Tip Top Shape

Coffeemate: A love affair

2012-01-31T09:43:00.004-06:00

Coffeemate, let's mate.

It's no secret that I love coffee. I'm a three-cups-in-the-morning sort of girl and there are usually a few extra after that. I'll take any type except decaf because, well, decaf is fake coffee. I usually roll with plain milk in my coffee but occasionally I am wooed by the colorful flavored creamers at the supermarket and just have to take one home with me. These are a few of my favorites.

1. Hazelnut

This was my first coffeemate love and I never looked back. I don't know what it is about hazelnut that makes it so delicious (seriously, what is it?!) but it's the perfect mate to my coffee.

2. French Vanilla

Super sweet. Super awesome. Probably even more classic than the hazelnut, but I'm biased.

3. Amaretto

The Italian in me approves.

4. Almond Joy

Okay, this is not coffeemate, per se, but it is way too amazing to not mention. I had this for the first time last week and tweeted that I wanted to bathe in it. That was not a hyperbole. Almonds. Chocolate. Coconut. Oh my!

Do you guys like flavored creamers? Any recommendations for new flavors to try??

Quinoa with Eggplant and Peppers

2012-01-26T10:01:00.005-06:00

Hello lovelies. I have a little story for you all this Thursday morning. And if you absolutely cannot stand to hear me ramble for a paragraph or two, you can jump down to the recipe at the end. I won't judge. Too much. Anyway, story time! I currently intern at the public relations agency that represents all of the Broadway In Chicago shows in the city. The work is mainly compiling media coverage and sending it off to the client. However, I also get to attend press night for all of the shows.

Let's have a moment of silence for how awesome that is.

--silence--

Okay, back on track. Tuesday night I went to the Mamma Mia! press night. Interns are used as fillers for empty seats in the theater and we are usually given our tickets about two or three minutes before the show starts. This is always anxiety provoking for me (I hate rushing) but usually I handle it well. I was all business Tuesday night until the ushers sent me to the wrong aisle and I sort of went into a blind panic, not paying much attention to my surroundings as I whipped around to run to the next aisle. When I made that hello-whiplash-turn I collided with none other than Chicago's biggest theater critic.

Sputtered apologies and flushed cheeks followed.

I was mortified and still sort of am. Although, I do have to admit that it makes a pretty good story. And as an awkward magnet, that is something you really have to hold on to.

On a somewhat unrelated note, I have some food that I want to show you all. This is a food blog at the end of the day, after all. Like most recipes, this came from an oh s*** moment at the rapidly deteriorating produce in my refrigerator. Nothing like four dollar peppers bruising to get your chef cap on! I used quinoa as the base because no grain is a better canvas for rapidly-deteriorating-produce. This would be great with just about any roasted vegetable. Also, don't be afraid to add sauces. I used some tomato sauce on the leftovers and it was delicious.

Quinoa with Roasted Eggplant and Peppers

Ingredients:

1 eggplant, cubed

2 peppers, chopped roughly

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried parsley

salt/pepper

1 cup quinoa

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread the eggplant and pepper on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Add the herbs and then mix with your hands to coat the vegetables with oil and herbs. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip over the vegetables, bake for another 5-10 minutes until the eggplant is easily pierced with a knife.

Meanwhile, bring the quinoa and 2 cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the quinoa simmer covered for 15 minutes. Remove cover and fluff with a fork.

Turkey Chili

2012-01-24T09:35:00.003-06:00

There is this little Italian deli down the street from my office and they have the most delicious paninis known to mankind. My favorite is a pancetta and fontina panini with pesto pressed between ciabatta. I could probably eat this sandwich every day for every. single. meal. It's that tasty. But...it also is about seven dollars and a bagillion (yes that is a scientific measurement) calories.

In an effort not to empty my wallet or cancel out all the lovely workouts I've been doing, I have been making full use of my kitchen. No simple ham and cheese sandwiches for this workin' girl! I know I'll be tempted to go across the street if I don't bring lunches that I genuinely look forward to eating so I make sure that I bring nothing short of delicious!

This chili is adapted from Jenna's recipe. It takes a bit of time to make but most of it is hands off which makes multitasking an attainable dream. The recipe is rather large so get those plastic containers ready--lots of frozen leftovers are an equally attainable dream!

Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

1 1b ground turkey

1 red pepper, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 tbsp garlic

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup red wine

1 tbsp cumin

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp oregano

salt/pepper

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and pepper, saute until softened. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Next, add the ground turkey and cook until the meat is browned. Add in all of the spices, stirring to coat the meat.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and red wine and simmer covered for an hour, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve over brown rice or noodles with lots of cheddar cheese!

An Ode to Cardigans

2012-01-19T09:58:00.003-06:00

Cardigans, how I love thee. Ever since we first met in the JCrew discount section, while I was still a blossoming young teen wearing pajama pants to class, it has been a whirlwind romance. Cardigan are just so fun and versatile. They're like the friend who is up for absolutely anything.

With endless variety in terms of cut, length and color it really isn't an overstatement to say that there is a cardigan for every occasion. I know I make mine work overtime. Whether I'm going out, heading to class, or attempting to save money by not running my heat--cardigans have me covered (literally!). I'm going to share with you a few of my favorite cardi's from the interwebs :D

1. The Jackie

I have my fair share of Jackie cardigans. They're a classic for a reason and look adorable over dresses!

2. Drapey

The perfect cardigan for when you really wish you had skipped the bar last night. Loose fitting and universally flattering--it hides a multitude of sins.

3. Grandpa Cardigan

Don't let the name fool you. While they dress down easily, they can dress up too.

4. Embellished

Zooey Deschanel: Queen of Cardigans

Do you guys rock cardigans?

The Beginning of the End

2012-01-18T08:22:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I started my very last day of college. It's so strange, I remember when I was a freshman and absolutely terrified of the city. I would practically break into hives walking two blocks from my dorm. I was convinced I would get mugged every time I took the El (which was of course never on my own). Now I live in the city and can successfully walk two blocks without wanting to dry heave. Even take the El by myself!

People always told me how college goes by fast but I never thought it would slip away this quickly. Each year felt like it would never end. Freshman year I was acclimating. Sophomore year discovering the city. Junior year drowning in LSAT books and law school applications. Suddenly it's senior year and I wonder where all those endless times went.

Heading into my last semester at Loyola, I want to make these final moments count. I want to appreciate my friends more. Take advantage of the city. Savor the skyline. Snap more pictures. I want these last few months to creep by, because if I'm being completely honest, I'm not ready for them to end.

Pecan Bars

2012-01-06T14:43:00.003-06:00

The past few days I have rediscovered my exercise mojo. Unlike my blog-partner Jen, working out hasn't been a consistent part of my daily routine. You are more likely to find me in the kitchen wielding a spatula than handbells. I recently found the fitness videos on Hulu, though, and am really enjoying my daily sweat session. What have I been loving lately?

Kick boxing. Oh yeah.

This may have something to do with my binge-watching of Buffy The Vampire Slayer on Netflix. What can I say? Watching Buffy kick some demon butt has made me want to discover my own inner slayer. Except I'm not slaying vampires. Or demons. Or anything that hits back. However, I do get to pretend that I am punching and kicking people that I don't like. I have a rotation of about three or four people who have made it onto that list.

Somewhere, a therapist has a lot to say about this.

When I'm not kicking invisible-butt you can still find me in the kitchen with my spatula. A few weeks back I made these pecan bars for my dad's birthday. The process of making the bars was truly a comedy of errors. I spent ten dollars on pecans. Accidentally put them on a hot burner to cool. And spent about twenty minutes chiseling burnt pieces off the shortbread crust. Miraculously, they still turned out edible.

Pecan Bars

Ingredients:

For the crust:

18 tbsp. butter

6 tbsp sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

For the topping:

16 tbsp. butter

1/2 cup honey

1 1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 tso. grated lemon zest

2 tbsp. heavy cream

1 1b pecans, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Press the batter into a prepared baking dish. For smoothing the batter, wrap your hand in saran wrap. This will keep it from sticking. Bake for 15 minutes until it is set. Let cool.

For the topping, combine the honey, sugar, and butter in a sauce pan. Cook on low heat. Once the butter has melted, boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans and heavy cream.

Pour evenly over the crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool and then move to the refrigerator. Cut into bars and serve.

Source: Annie's Eats

New Years Resolution

2011-12-31T10:13:00.006-06:00

How is it already New Years eve? Where on earth did the time go? Well, on that note, I probably should get to the point of this post, huh?

New Years resolutions. I love them and hate them. Mostly hate them because like giving up for something for Lent, I tend to forget or just give up. Terrible habit. But with all that failing I have realized that trying not to eat chocolate and drinking less coffee isn't realistic. Mostly because 1) I love chocolate and 2) It was dumb.

So this year, I'm trying something a bit new. The resolutions I am making will be far more flexible and attainable. I won't beat myself up if instead of 1 cup of coffee I have 2. (That isn't on my resolutions. I'm not repeating caffeine withdrawal. )

Currently, I have one resolution and that is to be healthy. Whether it be getting a quick workout in or eating more vegetables, I want that to be my focus. Meaning I can indulge in my sweets, drink my coffee and still keep with my resolution. Flexibility is key!

So to kick things off, starting Monday since I will be gone enjoying myself at a lake house for the weekend I am starting...Jamie Eason's 12 Week Trainer, Live Fit!

The program isn't about losing weight for me, it is about becoming strong. Jamie Eason doesn't stress on low-carb dieting or quick results and uses a program that is about investing the effort into getting a strong, lean , beautiful body with time. While this program has specific diets and workouts, I will do my best do follow it to continue my New Years resolution to be healthy.

I'll be sure to keep you all updated :) And Happy New Year!

Q: How will you be healthy in the new year?

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Candied Bacon

2011-12-24T11:33:00.004-06:00

This week I was discussing what I was baking for the holidays with my brother and he jokingly suggested that I should put bacon into some of my cookies. While overtly I scoffed at the idea and said "That is just disgusting!" inwardly I was thinking:

Bacon was made to be paired with sweets. I mean--need I remind you all of the marvelous joys a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and cloyingly sweet maple syrup lends to an otherwise lacking morning?

I went straight to How Sweet Eats because when I think of bacon, I think of Jessica. She is the queen of all things bacon and delicious. Almost immediately I found the most delectable recipe for peanut butter cookies studded with candied bacon and chocolate.

Oh brother.

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Candied Bacon

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

4 slices cinnamon-sugared candied bacon

1/2 cup chocolate

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dip the bacon into the melted chocolate and set aside to come to room temperature while you make the dough.

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the sugars, peanut butter, and butter until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing until incorporated. Crumble the bacon and fold into the batter.

Place tablespoon scoops on a prepared baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes and fool all of your family members into eating bacon-cookies.

Source: How Sweet Eats (original recipe here)

Bulgar Wheat Tofu with Lime Tahini Sauce

2011-12-21T10:01:00.006-06:00

After three finals, four presentations, two papers, and a potentially dangerous amount of coffee...

I AM DONE WITH FINALS!

And I couldn't be happier.

There are many things that I love about winter break. Sleeping in. My family. The DVR loaded with all of my favorite shows. My parents joke that I take over the TV when I come home. I can't really refute that.

All joking aside though, there is something nice about being home. I love living in the city and there are perks of living on your own. I don't have to suffer through stilted morning conversation. I am 100% not a morning person and holding any sort of conversation before 10 AM is like pulling teeth. I don't have to share the remote. A carton of milk lasts all the way to the expiration date. Sometimes it's nice to share the remote, though. It's nice to have someone there to hear the random stories that just aren't the same when told hours later.

I still don't like the morning talking thing, though.

On an unrelated note, I have a little recipe here for you that is both delicious and nutritious. Unfortunately, it does not rhyme like the end of that sentence. I'll try harder next time.

Bulgar Wheat Tofu with Lime Tahini Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup bulgar wheat

1 package tofu, chopped

1/4 cup tahini

2-3 tbsp lime juice

Directions:

Cook the bulgar wheat according to the package's instructions and set aside. Preheat the oven's broiler while you press the tofu. Slice the tofu into bite size pieces and spread out onto a prepared baking sheet. Broil 5-6 minutes per side.

Using a food processor (or a whisk/fork) combine the tahini and lime juice. Add more or less lime juice depending on how thick you want the sauce. Pour over the bulgar wheat and tofu. Serves four.

Lots and lots of cookie recipes will be on their way! Get excited!! What are you all baking for the holidays?

This Is Sort Of Embarrassing...

2011-12-17T12:47:00.003-06:00

But I love Leslie Sansone's walking workouts.

I feel like these workouts are the equivalent of rocking out to Richard Simmons, but I honest-to-God love them. Leslie Sansone is really motivating and the workouts actually make you

sweat. Plus, there is something just so nice about being able to do a 3-4 mile cardio workout in the comfort of your living room. For people who find schlepping three floors down to the gym too much effort (yep, that is me) these workouts are fantastic.

So, I am admitting here that I walk away the pounds with Leslie Sansone. And I've got some recommendations if you want to, as well :)

1) 5 Day Slim Down: This is my absolute favorite. 5 one mile workouts that each target a different body part (think legs, arms, abs). Fantastic workouts.

2) 1 and 2 Miler: This one is a classic. It's the first one I bought (probably from the fitness DVD section at ULTA--used to love that!) so it has a special place in my heart. Decent workout, but not as good as the 5 one milers above.

3) Walk Your Belly Fat 3 Mile Walk: Okay, I've never actually done this one but it looks fun. Plus Leslie Sansone has her trademark crazy-walking-woman face on. Which, let's face it, is half the reason to do these workouts.

What are your embarrassing-workout-confessions?

Surveying the Holiday

2011-12-15T10:32:00.003-06:00

I'm officially done with finals and also on the countdown for my 22nd birthday which is the 20th this month! And despite all the testing, I really wanted to do this survey that I saw Julie post on her blog. So here we go!

25 Questions: Holiday Style

Eggnog or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate. What girls doesn't love chocolate?

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Definitely wraps them with coordinating wrapping paper to represent whose gift is whose.

Colored lights on tree/house or white?

Always white. It's always been a tradition in my family to put both white lights on my house and on the tree. I think it makes everything look so elegant.

Do you hang mistletoe?

Nope but that won't stop me ;)

When do you hang your decorations up?

Always the week after Thanksgiving.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

My grandmother's shrimp cocktail.

Favorite holiday memory as a child?

My family always took a trip to downtown Chicago to look at the Christmas tree and walk the sidewalks looking at the window displays.

What is on your Christmas wish list?

I'd really like a Vera Bradley travel bag. It can also double as a gym bag which is perfect.

Do you open a gifts on Christmas Eve?

Yes, we always open a few which are usually from my grandparents who come over for Christmas dinner.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Ornaments (fun and traditional) , garland, lights :)

Snow? Love it or dread it?

I like it up to the point when it turns into a blizzard then it is a little much for me.

Real tree or fake tree?

I really like the look and smell of real trees but my family personally uses a fake because when we had a real tree it fell and broke a bunch of my mom's ornaments from Germany.

Do you remember your favorite gift?

I think one of my favorite gifts was my diamond earrings I got from my mom.

What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?

Spending time with my family.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

I love my mom's cookies, I think my favorite would be the almond crescent cookies! SO good!

What is your favorite tradition?

Christmas music while hanging the ornaments on the tree,

What tops your tree?

An angel.

Do you prefer giving or receiving?

I love giving them, especially when they are exactly what they've been wanting.

What is your favorite Christmas song?

The First Noel, I'm biased though because Noel is also my middle name. I'm a Christmas baby :)

Candy canes, yuck or yum?

I don't like them on their own but they taste delicious when you you them to mix your hot chocolate.

Favorite Christmas movie?

I am a huge fan of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

What do you leave for Santa?

We used to leave cookies and milk but we've stopped doing that for a while.

Do you have a Christmas morning tradition?

We would always rush downstairs, put on the Christmas music and start opening presents.

Do you prefer to shop on-line or at the mall?

I like shopping online because retail stores are insane around the holiday season!

Christmas letter or Christmas card?

Cards!! I love getting cards from everyone.

Pesto Palmiers

2011-12-14T13:18:00.003-06:00

While making this recipe I realized two valuable things:

1) My life needs more pesto.

2) My life needs more puff pastry dough.

My thighs told me that I was full of poppycock and after a moment of brief resistance, I had to agree. My wallet voiced its agreement, as well.

Puff pastry may not be ideal for daily use but it is pretty much perfect for quick appetizers. If the two met at a bar they would discover after two cranberry vodkas (because what else would puff pastry drink?) that they are totally made for each other.

There is a lot you can do with puff pastry dough. Wrap it around cocktail dogs. Fold it up with some chocolate. You can even make knots out of strips and enjoy it as its saucy self.

For my party I layered it with pesto and parmesan before rolling the ends into the center for some pretty palmiers. I have no idea what palmier means. Up until five minutes before the party, I didn't know how to pronounce it.

French Lesson #1:

palmier = palm-ee-ayy

Is your mind blown like mine? Or are you all gourmands who already knew the pronunciation? Feel free to mock if you are the latter.

Anyhoo, this is the perfect holiday appetizer. According to me.

Pesto Palmiers

Ingredients:

Puff pastry dough, thawed (one sheet)

1/2 cup pesto

1/4 cup parmesan

Directions:

Thaw puff pastry dough either in the refrigerator over night or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out the puff pastry dough. Spread the pesto out using a spatula. Make sure to leave about an inch on all four sides of the dough. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese. Roll both sides into the center. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour.

Slice vertically into 30 slices. Lay flat on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until browned.

Source: Cooking Light

Holiday Soiree 2011

2011-12-12T10:23:00.003-06:00

I love cooking for people. To me, there is nothing better than watching people enjoy the food that I made for them. Yes, it is partially due to the hello-fuzzy-feeling it brings, but it's more than that. I have an honest, pure, cross your heart and hope to die love of food. I love every single step: the planning; the agonizing; the cooking. Sharing this love of food with others is like Christmas morning.

This weekend especially.

I had a few friends over for one of my typical parties where I obsess over the guest list, cook way too much food, and send everyone home with leftovers. My friends love me. And my leftovers.

The menu for the party was:

Stuffed Mushrooms

Pesto Palmiers

Sliders (4 types)

Fried bologna with mustard
Turkey with pesto
Salami
Ham with havarti and brown mustard

Hummus with vegetables

There was also wine because in my humble opinion, you can't have a true holiday party without a little vino.

I ate about twenty of these. Yes, that is a hyperbole.

I ate about twenty of these. No, that is not a hyperbole.

All the recipes for these appetizers are super simple and absolutely delicious. If I could make them with only four hours of sleep (make of that what you will) then you know they're pretty fool proof. Recipes to come soon!

Have you guys had any holiday parties? Link them up in your comments! I love reading about parties :D

Frittata with Sage and Manchego

2011-12-06T08:43:00.004-06:00

I bought sage last week for my pumpkin ravioli recipe and have been putting the extra in everything. I hate wasting herbs because they practically cost a kidney and I rather like my kidney so I've been doing my best to use it up. I put it in soup; in salads; on turkey sandwiches. The frittata was my last idea, prompted by a random block of manchego cheese I found in my refrigerator from when my family visited.

Hey family!!

I love frittatas in that you can really throw just about anything in it and it will taste good. It's like the garbage disposal of foods.

I just finished this yesterday and I already wish I had more. Looks like the parental units need to come up for another visit. Who else is going to buy me that fancy schmancy cheese?

Frittata with Sage and Manchego

1/4 cup sage, chopped

4 oz Manchego cheese, chopped

6 eggs

1 tbsp cream

salt

Directions:

Chop the sage and manchego cheese, set aside. In a bowl, beat the eggs. Add the cream and salt. Pour in the sage and manchego, mix well. Pour into an oven-safe sautee pan coated with butter. Cook covered until the eggs are set but top still runny, about 5-6 minutes. Broil in oven for 2-3 minutes, until the top is browned.

Looks pretty good, right?

Right.

Pumpkin Ravioli with Fried Sage and Almonds

2011-12-01T08:11:00.009-06:00

This week I nearly set off my fire alarm three times. I burned so many things Tuesday night that I actually barred myself from my kitchen. Browning butter was to blame for most of my frustration this week. For some reason, it burnt every single time I tried. They're not lying when you say you have to watch it the entire time. I stepped away for one second and it burnt to a black crisp, making me spastically wave a potholder under the fire alarm.

Can you just imagine if my fire alarm went off and I had to be like: Sorry guys, my browning butter took a turn for the worse.

Miraculously, I still have some fabulous recipes to come from this week's cooking. Tuesday night I made a ravioli dish that I could literally eat every night of the week. But then I wouldn't be able to fit through revolving doors. I bought pumpkin ravioli from a small Italian shoppe called L'Appetito back in October when I was hoarding all things orange and gourdy. I knew what I wanted to do with them but always settled on a different dish when it came time to actually cooking. When I was at Whole Foods this week, though, I found some fresh sage and decided that I would finally use my overpriced seasonal ravioli.

Al dente ravioli filled with ricotta, pumpkin and parmesan is paired with crisp fried sage and pan-roasted almonds. It is finished off with a slurry of extra virgin olive oil. I want this served at my birthday, wedding, and funeral. I also would like an endless supply in the afterlife. Please and thank you.

Pumpkin Ravioli with Fried Sage and Almonds

Ingredients:

1 lb store bought pumpkin ravioli

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/8 cup olive oil, plus 1 tsp

1/3 cup sage leaves, chopped

Directions:

Boil the ravioli according the package instruction, roughly 12-15 minutes. In a dry skillet, saute the almonds until fragrant, roughly 5 minutes. Heat 1/8 cup of olive oil in the skillet and add the chopped sage leaves. Fry until crisp and remove to a paper towel covered plate. When the ravioli is finished remove to a serving bowl and add the fried sage and almonds. Finish with the 1 tsp of olive oil.

A Radish To Remember

2011-11-29T09:38:00.004-06:00

A funny thing happened this morning. I went to write up my usual Tuesday post and I had to log into Blogger. Usually it has my email already plugged in and I just use my catch-all-password. This morning, though, both were blank and I learned that even with two cups of coffee in my system I am incapable of remembering my email (I rarely use the blog one). So, after using just about every combination of tiptopshape in email-form that I could, I buckled and clicked the help button.

I hate having to use the help button because it always says that it will send me my information immediately and it never does. I end up checking my email obsessively for fifteen minutes until I give up and do some dishes. Blogger surprised me, though, by actually sending it immediately. Good job, Blogger. You are officially off my shit list.

I have a somewhat unexciting recipe for you all today. I know, it's probably a faux pas to start this off with something negative. What can I say? I keep it real.

It's a salad, featuring the rock star of produce formerly known as radishes. I discovered radishes about a month ago. One of my coworkers makes these amazing salads for the office (they are nothing short of miraculous, really) and he used radishes one day. Up until this salad, my only radish experience was from CCD when I was seven and we recreated the last supper, complete with stale bread and sparkling grape juice. I remembered radishes as being bitter and generally unpleasant to stomach. Never one to be rude, though, I daintily tried one as I drummed up ways to make the rest disappear.

Guess what?

I loved them. Apparently, your palate changes from seven to twenty one (who would have thunk?) and everything is coming up radishes. Lucky them.

I'm not going to even bother with an actual recipe. Just throw together some lettuce and whatever you can find in your refrigerator. Radishes, of course, because no salad is complete without my little friends. Throw on some dressing (Goddess if you're a cool kid) and you've got yourself a meal.

I eat this pretty much every other day. It's tasty, healthy, and allows me to shovel copious amounts of sweets into my mouth without guilt. Now, if that isn't an incentive to eat this salad I don't know what is.

What I Am Thankful For

2011-11-24T13:32:00.009-06:00

I am thankful for... an amazing family who love me no matter what

I am thankful for...an amazing support system of friends back home

I am thankful for...my wonderful and caring boyfriend who continues to make me a better person every single day I spend with him

I am thankful for...my wonderful sorority sisters who have inspired me to go for my dreams

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :)

Be Thankful

2011-11-24T11:56:00.001-06:00

I am thankful.

Love, According to the Gilmores

2011-11-22T07:55:00.007-06:00

I am of the belief that everything you need to know about life can be found in an episode of Gilmore Girls. Got a problem? The women of Stars Hollow have an answer. This is particularly true of dating. These girls know what they're talking about. I mean, look at who Rory alone snagged.

Need I say, anymore?

Enjoy these tidbits of Gilmore wisdom. Love it. Cherish it. Live it.

And then an important piece of advice from Emily Gilmore which I don't completely understand but feel obligated to post purely for the fact that it's Emily Gilmore.

Take from that what you will.

Any golden relationship advice out there? Leave it in your comment!

Grahamwich

2011-11-17T08:25:00.000-06:00

In light of your positive feedback on my Xoco post, I have decided to go ahead and continue with my Chicago restaurant series! It is entitled Dine Out Chicago. Yes, it is a play on Time Out Chicago. Yes, I did think of that on my own. I know. I am astoundingly clever. Without further adieu, I give you my rambling and hopefully coherent thoughts on Chicago's very own Grahamwich.

Oh Grahamwich, I had such high expectations for you. Remember when we met a few months back and I had the most delicious sundae with nutella hot fudge? Remember how I ate myself silly and left with a dull ache in my stomach, due no less to leaving you than the eighty pounds of ice cream consumed?

I dreamt of our next meeting with nearly giddy anticipation.

Reunited and it feels so goooood.

But then you had to serve me salad in a plastic to-go container, while my friends were delivered sandwiches on the cutest trays. I am still smarting from that slight.

I went to Grahamwich with my friends last week and had a less than stellar experience. Before tackling that, though, I need to touch on the decor. If I were judging Grahamwich on styling alone it would win every award known to mankind. I am that in love with its styling.

The website describes how Grahamwich, the invention of super chef Graham Elliot, is an attempt to "redefine what a sandwich shop could and should be". And that is exactly what Grahamwich does. It's quirky and niche-y with its homemade soda pops and decadent snacks like popcorn smothered in truffle oil, parmesan, and chives. Yet, it still has your classic grilled cheese and roast beef sandwich.

And it's just darn cute inside.

I feel somewhat disingenuous moving on to the food portion of this post, because I don't think I chose something indicative of the general quality of Grahamwich's offering. Therefore, take what I am about to say with a hefty grain of salt.

I ordered the G'wich salad from the Snacks menu. The salad is described as:

mixed greens + shaved fennel + toasted almonds + pink grapefruit + white balsamic

Now, I thought this sounded pretty good. In retrospect it wasn't awful, but I was so turned off by the lack of actual dining ware that it ruined the salad for me.

This is possibly the worst picture I have ever taken. See, even my camera revolted at all that plastic.

Would it have been that difficult to give me a bowl? Or at least real cutlery?

In the interest of not completely slamming Grahamwich, both of my friends enjoyed their sandwiches immensely. I probably will go back sometime soon and try a sandwich. Or demand a bowl for my salad.

Jazzy Morning Waffles

2011-11-15T08:25:00.000-06:00

I have watched 27 Dresses four times in the past week. I think I set a record for number of times someone can obsess over James Marsden and complain about how reality is unfair and she will never magically run into charming, albeit slightly cranky, journalists while taxi-hopping between weddings.

I also probably set the record for number of James Marsden pictures pinned on Pinterest in a ten minute period. I have mad pinning skills.

This past week has still been remarkably productive despite my 27 Dresses binge. I managed to cook; attend class; send out law applications. There even was a shower somewhere in there. I think the key to my productivity is a solid breakfast.

I really wish this could be one of those posts where I wax and wane about how I grew up shunning breakfast until I had a sudden moment of clarity and found that all of my troubles could be solved with a bowl of Wheaties. This isn't one of those posts. I've never eaten Wheaties in my life.

I've always been a breakfast eater; it's actually my favorite meal of the day. I can't work out in the morning, purely because I cannot imagine pushing breakfast back an hour. I'm dedicated like that. My go-to breakfast is overnight oats. I love that I can literally roll out of bed and have breakfast made. All I need to do is make coffee (non-negotiable) and I'm ready to go. Occasionally, though, I like to jazz things up. Give my toaster some action.

Please note the awesome pumpkin my Mom gave me. There was also a matching scarecrow. Be jealous.

I bought these waffles from Whole Foods and they have changed my life. Or just my mornings. I have come out of my oatmeal-haze and discovered all the delicious options to choose from. This one ranks pretty high, if I do say so myself!

Jazzy Morning Waffles

1 waffle

1 tbsp nut butter

1 banana, sliced

coconut flakes

Directions

Toast the waffle. Melt peanut butter in a small microwave bowl and then spread on toasted waffle. Layer half of the banana slices on the waffle, leaving the rest on the side. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

I don't know about you, but these tend to make my mornings a little brighter. And if all else fails, there's always my James Marsden pinboard.

******

Social media spam! Tip Top Shape is all over the interwebs--and I'd love for you all to follow, like, and pin along with me!

Ways To NOT Get The Girl

2011-11-10T08:30:00.006-06:00

Sometimes male behavior baffles me. Football. Halo. Steady diets of Pepsi and frozen pizza. I just don't get it. The worst, though, are some of their pickup tactics.

Really? That's the best you've got?

Now, I don't mean to speak against all men. Some guys are capable of hitting on a girl without being creepy, inappropriate, or a blowhard. It happens. Other times, well...I will let them speak for themselves.

1) Randomly asking me on a street corner if I'd heard Steve Jobs died -- I don't live under a rock. And I still don't want to talk to you.

2) Nonchalantly telling me at a bar how you took the LSAT for fun and got a 165 --First off, you're not fooling anyone. Second, it's not impressive-it's pretty douchebaggy.

3) Complimenting me on my butt -- Back up partner--this isn't a rap video.

4) Leering at me from your car while you are physically moving -- You're officially a hazard to everyone's health and I am still not interested. Congratulations.

What are your bad pickups? I know you have some stories!

Xoco

2011-11-08T11:01:00.007-06:00

This weekend my mom visited for a girl's weekend. I love when my mom comes to visit. We spend some quality time together; my laundry gets done; and I finally get to eat out at all the places I've dreamed of going to but was too cheap to actually frequent. Moms rock.

Xoco is one those places that I have stayed up late at night fantasizing about but had never actually pulled the trigger and visited. Well, it seemed like the perfect place to take Mom-sie on Saturday.

Xoco is an off-shoot of Rick Bayless' infamous Frontera Grill. It focuses on the different street foods from Mexico, served up hot and quickly in the homey dining area. All orders can be customized, keeping with the "rustic immediacy" of authentic Median street food, and are delivered to the table in record time.

We got there around 1:30 and there was still an hour wait for lunch. Both of us agreed that this appeared to be worth the wait and we took our place in line.

Surprisingly, the wait when by pretty quickly. There was so much going on inside the restaurant that I felt like I was constantly entertained. You could see pretty much the entirety of the kitchen from the line. There was a wood oven where the tortas were made. I could even see where the carnitas were being made!

Carnitas simmering away!

A chef working on the churros. Didn't get any but they looked amazing!

They also had Rick Bayless' cookbooks out for customers to peruse, as well as large chalkboards outlining the restaurant's sustainable practices.

Another thing I really liked about Xoco was the free flat and sparkling water offered for customers. An hour is a pretty long time to wait and I really appreciated the water. I think I had about four glasses while I was waiting. Dehydration is awesome.

I ended up ordering the Cubana sandwich which is described as:

Smoked Gunthorp pork loin and bacon, black beans, avocado, artisan Jack, and chipotle mustard.

My mom had the carnitas which I didn't snap a picture of but it looked good. It was like a hearty soup with lots of cilantro. My cilantro-hating-self was happy with my cilantro-less order.

We also shared chips and salsa which were pretty fantastic.

Xoco was absolutely fantastic. The food was good. The service was fast. If you are in Chicago, you have to try it! Just make sure to factor in the wait time.

I have a quick question for all of you--Saturday made me realize that I eat out at a lot of fun Chicago restaurants. Would you be interested in a Chicago restaurant series?

Things I'm Loving

2011-11-03T08:37:00.004-05:00

I've seen these all over the blogosphere for a while. Finally doing one myself!

Things I'm Loving:

Christmas music

This played at work. I might have sung along at my desk...

Homemade peanut butter cups

Nights out with friends

I portray fun in pictures through judgmental looks. Don't ask.

Starbucks Holiday Cups

Had my first holiday drink yesterday. Yes, I went purely for the cup.

One Tree Hill

It's all available on Netflix. Now you have a very educated guess as to what my nights look like.

All things Zooey Deschanel

Adorable, adorable person.

Once Upon A Time

Looooove this show. Watch it. Now. Or Sunday, because that's when it airs.

What are you loving right now?

*******

Btw, one of my recipes is featured on Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Life website! Head on over to see my recipe for a tasty soba noodle salad!

Pasta with Squash and Honey Cinnamon Compote Butter

2011-11-01T08:38:00.005-05:00

How was everyone's Halloween?!

Did you all dress up? I was planning on being a homicidal housewife but when I heard that the fake blood could stain my dress I very quickly dropped the homicidal and added a spoon to my apron pocket. Voila! 1950's housewife!

Friday night I went to an event on campus and then Saturday night was my very first bar crawl. That's going in the baby book. I learned a lot of things about bar crawls that night. First off, it is unbelievably crowded, which leads to a lot of unintentional touching. The food goes in about five minutes; which is unfortunate for those who get there after ten. And finally, if you have a wooden spoon in your pocket people will try to take it--especially people you don't know.

It was a really fun weekend, though, even with the crowds and spoon-snatchers. It was my first Halloween in the city and I'm looking forward to many more.

Unfortunately, I neglected to take any pictures and my one friend who did is hoarding them on her camera. You will see them eventually. At this rate, next Halloween.

Another thing that made this weekend (and Monday) wonderful was all the fantastic I'm-going-to-regret-this-in-the-morning food. There was the pumpkin cupcake on Friday. The cheeseburger and french fries at one in the morning Sunday. And then yesterday, all the fun size candy that I could shove in my mouth. I'm ready to get a little green in my diet that isn't a jello shot.

Save that for next weekend.

Pasta with Squash and Honey Cinnamon Compote Butter

Ingredients:

1 lb pasta

1 butternut squash

1 cup broccoli

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp sugar

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Peel and slice the squash into bite size pieces.

In a small ramekin, melt the butter and honey. Add the cinnamon and mix together. Pour evenly over the squash. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning over halfway through.

On a separate baking sheet, pour broccoli and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle 1 tsp of sugar over broccoli. Roast for 15-20 minutes either with the squash or afterwards.

Boil pasta according to instructions. Add the squash and broccoli.

Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

2011-10-27T08:47:00.004-05:00

Soba noodles are my new best friend. Yes, they are made of buckwheat. Yes, they are healthy. Yes, they slightly resemble worms. Dressed up, though, they pack quite a punch.

Everything is better with the right packaging. Perfectly wrapped gifts. Men in suits. Patrick Dempsey in hospital scrubs. Alexander Skarsgard in...er...nothing. And soba noodles are no different. Except they don't wear suits or hospital scrubs; because that would be weird.

If you haven't tried soba noodles yet, do it. Not that I am trying to peer pressure you or anything, but all the cool bloggers are doing it.

Seriously, though...give it a try. Your life will be exponentially better! At least the part in the kitchen...

Soba Noodle Stir-fry with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

soba noodles

shredded cabbage

carrot, shredded

tofu

peanut butter

soy sauce

honey/agave

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Press tofu and slice into bite size pieces. Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil and add the tofu in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes and then flip the tofu. Another five minutes and remove from the oven.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the soba noodles. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender. Remove to a strainer and wash noodles. Add the tofu, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrot.

In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey. Vary the ratio to match your taste. More soy sauce lends a sharper, saltier flavor which I prefer. Honey makes it sweeter. Peanut butter make it more, well, peanut butter-y.

Add the sauce and mix. Enjoy!!

Oy to the Vey

2011-10-24T16:33:00.006-05:00

Here's something I've realized today.

Sending out law school applications is scary.

Like really scary.

Like, hide in your house with a pint of ice cream scary.

Can't leave the house. My future is too terrifying. And I'm allergic to cats.

I'm trying to calm myself down by all the other options that semi-adulthood promises. There's always working for a bit before law school. Or grad school. Or the circus.

But, none of that is working. Still breaking out in hives. Still double fisting cups of coffee while envisioning all the ways the US Postal service could screw my application and I over.

Return to sender? Return to sender?! Why is life so difficult? Why couldn't I find a brush?

If things are a little wacky here in the next few weeks, I apologize. It's very likely that I will be headed toward a stress-induced-sabbatical. It's also very likely that I will be double fisting something besides coffee. Oy to the vey.

Inter-Campus Shuttle Love

2011-10-20T14:10:00.004-05:00

I love my college's inter-campus shuttle. There are just so many fascinating human moments that you have 20 or so minutes to be privy to. It's free entertainment. I love hearing the random conversations. Or watching shuttle romances bud. And people nodding, off, that is my absolute favorite. I once had a guy accidentally drop his head on my shoulder and I non-accidentally imparted a sharp jab to his side. No shuttle romance there.

It's called personal space. Ever hear of it?

Today had to be one of my favorites, though. There is always that one person who will insist on standing up by the driver. Maybe it's a security thing. Maybe they feel above seats. Or maybe they're just being douchebaggy and want to get off first.

Pretty sure today was the latter. This guy in a full suit took residence at the front of the bus and proceeded to just lean casually against the railing and scroll through his blackberry. Now, I knew immediately-from my comfortable seat-that this would prove problematic. Large buses encountering fairly sharp turns tend to necessitate holding onto something that isn't only your posh smartphone.

Sir, you are on your way to bad-decision-central.

He fared pretty well for the first half of the trip. No sharp turns and he held his ground, literally. When neared campus, though, things took a turn for the worse, again literally. We made a narrow turn and he careened backwards, flailing arms grabbing onto the railing at the last moment. It ended with a chorus of swear words and momentary glare at me while I tried to hide my laughter in my scarf.

Not laughing. Not laughing. Okay...sort of laughing.

Now, many things crossed my mind at this moment.

1) Why the hell was he not holding onto the railing in the first place?

2) How is he legitimately upset with centripetal force?

3) And why is he in a full suit?

Sadly, none of these questions were answered. He stormed off the bus the moment that the doors opened, leaving all of us behind him in the wake of his self-importance. I laughed for about an hour.

I love the inter-campus shuttle.

Salted Fudge Brownies

2011-10-18T08:40:00.007-05:00

People say that you're either a salty or sweet person. You're either shoveling pretzels in your mouth or double fisting cupcakes. Well, since I tend to do both (on a daily basis--I wish) then I suppose that I lean either way.

I love sugar.

I love salt.

I also love clogged arteries and jiggly thighs.

I found these brownies on Eat, Live, Run and I nearly peed myself. Okay, not really but I think that phrase properly conveys my level of excitement upon finding a recipe for salted fudge brownies. If there were ever a recipe worth spontaneously peeing oneself, it would be these brownies. They are rich and fudgy with the lightest dusting of sea salt on top.

Crazy good.

Salted Fudge Brownies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks of butter

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1/4 plus 2 tbsp cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

3 whole eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with foil, letting a bit hang over the edges. Butter the foil. This will make it easy to remove your brownies at the end.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate. Add the butter and stir until melted. Fold in the remaining ingredients (up to salt) and pour into a prepared baking dish. Sprinkle generously with the sea salt.

Bake for 35 minutes. Remove and let come to room temperature. Now for the hard part--chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Don't skip this! Cut into squares and enjoy :D

Source: Eat, Live, Run

Rainy Thursdays

2011-10-13T08:23:00.005-05:00

It's a rainy day here in Chicago.

I don't know about you, but there are actually many things that I love about rain. Granted, when I am trudging through the showers to get to work my thoughts don't exactly lean toward the positive, but there is still something about rainy weather that I love. In fact, many somethings.

Adorable Wellies

I bought a pair of these my freshman year of college. Three years later I chose to leave them back in the suburbs when Chicago had its random monsoon month. So smart.

Rain Coats

Who doesn't look good in a trench coat? I'll tell you, absolutely no one! Sadly, not all trench coats come with George Peppard. Le sigh.

TV. Preferably with Colin Firth.

If I'm not braving the elements, I am almost certainly in front of the old tube. Rainy days call for all things British, so there will probably be some Colin Firth. Definitely some Doctor Who. Funny side note, this picture was labeled as Wet Firth. Yes, I giggled.

Tea & Coffee. Yes, there will be both. Don't judge.

What are your favorite rainy day things?

Straight-From-Heaven Sugar Cookies

2011-10-06T15:41:00.005-05:00

Yesterday some guy used Steve Jobs to hit on me. While we waited at a stoplight. Needless to say, we did not exchange numbers.

Too soon, dude.

On a better note, I brought brownies to work yesterday and they were gone before 10 AM. I consider this quite the feat because that is a whole lot of sugar to be consumed before The View even starts. Star Jones would be proud.

I'm not giving you that recipe today. Mainly because I am sitting at a coffee shop without my camera cord. And the pictures are pretty bad, even for me. That last fact will not keep me from posting them next week. I apologize in advance.

Anyhoo, instead of brownies I am giving you a cookie recipe. Anyone know those thick sugar cookies from Dominick's? The ones so buttery that they leave a glistening sheen on your fingers after you're finished? Like 'em? Love 'em? Well, hold on to your hats. I've got a recipe.

Straight From Heaven (or Dominick's) Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups flour

4 1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

3 sticks butter, room temp

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

5 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. With a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and extract, mixing until combined. Mix in the flour mixture with a spatula. Make sure to scrape the bottom.

Cover the dough and let chill for 1 hour.

Scoop a scant 1/4 cup of dough and roll into a ball. Place on prepared cookie sheets and gently press down the center. If you are making them with sprinkles (and no frosting) press the sprinkles gently into the dough. Leave about two inches between cookies. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until set. I would recommend checking at 10 minutes because these are really ones that you don't want over-baked. The edges should only be slightly browned.

Remove and let sit for five minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

I chose not to use frosting for these because I didn't know how it would hold at room temperature. If you like frosting, though, you can make a simple frosting with butter, powdered sugar, and milk.

For the chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate and drizzle over the cookies. Let set completely before touching.

Source: Annie's Eats

Snore-a-sorous

2011-10-04T08:30:00.007-05:00

I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and the mind forget really annoying things. Saturday morning I was scheduled to take the LSAT at a university about an hour from my apartment. My parents offered to get me a hotel room and stay with me the night before, which seemed like the perfect idea. I would have some company that morning. Dad would pay for my coffee. Perfect!

Perfect, huh?

And then it was time to go to sleep.

Spending more than half of my year away at school, I had forgotten one little thing about my parents. They snore. A lot. I swear that their snoring is almost like an art form. They literally snore in time with each other.

First Mom.

Then Dad.

Mom again.

Dad for the crescendo.

If it didn't keep me up half the night I would have been impressed.

I appreciate the lung capacity, but pipe down!

Miraculously, even with the snoring symphony keeping me up, I was marginally bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning.

Bright eyed and bushy tailedddd!!!!

I think it was partially because I knew I was on my way to never having to look at another LSAT question. I also knew that night I would be back in my apartment without the snore-a-sorouses.

Love you, Mom and Dad!

This week I haven't had a lot of time to cook as I have been stuck under the weight of my eighteen hundred LSAT books. Sandwiches were my best friend. Here were two of my favorites!

Ham and Cheese with Caramelized Onion

Ham

Havarti Cheese

Dijon mustard

Caramelized Onion

Whole Wheat Bread

Goddess Sandwich

Baguette

Marinated Tofu

Broccoli Slaw

Goddess Dressing

Any of you know some snore-a-sorouses?

Tonight

2011-09-29T08:30:00.001-05:00

I cannot wait to see this man at the ol' Seattle Grace Hospital.

It's Grey's Day!! For those of you who could care less of Grey's Anatomy, well, I am sorry. For you. Because you are missing out.

Fall TV Roundup

2011-09-27T09:15:00.004-05:00

I have a recipe for you all, but first we need to do some TV talk. I am a HUGE television fan. While I obviously looked forward to the usual premieres, I was really excited about the flight of new shows that were airing across the networks. Here's a little round-up of my favorites.

1. Pan Am

This one is my absolute favorite. I loved all of the old school glamour. I'm a sucker for anything set in the 1960s-the clothes; the charm; the misogyny. All makes for an entertaining hour of television. There also is a fantastic twist that you do not see coming. I won't spoil the storyline for you--but definitely check it out!

2. The Playboy Club

I watched this show for one reason alone: Laura Benanti. For those of you who are not familiar with Laura Benanti, she is a goddess. And a lovely Broadway actress. Another awesome thing about this show? It's all on Hulu. So, no waiting a week for episodes like another network (cough...Fox...cough).

3. The New Girl

I am Jess. Or at least that is what all of my friends have told me. The show is a little clunky at times, but it is just such an undeniably cute show. Jess is charming and you will end up completely rooting for her. The menfolk aren't too bad to look at, either.

*********

Alright, now that you have all of these fantastic shows to catch up on, you're going to need something to munch on while you watch. How about some cookies? How about some amazing cookies with rich browned butter and smooth chocolate?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, this is the recipe for you. Enjoy!

Beth T's Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 3/4 c all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

14 tbsp unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)

1/2 c white sugar

3/4 c packed brown sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1 1/4 c chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Sift or whisk together the flour and baking soda in a medium bowl.

Put 10 tbsp of the butter in a medium skillet set over medium high heat. Allow the butter to melt for 2 minutes and begin to swirl it around the pan, allowing it to brown. Make sure to keep moving the butter. You don't want it to burn! Swirl for another 3 minutes until the butter is brown and smells nutty. Remove the pan from heat and pour into a mixing bowl. Add the remaining 4 tbsp of cold butter and stir until melted.

Add the white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and salt to the butter and whisk the ingredients together. Add the egg and egg yolk and whisk again until mixture is smooth. Allow the batter to rest for 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds more. If your arm is hurting, you're doing it right!

Add the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Gently stir in chocolate chips.

Form each cookie with roughly 3 tbsp of dough. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake one tray at a time, 10 to 14 minutes. Rotate baking sheet after 5 minutes and check the cookies at 10. The cookies should be golden brown at the edges but still puffy in the middle.

Allow to cool on the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Then enjoy--preferably with your favorite tv show!

Source: Eat, Live, Run

Tuscan Zucchini with Onions

2011-09-20T08:39:00.003-05:00

I am a champion talker. Some people brag about being able to type 100 words a minute. I can speak 100 while relaying a bunch of really useless information.

I have a knack for it, the pointless story. I love telling them. Whether my friends love listening to them is still up for grabs but I like to think they at least admire my stamina.

Despite my chatty nature, though, I am awful at small talk. Like, I am really awful. I'm listen-in-and-wince awful. I never know what to say and when the awkward silence settles I panic and say the first thing that comes to my mind.

It is usually embarrassing. Nonsensical. And just prolongs the awkward silence, thus making me say more embarrassing and nonsensical things. Vicious, awkward circle. I'm a bit better if I'm anywhere near food because all I do is stuff my mouth and nod now and then. Problem solved!

Tuscan Zucchini with Onions

2 zucchini

1 onion

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp basil

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Chop the zucchini and onion and spread on the baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle on the different seasonings. Toss. Roast the vegetables for 15 minutes, until the veggies are tender.

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-09-15T07:51:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had five cups of coffee and looked like this:

Usually I'm pretty immune to caffeine. It doesn't give me heartburn or stomach aches. I can drink it before going to bed and have zero problem getting to sleep. I drink it more out of habit than anything else. And I kinda like it.

Yesterday, though, I felt high as a kite. Sitting in class from 4 to 9 o'clock (see why I needed five cups??) I was literally shaking. Today I will cut back.

Only four cups.

You know what goes great with coffee? These cookies. In fact, these cookies go well with just about anything. Lunch. Dinner. Wine and Gilmore Girls. They have become my favorite cookie and I hope they will become yours, too!

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

6 tbsp creamy peanut butter, melted and cooled

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup white chocolate morsels/chunks

1/2 cup peanut butter morsels

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Melt the butter and peanut butter, let cool. Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt and set aside. Combine the melted butters and sugars. Next, add the vanilla and eggs. Mix in the flour mixture, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom. Fold in the white chocolate and peanut butter morsels.

Scoop the dough onto a prepared baking sheet (about golf ball sized scoops) and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges have browned, but the center should still be puffy. They don't look 100% done when they are finished baking-that's fine. Take them out anyway. And then try not to eat them all in one afternoon.

Source: How Sweet It Is

Gorgonzola and Cherry Tomato Pizzettes

2011-09-13T08:30:00.004-05:00

I recently started an internship at a local Public Relations agency. First off, I absolutely love it. Every day I feel like I'm at The Office. I nearly expect to run into Michael Scott on my way to the bathroom. Find Jim Halpern at my desk. (I wish.)

The office is one El stop away from my apartment, so in the mornings I just hop on the El and make the short walk over. On the way back, though, I have more time and usually walk the entire way back to my apartment. While walking back yesterday, I encountered one of my biggest pet peeves.

Window shoppers.

Window shoppers are those people who sstrrollll down the street with absolutely zero regard for everyone else around them. This always baffles me because my office is not in a touristy area. It's in the Loop, where people are supposed to be all business. They are supposed to walk fast and with purpose. Or at least that's how I think they should walk.

Clearly I should move to New York. I bet they have fast walkers there.

On a completely unrelated note, I made these pizzettes a few weeks ago and they were pretty fantastic. They were made for the infamous housewarming party and were a hit! If you make these, look over the recipe a few times before going to the store. This will hopefully keep you from buying the wrong type of pizza dough like me.

Gorgonzola and Cherry Tomato Pizzettes

Ingredients:

1 package pizza dough

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

5 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup basil, packed (chopped)

salt/pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch. Using a round cookie cutter (or the mouth of a cup) slice the dough into circles. Place on a greased cookie sheet and press the cheese into the surface gently.

Add the tomatoes.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bottom is golden. The cheese melt a bit into the crust-that's okay!

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil. Add salt/pepper. Serve!

Source: Giada's Family Dinners

How to Get Your Mojo Back

2011-09-09T22:33:00.002-05:00

Ladies and gents I have hit a rut. A workout rut that is. Sorority recruitment prevented me from working out for a week plus a bad knee injury has given me a grand total of two weeks off from working out.

Two weeks away from my beloved running shoes, my beloved Nike workout shorts and oddly enough, the beloved treadmill. The treadmill had become my best friend when I was training for my half marathon especially during those hot, unbearable summer days.

Speaking of which...not running for two weeks has severely killed my training plan. Here's hoping that my knee will hold up throughout the training and that my physical therapist can actually determine what is specifically wrong with my knee. *Insert crossing of fingers here*

But here is my problem. How do I get back into the swing of things?

What workout mantras do you use? What songs get you charged up? How do I get my workout mojo back?

Pasta with Eggplant and Tomato Caponata

2011-09-06T09:53:00.004-05:00

I don't believe people when they say they just threw a recipe together. Mainly because in my experience, when I just throw stuff together from my refrigerator the end result is often mediocre, strange, or downright horrific. The last two paired up on a homemade pad thai I attempted to make a few weeks back using the odds and ends in my pantry. It was oh-so-very-awful. I finished it because I would rather have bamboo shoots under my nails than waste food, but it took some effort.

With this said, I really did just throw together this recipe.

I know, you're thinking I'm a hypocrite. I'm not going to correct you. I'm the person who judges people wearing leggings for pants and then does the same thing the next day. But this recipe really is phenomenal. And it doesn't involve leggings.

It came from my very un-Italian aversion to tomatoes. I bought a pint of cherry tomatoes for a different recipe and only ended up using about 1/2 a cup. As mentioned before, I hate wasting food (bamboo shoots, remember?) so I did everything I could think of to use up these tomatoes.

Tossed in salads.

(Ew.)

Roasted with olive oil.

(Still ew.)

Pureed with roasted eggplant.

(Hold on. Not half bad.)

I don't think you can really call this a caponata; but it has already been established that I am a bad Italian so I am going to use the word anyway. If you like tomatoes, use less eggplant. If you're like me and despise the round fiends, liberally add the eggplant.

Pasta with Eggplant and Tomato Caponata

Ingredients:

1 cup roasted tomatoes

1 1/2 cups roasted eggplant

salt/pepper

3/4 cup pasta

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Spread the tomatoes and eggplant onto a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for roughly 2o minutes, until the eggplant is tender and the tomatoes have softened. Set aside.

Boil the pasta according to instructions.

In the bowl of a food processor, puree the tomatoes and eggplant until a chunky sauce forms. Don't over combine, you want to have those chunks. Pour over the pasta and mix.

** If you are making this straight from the fridge (like me!) follow the pureeing instructions and then pour onto a heated skillet. Let the caponata heat and then add the pasta. Cover the skillet and let heat for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Goddess Salad

2011-09-03T08:49:00.004-05:00

When I like something I really commit. I wear shoes until they are literally falling apart. I had a pair of wedges from Charlotte Russe that I refused to part with until the strap snapped on my way to Bed Bath & Beyond. That also happened to be a weekend I spent in my new apartment where I accidentally only brought that one pair of shoes. Oops.

Growing up, every time I watched a TV show, I became convinced that my career path lied in whatever vein the show followed. Grey's Anatomy? Clearly, I am meant to be a doctor. Alias? Clearly, I am meant to be a secret agent. 30 Rock? Clearly, I am meant to be Tina Fey.

Actually, I still sort of think that last one.

I'm no different in committing with food. When I like something, well, I really like it. I'm the person who orders the same exact thing at a restaurant time and time again. I also am the person who goes to Disney World and refuses to eat anything other than chicken strips. I'd like to say that I was a young whipper snapper at the time but I was sixteen.

I have eaten this salad four times in the past week. It's inspired by my favorite salad at a local shoppe by me called Goddess and Grocer, which also has the best gourmet cheese selection that I have ever seen. There is usually ten minutes of me staring at the cheese before I even order. Every time I go there I choose between two menu options. Buffalo chicken wrap if my fat pants are on. This salad if not.

While this is not exactly like my beloved salad, it is close enough that I have chosen it over nearly every other food this week. You may be tempted to skip the roasting of the broccoli here, but don't. It really adds another dimension of flavor.

Goddess Salad

Ingredients:

Romaine Lettuce

Marinated Tofu (tofu and soy sauce)

Roasted Broccoli

Peas

Shredded carrot

Goddess salad dressing

Directions:

For marinated tofu:

Press tofu and drain excess liquid. Slice into small rectangles, placing them in a bowl. Pour soy sauce over tofu and let marinate for one hour.

Preheat oven to 400. Place tofu on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the tofu over and cook for another five minutes.

For roasted broccoli:

Meanwhile, prepare your broccoli. Place the broccoli on a baking sheet and drizzle olive oil over it. Measure out one teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle over the broccoli. Place in the oven (after the tofu is out) and bake for fifteen minutes.

For salad:

Mix all ingredients in a salad bowl and serve.

Blueberry Bottom

2011-09-01T08:33:00.004-05:00

This is what happens when you sit on the pint of blueberries chilling on your couch from breakfast. I am sparing you a picture of the other region those blueberries touched. Yes, I have a kitchen table. I just like balancing plates on my knees. And smooshing three dollars worth of blueberries with my bottom.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

2011-08-30T08:26:00.003-05:00

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Ever hear this? In my experience, it's true. Tell a guy that you cook and suddenly you're the most interesting person in the room. Tell them you cook bacon; well, you might as well just get those marriage certificates ready.

I honestly don't understand the mystical power that bacon seems to have over guys. Saturday I had my housewarming party and I had an entire menu planned with a variety of foods. I had hummus with veggies and pita chips. Gorgonzola and cherry tomato pizzettes. Chickpea and sundried tomato pizzettes.

Do you know what I ended up whipping another batch of half way through the party? The bacon wrapped asparagus that I decided to make fifteen minutes before the party started. The guys were literally obsessed with these. They finished an entire platter in ten minutes.

Therefore, I think that old adage of how to get to a man's heart needs a little sprucing up.

The way to a man's heart is through bacon.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients:

1 package of bacon

1 bunch of asparagus

Salt/Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Clean the asparagus, and break the stalks.

Next, wrap half a slice of bacon around the asparagus, leaving the tips and bottom visible. Arrange on a baking sheet and sprinkle salt and pepper.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is cooked and asparagus tender. Serve at room temperature.

Lemon Lentil Soup

2011-08-25T10:47:00.003-05:00

This week has been a whirlwind of moving trucks, interviews, and meetings. I moved into my new apartment Sunday and have been busy making countless trips to Bed Bath & Beyond and Whole Foods. I never realized how exhausting it is to stock an entire kitchen. So many things that I took for granted.

Like, ketchup? BBQ sauce? Rice? Yep, they don't just magically appear in your pantry. They aren't just chilling in the back of your fridge like they are at home, waiting for you to pull them out. You actually have to buy them. I must have gone to the grocery store five times since I've moved in with each subsequent "I forgot to buy ___!" moment. My doorman must think that all I do is grocery shop.

I finally got down to cooking my first meal a few days ago. I knew I had an entire day to myself and could think of no better way to utilize it than to dirty up my kitchen. Despite the sweltering Chicago weather, I wanted soup. To be more exact, I wanted amazing soup. Awesome soup. Mama Pea soup.

Lemon Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3/4 tsp coriander

4 cups broth

1 cup red lentils (Do not sub in brown for these! Makes all the difference!)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp raw cashews (plus another cup to nosh on while cooking if your name is Liz)

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat a soup pot over medium heat and add oil. Add the carrots, celery, and coriander and cook until the vegetables are tender, roughly 10 minutes. Next, add the broth and lentils. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked.

Meanwhile, make your cashew cream. In a food processor, combine the cashews and lemon juice. Wash and chop spinach. If you are like me and bought the unpackaged bundle spinach that was on sale at Whole Foods, feel free to use colorful language here.

Once the lentils are done, stir in the cashew cream and spinach until everything is evenly heated. Finally, eat.

Source: Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love

A Series of Firsts

2011-08-23T09:19:00.004-05:00

In life there are many firsts.

First word.

First step.

First kiss.

And now...

First banana soft serve.

Yes, it was a momentous occasion my friends. Pictures were taken. Tweets were sent. One taste and I couldn't believe how I had lived so long without it. To quote one of my favorite films:

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

A Taste of Fall: Pumpkin Parfait

2011-08-18T09:39:00.004-05:00

I love Fall.

I love the changing leaves.

Crisp weather.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Cozy Coats.

Cozy Sweaters.

To me, Fall is curling up on a couch with a book and tea while swaddled in the warmest, coziest blanket. It's walks through the city with friends. Dinner parties with warm soups and bread pudding. I clearly see it all through rose-tinted, pumpkin-scented glasses, but Fall still truly is my favorite season. And I look forward to it every year.

Now, why isn't it Fall yet??

Pumpkin Parfait

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

2 tbsp crushed almonds

4 dates, sliced

slurry of maple syrup

Combine all ingredients and enjoy. Feel free to position yours on the last Harry Potter book, too, and hold a photo shoot. Only makes it taste better ;)

Caramelized Onion and Chickpea Wrap

2011-08-16T08:56:00.005-05:00

The past week can be described with one word. Insane. I'm moving into my very first apartment soon (!!!) and my days have been filled with trips to Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and the host of cleaning supplies in our basement. Hey--why buy 'em when you can shop in your own basement!

While it's been a bit stressful, I'm starting to get really excited. I've never had a place that is completely mine. After living in a dorm room with three other girls, I'm looking forward to the perks of just being on my own.

No sharing the TV.

No fighting for space in a cubicle of a kitchen.

Singing as loudly as I want in the shower.

(Although I did this at the dorm too...)

Using the entire sitting room as a drying area for my Royal Icing Cookies.

(Also did this at the dorm---it's a wonder they liked me)

With all of the pandemonium with moving into the apartment, we really haven't had time to cook here. After several days of powdered soup, I caved and broke out the pots and pans. This came together in about fifteen minutes and surprised even me in how delicious it was. Definitely something I will be whipping up again. Perhaps in the new apartment ;)

Caramelized Onion and Chickpea Wrap

Ingredients:

1 onion, sliced

1/2 cup chickpeas

1 wheat wrap

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter (or Earth Balance)

1 tsp brown sugar

Directions:

Place a saute pan over medium heat. Once it is properly heated, add the oil and butter. When the butter is melted, add the onion. Cook until the onion has reduced. At the end, add the brown sugar and stir.

Pour the chickpeas into the pan an toss with the onions to heat. Next, place the onion-chickpea mixture in the wrap, folding up the bottom and then turning the sides in. Fold the top flap over and then cut at middle.

Ginger Beer

2011-08-11T09:06:00.003-05:00

Earlier this week I went to dinner with my old neighbors. We have a tradition of going out at least once over breaks and we always go to PF Changs.

There are many reasons to love PF Changs. For starters, it has reproduction terra cotta soldiers chillin' in the dining area. If you don't think that is cool, well, then there is something wrong with you. And then you have the lettuce wraps, which hardly need an introduction. The crispy honey shrimp that I possibly ate in its entirety (8..err..9 shrimp...plus several lettuce wraps). The cute little shooter desserts.

And now Ginger Beer gets added to the list.

It is non-alcoholic. Just a lot of ginger goodness. Warning--it is not for the ginger-faint-of-heart. Even me, a ginger lover, pulled a little lemon face when I first tasted it. But once your taste buds acclimate to the tartness-which takes no time at all-you are left with a delicious, refreshing drink.

Cheers!

Ginger Beer

Fresh lemon juice

Fresh ginger, grated

Sugar

Combine the lemon and ginger, adding more or less ginger/lemon to your taste preferences. Sweeten as much as you desire!

Caramel and Macadamia Cheesecake

2011-08-08T07:28:00.005-05:00

This cheesecake made me realize several valuable things.

- I never put my springform pan back in the correct spot. Thus, I can never find it.

- I cannot spell springform. For most of this post I've typed springfoarm. Yes, I am one year away from being college educated.

- Caramel is much harder to make than it looks.

- Remnants of said caramel on pans is much harder to get off than it looks.

The cheesecake was part of a challenge from the Heavenly Housewife's blog. With my love of all things cheese and dessert, my participation was a no-brainer. It's a bit more involved than my usual dessert, but definitely manageable. Believe me, if I can make it while belting Glee songs and slamming cabinet doors looking for that damn springform pan, anyone can.

Caramel and Macadamia Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup graham crackers, crushed

4 1/2 tbsp butter

2 blocks cream cheese

1 small package sour cream

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

4 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup macadamia nuts (or your choice)

1 cup sugar

6 tbsp butter

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the cake:

Melt the butter for the crust in a microwave save bowl. Add the crushed graham crackers and mix together. Press into the bottom of a springform pan. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Add the cream cheese, breaking it into smaller pieces before adding it to the bowl. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla. Pour over the graham cracker crust. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is firm. Let cool on a wire rack.

For the nut topping:

In your preheated oven, roast the nuts for 10-15 minutes. Remove and let cool on a parchment covered cookie sheet. Meanwhile, heat the sugar in a heavy bottomed skillet.

Do not stir. When the sugar has turned golden brown, pour over the nuts. Once cooled, break into uneven pieces.

For the caramel sauce:

In a heavy bottomed soup pan, heat the sugar with the same method as above. Once it has turned golden brown add the butter and whisk vigorously. When the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from heat and pour in the milk. Mix together and then set aside to cool.

Combine all ingredients once cooled. And...enjoy!

Make sure to check out the other bakers!

Tammy: www.ildolcebacio.blogspot.com

Reenie http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/

Nanzeen: http://www.coffeeandcrumpets.blogspot.com

Vanessa: http://sweetartichoke.com/

Heavenly Housewife: http://wwwdonutstodelirium.com

Stevie: http://weirdcombinations.com/

Ros: http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.com/

Amanda: http://glamorousglutton.com

Sue: http://suvellecouisine.blogspot.com/

Spicy African Peanut Soup

2011-08-04T09:38:00.005-05:00

Two months ago I started an internship with a local non-profit. To say that it was a change for me would be an understatement. Suddenly I was waking up at 7:30, neck-deep in Excel sheets, and constantly accidentally hanging up on people because of the office phone. A note on that last one, when people say that using an office phone is easy, they are lying. Seriously. With all those buttons and flashing lights. If you are even slightly technologically challenged watch out.

Another new thing to me was packing my own lunch. The last time I had a packed lunch was high school. And my mother may or may not have packed it for me. Now, though, I obviously can't ask my mom to do it for me. She would, of course, but the heckling I'd receive would far out-weight the extra ten minutes in the morning.

In an effort to have smooth mornings, I've taken to bringing soup to work. First, I used those powdered ones that grocery stores carry. But then I microwaved one and my coworker thought I was burning down the office. Yes, it did smell that bad. So, I threw away the powdered soup with enough sodium for five years, and instead made my own.

You may recognize this recipe. If not, you'll surely recognize the cookbook.

A little note on this cookbook. It is the most amazing thing that will ever pass through your hands. It is vegan without being preachy. The recipes don't include ingredients that cost you a kidney. And it is peppered with the most adorable pictures. Buy it. Now.

Spicy African Peanut Soup

Ingredients:

1 14 oz can chickpeas

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 can roasted tomatoes with juice

1 can lite coconut milk

4 cups vegetable stock

1 1/2 tsp curry powder

1/2-1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp cumin

1 tbsp minced ginger

2 tsp minced garlic

dash cinnamon

stevia to taste

2 tbsp peanut butter

1/2 cup red lentils

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Set it on high and cook for a half hour. Turn down to low and continue to cook for 3-4 hours.

Combine all ingredients into a dutch oven. Bring to a simmer and cook 25-30 minutes.

Source: Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love

Crinkle-Top Cookies

2011-08-02T09:47:00.006-05:00

Last week I was in the kitchen a lot.

A relative of mine was in the hospital and I took it harder than expected. I've grown up with everyone being relatively healthy. At 21 years old I still have four healthy grandparents and minimum health problems with everyone else. Theoretically, I knew there would be a time when someone got sick, but these last 21 years told me, "Not yet." I still had time.

My relative did leave the hospital and is now recovering at home. I get more time. But the incident reminded me of just how quickly and abruptly time can be taken away. We don't live forever-we can't-and it made me recognize that I have to cherish every moment that I have with the ones I love.

Baking got me through last week. I find something calming in the routine tedium of measuring flour, sugar, baking powder. I like the manual labor of combining all of the ingredients with a well-used wooden spoon. It takes my mind off of everything else.

I baked these cookies for my relative and her husband, and they were a hit. While she couldn't eat them in the hospital, she did call me after she was discharged and said they were wonderful.

On a lighter note, I made them only about two hours before leaving for the hospital without realizing the dough had to be chilled. After a chorus of swear words, I plopped the dough in the freezer for a bit and then just added a few minutes to the oven time. Crisis averted.

Crinkle-Top Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

9 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Combine the flour and baking soda in a medium bowl. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Mix in the cocoa and let cool.

Once the butter-cocoa mixture is cooled, add the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and combine with either a whisk or electric mixer. Beat in the flour mixture.

Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Or put in the freezer and say several prayers.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Take out the chilled dough and pull off walnut-sized pieces, forming into balls. Roll the balls around in sugar and then place on cookie sheet. Make sure there is 2 inches between all the cookies.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are firm to touch. The top should look crinkled. Cool completely on wire wracks.

Source: The Best Bake Sale Cookbook

The Vacationers

2011-07-30T10:56:00.009-05:00

For the past week I have been on vacation and being the irresponsible blogger that I am, I neglected to tell any of you. Here are some pictures as a peace offering.

My parents and I started off in Virginia to visit my brother where he goes to graduate school. Our first big trip was to a little town called Alexandria that was so cute I was ready to plop myself on a street corner and declare it my new home.

The Wharf aka Where I Met and Promptly Devoured My First Po' Boy

Stan and I in the typical posed photo. My dad took about eighteen of these. I am sparing you by only showing one. You're welcome.

The beautiful Alexandria boardwalk. By this point in the day I was so hungry that I wanted to eat the railing. A few minutes after this picture I was spared lead poisoning by an ice cream cone.

Next stop was Washington DC. We went last year and had seen most of the Smithsonian in a marathon eight hour day. The only part that we missed was the Air and Space Museum. Well, friends, we definitely made up for it.

Nearly four glorious hours in there. My father thought he was in heaven. I thought I was somewhere else. Still, it was fascinating to see the exhibits. And I suppose my dad deserved to see something he actually liked. He was paying, after all. Enjoy these photos sans descriptions. This tour guide neglected to read the nifty little placards.

Over the next few days we saw Merchant of Venice (where an actor actually scolded a woman for her un-silenced cell phone DURING the performance), Civil War battle grounds, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon. I also was supposedly nearly robbed on the Metro. The verdict is still out on that one.

Bull Run. There were reenactors. I giggled quite a lot. Whether that was due to the reenactors or my heat-induced state of delirium is unknown.

View of DC from Lee's home at Arlington Cemetery.

Voguing at Mt. Vernon

Goofing at Mr. Vernon

And that is the trip! It was absolutely wonderful to spend some time with my brother and I look forward to our next trip to visit him. Tip Top Shape will return with its regularly scheduled programming on Tuesday! I have a nice cookie recipe for you :)

Get Yo' Protein

2011-07-18T17:57:00.006-05:00

If you all are anything like me when it comes to breakfast, I always, ALWAYS crave something sweet. I am never exactly the one to crave savory dishes for breakfast unless it is accompanied with something sweet to balance it out.

So clearly you can see where this is going.

As of late I have been loving breakfasts with a little kick of extra protein. In this case...protein waffles. Simple, delicious and the toppings and add-in options are endless!

Basic ingredients:
1 scoop protein powder
2 egg whites
Cinnamon to taste
Vanilla extract approx 1 tsp
Stevia if needed
2 tbs soy milk
1/2 mashed banana

My favorite add ins/toppings:
Blueberries or strawberries
Nuts
Fruit preserves
Nut butters
Nutella

Mix together the basics, add whatever you want and then pour into a waffle iron or make 'em into pancakes :) Top with whatever fits your fancy and enjoy!

Love/Hate

2011-07-14T07:42:00.005-05:00

I have a very love/hate relationship with these cookies.

Obviously they're pretty. And the royal icing is the perfect sweetness when you bite into it, the sugar cookie beneath stunningly buttery with slight undertones of vanilla and almond.

They're good cookies. It's just that they take a bazillion hours to make. Okay, that might be a slightly hyperbolic statement. But, say, five hours is not. The dough has to chill and then you have to roll it out-and anyone who has seen me rolling dough can attest that it's not a pretty sight. It usually ends with dough bunched around the rolling pin and me throwing things.

Cookie cutters get some action. 8-10 minutes and cookies come out of the oven looking so darn cute that I almost look forward to icing them. And for a bit, I actually do. The creative part of my brain (left side?) gets all sorts of happy and I plan out color blocking and detailing. It's actually pretty fun until two hours have passed and I still have more stupid detailing to finish due to my stupid left side of my brain.

And I hate them. I hate the cookies; and the crick in my back; and the way that one line came out squiggly because I squeezed the piping bag too much. And then they are finished.

And I love them. I love them all the way until I stupidly decide to make them again.

Royal Icing Cookies: the ultimate love/hate relationship.

Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip

2011-07-12T10:04:00.005-05:00

Mother knows best. It's true for many things, but especially recipes. Growing up, we would have big parties for my brother and my birthdays and my mom would cook everything. Cracker crumb chicken. Double baked potato casserole. These are foods that I will forever associate with cold January nights, boisterous conversation (we are part Italian, after all) and the smell of my Uncle's cigars. They are nice memories, particularly when busy schedules cut into the family time we used to enjoy.

Along with the usual fare, my mom always made strawberry fluff fruit dip. It's a simple recipe. With only two ingredients it is a snap to prepare; which is a good thing, considering that I request that she makes it for me often. Yes, I could make this myself but it always seem better when she makes it. lol

It's best served with cantaloupe, but is delicious with watermelon and strawberries, as well. Try this out for your next barbecue of birthday party. You won't be disappointed!

Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip alla Mama Tip Top Shape

Ingredients:

Marshmallow Fluff

Strawberry Cream Cheese

Directions:

Empty both containers into a mixing bowl.

With a mixer, combine the two on medium speed. Mix until completely incorporated.

Serve with assorted fruit.

Dream Bars

2011-07-07T09:06:00.007-05:00

Hello friends!

I have a fantastic recipe for you today. Prepare yourself because this one is pretty exciting. And simple. And dreamy.

Being the baker of my friends, I was the one who brought dessert for our 4th of July barbecue. Being myself, I predictably waited until the last minute to bake. With only two hours before I had to leave (I really procrastinated this time) there was no way I could get ingredients for a recipe. Therefore, my pantry and I became best friends. The friendship bracelets are in the mail.

Luckily, I found some coconut and chocolate chips hiding behind my overstock of baking soda and brown sugar. Do you know what that means? If you were thinking, "Liz eats four handfuls of chocolate chips", then you are correct. However, it also means dream bars. Which translates into, "Liz eats four dream bars".

These come together in less than an hour and promote such gluttony that I'm surprised they aren't listed as one of the seven deadly sins. Regardless, make them!

Dream Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 Butter

1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar

1 cup plus 2 tbsp Flour

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 1/2 cups Sweetened Coconut Shreds

1/2-1 cup Chocolate Chips

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, butter, and flour. Press into a 9x13 pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

While the crust bakes, mix the eggs, brown sugar, baking powder, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the coconut and chocolate chips.

Spread over the baked crust and smooth evenly.

Bake for 20 minutes, until the top is slightly browned. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Or rush it like I did and get melted chocolate everywhere.

Adapted from: www.southerfood.about.com

Ciao Bella

2011-07-05T07:41:00.003-05:00

Ciao Bella sorbet was on sale at Dominicks.

Guess who bought the entire stock?

Red Velvet Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-06-30T08:53:00.005-05:00

One of the best things about my birthday was being able to make my own birthday cake. I rarely have an occasion to make cakes and was so excited about this one that I planned an entire month in advance. I searched all over the internet for something fun to make and found so many wonderful options (Guinness Chocolate Cake? Yes, please!) but I ultimately settled on something that I knew everyone would love.

Red Velvet.

I adored this cake. The color is beautiful and the cream cheese frosting tastes like something straight from heaven. This was one of those cakes that the leftovers were immediately sent to neighbors. It was that dangerously good.

Red Velvet Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Cake Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 Tbsp cocoa

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups canola oil

1 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp vinegar (I used distilled white)

1 tsp vanilla

2 oz food coloring

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 9 inch cake pans and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the two eggs. Add the other liquid ingredients and mix gently. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix well. Pour into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

For frosting, wait until the cake is completely cool. Finish with some toasted coconut or colorful sprinkles.

Frosting Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups butter

8 0z cream cheese

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

pinch salt

4-6 cups powdered sugar

2-4 tbsp milk

Directions:

First, make sure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cream the cream cheese at medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the butter and repeat. Add the brown sugar, vanilla, salt and beat until it is well mixed. Turn off the mixer and add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix on low to avoid getting sugar down the front of your shirt. Alternate sugar with milk until you have the consistency you want.

Source: Bakerella (cake) and Joy The Baker (frosting)

21

2011-06-28T10:18:00.005-05:00

Bring on the vodka.

Bring on the beer.

This girl is finally 21!!!

I turned 21 on Sunday, and had the greatest birthday that I could have ever imagined. It started off with some of Angela's amazing pancakes. I drifted away from the recipe a bit (apparently out of my eighteen different flours, whole wheat is not one of them) but they still turned out wonderfully.

Then there was some church. Some eating. Some brother-sister drinking.

The big event of the day, though, was dinner with my friends at this little Italian restaurant called Francescas. This could be my favorite restaurant. Everything is made to order and they have a constantly changing seasonal menu (!!!). It's a winner.

My first legal drink there was a chocolate martini. Oh my word, that baby was gooooodddd!!! Seriously, I could have had several. And then be picked up off the floor because they were strong, lol. But really, it was fan-freaking-tastic.

Chocolate Martini, let's make babies.

Ironically enough, I didn't get carded for the drink. I was a little sad at that. Isn't it a rite of passage to proudly show your ID on your birthday? Anyhoo, the restaurant made up for it with a birthday profiterole that my slightly sloshed self had no interest in.

After shutting down the restaurant (we literally were the last people there) we all headed back to my house for some presents and True Blood.

Yes, that is a Gone With The Wind blanket. It has a matching tin box, too.

All in all, it was a pretty wonderful birthday!! I got to spend it with my family, my best friends, and that wonderful chocolate martini. I couldn't have asked for anything more!

Except maybe that.

Fresh Fruit with Cannoli Cream

2011-06-23T10:12:00.006-05:00

I've made a shocking discovery in the past few weeks. Sweltering summer days and cupcakes do not mix, at least for me. I don't want to eat them. At all.

It's not you, cupcake. It's me.

Just the thought of a cupcake piled high with heavy buttercream makes me break into a sweat. My usual cupcake-loving-self doesn't know what to think of this.

Anyway, last week I had a Tony's party. Yes, I am that Broadway obsessed. I'm the person with twenty Original Broadway Cast recordings on her iPod. I'm also the person who poses like Vanna White at ritzy theaters.

Best show ever. Best night of my life. Ever.

Part of me still wanted to bake cupcakes for the party but I knew that I would regret it the minute they came out of the oven. Also, with only about six people for the party I didn't want to have half a dozen cupcakes left for myself. I may not prefer cupcakes in the summer but it doesn't mean that one wouldn't look mighty nice at 11:00 at night.

Per usual, I turned to my plethora of Giada cookbooks and found the perfect solution.

Fresh Fruit With Cannoli Cream

Ingredients:

1/3 cup ricotta

1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp whipping cream

3 tbsp powdered sugar

pinch cinnamon

Strawberries

Raspberries

Slivered almonds

Directions:

Mix the ricotta and 2 tbsp whipping cream in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the remaining whipping cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form. Fold in the ricotta mixture.

Slice the strawberries and divide into four wine glasses. Add the raspberries. Spoon the cannoli cream into each wine glass, making sure to divide evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of almonds.

If you are serving this later in the day place in the refrigerator until served.

In Love

2011-06-16T10:54:00.006-05:00

I am in love.

With this sandwich.

Our wedding is in late July. Expect an invitation.

Fakin' Bacon Wrap

Ingredients:

Morningstar Veggie Bacon

Butter pickles

Banana Peppers

Avocado

Multigrain Wrap

Glee Live 2011

2011-06-05T14:01:00.011-05:00

I went to Glee Live yesterday with my mom. Bless that woman for putting up with my yelling, cat-calling, awkward clapping, and occasional bout of tears throughout the show. I'm telling you-that woman is a saint.

I took a lot of pictures. Unfortunately, I think my on-off crying and internal combustions each time Darren Criss came onstage compromised my already lacking photography skills. Therefore, most of the pictures are pretty terrible, but I am showing you the best! Hope you enjoy them!

The stage pre-show

Single Ladies (with Kurt at front)

Lea Michele with "Firework". When my dad saw this he went, "It's you!".

The Warblers with "Teenage Dream". I definitely cat-called during this.

Born This Way (Mercedes, Kurt, Tina)

All the Glee kids with "Sing"

This concert was literally a dream for me to attend. I am in awe of all of these performers. They do this every night and that is just ridiculous. I had a great time and can't wait to go again next year!

Allspice Crumb Muffins

2011-06-02T09:11:00.005-05:00

People tell me I have a white thumb, not to be confused with a white nose which I believe has a quite different connotation.

I'm assuming it's because I'm always baking. Constantly. It's my go-to for dinner parties. My no-brainer for last minute gifts (shame on me, I know). It's what I do when I'm sad. When I'm happy. When I'm craving chocolate and all things salty, with a heating pad pressed against my belly.

It really is my cure-all, and it has never failed me.

I always find it amusing when others talk about my baking. And believe it or not-it happens alarmingly often. I have one friend who brings up these scones I made whenever introducing me to others.

"Man, I'm telling you these scones were ridiculous!"

I usually just nod my head and think that he is giving me way too much credit. The scones were good, though. Also not my own recipe.

My grandparents like to talk about it at their senior club meetings and tell everyone how I will make a good wife. I know this happens because I have had the pleasure (or perhaps the pain) of being present during one such conversation. I almost think they use it as subtle advertising targeted toward the other seniors' grandsons.

Any twenty something future doctors there?

Any takers?

She makes a mean chocolate chip cookie!

As much as my cheeks color when others talk about my baking this or that, I can't say that I don't enjoy it. It makes me feel a bit silly, but at least they aren't saying bad things. Much rather them talking about the cupcakes I made last week then knocking my outfit.

So, in closing (to the longest post ever, I think)...

Let's give them something to talk about.

Allspice Crumb Muffins

Streusel Ingredients:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp all spice

5 tbsp cold butter

Muffin Ingredients:

2 cups flour

8 tbsp butter, melted

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp all spice

1/4 tsp salt

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

For the streusel, cut the butter into chunks and add to the flour and sugar mixture. Using your hands, mix all ingredients together until it forms a coarse meal with irregular chunks of butter. Refrigerate until use.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, allspice, and baking powder. Add the brown sugar, making sure to work out all the lumps. In a separate bowl, combine the liquids. Add to the dry ingredients, mixing well. The batter will be lumpy.

Pour into prepared muffin tin (12-cup). Next, take the streusel topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle atop the muffins, pressing it down slightly into the batter.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Source: Annie's Eats

Raise Your Glass

2011-05-27T15:12:00.003-05:00

I have a confession. Despite what my blog entries have suggested, I've been a bit spastic lately. And for those reading this who know me--I mean more spastic than I usually am.

Getting older isn't as great as it's cracked up to be. Suddenly you have all of these responsibilities. Your biggest worry isn't a simple exam, but one that will determine your entire future. My LSAT is in one week and to say that I am feeling the pressure is an understatement.

In the rush of LSAT prep, I'll admit that I've taken the simpler things here for granted. They seem inconsequential when pitted against three hour prep tests. But they are important. They are the little things that I barely think about, but probably keep me from going completely mad.

So, here's to all the things I don't think twice about.

Here's to sunny days in May.

To staying up late with a good book.

Passing the afternoon with some Pride and Prejudice.

Said Pride and Prejudice sparking a full Colin Firth appreciation week.

Discovering a new recipe.

Spending a night with friends.

A night with family.

And then here's to you, my lovely readers.

Baked Pita Chips

2011-05-24T09:37:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my butt was kicked by this woman.

I did one of the Last Chance Workouts from my On Demand. Holy cannoli, was it hard. With weights and spurts of cardio, it was definitely one of the harder workouts that I've done. When it was finished, I was an absolute mess.

Huffing and puffing.

Soaked shirt.

Skank bangs.

Thank God I was home alone, otherwise my parents would have taken one look at my sorry self and wondered how in the world I would ever find myself a husband. Someone's going to have to add a few more goats to the dowry.

They can throw in these pita chips, too.

Baked Pita Chips

2 whole wheat tortillas

cooking spray (or olive oil with mister)

sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

Slice the tortilla into small triangles (slice it in half, the halves in half again, and so on). Place on a baking dish and spray with oil. Add sea salt. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp.

Tamari Roasted Chickpeas

2011-05-20T10:24:00.005-05:00

Chicago weather is PMSing. One day it's bright, cheery, and 86 degrees. The next it's dark, moody, and below 50. Someone needs to slip it a Midol. Seriously.

Anyhoo, on the last rainy day I went into full-blown hermit mode and baked/cooked my little heart out followed by hours of Doctor Who on Netflix Instant View while I shoveled roasted chickpeas into my mouth.

These chickpeas. These beautiful, revelatory chickpeas.

They are magic.

The bee's knees.

Da bomb.

The answer to every chickpea-related-prayer. (Which I'm sure you all have plenty)

Make them now. Make them often.

Tamari Roasted Chickpeas

1 can chickpeas, rinsed

1 tbsp olive oil

2-2 1/2 tsp tamari (or soy sauce)

2-2 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp honey

pinch salt

Directions:

Preheat oven t0 400 degrees.

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and toss to coat. Pour onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chickpeas have absorbed all the liquid.

Serve anyway you like! I had mine with roasted zucchini and it was fantastic. It would be equally delicious tossed in a salad, with other roasted vegetables, or in a soup.

Source: Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan