summer's eve. On Sunday, my mom served up a lunch of my choosing -- ham and cheese quiche and salad -- and dessert, also of my choice, of her famous iced brownies.
Because there is no such thing as enough celebrating, Matt treated me to dinner last night at my verrrrrrrrry favorite Pittsburgh restaurant, Monterey Bay up on Mount Washington. Due to his tricky evening class schedule for grad school, we chose to celebrate early (again!). Love this (rain droplet-spotted) view!
For her, macadamia nut crusted halibut. Don't we look so artsy and cool without the flash? Yeah, something like that...
Obligatory self picture for which I actually remembered to use the flash:
And, to keep the tropical nut vibe going, white chocolate macadamia nut mousse with praline biscuits and chocolate Chambord sauce. To die for, people. I'm telling you, this makes the top 5 for my "last dessert on Earth" list. That's huge!
Um, can we also applaud the gorgeous chocolate script? I want this talented man or woman to be my personal assistant so I can send office memos in chocolate from this day forward. Yes, I think that would be the key to my professional success. How could it not?
A perfect evening to reminisce and think back to what an amazing year it's been! Full of adventures involving lots of travel, both local, and far away, new foods, weddings, blizzards, moving into a new apartment, and a perfect proposal :) Looking forward to this next year even more! (Cough, 144 days, cough!)
One Year Ago: Happy birthday to me + chocolate wafer icebox cake
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday five!
You know how I roll -- it's time for a list!
1. FINALLY went to Burgatory last night. Did it live up to the hype? Yes 100%!!! The setting is casual, with fantastic decorations, like a sign saying, "Honor thy mother and thy burger." Yes, please :) We waited 25 minutes or so, but used the time wisely to grab a drink at the bar and study the menu like it was our job. With so many options, you'll do the same!
I created my own burger: beef with the angel dust rub (salt, pepper, garlic), applewood smoked bacon, roasted garlic mayo, smokehouse cheddar cheese, tomato and Romaine lettuce on a Brioche bun. To die for! The burger was cooked exactly how I wanted it and the homemade chips on the side totally hit the spot. (Sweet and russet potato chips, to boot!)
Then I ordered the S'mores Milkshake which came out with a giant toasted marshmallow on top. I don't know how they did it, but the mysterious mixture of ice cream, milk, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate was the perfect consistency. I'm not one for bold statements like this, so listen up closely -- this was the best milkshake I've ever had in my life!! Hands down. In summary, go there now!
2. To finish off a week of reviewing my most popular recipes as determined by you, here is a three ingredient no-bake cake that will knock your (and everyone else's) socks off --chocolate wafer icebox cake! It's even more fun than it is easy to make, too. A true example of less is more! The chocolate wafers soften and absorb the sweet whipped cream and create this layered masterpiece.
I created my own burger: beef with the angel dust rub (salt, pepper, garlic), applewood smoked bacon, roasted garlic mayo, smokehouse cheddar cheese, tomato and Romaine lettuce on a Brioche bun. To die for! The burger was cooked exactly how I wanted it and the homemade chips on the side totally hit the spot. (Sweet and russet potato chips, to boot!)
Then I ordered the S'mores Milkshake which came out with a giant toasted marshmallow on top. I don't know how they did it, but the mysterious mixture of ice cream, milk, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate was the perfect consistency. I'm not one for bold statements like this, so listen up closely -- this was the best milkshake I've ever had in my life!! Hands down. In summary, go there now!
2. To finish off a week of reviewing my most popular recipes as determined by you, here is a three ingredient no-bake cake that will knock your (and everyone else's) socks off --chocolate wafer icebox cake! It's even more fun than it is easy to make, too. A true example of less is more! The chocolate wafers soften and absorb the sweet whipped cream and create this layered masterpiece.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Busy Friday
It's Good Friday... and still Passover. And I'm off work!
I'm home with my family. My grandma is visiting.
We're having a Kemp females lunch here.
And, following that, a field trip here.
And enjoying the rest of the holiday weekend watching a little hockey, running many wedding-related errands, and relaxing with the family. Happy Easter! And, a very happy birthday to my favorite pharmacist, Natalie! :)
One Year Ago: Dreamy creamy (easy!) scones
I'm home with my family. My grandma is visiting.
We're having a Kemp females lunch here.
And, following that, a field trip here.
And enjoying the rest of the holiday weekend watching a little hockey, running many wedding-related errands, and relaxing with the family. Happy Easter! And, a very happy birthday to my favorite pharmacist, Natalie! :)
One Year Ago: Dreamy creamy (easy!) scones
Friday, March 11, 2011
Pittsburgh springtime staycation
Have you ever eaten something so delicious and mind-blowing that you (almost) didn't want to finish it? Then, when it was gone, you couldn't stop thinking about it? And it wasn't even dessert but the main course? That was my Thursday evening dinner experience. But, let me tell you about the rest of the day first.
Though I'm a few years out of college, summer and spring break will always signal vacation time for me. A friend and I originally planned a trip out of the area for a few days but prior commitments grounded us here. Discussing how there are so many things we still haven't seen/done in this sweet little city, even after being here for years and growing up a mere 35 miles away, we opted for a Pittsburgh stay-cation -- the basic idea being to enjoy local attractions that may be overlooked in your everyday life. So, stay and play we did! First stop: the Strip District.
The streets of Penn Avenue and Smallman Street are known as the food mecca of Pittsburgh. You'll find vendors peddling fresh food of every ethnic origin, square miles of cheap Steelers and Penguins (Pirates? TBD) merchandise, and restaurants ranging from total dive to upscale chic within the same block. Being foodies, we popped into a few stores where I picked up fresh spinach fettuccine and amaretti cookies (to be enjoyed this weekend). And we spotted oh-so-tiny chick salt and pepper shakes perfect for approaching spring.
Though I'm a few years out of college, summer and spring break will always signal vacation time for me. A friend and I originally planned a trip out of the area for a few days but prior commitments grounded us here. Discussing how there are so many things we still haven't seen/done in this sweet little city, even after being here for years and growing up a mere 35 miles away, we opted for a Pittsburgh stay-cation -- the basic idea being to enjoy local attractions that may be overlooked in your everyday life. So, stay and play we did! First stop: the Strip District.
The streets of Penn Avenue and Smallman Street are known as the food mecca of Pittsburgh. You'll find vendors peddling fresh food of every ethnic origin, square miles of cheap Steelers and Penguins (Pirates? TBD) merchandise, and restaurants ranging from total dive to upscale chic within the same block. Being foodies, we popped into a few stores where I picked up fresh spinach fettuccine and amaretti cookies (to be enjoyed this weekend). And we spotted oh-so-tiny chick salt and pepper shakes perfect for approaching spring.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Three is for Thursday
The calendar may say Thursday, but today is a bit of a surprise Friday for me! Thanks to working last Saturday, I've got a day of comp time to use, so I'm giving myself a three day weekend. And that means tomorrow's breakfast is going to be epic. Be sure to check back tomorrow. In the spirit of my personal lucky number, here are 3 things that I've been waiting to share with you:
1. Last night I made Ina Garten's recipe for baked shrimp scampi. Due to some technical difficulties (i.e. I left my camera locked in my desk at the office, d'oh!), I didn't snap any pictures. But trust me when I say this is so easy and delicious that you'll forget its stove-top origins. Tender shrimp with a crunchy topping served over some pasta or green vegetables because it'd be a crime to waste the extrabutter and garlic flavors that make scampi such a dinnertime favorite.
2. From one decadent dish to another, Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday is just around the corner (next Tuesday, March 8th) and I'm considering making the quintessential king cake to bring to work. Many of us are giving up sweets, in some form, so Tuesday is all about feasting. Do any of you have a good recipe for king cake? Or, if you're in the Pittsburgh area, do you recommend one from a local bakery? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated :)
3. And because there is never a shortage of holidays to celebrate with food, St. Patrick's Day is two weeks out, and I want YOUR vote for what I should make to mark the occasion. Last year I made Irish soda bread, so this year I've narrowed my list down to three Irish staples, and it's up to you what dish wins:
Please submit your vote by Friday, March 11th for it to count. Since I'm notoriously indecisive, this takes the pressure off me just a bit... can't wait to see what you pick!
1. Last night I made Ina Garten's recipe for baked shrimp scampi. Due to some technical difficulties (i.e. I left my camera locked in my desk at the office, d'oh!), I didn't snap any pictures. But trust me when I say this is so easy and delicious that you'll forget its stove-top origins. Tender shrimp with a crunchy topping served over some pasta or green vegetables because it'd be a crime to waste the extra
2. From one decadent dish to another, Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday is just around the corner (next Tuesday, March 8th) and I'm considering making the quintessential king cake to bring to work. Many of us are giving up sweets, in some form, so Tuesday is all about feasting. Do any of you have a good recipe for king cake? Or, if you're in the Pittsburgh area, do you recommend one from a local bakery? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated :)
3. And because there is never a shortage of holidays to celebrate with food, St. Patrick's Day is two weeks out, and I want YOUR vote for what I should make to mark the occasion. Last year I made Irish soda bread, so this year I've narrowed my list down to three Irish staples, and it's up to you what dish wins:
- Beef hand pies - think beef and potato stew tucked into flaky pastry crust.
- Irish lamb stew - a satisfying winter soup packed with vegetables and tender lamb shoulder
- Shepherd's pie - ground beef mixed with vegetables and topped with a hearty layer of mashed potatoes
Monday, January 3, 2011
Holiday recap and a love story
Happy 2011! How was your holiday season? Mine was pretty spectacular, to put it mildly. There was a fantastic Christmas with my family. Woke up to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground.
We Kemps traditionally enjoy a very quiet and relaxing Christmas Day. Lounging around in front of the fire, enjoying cinnamon rolls and coffee, watching movies, and baking lots with my mom. To name a few, we made molasses crinkles, peanut butter fudge, and one more treat that I'll share with you later this week. And, obviously, eating of said delights.
Over the next week, I had some great visits with relatives, Matt's family, and friends. There was even time for an afternoon wintry zoo trip where the sea lions just about stole my heart. Oh, and surely the most epic sporting event I will ever attend in my lifetime -- the NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field. We were stunned, to say the least. Our view was amaaaaaaaazing!
So the Penguins lost in a bit of a ho-hum fashion... honestly, I didn't even mind. It's a measly two points from a regular season game. I consider myself lucky to have simply attended! The pyrotechnics, superstar hockey talent, Pittsburgh sports icons (Mario, Franco and Jerome... clutch!), and general atmosphere made this an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. Favorite parts? Malkin's goal and ensuing celebration, obvs, and the teams' entrances onto the ice.
With all of that excitement, it'd be easy to say that my year has gotten off to a stellar start. While that's true, 2010 ended in a pretty fantastic fashion, ensuring that 2011 will be a year full of welcome changes and new adventures. Remember when I briefly mentioned that Matt and I got engaged and then blew right past it to talk about peanut butter fudge? Yeah, what a bum I am.
We Kemps traditionally enjoy a very quiet and relaxing Christmas Day. Lounging around in front of the fire, enjoying cinnamon rolls and coffee, watching movies, and baking lots with my mom. To name a few, we made molasses crinkles, peanut butter fudge, and one more treat that I'll share with you later this week. And, obviously, eating of said delights.
Over the next week, I had some great visits with relatives, Matt's family, and friends. There was even time for an afternoon wintry zoo trip where the sea lions just about stole my heart. Oh, and surely the most epic sporting event I will ever attend in my lifetime -- the NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field. We were stunned, to say the least. Our view was amaaaaaaaazing!
So the Penguins lost in a bit of a ho-hum fashion... honestly, I didn't even mind. It's a measly two points from a regular season game. I consider myself lucky to have simply attended! The pyrotechnics, superstar hockey talent, Pittsburgh sports icons (Mario, Franco and Jerome... clutch!), and general atmosphere made this an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. Favorite parts? Malkin's goal and ensuing celebration, obvs, and the teams' entrances onto the ice.
With all of that excitement, it'd be easy to say that my year has gotten off to a stellar start. While that's true, 2010 ended in a pretty fantastic fashion, ensuring that 2011 will be a year full of welcome changes and new adventures. Remember when I briefly mentioned that Matt and I got engaged and then blew right past it to talk about peanut butter fudge? Yeah, what a bum I am.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday musings
Happpppppppy Friday, friends! Not just any Friday, but a surprise Friday! I love my surprise Fridays, almost as much as I love planning events and trips. Word to the wise -- I do not recommend reading the list of 1000 Places to Visit Before You Die after looking at pictures of one friend's cross-country road trip and another pal's vacation to Ireland. It will make you stir crazy (at the beginning of September... isn't that more of a February thing?) and have you creating multiple Google documents with travel plans. Where to go, where to go? At least I can take comfort in the fact that, barring any big hiccups, I'll be seeing this sometime in spring of 2014 (gulp):
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
All-American weekend recap
Happy Tuesday! So who needs another day to recharge from the holiday weekend? [raises both hands emphatically, a la Hermione Granger] This girl for sure. Four, count 'em - FOUR! - days of hot sun, classic American food, city fun, and visitors galore!
Friday was my favorite kind of day, filled with some productivity and even more fun. Since you already heard about my morning, I'll tell you that Matt's family arrived just in time for lunch and we headed to Point Brugge Cafe for some eats (the ultra tender steak frite for me). After lunch, Matt's family headed off to the baseball game to witness Pgh's own Pirates crush the Phillies, while I came home to finish painting some trim around my apartment. That little task has physically been on my to-do list for at least 3 months (and mentally, about 2 years). Coat #1, check. Needed some dry time in there, so I strolled to Razzy Fresh for a treat, and got home to complete coat #2 before sleep. Early to bed because Saturday was going to be a busy little bee kind of day.
...starting with some OnDemand yoga and a little cleaning up before lunch at Hofbrauhaus! Have any of you ever been there? Just another reason to visit Pittsburgh -- this spot is only one of three locations in the country! Two times in one week, I know, we're a little spoiled/obsessed with this place.
Funny moment when poor Matt and his friend actually hugged the giant metal tanks that had been outside in the scorching sun all day. Boy geniuses, I tell you :) So here they are almost touching the tanks, having been burned (literally) the first time. From the HBH, we headed to PNC Park for another Pirates. vs. Phillies game, where the latter pummeled the former. Thankfully, a 5th inning treat of cookies and cream Dip 'n Dots turned out to be the highlight of the game. Post-game fireworks in shades of red, white and blue over the river were the perfect end to a fantastic day. When I got to bed, man, I crashed hard, folks. I'd venture to say that I was asleep in under 5 minutes. Old lady alert!
Sunday was a totally different kind of day than the jam-packed thrilling Saturday; Independence Day was the ultimate lazy day, perfect for spending with my parents. We headed to the Strip District for lunch, to a place that's been on my restaurant to-try list for ages: Roland's Seafood Grill. They are known for their lobster roll, so can ya guess what my dad and I each ordered? Yessssssss!
Oh heavenly sandwich. Heavenly affordable sandwich! I love lobster and would eat it every day if I could, but it's a little pricey to eat even every week or monthly, so I try to save it for special occasions. However, after having this lunch for $15, I might have to rewrite my lobster frequency rule! The bread, hailing from Mancini's, was chewy and crusty with a touch of sweet, while the lobster... holy chunks of lobster! Merely drizzled with melted butter, that's it. The creative minds over at Apple have proven that there's something so desirable about simplicity (hello, look at the iPod) and this sandwich was a study in minimalism. This was no lobster salad drenched in mayonaise and seasonings, just the basics.
After the eating and people watching, we poked our heads into the few shops that weren't closed for the holiday, and headed over to the South Side for milkshakes. Creamsicle for me, chocolate for my mom, and moose tracks for my dad. What a sweet afternoon. My parents headed home to beat the insane traffic around the city, and since I wasn't feeling well, I stayed home to read this month's book club pick and watch fireworks on TV in the much-needed A/C. Perfect day for me :)
Monday was pretty lazy, too -- said goodbye to the last of the visitors and lifted the self-imposed grocery ban. That means fruits and vegetables are back, and I can cook some awesome dinners. Woohoo! Oh, and caught a few minutes of The Bachelorette and even more of the Jake/Vienna interview... can I get a collective "what the heck?" Those two are RIDICULOUS!! Talk about a train wreck and assault on the ears listening to them bicker. But, clearly I didn't turn it off immediately... woops. Anyway, back to work today. Fingers crossed for lots of energy. Hope everyone has recovered from the weekend!
Friday was my favorite kind of day, filled with some productivity and even more fun. Since you already heard about my morning, I'll tell you that Matt's family arrived just in time for lunch and we headed to Point Brugge Cafe for some eats (the ultra tender steak frite for me). After lunch, Matt's family headed off to the baseball game to witness Pgh's own Pirates crush the Phillies, while I came home to finish painting some trim around my apartment. That little task has physically been on my to-do list for at least 3 months (and mentally, about 2 years). Coat #1, check. Needed some dry time in there, so I strolled to Razzy Fresh for a treat, and got home to complete coat #2 before sleep. Early to bed because Saturday was going to be a busy little bee kind of day.
...starting with some OnDemand yoga and a little cleaning up before lunch at Hofbrauhaus! Have any of you ever been there? Just another reason to visit Pittsburgh -- this spot is only one of three locations in the country! Two times in one week, I know, we're a little spoiled/obsessed with this place.
Funny moment when poor Matt and his friend actually hugged the giant metal tanks that had been outside in the scorching sun all day. Boy geniuses, I tell you :) So here they are almost touching the tanks, having been burned (literally) the first time. From the HBH, we headed to PNC Park for another Pirates. vs. Phillies game, where the latter pummeled the former. Thankfully, a 5th inning treat of cookies and cream Dip 'n Dots turned out to be the highlight of the game. Post-game fireworks in shades of red, white and blue over the river were the perfect end to a fantastic day. When I got to bed, man, I crashed hard, folks. I'd venture to say that I was asleep in under 5 minutes. Old lady alert!
Sunday was a totally different kind of day than the jam-packed thrilling Saturday; Independence Day was the ultimate lazy day, perfect for spending with my parents. We headed to the Strip District for lunch, to a place that's been on my restaurant to-try list for ages: Roland's Seafood Grill. They are known for their lobster roll, so can ya guess what my dad and I each ordered? Yessssssss!
Oh heavenly sandwich. Heavenly affordable sandwich! I love lobster and would eat it every day if I could, but it's a little pricey to eat even every week or monthly, so I try to save it for special occasions. However, after having this lunch for $15, I might have to rewrite my lobster frequency rule! The bread, hailing from Mancini's, was chewy and crusty with a touch of sweet, while the lobster... holy chunks of lobster! Merely drizzled with melted butter, that's it. The creative minds over at Apple have proven that there's something so desirable about simplicity (hello, look at the iPod) and this sandwich was a study in minimalism. This was no lobster salad drenched in mayonaise and seasonings, just the basics.
After the eating and people watching, we poked our heads into the few shops that weren't closed for the holiday, and headed over to the South Side for milkshakes. Creamsicle for me, chocolate for my mom, and moose tracks for my dad. What a sweet afternoon. My parents headed home to beat the insane traffic around the city, and since I wasn't feeling well, I stayed home to read this month's book club pick and watch fireworks on TV in the much-needed A/C. Perfect day for me :)
Monday was pretty lazy, too -- said goodbye to the last of the visitors and lifted the self-imposed grocery ban. That means fruits and vegetables are back, and I can cook some awesome dinners. Woohoo! Oh, and caught a few minutes of The Bachelorette and even more of the Jake/Vienna interview... can I get a collective "what the heck?" Those two are RIDICULOUS!! Talk about a train wreck and assault on the ears listening to them bicker. But, clearly I didn't turn it off immediately... woops. Anyway, back to work today. Fingers crossed for lots of energy. Hope everyone has recovered from the weekend!
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