your plate or mine?

 3.4.14

In honor of Mardi Gras, my first post on my trip to Barcelona will revolve around its yummy food.  Enjoy!

 If you've ever eaten with me, there have probably been times when my fork has not so subtly grabbed a bite of your food.  Sorry- it's a family thing!  We like to share food, and I like to try everything. Which made tapas style perfect for my brother and me.  We'd browse the menu and choose at least 5 things to start, and inevitably have space for more food.  So back to the menu for the next two items that caught our eye.  All washed down with some wine or cava (Spain's version of champagne).  He also introduced me to a sandwich shop called Bo de B'.  Life changing.  Imagine your favorite sandwich shop, mine's Potbelly's, add the freshness of Chipotle's ingredients and meats, plus the addition of Mediterranean toppings- think fresh feta, lentils, etc.  and you get this sandwich shop.  The shop is small but all of the sandwiches are made with TLC- there will be a line and you will thank me and whoever else suggested it when you take your first bite.   And the churros!  Find a small shop that is just a "churreria" and treat yourself for breakfast or an afternoon snack.  And always get a cortado (espresso with a bit of steamed milk) or hot chocolate.  The fried dough begs to be dipped! 

One of our first meals was at an amazing restaurant called Sensi Bistro

 traditional bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil

 half vat of paella

 cucumber, goat cheese, lightly fried with almonds and honey--need I say more?

 duck, potato, parmesan

I spy a squid head

mussels with creme fraiche

 I asked the gentleman next to us to take a picture...which turned into a photo shoot

  no real "winners" but these are way better

back to food... and more traditional tapas

 tuna with hearts of palm

 that meat though!

 spanish omlette

potatos bravas

cava in classic champagne coups

we did "cheat" one day and get a slightly american lunch...

 this bad boy up close

chorizo and pickles with chimichurri= an amazing savory combo

all washed down with another cocktail

 one serving of churros with a cortado

 dip that baby

 churros in the making

 they're not cut until after cooking, who knew?

thick hot chocolate with a churro changes the game

And last but not least....

 first timer

second time around I unwrapped it as I ate (burrito style)

all washed down with some fresh juice from the boqeria

Eat your heart's desire today and every time you travel!

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Homecoming

11.13.13

Over the weekend I went back to UNC for the Homecoming game vs. UVA.  I will report that UNC did win, but the real reason I flew back was to have a reunion with my college friends.  Sure it’s only been six months since most of us have seen each other, but with all of the change that comes post-college it was a much needed weekend filled with sharing stories, lots of hugs, plenty of laughs and …reverting back to college drinking habits (glad that isn’t the norm every weekend).   I will forever be thankful that Chapel Hill brought together my eclectic crew, they are all doing amazing things already and I can’t wait to share their successes on my blog.  xoxo

friday night and we're back!

 reunited with my suitemates

 tailgating essential

 sorry there wasn't any 5 Alive Al!

get in the picture Al!

 much better-missed you Paige!

:D

shameless tailgating selfie in the Carolina Inn's bathroom

such a pretty layout

then we made our way to he's not after finishing the game at TOPO (sorry no pics)

they have the best paintings all around the outdoor area

then this happened...and my friends were not surprised!

 later that night...CH now offers golf cart transportation to bars--clearly we thought that's genius!

 had a few too many of these as we stayed out....

that begs the question:

"which is better for hangovers, Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen's chicken cheddar biscuit or Merritt's blt w/ avocado?"

you be the judge and let me know!

Until next time Chapel Hill...

File Under: Make This Weekend!

10.18.13

So you know those powdered sugar-cinnamon doughnut holes from Dunkin' Donuts??  They were always my favorite kind growing up and bring me back to Sunday mornings, where I cared more about the breakfast treat than learning about Jesus--sorry Dad!

Taking cue from this recipe, I made a few little tweaks and created an easy weekend (hell weekday!) fall treat.  They'll be a crowd-pleaser, I promise!

For the doughnuts:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie)
• 1/2 cup milk

For the coating:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a muffin tin by spraying with non-stick spray.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk together the applesauce, sugar, egg, vanilla, canned pumpkin, and milk in a separate large bowl.
4. Mix the flour mixture with the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop approx. 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. 
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. 
7. Prepare the coating: Pour the melted butter in a bowl. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
8. Remove the doughnuts from the muffin tin and roll in the melted butter. Next, roll the doughnut in the sugar mixture.
9. Repeat.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.
11. Try and only eat one....nah eat 5!

 Happy Friday!