Monthly Archives: May 2011

A Birthday Fest

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Thank you all for the birthday wishes! These past couple of weeks have felt like a non-stop celebration. It’s strange to me, but I’m definitely enjoying it while it lasts. Or maybe it will just last forever? That’s how my mother lives life, and it’s contagious when you’re around her.

For my birthday my friend treated me to lunch… to any place I’d like “the sky’s the limit.”

Hmm… there were so many options, but I decided on Millie’s Diner. This place is one of those restaurants around Richmond that you HAVE to try. It’s got a stellar reputation, and I’ve always wanted to go. After a grueling and sweaty bike ride we finally made it to our destination.

The menu was written on a chalkboard hanging right above our heads, so we literally looked up to it which was an interesting experience in itself.

I got the Spicy Black Bean Burrito with Cheddar Cheese.

It also came with fresh salsa and sour cream, and every plate comes with their home fries.

My friend ordered the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger on a Kaiser Bun and Red Onion Marmalade.

They sure do like their sriracha.

Love pat before you take a big bite.
We split our entrees.

Everything was so tasty. Basic recipes but done right!

Birthday cake time for the birthday girl–this year I got a candle!
I got the Apple Spice Walnut Cake.

This tastes as good as it looks… dare I say it was better?

My friend ordered the Chocolate Pudding Peanut Butter dessert.
The delicious and incredibly rich abyss.

After my belly was satisfied I knew why Millie’s is so famous!

Later on I met up with some of friends at one of my favorite hangout spots.

There was a cool band playing while they had 1970′s Italian flicks projected over them.

I was treated with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and tasty drinks.

It was funny because when I arrived at the place I was the first one to get there. I decided to sit outside and enjoy the weather, and then I overheard someone saying happy birthday to someone else. I asked if it was their birthday, and I told them it was mine too. Then she asked me what I was doing out there, and I told her I was waiting. Next thing you know she invited me to sit with her friends at the biggest table. They looked like they were definitely having a lot of fun. Her slice of birthday cake came out and we sang happy birthday to each other, and she got me a glass of the wine she was having. A toast to Geminis and their lively ways!

This drink was called Light Kisses–and it was as lovely as it sounds.
The bunch!
Getting down to some funky music.
Good morning!

Then Saturday rolled around it was time to get to work for my Birthday/Going Away party. I woke up, had breakfast, and made some pizza dough.

My first pizza made completely out of scratch–I crossed my fingers and into the oven it went!

The pizza had basil pesto, tomato sauce, yellow squash, mushrooms sautéed with balsamic vinegar and thyme, mozzarella, and goat cheese.

This may look like a quiche, but it was actually a vegan baked spinach artichoke dip.
Orange and Almond Florentines
So delicate–held together by egg whites.
Also baked soft ginger cookies.
Oddly-shaped pizzas may now be my forte.
I had a feeling that my friends would love this!
Also made bruschetta.
This is the ultimate party snack for those hot weather days.
My friend graciously offered his place for my party–it was like an old world museum.
The spread on an old table saw–classic.

I also made a cannellini dip, and served Trader Joe’s Everything crackers (if you haven’t tried them you must) to go with the dips. Here’s a list of the recipe links, except for the pizza and the cannellini dip since I made those up.

Bruschetta

Orange and Almond Florentines

Soft Ginger Cookies

Vegan Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

Pizza Dough

My friend also made a salad using things from his garden–a mulberry salad.

Fresh mulberries are awesome, and I kept munching on them throughout the night. The house itself was hot, but it’s especially hot when you’re dancing up a storm.

He also made fresh spring rolls filled with his garden's bounty.

Let the birthday fun begin!
Our “serious” family portrait.
Think fast!

Wow! I really can’t imagine that there are people who don’t like to celebrate their birthdays. All I can say is that I was really happy, and I felt so special… I just wanted everyone else to be just as happy as I was.

What’s one of your favorite birthday memories?

Birthday Girl… Birthday Lady!

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Thank you all so much for the kind words on my last post! The encouragement you guys give me really brings a big, bright smile to my face. The kind that comes from inside out… heartwarming.

And today I woke up to lots of heartwarming birthday love! So I just wanted to share with you some recent celebrations and shindigs.

I wanted to use up the rest of the coconut cream from when I made margaritas, so I searched for recipes. Most of them were for coconut cream pies, but I didn’t want to make that. Finally, I came across a recipe for coconut cream bread.

Where the idea started…
Letting yeast blossom… new term I learned!
Mix it, mix it
Yum rum soaked raisins!
Get to kneadin’
See you in a couple of hours
Doo doo doo doo doooo

Eventually it was time to put the loaf into the oven!

All done!
But wait don’t forget the confectioner’s sugar!
The look is complete.
Then I was off to a potluck to share this tasty bread.
And meet some really great people.
Check it out!

The bread doesn’t taste much like coconut, but that’s already noted in the recipe. This is more like a brioche, which would be great for French toast!

My family and I continued to celebrate, and we went to one of my favorite places in Richmond.

I say, “when in doubt Cafe Gutenberg it is!” If you ever find yourself in Richmond, this is the place to go.

Matilda also came with us, and got herself in a tangled mess.
It was such a nice day out.
Matilda likes restaurants that let her hang out and give her lots of love.
My mom ordered a salmon dish that had these great corn blinis that came with this creamy sauce.

Oh my mother and her salmon. There’s not a day that goes by for her without it.

I ordered the tofu lettuce wraps.

This was a like a deconstructed banh mi, and the tofu was glazed in this delicious chili ginger madness sauce. So fresh! I also found out the secret to their incredible tofu. I usually order the vegan caesar salad, which also comes with Twin Oaks tofu, but I wanted to try something different that day. I’m glad I did, but the vegan caesar salad will always be my top choice.

My step-dad was feeling nostalgic and ordered the grilled bratwurst entree.

And I stole some of his fries! Then dessert time came around. When I was little I learned the difference between spelling ‘desert’ and ‘dessert’ because of the two s’s–like two scoops of ice cream.

White chocolate, peanut butter, and oreo gelati made by a local ice creamery

Now that is definitely a dessert with two s’s!

After a delicious meal, and a beautiful day everything just felt right.

Much love to you all, and I hope you have a wonderful day… and perhaps some special moments. Now I’m off to celebrate with some birthday shenanigans!

Sweet Memory

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Remember all my excitement for graduation? Well… that eventful day happened this past Friday! It still hasn’t hit me, but right now I’m just celebrating life and the end of a 21-credit semester.

Thank you, Mom!
Thank you, Dad!
My support

I really appreciate my parents for trusting and having faith in my maturity and wisdom to help me make choices for myself in life. When I was in high school I didn’t take the SAT’s because I didn’t plan on going to college right away. Instead Germany was on my mind and I went there after high school, and while I was over there I took the SAT’s. Fortunately I did because when I came back to the states for a two week visit I decided to stay and put my portfolio together in three days, sent it to VCUarts. I didn’t have another plan, and I think that’s because I didn’t have any doubt I’d get in. My parents supported my decisions, and throughout my life they’ve helped me stay motivated–to have a passion for life
Well, here I am now and I got my BFA at the top sculpture program in the nation. Now I’m eager to discover the opportunities in the big, big world. I guess the point that I’m trying to make is to believe in yourself. Listen to your heart, embrace your confidence, and see the world through your very own eyes.

Let the commencement begin!
Each department in the school of the arts made graduation standards.
Katie and I–she’s one of the coolest girls on this side of the galaxy.
Check out the dream dress that my friend made for me!

Afterwards we went to a local Middle Eastern restaurant called Cedars, which we frequent, and the owner treated us with his very own recipes!

He made me the vegan version of what he calls “The United Nations”
And a wonderfully fresh salad with sumac!

Sumac is a spice that is often used in Middle Eastern cooking to add a tart flavor.

They got the dishes to satisfy their inner carnivore.
Enjoy!
Later on they gave us fresh Dolmas.
And we couldn’t leave without having his baklava!
Bahaha! Meant to be eaten with your hands of course.
We had some great company–Sam and the owner!
And one more with the folks!

The owner makes everything himself from the pita bread, grinding the spices, the sauces, cheeses, and garden grown herbs! Not just that but the love and kindness they share with us is something really special. Now get ready for a lot more sweetness…

A pancake omelette!

When I saw this on Rachel’s blog I knew I had to try it. I’m slightly allergic to eggs nor do I like them so regular omelets are not on my radar. However, when I saw the idea of using the omelet concept but in pancake form I knew this was my kind of thing.

Stuffed with strawberries, chocolate hazelnut butter, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Although next time I think I’m going to throw in some chocolate chips to the mix.

I definitely have plenty of it now!
My step-dad and I visited the chocolate store the other day… can you tell?

The Vosges Black Salt Caramel Bar was such a unique chocolate bar. It definitely takes you by surprise, but then the next moment you find yourself appreciating it and making sense of all the thoughtful flavors. I also loved Chuao Chocolatier’s Coco ChocoPod, which was a blend of dark chocolate, coconut, almonds, cinnamon, and coriander–definitely getting the full-size bar next time! The other chocolates I had already tried and are dear to my heart.

Oh Germans and their efficient packaging–gotta love it!
Raw Vegan Texas Pecan Pralines

I’ve been making raw vegan treats on a weekly basis now, and trying a new recipe each week has been a delicious affair.

Especially when I had my weeklong affair with these…

You must try Joanne’s recipe for this raw vegan version of pralines.

Next up, Vegan Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies

There was a sweet potato that had been sitting in my kitchen for a little too long so when I saw Allie’s recipe for these breakfast cookies I made them right away! So instead of canned sweet potato puree I just mashed a sweet potato with some almond milk, and proceeded with the recipe. I also used rye flour instead of spelt, and walnuts instead of pecans. The last of my dried cranberries were also used up, so I’d say that I’m doing a pretty good job of using up my pantry nowadays. I’m glad because I don’t want to have to take as many things with me when I move out of my place. Plus, it just feels good to get some clear space.

These were especially tasty with some easy dairy-free icing.
Another batch of no-bake treats!

This time I made Averie’s No-Bake White Chocolate & Mango Cookie Dough Bites. Oh wow! I love white chocolate and mango. Not to mention this was definitely a unique recipe because it didn’t call for dates but it did call for white chocolate chips, which I think are underrated. Oh yes, I will be making these again… and again and again!

I had baked these for my dear friend that made my graduation dress for me (the one pictured above).
Honey and Toasted Pistachio Muffins
Aren’t pistachios beautiful?

The extra drizzling of honey on these muffins is like nature giving its own sweet kiss to them. I thought it would be a nice way to say thank you.

Now what have we got here?
When I saw a pint of these strawberries from a local field I got so happy!
Vibrant little red jewels that make their way back into when the weather starts to get warmer.
Here’s some more post-graduation celebration.
And someone special thought of having a nice “celebration of me” evening for the two of us to share–a picnic by moonlight.

Well, well, well… is your sweet tooth aching yet? I think mine is about to start aching. Actually, my cheeks are aching just from smiling so much lately! What’s your favorite way to satisfy your sweet tooth? 

Being Treated By Others

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Thank you everyone for the congratulations! And yes, I am very much looking forward to the future, and sharing it with you. The graduation ceremony is this Friday–whoa I can’t believe it. As for the coconut busting… I think you guys should give it a shot. Maybe let your inner Towanda out (anyone seen “Fried Green Tomatoes”?).

As I was walking up the stairs to my friends place I noticed something magical.

My friend had invited me over for lunch since she had gone to the farmer's market--look at the bounty!

She also brought back bread.

The woman who makes this bread actually grinds the wheat right before she bakes it, so this loaf was incredibly fresh!

Deliciously fresh, from the farm, and from the home.

The beets were simply steamed and drizzled with balsamic, caraway seeds, and sea salt. We made a dressing out of the cilantro with olive oil, balsamic, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Lastly, the salad incorporated all of the different veggies she had gotten. For the bread we dipped it in a mixture of olive oil and black pepper.

At the store this drink caught my eye.

I remembered seeing this on a few blogs, and thought it was interesting. This KeVita drink tasted a lot like kombucha, and I went back to try another flavor: mango coconut and lemon ginger. I haven’t tried the lemon ginger, but I really enjoyed the mango coconut. The original coconut flavor didn’t do much for me though.

The nice thing about my step-dad being here is that we've been going out to eat.

I’ve talked about it on here a couple times, but I have a hard time justifying things when it involves spending money. I have no problem with necessities, but things like going out to eat are hard for me to do. I definitely enjoy it, but I guess I feel like I need my parents “okay”, since I’m financially dependent on them. I know that they wouldn’t say no, but I guess that’s the overly-practical side of me. But enough of that because the thing in life is that not every moment needs to have a reason. There are times to simply be. Let things happen. As Pablo Neruda wrote in the poem “Keeping Quiet“, “life is what it is about.“

We went to another local dining spot called The Urban Farmhouse. I remember going there when it first opened back in February of last year, and it was nice to see that this place is frequented a lot. With inviting doors that are as tall as the cafe itself, and an open kitchen… you feel like you just want to sit back and relax. And then you pick up your plate of delicious food!

He got lox and cream cheese with fresh dill.

The salmon was so vibrant! Maybe because it’s caught the old-fashioned way with a hook and line.

Someone that works there highly recommended their strawberry and spinach salad to me.

“Fresh organic strawberries and organic baby spinach sprinkled with healthy, fresh roasted almonds and lightly tossed with our Honey Lemon Dressing“ I ordered some tofu to go with it, and a bread roll from The Flour Garden with some of the creamiest butter ever. They also have a big jar of the best animal crackers, so of course I got a handful!

Mmm roasted almonds make all the difference.

I've been inspired by the beautiful salads I've been having while dining out.

Here I made some yellow split-pea crisps to sprinkle on top of a very colorful salad. I just chopped up some red cabbage, summer squash, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and an avocado all over a bed of romaine. My dressing of choice for this salad? A dressing named for a goddess.

We also went to one of my favorite local restaurants, Ipanema. One of my friends was working there that evening so it was nice to see him, and he gave us his personal recommendations.

Housemade fettucine with roasted garlic, peashoots, arugula, pecorino romano, and pumpkin seeds.

This was delicious and worth waiting for the pasta to be done. Actually, I didn’t mind waiting at all. It was a beautiful day and we were munching on polenta fries with kalamata ketchup. I actually went on bought myself some pumpkin seeds after having this. I loved the idea of using them instead of pine nuts.

My step-dad ordered the chile-braised jackfruit huarache with pinto beans, salsa verde and crema mexicana with spanish rice.

He let me try some of his dish as well, and it was very tasty! My favorite part was the crema mexicana.

My friend got us a slice of apricot almond cheesecake to sample.

This is the place I go to with my friends when we want to have delicious desserts! A friend of mine loves their pies so much that for her birthday she ordered a whole one. I brought back a slice of their Mexican chocolate cake for my roommate to enjoy while she was busy writing paper after paper for finals. Luckily, she let me try some (I was hoping she would!) and it was very interesting. A little bit spicy, and kind of had the texture of a pudding.

The other night I pulled out the cast-iron skillet.

I had a butternut squash sitting in my kitchen for awhile, and I’ve had this recipe for these multi-grain butternut squash fritters bookmarked for awhile as well.

Beau said he finished his batch by eating them like a pancake with butter and maple syrup.

Yummy indeed.

What was the last tasty thing you ordered when you went out to eat? Or have you been craving something from one of your favorite restaurants?

On the Brink

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Greetings everyone! Before I jump right into the post I wanted to give a special hello to my new readers. I’ve noticed some new faces have been gracing the comments section, and it always brightens my day even more when that happens. So hello, and if you haven’t commented yet but are a reader, I’d love to hear from you!

I’ve been making a batch of bite-sized treats using dates on a weekly basis.

I try to change the recipe up so they don’t become monotonous. This particular week I stumbled upon Allison’s Coconut Pretzel Energy Bites recipe, and was inspired to make something very similar. Rather than using pretzels, which I did not have, I used sesame sticks. Do any of you guys have any yummy bite-sized recipes you’d like to share?

Banana pops

They’re back! The recipe is incredibly simple, and incredibly tasty. I’m talking only three ingredients kind of simple. Check it out here.

Just what I need on a hot day.
I think little Matilda was expecting a banana pop too, and not a leaf.
Since my dining experience, I’ve been inspired to make beautiful salads at home.

I’ve also been trying to clean out my pantry, but having fun with it by finding new ways to eat my staples. Take yellow split peas for instance. I usually just cook them as a soup (delicious mind you), but I’ve been craving cooler foods so when I saw this Greek fava dip recipe I knew that was on my to-do list.

And don’t let the name of the recipe fool you–no fava beans were involved.

However, fava beans use to be used for this old recipe, but yellow split peas are easier to cook so that’s what is used today. The fava of Santorini is the most sought after, but is quite hard to find.

Anybody want to join me in the search?

In other news, guess what I’ve given another chance.

Grapefruits! I recently discovered that the trick to eating them is to completely peel off the skin, only eating the pulp. After I tried a slice utilizing my new found knowledge, I realized that I do like them! As I mentioned earlier in this post, lately I’ve been craving much cooler foods, so making grapefruit tarragon sorbet sounded like a great idea! Indeed it was.

Getting the liquid out of the coconut.

For Cinco de Mayo I wanted to make a coconut margarita recipe to celebrate with some friends. Sadly, at the store they didn’t have any cream of coconut so I decided to just make my own.

This coconut doesn’t know what it’s in for.
Dun dun dun
Well, that was easy.
Freshly grated coconut meat!

The process isn’t too difficult, but it does have a lot of steps. Though I’ve found that I’ve gotten the most enjoyment out of things when they are totally made from scratch.

And of course when they’re shared with lovely friends!
Cheers!
Pear and date compote with toasted & salted hemp seeds over oatmeal.

Now that I have time to have breakfast in the comfort of my own home I thought I’d enjoy it by leisurely making a compote, and toast some hemp seeds.

Mango, chocolate hazelnut butter, and freshly grated coconut meat.
Enjoyed in a goblet.

It’s nice to not have to eat breakfast out of a mason jar almost every morning.

Dinner is served.

This was a Thai-inspired soba noodle dish with vegetables, edamame, coconut milk, chile, curry leaves, a homemade paste out of garlic, galangal, and other things I can’t remember. Oops! I guess that’s what happens when you throw things together.

More coconut love!
Last project for my fashion photography class.

I’m almost done with the semester. Wait, wait, wait. I’m almost done with my undergrad! I still have two more critiques left, and then finito. I’m very excited for my future, and relishing in all of the wonderful things that are happening right now. My step-dad put it in a way that I couldn’t have said it better myself, “right now you are celebrating who you are and where you’re at in life.” I feel like I’m radiating this happiness that’s inside of me because everywhere I go, there’s been a blue jay on my shoulder.

Hope there’s been one on yours!

When Dining is an Experience

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Hello hello everyone! I’m so happy that you all enjoyed my “orders”! I think if bosses gave out orders like that well… no one would ever complain. Did anyone try making any of the recipes yet? Because I’d love to hear about it if you did. On another note, I hope the week has been kind to you, and perhaps filled with exciting surprises. My evening last Friday was filled with lots of the like. Ahh yes… I have quite a dining experience to share with you all.

Last Friday, during Richmond's Restaurant Week, my step-dad and I went to a wonderful little restaurant I've had my eye on.

Secco Wine Bar is the kind of restaurant that gets creative with food, and knows its food… and wine and beer if you’re so inclined! They’re the kind of place where you sit and imagine what the minds behind the menu were thinking. So that when you are served and take your first bite… you have an “a-ha” moment. A place where food is meant to be enjoyed, and your company is most likely sitting in their own pleasurable experience as well. Enjoyment all around! We opted to sit down in the casual lounge seats along with two to other women who sat in the seats next to us. What a great set-up to make new friends because that night we did! We delighted in our casual conversations, and the night just seemed like the perfect way to unwind from a busy week.

This pretty much sums up our relationship hahaha!

Meet our charming waiter!

For Richmond Restaurant Week, the participating restaurants had come up with a three-course menu. And without further ado, our first course…

Behold this masterpiece: a salad of spring vegetables & greens, Caromont Farm fromage blanc, pine nuts & meyer lemon dressing.

A moment of silence...

I didn't know where to start with this beautiful plate, that was equally delicious.

This was such a refreshing salad–everything seemed to be floating on air. From the mild onion flavor of the chive flower, to the freshness of fromage blanc I was present for every bite. The moments felt as beautiful as this salad.

My step-dad ordered a smoked duck terrine with spring onions & dried apricots, dressed frisée with hazelnuts & mustard seed.

After taking our precious time enjoying our first course, and discovering new flavors it was time for our second course; in which we got to select two dishes from the menu.

Sformato with aged gruyere and Japanese spinach, sorrel sauce

A sformato is basically an Italian quiche. I was a bit nervous about this dish because my stomach tends to raise its fist at me when I eat eggs. Luckily, it didn’t seem to be too eggy, mostly spinach. Most importantly, it was a simple and tasty dish. It was funny because later that night when I went to the store I saw sorrel leaves for the first time. How appropriate to see it after I ate it.

And my step-dad ordered a seafood sausage... this may sound funny but I've never seen a sausage look so clean.

He kept exclaiming how delicious it was. After we were done with our plates part two of our second course came out.

Asparagus fritter, roasted morel mushrooms with fresh thyme, pickled spring garlic

Brimming with goodness on the inside, and deliciously crispy on the outside.

I was expecting another eggy dish, but I think it was called a fritter because it was fried. This was so full of flavor, and I made sure to make the last bite the very best by saving a bit of everything. Ahh… And who could forget the third course: dessert!

Pistachio gelato and pistachio brittle with lavender-plum cake

One word: divine. In my  dreams gelato would never melt unless it’s into a cup so I could drink it as a delicious elixir. Then I’d garnish it off with this very brittle!

My step-dad got a very northern Italian dessert: cheese, bread, with a drizzle of honey.

If you clean your plate down to the very last finger lick you can spy... well, if that's not a compliment to the chef then I don't know what is!

After we spoiled ourselves with wonderful food and new friends, we went for a leisurely walk around historic Carytown. The next morning I had to get up early for a fashion photo shoot! I wanted to give one of the Super products a try: the 3-Minute Facial! I thought it was appropriate for the day.

I started to feel the tingle from the ginger.

“Ginger has warming properties that stimulate circulation for radiant, glowing skin.” So this would help hydrate my skin and make it glow… just what I need before I was going to step in front of a camera! My face actually did feel and look refreshed, even for an early morning. This isn’t a product I would use on a daily basis, but rather for days when you feel like you really need a pick me up or maybe there’s something special and you want to look your very best!

What do you do the night before or morning of a special day? Anyone have any special rituals?