Dog Poop

In my house we call El Husbee "The Poo Slave".  I am not sure how this all started but it's pretty funny.  He will tell you that I never pick up poop.  In my defense, I picked up poop everyday the first year of Khloe the pup's life.  After year one I cannot vouch for myself.

Image from: http://www.corgidogs.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dog-poop.png

After seeing this poster I have a very different view about poop.  I for sure don't want Khloe the pup getting sick and I for sure do not want to get sick.  AND I hate flies.  So I am going to work a lot harder on picking up poop.  

Pooper scooper in training signing off!

XOXO

Superior Dairy

Many people I know talk about Superior Dairy and the amazing ice cream.  I have heard about it from friends for years.  My bestie and her family always talk about how good the ice cream is.

Social media has mixed reviews.  It seems based on Facebook, Yelp and urbanspoon people either love it or hate it.  However, the people that hate it generally hate it because of poor service.  Now, coming with a Bachelor of Science in management and a background in retail I can tell you this ... most reviews are from unhappy customers.  Unhappy customers tend to spend endless amounts of time complaining. Unfortunately happy customers don't spend the same amount of time writing good reviews.

Coming home from a recent trip out of town, El Husbee and I went to Superior Dairy for the first time.  We were lucky and there was a open table when we arrived.  The place was quite busy and there was even a line at the take out section.  There was already a menu on the table.  We decided immediately that we wanted to share a banana split.  (I mean what else do you get from a ice cream parlor?)  Our waitress arrived at our table with ice water and ready to take our order.  Now, our banana split arrived before I came back from the restroom.  This is important because I was not gone long at all.






























The banana split was massive.  We got our banana split with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream.  I am pretty sure you can get other flavors but we wanted to try the originals before getting too crazy.  There was pineapple syrup and strawberry syrup poured over the ice cream.  I love that they put the nuts separately because El Husbee loves nuts and I am not a big fan.  So this was perfect.  All three ice creams were delicious.  The strawberry tasted very fresh and not at all like strawberry exact.  The chocolate was nice and creamy and rich of chocolate flavor.  To me the chocolate taste more like dark chocolate.

We got pretty close to finishing the banana split.  I would say we had probably 1/2 a normal size scoop left.  I will for sure coming here again.  I hear that the lemon ice cream is super yummy and for sure want to try that.

Superior Dairy
325 N. Douty Street
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-0481

Support local business!

XOXO

Shrimp Avocado Salad

I love avocados!  They are super yummy.  Avocados are very versatile too!  You can put them in sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers, etc.  You can make them into guacamole!  You can use avocado as a healthy spread instead of mayo.  Some people have started using avocados as a pasta sauce.  The possibilities are endless.  (I have seen some people use it in desserts!)

I decided to try making a avocado shrimp salad. 

Shrimp Avocado Salad

Adapted from Add A Pinch

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled, cooked

4 avocados, cut into large pieces

1/2 red onion, diced (very small)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

garlic salt

pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1.  Add shrimp, avocado and onion to a large bowl

2.  In a 2 cup measuring cup, mix together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder and Dijon mustard.

3.  Add dressing to shrimp avocado salad until desired taste.  Add garlic salt and pepper to taste.

4.  Chill until ready to eat

O-M-G!  I loved this salad.  I ate it more like a dip with chips.  But now I am thinking it would be a yummy sandwich or wrap too!  The vinegar gives it a good tang to make you want to keep eating.  This is perfect for a snack or on a hot day.

Soak up the warm weather because fall is right around the corner!

XOXO

Spaghetti Squash

Trying new things can be scary for me but I know it is good for me.  I am not always happy about change especially when there is nothing wrong to begin with.  But in life you must adapt.

I love pasta.  But sometimes you need a alternative to pasta.  Spaghetti squash is your answer!




























Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:
1 spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
1 onion, small diced
1/2lb ground turkey
 2 cups mushroom, sliced
1 tomato, chopped
1 jar marinara sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon oregano

Topping: shredded colby and cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scrap out seeds.  Lightly spray insides of both halves with cooking spray. Broil for about 20 minutes
2.  Brown garlic and onions in large pan.
3.  Add ground turkey and cook until done.
4.  Add mushrooms and cook until soft
5.  Add tomato and cook for about 2 minutes
6.  Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, garlic salt, ground pepper, and oregano.  Cook for about 15 minutes.
7.  Shred spaghetti squash with a fork.  Add to sauce.
8.  Enjoy!

I am not a fan of sweet dishes that are not dessert.  So I was a little worried about this dish since I have never tasted spaghetti squash.  Turns out there really is not that much flavor in spaghetti squash.  Served with sauce spaghetti squash is a great substitute for noodles.  This dish is pretty versatile and you can pretty much add anything you like in a red pasta sauce.  I am curious how this would taste in a alfredo sauce. 

El Husbee devoured a bowl of this and was quite impressed that it was squash and not noodles.

I think next time I will add some red pepper flakes to give the dish a little kick.

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Baked Ravioli

Sometimes it is a nightmare trying to figure out what to make for dinner on the weekdays after a long day at work.  Since El Husbee and I are avid Costco shoppers we stock up on random items.  For instance, frozen raviolis.  Now I am not sure if we are the only ones with this problem but when we boil raviolis we always lose some in the process.  So when I learned through Pinterest that you can bake raviolis you better believe I was on board with this. 

Baked Ravioli
Adapted from Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients:
1 bag frozen ravioli
2 jars alfredo sauce
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded colby cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Spray bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray
2.  Spread 1 bottle of alfredo sauce into baking dish.
3.  Arrange frozen raviolis in a single layer in dish.
4.  Pour 2nd bottle of alfredo sauce over raviolis.
5.  Sprinkle sun dried tomatoes
6.  Sprinkle shredded cheese over raviolis
7.  Bake in the oven for 30 minutes
8.  Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before eating
9.  Enjoy!

I think I went a little too crazy with the colby cheese and parmesan cheese this time.  I would definitely tone down the cheese the next time I make this.  But I am pretty sure I will never make raviolis the old fashion way again!  I love my oven!

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO 

Cream Cheese Nacho Dip

Sometimes you just want a snack.  We are kinda a big sports family and watch a lot of it on tv.  This also means I am always looking for snack ideas.  I L-O-V-E chips and dip.  Chips are my kryptonite and paired with dip I am in heaven.

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and had to try it.  I made a few substitutions by changing out the sour cream with Greek yogurt and adding olives.  Not big changes but more to the taste of my family.

Cream Cheese Nacho Dip
Adapted from A Little North of Crazy

Ingredients:
1 pkg of cream cheese
1 cup greek yogurt
1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
1 can olives

Directions:
1.  Use a mixer to cream the cream cheese until smooth
2.  Add greek yogurt and taco seasoning and mix well
3.  Spread cream cheese mixture into the bottom of a dish
4.  Top with salsa and then with shredded cheese
5.  Refrigerate for about 30 minutes
6.  Enjoy!

This was super easy to make and the ingredients are normal ingredients that can be found in your pantry or refrigerator.  I am a big fan of homemade food so this is something fast to whip up for any occasion with any additional toppings.  I am thinking next time I will try some fresh jalapeños and tomatoes.

El Husbee and I gobbled this up while watching some Keeping up with the Kardashians.  Don't judge us.

Keep trying new recipes!

XOXO

Hot Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

There is nothing like a chocolate chip cookie after dinner.  Throw in some chocolate chips and you have got a great ending to a night.

Hot Chocolate Dark Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

4 ounces hot chocolate mix (not sugar free)

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup M&Ms

1 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Whisk flour, cocoa mix, salt, and baking soda together

2. Cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)

3. add eggs 1 at a time.

4. Add vanilla

5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. DO NOT OVER MIX

6. Fold in the M&Ms and semi chocolate chips

7. Chill dough for about 1 hour

8. Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees.

9. Use a cookie dough scooper and drop about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

10. Bake them 1 sheet at a time for about 9 minutes. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

These cookies are super yummy because they are chocolatey without being too sweet.

MAKE THESE COOKIES!

XOXO

Chocolate Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

My favorite snack are chips.  I love all chips.  Not all chips are equal.  But I would prefer a bad chip over some other salty snack.  My husband on the other hand loves sweets.  He has a major sweet tooth.  I have spoiled him with homemade baked treats since we have been married.  Today's recipe that I am sharing is for him.

These chocolate cookies are for chocolate lovers.  There is fudge chocolate pudding in them, semi sweet chocolate chip cookies AND mini M&Ms.  If you don't love chocolate there are not for you.  Also, if you don't love chocolate there is something wrong with you.  

Chocolate Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

Ingredients:
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (3.5) package instant fudge chocolate pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini M&Ms

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper
2.  Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. 
3.  Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. 
4.  Whisk together the flours, baking soda, and salt. 
5.  Slowly add the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just incorporated.  DO NOT OVER MIX!
6.  Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
7.  Using a cookies scooper, scoop 2 tablespoons cookie dough on prepared baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. 
8.  Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly brown.  Remove and place on cooling rack.

When baking cookies I highly recommend parchment paper over foil.  Obviously if you do not have parchment paper use foil.  But if you use foil please keep a eye on your cookies as they can easily burn or stick to the foil.  I love parchment paper.  It makes clean up easy and it keeps cookies from burning.  Today I ran out of parchment paper and lined ONE sheet with foil.  The results were a few burned cookies on the foil sheet.  Bah!  You win some you lose some.

Eat well friends!

XOXO

Blueberry Banana Bread

I love living in a town with fresh produce.  I recently scored some fresh blueberries and wanted to make something yummy with it.  

I decided to try blueberries with banana.  Why not?  I make banana bread all the time.  Why not add some blueberries.

This bread came out super tasty.  The blueberries added a really nice flavor and it was a nice change to the traditional banana bread.

I love making mini loaves.  It allows me to get my bake on, try some creation, and then share with the ones I love.  What could be better?

Blueberry Banana Bread

Ingredients:
4 very ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:
1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a mini loaf pan with cookies spray.
2)  Mash bananas with a fork.
3)  In a mixer, mix butter and mashed bananas
4)  Mix in the sugars, egg, and vanilla extract.
5)  Mix in the baking soda and salt
6)  Add the flour and mix to combine.
7)  Fold in the blueberries by hand.
8)  Pour mixture into pan and bake for about 23-25 minutes.
9)  Cool completely before removing from pan.

This bread is super easy to make and only uses one bowl.  I think it's pretty fool proof.  The hardest part is finding enough ripe bananas since it does call for 4.  

Eat local produce!

XOXO

Reese's Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookies

There is just something about candy in chocolate chip cookies that is just so yummy.  I can never resist to add some sort of candy in my chocolate chip cookies.  

Chocolate chips ... Reese's pieces ... what a good combination!

Reese's Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• Reese's Pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a deep dish cookie pan or whoopie pie pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch and salt, and set aside. In a electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugars until creamy, about a minute. Beat in the egg and vanilla to combine.
3. Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Once dough has come together, stir the chocolate chips in by hand with a spoon.
4. Drop 2 tablespoonfuls of dough into the bottom of each cavity. Gently press it to cover the bottom of each cavity.  Top with Reese's pieces candy.
5. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes or until the centers are set and the edges are golden and lightly crisped. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan about 5 minutes before gently removing to wire racks to cool completely. You can loosen them from the pan very carefully with a butter knife or dump them over

El Husbee brought these cookies to work on Monday to share with his co-workers.  I need a kid to bad for.  

Enjoy the summer!

XOXO

Chocolate Chip Salt Caramel Ghirardelli Squares Cookies

Homemade cookies are always so good.  I guess when I mean homemade I mean freshly baked.  This cookie snob is not a fan of store bought cookies.

El Husby and I took a trip to World Market over the weekend to look at some outdoor furniture and home decor.  Our trip was not a complete fail as we came home with a bag of Ghirardelli squares.

Sometimes I feel it is hard being the husband of a baker.  First there is a lot of baked goods and if you are not a daily runner it can be hard on your waistline.  Second there is the constant wait for pictures before you can eat anything.  Than last not forget the constant questions on the finish product.  Is it good?  How good?  Would you eat it again?  Is it better than the last batch like it?  Can you eat all of them or should we give some away?

My poor Husbee was told not to eat these candy because I wanted to put them in cookies.  His face was torn between wanting the cookies and wanting to eat the candy in case I got lazy and did not make the cookies.  (I am guilty of this)

Since I yelled at him for letting the d-o-g lick my face/ear I felt bad and decided to make the cookies.

Chocolate Chip Ghiradelli Squares Cookies

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• Ghiradelli Salted Caramel squares, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a deep dish cookie pan or whoopie pie pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch and salt, and set aside. In a electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugars until creamy, about a minute. Beat in the egg and vanilla to combine.
3. Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Once dough has come together, stir the chocolate chips in by hand with a spoon.
4. Drop a tablespoonful of dough into the bottom of each cavity. Gently press it to cover the bottom of each cavity. Top with an unwrapped square. Top the candy with an additional tablespoonful of dough and gently press the top dough ball to cover and enclose the candy.
5. Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes or until the centers are set and the edges are golden and lightly crisped. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan about 5 minutes before gently removing to wire racks to cool completely. You can loosen them from the pan very carefully with a butter knife or dump them over 

These cookies were super easy to make.  I probably whipped them out in about 1 hour including baking time.  Please please please take the time to let the cookies cool inside the pan.  I know it's tempting to dig right in but the cooling processing is essential to keeping the cookies together.  

The cookies were very tasty.  However, you could not really taste the salted caramel.  I would say maybe night time I would sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookie before baking.  With that said ... THESE COOKIES ARE DA BOMB!  So thick ... so chocolatey ... so good!  

Make these cookies!

XOXO

Pupcakes ... Happy 3rd birthday Khloe

This post is about 3 months late ... but I thought better late than never.  Khloe the pup turned 3 this year.  Time passes fast.

Seems like just yesterday I was taking home a little black and white pup home from the animal shelter.

This year is no exception from all the other birthdays.  Khloe the pup got toys, treats, and pup cake.

I wonder what goes though her head as we sing happy birthday to her.

Khloe the pup is always so serious when there is food involved.  It makes taking pictures so hard.

Oh how I love this fur ball.

I make her pup cake because in this economy it is hard to find a place that makes cakes for dogs anymore.  But with the internet and Pinterest it's not too hard finding a recipe.

Khloe the pup seems to really enjoy her pup cake.  Baking my own pup cakes also makes me feel good because I know what she is eating.

Not one crumb was left behind.  This recipe is a keeper and easy to make.

Peanut Butter Delight Pupcakes
Adapted from Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Line muffin cups with liners.
2.  Whisk together flour and baking soda.
3.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
4.  Fill prepared muffin cups 3/4 full or use ice cream scooper (makes about 6 pupcakes)
5.  Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. 

I love my fur baby and enjoy spoiling her.  

Knowing a dog's love is amazing!

XOXO

Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

A co-worker's son was selling cookie dough for a school fundraiser and I decided to indulge in some cookies.  Now I am normally a homemade from scratch kind of cookie dough girl but everyone once in a while I will buy cookie dough.  While going through the cookie dough catalog I noticed there was Paula Deen cookie dough and knew I had to try them.  

cookies right out of the oven

That Paula Deen really knows her stuff.  These cookies are amazing.  I don't understand how the powder sugar stays when the cookie dough is baking but the cookies come out so cute and they just melt in your mouth

cookies cooling

Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients:
tub of Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies
powder surgar

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Use cookie scoop and scoop out balls of batter.
3.  Roll balls into powder sugar
4.  Set cookie dough about 1 inch apart
5.  Bake for about 9 minutes
6.  Cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy

These cookies are amazing.  I wish I bought more tubs of this cookie dough.  I think I might need to google the recipe.  Hopefully Paula Deen shares her recipe for this cookie online.

Support the kids and buy cookies ... or cookie dough!

XOXO

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

Is anyone on Pinterest?  Pinterest has everything.  EVERYTHING!  My favorite catergory on Pinterest is the Food and Drink.  There are so many recipes on Pinterest that I want to try.

cake cooling

I decided to try making a pineapple and angel food cake recipe that I saw on Pinterest.  The cake only requires a box of angel food cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple.

This cake smells so good

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

Ingredients:
1 box of Angel Food Cake mix
1 can crushed pineapple 20oz

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Mix angel food cake mix and 1 can of crushed pineapple
3.  Pour mixture into a 9x13 pan and bake for about 30 minutes
4.  Cool before eating

This cake smells so good baking and your house afterwards will smell amazing.  This cake is so easy to make and taste amazing.  So much flavor and so fluffy.  But please be careful when baking.  I seemed to burned mine a little so I will make sure to watch more carefully the next time I make it.  A great way to eat this cake is with some vanilla bean ice cream.  Amaze-A-BALLS!  According to Pinterest you can also make this with fruit pie filling such as blueberry, lemon, and apple.  Considering trying this next time.

Keep baking!

XOXO

Good Wifey

My husband does all kinds of fun things at his work.  I feel like he always has something going on.  It is not uncommon for him to come home and announce that he has to bring something.  Apparently he go salad this time.

Chopped Veggies

How someone gets assigned salad is mind boggling to me.  Let me tell you salad is not a easy pot luck item.  I mean to have a good salad there is a lot chopping involved and you need to also make sure everything stay fresh.

Packed salad

I woke up at 6am for El Husbee to chop up salad and pack it for his work thingy.  

I am such a good wifey.

Kudos to me.

XOXO

Banana Bread

Sometimes when it comes to banana bread the simpler the better.  Don't get me wrong chocolate chips, nuts, and coconuts are yummy.  But sometimes a good ole simple banana bread really hits the spot.  

mini banana bread

Sometimes I like to not mash my bananas completely so there are nice chunks of banana in my bread.  It's not pretty to look at but it sure is yummy to eat.

that hole is filled with yummy banana

Banana Bread
yield 2 mini loaves

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed rip bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Spray a mini loaf pan with cooking spray
3.  In a small bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.  Set aside
4.  Beat together sugar and oil until combined.
5.  Add eggs and beat until well blended.
6.  Beat in flour mixture alternating with mashed bananas until incorporated.  DO NOT OVER MIX
7.  Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
8.  Let cool for about 5 minutes in pan before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
9.  Enjoy when cool!

I usually make all my quick breads in a mini loaf pan because they are cute and perfect for sharing.  The mini loaves allow me to try new recipes without expanding my waist line too much.  Plus everyone is always happy when I bring baked goods over to share.

I wouldn't call myself a baked goods snob but I do believe that homemade is the best.  If you must buy something a local bakery is the next best option.  Store bought pre-made in a box is not something I recommend.  Too many preserves.  After working in retail I know that you just never know how long something is sitting on the shelf.

Buy local and support your community!

XOXO

Grilled Tri Tip

I am always scared to cook meat.  It just seems scary.  Plus I am not that much of a fan of eating meat either.  But El Husbee loves his meat.  Today we decided to get adventurous and BBQ/grill a tri tip.  We love Costco so of course we got the tri tip from Costco.  Since it was our first time I got the pre-seasoned tri tip.  I love that Costco sells it in 2 pieces.  

sliced after resting

Grilled Tri Tip

Ingredients:
pre seasoned trip tip

Directions:
1.  Heat up grill to around 400 degrees
2.  Grill on each side for about 15 minutes
3.  Rest on cutting board for about 5 minutes
4.  Slice and enjoy

I am not a big fan of meat but this smelled so good even I could not resist.  Not bad for our first time.  El Husbee is getting pretty good at grilling.  I would say that this would be a nice tailgating item in the fall.  Since I don't normally eat beef this is much better for El Husbee to grill and have left overs for other meals instead of steak.  I am thinking maybe some sandwiches tomorrow.  

Start grilling cause summer is here!

XOXO

Mother's Day Funfetti Cupcakes

Since I had a full day planned on Mother's Day I knew I did not have that much time for baking.  If you know me you know that El Hubby gets mad because my sense of time management is bad.  I always think I have more time than I do.  Hence, we were late to Mother's Day brunch because of me. 

Funfetti Cupcakes cooling

In my head I knew I wanted to make cookies for sure, but a holiday is just not right without cake.  So to make my life easier and still satisfy the craving for cake I used a box mix.  I don't think there is really anything wrong with a box cake.  But when there is the option for scratch I will also go with scratch.  You can taste the extra effort in scratch/homemade cooking/baking.

Mother's Day funfetti cupakes

I apologize to critics.  Everything about these cupcakes were store bought.  Box cake mix, frosting, and decorative sparkle icing.  Whatever!  Funfetti is yummy.  Case close. 

I am currently taking a cupcake class at the local adult school.  We are learning to decorate and make cupcakes.  Lets see what I learn.  I think El Hubby is excited because that will mean more baked goods since I need practice.  

Happy Mother's Day!

XOXO

S21

I have been craving some spam musubi and ramen for a awhile.  It's been all I can think about.  Consuming my thoughts at every meal.  There is currently no rice in my house.  No spam.  No ramen noodles.  I desperately need to go to the grocery store.  The last meal that was cooked in my house was BLAT sandwiches.  Okay okay El Hubby made the sandwiches.

Milky Ramen

Oh Tuesdays and Thursday S21 serves authentic Japanese ramen.  This was only my second trip to S21 for ramen.  S21 did not disappoint.  When we arrived there was no one in the restaurant which really makes me sad.  Coming from and growing up in a family of restaurant owners I know how depressing it is to have a empty restaurant.  It's also a reason I try to support local restaurants and shops as much as possible.  Not only are you supporting your community but you are helping the environment too.  (Local means less gas, packaging, etc.)  We were greet right away and seated.  The restaurant was clean and staff friendly. 

My bowl came out pipping hot and the broth was rich with flavor.  I got the milky ramen which comes with chasu pork, egg, fish cake, seaweed, and some other seasoned/pickled vegetables.  (Sorry I am not Japanese enough to know all the names)  I am not a fan in general of chasu pork.  El Hubby seemed to really enjoy it and ate mine too.  So I am sure if you like chasu pork you would like it.  I loved my ramen and it definitely satisfied my craving for ramen. 

Now time to hit the store and satisfy my spam musubi craving!

S21 Sushi & Sake Bar
5754 N. First Street
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 438-7100

Support local business!

XOXO

Hot Chocolate Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies

There is something about hot chocolate cookies that is just so good.  Maybe it's the richness it adds to the cookie.  Or maybe it's how yummy the cookie dough is.  
 

Hot chocolate cookie dough taste amazing ... and I am not even the type that like to eat cookie dough.  The hardest part of this recipe is chilling the cookie dough.  I am a very impatient person.

But I have found that chilling cookie dough for at least 1 hour minimum makes cookies so much richer in flavor.  So if you have the time ... and the patience chill your cookie dough. 

Hot Chocolate Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

4 ounces hot chocolate mix (not sugar free)

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup raisins

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Whisk flour, cocoa mix, salt, and baking soda together

2. Cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)

3. add eggs 1 at a time.

4. Add vanilla

5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. DO NOT OVER MIX

6. Fold in the raisins and semi chocolate chips

7. Chill dough for about 1 hour

8. Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees.

9. Use a cookie dough scooper and drop about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

10. Bake them 1 sheet at a time for about 9 minutes. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

I am working on incorporating local produce into my cooking.  When the new Fresno State market opened I had went and purchased some raisins.  Let me tell you, I will never purchase regular raisins again.  The raisins that I got from the Fresno State market were huge, juicy and sooooo yummy!  There was no sugary white film on the raisin that you can something get with regular store bought raisins.  Buy local friends!  Buy local!

I brought these cookies to Mother's Day dinner with my family and my little cousin JakeEE gobbled one up.  I would say they were a hit. 

Support local business!
XOXO

Banana Walnut Caramel Cookies

This year we switched it up and had a champagne brunch with my husband's family for Mother's Day.  While eating my husband mentioned that the only thing missing was bananas foster.  This got me thinking ... and thinking ... and craving bananas foster.  

When I got home I decided to make cookies ... with a bananas foster theme of course.

Since real bananas get brown and I am not really familiar with them in cookies I decided to use banana pudding mix for my banana flavor.  The cookie dough smelled amazing.  There is just something about banana and caramel that is drool worthy.

Banana Walnut Caramel Cookies

Ingredients:
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (3.5) package instant banana pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup caramel bits
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper
2.  Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3.  Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4.  Whisk together the flours, baking soda, and salt.
5.  Slowly add the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just incorporated.  DO NOT OVER MIX!
6.  Fold in the caramel bits and walnuts.
7.  Using a cookies scooper, scoop 1 tablespoons cookie dough on prepared baking sheet.
8.  Bake for about 9 minutes or until lightly brown.  Remove and place on cooling rack.

I brought these cookies to Mother's Day dinner with my family.  The cookies were super moist because of the banana pudding mix.  My husband really enjoyed these cookies.  However, we realized that I forgot a key ingredient to bananas foster ... RUM!  So looks like next time I make these cookies I will be substituting rum extract for vanilla extract.  The caramel bits were a little chewy so maybe not so old people friendly or dentist friendly.  Oh well.  Them were sure yummy to eat!

Keep baking for your loved ones!
XOXO

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, soon to be moms, and pet moms. Moms really should be honored more than once a year.

My family likes to do big dinners/meals to celebrate all occasions.  Above was the Mother's Day dessert spread.  Recipes to come!

Bake for the ones you love!
XOXO

Dutch Bros Coffee

I recently experienced Dutch Bros Coffee ... and it was AMAZING!  I had a coffee freeze which is basically a coffee frappuccino.  So much better than Starbucks.  Not that there is anything wrong with Starbucks.  But the coffee flavor was just so much better.  The price was also a lot cheaper than Starbucks.  I love Starbucks but their prices have started to get ridiculous.  I totally need to try other Dutch Bros drinks.

Dutch Bros Coffee
4982 E. Ashlan Avenue
Fresno, CA 93726
(559) 292-1357

Enjoy life!
XOXO

Aqua Nails Bar

Sometimes you just need to relax.  Take a load off.  Breathe.  We live in a society of fast, multitasking, and taking on way too much.  Sometimes you just need to put your hair down and relax.  One of my favorite ways to relax is getting a pedicure. 

I have been going to Aqua Nails Bar for a while now.  I really like them.  I like being able to walk in without a appointment.  Aqua does manicures and pedicures.  They also do full sets of nails.  It's a good size location and well ventilated so you don't feel like you are breathing in fumes.  I also see a lot of moms and daughters there of all ages.  It's so cute when a little girl goes in with her mom and picks out her own color. 

I have always left happy.  The only downside is you can't put tip on your credit card.  So make sure you have cash for tip.

Aqua Nails Bar
2950 E. Nees Avenue
Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 298-9818

Relax and enjoy Life!

XOXO

Toys toys toys

Here is Khloe the pup and all her toys.  She looks so proud.  Spoiled pup for sure.

My favorite breed is rescued!
XOXO

Karen - Headhunter

My baby cousin, Karen, recently auditioned to be a co-host of a show that Garnier Fructis and Noisey are working on in the summer time.  Two hosts will be selected (a guy and a girl) to travel to different music festivals along side Garnier x Noisey to check out the coolest styles and hairstyles in music. 

Karen Wu - UC Riverside

Please go to headhunter.noisey.com and click on the heart of Karen Wu's audition tape. 

Karen Wu - UC Riverside

Thanks for supporting!
XOXO

Mr Sushi #2

El Hubby and I have been looking for a date night place for a while now. You know, a place where you go and people know you, your drink, your order ... your dessert.  "Where everyone knows your name".  (Dang!  Does anyone know where that phrase is from?  I am old.)

We have been going to Mr. Sushi #2 for a little over a year now.  However, we have just recently started going on Friday nights as "date night".  We really like the place.  The food is good.  Not great.  I like the rolls but have had a bad experience with the ramen.  There are quite a few rolls that contain cream cheese or are fried.  Both of which I find disturbing in a roll.  However, the service is usually great.  Our favorite server is Danielle.  She is awesome.  Danielle is super friendly and helpful.  Not too attentive where you wish they would leave you alone.  But attentive enough were you love her and always want her to be your server. 

If you are looking for a Japanese place to try go ahead and give Mr. Sushi #2 a try.  Ask for Danielle! 

Mr. Sushi #2
1305 N. Willow Avenue, Ste 190
Clovis, CA 93611
(559) 297-8362

Keep cooking and enjoying life!
 XOXO