Category Archives: Recipe

A little something sweet

Usually when I’m craving a snack or a treat, I almost always opt for something salty. Nachos, like the kind you can only get at some mundane sporting event, are my ultimate guilty pleasure. Yet, on Tuesday when I discovered that a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop opened up in the Madison area, I instantly began craving one of their warm, sugary melt-in-your mouth heavenly creations.

And so yesterday, I decided to satisfy my craving. Josh and I braved the end of rush hour traffic for the 20 minute drive to Wisconsin’s newest distraction; we were not disappointed. We were able to pass up the offer to purchase a dozen and instead each indulged in a single doughnut. Chocolate frosting and sprinkles have never tasted so good.

Despite satisfying my doughnut craving, however, that single Krispy Kreme has me wanting a whole lot more. After eating my last store-bought miniature brownie (as seen here) today, I giddily discovered that I had a single package of Girl Scout cookies hidden inside my cupboard.

Unfortunately, when I purchased these cookies from a friend who was selling them for her little sister, I decided to get the crunchy fudge-coated kind that is so affectionately known as the Thanks-A-Lot cookie. Why I opted out of purchasing the classic (and personal favorite) Samoa, or even the Thin Mint, is beyond me.

Fortunately, thanks to one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere, I discovered recipes for making homemade Thin Mints and Samoas that I’m now dying to try.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

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The new pancake

For me, pancakes always seem to be a weekend breakfast treat, mostly because they can be kind of a pain to make. In fact, I rarely, if ever, make them on my own. I either eat them out or eat them when my mom makes them.

However, thanks to Organic Batter Blaster–ready to cook pancake and waffle batter–pancakes have suddenly gotten a lot easier and a lot healthier. With this pre-made batter you simply need to shake, pour and cook. It could easily be done in under five minutes. Which means extra sleep, little effort and pancakes Monday through Friday.

Heat your griddle.

Blast the batter.

Cook your pancake.

The pancakes are light and fluffy, one serving size has only 80 calories and in addition to the original flavor, the batter comes in whole wheat, buttermilk and double chocolate.

Enjoy!

Nothing will ever replace my coveted bagel and cream cheese, but pancakes are fun again!

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Weekend delights

I was lucky enough to have my mom come up to Madison for a visit on Saturday. She stayed the weekend and we had the ultimate girl’s weekend, complete with yummy treats, shopping, a sad movie and pedicures.

Our treats for the weekend (a sort of random assortment, but delicious nonetheless):
Green River. A bright green, lime-flavored soft drink that originated in Chicago in 1919. It’s kind of a mix between Mountain Dew, Mello Yello and yummy lime flavors. Back in the ’60s this fountain drink was available in some drugstore fountains. Total throwback.

Enchiladas. Tortillas rolled around a delicious cheese filling and covered with a spicy(ish) chili pepper sauce. Enough said.
Pre-cooked, before the cheese became all gooey and melty.

Mini brownies. We were all about these little brownies last month; so good we had to have a repeat session. Store-bought, but totally worth it.

The movie that will make you cry no matter what, whether you’re a dog lover or not:
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. With Richard Gere and the cutest little Akita–a Japanese breed of dog–you’ve ever seen, this movie is a can’t-miss. Tissues? Mandatory.

Spa pedicures, including a paraffin treatment:
If you’ve never been to Envy Nails on University Avenue (halfway between Hilldale Mall and Campus Drive), you’re missing out. Good service, awesome massage chairs and OPI. My color of choice? OPI Coney Island Cotton Candy.

[images via m.beautylounge.com and thefilmyap.com]

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Comfort at its finest

Every now and then, everyone enjoys a little helping of comfort food. For me, that moment came last night when the thought of macaroni and cheese became a craving I couldn’t ignore. Although it wasn’t homemade or anything special, my box of Kraft mac and cheese did the trick.

I swiped the box from my dad’s pantry and I’m inclined to believe it probably wasn’t his, which means I technically swiped from those who shall remain nameless (insert sordid family drama here), but I feel okay about it; it was only one box.

One day, maybe my sophistication will evolve (and my budget too) and this Rachel Ray recipe of spinach and artichoke mac and cheese I found in my new cookbook will become my go-to comfort food. Or maybe this three cheese ziti and smoked chicken casserole from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. The possibilities are endless.

I somehow refrained from eating the entire box:

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Sometimes homemade is overrated

In terms of fresh and delicious food, Madison has a lot to offer. From the Dane County Farmer’s Market and food carts that are staples when the weather is warm and sunny (wishful thinking right now), to the abundance of fine restaurants around the Capitol Square (Francesca’s al Lago is my new favorite), there really is something for everyone.

Except when it comes to tacos. In my four years living here, I have not found a taco that can rival one from home.

Fortunately, when my dad visited this past weekend, he brought with him six tacos from the best new place to get Mexican food. Taco Burrito King (try to ignore the not so authentic sounding name) seriously has some of the yummiest tacos. We usually get the tacos from their location on South Harlem Avenue near Archer, but they have 11 other locations around the Chicagoland area. Yum!

Yum.

The necessary hot sauce.

And sometimes, you just want a nice warm corn muffin to accompany your taco, but you don’t want to spend hours making them. So you use Jiffy corn muffin mix, add some milk and an egg and you’re done! Easy as pie (only way easier).

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