Happy Halloween!!!

Wow, it has been a while again!

First, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I hope everyone has some trick-or-treaters (I don't yet!).

Second, how did this much time pass between now and my last blog post? I guess this fall has been busier than I realized but, thank goodness, I am back!

I tried a delicious new recipe tonight. I saw it in my favorite place for new recipes, Cooking Light Magazine. I am trying to eat healthier and make some meals without meat. This is definitely a delicious one! I used whole wheat flour tortillas instead of corn (I'm not a big fan of corn tortillas)  and a chipotle chili instead of adobo which I couldn't find at the store. I'd also recommend using 1.5 or 2 cans of black beans if you want extra protein.


                  

Yummy, yummy in my tummy! :)

Fall inspiration

I think this cooler fall air is inspiring the cooking bug inside of me! I am excited to have my drive back!

Today I baked pumpkin bread today and it is delicious! I first blogged the recipe for this pumpkin bread last year on 10/17/10. It is really easy to make and a great snack, breakfast, or just a treat! (However, I need to get a new bread loaf pan because my large loaves always turn out undercooked and gooey in the middle.)

I also talked to my best friend today and she said she is making this apple pie recipe today! It is next on my list to make....

Happy fall :)

Bye, bye summer....

Wow, I have been such a slacker lately! It has been a busy summer and I have not sat down to blog in a while! That is not to say that I have not cooked or eaten anything delicious in a while, I just haven't taken the time to write about it.

I started this blog as a way to spread my love of cooking and eating yummy things. However, along the journey, I realized that I really enjoy writing, regardless if anyone reads what I write. My blog has become a creative outlet for me and I am glad to have made my way back to it (finally)!

Taylor was here this weekend and we are always looking to try new breakfast dishes. I found this one, had some extra bread left over, and thought it sounded really good. So, we tried it.

The recipe recommends white bread but we used wheat rolls and it was delicious, so I recommend using your favorite kind of bread for this recipe. It is also wonderful if you top it with a little powdered sugar and some maple syrup. Here it is: French Toast Souffle.

Yummmmm.....now, it is time for all things pumpkin as fall is upon us... :)

Taylor's Pizza

Taylor was here last week between his clinical and going back to school. We (he) cooked several delicious meals during his time here.

Probably the best thing he made was Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pizza. It was creamy and cheesy and yummy! We used the Whole Wheat pizza crust recipe that I have written about previously. We also substituted Half & Half instead of Light Cream.

Thanks for all your cooking :)

Winchester

I am attending a continuing education course in Winchester, VA this weekend.

The drive here from Fredericksburg was BEAUTIFUL as I passed bright green pastures, pretty mountain views, and sprawling vineyards. Winchester is a quaint, historical town with an amazing walking mall through the center of downtown.  Upon recommendation from my co-worker, Stacey, I went to Brewbakers for the shrimp bisque. I was a bit skeptical at first mention but it was absolutely delicious! The menu says that the bisque is "The best we make, try it and you will be hooked forever". Definitely true!

I would love to come back for a romantic weekend getaway :)

DC weekend

It has been a busy June as I have been out of town 3 weekends in a row! It has been great but I am ready to have a quiet weekend at home!

Last weekend, Morgan, Matt, and I had a reunion in DC. We had a great time; of course, it is always wonderful to catch up and hang out with such good friends!

I went to the Museum of American History on Friday to see the exhibit on Julia Child. It was awesome! I really enjoyed it and am inspired to cook (again)! I also learned that Julia's middle name was Carolyn...small world. Here is a picture of Julia's kitchen:

We ate some delicious food while I was there, but I think my favorite place we visited was a wine bar called Cork. Morgan and I both had scrumptious sparking wine. We all shared a cheese plate and french fries. Morgan and I tried the Grilled Angus Flat Iron Steak with roasted baby potatoes, julienned snow peas,  and anchovy vinaigrette and the Pan-Roast Organic Chicken Breast with black pepper velouté, spinach, and smashed potato. It was sooo good! We will definitely be returning there during our next visit!

Also, a get-together with the 3 of us MUST involve cupcakes....so, we went to Baked & Wired in Georgetown. They have amazing cupcakes in a wide variety of cake and frosting flavors. YUMMY! :)

Strawberries & Meatballs

After being busy and feeling uninspired to blog, I'm baaack!!!

Taylor, some friends, and I went strawberry picking this weekend at Miller Farms Market. It was a bit muddy due to recent rain but we had a great time and got a lot of juicy, delicious strawberries. They also have blackberries that will be ready to pick soon, lots of herbs and plants for sale, and various other items for sale in their market section. 

We also bought some fresh ground beef at Olde Towne Butcher and made homemade meatballs. We added powdered ranch mix and Panko bread crumbs to the meat. We then added spaghetti sauce with a dash of Italian seasoning. We served the meatballs open-faced on Challah rolls that we bought at the Farmer's Market from the Artisan Bread Company. We topped them with a bit of shredded cheese. They were so yummy!

It's good to be back :)