Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Cute Picture Frames $1.98

Rush down to the Mission Valley Target to pick up these clearance picture frames. What a good deal!
How cute for a little girl's room?!? These hold 4x6 photos.

adorable adorable adorable




too cute too cute too cute


The diamond patterned frame is the only one that holds a 5x7 photo. The frames on the lower shelf are navy blue.







Micahel Kors Men's Wallet only $6.97

I found these Michael Kors wallets at Costco for only $6.97! They're pretty nice leather and only come in dark brown. Not all Costcos carry the same inventory at the same price so if you want to grab one, head on over to the Morena Blvd. location.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Flour's Famous Banana Bread Recipe

I stumbled upon this recipe one week when I was looking for a way to use up our aging bananas. Boy am I glad I did. It's so moist and delicious! One of the things that I like about this recipe is that  substitutions can be made. I use Greek yogurt in place of the creme fraiche because I always have yogurt on hand. Also, I've noticed that if I use 2/3 cup of Kirkland egg whites instead of 2 eggs, the bread is a little lighter. Or, you can follow the recipe to a T and it's fantastic.

 http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giadas-weekend-getaways/flours-famous-banana-bread-recipe/index.html
 

Monday, March 28, 2011

Williams-Sonoma Dutch Apple Pancake Recipe

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/dutch-apple-pancake.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH

This is a must try recipe people! It's so easy and the end product is impressive. I've substituted pears for the apples and it's delicious too.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and cut into
      1/2-inch slices
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tbs. granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 400ºF. Butter a 10-inch ovenproof braiser or fry pan.

In another fry pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tbs. of the butter. Add the apple, cinnamon and granulated sugar and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the apple begins to soften and brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Set aside.

In a bowl, using a whisk, beat the eggs. Add the milk and whisk until blended. Sift the flour and salt into the egg mixture and whisk until just blended. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter. Add the butter to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and arrange the apple slices evenly on top. Bake until the pancake is browned and puffed up, 25 to 30 minutes. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.
Serves 2 to 4.
Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Quick Review: Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens

http://www.stoneworldbistro.com

If you like good food and even better beer, you must come here. I love the way the restaurant looks. It's industrial but it has natural rocks and water features and importantly, a nice view of the vats of beer. For dinner we shared two appetizers, the spud buds and Stone soft pretzels. The spud buds are fried garlicky mashed potato clouds.  Heaven. The soft pretzels were warm and yummy with just the right amount of sea salt. Obviously, I wasn't avoiding carbs but I must say, the appetizers paired perfectly with a pint of Stone Ruination IPA - soooo good and only $5. Ruination is super hoppy and deliciously bitter with an alcohol content over 7%. There was something on the menu that I wanted to try but couldn't because I gave up cheese for Lent. It was a jalapeno blue cheese and blueberry cheesecake. It's hard for me to pass up something so unusual so I'm definitely going back after Easter.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Quick Review: Zel's Del Mar

http://www.zelsdelmar.com/

Shaun and I met up with friends at Zel's last night. They have a great happy hour Monday through Sunday, from 4-6.30pm.  Haha, everyday!  We took advantage of the $2 off any glass of wine, $1 off draft beer, and $4 calamari. I had prosecco and Shaun had a Balast Point Ale - can't go wrong with either. The best part of happy hour was the view. The sunset was gorgeous and can be enjoyed from inside the restaurant or on their patio. Bring your sunglasses and enjoy!