Friday, February 21, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

Southwest Crab Chowder
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons safflower oil
3/4 cups chopped onion
2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
1 pound small Gold Youkon potatoes (quartered)
3 Tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white wine (substitute stock if you don't want to use wine)
1 1/2 cups milk 
1 cup seafood stock (substitute chicken stock if needed)
14 3/4 ounce can creamed-style corn
12 ounces lump crab meat 
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (use more if you like things spicy)
3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the potatoes, stir and cook for one minute.
Sprinkle with flour, stir and cook for one minute.
Stir in the wine and milk. It will start to thicken, then stir in the stock, creamed-corn and chipotle. Bring to a simmer stirring frequently.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Bang Bang Cauliflower
A Taste of Home Cooking
Ingredients
Batter

2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cup cold water
1 3/4 cup flour, sifted

Bang-Bang Sauce


1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2-4 teaspoons sriracha, or more to taste

1 small head cauliflower or half a regular head, cut into florets
vegetable or canola oil 
2 scallions, chopped 


Directions
Place the egg yolks in a large bowl. Add cold water gradually and blend well. Add the flour all at once and stir briefly so it's all mixed, but still has lumps and clumps. Make the batter as soon as you are ready to start cooking - you don't want it sitting around. 

Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a large bowl big enough to toss all the cauliflower with it later. 

Heat oil in a large pan about 1/4 inch deep. Dip cauliflower into the batter, and then drop it into very hot oil. Cook a few minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain. Toss with the sauce and top with the scallions



Chocolate Chip Cookies 'N Cream Cookies
Stephanie Cooks Blog
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 Dove Cookies & Creme bars (1.34 oz), diced into small pieces


Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350.
2- In a mixing bowl combine the cake mix, baking powder, eggs, and oil. Stir well.
3- Add the chocolate (both kinds) and mix in.
4- Scoop tablespoon sized balls onto cookie sheets.
5- Bake 10 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Doesn't Need Maple Syrup

The waffle knit is such a cozy option for sweater weather. The often thick sweater can be layered with a patterned oxford underneath or dressed up with some big neon bling. But alone, it's simple, classic and so easy to wear.

Anthropologie, Waffled Cowlneck, $59 now $29!
I love this cream sweater because you can pair it with those bold patterned skirts and pants or you can throw it on with jeans and walk out the door. It is so versatile.

Don't pass up this kind of deal. $11 for a bright splash of pink in a great, casual hoodie. Mix this with a navy blazer and jeans.

Forever 21, Easy Waffle Knit Sweater, $11 [sold out, but here is a fab coral option!]
Again with the steal price! This navy option is lightweight and ready for a statement necklace.

This green. Oh this green. It's so cool and easy. I also love the ribbed hem, makes it casual.

Waffle knit is an easy throw on sweater that can ooze effortlessness or add on a statement necklace and its a great canvas. 

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Steady as an Arrow

Something you may or may not know about me is that I am a very proud Pi Phi. Pi Beta Phi has been a large part of my adult life, and something that I truly cherish. One of the symbols or a way to recognize a Pi Phi is her arrow. The arrow is a beautiful way to show perseverance, consistency, and strength. I'm a big fan of this quote as well.

A great way to show off my pride is by showing off the arrow through jewelry, and luckily, you don't have to be a Pi Phi to enjoy the beauty and ferociousness of wearing an arrow, check out these picks.

Planet Blue, Gorjana Arrow Wrap Ring, $40
Simple and delicate, this wrap ring is unassuming but stunning.

I really love this bracelet as a layer piece. Add on a couple of bangles or a heavier metal watch to this light chain bracelet.

Urban Outfitters, Miriam Merenfeld Engraved Forever Arrow Necklace, $59 [sold out! Here is a mini version, or a delicate charm version!]
Originally $140 this made in the USA necklace is great alone or for layering. I would even add a soft string of pears to wear with this necklace.

This is what I would call a grown up best friend bracelet. Buy two, and wear it with one of your best girl. Simple, inexpensive and adorable.

You don't have to be a Pi Phi to wear the arrow and thank goodness for that because the options are fantastic. And to those fellow Pi Phis reading this, ring ching!

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Double Time

Happy Tuesday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and for those who had a longer weekend, welcome back! Today we're looking at bags that have a very unique coloring. Two tone bags are simple and versatile; they add just a pop of something different to your look that you just don't get with an all-black or all-navy bag. Let's have some fun and look at these eye catching beauties.

Gap, Two Tone Leather Clutch, $29 [sold out but loving this one!]
A sassy little wristlet that is great with jeans when you just need your keys, cards, and phone. 

A zip top bag with winged sides. It's a new classic that is perfect for work. Fits a laptop.

Steve Madden Bbandit, $88
Color blocking never looked more fabulous with this pop of blue! Bring on spring.

Evergreen and hunter green are my go to transition colors for winter to spring. Its a bold statement color, especially paired with this khaki. Gives it a retro vibe.

Two toned bags are an easy way to find a staple bag without spending a ton of cash. Finding the perfect color combination will make it your throw on and go with any outfit.

Be fabulous today!