Chocolate Drizzled Waffles

Hey guys,

I've decided to add a new category into my blog. As many of you know, snowboarding is one of my favorite things to do. After a long day of riding, one of the best things is sitting down, relaxing and eating. I thought I'd start a food section for things to eat at different mountains. I know there isn't much time left until the end of the season, but better late than never right?

One of my favorite things to eat when I snowboard are chocolate drizzled waffles. There's something about eating a fresh hot waffle with chocolate, in the freezing cold, that melts my heart. :)

Not every mountain has them (they should get working on it) but I'll list the ones I've been to that do... Wachusett Mountain, Waterville Valley, Killington, Mount Snow.

Healthy Eating

I'm in two weddings this year, so I've got to fit into those bridesmaid dresses! I decided to start eating healthier (especially after my new years dinners). I made some roasted brussel sprouts and a delicious salad with a balsamic vinaigrette for lunch.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts:

[preheat oven to 400)

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

1. Cut Brussel Sprouts in half

2. Lightly coat with Olive Oil, salt and pepper

3. Roast brussel sprouts for 15 mins or until golden brown or lightly crispy - to your liking

4. Don't forget to toss brussel sprouts for an even roast

*** Rosting time depends on how many brussel sprouts you have.

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Salt

Pepper

Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt pepper. Pour over salad.

I also boiled an egg, added grape tomatoes, and chive cottage cheese

Year of the Rabbit!!

Happy Chinese New Years!! Gong Hay Fat Choy!!! It's the year of the Rabbit!! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, & wealthy new year! :) As usual, I barely have time to update anymore! I'm working full time and going back to school. Brand new year, great new changes, right? So I celebrated Chinese New Year with my family, and most of you know, it involves food. Lots and lots of food!!

(Sorry, I don't know the english names for all of these dishes, but I'll try my best)

My Mom is the best cook in the whole wide world, and she whipped up all these delicious dishes! We had roasted pork, beef with veggies, two vegetarian dishes, and soup.

Mini Donuts!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! I can't believe it's 2011 now. I hope everyone had a wonderful & safe NYE!! Let's make this year a good one :)

For Christmas this year, my friend Lex gave me this cool Mini Donut Maker!! Since I am sore from snowboarding yesterday, I decided to stay in and try it out. The Recipe was pretty simple and best of all, no frying needed!
I just used the Basic Donut Recipe:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

4 Tbsp cooking oil

Stir dry ingredients together. Add egg, vanilla, and milk. Beat with electric mixer. Add oil and beat until well mixed.

Green light means it's preheated and ready to go!

Fill the donut molds! 2-3mins and they're ready to eat!

I also made a simple sugar glaze to coat them in. I got the recipe from Alton Brown.

1/4 cup whole milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups of confectioners sugar

Mix milk and vanilla in a small saucepan. Heat until warm, then add sifted confectioners sugar. Whisk until combined. Dip donuts into Glaze.

Julia Child

I remember watching Julia Child with my mom growing up. I always loved her show and the way she made everything look easy. How she taught her fellow food lovers that it's ok to make a mistake. I bought one of her books a while back, but hadn't had the time to read it.

I decided to start it yesterday and let me tell you, this book #1 makes me hungry, #2 makes me crave French food and Wine, and #3 makes me miss France so so much!!

I absolutely love this book so far. It brings me a sense of relief to know that she started her career later in life.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely love this time of year! Family comes together, amazing amazing food and exchanging of gifts :) My family came over and we had a feast!!! For the maine course and side dishes we had: roast beef, my Mom's famous ribs, mashed potatoes, bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and yams!! For dessert we had cupcakes, brownies, sugar cookies, and ice cream!! Boy I am stuffed!!!

I'd have to say I got one of the best Christmas gifts ever this year!!!

Williams Sonoma Baking Sheets and a cupcake apron from Anthropologie!

I hope everyone had a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas!!! I look forward to starting off the New Year with you all!!!! Happy Eatings!! Enjoy!

Butternut Squash Soup!!

Ingredients: NEED BLENDER

5 Tbsp butter (I didn't use that much)

6 cups of butternut squash cubed

1 cup dark brown sugar

2 Granny smith apples (peeled, and chopped)

5 cups of water

1 cup of apple cider

1 tsp of salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp dried sage leaves

1/2 tsp ground cloves

2/3 cup heavy cream (I didn't have any, so I used milk. still came out great!)

sour cream and nutmeg for garnish

[1] Melt the butter in a large saucepan, saute squash and brown sugar until slightly softened

[2] Add apples, water, cider, salt, cinnamon, sage and cloves

[3] Bring to a boil

[4] Simmer until apples are tender

[5] Let it cool slightly. - working in small batches, puree soup in Blender.

[6] After soup is pureed, stir in heavy cream (or milk)

[7] Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a dash of nutmeg!!