Friday, March 25, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
I'm headed home for Easter but first, here are my favorite recipes this week.

Champagne Limencello Cocktails
Ingredients
(3 x 1/2-inch) lemon rind strips 
8 tablespoons Limoncello (lemon-flavored liqueur) 
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 
(750-milliliter) bottle brut Champagne, chilled

Directions
1. Roll up each strip of lemon rind; place 1 into each of 8 Champagne flutes. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon juice to each glass. Divide Champagne evenly among glasses. Serve immediately.






Rueben Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
  • 18 ounce trimmed pork tenderloin
  • 3 tbsp thousand Island dressing
  • 2 oz thin sliced turkey pastrami 
  • 2 oz reduced fat Swiss cheese
  • 1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained well
  • 1/2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of the tenderloin to within 1/2- inch of bottom (careful not to cut all the way through). Open tenderloin so it lies flat. On each half, make another, lengthwise slit down the center to within 1/2-inch of bottom; cover with plastic wrap. Flatten to 1/4-in. thickness with a mallet.

Remove plastic wrap; spread the Thousand Island along one side of the pork. Layer the pastrami on top, then the Swiss cheese and sauerkraut along the center of the pork.

Roll up pork jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Tie the roast at 2-inch intervals with kitchen string each about 12-inches long, then rub the pork with olive oil.

Combine the garlic powder, salt and caraway seeds in a small bowl; rub the mixture over the pork. Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan; bake, uncovered, at 425° until a meat thermometer reads 160°, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter or cutting board. Let it stand 10 minutes before removing string and slicing. Slice into 8 pieces.

Apricot Pecan Streusel Muffins
Ingredients
Apricot Pecan Muffins:: 
1 1/3 cup Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/8 tsp Salt
1 1/4 cup Pecans, chopped finely and toasted
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
6 Tbsp Butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup Milk
1 cup Chopped Dried Apricots
For Streusel:
3 Tbsp Flour
1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Sugar
2 Tbsp Butter, cubed
1/2 cup Pecans

Directions
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
In a mini food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse approximately 4 times to combine into a struesel mixture. Set aside or in the fridge until ready to use.
For Muffins:
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
In mini food processor, combine pecans and sugar and pulse to combine until it resembles wet sand. Four or fives pulses.  Add this mixture to another mixing bowl. Whisk in eggs, melted butter, and milk. Pour flour mixture into this and fold to combine.
Fold in chopped apricots until just mixed together.
Let mixture rest for 30 Minutes. THIS IS A MUST! Muffins will not dome properly if they do not rest. 
Pour into greased muffin pan. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake for 17-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in muffin tin for 5 minutes before removing. Let cool completely before serving.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Future's So Bright

It's spring which means it's time to change up your shades. Accessorize to the max and find some new sunglasses. Translucent frames are all the rage right now and if you look carefully you can find some for a steal.

How mod and feminine!

 Nordstrom, Le Specs Mad About You, $59
Clean frames go with absolutely everything. 

Charlotte Russe, Translucent Round Sunglasses, $5
Pretty pink, ready for the west coast.

These shades scream 'hand me a margarita'. And that is just fine by me.

So bring on the sun. These translucent frames are made for summer!

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Ladylike Loafer

Today's post comes from The bf. He suggests that we look at loafers for spring. I couldn't agree more. With muses like Dakota Johnson or Alexa Chung, we can easily pair these masculine slip ons with skirts and dresses. Today we're focusing on tassel or fringe loafers.

Pink patent leather tassel loafers. Need I say more?

Sole Society, Rose Gold Kitty Huxley Loafer, $52
Not feeling the tassel? Try this delicate bow on top of the fringe.

Modcloth, Harbinger's Luck Loafer, $59
A more traditional loafer in a red infused mocha color. 

I think I may have saved my favorite for last. A great rounded toe with a touch of saddle shoe design. 

Not so masculine anymore, huh? I love mixing this classic with anything girly in my closet.

Be fabulous today!


Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Cuff 'Em

Who doesn't love a great cuff bracelet? A cuff is easy to add to any outfit and generally it's a statement piece that doesn't need an arm party. Today we're looking at slim cuffs that are delicate but still make an entrance.

Nordstrom, Kendra Scott Elton, $55
I love the mix of silver and this slate. Its icy and chic.

Diane von Furstenberg, Lips Chain Wrapped Cuff, $47
Obsessed. Textured cuff with a feminine lip detail.

Neiman Marcus, Elise M. Aries Open Cuff Bracelet, $90 $67
Great geometric shapes, but what's better? This druzy stone. Gorgeous.


Yes, you read that right, 50% off Kate Spade. Talk about a classic piece for a steal.

What a lovely way to dress up your outfit. A skinny cuff is delicate and simple while still showing off some personality.

Be fabulous today!