Anyway, I am a subscriber to Lucky magazine and that is how I came across the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere.  Emily, the creator, is obviously way cooler than I am and I am in awe.  She gets items and trips gifted to her so that she will review them.  She created a bag for Coach.  I mean, seriously people.  Her style is sometimes way too out there for me.  In my ripe old age of 29 I’ve realized I’m mostly preppy and not that edgy.  It’s sometimes a bit disappointing but why not stick with what works right??  Her style is ecclectic and there are many looks she rocks that I could never hope to pull off.  For example: http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/studies-in-sequins/  I would just look ridiculous if I tried to wear that to the elementary school I worked in.  She makes it look effortless and cool.  Sigh. 

Other than taking really cool photos of her really cool outfits she also posts recipes, (where I came across the chocolate chocolate chip cookies) and she gives hair and make up tips.  My favorite of all-time is the smoky eye how-to.   I was clueless how to achieve a not-trying-too-hard smoky eye until I found her easy to follow instructions.  I’ve definitely worked that a time or two when going out on the town.  It’s just an awesome site and gives me a little inspiration to maybe throw on an extra accessory or something when normally I’d skip it.  Or put a little braid in my hair rather than just a plain pony-tail.  Come on, it’s rough sometimes being a working mom!  I bet she’d cut me a little slack.    Hope you enjoy cruising the site as much as I do.

I came across this recipe for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies and I knew it was calling to me. This recipe was really quick and easy.  I have to say I replaced the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips because they are sweeter and taste better to me!!  Also, I only have Kosher salt and sea salt in the house so I reduced the amount of salt by a bit because that seems to leave a stronger taste than regular salt.  Also, I OBVIOUSLY did not put in walnuts because that would only detract from my chocolate experience.

Here goes:

Where do I even begin with this place?  You seriously can’t go wrong with whatever you order.  I’ve had the artichoke frittata, the sauteed veggie skillet, pancakes, more omelets than I can name… everything but lunch.  I’m always on the prowl for breakfast food so even though I’ve seen some people order delicious-looking lunches I just can’t seem to bring myself to give up the breakfast.  Most everything comes with delicious red potatoes and fruit.  They also have these unbelievable homemade marmalades and you are given two for your toast.  You are going to want to buy some jars to take home; we almost always leave with two jars.  I especially love the carrot!  Here is my turkey scrambler with a side of pancakes.  These pancakes are so freaking good you have to get some on the side no matter what you order.  One time I was in the middle of stuffing my face and I said to David, “This place is like… magical!”

I do have to add that the service is less than spectacular.  The hosts are unbelievably nice but the service is just a bit slow and you may have to really advocate for yourself if you want your coffee refilled.  Despite that, it’s not going to detract from your enjoyment of your meal.  The other downer is: It’s ALWAYS packed.  I jogged by on Saturday around 9:30 a.m. and counted 12 people standing outside (in addition to whoever was waiting inside.)  If you can go during the week that’s best or sometimes we go at the crack of dawn on weekends and then we never have to wait.  I guess that’s one positive to having a toddler who loves to get up at 6:05 a.m.    He loves Meli too.

Back to Jamie Oliver and his 20 minute meals.  It’s an app that I can’t live without on my trusty iPhone.  I don’t know how many times I’ve said, “How did I ever survive without my iPhone?”  Not only does it tell me where I’m going, what restaurants are by me, etc. etc…. with Jamie Oliver 20 minute meals it also helps me serve up a delicious home-cooked dinner for my family.
I first heard about Jamie Oliver’s show Food Revolution and then decided to sign his petition.  I am a school social worker and I definitely agree with him that we would have a healthier nation if we start serving our kids freshly prepared foods at school.  Anyway, so I found out he had this iPhone app and I raced to download it.  At the time I think I paid $4.99 but I think the price has since gone up.  Regardless, it was worth it to me.  Plus I normally spend $15 or more on cookbooks so to me this was a bargain.  The app is so ridiculously user friendly.  You get to search through recipes which come with step by step photos.  You can easily click “shopping list” on each recipe you like and it will add the ingredients to your list.  Then, as you go through the supermarket you just click on the item once you have it in your basket and it removes it from your list– counting down for you so that you don’t forget anything.  Believe it or not I forget stuff that I have written on my list all the time.
I have been telling all my friends about this app and at a recent wedding shower had to restrain myself from pulling out my phone and demonstrating right then and there.  The food I’ve made I have loved and it really is quick.  I don’t think I’ve ever accomplished one of the meals in 20 minutes like he claims but, to be fair, Jamie Oliver probably doesn’t have a toddler swiping his pots and pans and pushing on his leg every five minutes.  It probably takes me 30ish minutes at least but I still think it’s speedy.  Here is the Rigatoni arrabiatta I made:

I’ve also made lemon and herb chicken with mash (mash was a neat combo of new potatoes and corn,) asparagus and pesto risotto,  and sausage and zucchini carbonara.  I’m no expert chef by any means and even I could follow these no-brainer instructions and we were all happy with the results.  If you don’t have an iPhone or iPad at least check out his website:  http://www.jamieoliver.com  He has daily recipes on there as well.

picture courtesy of http://www.lasplash.com/publish/FoodAndBeverage/cat_index_chicago_food/Chez_Joel_Restaurant_Review.php

Anyway, it’s off the beaten path located at 1119 W. Taylor and is an intimate, cozy place to go for lunch or dinner.  Their website said they do brunch now too so I’m totally going to have to check that out.  I had rabbit the last time I went served with potatoes and carrots.  Truly delicious and I have had rabbit in France.  David had chicken (kind of bizarre choice for my meat eating husband) but it was also amazingly juicy, tasty, everything you could hope for.  I have to mention that everything is beautifully presented and portions are not “chic small” but not disgustingly big either.  Pretty perfect I have to say.  So come on over to my neck of the woods and give it a go.  David and I are happy to join you if you want company… as long as you let us know at least a week in advance so we can arrange for a babysitter!!

P.S. DEFINITELY get dessert.  They always have something chocolate and amazing on the menu (my favorite) and they have light, fluffy, delectable creme brulee– David’s favorite.

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/sweet-mandy-bs.html

Here are some pics: (you may want to get a napkin to wipe the drool)

p.s. all three of these cakes were designed to coordinate with the event’s invitations.  This is one talented staff!!

Quick Cassoulet Stuffed Bread Melts

1 baguette (day-old is fine)

1/2 lb bulk sausage

2 T. olive oil (twice around the pan)

1 carrot, chopped

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 bay leaf

1 t dried thyme

1 can small white beans rinsed and drained

salt and pepper

1/2 c dry white wine or chicken stock

4-6 slices deli swiss cheese, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, or Gruyere  (I used Sargento’s natural cheddar cheese slices)

a handful of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (I omit this b/c David and I both hate parsley.)

Preaheat the oven to 200.  Crisp the bread in the low oven, remove, and split lengthwise.  Hollow it out and cut each half in half again across, making 4 bread boats.  [or just put regular pieces of bread in the oven at 200.]  Switch the broiler on and place a rack 8 in. or so from the heat.

If you are using cooked sausage, finely chop it.  For raw, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium0ghigh heat.  Add the olive oil and sausage: brown cooked sausage for 2 min. and brown and break up raw sausage into small bits, 5 min.  Add the carrots, onions, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme and cook for 5 min. more.  Add the beans and stir to combine.  Season the quick cassoulet with salt and pepper.  Deglaze the pan w/ the wine or stock, scraping up the good bits.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer over very low heat for 2 to 3 min. to combine the flavors.  If the mixture sticks at all, add a bit more wine or stock but do not make the mixture wet.

Fill the bread boats with the cassoulet.  Top with cheese.  Melt the cheese under the broiler and garnish each open-face stuffed sandwich with a little parsley (or don’t.)  Serve with a fork and knife.

Totally great left-overs also!!

Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats–A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners (A 30-Minute Meal Cookbook)

If you blink you will miss Mario’s.  It is a tiny Italian Ice stand located at 1068 W. Taylor Street, across from the famous Al’s Italian Beef.  “Nothing fancy” is an understatement.  It is just a good, inexpensive, refreshing treat.   I was out strolling with Graham, my friend Maureen [from Homemademothering.com] and her daughter Evie.  We had such a lovely walk minus the fact that it was terribly hot.  We passed by Mario’s, I as usual had no cash, and she treated me to a refreshing, tasty, no-fat (?) snack.  At the very least it’s low-fat.  $1.00 for a small Italian lemonade.  It is so hard to get anything for a dollar these days.  They have all kinds of flavors; I really enjoyed the lemon flavor I had.

One of the best parts about Mario’s, for me anyway, is that it brings people together.  Long before Graham’s arrival, when David and I could take evening strolls together, we hit up Mario’s one summer night.  There were people in line of all ages and walks of life.  No one was rude or pushy.  People just seemed happy to be getting a good, inexpensive treat.  I am always  pleasantly surprised when there is a crowd in Chicago and people are polite.  I think Mario’s just makes people happy.  Enough said.  Go get some!  Not sure when they close for the season… so hurry up and check it out or you’ll have to wait until next summer.

pic courtesy of http://www.eatmarios.com

1 large sweet red pepper

1 large sweet yellow pepper

1 tsp. margarine

1/2 c sliced onion

1/2 tsp sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 c pizza sauce

1 (1lb) Italian cheese flavored pizza crust (such as Boboli)

1 (4 oz) package reduced fat feta cheese

[if you like mushrooms I also throw some sliced mushrooms on the pizza]

Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds and membranes.  Place peppers, skin side up, on a baking sheet and flatten with palm of hand.  Broil 5 and a half inches from heat (with electric oven door partially opened) 15 to 20 minutes or until charred.  Place in ice water until cool; peel and discard skins.  Coarsley chop peppers, and press between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Melt margarine in a onstick skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and sugar.  Saute 3 to 4 minutes or until golden, stirring in garlic during last 30 seconds of cooking time.  Spread pizza sauce over pizza crust to within 3/4 inch of edge; top with pepper and onion mixture.  Sprinkle with cheese [and mushrooms if you want.]

Place pizza directly on oven rack.  bake at 450 for 8 minutes or until crust is golden.

We also love a good dry rub on our steaks.  That said, women love a great steak too and with a good dry rub, you may start to develop a whole new appreciation for a good slab of red meat.

Now I’m not an avid Maxim reader, but when I came across this recipe, I definitely said, “hey, this is a good recipe for my next fishing trip on the off chance we don’t eat fish.”  So that’s exactly what I did.

As my Dad, and brother Chris will attest, the first time I made this it was a bit too salty.  My dad made the suggestion that I let the rub sit overnight, which I think was a bad idea.  Since then, I’ve been letting it sit on the meat for an hour prior to grilling…

Dr. BBQs Dry Rub Recipe

1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup sugar in the raw (turbinado sugar)
1/4 granulated brown sugar
1 Tbs granulated garlic
1 Tbs granulated onion
2 Tbs paprika
2 Tbs chili powder
2 Tbs black pepper
2 tsp cayenne
1 Tbs thyme leaves
1 Tbs ground cumin
1 tsp ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in an airtight container.  Yields one and a half cups.

Thank me later.