The Green Thumb Test

Two weeks ago I shared that one of my succulents was growing a baby. Since then this little offset has grown nearly 2 inches and I decided that I wanted to try transplanting it to its own bit of soil. I couldn't find much information on the interwebs about how to do this, so I checked out this book from my local library. I followed the author's instructions--carefully detach the offset and pack into moistened cacti soil. 

Now, the hardest part: wait a couple of weeks before watering (to stave off root rot). *Fingers crossed that it will set down some roots and be happy.*

Sharing is Caring

A few weeks ago I received a lovely message from SevenBlue (aka Julie), a fellow Ravelry member. She was writing regarding one of my patterns--which she was currently working on--and had a few friendly suggestions on how to improve the instructions. Recently she sent me a note saying she had finished it. I think it looks great!

(link)

This is a first for me. It feels good knowing that my patterns are reaching an audience...even if it is one person.

It's a Baby!

My green succulent is having a baby! I noticed the bud a few days ago and it's been growing quite rapidly. I must be doing something right. 

The cacti are doing pretty well, too.

Pocket Pies

CakeSpy cookbook + daisy-shaped pancake mold = super cute, super fun, super tasty pocket pies!

Pocket pie noun 1 a scrumptious handheld treat consisting of two layers of pie crust stuffed with a sweet filling.

I started with a four berry jam.

And then, a lightbulb went off. Peanut butter & chocolate chips! 

And then another lightbulb went off! Savory pies filled with fontina, sun dried tomatoes, and feta.


Best breakfast and lunch...one right after the other.

Breakfast of Champions

Banana bread with chocolate chips, walnuts, and a splash of rum (I was out of vanilla extract!).


Recipe courtesy of America's Test Kitchen. Embellishments were all my own. And I ate it all.

Good Eats: Mama's Chicken Noodle

 I didn't make it, but I sure did eat it. 

BBQ Duck Rice Plate--my favorite. (Plus ginger-garlic-scallion-oil mixture.)

Noodle Soup with wontons, fish balls, shrimp and other savory morsels--Evan's favorite.

Mama's Chicken Noodle is a magical place where one can find a bounty of tasty, savory morsels. Noodle soups, rice plates piled high with roasted meats, Chinese-style rice porridge, and more.

I always attempt to try something new, but inevitably end up ordering the BBQ duck plate--partly because roast duck is super tasty but also because I know I'll have leftovers to take home. I like to stir fry the rice and duck and top it with a fried egg; breakfast of champions.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday...to Me!

Yesterday I turned 25 and so I celebrated the only way that I thought best: by throwing a Hello Kitty themed party complete with pink streamers, Hello Kitty balloons, and loads of Hello Kitty party favors. Plus lots of homemade sushi, good friends, and a custom-made rainbow birthday cake (thanks boyfriend!).

So pretty! So AWESOME!

And super tasty.

Happy New Year!!!

Ringing in the New Year with my two lovely dining mates and loads of mac n cheese at Homeroom.

The Greek Exchange Student: Feta, spinach, artichoke hearts. 

A new mac making it's premiere: sauteed mushrooms, herbs, and a hit of truffle oil.

After the mac feast: festive drinks (including this one*) and a dance party at our friend Aaron's house. Happy New Year all!

*Surprisingly tasty but all you need is a sip!

Krampus Festivus

Christmas Day feast for us and our friends. We hosted the first Krampus Festivus last year and had a grand ol' time. This year was even better.

Merry Krampus!

Nibbles before the big meal...and beer. Just the beginning....

Krampus Cocktail: Metaxa, pomegranate juice, gin, ginger ale, orange slices.

The main act: roast leg of lamb with herbs, garlic, and a special secret ingredient.

The sides: roasted brussel sprouts

and crispy potatoes.

Serious drinking.

Special guests.

Tomfoolery. 

Time for dessert: homemade apple pie, eggnog cheesecake, and holiday sweets.

We made pecan bars, macaroons, chocolate chip cookies, hazelnut mocha truffles, and peppermint marshmallows.

It's not a party if it doesn't end like this.

Thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating Krampus Festivus. And thanks for bringing the tasty tasties. 

Happy Christmas

Tomatoes in November

Quite a while ago I planting some cherry tomato seeds. I watered them. I tended to the stalks. I whispered sweet nothings to the buds. And...nothing. After weeks of progress the buds remained green. I waited three weeks for the fruits of my labor to turn red. Finally, I gave up; I hate to admit it, but I did. Alas, I was too lazy to dispose of this tomato plant and so I left it on my patio.

Then, on Tuesday, as I looked out the window (procrastinating my departure for work), I noticed a fleck of yellow. I moved closer to get a better look and...couldn't believe it. The biggest tomato was beginning to blush. So I brought the plant inside, picked off all the dead branches, and gave it a drink. The leaves bounced back pretty quickly and more green tomatoes began following in the footsteps of that one, brave tomato (who was very tasty, by the by).

What's that hiding behind a leaf?

A ripe, red cherry tomato...in late November.

Evan and I split it for dessert on Friday night. It was juicy and super sweet.

Two days later: more tomatoes turning red.

This one is next.

Then these guys.

Christmas Tree Fund

I've been lobbying for a real Christmas Tree for years. Our small (previous) apartment was always a convenient excuse for Evan to shoot down my desire for a non-artificial tree. Instead we've been putting up a mini, artificial tree--which is cute, but not my idea of a proper Christmas tree. This year we are in a bigger apartment with lots of room to spare...prefect for a modest douglas fir or white pine. 

So I've started a Christmas Tree Fund: a way to collect my spare change at the end of the day and make my dream of a green Christmas a reality. I can almost smell the pine needles...

Cure for the Common Cold

I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose, headache, and sore throat. Yuck. Time for soup. Thankfully I had frozen veggies and chicken broth on standby. I started by sweating a handful of chopped onion and some garlic in a tab of butter. I added a sprinkling of kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and dried thyme. Then in went a bunch of frozen mixed veggies and some uncooked rice, followed by chicken broth. 

As I waited for the mix to come to a boil, I rummaged through the fridge to see if there was anything else I could throw in. I found some left over lamb from earlier in the week, parsley, and a parmesan rind--which I've read adds a yummy silkiness to soups. I let everything simmer for a bit, discarded the softened rind, seasoned to taste, and served myself a bowl. 

Time to eat and get well.

Let's Mash. Monster Mash!

I hosted a Halloween party on Saturday and it was a mash, it was a graveyard smash. 

I made a bunch of spooky food. Christina mixed up some Zombie Punch. A bunch of friends dressed up in fabulous costumes--Crazy Cat Lady, Cloudy Sky, Alexander the Great, Boo from Monsters Inc., a Once-ler with the Lorax, and two cute witches. I was properly zombified by the end of the evening...and well into the next day, too. But it was worth it.

Pumpkin Barf aka guacamole was a big hit. I got the idea from this pin. It was a little challenging carving the face, but I think it turned out pretty good. 

 Spicy Popcorn. Not scary, per se, but super tasty. I used this recipe as a jumping off point for my spice mixture.

 Our friend Kevin brought a killer cheese spread. 

Bite-Sized Ghosts. Strawberries dipped in vanilla white chocolate with dark chocolate faces.

Trick or Treat Cupcakes. 

Vanilla cupcakes topped with cooked vanilla rum buttercream and Halloween sprinkles, courtesy of Evan's mom...

...with a spooky trick inside! (Almost) blood red berry filling.

 Creepy crawly centerpiece.

Me and Christina: two cute witches.