No time for homemade?

Last week I went to bookclub and wanted to bring something yummy, but had no time to make something from scratch. I love making rolls, and will have to share my recipe soon, but I just couldn't fit it in my schedule. So, I ran over to Texas Roadhouse (remembering how yummy their rolls and cinnamon butter taste) and bought up a dozen of them. They come all wrapped up nicely in a pretty box and are only $3.99/dozen! So, if you're ever in a bind this is a great option.

If you haven't ever had them, trust me, their that good!

Photo Session

I get asked about the picture on my sidebar all the time. All of the credit (and I mean ALL of it) goes to my cute friend Brittany who took them. Isn't she amazing? You should contact her if you're interested.

Anyway, here's a couple more from our fabulous photo shoot. It was so much fun, thanks Brittany!

Gelato Countdown

In exactly 12 days I will be on a plane heading for Europe with my twin bro and his wife. First I'll be trying out bratwurst's in Germany (can you believe I've never had one before?) and then I'll move down through Italy in search of the best gelato. Seriously, if you know anything about me at all, you know that my favorite part of travel is the food!
It will be husbands first time out of the country (Canada just doesn't count) and we're both so excited. Any tips, favorite restaurants, shopping, or sites that are a must? Please share!

I went out with some cute girlfriends the other night to try out some local Italian pizza at Setebello's and then on for some gelato at Capo Gelateria. It's a good way to prepare for my trip, don't you think? Anyway, these connecting restaurant's are a must date night/girls night, and I highly recommend them!

I inquired about the difference between gelato and ice cream, and besides the differences in ingredients and processes, it apparently has fewer calories! I figured that I can now eat more of it while in Italy.

Outdoor Entertaining

As previously mentioned, my house is WAY too small for entertaining. On the other hand, my backyard has room a plenty! Which makes for great summer parties. The only bad part is that I don't hardly have any outdoor furniture. What I have learned is that there are tricks to making it work. For instance, that utility table of mine....suddenly looks beautiful with a pretty tablecloth and fresh cut flowers from the garden as a centerpiece. You almost don't even notice the ugly folding chairs that are tucked into the table!

I love it when my cute sister-in-law Nikki entertains. And here's why:

a) she's all about good food and fun (no fuss)

b) she always has an unlimited supply of beverages, with an option that pleases everyone

c) you can hang out all night if you want (she's up for anything)

Images:

Galvanized Metal Tray I can think of so many ways to use this tray! Great to carry anything from beverages, to strawberries, to your paper products.

White Serving Tray with Melamine Serving Ware This tray is so versatile, it could work indoors or out, or even become a permanent fixture on your coffee table! Don't you love the melamine serving ware?

Under the Sea Serving Pieces I've had my eye on this for forever, just waiting for it to go one sale. Everything would look great in this from fruit, to seafood, to dips, to mini desserts.

Hmmm...I should have a party. Maybe a bunco tournament? or how about some Volleyball? Who wants to come? If we were at Nikki's it would be Rock Band all the way!

I promise, you'll never go back

On Saturday morning I was craving pancakes, but I didn't have much time to make them from scratch, so I decided to make them from the box (not as good, but still worthwhile). I started getting everything out and the husband came in to help when I decided that I wanted to make homemade syrup, so the boxed pancakes would taste better. Husband starts getting annoyed that I'm taking the time to do this. I told him not only will I finish before he makes the pancakes, but he will thank me later for the delicious syrup.


Not only did he thank me while we were eating our pancakes with homemade syrup, but I finished way before he the pancakes were done!


Thanks to Adrianne, I now get why she won't eat store bought syrup. I know I won't!

Just follow the directions on the box.

Another tip: when making boxed pancakes, add some zest from a lemon and it will do wonders!

Fabulous Crepes

Sunday brunch is my favorite, as you can tell by most of the recipes I include in this blog. This last Sunday I opened up my Fabulous Fairholm cookbook and finally decided on these amazing crepes. They were so easy and quick, just remember when you are making crepes you want them as thin as possible, so spread the batter out as much as you can. I added powdered sugar, strawberries, homemade whip cream, and homemade syrup. You can even omit the sugar and make them a heartier breakfast by making fillings such as scrambled eggs, mushrooms, chives, and sausage. The possiblities are endless.

Fairholme Crepes
serves 4 - 6

1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
dash salt
2 teaspoons sugar (if using sweet filling, otherwise omit)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter


Whisk together above ingredients until smooth. Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Heat lightly oiled, non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat.

Pour 1 medium ladle of batter into pan and swirl to cover entire pan. Cook briefly and flip over with a wide spatula. Continue to cook until golden for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure that the pan comes back up to temperature between crepes.