food truck friday: tacos "el chilango"

perfect day for a quick lunch al fresco at a favorite Arlington food truck.

eating: croque monsieur

i'll be the first to admit that i'm a huge francophile.  give me chanel, champagne and croissants and i am in bliss.  besides fashion, food is a close second to my heart and another area, where in my mind, the french do not fail.

during a lovely brunch at our favorite spot, L'Enfant Cafe in Adams Morgan, the other weekend I was pondering my options over a steaming bowl (literally bowl) of cafe au lait and i came across the croque monsieur.  Why had I not ordered this delicious dish before?  feeling torn between my usual quiche or belgian waffle i went for it.

oh my goodness!  obsession ensued.  creamy, toasted, salty deliciousness.  i thought - this is the perfect sandwich.  knowing that my friend ina garten has parisian affinities as well i quickly looked up her recipe for the croque monsieur.

and so i give you the follow-up, home-made and just as tasty croque monsieur.

voila!

Croque Monsieur  from Barefoot in Paris

2 tablespoons unsalted butter  3 tablespoons all-purpose flour  2 cups hot milk  1 teaspoon kosher salt  ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper  Pinch of nutmeg  12 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (5 cups)  ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese  16 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed  Dijon mustard  8 ounces baked Virginia ham, sliced but not paper thin

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan and add the flour all at once, stirring with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Slowly pour the hot milk into the butter–flour mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened. Off the heat add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, ½ cup grated Gruyère, and the Parmesan and set aside. To toast the bread, place the slices on two baking sheets and bake for 5 minutes. Turn each slice and bake for another 2 minutes, until toasted. Lightly brush half the toasted breads with mustard, add a slice of ham to each, and sprinkle with half the remaining Gruyère. Top with another piece of toasted bread. Slather the tops with the cheese sauce, sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère, and bake the sandwiches for 5 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned. Serve hot.

Bon Appetit!

the perfect Friday night

after a month of traveling for work, vacationing with family and friends i was so ready for a relaxing weekend at home in DC.

this spring weather has been so nice, but Friday night the clouds rolled in, temps dropped and i was happy to have a night in.

enter the recipe for the perfect friday evening in

listening to a little Al Green on vinyl

cooking a comforting, simple pasta dish + a  glass of vino (or two - hey, it's friday)

fried zucchini spaghetti from gwyneth paltrow's cookbook: my father's daughter

follow-up with a little Netflix...bliss!  doesn't hurt that i also managed to do 4 loads of laundry while simultaneously enjoying the evening.

redemption in the kitchen

i'm hoping this has happened to others.  the scenario: you strive to eat healthy, buy a ton of groceries, cook more/eat out less.  what ends up happening is you try out a bunch of "healthy recipes" they are gross, you don't want to eat the leftovers, you've spent $$$ in groceries and it all goes to waste.

this sums up my past week.  4 flops in a row - and i will blame most of it on the crockpot (just because i can).  why i thought the crockpot was the answer to all my questions is still a mystery to me.  my mother never used one?  and i'm definitely not a busy mother of 3 trying to squeeze in any kind of meal? when you think about it, throwing a bunch of stuff into a pot and then returning to a soggy mess (braised meats aside - you cant beat pulled pork simmering all day) nothing could be less appetizing.  i love texture in food.

so i digress....last night i'd had it. i had to pull out all the stops and make something i knew would be delicious and somewhat healthy.

papardelle with spiced butter delivered. triumph at last!

Tasting @ Smith Commons

RJ's birthday was the perfect occasion to indulge in the Gilt City deal for a 5 course meal paired with whiskey and craft beer.  We both love craft beer and I am trying to expand my pallet for whiskeys - plus Smith Common's is an awesome restaurant with great decor, low-key vibe and in one of our favorite neighborhoods to explore: H Street NE.

I can't say enough about the friendly staff and set-up of the entire evening.  It was really a wonderful experience and made me want to branch out and try to do more food and drink pairing/tasting events.  

We were greeted with a choice of signature whiskey cocktail.    I got the Tarboro Viking

(Bourbon, Ginger Syrup, Lime juice, Angostura Bitters, Club Soda) and RJ got the James Brown Derby
(Bourbon, Grapefruit Juice, Honey Syrup)

Can't have a cocktail without an amuse bouche of beet salad with goat cheese

Then we sat down to begin the pairings.

The menu was delicious and each beverage was spoken about by a rep from the whiskey company (Michter's) and beer company (Allagash)

First

Allagash Dubbel and Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey served with pork belly, apple, pickled turnip, kimch

Second

Allagash White and Michter’s US*1 Rye served with textures of cauliflower

Third

Allagash Tripel and Michter’s Ten-Year Single-Barrel Rye served with tandoori-spiced scallop, orange chutney, Pop Rocks

Fourth

Allagash FOUR and Michter’s US*1 Unblended American Whiskey served with foie gras terrine, honey truffle and housemade brioche toast

Fifth

Allagash Curieux and Michter’s 25-Year Single-Barrel Bourbon served with Smith bread pudding, Michter’s bourbon sauce

pop rocks are insane! sooo delicious.

some of the Whiskey tastings were served as jellies - so interesting!

i'm obsessed with cauliflower.

foie gras - not my fave

favorite beer of the night

gift bags! we got token Michter's and Allagash glasses.

Such a  fun and delicious night! Happy Birthday RJ!

decadent

hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving!  after all of the delicious food over the holiday i was not quite ready to get back to the normal, healthier and less delicious routine.  since there were some birthdays to celebrate, we went all out and made the amazingly decadent salted caramel six layer cake from Martha Stewart.

what an undertaking, but it really turned out well.  i was too busy digging in to snap a pic, but you get the idea...

via Marha Stewart

Ingredients

• For The Cake

  • Unsalted butter, room temperature, for pans
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 tablepoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Coarse salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons safflower oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• For The Caramel

  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Coarse salt
  • 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

• For The Frosting

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped, melted, and cooled
  • Garnish: flaked sea salt, such as Maldon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the cake: Butter three 9-inch round cake pans, and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Sift flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons course salt into the bowl of a mixer. Beat on low speed until just combined. Raise speed to medium, and add eggs, buttermilk, 1 1/2 cups warm water, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, about 3 minutes.
2. Divide batter among pans. Bake until cakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center of each comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool in pans set on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks, and let cool completely.
3. Make the caramel: Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Cook, without stirring, until mixture is dark amber, about 14 minutes. Remove from heat, and carefully pour in cream (mixture will spatter); stir until smooth. Return to heat, and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees, about 2 minutes. Pour caramel into a medium bowl, stir in 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and let cool slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Let cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, make the frosting: Whisk together cocoa and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water in a bowl until cocoa dissolves. Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, and a generous pinch of coarse salt in a clean bowl with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in melted chocolate and then cocoa mixture until combined. Let stand for 30 minutes before using.
5. Trim tops of cakes using a serrated knife to create a level surface. Cut each in half horizontally to form 2 layers. Transfer 1 layer to a serving platter, and spread 3/4 cup caramel over top. Top with another cake layer, and repeat with remaining caramel and cake layers, leaving top uncovered. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
6. Frost top and sides of cake in a swirling motion. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Enjoy!

recipe: pasta with roasted vegetables & bacon

i am continually impressed with the recipe's featured in martha stewart living magazine, definitely worth keeping my subscription.  they are always delicious and pretty fool-proof if you can follow a recipe.  we tried this pasta dish last night and it was a hit.  perfectly hearty and seasonal with a bonus -- the vegetables roast for 35-40 minutes, just the right amount of time to take a quick jog around the neighborhood and return to finish up the dish.

via Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 ounces bacon, preferably slab, chopped * we substituted turkey bacon
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 head cauliflower, trimmed into 1 1/2-inch florets (about 2 1/2 cups)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounces orecchiette
• 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 ounces), plus more, shaved, for garnish
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels using a slotted spoon. Reserve drippings.
2. Toss sweet potato, onion, and cauliflower with reserved drippings. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelized, about 35 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water. Return pasta to pot with cooking water, and toss with grated cheese and vegetables. Stir in parsley. Sprinkle bacon over top. Garnish with shaved cheese.

Bon Appetit!

current obsessions

it's been non-stop around here lately.  lots of travel & work with hardly any down-time in between.  despite the hectic schedule (and my lack of blogging) the obsessions have been brewing up in my cranium.

and so they go:

STYLE

via Vogue

I cannot get enough Emmanuelle Alt, the current queen bee over at French Vogue.  Her tomboy chic attire just sends me through the roof - the definition of effortless chic.  If you haven't read the profile on her in September's issue of American Vogue, do so immediately.  Can you say girl crush? Oui!

via Tom Binns

Tom Binn's jewelry is so beautiful.  The punk pave collection is simple and delicate, but oh so edgy with the mini spikes.  I need this ring to be worn on middle finger ASAP.

EAT

via

Peregrine Espresso.  I love this place.  Their coffee is absolutely delicious - bold and rich, but never bitter.  It is the perfect treat.  I especially love their pedaler service - where they deliver your coffee beans to you for home brewing via bike.  

via

Baked Mac 'n Cheese. this isn't really a current obsession, more like perpetual, but ever since we ordered it at Cafe Chloe in San Diego (literally - best food & date ever) I have been dying to re-create and indulge in some mac 'n cheese.  

MUSIC

Starfucker - Reptilians . on repeat. 

we saw them live last week at the Black Cat.  seriously good tunes.

via

Black Keys live at Virgin fest fueled my love for the incredibly talented and down right awesome Auerbach. Nothing better than listening to this record on vinyl and relaxing with a good beer in hand.

OTHER

via Tibi Blog

mis-matched, but coordinated, bridesmaids dresses a la Tibi (but of course).  my BESTIE is getting married :)

Swoon.  I love everything in the post.

Off to sunny LA for a beautiful wedding.  Can't wait for all of the laughs, glasses of champagne, and many photo's to come.

xo

back to reality

what a wonderful and relaxing week at the beach. it was HARD to come back to the city and face the inevitable - work, responsibility, chores, etc. but in an effort to enjoy the summer heat and my last night of freedom we had a delicious steak dinner al fresco.

grilled lemon & ny strip steak seasoned with salt, pepper & olive oil w/ arugula in a lemon vinagrette.

weekend: al fresco

summer is in full swing and i don't want to miss a minute of being outdoors.  

friday night we took advantage of the low humidity and grilled pizzas out on the back patio.  i was a little nervous that it was going to be one giant failure because we didn't have a pizza stone, but putting the dough straight on the grill made for awesome smoky flavor and a crispy crust.

saturday we ventured out to great falls and hiked along the river with lindsay & dave. hope everyone is enjoying summer as much as i am!

summer soup

i don't know about you...but lunch is the HARDEST meal of the day for me.  keeping in mind the time it takes to prepare and it being nutritious/filling it's just a lot to think about.  not to mention, my office is FREEZING, like need a space heater cold, so i always crave something warm.  i've never been one for a sandwich at lunch, which also really narrows down the options.

so when i stumbled upon this recipe for a spicy stew, i knew i may have something good on my hands.  especially with the fresh corn available at the farmers market right now...so easy to make, and put into individual tupperware servings for the rest of the week.

borrowed from the girls over at Big Girls Small Kitchen , this tastes just like enchiladas without hardly any of the guilt and temptation of queso (no offense queso, i love you, but you are the enemy) if you had say, dined out at a mexican joint.

Green Chile Chicken
via Big Girls Small Kitchen

winter weekend

it has been a cool thirty degrees here in DC and that kind of weather calls for lots of friends, fun and of course, food.

i bundled up and embraced the winter weather at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink on thursday.  it is a quaint little rink settled right in the middle of downtown DC that is usually packed with tourists and the like, but jessica, christina and i lucked out with minimal crowds and had fun skating circles around everyone there.

i loved the white lights around the perimeter of the rink

with jessica & christina. no falls = success!

after braving the cold all weekend i was craving a hearty meal and i had been desperate to try out the bouef bourguignon soup recipe from december's martha stewart living and to use my new (santa gifted) le creuset dutch ovem.  today was the perfect opportunity to hibernate in my apartment with a big pot of stew simmering in the kitchen...i'll have to say it was absolutely delicious and as an added bonus i got the company of dave & lindsay and a glass of pinot noir. 

i substituted a pinot noir for burgundy. highly recommend
the Rex Goliath pinot noir

this is the best pot ever

delicious

thanksgiving

so thankful to be home with my family today and reflecting on how blessed and lucky i have been in my life.

pre-meal my o.c.d. side was in full effect: decorating, cooking and snapping pictures.

we had a beautiful meal and holiday.  keeping the good times going by a evening show of Harry Potter with my sis.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

i love my parents china. so classic.

apps!

being helpful -- ;)

scarlett o'haras - rix family cocktail

me & beebs

parents

pop & nelly

Veg Head

What a fun weekend!  A couple of things aligned this weekend that got me to thinking about trying out a vegetarian lifestyle - maybe if it is only during the week and indulging on the weekends.

One, my good friend was in town and she has been vegetarian for over a year.  Talking about all of the satisfying and yummy dishes she makes I found that I really don't eat that much meat on a regular basis and would be able to enjoy just as flavorful things without the added meat.

Two, we walked around Eastern Market and I am always inspired to eat more wholly when I am walking the rows of locally grown produce.  It looks so fresh and doesn't have all of the "markings" and wear and tear that fruits and vegetables in the grocery store seem to have.

Third, all around I think it would help me to focus on what you eat.  Not a diet, but to be more conscious effort to feed yourself whole foods (no preservatives/processed things)

Of course there are concerns - I am the first one to admit that a cheeseburger and fries are undeniable and that this would require a lot of extra time and planning on my part.  I don't ever think I would be satisfied to just sit down to a dinner of cold raw vegetables.

Going to do some research and see where it takes me.  Some recommendations:

The Kind Diet
This is Vegan - which I will never do, but good recipes/ideas nonetheless

The Modern Vegetarian

Also, Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple magazines offer up a surprisingly large amount of vegetarian recipes.

beautiful orange tulips from whole foods. great girls weekend :)