Glimpse of the Fall Season

It has been forever since I picked up my Nikon. Despite my baby bump getting heavier making it uncomfortable to walk around, maneuver, bend and be mobile - I managed to take a few photos at the park yesterday. There should have been more photos taken but I just wasn't feeling like my winner self.

International Day Dreams

I'm literally itching for some international travel. I shouldn't have browsed through our getaway photo album that showed such excitement in our faces.

It's just the idea of packing my bags, boarding a plane, getting a stamp on my passport, exploring a new country, experiencing another culture, taking exotic photos, tasting different types of food, and the endless exciting  possibilities brings me to an anticipated level beyond pure ecstasy that I call, "living out the dream."

With our baby on the way, I'm not sure when we'll be able to travel overseas once more. However, one thing is for sure... our baby himself will bring us another type of adventure... PARENTHOOD. We can't wait!!

October 2011 - My Favourite Things

1. Bare Escentuals - 100% Natural Lip Gloss
Not only are these lip glosses natural and make the lips feel luxurious, they smell great and taste good as well. One caveat is that they're extremely addicting.

2. Queen Latifah's Album - Trav'lin' Light
Queen Latifah is one talented artist. This album features light R&B jazzy relaxing tunes perfect for that stay-inside cozy autumn day while sipping a cup of coffee with a good book in hand. This is her second R&B Jazz album and it's just as good as the first album.

3. Bath & Body Works - Cozy Vanilla Autumn
Absolutely sweet smelling. I prefer it more than BBW's Warm Vanilla Sugar. It has a different scent that I can not explain but it is just wonderful. I lathered it on yesterday after getting out of the shower and throughout the day many people complimented how great it smelled. They even asked to try some on.

4. Sephora Nail Polish - by OPI
Sephora has so many great coloured polish for the fall season. These are comparable to OPI and I absolutely love how they are named. My favorite shades are: Hell to the No, Call Your Mohter, Leotard Optional, and High Maintenance to name a few.

5. Cognac Handbags
I specifically LOVE the bags that are classic, timeless, and have structure like Kate Spades, New York Small Maryclare bag. These type of bags will never go out of style and well worth the cost.

6. Wetzel's Pretzels - Sinfully Cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar goodness that I've been addicted to ever since the beginning of my pregnancy. You can't go wrong with a cinnamon sugar pretzel. I haven't had Auntie Anne's for a while, so I wonder how Sinfully Cinnamon compares to AA's Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel?

7. Carrot Cake
I baked an Afternoon Delight Carrot Cake not too long ago and I'm about to make another soon since I've been craving it. So creamy and delicious. I love how the sweet aroma permeates the house. Click on the link for the recipe.

8. Yankee Candle Carrot Cake
This is the ultimate reason of my craving carrot cake. Also adds a cozy feel to the ambiance of the autumn season.

Taking A Break

Just taking a much needed break from cooking and taking photos. I've actually been resting and sleeping a lot - even decreased my work hours - all for a good cause since I'm almost 26 weeks pregnant! Visit our baby blog here. We're so excited!!!

Anyway, hopefully I'll start feeling less lazy and get back to the swing of things. Stay tuned for more photos, new recipes, and etc.

The Kitchen Tragedy of Summer 2010 Oven, May You Rest In Peace

{ 07.24.2010: Oven Explosion }

July of last year I baked a boxed meal, Au Gratin Potatoes, for a last minute gig. Put the mix in Pyrex and shoved it in the oven. Ten minutes later there was an explosion then a burning aroma permeated the house causing the pets to bark hysterically. We checked the oven and the devastation above was the eyesore we had to face.

After cleaning the mess, the oven never worked the same again. At first it took 30 minutes to preheat it, then six months later 60 minutes, then 90, then 120, then it was a touch and go gamble - will it work or not? Of recent it preheats to 100 degrees and maintains the temperature. Frustrating! I haven't baked anything for almost a week and am getting a divatude because of it.

To fix it will cost more than purchasing a new one so we're getting a new stove top / oven this weekend. I can hardly wait. I can't believe I'm excited to go appliance store hopping.

Cooking this week is on hiatus - however the joys of cooking will commence once again next week.

Spanakopita

{ Challenge 12 : Recipe 22/100 }
Spanakopita Pie & Triangles

Over the weekend I cooked a Greek dish (Izzy as my sous chef) called, Spanakopita for a women's luncheon at a friend's house. It's a spinach based dish mixed with two kinds of cheeses, herbs, spices, and then lined and  topped with phyllo dough. I made two versions, a pie and individual triangles.

It was my first experience with phyllo dough so it was a gamble as to how it would turn out. As far as rolling the triangles, here is a video of how to do so. Rolling is fairly easy but the trick is to pack it on tightly and then gently roll. The phyllo dough is fragile so it tears easy.

Overall a great dish!! I received numerous compliments from it. Another plus is that it's baked, not fried.

Spanakopita

By SilverWolf

Ingredients:

3 tbsp Olive Oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 lbs spinach, rinsed and chopped

1/2 chopped fresh parsley

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

8 sheets phyllo dough

1/4 cup olive oil
* salt as needed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9x9 inch square baking pan.

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, green onions and garlic, until soft and lightly browned. Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to saute until spinach is limp, about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta. Stir in spinach mixture. Salt as needed. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat process with two more sheets of phyllo. The sheets will overlap the pan. Spread spinach and cheese mixture into pan and fold overhanging dough over filling. Brush with oil, then layer remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Tuck overhanging dough into pan to seal filling.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve while hot.

Peanut Butter Cookies

{ Challenge 12 : Recipe 21/100 }
Peanut Butter Cookies

Blogging from bed today and feeling a little bit under the weather. I cooked these cookies a month ago and just realized I didn't blog about it.

This recipe is from my 1959 Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book so it has a classic, feel good, old fashioned taste to it... very moist, addicting, and wonderful. It's fairly easy to make and a lot of fun.

The cook book gives two versions of the recipe, which are included below:

Peanut Butter Cookies

By Betty Crocker

Mix Thoroughly:

1/2 cup shoft shortening (half butter)
1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

1 egg

Sift together and stir in:

1 1/4 cups sifted GOLD MEDAL Flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

Chill dough. Roll into ball size of large walnuts. Place 3" apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour ... crisscross...  Bake until set... but not hard.

Temperature: 375° (quick mod. oven).

Time: Bake 10 to 12 min.

Amount: About 3 doz. 2 1/2" cookies.

** For the Honey Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: Follow the recipe above - except use only 1/4 cup shortening, and in place of brown sugar use 1/2 cup honey.