Let’s start this post off on a sweet note because that’s how I usually start my day. ‘Tis true that chocolate is usually the first thing I eat in my day. When did I become such a choco-aholic?
Something to savor
I finally tried the last kind of chocolate cup the folks at Newman’s Own Organic sent me. Three come in a package so that worked out very nicely for my family. Everyone approved – more than approved! This was the dark chocolate caramel cup. The dark chocolate melting on my tongue and the gooey caramel! How could one go wrong?
Peach Cupcakes with Peach Buttercream Icing
Peaches are one my best friend’s favorite things! So these cupcakes sounded perfect to satisfy her incredible sweet tooth for Christmas! Do you see the bits of peach in the frosting?
I led her up to them with her eyes closed and I think she was very happy!
I usually don't like icing, but if it's homemade and like this - oi!
We had cupcakes with coffee and she got to try the vegan banana coconut cheesecake I shared in my last post. I was nervous about her trying it because it’s hard to satisfy her sweet tooth. I was stunned when she said she really liked it!
Some new things to try!
My dad noticed this seasonal flavor of Kefir at the local healthfood store. Sounds interesting, right? Personally, I wasn’t too keen on it. It just tasted fruity and not even tart. It doesn’t taste bad by any means, just not what I’d imagine cranberry creme brulee to taste like. I also got some Pico de Gallo tortilla chips by Garden of Eatin’. These looked like they’d be the most flavorful. They have this mild smokiness that I enjoy – even better with melted pepper jack cheese! I haven’t tried the chili yet though.
Lazy night
I had some chickpea dish my dad got at the Indian store with a methi paratha. Lately I’ve been loving raw collard greens.
Perfect drink to have before you drift off to sleep.
Just to make sure I would only have sweet dreams that night. Homemade hot cocoa with the delicious homemade marshmallows Maya sent me. One little thing I like to do to my hot cocoa is melt in real chocolate. I also made cups for my parents too because nobody wants nightmares!
I tried a new flavor!
I used another freebie coupon the people at Oikos sent me. Some of the things I like about Greek yogurt are its tartness, texture, and it’s high in protein!
This flavor was really yummy!
No weird artificial tasting flavor here! I even found real blueberries in it! So good.
Tortellini with Eggplant and Peppers
I used a four-cheese tortellini for this recipe I spotted in the Real Simple magazine the other day.
For dinner I made a recipe inspired by one that sparked my appreciation for capers.
Four-cheese tortellini with eggplant, tomato, roasted red peppers, and capers with Rice parmesan sprinkled on top. And the whole thing was drizzled with olive oil for extra flavor.
What a delicious landscape - where have we landed?
After dinner I went to go watch the movie Nine with some friends.
At the theatre they had a claw machine where you could win watches instead of stuffed animals!
My friend remembered her white cheddar seasoning for the popcorn - good thinking!
Today is the last day of 2009 and usually I find myself not coming up with a resolution because throughout the year I am constantly reevaluating things and see what I want to change. However this year I decided to make one. I want to practice more patience with my parents. Sometimes when they offer to help me, I usually brush it off because the thought of having to explain everything to them makes me anxious. But does taking a few minutes out of my time to go over something really need to be a big deal? No. I think the reason why it’s so hard for me to be patient with my parents is because I have patience for everyone else – and parents are unconditionally there for you. But I will work on that because I know that it also makes them happy to be able to help me out in any way. “Patience is a virtue, Virtue is a grace; both put together make a very pretty face.” Do any of you have any resolutions?
I plan on ringing in the new year with a bottle of this
and a box of chocolates! No matter what your aspirations or resolutions are for the upcoming year, I hope they help you seek more fulfillment in your own life. Not just seek but actually attain!
p.s. the next post is a fun one!
I love that you start your day off with chocolate! I actually read a study that if you consume chocolate first thing in the morning you have less cravings later on!
And those cupcakes look amazing! I’ve never had peach cupcakes before… I bet they are delicious! I made lemon cupcakes for Bryon on his birthday and he loved ‘em!
Happy New Year!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR!
how was nine? ive heard mixed reviews, so i need to hear the truth from someone i trust
your food is beautiful as always…the tortellini looks AMAZING! and i LOVE blueberry chobani. so dang good. have an extra chocolate for me in celebration, and i think your resolution is a great one. why we take things out on the people that love us most is beyond me? i do the same
love youuuuuu
aw those cupcakes look amazing, my dear. You are such a peach!
.. (really bad pun)
I love your goals for 2010…. I might have to steal it for myself! I get so uppity and impatient with my parents sometimes — when they don’t deserve it at all. Oh me and my teenage hormones! A find a few deep cleansing breaths and a moment to reflect always helps to put things in to perspective and help me to be less of a, well, beootch.
happy NYE baybay!! xoxo
Chocolate looks like the perfect start to a day… I might have to try it more often in addition to my morning mug of coffee
As usual, your eats look amazing… can I come live with you? Please?
I hope you have a great New Year’s Eve, hun. And I wish you lots of health and happiness in the upcoming year. xox
sounds liek a great way to start the year
& i love chocolate..glad you have been enjoying it lately!! love all your eats- i have some blueberry oikos in my fridge- need to try it asap. have a great new years
xoxo
shelley
http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
Ha, I have the same brand of champagne on hand for tonight! It was a gift and I have never tried it before, but I really like the bright orange color of the label : )
I wish you a happy, happy new year! Have fun!
HAPPY NEW YEAR BEAUTIFUL!!
was Nine good? ive been thinking about seeing it!
all your eats look wonderful-as always.
Those peach cupcakes look awesome, but I am really digging in the Banana Cheesecake. I must go check this out in your previous post!!
I think practicing patience is such a commendable goal. I need to work on this too! I think its so easy to get short with the people that we love the most, because no matter how impatience we become, they will always love us the same.
Wishing you a fantastic and amazing New Year!
Love you!!
Great post as usual – wish I was there to eat someof your food! Ha!
Have a happy New Years!
Healthy food and exercise in 2010!
Katie
http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-win-some-siggis-computer-is.html
Veuve x 3 bottles (or more!) were the NYE’s of my 20s. Enjoy it girl, rock it out! I hope you get to see Lady Gaga or do other faboosh things down there!
The:This was the dark chocolate caramel cup. The dark chocolate melting on my tongue and the gooey caramel! How could one go wrong?
Ok so dark choc AND carmel are my 2 fave things. But rarely are they pared together. Caramel usually is paired with milk choc which is too sweet and not my fave. I need to get on these.
The homemade cocoa w/ marshmallows looks delish too
Did you like nine? I heard mixed reviews but do love Penelope Cruz. Do you watch almodovar’s films? Penelope is crazy in them I love it!
Have a happy, healthy new year dear Katarina!
Oh! And I forgot to say this! I know exactly what you mean about your parents. My patience can be very short with my mom I suppose because I know that she’ll love me anyway. I dot have to be as careful with my words as I am with others. It isn’t fair to her, though, she does so much for me and is always there for me and it isn’t a very nice way to treat her in return. Good resolution!
Happy New Year!
Your way of bringing in the new year (champagne and chocolate) sounds a lot more fun than mine – a party where most go just to get drunk. Blah.
The idea of the hot cocoa bringing sweet dreams is really cute..
Happy New Year! Those cupcakes look amazing!
Happy New Year! I can’t wait to see what your 2010 will bring… adventures and yummy food I’m sure! Wishing you a chocolatey sweet start to an even sweeter new year.
How was Nine? I heard it’s being dropped by some theaters due to poor sales, but am still intrigued.
Rachael*
I too start every morning off with chocolate. I should think it would be a law already
I love the cupcakes and your delicious meals. Can’t wait till the next post…so excited. Hey thanks for the blog comment too, always brings me such good cheer!
xoxo
Maggie
i need to practice patience as well. happy new year to you!
Happy New Years Katharina!
Ohmigodddd I had homemade hot chocolate with maya’s marshmallows on top too. (they’ll be blogged about for sure!) best hot cocoa ever. the peppermint flavor on those marshes are so good.
Hope you had a great night!