Tag Archives: white chocolate chips

I Can Almost See Clearly

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21

So ladies and gentlemen, this chicka completed a philosophy exam today that took over 7 hours. Whoa mama! I just have to finish up an essay and then I’m done. Finito.

But let’s begin!

Oh how I love thee homemade granola!

I loosely followed this recipe by using things I had on hand, and instead I did half maple syrup and half apple-maple syrup. I also added in some coconut extract, raisins, sultanas aka golden raisins, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Note for next time: bake at a lower temperature. Also, I loved the mix pre-baking as well! Seriously though, one of my favorite combinations during the warmer months is granola + Greek yogurt. And there’s something extra satisfying about having granola you made yourself. Doesn’t that go with everything?

I can't wait to make my next batch! Any suggestions?

Starting off the day by choosing a cute outfit!

I had my last Amy's Texas burger alongside some sweet potato wedges.

For the sweet potato wedges I just cut up two potatoes, tossed them in canola oil, then doused them with Old Bay Seasoning. Then I baked them in the oven till they were done.

I also got to try out something new!

The people over at Bone Suckin’ Sauce contacted me after seeing my love for their BBQ sauce. I had never tried their mustard so they sent me a package with a jar of their sweet hot variation and their classic mustard. I had no idea that they had all these other products like salsas, teriyaki sauces, seasonings, and rubs.

Check out the bits of jalapeno peppers!

The sweet hot was definitely hot with a hint of sweetness. The classic flavor was similar but not as hot. At first I was thrown off by the color, but not to fear because all of their sauces are all natural. And if you like thick sauces then this is great! Since I don’t eat things with bones in them I’ll just say that these mustards were “finger lickin’ good” just like the BBQ sauce.

Let’s rewind to last Friday. Since it was the first Friday of the month that meant that Richmond’s monthly art walk was taking place. I love it because not only do you get to check out galleries, but I’m always bumping into friends, vendors, and good food.

This isn't just any old bus.

They bring the farm to you!

I talked to Mark, the guy who helped start Farm to Family about a few things. One of the things he mentioned was their plan: they want to make a documentary of a year they’re going to live off what the things they sell on the bus. Not only do they sell produce, but cheese, eggs, milk, and meats as well. They want to emphasize that a person can live healthily off of local, sustainable, and seasonable foods. They’ll be doing monthly doctor check-ups to make sure they’re in tip-top condition. He also said that this is open to anyone else who is up for the challenge. Not only would it be an experience, but you also get to write a chapter in the book with your personal account. They plan on starting next month and I wish them the best of luck!

Saw lots of art of course!

And showed some support to some friends that were playing in a courtyard on a perfect night.

With some of my ladies and Matilda before she left.

Afterwards we went to Ipanema for the second time that week!

No complaints because the food, the service, the atmosphere, and the company was amazing!

The thing I love about eating out with people I'm close to is that I know that nobody minds sharing.

I just ordered the mulligatawny soup since I already had dinner and some snacks not too long beforehand.

Eventually we had to move inside because there was a drunk guy with a knife standing right behind me and he wanted to start a fight with some random guy. Luckily, the man was arrested. I guess he forgot the school’s police station was right across the street. After this meal we dubbed this the new place to go eat and then Cous Cous as the bar we frequent, since we headed over there afterwards.

Now remember how I left off my last post with a see you later to Matilda? Well here are a few things in my life that have made it more bearable. I know I may sound like a crazy dog lady, but I just love her! Everytime I walk into my bedroom I’m expecting to see her lounging around on my armchair.

Vintage hair accessories

It's all in the details.

Waking up to broken pipes that erupt through the asphalt and cause flooding!

Friends helping friends with their fashion lines!

One of my old professors/friends has been needing some extra helping hands to make things for her fashion line, Thief & Bandit. Also, she recently had the most adorable son! She was so nice to offer tea, coconut macaroons, and I just loved the smell of toasting raisin bread wafting through the air as we worked. She’s actually going to be featured on Etsy’s front page so definitely keep an eye out for her!

And banana "soft-serve" with Cacao Bliss.

So ending on that delicious note, I hope you’re all enjoying your week so far. The end of my semester is so near I can taste it. And it tastes divine!!!

Making Up For Not Having a White Christmas

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So my friends and I decided it would be safer not to drive out to Charlottesville for the weekend. I’m glad we didn’t go because they predicted 3 ft of snow for that area. I’m not sure how much they ended up getting though.

Winning combination!

I have never tried any of the PB&Co flavors but I’d imagine it would taste similar to this. In the bowl I cooked some oatmeal with the last of my chocolate protein powder + cinnamon + coconut oil. Then I added in some diced apples, white chocolate chips, and crunchy peanut butter. So delicious!

Look at the snow!

My friend was looking pretty in the snow and then we were on mission to drive through it.

So beautiful!

BFD

I made a bowl of chocolate oats with a banana bruleed in + coconut oil + peanut butter + white chocolate chips. Obviously I loved the peanut butter and white chocolate chip combo from earlier that day.

A yummy platter.

Steamed kale later massaged in olive oil; To go with the brie I made a caramelized onion-cranberry compote + pine nuts for crunch and earthiness, then I baked some leftover Italian semolina bread. Even the kale with the brie and compote tasted delicious together.

When a friend of mine slept over, we opened up my box of Kashi GoLean Crunch that had been sitting in my pantry for ages--this became part of my snack pictured above.

This snack bowl consisted of Kashi GoLean Crunch + a crumbled Cinnamon Raisin gnufoods bars + almond milk + coconut oil (all warmed up).

Then it was crafting time for me!

I tried another flavor of the 3400 Phinney bars.

It had a delicious bold bitterness to it at the end and a nice crunch from the nibs.

Another new flavor I tried!

I tried the breakfast Sunshine burger. It was yummy but I don’t think I’ll be buying it again. It’s not horrible by any means, there are just other flavors I prefer; like the Southwest and Original (m’mm good). In the bowl is a recipe I got from a Mambo Sprouts newsletter: sweet and tangy mashed butternut squash. I just realized that I forgot the chives! Oh well.

While I was snowed in I took a detox bath and quenched my thirst with something I spotted at the store--mango flavored coconut water!

A recipe I wrote down ages ago and found the other day--smudges and all.

This was suppose to be a Jamaican inspired oatmeal recipe actually, but since I ran out of oats the day before (GASP) I did the next best thing–granola! I opted for Udi’s Au Naturel flavor over yogurt. They were topped with pineapple bits, a sliced banana, coconut shreds, almonds, and maple syrup (the one my friend got for me on her trip to Canada–peeking in on the left side). I loved every tropical bite of this; especially because I am ready for warm weather!

On that same page I wrote down some other recipes and decided to make another one for lunch.

Chickpeas in coconut milk + steamed kale + coconut & cinnamon rice (with coconut oil)

Chickpeas in Coconut Milk: serves 4

Ingredients

1 cup water

10 oz potato, cubed

14 oz cooked chickpeas

1 generous cup coconut milk

1 tsp salt

2 tbl sunflower oil

4 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2-1 tsp chili

lemon juice

Suggestions for serving: naan or rice

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cubed potatoes, reduce the heat to low and cook covered for 6-7 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes. Add coconut milk and salt and slow simmer.

2. Heat oil, low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently. Add coriander, turmeric, chili, and cook 25-30 seconds.

3. Mix into chickpea mixture. Stir in lemon juice.

Quick dinner after a long day of errands.

After spending the afternoon with my roommate stocking up on goods at Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods I was ready for dinner despite my snacks and yummy sampling! I bought some buns so I could enjoy Angharad’s spicy black bean burgers in burger form. These keep getting better and better! I topped it with vegan mayo, pepper jelly, melted manchego, yellow onions, cilantro, and ketchup. Holy delcious. I also had some steamed kale massaged in olive oil + cashews for crunch. I highly recommend making these burgers. Not only are they delicious, but they are so convenient for when you’re in a time crunch or don’t have the energy to prepare something. Actually, they’re wonderful for any occassion!

Comfort food with a twist...

This was such a great nighttime snack! Now what exactly was this snack? Well I cooked some cream of wheat in almond milk (I used Almond Breeze Original), and topped it with chopped dates, Artisana’s Cacao Bliss, and my favorite peanut butter. All of this melted together. So soothing and perfect for a Sunday night and some reading.

If all Mondays started like this... well then no one would be complaining!

Liz sent me a recipe that I knew I had to make ASAP! I had some leftover coconut milk from the soup I made the day before; Purrrfect for Indian spiced oats with coconut milk. Early classes on Monday = quick breakfasts so I used a packet of Uncle Sam Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal + Soymilk. I threw in a handful more of oats in there + extra spices. For the finishing touches I swirled in some coconut oil + raisins + sliced almonds + coconut milk.

Creamy deliciousness

Can't get enough of the spicy black bean burgers!

I prepped it the same way as Sunday night only this time I had it with barbeque Popchips (better the second time around), and a Bugs Bunny carrot + my favorite peanut butter. Once again, this was quick enough for me to put together without eating my own arm off. For some reason I didn’t realize that my Seminar on Hinduism class ended at 6:40–not 5:40. It didn’t help that my afternoon snack sadly only held me over about an hour and I hadn’t anticipated being hungry that quickly. Apparently today was one of those bottomless pit days and the only thing I had packed was the 3400 Phinney Nib Brittle bar and that didn’t do much except please my tastebuds. Note to self: always keep something substantial packed. I’m usually good about this is if I know I’m going to be on the go, but today I had the leisure of snacking at home. Oh well, lesson learned.

Last but not least... in my next post I'll be revealing a muffin recipe I concocted while I was snowed in.

Anybody want to take any guesses? How was everyone else’s weekend; any exciting plans for the week?

p.s. check out the Glass Dharma straw giveaway Audrey is having! Also, Averie is having an amazing giveaway as well (hint: the prize is one of my favorite add-ins)