Snow days

We have had several weeks of frigid temperatures here in VA and I am starting to be ready for spring (already!). However, we were graced with several inches of snow on Wednesday. It came down fast and was beautiful!

Abby and I went out and played in the snow b/c all of our pt's canceled

I made a snow angel!

Isn't it pretty?!

Lucy enjoyed the snow too!

Red barn through the snowy woods

into the woods...

It's pretty, but now I am ready for it to go away :)

Applesauce Cinnamon Muffins

I'd like to share this delicious creation that I learned from my Mom. We used to eat these muffins (probably) weekly when I was young, and I always remember having a Tupperware bowl of left over batter in the fridge waiting to be cooked. They taste just as good now as they did then!

2 sticks margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups flour
1 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp allspice
3 tsp cinnamon
1 (1 lb) can applesauce
2 tsp soda

Cream together the margarine, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix together and add flour, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon to the preceding. Combine the applesauce and soda and add last (mix using a wooden spoon). Mix well. Fill greased muffin tins 1/2 full. Bake at 400* for 18-20 minutes. Serve hot with butter or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Batter stores indefinitely, can store in a covered container in refrigerator. Makes 2.5-3 dozen muffins. (I usually make a half recipe because it makes plenty!)

Enjoy :)

Birthdays and girlfriends

I spent a wonderful weekend in Fredericksburg hanging out with my girl friends, catching up on things around the house, and celebrating my birthday! It was perfect!

Several of us braved the chilly temperatures to attend the Annual Fredericksburg Christmas Parade-the floats where pretty cool and the performers were great.

My girl friends and I had a wonderful dinner at Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen. I had the 'Sunday Gravy'; Italian sausage, pork, and meatballs simmered in marinara sauce for 6 hours and served over Tagliatelle pasta. We then went back to their house for drinks and Funfetti cupcakes. It was awesome! :)

Mmm...cupcakes and Raspberry Sherbettos

Yummy!

Thanks for a great birthday, ladies! I am so thankful to have you all in my new life here! :)

A time to give thanks....

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! I love this time of year! The weather is getting cooler, scarves and sweaters are pulled out of the closet, and it is the season to spend time with family and friends and remember all that we have to be thankful for within the past year (and always).

I had my first Thanksgiving in Fredericksburg this year and my family, Alec included, were able to meet here to celebrate the holiday. We had a great time and a wonderful turkey feast. Take a look below....

Clockwise L to R: Cheddar Cauliflower, Herb-marinated turkey breast, Crock-pot stuffing, sauteed brussel sprouts, and gravy

We also tried a new recipe for sweet potatoes. Check it out here. It was an interesting combination of sweet, savory, soft, and crunchy. Really amazing!

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is left overs! What could be better than a delicious sandwich piled high with stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce on fresh baked bread (Eileen's bakery)?!?! Pure deliciousness.... :)

Mmmm :)

Eileen's Bakery

Taylor and I discovered another gem in Fredericksburg this weekend. It is called Eileen's Bakery & Cafe.  It is a wonderful bakery housed in a renovated Baptist church in historic downtown. Taylor ordered a Ham, Egg, and Cheese Croissant and a Bear Claw (that was HUGE!). I had the Cheesy Tater Wrap and an  Almond-Filled Bear Claw. Oh my, it was so delicious! Here is a sneak peak of (what was left of) the pastries.

I also bought a loaf of the Butter Whole Wheat bread.....it is indescribably soft and almost melts in your mouth. So yummy! 

Highly recommend trying it out :)

Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen

Taylor was in town to visit this weekend and we went out for a nice dinner on Saturday night. I had been wanting to go to a different restaurant downtown so we decided to try Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen.


It is a basement restaurant located in Fredericksburg, VA. Do not be fooled by the casual appearance of this restaurant....the food here is delicious! It has been named as one of the top 10 farm-to-table restaurants in the US, using local ingredients to create culinary masterpieces. 


We started with the House Antipasto which consisted of imported cheeses (mozzarella, bleu, and herbed spread), prosciutto, salami, roasted garlic, veggies, and crostini. It was a delicious start to a wonderful evening and there was plenty to share (probably about 4 servings). 


Then came the main event: Taylor ordered Chicken Parmesan with Tagliatelle pasta and I ordered a special which was Pumpkin Ravioli. Taylor's dinner was really good but mine was FABULOUS! I don't think I can find words to describe the deliciousness....my mouth is watering just thinking about it. It was a wonderful combination of melt-in-your mouth fresh pasta, rich pumpkin, creamy butter, and hint of cinnamon. More like a dessert than dinner, and I ate every bite of it!


 Here is a picture:

I highly recommend this place, it is AMAZING :)

Homemade Applesauce

Another one of my favorite fall dishes is homemade applesauce. I learned this simple recipe from my mom.

This time I used 3 honey crisp and 2 granny smith apples.

Cut the apples into fourths

I core them with a paring knife and use a potato peeler to easily remove the peeling

Cut apples into small pieces and place in a large pot. Add enough water to almost cover the apples.

Simmer on medium-low heat for ~20 minutes or until apples are tender. Drain water. Mash with fork or spoon.

You can serve this homemade applesauce warm or cold. You can also add sugar if needed (I recommend tasting before adding any). You can also add cinnamon if you like!

A great way to get the pickiest eaters to eat their fruit and can be served year-round :)

Sweet potato and pumpkin goodness

Mmmm, mmm, I love fall! Especially fall foods: stews, chili, pumpkin, and of course, sweet potatoes! I made the following dishes for a progressive Thanksgiving dinner with some friends in Fredericksburg. I think they are delicious and I hope you do too! :)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Ingredients:

            3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (I microwave and then peel skins off and mash)

            1 cup sugar (regular or brown)

            ½ cup milk

            2 eggs

½ stick of butter (melted)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping Ingredients:

            ½ stick butter (melted)           

            1 cup brown sugar (I usually use less)

            ½ cup self rising flour

            1 cup chopped pecans

Combine first 6 ingredients, blend with mixer.  Pour into buttered casserole dish.  Mix topping ingredients until well blended.  Crumble on top.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 30-40 min or until topping is browned.

Serves 6-8.

Pumpkin Mousse

1 lrg box instant vanilla pudding

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

1 c. cold milk

1 c. canned pumpkin (not the pie mix)

1 ½ c. cool whip

Mix pudding and spices together.  Add milk, cool whip, and pumpkin.  Beat with whisk until mixed.  Chill 2 hrs.  You can garnish with more cool whip and chopped nuts on top.

Enjoy :)

New Bern, NC

Taylor and I hung out in New Bern this weekend. It is a charming, little Southern town with grand historical homes, moss-covered trees, and beautiful water views. Learn more here.

We had a wonderful dinner at Morgan's Tavern. Taylor had a delicious burger and I had mahi mahi with baked macaroni and cheese. The best part was their honey-covered croissants, dessert with dinner.......My mouth is watering right now.... :)

New Bern bears

Soup weather

It has gotten chilly here in VA (we even had frost this weekend!).  So, it is a perfect time for soup! Here are 2 recipes that are easy to make, good to store and eat later, and are delicious!


1) Tomato-Tortellini Soup


2 (14 oz) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (9 oz) package refrigerated tortellini (or can use ravioli if you like)
1/2 an 8 oz. tub cream cheese spread with chive and onion (I use the lite version)
1 (11 oz) can condensed tomato soup or tomato bisque soup
Snipped fresh chives (optional)


In medium saucepan, bring broth to boil. Add tortellini and reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk 1/3 cup (or more) of the hot broth into the cream cheese spread until smooth. Return to saucepan along with tomato soup; heat through. Sprinkle with chives before serving. (Makes 4 servings)

2) White Chicken Chili

1.5 lbs. chicken breasts, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 (16 oz) cans navy beans, undrained
4 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies, undrained (I only use 2 because it makes it too spicy)
1 cup chicken broth
1 (1.25 oz) envelope white chicken chili seasoning mix
Toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes or avocado

Saute chicken in hot oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 8 minutes or until done. Stir in beans and next 3 ingredients; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Serve with desired toppings. (Makes 8 servings)

Soup's on :)

Happy Halloween!!!

In honor of Halloween: "A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness." ~Elsa Schiaparelli

Can you believe it is already time for Halloween again?!? (Unfortunately, I only had like 6 trick-or-treaters!)

Costumed co-workers at CHoR-Fredericksburg Therapy Center

Sam as a moose wall hanging, Stacey as an angel, and Carolyn as a Hershey's Kiss

Karen and Abby as Jem and the Holograms

(I was supposed to join them as one of the Misfits but came down with a nasty cold and took Friday off.)

That means that Thanksgiving, (my birthday), and Christmas are right around the corner! YAY :)

Fudge Spoon Pie=Heaven in a bowl

I love chocolate! In any form, any way, it is delicious! And, the following recipe is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving that may come along....

My family discovered this recipe when I was in high school and has been enjoying it ever since! It is a dessert that is called 'pie' but is much too rich and gooey to slice like a pie. It is also subtly sweet and chocolately so it is not overpowering, like a brownie, but *gasp*, better! I like to scoop it out like a cobbler and top it with vanilla ice cream. (A glass of ice cold milk will do as well, if you don't have any ice cream on hand!) 

Fudge Spoon Pie

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 (1 oz) square unsweetened chocolate

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla extract (I leave out if I don't have it)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Ice cream

Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Quickly beat in eggs (so that they do not scramble). Pour batter into a greased 8-in. square pan. Bake at 325* for ~20 minutes (do not overbake because you want it to be gooey). I recommend checking after ~18 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream. Yield: 9 servings.

YUMMY! :)

Country Line Dancing

This post isn't about food or cooking at all, but about healthy living.

As anyone who knows me knows, I love to find hidden gems. Whether it is a cool coffee shop to hang out in, a quaint restaurant, or a beautiful natural spot, I love to find them.

Rappahannock River from City Dock

Pretty tree near my house

Beautiful fall day!

I also enjoy finding local activities in which to get involved. One of my co-workers, Stacey, and another friend, April told me about weekly country line dancing that takes place in Fredericksburg. Of course, I wanted to do it! I (finally) went 2 weeks ago and am hooked...I think it will now be our weekly girl's night! :)

Click here for more info: http://www.fburgcountrydance.com/.

Let's two-step ya'll :)

Lasagna and babies

Two of my co-workers have recently had adorable baby boys. Congratulations to Laura and Shawn on their first child, Rhyan Christopher.

Congratulations also to Katie and Michael on their third, Baylor Cage.

I made them all my (famous) lasagna. It is a delicious, simple, and healthy dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!


Click here for the recipe! (I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage.)

Pictures to come soon :)

Fall is in the air

I was down in Greenville, NC visiting Taylor this weekend and we decided to go pumpkin picking. We had a great time and here are a few pictures of our adventures! 

Here are the pumpkins that I picked. They are now displayed on my front porch!

Pretty fall tree near my house in VA!

Pumpkins Galore!

Since the weather has (finally) become more fall-feeling lately, I was inspired to bake some pumpkin bread. I got the recipe from a friend of Taylor's family who makes probably the best I have ever had. So I tried my hand at it. I doubt that it was quite as amazing as what she makes but I think it tasted pretty darn good! :)

Here is the recipe:

3 1/3 cups plain flour


2 tsp. baking soda


1 ½ tsp salt


3 tsp cinnamon


1 ½ tsp ginger


3 cups sugar



Sift all the above ingredients together.



1 cup Canola oil


4 eggs


2/3 cup water


2 cups pumpkin



Mix all together. Pour into greased/floured loaf pans. Makes 2 regular loaves.

Bake for 1 hour in 350* oven.

So yummy! :)

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!

After much searching, I think I have found the BEST recipe for chocolate chip cookies. It is called 'Extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookies' and I totally agree!

1.5 cups butter or margarine, softened
1.25 cups granulated sugar
1.25 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla (though I leave out sometimes if I don't have it and they are just as delicious!)
2 eggs
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (sometimes I use 1 cup whole wheat flour for a more hearty taste)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bag (24 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (4 cups)

Heat oven to 350* F. In large bowl, beat butter, sugars, vanilla, and eggs on medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt (dough will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips.

On ungreased cookie sheet, drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart (I use a scoop from Pampered Chef). Flatten slightly.

Bake 11 to 13 minutes for until light brown. Cool 1-2 minutes on pan, remove to cooling rack.

Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Yummy! :)

Fredericksburg Area Wine Festival

Some girl friends and I went to the 20th annual Wine Festival in Fredericksburg at the Old Mill Park on Saturday.

There were many local wineries there, several of our favorites:

*Hartwood Winery: We especially liked the Viognier and the Rappahannock Red. The first was fruity and light, I could probably drink a whole bottle of it without thinking, haha. Though I am not a red wine drinker at all, the Rappahannock Red was amazing. It was fruity and can be served chilled or room temperature. This winery is located northwest of Fredericksburg. Click here for more information on their wines.


*Lake Anna Winery: They have some really good sweet wines among others (though the sweet ones were my favorites!). Click here for information on this winery near Fredericksburg.

For more information on the Wine Festival, click here.

Drink up :)

Hard Times Require Furious Dancing

It has been a while....life got busy but don't worry, I'm back!


I spent last weekend in DC with two of my best (and oldest) friends, Morgan and Matt. We had a fabulous time-went to the W Hotel for drinks, saw sights around the city, went shopping, and of course, ate amazing food. Here are a few of my favorites:


*Homemade Pizza-it is not homemade, in fact, but is delicious anyways. Matt tricked us by telling us he was making pizza but it was actually from this place. I highly recommend it!


*Tabaq Bistro-small portions to encourage sampling, a funky bar and lounge area, and a cool rooftop dining experience. Absolutely wonderful. Check it out here.


*Busboys and Poets-a neat bookstore/restaurant/fair trade market/gathering place. The low tables, couches and comfy chairs, and casual feel make this a wonderful place for eating, meeting, and hanging out. Very cool spot. http://www.busboysandpoets.com/


*Teaism-Anyone that knows me knows that I love tea. This is a cool tea house with delicious food (though I only had the Chocolate Salty Oat Cookie). If I lived in DC, I would probably be here every day! Check it out: Teaism




Also, as for the title of this post, it is a book that I saw when we had brunch at Busboys and Poets....I think it adequately sums up the techno-rave dance party that we went to on Saturday night....LOL!


That's all for now :)

Because I love cake....

Courtesy of my sister, Hana:

http://paulferney.bigcartel.com/category/cake-paintings


Check out these paintings. They make you want cake. And check out the quotes too, they are awesome! :)

Amy's Cafe

Taylor and I discovered a good weekend breakfast/brunch spot right near downtown Fredericksburg.

It is called Amy's Cafe (click here for more info). It is just beside the Rappahannock Bridge and is housed in a 200 year old building that has lots of charm, eclectic decorations, friendly wait staff, and delicious food. On the weekends they have a breakfast buffet that features scrambled eggs (or you can order as you like), potatoes, grits, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, and watermelon. Definitely old, country-style cooking.

I hope you enjoy as much as we did! :)

Apple Pie

As a Southern girl, I am slightly embarrassed to admit this but I made something this week that I have never made before and it was definitely a challenge and an adventure!

I bought some delicious-smelling apples at the farmer's market last weekend (I think they are called honey crisp) and decided that I would make an apple pie this weekend, per my boyfriend's request.  After consulting the Bennett Family Favorites cookbook for the filling and getting a recipe for crust from one of my co-workers, I set out on conquering this challenge. 

Though the crust was supposed to be "easy", it still took quite a bit of work and did not turn out very pretty (though tasted amazing!). However, the whole package was scrumptious, Taylor loved it, and I will definitely try to perfect my pie-making abilities in the future! 

Also, as my Papaw said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach". Good advice Papaw ;)

Lime-y Chicken

Morgan, this post is for you!

Back in college (makes me feel old saying that) we used to have Thursday night supper club where we cooked dinner, watched Grey's Anatomy, and had girl time. All of us liked chicken and I was always looking for new recipes to try on Thursday nights. One of our favorite recipes that we discovered was Chicken with Lime Sauce (aka Lime-y Chicken). It is deliciously tangy, with silky sauce, and is really easy to make. 

I thought of this recipe earlier this week and decided that I definitely HAD to make it after Morgan mentioned it while talking a few days ago. It was a sign. So, I cooked lime-y chicken tonight and it was just as delicious as I remembered it, even though I haven't had it in a while! Though I had a long day at work and didn't get home until late, lime-y only takes about 10 minutes to make and is definitely worth waiting for. 

I hope you like it as much as I do :)

Korean with a twist

I come from a long line of Southern cooks on my mom's side of the family and the more ethnic influence of Armenian/Turkish/Middle Eastern on my dad's side of the family. However, my entry tonight is far from either of those in that it stems from Korean influence.


So a while ago, my boyfriend and I made this recipe (pictured below) and it was awesome!




I rarely eat or cook beef so I adapted the recipe a bit and made it with chicken one night a few weeks ago. Equally as good, or better than the beef! It is also super fast, healthy, cheap, and easy to make.

Since I am on a cooking kick lately and had some chicken in the freezer, I decided to make this for dinner tonight. It was scrumptious and paired well with a baked (aka microwaved) sweet potato.


**Word of advice: Use less of the sambal oelek than the recipe calls for unless you want your lips to be burning, your sinuses draining, and your face sweating profusely!**

That is all for tonight as Dancing with the Stars comes on in a few minutes and I don't want to miss it...


Happy eating :)