Culinary Tomfoolery

I don't know where the inspiration (cough - Pinterest, foodgawker, and Punchfork - cough) came from, but I've been trying out some fun new recipes.

{Mexican Quinoa}

This quinoa was delicious, and a nice way to spice up taco night. I opted for no cilantro & added some diced bell pepper. Perfect leftovers for lunch AND Mr. Malone approved!

{Gruyere Asparagus Tarts}

How can you really go wrong with puff pastry & cheese? (A universal question, I know.) However, this is one of those recipes where the actual cooking time was WAY different than what the recipe called for. My puff pastry became golden brown really quickly. I'm thinking next time I may bake at a lower temperature, along with adding more cheese! I finished these off with a balsamic reduction... the flavors were killer. (Gross, I sounded like Guy Fieri right there.)

- happy weekend, kiddos -

Fashionista?

Obviously, this is not me. (Unless I've been looking in some weird mirrors for the past 26 years.)

What this is, however, is the look I'm trying to achieve for my company's holiday party tomorrow night. I was planning on borrowing a dress from my sister, Julia, but just wasn't 100% about it. 

Lucky for me, I scored some sweet deals on the skirt & blouse - last minute, too!

Don't you just love the holidays!?

Sunday Snapshots

{pulled pork in the crock pot}

{Irish coffee prep}

{Apple Cup}

{Tastes like Christmas}

{can't wait}

Thankful

As I sit in bed this morning, it's hard to ignore all of the things I am thankful for. (At this point in time, however, my number one is the DayQuil that is about to kick in.)

I wouldn't be who I am today without Mr. Malone, our families, our friends, and a kick ass fantasy football league that I'm trying desperately to win. (It's rivalry week... Mr. Malone is going down!)

Hope you all have a marvelous Thanksgiving!

Nuts & Bolts

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the heavenly mixture of Chex cereal, pretzels & peanuts. No, this ain't your mama's Chex mix. I'm talking Nuts & Bolts here, people.

"But Lauren, what about the turkey?" Fuhgeddaboudit!

"Not even pumpkin pie?" Fuhgeddaboudit!

This recipe is so good, it obviously brings out the New Yorker in me.

Do yourself a favor this holiday season - spend a Sunday making multiple batches of this and share with those you love. WARNING: Have dental floss ready.

NUTS & BOLTS

*Via Mama Jewski

1 Tbsp whole mustard seed

1/3 C unsalted butter

1 Tbls Worcestershire

1 Tsp chili powder

1 Tsp cinnamon

5 C Chex cereal (Use any combination you like - I prefer 2 cups Corn, 2 cups Rice and 1 cup Wheat)

1 C salted peanuts, no skins

1 C stick pretzels (Yes, stick pretzels!)

*Put Chex, pretzels and peanuts on an ungreased cookie sheet. Set aside.

*In a small saucepan over low heat, combine butter & mustard seed. Keep covered and cook until seeds pop. (This takes awhile. Unfortunately, you need to be patient. It's the perfect time to open a beer!)

*Once the seeds have popped, remove the pan from heat.

*Add Worcestershire. This will steam... be careful!

*Add chili powder to the sauce pan and stir to combine.

*Pour sauce over the cereal mixture and stir gently.

*Sprinkle cinnamon over the cereal.

*Bake in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10. (Ovens will vary. Check after 7-8 minutes.)

*Let cool completely on paper towels and store in an airtight container. (Tastes even better on day two or three!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fancy Friday

I'm looking forward to a dinner party with these two ladies, the newest Twilight movie (for comic relief), and a day of baking!

{fine china, for the win}

{homemade wine charms}

{the main course for tonight}

Crankypants

This red cup & dinner with Jen are the only things that will get me through today.

Cheers to the weekend.

Ye Olde Leavenworth

Oh, Leavenworth, how I love thee. 

A weekend away was just what I needed: Saturday morning in bed with Shannon and Christine Sparkleface, spending the day strolling through town, and randomly running into five sorority sisters.

It was full of amazing conversation, hearty laughter, late night "Truth or Dare," and a box full of Gushers.

Can't wait for La Toscana 2013!

Walking outside to this view? If you insist.

The Oil and Vinegar Cellar. Amazing.

We should work for the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

NUTELLA CREPE. THE END.

The aftermath of aforementioned crepe.

Where we shot hoops in the morning.

Hi, Shannon!

Vote

I hate talking politics - the thought alone makes me uncomfortable. But, that doesn't mean I didn't vote. An acquaintance of mine changed her Facebook status this morning.

"Today I refuse to pick the lesser of two evils and vote. Don't think anyone running is worth the ink in my pen."

Yes, that is verbatim. And it really fired me up.

WE HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE! And even if you don't like either candidate, think about the other issues that need voters! (Cough, Referendum 74, cough.)

Your opinion may differ from mine, and that's fine. But I am happy to say that I voted for what I believe in.

I hope you exercise your right to vote and do the same.