Friday, May 9, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes this week.

The Dillionaire
c/o The Straight Up
Ingredients
2 oz Henrick's Gin
.5 oz Lexardo Maraschino
.5 oz tonic syrup
.5 oz Cocchi Americano
.5 oz lime juice
2 droppers of Boston Bittahs
3 oz club soda
3 cucumber slices
3 sprigs Dill

Directions
Put 2 cucumber slices and 2 sprigs of dill in the bottom of a shaker then top with Jack Rudy tonic syrup and Luxardo Maraschino. Muddle to break up a bit. Add the Hendrick’s gin, Cocchi Americano, lime juice and 1 full dropper of Boston Bittahs to the shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker begins to frost. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and the last dropper of Boston Bittahs. Garnish with a cucumber slice and dill sprig.

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
c/o Emily Bites
Ingredients

  • 1 cup semi-packed baby spinach, torn into pieces
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fat free sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup 2% shredded Mozzarella, divided
  • 3 tablespoons diced canned artichoke hearts (packed in water)
  • A pinch black pepper
  • A pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons light butter 
  • 4 slices light wheat bread
Directions
  1. Lightly mist a small skillet with cooking spray and bring over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for about a minute. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute until the spinach is wilted.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach & garlic with the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, ¼ cup of the Mozzarella, artichokes, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
  3. Butter one side of each piece of bread with ½ tablespoon of butter each. Place two slices butter side down on a flat skillet. Sprinkle both slices with 2 tablespoons of shredded Mozzarella each. Spread the spinach & artichoke dip from step 2 evenly over the Mozzarella layer on each slice. Sprinkle the top of each with the remaining Mozzarella (2 tablespoons each). Place the reserved slices of bread, butter side up, on top of each sandwich.
  4. Bring the skillet over medium heat and cook for about 2 ½-3 minutes until golden on the bottom. Flip the sandwiches (carefully!) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden on both sides.

Blueberry Orange Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Cheesecake Crust:
2 cups Flour
½ cup Powdered Sugar
1 cup Butter
Blueberry Filling:
2 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
1 cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
½ cup Orange Juice
Cheesecake Filling:
1 8oz. package Cream Cheese, softened
½ cup Sugar
1 Tbsp Flour
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13x9 baking dish with foil. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ingredients for the blueberry filling and stirs until the mixture simmers and thickens. Many berries will break during this process, but that is okay. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the crust, in a large bowl mix together the flour and powdered sugar. Using a couple of forks or butter knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles pea side crumbles. Press it into the bottom of the line baking dish. Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
While the crust is baking, in a stand mixer or bowl with a whisk (if you have strong arms), beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the flour and stir until combined. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Once the cookie crust is complete, spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the warm cookie crust. Add in dollops of the blueberry mixture and with a butter knife run it through the blueberries and cheesecake to create the swirl pattern. Place in oven and bake an additional 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let the pan cool for at least 1 hour. Place in fridge and let chill 1 additional hour before removing from the baking dish.
Remove from the baking dish and foil, slice and then serve. Promptly devour.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Don't Be A Tulle

Let's talk tulle. Not your grade school ballerina tulle, but perhaps inspired by. I'm talking tulle you can wear in public and pull off for a date or drinks with the girls. Something feminine and something pretty.

This floral embroidery is so delicate that it borders on lace. I love the airy quality of the skirt. Dress it for work with a blazer or a crop top for the weekend.

Anthropologie, Tulle Trim Chemise, $68
This will be your go to summer dress. A great high low hem and a simple scoop neck is all you need on a hot summer night.

This skirt is longer and lays flatter. The contrasting hem dresses it up and the gray is a nice variation from a stark white option.

Forever 21, Ballerina Glam Tulle Dress, $22
 And here you thought tulle has to be sweet. Throw on this sassy dress for a night out with the girls.

Tulle is not for prom anymore, it's a seven days a week fabric and you have to own it.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Flying V

May is for flowers, but it's also all things spring. Pastels, sundresses and even birds. Let's take a look at some gorgeous bird print items.

Just a stunning graphic print. The maxi is flowing, the neckline is feminine, and you can let the dress do all of the work or add some delicate jewelry.

A flattering pleat paired with a bright blue and crossed hem, just beautiful.

How bold are you feeling? Because if it's anything like this, please go rock this mod inspired dress.

Dorothy Perkins, And Frog Bird Playsuit, $27
I love this little romper. The cap sleeve is playful and the defined waistline is a great way to this piece work for you.

The bird print can be done in a tiny graphic or a bolder, larger look like the Oasap dress above. Depending on the print and the color you can style this trend any way you want.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Something Old, Something Gold

It's wedding season. And today's post is for my friend Kelly but I am hoping others may benefit. Kelly is a bridesmaid this summer and has tasked me with (I say tasked but really I wanted the challenge) finding gold heeled strappy sandals that are going to keep her blister-free all day. Oh and under $100 obviously.

Two words ladies: padded footbed.

A sweet bow detail in a pretty t-strap style.

Nordstrom, Nine West Beaulah Sandal, $88
If you're looking for something with a little more support, try a thicker strap like this option.

Here is a more shimmery option versus metallic, also a great manageable heel height.

Bridesmaid-ville can be a tough place to be but don't rely on the David's Bridal or other wedding boutiques. Try your normal stores and see what you can find in your budget. And if you want to spend a little more, JCrew has some lovely options as well. 

 Be fabulous today!