Category Archives: eating

Inaugural Whole Foods excursion

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Crazy good Whole Foods buffet

Went to Whole Foods with the family for the first time and as I suspected, Eastman thoroughly enjoyed the store. There was a lot of, “Hey, look at this!” and “Look at this section.” Here we are checking out one of the food bars. I’m so excited that we found nut-free granola for me and Ollie, and not unreasonably priced, either! Granted, I wouldn’t say we would buy all our groceries there. The two closest Whole Foods locations are not quick drives.

Coffee... we need coffee.

We were visiting a newer location and we made it from one end of the store to the other, and Abby said, “Wait? Weren’t we just here?” Eastman told her we were just at the other end, and she said, “WHAT?! This place is huge!”

Sashimi, Sushi and Pie

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We love this sushi place that’s pretty close to our home. I wrote about Asahi in January, and we’ve dined there a few times since. Last time we went with five other friends and opted for whatever the chef wanted to make that day. So, there were at least six appetizers, maybe seven, and at least twelve types of sashimi. So much food…

Sashimi Platter

These rolls are amazing! The thin slice of lemon on salmon was really refreshing.

Holy Rolls, Batman!

Da Dinner Group

Here’s a rare photo of all of us. Two college friends, wife of one of the friends, and a couple-friend of previously mentioned married-college friend. And, here’s Chef Sato (what a hoot!) coming over to the table, always with a smile and a drink, to see if we’ve had enough to eat. Actually, he’s a big supporter of imbibing, inviting the group with sake bombs and beer… more beer!

Homemade Mini Rhubarb Pie

We ended the evening, already stuffed with sushi, with delicious, oh so, scrumptious, (not on the menu) mini-rhubarb pies made with love by Becca. Awesome homemade crust, sweet-but-not-too-sweet filling, and crumb topping. Oh, she puts my baking to shame. Well, I might be exaggerating, but she’s one darn good baker. Makes me want to try the strawberry-rhubarb pie recipe that I’ve been sitting on for a year.

Brunch

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Brunch. I love breakfast food any time of the day. Breakfast for lunch. It’s all about eggs,

Egg casserole

and rolls,

Cinnamon Rolls

and friends making their own yogurt parfaits,

img_2233Friends

and little ones getting bored with grown-ups talking,

Listening

and then heading outside to walk off the calories.

OutsideDiscovering

“Mom, can I take some pictures?” This is one of her shots. I’m so proud.

Flowers2

Girls Night Out #2

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There’s so much to write about! I’ve been busy with the end-of-the-year gifts for the teachers. Stay tuned in a few blogs for a snazzy tutorial that uses envelopes. But about Girls’ Night Out… the weekend after the Craft Social I went to my friend’s house for a some more socializing and a manicure. My hostess friend is someone I’ve known since middle school (we called it junior high, back then) and another friend from high school was also there. I hadn’t seen her since we graduated!

Since I haven’t been drinking much wine lately, I totally forgot to bring a bottle to share, but I did bring these little appetizers.

Good helper assembling appetizers

Quite easy to make… cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed) and you favorite balsamic vinegar and olive oil mixture to dress (after you assemble). Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, or mix that with your dressing, and you’re good. A pint of cherry tomatoes (halved) will get you about 48 pieces, and 8 oz. of cheese will do the same. You don’t need much dressing, maybe a few tablespoons of oil and vinegar. We have some yummy black cherry balsamic from a store called “Olive & Well“. Such a nice foodie place!

Black Cherry Balsamic VinegarYummy caprese salad on a skewer

And here’s my “mani”… I don’t get them often. Wouldn’t that be nice, though?

Overdue manicure

5 minute chocolate cake

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Had to share this recipe I received from a relative in NJ. I call her Aunt Carol, and she’s my dad’s cousin.

I tried it the other day and added a pinch of salt (always good in baking) and I sprayed the inside of my mug with Pam. I also will try 2-1/2 minutes for my microwave… I think I overcooked it. Last thing, be sure to eat it while it’s still slightly warm. Totally cooled off… not as tasty. (The pictures are from the original e-mail posting.)

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.microwave chocolate cake mixture
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Out of the mugMicrowave chocolate cake a la mode

And for those of you who like CUPCAKES… Martha Stewart’s Cupcake book should be out this week if it’s not already. Check out her radio blog! There’s a terrific XM radio personality contest and the cupcakes are fantastic. (Big fan of Peter Walsh!)

Instant Coffee anyone?

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Taster's Choice

I invited Eastman to be a guest blogger one of these days, because I think he’d do a really funny (and fine) job.  Abby would be fun to have on, too, for that matter.  Anyhow, the idea crossed my mind because today we received a little single serve sample of Nescafe Taster’s Choice with the Sunday paper.  Eastman has been drinking and enjoying Starbucks Via at work.  Taster’s Choice WAS instant before Starbuck’s, right? So, he gave it a whirl, and I asked him how it was.  Remember, the tagline was something like “Costs 4x less than Starbucks.”

He said, “Yeah, not that good, unfortunately it tastes like it.”  After I had a sip the words “burned coffee” crossed my mind.  So, if you’re into that, you can go here for a free sample.

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