Friday, October 18, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

The Clifton Heights
c/o The Five O'Clock Blog
Ingredients

2 ounces Buffalo Trace
3/4 ounce Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 ounce pineapple juice, preferably freshly squeezed
Maraschino cherry, to garnish

Directions
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add garnish if so desired.

Fried Apple Pancakes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 white)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 large tart apples, cut into whole slices.
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
For the apples
  1. In a large saucepan on medium-high heat melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and stir to combine. Add the apple slices and stir with the butter mixture to coat the apples well. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until apples are soft but not fully cooked.
  2. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. For the pancakes:
  4. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.
  5. Butter or spray a large skillet over medium heat. Pour out a 1/4 cup measurer of batter ( don't fit too many on the pan at once as they spread when you add the apples.) Place one apple slice on each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and pancake is golden brown when you check it. Flip and repeat! Serve with warm maple syrup.

Scallop Fried Rice
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Canola Oil
1 pound scallops
Salt
Pepper
1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
1 carrot, minced
1 shallot, minced
2 cups cook white rice, cold
1 egg, lightly beaten
Splash of soy sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
Directions
Combine fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix to combine and set aside.
Salt and pepper the scallops. On a large non-stick skillet over high heat, heat oil. Add the scallops until browned on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
Heat more oil in the same skillet. Add the carrots, ginger and shallots. Cook, for 3-4 minutes, until the carrots have softened. Add in the rice and fish sauce mixture. Cook until heated through, constantly stirring. Add the egg and scallops. Mix until combine and heated through. Add in the splash of soy sauce, stir to combine. Stir in cilantro.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Touchdown!

Earlier this summer we looked at baseball tees for everyday wear. Now it's football season and one trend that I love making into the mainstream is the varsity jacket. It's a great layering piece for fall or winter.

Members Only, Varsity Jacket, $54
Check out this cozy jacket. Great hood, simple pockets an overall win.

A bright red would look great with black jeans.

Dorothy Perkins, Gray Varsity Jacket, $35
100% cotton means this jacket is like wearing your favorite sweatshirt.

And now something a touch fancier, preppier. I'm loving this quilted version from Tommy.

Varsity jackets are a fun and casual way to bridge the chillier evening coat before the winter coats come out.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Black Tie Very Optional

Tuxedo pants are a huge trend this year. It's a great play on menswear that allows us to play dress up and accessorize. I'm sure this won't be the last time we talk about tuxedo stripes this season so let's start with tuxedo stripe pants under $50.

Oh I love these. So classy, perfect for work. Add a D'Orsay pump.

Forever 21, Tuxedo Stripe Trouser, $22
 A white stripe? Love this surprise.

Here's a fun take on denim. Dress it up with a long necklace and flowy blouse.

Nordstrom, Colorblock Crop Pants, $19
I love these cropped pants because they can easily transition to spring. The khaki is a nice variation as well.

Tuxedo pants are a great way to try the menswear trend. Add your own flair with accessories and shoes.

Be fabulous today!


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

This Bag Was Made for Travelin'

Happy back from long weekend! Nothing like a good short week, am I right? I've been traveling the last two weekends and my go to bag pulls double duty. It's a flat oversized clutch. I love it because I can store my essentials in it and throw it in my larger purse, but I can also use it for a night out when I'm traveling. The key is the zipper top for easy access.

Banana Republic, Croc Embossed Oversized Clutch, $75
See what I mean? throw your magic waller, keys, phone and tickets in for travel and then use it later for dinner.

A great tassel detail makes this lush clutch look even richer but you'd never know from the price.

French Connection, Oversized Clutch, $68
Something a little more edgy.

And now some soft suede. Perfect for stow and go or a night out.

I like to try to travel light. Please note the word try. One way to cut down on items that are bulky like a bag, is to try this oversized clutch option. Do double duty!

Be fabulous today!