Tasty Thursday

I have a new food love.  Biscoff.  Or in layman's term, "cookie butter."  It's not what you think.  It's not cookie flavored butter....although I probably would try it.  Think of it as peanut butter, but without the peanuts.  It's actually a spread made out of those little Biscoff cookies you get on a plane. 

And it is delicious.  I've dipped my apples in it, slathered it on bread, and licked it right off a spoon.  It's all natural and vegan, which I am not, but hey, it makes it guilt free in a way.  And the fact that I can pronounce every single ingredient and actually know what they are kind of redeems my little obsession with this stuff.

I'm a fan of grilled peanut butter sandwiches and I was planning on making myself a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.  This was before I had a taste of the Biscoff.  As soon as that stuff hit my palette, I had a new game plan.  Biscoff and apple sandwich.  Yes.  Just in case this turned out to be a disaster, I still grilled up a PB and apple sandwich (decided against the jelly since I was going to use sliced apples with the Biscoff and had a bunch of them ready anyway).  Then I went on to make my cookie butter and apple sandwich.

OMFG.  That's the best way to describe it.

I was expecting it be sweet but it wasn't at all.  Usually, when I have a PB sandwich, as much as I love it, I have a hard time getting it down and have to drink a glass of milk or something.  Not the cookie butter.  That stuff melted perfectly and was all gooey and just wonderful.  No milk needed.

Here's what I did:
-Put a little bit of butter on 2 slices of cinnamon swirl raisin bread.
-Spread the Biscoff on the slices.
-Put one slice of bread on a hot skillet and covered it with a layer of thinly sliced apples.
-Put the other slice on top.  By that time, the sandwich was ready to flip.
-Cooked until both sides were slightly brown and toasty.

Saturday Rewind...on a Sunday

I was totally intending to do this yesterday, but alas, never did.  This is also a rewind for the last 2 weeks since I haven't updated in that long.  Blog fail.

Lows:
-Not running in a week.  Just. Can't. Get. Started. Again. Need. To. Sit. On. Couch. Instead.
-Realizing how soon March is approaching and the fact that we haven't had a single decent snow fall.  WTF.  Winter, you've aced it in some areas but not in others.  Old Man Winter, you're fired.
-Coming across an asian market somewhat nearby and being totally disappointed with their stock :(
-Coming home and finding carpet insulation bits from the cat that has been ripping up almost every corner of our apartment.  That'll be a little hard to explain to the landlord...
-Seeing how friggin cute my little niece is and not being able to see her.  One day!

Highs:
-The BF had the whole last weekend off (which he never does because he works in retail sales).  We had adventures.
-Going to a nearby amish market and eating half our weight in food.  I tell ya, the Pennsylvania Dutch know how to make some delicious noms.  If you ever get the chance to eat a pretzel dog...do it.  There was also a flea market attached and the BF scored a Russian pocket watch.  I say it's a Russian spy watch and that's what I'm sticking with...
-Spending our free time watching the second season of HBO's Game of Thrones.  Which this is one of the reasons I haven't been blogging, that and I was completely lazy and didn't want to put forth any effort.  Priorities people.  Anyway, this show is amazing.  Bottom line.
-Shrinking a pant size, well, with Old Navy jeans at least.  Not sure if their sizing is just different, but doesn't matter, I'm a size smaller, I'll take.  I haven't noticed a visual difference or have even lost that much weight, but like I said, I'll take.  That puts me at 2 sizes closer to what I was at the start of college.  Almost there. 

 

Friday Favorites

Favorite Unfinished Project via Flickr.  This reminds me of myself so much.  I can't even recall how many "projects" I've started and left.

Favorite Miserable Cat.  This is what our Monkey looks like during a bath, which he will get after playing in the trash.  He's our garbage cat...

Favorite Patriotic Salute.  We get it.  You love America.  But seriously?  Too much is not always a good thing.   Don't be surprised when people are reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to you. 

Favorite Spider Kill Method.  Yea.  That looks reasonable....

Favorite Uggs via Amazon.  Now that I have a pair of boots that magically fit over my calves, I've been obsessed with finding some more.  Not sure if these would work for me, but I still like.

Favorite Dexter Coasters via ThinkGeek.  I wouldn't ever actually use these,  but they still are pretty clever for Dexter fans.

February 14

Google kindly reminded me that today is George Ferris's birthday.  Without the ferris wheel, I wouldn't be able to say I've operated one and probably wouldn't have met the BF.  So thank you Mr. Ferris and happy birthday!

Anyway, it's also Valentine's Day.  If you're the type to celebrate, I hope you had a good one.  I don't particularly care for this holiday.  I personally think it's turned way commercial.  But I'm not knocking anyone else that partakes on this day.  In fact, V-day does give me an opportunity for themed deserts...which I indulged with Triple Decker Red Velvet Cupcakes.  Yes.

Bu anyway, yesterday, the BF did surprise me with some small things for the occasion, even though I kept telling him we're not doing anything for Valentine's.  He works late tonight and wanted to see my reaction, so he gave me my gifts early.

It was pure nerd joy.  I've had an obsession with owning my own Wookie.  And I finally got one!  Albeit, he is small, but I love him nonetheless.  I'm also a fan of Star Wars, so the rest of what I got was awesome too. The biggest surprise was a Nerf gun.  Heck yes.  We've been talking about owning a Nerf gun for years, but never buying one because they are kind of expensive considering it's essentially a piece of plastic.  So I was completely shocked to see one in my possession.  And I'm pretty sure he got it because he wanted one just as equally, but used Valentine's Day as an excuse.  We've already been target practicing with the dog's squeaky toys.  It's only taken me 27 years to get a Nerf gun...

For the cupcake:

-Use your favorite red velvet cake recipe.  Once baked and cooled, cut them into thirds (or halves and just use the bottoms from other cupcakes).

-Pipe your favorite frosting in between the layers and on top.  I used a mix of butter cream and marshmallow cream for my frosting.

Tasty Tuesday: Cream of Tomato Soup

Sometimes, I just crave a grilled cheese and tomato soup.  But it can't be any tomato soup.  I particularly don't like many canned tomato soups.  They taste like ketchup and water to me.  I'm a fan of thick and creamy soups.  Soups that can fill you up.  I found a recipe by Jamie Oliver that suited my tastes.  It's thick, creamy, and easy.  And it goes so well with my grilled cheese (that I load up with cheese by the way).  Essentially, you heat a big can of tomatoes, onions, flour and cream together in a pot and sprinkle chives on top when ready to eat.

Cream of Tomato Soup
from Jamie Oliver

28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 c minced onion
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour
1/4 c heavy cream
chopped chives

-You can either puree the tomatoes or leave them be.  I left mine be.
-Heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the onions and season with salt and pepper.  Saute until the onions are soft but not brown.
-Make a roux by adding the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
-Add the tomatoes and cream.  Re-season with salt and pepper of you wish.  Stir to combine everything.
-Cover and bring to a simmer.  Heat for however long you want to wait.
-Garnish with chives before you eat.

Year of the Snake

Sunday marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year.  In Korea, it's called "Seollal."  This is the day where I have to eat noodles.  It symbolizes prosperity for the year.  And if you break any of the noodles before it reaches your mouth, uh oh.  No more prosperity for you.  Maybe when I get older and have a family of my own, I'll start giving my kids red envelopes full of money.

Anyway, 2013 is the year of the Water Snake.  Those born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001 were born in the year of the Snake.  According to Asian folklore, people born in these years are contemplative and generally private people. They are described as very cunning, manipulative people who will plot to get what they want, especially in the work environment. They are often viewed as poor communicators and very possessive. But snakes can be very charming and generous people.

After looking around at various sites for this year's predictions, I've summed it up for you.

2013 Outlook:
-Looks like it'll be a tumultuous year in history. Whether natural disasters or financial crises, something is gonna happen. The last couple of Snake years for example: September 11 attacks, Tiananmen Square protests, the Great Depression. Snake years don't have good track records. The year will start out rocky, but things will even out by the end of the year.

2013 Outlook for those born in a Snake year: The Water Snake energy will be beneficial as well as challenging for Snake people, especially in your professional life.  In your career, this isn't the year to take any risks, including risks in money management strategies.  In your love life, considerable luck is in the outlook.  And if you're able to stay calm and maintain strong emotional energy, good health will be had.

My 2013 Outlook for a Wood Ox: The Water Snake Energy is considered to be good for the Ox.  There could be challenging energy in your career, as well as possible health issues.  But there is a presence of a very benevolent energy that can really help throughout the year, especially with potential money opportunities.  Be mindful about avoiding any conflicts and stay away from negative energies because there might be missed wealth and career opportunities.  This will be a good year for nourishing love relationships as long as conflicts are avoided and patience is practiced.


Regardless if you don't believe in this stuff or not, it is quite interesting to read. With that said, hope you have a happy and prosperous year!

Saturday Rewind

Lows
-Two of the BF's gifts didn't arrive in time for his birthday.  USPS fail.
-Deciding to go to out the morning of the Super Bowl.  Big mistake.  I thought it was Black Friday all over again...except you could call it "Purple and Black Friday," with all the Ravens fans.
-Finding out it can literally rain spiders.  Seriously.  Apparently this phenomena happens in South America.  Having one on my wall makes me run out of the room screaming like a banshee.  Lord help me if I get caught in this situation.
-Coming home craving chocolate eclairs and finding out he ate the last of it.  It was technically his birthday dessert so I couldn't get mad, but, not gonna lie, I was bummed.  That stuff is delicious.

Highs
-Low key 28th birthday for the BF...beard cake and all.
-Running again. First time since October. I've regressed so much, but I've been feeling better after the runs.
-The BF got a haircut and trimmed the beard. He doesn't look as homeless anymore.
-Finished reading The Walking Dead:  The Rise of the Governor.  Just in time for the show to start back up. 
-Ate venison hot dogs for the first time.  Soooo good.
-Finally being able to sleep in on my weekends.  Again, so happy my overtime is over.
-Getting a package from my mom.  They were socks, but I requested them and they still made my day.  It's nice no matter what when you get home and see a package at your door.

Book Review: Rise of the Governor

So I'm a huge fan of the Walking Dead series, both the AMC TV show and the graphic novels.  I recommend anyone that likes the show to read the novels.  It's different enough that following both won't ruin either storylines. 

To continue my obsession with this series, I just finished reading The Rise of the Governor.  This book goes more along with the novels versus the show, but it's still a good read if you only watch the show. 

The whole story is about the Governor, his brother, the little girl Penny (who is still alive, unlike what we've seen in the novels and show) and his friend as they try to flat out survive in this new world full of "Biters."  There's a twist at the ending that I wasn't expecting and I understand more of how The Governor ended up as sick and twisted as he is.  Considering all the messed up stuff the group had to go through, I kind of don't blame him.  Anyone with a right mind would go crazy if that's what they lived through.

If you have the time, this is a quick weekend read.  Because I did not have the time, it took me a bit longer to finish.  But it was really hard to put down when my reading time was up.

Now I need to get the next book, Road to Woodbury.

Tasty Tuesday: Chocolate Eclairs

The BF's birthday was yesterday and I made two desserts.  He's special enough that he got two.  Dark chocolate fudge cake and chocolate eclair cake.  And they can't be any more different from each other.

The BF has a love affair of sorts with this chocolate eclair recipe.  He's mentioned that it's his favorite dessert ever.  And I will have to admit, it is pretty darn good.  Graham crackers.  Mmm.  French vanilla pudding and Cool Whip.  Yes.  Chocolate.  Can't go wrong that.  All put together to create a marvelous no bake dessert. 

This is the recipe that his mom has always used and I have no idea where she got it from.  The last time I made this, the store didn't have french vanilla pudding (seriously?) and regular vanilla was used instead.  Still tasted good, but not the same.... 

Chocolate Eclairs
1 box honey graham crackers
2 boxes instant French vanilla pudding
3 c milk
1 tub Cool Whip

-Cover the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan with graham crackers.
-Mix the pudding mixes with the milk. Whip until it thickens. Then fold in the Cool Whip.
-Place half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers in the pan. Then cover that layer of pudding with more graham crackers. Pour the rest of the pudding mix on top of that. Cover with a last layer of graham crackers.

2 squares unsweetened chocolate
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp corn syrup
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk

-Melt together the chocolate and butter. Add the vanilla, corn syrup, powdered sugar, and milk. Pour over the graham crackers and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

Seriously, the hardest part of this is waiting for the cake to set in the fridge.

Saturday Rewind

Lows
-I wasn't thinking and took a back road to work in the snow.  This said back road is hilly and curvy and shady...not a good combo for snow.  It was one of the scariest drives I've ever had.  Once I realized I was sliding when I braked, I didn't brake anymore.  But other drivers apparently don't have this same logic.  It seems once they realized they were sliding, they braked even harder.  It was getting hit by other cars that scared me the most.  Don't slam on your brakes in the snow and ice!  I know it's instinct, but seriously!  Get off the brakes and just guide your car with the steering wheel and tap on the brakes until you're at the speed you want.  My adrenaline was going for about an hour after I got to work.
-Hoping that the BF's birthday gifts will arrive in the mail on Monday (his birthday btw).  I'm not a procrastinator.  I ordered stuff well ahead of time, it's the companies I ordered from and USPS that's taking their sweet time.
-The cat demanding to get fed anytime between 5-6:30 am, preventing the BF from sleeping in.
-Trying to get groceries and turning around because the roads were getting slick with slush.

Highs
-Finding out I don't have to work overtime anymore, for awhile at least.  The money was nice, but 6:30 am six days a week was getting old.
-Finally watched Ted and loved it! Definitely a must see if you like Family Guy.
-Ant free. Yay.
-Enough snow to where it's pretty outside.
-Chinese take out makes me happy.