Weekend Getaways

I recently discovered that the "place to be" for foodies and "industry peeps" on Friday nights is Gemma on Henderson. Not only is the food delicious (I recommend the Brussles Sprouts that have been cooked in duck fat!) but, the atmosphere is awesome! If you plan on eating dinner, be sure to make a reservation!

If it's a pretty day, head to Klyde Warren Park! Parking can be heard but, it's worth it! Bring your pooch, friends, or just a good book!

And, find someone with a membership at Tei-An and check out the exclusive rooftop lounge! Grab a drink and just take in the view :)

I Knew I Had Good Taste!

It's official! I'm a good restaurant picker! However, if you don't like these restaurants....there's something wrong with you...

Spoon Bar and Kitchen (photo above) is hands down THE BEST seafood restaurant in Dallas. And, Texas Monthly has named it the number one Best New Restaurant in TEXAS for 2014! 

If you say you don't like "fish" or "seafood", then I dare you to try Spoon and say that you genuinely did not like ANYTHING. I promise, it is life changing. Everything dish is unique and packed with flavor. You will see-food in a whole new way ;)

Oh...and did I mention the desserts? A picture says a thousand words. So take a look...

It will make you say...

So, I said that TWO of my favorite restaurants were on the list. The other? Casa Rubia at Trinity Groves!

It's a modern Spanish Tapas restaurant that will surprise you! I know, when you hear "tapas" you think "small". Well, the plates may be, but the flavor is huge! These "small bites" pack a huge flavor punch! But, be ready to be a little adventurous...

Plus, their cocktails? To-die-for-delicious

Texas Brownies

This is hands down the best no-fail dessert ever! These are brownies that I grew up on and I LOVE to make them. Super easy and a chocolate-lovers dream.

Plus, I have a variation that is to-die-for-delicious!

Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 sticks butter
1 cup coffee
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

For the Frosting:
1 stick butter
2 tbsp cocoa
1/4 cup milk
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Process:
Heat oven to 400 and butter a 9 x 11 inch pan (I also like to coat the pan with extra sugar and cocoa for a nice crust!)
In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter, coffee, and cocoa. Heat to boiling
Pour the boiling mixture over the flour and sugar.
Add the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla (tip: I like to have my eggs already cracked in my buttermilk when I pour it in. Also, be sure to beat quickly so you don't cook your eggs!)
Pour into your pan and bake for 20 minutes
When your cake has about 8-10 minutes left, start the frosting!
In a saucepan, heat the butter, cocoa, and milk to boiling (keep an eye on the milk so it doesn't curdle)
Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth
Pour the warm frosting over the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven!

Variation: When the cake is done, layer peppermint patties over the top and pop back into the oven for a few minutes until the patties are melted. Top with frosting.

These are great with vanilla ice cream ;)

Click here for the print friendly version

Valentine's Edible Gift

Ok, I have to admit...I am not a fan of Valentines Day. I think it's over commercialized and just down right silly. And, I usually have this attitude...

HOWEVER! It is an excuse to take cute desserts to your friends! So, this year, I got in the spirit :)

I made a super simple treat for my friends that you could do for ANY holiday!

What You'll Need:
1 container of plain fortune cookies (make sure you have enough for all your friends!)
Chocolate Chips (white chocolate and regular)*
Shortening
Food coloring (since its V-Day, I colored the white chocolate pink...of course!)
SPRINKLES!

*you could also use Almond Bark

Before you start, make sure your sprinkles are ready to go and you have a non stick surface ready to set your cookies on.

I started by melting half of my white chocolate chips with about 1 tablespoon of shortening in the microwave. Start with 1 minute then melt in 30 second intervals until ready. Then, I dipped half the cookie in the chocolate and set them on my non stick surface. I did about 4 at a time so there was time for the chocolate to set enough to hold the sprinkles :) So, after you dip about 4, sprinkle them up! My next batch was pink and the last was regular chocolate. So...they should turn out something like this:

Super cute ;)

For display and easy transportation, I bough a few take out boxes! Again, depending on the holiday, you can get whatever color you want!

So, when your friends open it, they get a sweet surprise!

You get more creative and add your own fortunes!

Happy Valentines Day!

Cocktail Photo Shoot

There is something so alluring about a beautiful cocktail...

Not only are the beautiful to look at but they are beautiful to drink as well!

I did a photo shoot at Casa Rubia at Trinity Groves. We took photos of all of their signature cocktails and believe me...they are ALL delicious!

For the full album, click here

Chicken Pasta Salad

Recently, I was asked to do a cooking demo on Good Morning Texas. The theme was "The Big Chill". We've all been there...you get home from work and realize that you forgot to defrost something for dinner. Oops!

But, I have the answer! This is a recipe my mom taught me and I love it because it's fast, easy, and you can make it you own!

Check out my segment here

And, the recipe is below :)

Ingredients:

1-2 Frozen Chicken Breast (feel free to use tenders, shrimp..whatever you have!)

1 Box Pasta (you can substitute with gluten free pasta, rice, or quinoa)

1 Bag Frozen Veggies (I usually use a California medley of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)

1 Cup Sliced Grape Tomatoes

1 Cup Diced Red Onion

2 Tablespoons Butter 

1 Cup (or more!) shredded Parmesan Cheese

pinch of salt and pepper

Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Process:

Put your frozen chicken in a pot of water with salt and pepper to boil. This can take at least 30 minutes so go ahead and pour yourself a glass of wine ;)

Once the chicken is done, take it out of the water to cool. Once cool enough to handle, slice it into bite size pieces.

Add the pasta into the same water that you boiled your chicken in (this gives it more flavor!) and add another pinch of salt! (since your water is already boiling, this step should take no more than 8-10 min)

While the pasta is cooking, put your frozen veggies, butter, tomatoes, and onions into a bowl to hang out.

When your pasta is finished, pour directly over your veggies (the heat from the pasta will melt the butter and defrost the veggies!).  Sometimes, frozen veggies can be quite large so this is a good opportunity to cut them smaller!

Top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and cheese. 

Give a quick stir and enjoy! 

Variations that I enjoy:

-Frozen Corn with Black Beans

-Frozen Peas with Cream of Mushroom Soup

-Replace the olive oil and vinegar with some salad dressing (caesar, italian…etc)

-If you use already cooked meat (like rotisserie chicken or kielbasa sausage), it's even faster! 

-Make it your own and have fun!

*this usually serves 4 people and I always allow about an hour total (the time will depend on what type of meat you use)