Friday, September 21, 2012

Friday Foodday

We made it! Happy Friday! I hope you have a fabulous weekend! Here are my favorite recipes for this week.

Skillet Chocolate Sheet Cake
c/o Kitchen Bellicious
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
dash salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

For the Topping:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
2 tablespoons cocoa
3-4 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, sugar, and salt together and set aside.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, bring the butter, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, and water to a boil. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the dry ingredients well. Mix in the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Bake the skillet cake at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
While the cake starts to cool, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil. Remove them from heat and add the icing sugar, nuts, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over the warm cake, spread with a spatula.

Lighter Veggie Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
1 pound pasta, any shape
Cooking spray
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, diced
1 jar roasted red peppers, sliced into thin strips
2 cups baby spinach
1 jar Classico Light Asiago Romano Alfredo sauce
Salt and pepper


Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350. Cook the pasta according to packaging directions.
2- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Add garlic, stirring for about one minute. Add the mushrooms, cook until soft. Add the red peppers and spinach.
3- Add the sauce, stir well, season with salt and pepper. Allow to cook together for 5-7 minutes.
4- Drain the pasta, toss the pasta with the sauce and veggie mixture.
5- Transfer to a 9x13 dish, bake 15-20 minutes.


Stuffed Pepper Soup
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup finely diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cans petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups reduced sodium, fat-free chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
Directions
In a large pot or dutch oven, brown ground meat on high heat and season with salt.Drain fat if any, reduce heat to medium-low, then add peppers, onions and garlic.Cook about 5 minutes on low heat.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, marjoram and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Serve about 1 1/3 cups of soup in each bowl and top with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice.

                                Thursday, September 20, 2012

                                That's One Sassy Oxymoron

                                Happy almost Friday lovebugs,

                                Today we're looking at what is a bit of an oxymoron: the full mini. A great full skirt is always in style, but this is a mini version! Mega volume with not a lot of length.

                                A great textured mini that has some good structure to it. This would go great with booties.

                                You want a leg lengthener? Get this skirt. A perfect flouncy piece that is easy, breezy and sexy.

                                So this skirt could use a better name but who doesn't love an elastic waistband. I mean, deep down, it's all about the elastic waist band.

                                Down from $150, this skirt is fabulous. Add some lace on top and you are a show stopper.

                                The full mini may not always be appropriate for the office (use your own judgement, or the looks of others) but maybe adding some tights to the ensemble make it just right for date night.

                                Be fabulous today!

                                Wednesday, September 19, 2012

                                Bringing Bow Back

                                It's no secret I'm a sucker for bows. And I'm so happy they're making their way to shoes. Big this season is the bow back trend on shoes. Today let's look at some heels that lay on the sass but with the sweetness that balances it all out.

                                Modcloth, Raise the roof heels, $42
                                Just, yes. Enjoy it. Stacked heel, purple bow back. Someone give me a black mini and tights and let's go out.

                                This bootie has a hidden platform and the sassy cutout is just to die for.

                                My girl Jessica has done it again. These rounded toe leopard print heels are fabulous. The tiny bow back is the perfect add on.

                                Alloy, Gabriella Mini Wedge, $32
                                A little wedge perhaps? These beauties are perfect for a cord mini.

                                The bow back heels are a bit pin up-y but in a sassy sort of way. I think pairing these with jeans or a mini make it perfectly appropriate for anytime.

                                Be fabulous today!

                                Tuesday, September 18, 2012

                                Clutching on

                                A great trend this fall is the portfolio clutch. I love it because it's a little masculine, a little preppy and a lot chic. Take a look at these oversized clutches that are perfect for business or pleasure.

                                Here's the problem with Etsy, there's only one of these. One of these fabulous vintage clutches. Run.

                                The fold over fastener on this bag makes it so easy to grab and go, I love the neutral that will go with everything.

                                This clutch is a little boho with the patchwork leather, but the hard lines make it very clean and chic.

                                Coast, Serena Clutch, $80
                                Well hello oxblood portfolio clutch, I believe we've hit the fall trend trifecta!

                                How are you feeling about oversized portfolio clutches? You may have to slim down what you toss into your bag, but the overall look will be worth it!

                                Be fabulous today!