June 12, 2013

Strawberry Ginger Punch

Punch bowls always make me think of school dances. Although I never went to a school dance that had a punch bowl. It seems like something one only sees in movies. Did you ever have a punch bowl at a dance? Somehow I don’t think Boys II Men & punch bowls mix well. Funky Cold Medina? Yes. Now we’re talking.

I’ve always wanted a punch bowl. I’m actually on the look-out for one. But when I read this recipe for Strawberry Ginger Punch and when they suggested using a big vase as a punch bowl I thought…WHOA. GENIUS. I also had all of the ingredients at home to make this punch but was missing Brandy…so I used vodka instead! Vases for punch bowls. Vodka for Brandy. We’re improvising!

With the strawberries, ginger & basil I’m sure gin would also make a good substitute. Bubbly seltzer finishes this sweet/herbal drink off to make it more of a spritzer! It’s such a refreshing drink! Perfect for summertime. Perfect for school dances? Hmm. I might be guilty of spiking (my own) punch bowl…And if you’re not into spiked punches, you could totally make this without the booze. Just watch your back…someone might have a hidden flask…

recipes, Uncategorized

June 10, 2013

Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

New recipe! Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

My parents switched schools on me when I was in 7th grade. I was super nervous and pretty upset to be changing schools because I had been with my friends since kindergarten. On my first day of the new school I found out that they sold ice cream sandwiches after lunchtime. SCORE! When my friend Caley bought me one to welcome me, it was then when I knew my parents made the right decision. It was also then that I knew I had made a solid friend.

This is my first time making ice cream sandwiches and it definitely won’t be the last. There’s something so satisfying about spreading
melty ice cream over a sheet of cookie and squishing another cookie on top to make a sandwich. And when you cut out individual sandwiches, it’s like jackpot!! Who wouldn’t want this ice cream sandwich loot in their freezer?

These sandwiches are packed with flavor! The lemon zest & juice really enhances the vanilla ice cream. It’s tastes like blueberry muffin ice cream! The blueberry swirl captures my heart and adds such a pretty color to what would have been a very monotone ice cream sandwich. I’m quite smitten with these and I’m sure you’ll agree when you share your first (of many batches!) with your loved ones. Ice cream sandwiches are how friends are made.

my everyday life, Photography, Uncategorized

June 8, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 23

Here’s what this past week looked like:

Amen.

Uncategorized

June 7, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

Look at these places. WHOA.
What a gorgeous DIY. Pastel Dipped Milk Vases.
Review of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Diet. I loved reading this.
Pretty RECTANGULAR bracelets!
Two of these for me, please.
CHERRY SODA. SPIKED!
These might be the next Baked Doughnut I make!
Art that requires dramamine. Can’t stop/won’t. This art impresses too!
Things I Know About Food. LEARNING IS COOL.
I’d love to do this in our house. But what would it say? Also! THIS.
I’m totally cringing at these tattoos. OMG. #41.
These Mister Roger’s Remixes are so creepy yet I can’t stop watching…
James has such excellent taste in jewelry.
Paul Octavious is KILLING it with his Pantone Project.
I was OBSESSED with this movie when it came out. Now I can live in it.

Horror Camp, CALIFORNIA!!! Joy and I pretend we are tourists in our own cities. Where would we go?? Check out the latest Joy the Baker Podcast!

Wit & Vinegar made my Farro Salad.

About a Boy made my Mango Apple Salad with Sugared Lime

Flora Margaret made my Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake

Love Laurie made my Bacon Cheddar Waffles

Love Laurie also made my Baked Espresso Glazed Doughnuts

recipes, Uncategorized

June 5, 2013

Mango Lassi Popsicles

Dust off your popsicle molds! Make space in your freezer (hides head in shame) because popsicle season has begun! I know, I know you can totally eat popsicles year round, but in my brain I feel like it’s only OK to do it when it’s hot outside.

Cooper’s favorite thing to get when we’re out for Indian food is a mango lassi. He also likes “chicka-ma-tikka-man-sala.” Don’t fight him on this. I want him to say it like that forever. So here’s my attempt to win his heart with a Mango Lassi in popsicle form!

These pops are super creamy thanks to the Greek yogurt and oh so refreshing/healthy! Now…I’m thinking my next popsicle I make should be boozy cuz I want one geared around my adult beverage tastes. What are we thinking? I’ve already done Boozy Peach Pops and Pina Coladas. How about Mojitos? Jack & Cokes? Moscow Mules? Let’s brainstorm!

recipes, Uncategorized

June 3, 2013

Spinach Salad w/ Dates & Almonds

I’ve had a lot of salads in my life so I feel like I can say (with some authority) that this salad ranks high up there as one of the best salads I’ve ever made. It has everything I love in a salad— onions that aren’t too sharp & potent, sweetness from dried fruits (dates!), crunchy almonds (that almost taste like bacon!) and crunchy flavorful carby pita chips!

Who doesn’t love a salad that has toasted bread in it?!! All of the flavors here marry into something remarkable. You might find yourself making this twice…or three times in one week.

This is the first of MANY recipes I want to make from the Jerusalem Cookbook; I’m a little late on adding it to my cookbook collection. Better late than never! I think I have fallen in love with this book most similarly to how I fell hard for Heart of the Artichoke by David Tanis. Both cookbooks are filled with all the foods I want to eat all the time with the people I love.