June 22, 2013

Happy Birthday Dad!

June 22, 2013/ Annie

55 and he's still got it. Happy Birthday Dad! Now let's eat some cake!

image be matchbox kitchen

Carrot cake is on the birthday menu! Time to start baking.

xo annie

June 20, 2013

Snickerdoodle Bars

June 20, 2013/ Annie

I whipped up these yummy cookie bars with the intention to take them as a treat for "board game night!" Board game night was a fail and ended up not happening, so I was then stuck with a full pan of cookie bars. Not really a huge issue because they were delicious and I easily could have eaten the whole pan myself. Luckily, I persuaded some friends to come over and help me out!

The bars are an adaption of the classic snickerdoodle. In my opinion they are even better because they are drizzled with a sweet glaze! Someone mentioned they tasted like a cinnamon roll! Now how good does a cinnamon roll cookie sound?

packaged up and ready to deliver to co-workers!

I had favorited the recipe on my Food Gawker page forever ago, so I was excited to finally try them out! You can find the recipe here. I recommend eating them fresh out of the oven or heating them in the microwave so they are warm and the glaze is a little melty!

xo annie

June 19, 2013

Wishy Washi

June 19, 2013/ Annie

Those of you who know me well, know I have an addiction. An addiction to washi tape. If you have never heard of this wonderful tape, listen in. This japanese tape comes in all different sizes and patterns and is to be used on pretty much everything! I use my tape to hang up pictures, to seal handwritten letters, to package up fresh baked goodies, etc. I have a serious issue when it comes to washi tape. I can't help but pick up a couple rolls whenever I see some. My collection continues to grow, and I'm not mad about it.

washi tape-one of the better things to come into my life

Some of my favorite ways I've been using washi tape lately is by decorating my light switchboard, decorating my laptop as well as my computer and phone charger, trimming the edges of my iPad and of course decorating my binders and agenda. I also love making little flags out of tape and tooth pics to adorn cupcakes or baked goods! The possibilities are endless with this stuff!

my recent washi tape projects

I have a serious love affair with this stuff. You can buy it at my favorite store Chirps and Cheers, on Etsy or online here.

xo annie

June 17, 2013

This Recipe Will Make You Love Quinoa!

June 17, 2013/ Annie

It took me a while to warm up to quinoa. It is a grain very similar to rice, but is packed with fiber. If you haven't ever tried quinoa, or if you are on the fence with it, try this recipe. It has great flavor that I think can persuade you to like this hearty grain. As always, I adapted the recipe a bit, but here is what I based it off of. My version is below.

Quinoa Salad with Avocado, Green Onions, Peas and Lime Basil Dressing
Serves 4-6 as a side or 2-4 as a main dish

Ingredients:

For Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of a lime
1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
salt and pepper to taste

For Salad:
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 avocado chopped
1 cup frozen peas
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped basil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake dressing ingredients together, then set aside.

Add water, salt and quinoa to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. (or just follow the directions on your package of quinoa)

While quinoa is cooking, add olive oil to a pan and sauté peas for about 2 minutes. Chop onions, avocado and basil.

In a large bowl combine quinoa and veggies, minus the basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper then add in fresh basil.

Works great served immediately, or stays in the fridge for a couple days!

Annie