a little good karrma: February 2013

vegas fun.

12:12 PM

A little over a week ago, Josh and I made a quick weekend to Vegas. This is a list of places we think are great if you find yourself wondering what to put on your Vegas itinerary.

The Coke store around the world Cokes

Did you know there are several Cokes made in only one country? For instance, there is an apple soda only made in Mexico, or a strawberry drink only made in Australia. It’s only about seven dollars, and it is so fun to sit with friends and talk about which drinks you like and which drinks are disgusting. Just so you are forewarned, Beverly from Italy is probably the grossest drink you will ever try. But, you have to try it. That’s the rules.

Max Brenner’s

If you have ever been to the one in New York, then you know what I’m talking about. But, if you haven’t, then let me tell you about one of the most amazing dessert places on the planet. The atmosphere is kind of a cool café of chocolaty goodness. There is a fun little shop and the best hot chocolate. I suggest the milk chocolate Italian hot chocolate, and then for dessert the Euphoria ice cream dessert. Jenny said it was one of the most amazing desserts she’s had, and Jenny has great taste.

The Hash House a Go Go

The Hash House describes its style as “twisted farm food.” But, just because it’s twisted, doesn’t mean it’s not ridiculously delicious. Man v. Food stopped by this place and deemed Andy's sage fried chicken his favorite. This dish comes with fried chicken, fresh spinach, hardwood smoked bacon, market tomato, griddled mozzarella, chipotle cream and scrambled eggs. Sounds really strange I know, but it tastes amazing. The portions are huge there, so Josh and I shared the sage friend chicken and the French toast and our taste buds were in heaven. When you go plan on putting your name in and waiting for a while. It’s totally worth it though.

Cirque du Soleil’s “O”

If you plan on splurging and seeing a show, “O” blew our minds. Like, O my gosh. The acrobatics are phenomenal, along with the costuming and set design. I really can’t put into words how amazing this show is, but let me try. They have an amazing mix of acrobatics, beauty, and humor. They use a mix of fire and water to ignite the stage with energy. The acrobatics are almost always on moving objects, making the feats even more impressive. The show is 1 hour and 45 minutes without intermission, so you never leave this dream world they create from the very beginning. We left the show feeling that every penny was completely worth it.

Those were the highlights of our trip, and I recommend putting them on yours next time you are looking for something sinless to do in Sin City.

dinner recipes

dressing and black beans.

10:30 AM

dessert recipes

biscotti.

12:13 PM

I love making chocolate chip cookies. I make them all the time when I’m alone because my husband is in class. Josh is in a love-hate relationship with that fact. But sometimes I like to branch out and try something new and adventurous. The word “Biscotti” just exudes difficulty and impressing everyone when you actually pull it off. At least it does to me. But I have a secret I want to share with you. It’s not difficult at all! I found this recipe that is so simple it’s actually fun! Don’t tell anyone though; just bask in the praise when everyone falls in love with your delicious, and somewhat exotic, treat.

Vanilla Almond Biscotti

2/3 cup granulated brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups all-purpose/gluten-free flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds
3 tbsp butter, cut into small cubes
1 egg plus 1 egg white
3 tbsp buttermilk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Chocolate chips for topping

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a cookie tray with baking paper. Put the first 6 ingredients into a large bowl. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or rub it in with your fingers (like when making pie dough or crumb topping). Set aside 2 tbsp of the chopped almonds, and add the rest into the bowl with the flour mixture.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, egg white, buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this into the bowl with the flour mixture and stir together gently until the mixture comes together. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing it by lightly kneading the dough a few times. Place the dough on the lined cookie tray and shape into a log roughly 10" long, 5" wide then flatten it slightly to 1" thick. You may want to make two batches to ensure your dough doesn't spread too wide and you get really long Biscotti—unless that's what you want.

Sprinkle on the reserved chopped almonds and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top. Let it cool on a wire rack until it's cool enough to handle. Turn the oven down to 325 degrees F. Slice the loaf across its width using a sharp knife or a serrated bread knife, into 3/4" thick slices. Place the biscotti cut side down back onto the cookie tray. Bake them again for 10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for a further 10 minutes. Remove them to a wire rack and let them dry out overnight in a dry place.

After they are dry, melt some chocolate chips and pour them on a plate, tray, parchment paper, etc. Dip one side of the Biscotti in the chocolate—pressing down and moving back and forth to make sure you get a nice thick coating of chocolate. Place them chocolate-side up on a cooling rack until the chocolate is completely cool, and then enjoy! It’s that simple.

Oh! Did you know Biscotti literally means 'twice baked'—'bi' meaning two and 'scotti' (think of the word scorch) meaning baked. So, as you are sophisticatedly dipping your successful delicious cookie in a drink of choice with family and friends, you can also impress them with your cultured random facts.