Spice Up Your Life

This recipe for Baked Fresh Chili Fries is definitely one to try if you're looking for something unusual with a pop of spice. These "fries" had quite a kick, which was likely due to the fact that I did not seed the peppers, nor did I remove the veins. What can I say? I can handle the heat.

First, cut peppers into thin strips. This is when you probably want to remove the seeds.

Then dredge in flour, egg wash, and then a parmesan breadcrumb mix.

Then put them on a cookie sheet and bake at a high temperature (400 degrees sounds about right).

Bake for 20 minutes or so or until golden brown. Now, this recipe calls for a homemade ranch dipper, but I'm not a big ranch girl. Instead, I whipped up a quick aioli.

The Eager Bunny

I am so excited for Easter! Some of my anticipation is due to the predicted 80 degree weather on Sunday, but I am mostly looking forward to cooking a Spring-inspired menu and spending time with my family and friends. Find a little board of inspiration below.

Chicks, Candles, Felted Nest, Hyacinth, Glasses, Wreath, Egg Cups

Some Kind of Wonderful

Spring at the farm...

Piano Man

We went to a great concert this week at the newly renovated Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville. The venue is located right on the downtown mall and has been in operation since 1912. The Jefferson underwent major renovations (it was a live performance theater and movie theater before) and reopened in late November of last year. With a lot of the orginal architecture maintained and vintage touches all around, this space is an awesome place to see a show.

We went to see the always phenomenal Ben Folds, who did not disappoint.

There are some exciting shows coming up; I can't wait to go back!

Nesting

One of my oldest friends, Tommy, recently sent me a picture of the cutest little bird's nest rice crispy treat in celebration of Spring. I thought it looked so sweet that I immediately wanted to recreate the recipe and feature it here. I think they turned out great.

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal added to 3 Tablespoons melted butter and a 10 ounces of jumbo marshmallows creates a delightful confection.

Work quickly, but no need to rush. If the treat mix is too sticky, spray your hands with some Pam.

There are all kinds of pastel treats on the shelves right now: M&Ms, Hershey's eggs and jelly beans are all acceptable.

So adorable, right?

Happy Spring!

Happy in a Snap: Friday Cocktails

This edition of FC features the Moscow Mule, another classic cocktail, which became popular in the 1950s during the vodka craze. Vodka replaced gin as the clear liquor of choice and much of that was due to the popularity of the Moscow Mule.

This is a kicky, but refreshing cocktail. To concoct this sip, combine lots of ice with 1 part vodka, 1 part lime juice and 3 parts ginger beer.

Happy Friday!

Rock the Boat

If you are a fan of Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, and Michael McDonald, I know the perfect place to get your fix. The Richmond based band, Three Sheets to the Wind -America's # 1 Tribute to Yacht Rock is playing a show this weekend. There will be smooth jams (soft rock from the 1970s and 1980s) and even smoother guys. The band, led by Captain Max Power, is a motley crew: Walter Ego, Mickey Maitai, Danny Marnier, Christian Meat, Chase Regatta, and my own personal fave, Topper Dandy. The band has such a blast performing and entertaining the crowd that the audience willingly jumps overboard with the group. No life preserver is needed for these frothy dance parties!

Half of the fun of attending a Three Sheet's show is wearing the same threads you might don if you were out on the sea for an afternoon of yachting. I'm never one to miss out on sporting theme-appropriate clothing. Thus, here is the outfit I designed at Polyvore for this musical tour de force. Trés nautical, non?

Items in this set:

TIBI Regatta Dress in Ivory at Revolve Clothing - Free Shipping!, $340
Alecia suede platform peep toes - J.Crew, $265
14k Gold Nautical Bracelet with Boat Wheel, Anchor and Life Preserver..., $500
MICHAEL Michael Kors Gold Oversized Runway Watch, $250
Jennifer Behr headband, 130 GBP

If you find yourself in Richmond this weekend, check out these guys at Gibson's on Friday night. If you can't catch them, fear not, The Tranquility (the boys' boat) will likely sail again soon!

Inspired Blooms

We took a trip to Merrifield Garden Center this weekend and I was utterly inspired to polish my green thumb...

Getting Fresh

I am nearly certain this is my favorite salad. Creamy and rich avocado paired with crunchy and slightly bitter Belgian endive and tied together with a bright and tangy vinaigrette. As Ina Garten would say, "How bad can that be?"

It takes mere minutes to put together, but it is bound to leave a lasting impression on your tastebuds. First, chop endive leaves into bite-sized pieces and remove the cores.

Chop avocado into uniform pieces. 

Now, for the vinaigrette. It's simple: Dijon mustard, olive oil, lime juice (even though Ina calls for lemon), and salt and pepper.

Now, mix the vinaigrette vigorously and drizzle over top of the mix of endive and avocado pieces.

Endive and Avocado Salad; Adapted from Barefoot Contessa Parties

Sweet Everythings

I strongly believe that everyone should own a kitchen torch. Why? To perfectly caramelize the tops of individual creamy dreamy ramekins of crème brûlée. There's simply no other way to accomplish that perfect glassy surface. Cracking the brittle top of these little desserts is so satisfying, almost like a child ripping into a package on Christmas morning or like a little spotted Jack Russell pup pulling fresh dirt from the ground to dig a hole. You get the picture, yes? Even if you don't, just try it and you'll see.

Bon Appétit!

Crème Brûlée

Torch Set

Inch By Inch

The arrival of Spring means flowers and raindrops and exposing my pale gams to the bright sun. Let's start with flowers, or really herbs, and how one might plant them in her itty bitty apartment.

First, select pretty pots and a fun watering can...

Then, put soil or potting mix or seed starter into a pot.

Then, plant your seeds according to the directions on the seed packet. Here we have Sweet Basil, Rosemary and Thyme.

Water your little seeds.

At this point you are supposed to cover your pots (loosely) with plastic wrap. This holds in moisture and warmth. Once they sprout, you can remove the plastic.

Keep your fingers crossed and dream of Parmesan and Thyme Crackers, Rosemary Lemonade Fizz and Grilled Eggplant Stacks with Fresh Basil Pesto.

Happy in a Snap: Friday Cocktails

The quintessential classic cocktail is the martini. I don't know about you, but I rarely to never fancy drinking straight gin or vodka (even if it does have a dash of bitters or vermouth). In college, we frequently attended "Martini Night" at the Green Leafe, where we savored everything from the obnoxiously sweet Bit O' Honey to the uber girly French Martini to an old favorite, the Sidecar. Every once in a while though, we would order what was dubbed the Hot & Dirty, which is essentially a dirty martini with an extra kick of hot sauce. It is not for the faint of heart, with briney olive juice and pepper laced vodka, but it is strangely satisfying. Thus, for my first edition of FC, here is my recipe for a version of the Hot & Dirty. Make sure you use a decent vodka. This is not a time where the additional ingredients will mask cheap liquor.

Hot & Dirty Martini
2 oz. icy vodka (Absolut, Skyy, Grey Goose, etc.)
1 Tbsp. olive juice
1 tsp hot sauce (Tabasco works well for this)
3 olives

Mix all ingredients (except olives) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain. Garnish with three giant green olives. Serve immediately.