October 16, 2013

Spinach Tortellini Soup

The nights are starting to get cooler here in the Bay Area and I’m absolutely loving it. Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year. I especially love the chill in the morning because it makes me appreciate the warmth of my coffee even more. Also, SOUP. I love soup weather. Who doesn’t??

This Spinach Tortellini soup is like a warm/cozy blanket. It’s SUPER comforting, hearty and somewhat healthy. There’s an amazing amount of spinach in there– you’ll see. A warm bowl full of soup goes best with a heavy dose of freshly grated Parmesan and a few slabs or 4 of my killer garlic bread. It’s so dang easy that it goes in my Everyday Eats category. Enjoy!

Inspiration, Outfitting

October 15, 2013

OUTFITTING: Tunic Time

I’ve become a fan of tunics in the past few years and let me tell you why! They’re comfy and they cover you up!! If you’ve eaten too much during the holidays (ahem, ME) you can unbutton your pants and NO ONE WILL KNOW. Also…if you’re not sure your pants or leggings are making you’re rear-end look big, NO WORRIES. You’re covered. Lastly, drape-y fabric makes me think I’m wearing pajamas and really I just want to wear pajamas in some form all day/everyday. So, let’s celebrate the TUNIC. They’re GREAT with leggings & boots and flats and maybe even a long flowy maxi skirt!

I think it’s funny that I gravitate towards black & blue. Can’t stop/Won’t stop.

One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six/Seven/Eight

recipes

October 14, 2013

Braised Brussels Sprouts w/ Pancetta

Is it too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving? I mean… I’ve seen Christmas decorations at Costco since August, so I think we’re cool. Right? One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is the side-dish action. Gimme mashed potatoes, stuffing & sweet potaotes and I’m totally cool. No need for turkey, but I’ll take some gravy if you’ve got it. Oh wait, shouldn’t I be eating something green? I’ll take this braised Brussels Sprouts recipe, please.

The Brussels Sprouts here are super tender and almost creamy with the addition of the Parmesan. The browned pancetta & onions create a hash-like quality to the mixture. If some turkey gravy trailed off into my mound of sprouts, I’d probably shed three solid happy tears. I might even punch somebody; they’re that good.

But then again, this is one of those side-dishes that can turn into a WHOLE meal because you simply CANNOT stop at one helping. I gave Casey a small bowl and then later I saw him standing over the counter shoveling more in his mouth. Good sign. Good sign.

my everyday life, Photography

October 12, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 41

Here’s what this past week looked like:
Taco night! I had my tacos with butter lettuce. It’s actually super good.

October 11, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

I want to ride a real life Totoro Bus!
Brides Throwing Cats! Can you imagine??
It’s time to bust out the doughnut pans! These pumpkin doughnuts looks awesome.
Clever parents are just so dang clever. Halloween edition.
Oooh! A pumpkin smoothie with chia seeds!
GABY!! You had me at CHEESY PULL APART BREAD.
So that’s one way to pass the time on an airplane…
MYOB. Seriously!
I have major closet envy.
This pumpkin cream cheese roll looks SOOO DANG GOOD.
For all of you who are stingy (like me!) here are some more $$ saving tips.
I know what to do with all those apples I have…apple sorbet!
A little architecture love for you and how cool is that quote?
15 Mid Century Modern Homes that will kill your kid! My safety obsessed brother will love this.
I want to spread this pumpkin pecan butter on EVERYTHING.
On the TO DO LIST this weekend: Make my own Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

Cool news! I started working with Liz from Say Yes to Hobokken on her SITES & BITES series. If you love pie & soda, you will love this edition!

Thank you Far & Wise for including Shutterbean in your 17 Bay Area Food Bloggers San Francisco Favorites post.

Also– just a quick note, Joy and I have both been traveling so our podcasting schedule is out of whack! We hope to record next week, so stay tuned! And if you’ve never listening to one of our podcasts, SHAME ON YOU! Just kidding! You can find them here at Homefries!

Joy the Baker adapted my Vanilla & Ginger Crumble Rice Pudding

Make Great veganized my Fig & Olive Oil Cake

Core Chicago Pilates adapted my Brussels Sprouts Salad

Chez Catey Lou made my Baked Pumpkin Pecan Doughnuts

A Glass of Milk made my BBQ Chicken Salad

Bake Good made my Baked Espresso Glazed Doughnuts

Mocha & Moccasins made my Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Olive & Gin made my No Knead Pizza Dough

Dini Blini made my Nutty Cranberry Granola & Reset Button Salad

recipes

October 9, 2013

Hot Cocoa Popcorn

Maximum reward for little effort. I should get that tattooed on my body because it’s kinda my mantra. I’ve thought about the words YES, FOCUS, CARB LOVE and some other quote but I’ve never been able to figure out what font I’d choose. THAT WOULD BE SO DANG HARD.

This Hot Cocoa Popcorn recipe falls into that maximum reward/little effort category. It’s ridiculously easy! How do you get popcorn to taste like hot cocoa?? You mix it with cocoa powder, sugar and a bit of cinnamon. Then you sprinkle chocolate chips & mini marshmallows throughout.

The only problem is…if you’re trying to sneak some (ahem, COOPER) someone will instantly see you’ve been up to no good with your cocoa coated fingers (and face!). It makes a perfect after school treat or a nice little I need something to jam in my mouth before I make dinner–snack.

Inspiration, Outfitting

October 8, 2013

OUTFITTING: Apple Picking

My Instagram feed & Facebook are both filled with people going on apple picking adventures. Color me JEALOUS! The only apple picking I’ve done is from our old neighbors yard & my grandparents had a wonderful apple tree at their house when I was growing up. Next time you’re out apple picking would you invite me please? I’ll make sure to look cute for the event.

One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six/Seven/Eight/Nine