Time to Spare - Baked Mac & Cheese

Every once and a while, I like complicated stuff.

Popcorn with truffle oil and Inca fire salt.
Homemade coconut ice cream.
Champagne risotto with roasted artichokes, wilted spinach and goat cheese.

Yeah, stuff like that.

And other times, I like taking something that should be easy and turning it into something else entirely.

Photo Post - Merry Christmas!!

Restaurant Review - Post Street Ale House

So. This is my first ever restaurant review. Oh the pressure...

Spokane, Washington

Post Street Ale House 

I hate hunting for food. Breakfast is the worst. I get grumpy (sorry Nathan) and all I want to do is eat somewhere. Most of the time, I really don' care where we eat, as long as we do it quickly. 

This wasn't the case in Spokane, however. Our hotel (The Davenport Tower) was perfectly situated in the middle of downtown, and conveniently right down the street from Nordstrom - coincidence, I swear - so finding a good meal wasn't going to be an issue. Plus having three bars/restaurants inside the hotel, there are tons within walking distance. 

The Post Street Ale House is affiliated with the Davenport, so that was our first choice.

The atmosphere was relaxed, big screens for all sorts of sports fans decorate the walls and the menu creative. 

Our waitress was friendly, she talked Nathan into ordering deep-fried pickles ($3.50) to start. He's still not sure how he feels about them. 

They have TONS of beer on tap - and you can order flights of beer samples to help you decide. 

I had the Fish Tacos ($12.50) since I'm completely addicted to the things and have to order them everywhere I go. Seriously, it's becoming a problem. And Nathan made the rebellious Celiac within me jealous with his Blackened Chicken Fettuccine ($13.50). 

I'd go back. 

It was great.

Always on the Move - Homemade Granola Squares

You know what sucks? Not going to Costco. I mean - where else are you supposed to get granola bars (and don't you dare say Safeway!)? Well, I'm so glad you asked! 
I stumbled across this healthy alternative a few days ago, and YUM!
Careful though, they are addictive... Srsly - I had to go to for a run to get away from them. A very long run.

Photo Post - Happy Easter!

Photo Post - Helping Momma

Photo Post - A Friday Essential

A Break With Tradition - Dutch Pancakes

Happy Pancakes Day!

Srsly, it really is Pancakes Day, this is not just something I made up because I'm jonesing for syrup (although the idea has appeal, doesn't it? Like Kahlua Cupcake day! Or Veggie Tempura day! This could be a thing...). Anyway, being the good Catholic girl I am, I didn't actually know it was Pancakes Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) until I was reading my Top Gear daily updates on Facebook (how sad is that?) and secondly I couldn't actually remember what Pancakes Day was all about, all I knew was I get to make pancakes, pretty self explanatory.

But, that's why there's Google!

Turns out (I'll give you the Coles Notes version) Pancakes Day is a kick off to Lent. Perfect. The countdown to Easter is starting, Mini Eggs, people!, Mini Eggs, (which reminds me, I should make my Mini Eggs cookies soon...) and I get to make these fabulous Dutch Pancakes for dinner.

I have just been informed that the Dutch don't actually celebrate Shrove Tuesday (I'm not sure where people come up with information like this, but anyways...).
Well, maybe this will change their minds!

Chocolate Utopia (AKA) - Flourless Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Celiac's and choco-holic's rejoice! They are amazing. No really, they are. Now, these absolutely not help in getting you ready for bikini season, but hell, they taste good and I personally think they might just be totally worth it. These are worlds easier (although, no less awesome) to make then the Flourless Ancho Chili Chocolate Cake I posted on here last year.

So this is supposed to make about 20 or so cookies, but (as per usual) I made my cookies too big, so I only got 16. But this doesn't effect cooking time at all, you can add another minute if you like, but they are supposed to have chewy centres, so again, it doesn't really matter. Just don't forget to take them out of the oven when the timer goes and you turn off the oven, don't forget a leave them in for say... another 10 minutes... not that I've done that...

Homemade Heaven - Buttermilk Biscuits

Christmas break was a starchy time at our house. I was working off of the 'practice makes perfect' philosophy, but, let's be honest, they taste good and I was marginally addicted to them. So, being that I have sworn them off until at least May or June, I'll post them on here, that way everyone else can enjoy them. These are awesome little biscuits, they're awesome fresh out of the oven (careful, you can eat a lot this way) with a bit of butter, they go great with any kind of dinner (plus, they are WAY more impressive then bought buns) or, my personal favourite, warm, as dessert, with butter and maple syrup. So good! Anyway, give these a try, you'll love them. 

Hello, Lovers - Homemade Risotto with Spicy Italian Sausage

Say the words 'I make risotto' to anyone, and you'll be sure to receive a chorus oh Oh's & Ah's. Every single time, without fail, people are always so impressed you can make this fabulously easy (abet, time consuming) dish. This is not something to attempt if your short on time, or running a strict schedule, as absorption will vary slightly and you can't rush art (or rice, for that matter).
There are many different varieties of risotto, some sweet, some savory. This one, however, is a favourite in our house. I use hot spicy Italian sausage instead of mild, I like the heat it adds to the dish, but feel free to experiment with different meat, veggies and spices. The choices really are endless.
Happy stirring!