Thursday Ramblings...

Seriously thought today was Friday because last night felt like a Thursday.  Don't you just hate when that happens?? So I haven't posted anything in such a long while and I feel bad.  I wish I could be one of those really awesome bloggers who keep up with their blog EVERY DAY and post recipes and professional looking pictures of their food, but alas, that is not me.  I have some major downtime at work and thought this would be a great way to fill in some of my time.  There's only so much you can look at on Pinterest, stalk on Facebook or Instagram, read on Twitter and on the blogosphere.  I'm a social media whore, clearly.  I did make a promise to myself though,  that when I turn 30 next year, I will only keep one piece of social media or maybe none at all.  Well the blog will stay. Hopefully.

This past weekend, I had a chance to spend some time at home. No parties, no functions, no friends (i do love you guys), and no bakery orders (I have a bakery for those of you who haven't heard, Sugar Muse Bakery). I spent time in my pajamas.  Oh the power of super comfy pjs...sometimes you just need ME time and laziness.  If you know me pretty well, you know I like to keep SUPER busy.  Not just normal busy, but like "you will never find me at home" sort of busy.  That's just been my way and also happens because I pretty much never say no to any opportunity to do something.  But this time, I said no to everything.  Sometimes, I just need that.  I spent time with my husband, who works a crazy and very ridiculous schedule.  To his annoyance, I complain and whine about it everyday.  I went to bed early every night, spent time cleaning the house, working out, and crafting!  I began two new projects.  I am refinishing an old frame I found in our shoe closet, with fabric and mod podge.  I am really excited to finish it this weekend hopefully and post pictures.  I also cut up old sorority and concert t-shirts into cute work out tank tops.  It was was a DIY, much needed, chill out weekend.  DIY projects seem to give me a sense of accomplishment, much in the same way baking or cooking a challenging meal does.  That's probably why I've already compiled a list of things to attempt in my spare time.  For example, colored jeans.

One more thing before I let you go and you can breathe your sigh of relief that I'm finally done talking...I began Weight Watchers. It has been a little over a week of eating better, the occasional rare indulgence, and going to 5:30am spin classes.  To be honest, I have already begun to notice a difference.  I am happier, energized, and motivated!  I have set 3 goals for myself, a tubing/birthday trip for a close friend coming up at the end of June, South Padre for my husband's 30th birthday in July, and our big cruise/Miami trip in September, which will hopefully be at my goal weight.  I really and truly think that I can do this. Watching my husband melt away 30 lbs in just a few months has motivated me to make a change.  It was time before I hit that slippery slope where turning back was going to become even more of a challenge. Some may scoff at the whole points system that WW so highly promotes, but I have found that it helps me keep myself accountable for what I put into my body, plus I get an awesome discount from work (BONUS).  Another thing that has helped me not spiral into rapid weight gain is thinking twice before buying anything processed.  We have upped our consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and home cooked meals.  It really does make a difference.  It has been my habit to cook with mostly fresh ingredients in the past, not much canned or processed.  But there were those times I was lazy and made mashed potatoes or mac n' cheese from a box.  Both of which are no more in our house.  If I want either of those things, I will make it from scratch.  It tastes so much better and I control what goes into it.  And I think we can all agree that everything tastes better when you don't have a cardboard after taste.  My husband and I have also become really active, taking lengthy walks together, working out together, and pretty soon we will be attending Bikram yoga again and starting a bicycling club with some friends in Sugarland!  Things like working out become not so scary when you have someone to enjoy it with.

Anyway, I plan to post a recipe I attempted the other night for Bo Luc Lac (Vietnamese Shaking Beef) and Roasted Brussel Sprouts tomorrow.  I am pretty positive it will be another slow day in the office.

Oh! One more thing (I promise, last thing), I would love it if any of you have a recipe to share to be a guest blogger on here.  Shoot me an email :)

Chocolate Crepes with Vanilla Caramel Sauce

Life revolves around love. Songs and music are inspired by it, wars are fought, hearts are broken, and hearts are healed, all in the name of love. Love can be shown in so many ways, and I show my love through food. So in the theme of love, since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I bring you a perfect dessert recipe that will warrant you a hug, and is SO much better than a box of chocolates.

This is not my first attempt at making crepes, I make them pretty often, usually with nutella and some fruit. But I wanted to experiment with CHOCOLATE.  The rich chocolate crepes are perfect for a Valentine's Day (or night) treat! And for those of you who are dazed by how quickly the days are going by, the 14th is next week! 

Crepes are amazing; so versatile. You can make them savory or sweet, mix and match hundreds of fillings and toppings, and eat them as appetizers, main dishes, or dessert. The possibilities are endless! I have been having a huge craving for crepes, so tonight my awesome husband cooked me dinner and I made crepes for dessert :). 

My chocolate crepes are filled with nutella and bananas, drizzled with vanilla caramel sauce, and topped with strawberries and toasted almonds. This is what heaven is. I cannot begin to describe the AMAZING-ness of this dessert! Do yourself a favor and make this for the special person or people in your life. I guarantee that you will be rewarded with ooh's and aah's.

Chocolate Crepe Batter: makes 4 crepes

- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tbs dutch processed cocoa
- 2 tbs granulated sugar
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 tbs melted butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pure almond extract
- nutella, sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, powdered sugar, toasted almonds

How-to:

Sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt.  In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, butter, egg yolk, and extracts.

Add flour/cocoa mixture to the liquid and whisk until smooth.

Heat up a skillet until hot. Spray pan with butter or melt 1/2 a tbs of butter. Pour a 1/4 of batter into pan and tilt in order for the batter to spread into a thin large pancake.  Cook for about a 1 1/2 minutes, flip carefully, and cook for another minute.

Spread nutella onto crepe, top nutella with bananas, and fold over crepe. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, top with sliced strawberries, drizzle with vanilla caramel (recipe to follow), and sprinkle with toasted almonds!

Vanilla Caramel Sauce:

- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tbs pure vanilla extract

How-to:

In a small saucepan, melt butter and add sugars, and heavy whipping cream on medium heat. Let this mixture come to a rolling boil for about 5 minutes to thicken up.  Turn off the heat and add vanilla. Top your crepes, or use this sauce on ice cream, fruit, and other desserts!

Valentine's Day is not just for couples, it is for friends, for brothers and sisters, for parents, for pets, and any other important people in your life. So celebrate this day with those who make you feel special and loved! It doesn't have to be a huge production with flowers, candy, and gifts. Cook dinner together. There is nothing like bonding over cooking and enjoying a good meal, or dessert!

Happy eating and happy Valentine's day!

Asian-y Baked Wings

Super Bowl weekend is upon us!! I am not a huge football fan, but I do love the excitement and fun Super Bowl brings. Who are you rooting for this Sunday, the Patriots or the Giants? My husband and our brother in law are huge Patriots fans, which means I need to dig out Shazad's Patriots shirt from the depths of one our many drawers so that I can wear it. Yeah, you read that right, so that I can wear it...weirdly, he never wears sports shirts.  But he wears this super old Astros hat EVERYWHERE! We all have our things.

Sidenote,  I am super excited about Madonna performing the half-time show...how awesome is that?? It's MADONNAAAA!  One of the greatest musical icons ever.  Don't talk to me during the half-time show.

On to the more important question, what are you snacking on? Everyone knows the best thing about watching the BIG game is the noshing on chips and dip, mini everything, the drinks, and the football inspired desserts! One of the most popular snacks you will probably see at your Super Bowl party are the infamous chicken wings...fried, battered, sauce-y, grilled, buffalo-style, the list could go on...but have you tried BAKED chicken wings? They are absolutely delicious and flavorful, and so much healthier than your popular fried version. They take a little more time because of the baking, however, you can use that time to watch pre-game happenings, place your bets on who will win the coin toss, or what will Kelly Clarkson wear as she sings the national anthem (people actually bet on this?). 

No matter who or what you are betting on, these Asian inspired chicken wings will be sure to please both Patriot and Giant fans alike!

Disclaimer:  For those of you who know me, I never measure when I cook. Only when I bake. Since these wings are seasoned to your liking, sprinkle as little or as much dry seasoning as you want. I was helpful though, and have measurements for the sauce. You're welcome.

What you need:

- 20 wings and/or drummettes
- sesame oil
- salt
- pepper
- ground ginger
- garlic powder
- red chili flakes
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 3 tbs soy sauce
- 1 tbs oyster sauce
- 1 tbs hot sauce
- 4 tbs butter, melted
- sesame seeds, for garnish

How-to:

Preheat oven to 350.

Wash wings and thoroughly dry them with paper towels.

Lay the wings out into a glass dish, and  drizzle them with sesame oil. Sprinkle them with the salt, pepper, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red chili flakes. Rub the spices into the wings.

Bake wings for an hour.  As wings bake, get started on the yummy sauce!

In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hot sauce, and butter.

Toss the baked wings in brown sugar sauce (wings are hot, be careful). Lay the wings back into the glass dish and allow them to bake for an additional 10 minutes. Set the oven on broil and broil wings for a final 5-7 minutes, or until nice and crispy. Keep an eye on them when on broil. They can easily burn!

That's it! You are ready to enjoy some finger licking good wings! I served these with baked seasoned potato wedges.  They would be great with sweet potato fries, veggies, and of course, do not forget the ranch and blue cheese dressings!

Enjoy your Super Bowl festivities, be responsible, sober drivers post-game, and may the best team win! The Patriots of course ;).

Happy Eating!!!

Fork and Knife Sloppy Joes

I'm back! And I plan on staying :). I apologize to those who take an occasional gander at my blog, and have not seen any new posts the past few months. The blog always crosses my mind, however, my laziness overtook me and I have not posted some very fabulous recipes. Again, I apologize. I do plan to stick around and make this blog a priority! I hope some of you can keep me on the path :).  In an attempt not to skip yet another month of blogging, I am posting this TONIGHT!

Tonight's dinner was a blast from the past...sloppy joes! It has been YEARS since I have had one, and growing up in a Pakistani family, these American favorites were always a treat my mom or I would whip up. These sloppy joes on tonight's post have a little twist, are a little more grown up, and must be eaten with a fork and knife. I experimented with beer this time...I do on occasion cook with wine in my meat sauces and soups, however, never beer. My inspiration came from this past weekend's Saint Arnold's one pot cook-off, and then the same day I ran across this recipe on one of my favorite blogs, Homesick Texan, which also used beer. I figured, hmm, an opportunity to try something new.  I used the basic recipe and technique, however, made my own changes depending on what I had at home already. I limit my trip to the grocery store per day, at the most, twice. Maybe three...

These yummies went over very well with my hubby. They were sweet and savory, the beer gave the meat sauce some depth, spices gave it smokiness, and the cool, creamy guacamole was just perfect for the heat of the sandwich. I served the sandwiches with roasted garlicky asparagus and green beans.

My birthday is coming up in March, and if any of you lovelies would like to get me a thoughtful gift, I would love Homesick Texan's cookbook!

Tweeked Recipe adapted from Homesick Texan's Tex-Mex Sloppy Joe:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, de-seeded and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce (I used 3/4 of the can)
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 12 oz. beer (Saint Arnold's pale ale, or any other lager)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 cup cilantro, divided
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- salt and black pepper to taste
- hamburger buns
- Guacamole, onion, jalapenos, cheese, etc for toppings (Made homemade guacamole)

How-to:
Brown meat in skillet on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat. Add onions and bell pepper and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for about a minute.

In a large measuring cup, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder, red chili flakes, and hot sauce.  Pour tomato mixture, beer, ketchup, and 1/2 the cilantro into the meat. Stir well and let simmer.  Cook for 15-20 minutes. Add remaining cilantro and lime juice. Add salt and pepper and additional seasonings to taste. Stir well.

Serve on toasted buns topped with homemade guacamole. Feel free to add additional toppings, but I had just enough energy to make some homemade guacamole.

Grab a knife and fork and get to eating!

Banh Mi Cravings

Every weekend my husband and I get asian foot massages (not as weird as it sounds, they are actually quite AMAZING), and then treat ourselves to vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi) at either Don's, with the best chicken, or Givral, which is right behind Don's and actually accepts credit cards, something rare in the Bellaire Chinatown area. If you are ever in the Bellaire area definitely grab a sandwich. I promise you will not be disappointed by either establishment. They use fresh ingredients and incredible, crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, french baguette that is either baked in house or ordered from a bakery. Not only are these sandwiches so delicious and fresh, but also inexpensive at around $2.50 per sandwich. Subway $5 subs have nothing on banh mi sandwiches!

I was craving these sandwiches the other day and thought, why not just make these yummies at home? They were pretty quick and easy to assemble and oh, so good. They were not as traditional as what you may find at either Don's or Givral because I did not use pate or fresh baked french bread, but they definitely hit the spot. Also, if you would like to know where to go for the best asian foot massages, send me a message!

Ingredients:

1/2 c. shredded carrots
2 tbs. rice wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1 lb. beef milanesa steaks
1 tbs. soy sauce
1 tbs. hot sauce
garlic powder
sea salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tbs. chili garlic paste
2 tbs. butter, softened
1 tbs. srirarcha, or to taste
4 small loaves of french bread
cucumber cut lengthwise
sprigs of cilantro
jalapeno, de-seeded and de-veined, cut into slivers
lime wedges, quartered

- Preheat oven to 400*

- Marinate shredded carrots in rice wine vinegar and sugar, and set aside.

- Whisk together soy sauce, hot sauce, and spices. Rub marinade over steaks. Grill on high heat 'til tender. Let steaks sit before cutting into slices.

- Mix together mayo and chili paste. Set aside.

- Mix together butter and sriracha. Set aside.

- Slice open french bread and spread bottom with the spicy mayo and the top with spicy butter.

- Lay strips of steak on bread and pop in oven until the bread is nice and crispy. Remove from oven.

- Top steak with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, slivers of jalapeno, and sprigs of cilantro. Squeeze a quarter of lime wedge if desired onto the sandwich.

ENJOY!!!

German Chocolate Cake and Pretty Shoes

Birthdays, birthdays, and more birthdays! My kitchen aid mixer is working hard this month baking up goodies! My brother in law's birthday just recently passed this past weekend and he requested a German chocolate cake, a cake I've never made. So I was pretty excited to bake something new!

Also, my past week has been pretty crazy with a major layoff at work and over 1/3 of our staff facing unemployment. They are all definitely in my thoughts and I hope the best for all of them. So to calm my nerves and seek some relaxation, I gladly took this opportunity to bake and treat myself to some pretty shoes :). Both are pictured below. I felt my new buy matched my new cake, how perfect! I have absolutely no self-control when it come to pretty and shiny shoes...

I began first with making the coconut and pecan custard filling, so that it would cool for a couple of hours and thicken. Then I made my chocolate cake with Baker's German chocolate. I did not frost the sides of the cake because I thought the effect of the custard peeking out through the layers gave the cake more depth and more of a tower effect. Isn't it purrrrtyyy?!?

German Chocolate Cake

INGREDIENTS:

Cake layers
- 4 oz. Baker's German chocolate, roughly broken into pieces
- 2 1/4 c. cake flour
- 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1 c. strong vanilla coffee, brewed
- 1 c. buttermilk
- 1 1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
- 2 c. sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Filling
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 c. sugar
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 3/4 c. unsalted butter
- 1 (7 oz.) package sweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 c. chopped pecans
- candied pecans for garnish

For cake layers:

Preheat oven to 350* and line 3 round cake pans with parchment paper. Spray pans with butter and dust with cocoa powder, shaking off excess.

In a double boiler**, melt chocolate. Remove from heat and cool in the fridge.

**create a double boiler by placing a clean, dry bowl on top of a pot of boiling water**

In a bowl, whisk cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large measuring cup whisk together coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla.

In your mixer, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down bowl after each addition. Add flour, on a lower speed, alternatively with coffee/buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Turn off mixer, remove bowl, and fold in the melted chocolate.

Divide batter between the 3 pans and bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Once cool, remove cakes and let cool completely on wire racks. Let cool completely before adding the filling.

For filling:

Toast coconut and pecans in oven until coconut is lightly golden in color.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together egg yolks, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Add sugars and butter. Stir often until thickened. Turn off heat. Stir in coconut and pecans and let cool. I put my filling in the fridge to thicken and cool.

To assemble the cake, I filled each layer with a 1/3 of filling and topped the top layer with candied pecans.

ENJOY!

October!

Cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween costumes and candy, football parties, CARDIGANS, boots, and one month closer to Thanksgiving! October has finally arrived!

In celebration of October and all things brown, orange, green, and purple, I made pumpkin muffins last night. What better way to bring in the season of fall than with some pumpkin and spice?

Not too many people in my life are fans of pumpkin, especially my husband and sister, so I rarely make anything pumpkin, except, during Thanksgiving linner (that in-between time of lunch and dinner), I make pumpkin pie cheesecake. I'll post that recipe as we near the holiday. SO. FREAKING. GOOD.

These muffins are long overdue payment for a brother's friend. Probably should get these delivered before I start getting collection calls :/. I ended up making a few extra for my family and a couple of friends who said they like pumpkin things. They went over really well with them! The taste isn't overwhelming with pumpkin, which is good. I felt they had a nice spice mixture and were VERY moist, always important! Plus the added dollop of cream cheese icing was sooo yummy. I will definitely be making these more often.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin and Spice muffins

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup pure pumpkin (out of 15 oz can)
1/3 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 1/4 c. white sugar
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of ground ginger
1 tbs. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350*

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda in bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs, sugar, and spices.

Gradually add flour mixture into pumpkin mixture until smooth.

In a small bowl combine brown sugar and cinnamon.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter. Sprinkle brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Bake for 20-25 min, or until toothpick comes out clean.

You can enjoy them plain or add a dollop of cream cheese icing, which I've posted in my carrot cake post.