
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tailored Tuesdays

Monday, June 21, 2010
Dudeeeeeeeeeee...



















Thursday, June 17, 2010
Banana Whoopie Pies with Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting


Yields: about 20 mini whoopie pies
Original recipe here.
For the banana cakes:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup mashed banans (1 large extra-ripe banana)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 stick butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed lightly
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
For the nutella cream cheese frosting:
1/2 stick butter, room temperature, cut into cubes
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes
1/2 cup nutella
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat, set aside. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt, set aside. In another small bowl, stir to combine the mashed bananas and sour cream, set aside. Beat the butter and sugars on medium high for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Add the banana mixture and flour to the butter mixture in two separate additions, alternating between wet and dry. Using a scoop or a piping bag fitted with a large tip, form small mounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 - 1 1/2 inches between each. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes and let cool before filling.
To make the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium high for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in the nutella and vanilla until completely incorporated. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until desired consistency, until stiff peaks are reached. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a small amount of frosting onto the bottom half of the cakes, and top with another cookie. Roll in sprinkles, if desired. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Ready to bite into this thing!

Pretty little things:

Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada {Los Angeles, CA}
Ahh don't you love it when a restaurant is straight up, up front with you? You say "the best fish tacos," I believe you. I give you a try and you prove me wrong? Shame on you. I give you a try and you prove me right, well, that's an A+ in my book.
What I love about this place is how simple it is. A small hole-in-the-wall with two options: fish or shrimp. Toppings, you choose and you put on yourself at the salsa bar, which, mind you, has some great salsas (spicy pineapple, mango, etc.). Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Oinkster {Eagle Rock, CA}
After listening to my sister wax poetically about the joys of The Oinkster, I knew I had to try it one day. So that day came and here's what we had. Above, my friend got the veggie burger, being the vegetarian that she is. She said it was alright, and that there wasn't much texture; basically soft on soft on soft. The pulled pork sandwich is a pulled pork sandwich. It's pork, pork, pork and more pork! Stuffed to the brim with juicy, tasty pork.
I opted for the 1/2 chicken plate, which was served with rice, plantains and a delicious garlic sauce. The chicken was moist, the rice was tasty and the plantains were my favorite. But then again, I love plantains however and wherever. The garlic sauce though, deeee-licious!
Their piggy fries, though famed, did not wow me at all. I think I must have tried them on an off night because they were only slightly warm and the cheese wasn't even melted. It was just blah, but I'd be willing to give them one more shot.
The hands-down, BEST THING, about this place is the milkshakes! It's funny because this restaurant is so random, which I love. They feature classic burgers and fries, yet also have cuban food. Then they throw you for a loop and offer ube and horchata milkshakes. It's a literal melting pot of cultures here!Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tailored Tuesdays

Phillipe's {Los Angeles, CA}


The lamb was tender beyond belief, letting you know that some good time was put into this sandwich. The bread was just lightly moistened on the inside but not soggy. I especially loved the hot mustard they offer, but be careful, it's hot - in the, shoot up straight the nostrils kind of way. Bonus: the iced tea is under a buck, just like the good ole days.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Graduation Celebration!


First on the list: Blue Velvet Cupcakes with Yellow Cream Cheese Frosting. Why blue and yellow you ask? Well UCI's colors are blue and yellow so I thought the choice was obvious :P


My absolute favorite, or let me correct myself, EVERYONE's favorite were the mini fruit tarts. These are so incredibly easy: just bake some puff pastry dough, whisk up some easy-peasy custard and top with some fresh fruit. And though it takes you a second, it looks like a million bucks!
Sangria's always a good choice for parties. Not too overbearingly alcoholic and perfect for the summer, especially with all of that great fruit coming into season. This one is Bobby Flay's recipe and boy did it hit the spot. Sweet with a nice punch.
For the kiddies we had Orange Rainbow Punch. Basically just orange juice, ginger ale and all of the fruit you can imagine dumped in! I used sliced oranges, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries and blackberries. It was like a fruit fiesta and so uberly refreshing.



