Let Him Eat Cake

Dessert isn't a daily ritual for us. Thankfully, I have more of a salty tooth than a sweet one (although the hubs has enough sugar cravings for the both of us). Every now and then, usually for a special occasion, we indulge and have something sweet to finish the meal.

One of the hubs' favorite desserts is this cake from Ina Garten. The cake itself is moist and intensely chocolatey, but what really makes it is the frosting. A thick layer of rich, chocolate buttercream adorns the spongey delight inside.

I've only made it a few times, but there are never any leftovers. And since it's such a rare occasion, I say let him eat cake.

Happy Searching,


p.s. If you feel like to drooling a bit, here's the video to see the full process.

Melon Heaven

At the end of July, we took a mini-road trip up to Oklahoma to visit Ryan's family. After catching up with everyone (and getting some good Oklahoma eats), we took the scenic route back to avoid traffic and mix up the drive.

One of the greatest things about the back roads in this section of the country (aside from some hilarious photo ops) is the produce. In the summertime, there are roadside stands outside of every town offering their prized watermelons and cantaloupes. We bought one of each from a friendly fella and moseyed on our way.

I have to say that melons from the supermarket don't even come close to these...these were incredible. We sliced them up and savored their juicy goodness, summer dripping off of each bite. Even though they were good on their own, my favorite way to eat cantaloupe--especially really good cantaloupe--is on top of really good vanilla ice cream. 

Holy smokes, I almost forgot how much I love this. It's unbelievably simple, but unbelievably good. If you are a cantaloupe fan, this is a must-try. You'll thank me later.  

Stay tuned for more melon posts...we had lots to consume and enjoyed trying out some new recipes! 

Happy Searching,

Summer Strawberry Pie

Growing up, having a summer birthday was sort of a bummer. Your birthday didn't really get acknowledged in school and when it came time for your party, your friends were likely away on vacation. But...there were definitely some perks. June birthdays= no school, perfect weather for pool parties, and strawberry season. And to me, that means one thing: my mom's strawberry pie.

For birthdays, cake may seem like the obvious dessert choice but I have never been a classic birthday cake kind of gal (that's my hubby's department). Although I can appreciate a good cake, I gravitate towards the more unconventional birthday desserts like fruit tarts, ice cream cake, or pies.

The thing is...I'm kind of picky. I don't really like pies unless they're homemade. And I don't mean to be such a snob, but after being raised by a mother who's even made her own ketchup, the grocery store pies just don't do anything for me.

But this pie? This pie makes my eyes roll back in my head. When I take that first bite, I need a moment of silence to honor it's deliciousness.

The strawberries, of course, have to be ripe and sweet. The glaze (which is simply mashed strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch) is just sweet enough to enhance the strawberry essence. The homemade whipped cream is light as a cloud. I mean, is there any dessert that sings summertime more than this?

My mom always swore this pie was "so easy" to make and after watching her it, I have to agree. Her recipe is close to this one, but she uses half the amount of sugar in the glaze. It's still sweet, but you can always add more if you like it sweeter.

If you like strawberries, you have to try this pie...you don't even have to make your own dough. Get a frozen pre-made pie crust (Mama B even approves of this shortcut), get some strawberries, and get ready for your mouth to do the happy dance! One bite and you'll know that summertime has officially arrived...

Happy Searching,

Cupcake Summer

Today is the last day of school and after my first unofficial year as a teacher (a teacher without a class), I have learned a few things. 

1. Kids are hilarious...I laugh at something crazy they've said everyday. 
2. Teachers are just as excited for summer vacation as students. 
And my favorite revelation? 
3. Nice teachers get treats at the end of the year.

One of the second grade girls I worked with (and her family) surprised me with half a dozen Delish cupcakes that were so gorgeous I actually gasped when I saw them. They were stunningly beautiful--delicately dusted with this edible fairy-dust-glitter and dotted with dragées (those little candied silver beads).

Each lovely cupcake was different...I got to sample Ginger Carrot, Espresso Cream, and Banana Chocolate among Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla (not all in one sitting, of course).   

So, my final reflection of the year is this: I love my job. Despite the fact that teaching is incredibly hard work (and it is--seriously), I get to laugh everyday with 7-year-old cuties who...every now and then...bring me cupcakes. How lucky am I?!?

Happy Summer! And...

Happy Searching!

The Mother of All Weekends, Part 1

I was so excited to have my mom in town for Mother's Day. As I began to plan the agenda for the weekend, the first question that had to be answered: What are we going to eat?

Luckily, my mom and I are of the same mind when it comes to food (I wonder how that happened...). We live to eat and plan our days accordingly. We are often discussing what we should do for lunch while we are eating breakfast. It's awesome.

So, I wanted our time together to be filled with yummy things and all in all, it was a delicious weekend.

We spent Saturday at the Lake Austin Spa and enjoyed some incredible food. We shared scallop ceviche, watermelon gazpacho, an avocado chicken panini, and some frozen yogurt...in our bathrobes! It was heavenly (and much too relaxing to be bothered with a camera, so there are no pictures...sorry).

What better to follow up a healthy day at the spa than with some barbeque? We were in Austin, after all, and I knew just the spot: County Line Bar-B-Q. Being the dainty spa girls that we are, we promptly ordered the Meat Sampler Platter and a pitcher of Shiner. Brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, and smoked turkey? You betcha!

We sat out on the deck, listened to some great live music, and licked every last bit of the barbeque sauce off of our fingers (I threatened to get Mama B a straw to slurp the remaining side of sauce until I realized she would really do it). You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl!

Once our savory cravings were satisfied, it was time for a little something sweet. Luckily, I knew where to go for that, too. Central Market is an Austin grocery store with lots of specialty items but more importantly, a gelato bar. I introduced Mama to this gelato during her last visit and we both became hooked on the same flavor: The Donatella. Creamy and studded with crunchy chocolate-covered waffle bits, it's basically Nutella in gelato form. The chocolate hazelnut flavor is insanely good.

Stay tuned for Part 2...scones and quesadillas and margaritas, oh my!

In the meantime...

Happy Searching!

Cookie Math

As a reward for a group of fifth graders I tutored, I threw a little party when all of our sessions were finished. I tried to come up with a dessert that had something to do with math when I remembered my rarely-used collection of 100 cookie cutters. I dusted them off and decided to crunch some numbers!

I contemplated making my own sugar cookie dough, but when I thought about how my audience wouldn't care (or know the difference), I went with the pre-made. I did, however, make my own frosting. Well...Giada's frosting. And I have to say it was some of the best frosting I've ever eaten.

I figured this was the perfect opportunity to experiment with the neon food coloring I'd seen in the baking aisle and after trying it, I'm sold. I absolutely loved how vibrant the frosting turned out--lime green, bright turquoise, fuchsia, and tangerine. (Even with several attempts, I wasn't able to get a photo to capture their vibrancy...this was as close as it came).

So I baked the cookies until they were cooked through but still soft, then let them cool. I filled Ziploc bags with frosting, snipped the tips, and covered each cookie with some color. A sprinkle of sparkling sugar on top and--presto!--the dessert equation is solved.

Store-bought dough + homemade frosting = delicious! I love this kind of math...

Happy Searching!

Berry Delicious

I would say that I have more of a savory tooth than a sweet tooth. If I had to choose between fries or a shake, the salty fries would prevail. But, I do love dessert when it is fresh, simple, and a little bit decadent. Enter Giada's Berries with Mascarpone.

I knew I was meant to make (and eat) this dish when I realized we had all but one of the ingredients on hand (we didn't have meringue cookies to crumble on top, but I'm not a huge fan of meringue anyway, so no biggie).

Don't let the humble appearance fool you. The simple, harmonious balance of fresh fruit and luxurious cream makes this a dessert to behold. Perfectly ripe berries + cinnamon-kissed cream = a luscious delight. 

Next time you're in the mood for something berry delicious, give this a try...I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Happy Searching,


p.s. The recipe calls for whipping the cream and then folding it into the mascarpone. I was too impatient for this step and just whipped it all together with a whisk. Still yummy!

Dessert Envy

In my opinion if we lived in a perfect world, we would all get dessert with every meal. Without worrying about calories. Or fat. Or cholesterol. Unfortunately, my world is imperfect and does not include a daily dessert. If it did, however, Andi's Banana's Foster would be on the menu regularly.

The thought of my friend in her kitchen with a saucepan aflame made me laugh out loud, so I was slightly disappointed to learn that she chose the safe route and skipped the pyrotechnics. After seeing her dessert, though, I don't think she needed any special effects.

She took sliced bananas and sauteed them in butter, brown sugar, and a smidge of rum (...am I forgetting anything, Andi?). After letting the slices carmelize, she swirled them in a deep toffee brown sauce before spooning them over vanilla ice cream. I mean, does anything sound--or look--better?!? 

Honestly, at least two times while writing this post I have looked longingly at our fruit basket for spotted bananas...you know, the ones that usually occupy it and overstay their welcome? How is it that the one time I want to use them, they're not there?

All I know is that if I had some bananas in the house, I'd be making this right now. Delish!

Happy Searching!

St. Patty's Chocolate Chip Cookies

On a whim, I decided to whip up some green chocolate chip cookies in honor of St. Patrick's Day. I discovered the recipe on Kara's Kitchen Creations and became inspired.

Ryan was slightly apprehensive at first, since we were having company over and he's been witness to my previous baking extravaganzas (flour everywhere, just like the movies). He came around, though, when he took his first bite of these green delights. They turned out so incredibly gooey and yummy that I didn't even have time to take a picture before they were all gone...this one's from Kara's site.

The recipe calls for pudding mix, which I've never seen before in a chocolate chip cookie recipe but think was the secret to its heavenly texture. That and the added white chocolate chips made the cookies, as Ryan said, "Otis Spunkmyer-like". What a compliment!

I know it's too late to use this year, but I highly recommend printing the recipe and saving it for next year--or making it anytime without the green food coloring!

Happy Searching,


p.s. I used chocolate instant pudding instead of pistachio since that's what I had on hand. Also, mine turned out very dark green (probably because of the chocolate pudding). Still delish either way!

Austin Restaurant Week

One of the greatest events in Austin (and there are many to speak of) is Austin Restaurant Week. For $25 or $35 per person, you can get a three-course, gourmet meal that would normally cost upwards of $50. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity, a portion of delicious food goes to your belly...what more could a compassionate foodie ask for?

Something a bit more delicious. 

Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with my meal from Kona Grill. As much as I wanted it to be delicious, it fell short. (To be fair, Ryan enjoyed his meal quite a bit more than I enjoyed mine, but we both left feeling somewhat unsatisfied).                                   


Ryan ordered the ATX roll, the Sushi Sashimi, and the Mochi dessert (along with a 'Bama Roll chaser). I ordered Potstickers, Lemongrass Crusted Halibut and for dessert, the Fudge Brownie.

 

Ryan's Sushi Plate 

The 'Bama Roll 

  

My Lemongrass Crusted Halibut

 Triple Fudge Brownie

I know what you're thinking...what's wrong with these? Kona's menu for Restaurant Week did offer a decent variety of items and although none of them were bad, none of them were show-stopping, either.


So, what was the problem? Well...


My potstickers, which happen to be a favorite treat of mine, were on the chewy side. They definitely appeared to be homemade (I admire the effort), but the dough was difficult to cut through with a fork. 
My halibut was seasoned well and the sauce was excellent (anything coconut curry is alright in my book) but it was overcooked...enough that it was a bit dry, and even the yummy sauce couldn't save it.
The brownie was fudgy...and rich...but somehow it was also a bit bland. How can that be? A chocolate brownie, topped with ice cream and drizzled with caramel and more chocolate? Sounds heavenly and believe me, I wanted to like it. It just seemed to be missing something. Sort of like those low-fat desserts (which I'm sure wasn't the case here) that sound good in theory but leave you wanting more.


On a scale of one to ten, Ryan and I gave Kona an overall seven-and-a-half. Not bad, but when you're always in search of delicious, you can't settle. So the search continues...    


Looking forward to the next Restaurant Week!


Happy Searching,    

S'more Brownies, Please!

For me, the nostalgia of making s'mores definitely plays into their appeal. I love the way the melty chocolate, crunchy graham cracker, and burnt marshmallow intertwine to make one exquisite creation. But I also love the way one bite of the s'more trinity transports me back to my barefoot, 10-year-old-self, roasting marshmallows (or lighting them into flames) over a campfire at the beach.

When one of my BFFs (actually, my VBFF: Very Best Friend Forever, as we dubbed each other in second grade) told me she was making s'more brownies for her fiance, I said, "Oooh, take pictures! That sounds like something delicious!"

Look how gorgeous they turned out! (And big kudos to Mike for the fancy plate drizzle, by the way!) I love how the marshmallows transformed into perfectly toasted pillows atop their chocolatey bed. (Unfortunately, my marshmallows never turned out that well over the campfire...sticking them directly into the fire and peeling off the blackened crust to shove in my mouth was more entertaining.)

Since Andi's in San Diego and I'm in Austin, I didn't get to try them, but they are rumored to be very yummy! I will be looking for any excuse to make them now that I have the recipe. She found it here and made a few adjustments:
"I used less chocolate. After grabbing all the big Hershey bars that would equal 12oz...it seemed like just too much for me! And I used a regular brownie mix which is a little less than the required."

If you think you've found something delicious, take a picture and tell me about it! I'd love to share your discoveries, too.

Happy Searching!

Garlic Bread & Tiramisu: Spaghetti Sidekicks

How can you make a perfect meal even more delicious? By sandwiching it between cheesy, buttery garlic bread and incredibly rich tiramisu.

During my visit home last weekend, I attended Spaghetti School (courtesy of Mama B). I should've known that Mama had a few other tricks up her sleeve...after all, she always does! She had all of the ingredients for my favorite Garlic Bread. We followed the recipe then added our own flair by sticking the open-faced halves of bread under the broiler after topping them with parmesan cheese. 

She also had a recipe for Whipped-Up Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu (we used Kahlua instead of cognac, but otherwise followed the recipe as is). She mixed the creamy ingredients while I prepared the ladyfingers and layered them into pretty glasses.

Out of all the tiramisus I've ever eaten (all of them from restaurants, mind you, none of them homemade), this was the best one. Homemade, easy, and so scrumptious! Petite chocolate morsels suspended in fluffy clouds of mascarpone and ricotta, resting upon coffee-soaked sponginess...heavenly!

It's not very often that the sidekicks are as popular as the hero, but these dishes are delicious enough to save the day on their own. The next time you're in the mood for Italian, give them a try!

Happy Searching!