Friday, October 21, 2016

Friday Foodday


Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Apple Pie Sangria

Ingredients
1 750 ml bottle dry white wine (I used sauvignon blanc)
1 c. apple cider (I used unfiltered)
½ c. whipped cream flavored vodka
½ c. apple liqueur
½ c. cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below)
1-2 apples, sliced
cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
½ c. water
½ c. sugar
4 cinnamon sticks

Directions
  1. Prepare simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a small sauce pan.
  2. Bring water to a boil, add cinnamon sticks, remove from heat, and cover sauce pan.
  3. Set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare sangria by combining wine, apple cider, vodka, apple liqueur, and cooled simple syrup in large pitcher.
  5. Add sliced apples and cinnamon sticks.
  6. Chill until ready to serve.


Eggplant, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Stacks
Ingredients
1 large or 2 small eggplants
salt 
3 eggs
1 cup flour 
vegetable oil, for frying 
extra virgin olive oil
1 slice prosciutto per stack (approximately 14 slices)
1-lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Pecorino cheese, grated

Directions
Cut both ends off the eggplant, the peel the skin. Slice each eggplant into thin rounds (make sure you have an even number of slices). Place a clean kitchen towel on a baking sheet. Lay the eggplant slices on top, then sprinkle with salt. Flip over and salt the other side. Top with another clean kitchen towel and let sit for at least an hour. When ready to cook, pat the eggplant slices dry with the top towel. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour 1/2" of vegetable oil into a medium skillet and heat over medium-high heat. 

While the oil is heating, whisk the eggs in a wide, shallow bowl or pie plate. Spread the flour in an even layer in a separate wide, shallow bowl or pie plate. Dredge the eggplant slices in the flour, shaking the excess off. Dip the floured eggplant into the egg mixture, turning well to coat both sides evenly.

Add as many of the coated eggplant slices to the pan as will fit without touching. Cook, turning once, until golden on both sides. Drain on a rack set over the same baking sheet you used to salt the eggplant. Repeat the process until all the eggplant is cooked.

Remove the rack from the baking sheet. Lightly oil the baking sheet with the extra virgin olive oil. Place half the eggplant slices on the sheet. Top each slice with one piece of prosciutto and one slice of mozzarella. Top with another eggplant slice.  

Bake for about 15 minutes, until cheese is melted. Top with some grated cheese. These can be served warm or at room temperature.

White Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour (for GF Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose GF)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar  
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oat* 
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp 1% milk
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 oz white chocolate, melted (you’ll only use 2.5 oz)
  • 1/4 cup colored sprinkles

  • Directions
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with Silpats; set aside.
    In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and oats; set aside.
    In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine melted butter, milk, honey, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
    Drop 1 level teaspoon of batter onto prepared baking sheets leaving space in between, placing only 12 cookies on each sheet because the cookies will spread in the oven.
    Bake for 7-9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
    Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe mug 30 seconds, stir then repeat another 30 seconds at a time until the chocolate is melted. Careful not to overheat to prevent scorching.
    Dip 1/3rd of the cookie into the melted chocolate, then into the sprinkles. Place on a tray lined with wax paper to harden.

    Thursday, October 20, 2016

    Vote for Fun

    It is almost Election Day. Don't worry, I am not going to talk politics here, but I thought we could have some fun with voting and fashion. No matter who you are voting for, do your research, make good choices, and wear these great tees.

    My kind of party.

    Modcloth, Shell Me on the Idea, $29
    I mean, Election Day does fall on Taco Tuesday.

    Express, Vote Vodka Tee, $24
    From the voting booth to the bar stool.

    Nordstrom Rack, Signorelli Vote Wine Party, $22
    No matter who wins, it's glass half full in this tee.

    Yes, this election is a huge deal. Yes, I live in DC and breathe it everyday. Yes, we should still smile and be nice to one another.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, October 19, 2016

    It's A Wrap, It's a Scarf...

    It's fall, which means it is blanket scarf season. Instead of fighting it, let's just dive in. Embrace the cozy, casual, and effortless nature of this accessory. It's a good one.

    The loveliest autumn mix with this scarf. You need a basket of apples and some boots.

    Nordstrom, BP Autumn Plaid Scarf, $29
    This scarf is called 'autumn' it's perfect to pair with a denim jacket.

    A great monochrome option for an all black outfit.

    Some green and brown hues are great but even better with the pops of red and blue!

    Whether you are new to blanket scarves or have more than you'd like to admit, there's no doubting they are a great fall accessory.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, October 18, 2016

    Halloween 2016

    Fun fact: I despise Halloween. We talk about this each year. I just don't see a point in spending money on something you wear once. So once again, I'm pulling together some easy costumes that can be broken up to wear again.







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