Lunchtime Links for August 31st, 2011

• The Kitchn: Watermelon cocktails.
• Serious Eats: Gyokuro green tea. 
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from TVGasm.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Ad Hoc's chocolate chip cookies.
• Blondie and Brownie: Nutter Butter Blizzard.

Magnolia Bakery T-shirt

My friends know me all too well!  This was part of my fab friend A's birthday present for me- a super cute t-shirt from Magnolia Bakery.  So cute, thank you A!!

Lunchtime Links for August 30th, 2011

• Serious Eats: BLT bucatini.
• The Kitchn: "Secret" messages on a banana. 
• Metrocurean: Prosecco sorbet floats.
• Everyday Occasions: Shrimp scampi.
• Cooking Channel: Pesto recipes. 

Turkey Hill Experience, PA

Ok yes, there is a giant cow in the photo as well- but check out that huge tub of ice cream!!

On our way back from Hershey Park, T, her hubby G, and I stopped in the Turkey Hill Experience cafe for a snack.  We didn't have time to check out the actual museum portion but checked out the cafe portion for some tasty ice cream. 

 

I got a cup of the Lancaster Whoopie Pie ice cream - Helllllloooooo, it's got pieces of whoopie pie inside!  This was pretty good - smooth vanilla ice cream with chunks of soft whoopie pies mixed right in.  There isn't much of a textural component in this ice cream, but tasted good nonetheless.  I'm glad we got to check the place out and I got to try this new (to me) flavor!

Turkey Hill Experience

301 Linden Street

Columbia, PA 17512

1-888-9TOUR-TH

Lunchtime Links for August 29th, 2011

• Serious Eats: Rice Krispie Treats cereal.
• The Kitchn: Three cheese tomato tart.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Jacques Torres' chocolate mudslide cookies.
• The Budget Babe: Christian Louboutin Miss Fast bootie.
• In Good Taste: A more mature s'more.

Jersey Shore Recap

Recaps son aqui!!!!!! - Courtesy of B, also an INDIVIDUAL:

Hi, welcome back to the J Shore recap.   Why don’t you take a seat so we can chat for a minute:   In case you didn’t hear, Ron and Sam got back together.  Seriously.  No, I’m not kidding, that would be cruel.   I’ll give you a few seconds to comprehend this…

Which one are you again?:  I am individual!  AN INDIVIDUAL!  I hooked up with two people in the cast, not one!   And one was a girl.   INDIVIDUAL!

There’s no I in t-e-a-m:  Vinnie is upset that Deena pulled the robbery on Britney II

Counterpoint, there is a me in t-e-a-m:  Either Deena went all the way with Britney II, or she is a very loud, aggressive kisser

Were Joey Yanks and J420 busy?:  A guy named the Situation is telling a story about people named Snooki, Ryder (yes with a Y), and Unit…with consequences for Jionni

I’d hate to see the people’s runner-up:  Mike declares himself the people’s champ, and swears Snooki hooked up with him two months ago

Right, and Will and Jada aren’t getting a divorce:  Snooki continues to deny hooking up with Mike.  

Well, there was an earthquake in DC, so maybe Mike is telling the truth  Snooki never actually says she didn’t hook up with him.   “Mike knows I love Jionni” is not the same thing as “I did not hook up with Mike”

And I guess there’s going to be a hurricane in Manhattan, so Mike not lying isn’t totally insane:  There it is again…”Mike is trying to ruin my relationship” is not the same as “ewww, I would rather get punched in the ovary than hook up with Mike”

Just because I don’t care, doesn’t mean I don’t understand:   Deena claims she only made out with Britney II…but just so you know, that still means you’re a lesbian

It’s like a double standard, if double standard meant something completely different:   Deena, the boys are giving you a hard time because you hooked up with another girl.  If they bring boys home to hook up with, you go right ahead and give them hell

The truth shall set you free...but a good lie will keep things exactly the same:  Snooki takes the latter route and tells Jionni the untruth.  Jionni believes the untruth.  According to the scoreboard, that makes 2 people who believe Snooki’s version, and 5459800923850989034 people who believe Mike

Just imagine if they gave her the “awful waffle”:  The boys move Deena’s bed outside…she does not find the prank funny and has an anxiety attack.

You want the truth?   You can’t handle the truth!:  The girls throw an intervention on Deena, and accuses Vinnie and Pauly of being mean.  Somehow Pauly D flips this around on Deena, and tells her she has changed.  She used to be the coolest chick, and could take their jokes and give them back.  Not so much now.

Pauly D pulled the robbery on the conversation:  Everyone agrees with his assessment, including Deena

Somehow this did not surprise me:  Every single girl Pauly D knows hooks up with girls 

Do I hear a new GTL:   Deena spends her days feeling alone, getting drunk, doing dumb shit, crying, and then drinking more

Chicken Soup for the Jersey Soul:  (pointing to Pauly) You move on, you fuck another girl, (pointing to Deena) she moves on…(editors note:  I added the directional pointing, because without it you wouldn’t know if this advice applied to everyone, or just Deena.   Try reading it without the directions.   You’ll agree)

Why god made TiVo:  The 6 Hour Power commercial

Italy’s the boot right?:  I’m actually impressed Snooki knew she wasn’t in Rome…

Snooki no function wine well without: Snooki pays someone to buy her and Deena wine while she’s working

We started out like Romeo and Juliet, but it ended up in tragedy:  Awww, Ron went and bought Sam a bunch of things, and is taking her on a date.  Maybe this time will be different.  Let’s cut to commercial and bask in their love…

Preview for following scene-Ronnie screaming at Sam:  Well then…

Signs your relationship might not work:  You take your girlfriend out on a nice date, yet hours before talk about flying a girl out to visit you

6 seconds:   Time it took MTV to say yes when Ronnie asked if they would fly Hannah out to Italy to visit him

And you thought the Sunday dinner was awkward:  Sam, I’d like you to meet Hannah.  She came to visit me in Italy after I got her ticket…

A moment even Charlie Sheen winced at:  Ronnie says “Winning” when Sam says they’re going to get it on

Move over Mussollini:  JWoww continues her quest to be the buzzkill of Italy, gives Ron her opinion of Hannah/Sam

Hey, the kid with the gay dad from Season 1 of the O.C. is in a movie!:  That was a special shout out to my O.C. recap readers from back in the day…

Ronnie’s right, you’d think after 5 years, Sam could be a different person:   Wait, what’s that?   He said 5 months?  Are you sure?  No one changes that much in five months.  I…I just assumed Ron meant years.   Really, 5 months?  Damnit.

More signs you might not work out as a couple:  You tell your “girlfriend” you’re going to check her

Even more signs you might not work out as a couple:  You accuse your girlfriend of trying to slow your roll. 

Sign that you’re not from Jersey:  You have no idea what “slow your roll” means..

(Nodding silently):  Pauly D points to Ronnie and says “that’s what happens when you take steroids”

The gift that keeps on giving:  What’s a guy to do at 4am when his hook-up falls through?   Call the girl with zero self-esteem.   See you in a few minutes Britney I!

I thought we were in the trust tree:  Sam tells Ronnie that Mike was selling him out.   This can only cement their friendship further…

Pauly D really called that one:  Or Ronnie could have a fit of ‘roid rage at Mike.   Easy bro, if anything, Mike did you a favor

I’d rather live in Libya then live with Ron and Sam:  That seems like a “too soon?” joke, but you‘re all nodding your heads in agreement right now.   Can you think of two people you hate more than those two?  

Maybe he just hates beds a lot:  Ronnie throws Mike’s bed out of the room.  I think this makes at least three times he’s done that to a bed…

Final sign you might not work out as a couple:  Thanks to the previews, I knew Ron was going to throw a bed and luggage around…I just naturally assumed it was Sam’s

Irene?  Psh, try Hurricane Situation:   Mike flips out on Ronnie, and starts flailing his arms and smacking the wall like a chimpanzee.   I was expecting him to throw his feces…

Lunchtime Links for August 26th, 2011

• Serious Eats: Boston cream pie. 
• The Budget Babe: Fall boots.
• Jersey Shore: Recap from TVGasm. 
• The Pioneer Woman: Pork chops with apples and creamy bacon grits.
• Feisty Foodie: Barilla's summer of Italy cooking class.

What's up, Mother Nature?

So, first we had an earthquake in the DC area earlier this week, which only helped to prove that I am completely incapable of reacting properly in an emergency.  I was out to lunch with a friend, and when the ground and walls started to shake, we literally sat there and froze until it was over.  Helpful, right?

And now it seems like we may be having a weekend party crasher as well, by the name of Hurricane Irene.  Hopefully the effects of the hurricane won't come too close to this area besides some rain, but if any of you are also in the projected path - please be safe and careful this weekend!!

Lunchtime Links for August 25th, 2011

• Teen Mom: Recap from TVgasm. 
• Serious Eats: After the juice cleanse. 
• The Budget Babe: Five under $50 at Francesca's Collections.
• Bakerella: Triple chip cookies.
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap by Jay Mohr.

Nationals Game Eats

This outing is from earlier in July, and I've (surprisingly) been to a few Nationals baseball games since, but I just wanted to post about some of the more interesting foods at the stadium.

One of the best things to happen to Nationals park is the Danny Meyer Takeover, haha.  One section of the ballpark is fully devoted to all things Danny Meyer: Shake Shack, El Verano Taqueria, Blue Smoke, and Box Frites. 

In the photo above we have an order of steak tacos from El Verano Taqueria - the ingredients tasted fresh and I liked the salsa in the little cup next to the tacos.  Pretty good for non-traditional ballpark food!

 

This item isn't technically in the ballpark but we walked over to Good Stuff Eatery after the game, so I'm counting it in this post haha.  Being that it was my first time here, I had to get the famous Toasted Marshmallow Shake, no?  Super thick and rich with lots of toasted marshmallow goodness throughout.  I will be honest and say I didn't exactly feel all that great after drinking this shake, but that could also be due to a hot day + beer, go figure, haha.  I'd definitely go back to try a burger! 

Good Stuff Eatery

303 Pennsylvania Ave S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20003

202.543.8222

Lunchtime Links for August 24th, 2011

• Serious Eats: Juice cleanse, day 3.
• Bella Nutella: Nutella ice cream with toasted almonds.
• Hostess with the Mostess: S'mores push pops.
• Millionaire Matchmaker: Recap from TVGasm.
• Lady Gaga: Surfing in Mexico.

Luke's Lobster DC

Some of you may recall (if you don't, just pretend you do, haha) my trip to Luke's Lobster in NYC, which I posted about here.  I really enjoyed the Taste of Maine as it was a great way to sample all of their rolls in one basket.

Therefore, I was super excited when I heard about them opening a spot in DC- yummmmmm, lobster rolls!  Conveniently enough, one of my Twitter friends organized a mini Tweetup shortly after Luke's Lobster opened so it was a great chance to meet up with some people and check out the DC location.

Ta-daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!  Check out that basket full of lobstery goodness.  Minimal fillers, big chunks of lobster, all encased in a toasted buttery split-top bun.  Delicious! 

I also liked the slightly kitchy seafood shack feel of the small but cute space, I felt right at home enjoying my lobster roll here.  If it was close to my work I would definitely be eating here way more than I should!

Luke's Lobster DC

624 E Street NW

Washington, DC

202.347.3355

Lunchtime Links for August 23rd, 2011

• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from NYMag.
• Serious Eats: Juice cleanse, day 2. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Bear shaped donuts.
• The Kitchn: Tomato, broccoli, mozzarella pasta casserole.
• In Good Taste: Mexican green rice.

Jersey Shore Recap

Post hook-up check list:  Britney needs her shirt, Mike needs a cab, Britney’s dad needs to find a rope to hang himself

It’s like creatine for the liver:  Snooki has a glass of wine before going to the gym with Ronnie

Even Gerard Depardieu thinks this is a bad idea:  Snooki no one else in America…or Italy…or Sweden… or Botswana wants Ron and Sam to be together

He’s showing her the clean and jerk:   Snooki’s can feel her trainers bulge as he shows her how to use a machine

Maybe waiter in Italian means prince:   Deena wants to do sex with an Italian waiter…

Maybe Deena in Italian doesn’t mean pudgy troll:   Otherwise, Elis the waiter is retarded.

No wonder he’s a waiter:   Wait, Elis came out to the club to meet Deena?   Idiot.

Every woman’s dream…tall, dark, and a minimal earning capacity:  Deena is making out with the waiter and jersey turnpiking him

I’m having déjà vu all over again…again:   Wait, there are two Britneys???  I know the second Britney is named Erica, but we’re calling her Britney II

Incest is best:  Mike wants to bring the twins home for a threesome

I love a good language barrier:   Deena, if you meet a waiter, jersey turnpike him at a bar, make out with him, then bring him home…you’re semplice

I bet the offer just tripled:  Mike is wearing Abercrombie as he brings home twins and tries to hook up with the gnome named Snooki.

I think it’s more like a rescue:  Vinnie and Pauly D are cockblocking Deena...or saving the waiter

Then how’d he be a waiter?:  Elis ran out of the house so fast the next morning, you have to think he was contemplating chewing his own arm off to free himself

At one point, people claimed the world was flat:   Britney II claims to be a virgin

Q: Guess who’s talking, Ron or Sam:  “I am not that girl from Jersey”   A:   Not sure, could be either

Seriously, I’m the white Miss Cleo:   Ron claimed in episode 1 he would not get back together with Sam.  I said it would only be a matter of time before they got back together (it’s true, check the last line of recap 1)… In episode 3, Ron gets back together with Sam 

Dear Ronnie, I hate you:  Signed, Ron’s balls

Q:  What’s the difference between Ron and Sam's relationship in Italy this time?  A:   Nothing

Ok, and Angelina isn’t a prostitute right now:  Ronnie claims he will not fight with Sam this time

Isn’t Sammi going to be mad that Ron is flying a girl to Italy now that they’re back together?:   (nodding gleefully)

Just calling a spade a spade:   Vinnie on Ron and Sam getting back together, “We’ve set ourselves back several months”

We interrupt this recap for an important notice:   We are back to beating the beat.  I repeat, the beat is our enemy!

It’s fitting, because it feels like a funeral to everyone else:  Ron and Sam only wear black when they date

Like a lesbian Bonnie and Clyde:  Deena pulls the robbery on Sitch and takes Britney II home.  Since Deena could pass for an ugly dude or an even uglier chick, she can be Bonnie or Clyde.

Nope, I’m pretty sure that’s called being a lesbian:  Deena claims to be bi-curious, but still loves penis.  Then she hooks up with Britney II

Woman I’d rather go lesbian for than Deena:  Aunt Jamima

More woman I’d rather go gay for than Deena:  Mrs. Butterworth

Food I’m craving right now:  Pancakes

Remember, death is not an option:  Sleep with Mike or sleep with Deena

Another woman I’d rather go gay for than Deena:  Ronnie, that little bitch

Oh to be a fly on the wall:   I wish I could hear the conversation when Britney I and Britney II’s father heard about what happened in Italy.  “Uh, remember what I told you last time, how it couldn’t get any worse?   Uh….I don’t know how to say this…Britney went back to sleep with that guy again.”

Not again, that guy had a lightning bolt shaved into his head.  That’s all right?:  “Ooh, this is awkward, but Britney II was there.   And she started hooking up with one of the roommates.   I think it was a girl, but it also might have been Willow.  I don’t, it was hard to tell.   Whatever it was looked really weird. “  

Not my sweet virgin Britney II?:  “ Yeah right, virgin…good one.   So, after hooking up with the she-beast, she took her pants off and got in bed with another one of those guys.  The skinny one without the blowout”

(Mortified look on B squared’s face):  “ Here’s the thing though, the she-beast got hungry again, and grabbed Britney II and brought her back in bed to eat her face.   Then when she was done with her, she sent her back to the skinny guy. Here’s the kicker…Britney II took her pants off and obliged…”
 
(Gunshot)

Things that Britney I and Britney II’s dad did to anger the karma god’s:   Murdered a hobo

More things that Britney I and Britney II’s dad did to deserve this:  50 years ago, he slept with twins on network TV’s favorite reality show “Coney Island Shore”

In fairness, you have to be a guy to follow the bro code:  Ronnie tells JWoww and Sam about Mike and Snooki

Yeah, I’m pretty sure you’re exactly that person:   Mike claims to be the kind of person who wouldn’t cross another

Hey look, it’s JWoww!:  Glad you could check in this episode.  Thanks for telling Snooki about the Mike thing

Yeah right, and Britney II’s a virgin:   Snooki says she did not fuck Mike

No seriously, you’re exactly that person:   Mike claims he doesn’t lie about stuff

Thing that did not surprise me in last night’s episode:  Snooki has a friend named Unit

Saddest moment of my day:  I think I believe the Situation on this one.

Situation 8:32:   Move over John, if anyone asks me, “the Truth shall set you free” is now credited to Situation Nation

Another thing that didn’t surprise me:  Mike left Britney I for several hours by herself.  She immediately fucked him when he returned.    

Until next week…scan your newspapers to see if B Squared’s dad was involved in double murder suicide!

Lunchtime Links for August 22nd, 2011

• Jersey Shore: Recap from TVGasm.
• Ohdedoh: 10 items to buy with a craft store coupon. 
• Peanut Butter & Co.: Peanut butter cake with caramelized bananas and chocolate.
• The Budget Babe: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Fall 2011.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Chocolate bouchon.

Bouchon Bakery - Macaron & TKO Cookie

Thank you S for the tasty treats from NYC's Bouchon Bakery!!!!! 

Up at the top we've the got the famous TKO cookie, aka Chef Thomas Keller's version of an Oreo.  Isn't it super cute?? 

And here we have one of the bakery's macarons - they are a little larger than most macarons, but that definitely doesn't affect the taste.  A crisp shell surrounding a smooth filling, yum yum.  I <3 Bouchon Bakery!

Lunchtime Links for August 19th, 2011

• The Kitchn: Regional snow cones across the US.
• Bell'alimento: Tomato and bread soup. 
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from Jay Mohr.
• Serious Eats: Juice cleanse, day 1.
• Jersey Shore: Recap from NYMag.

It Is (My) Birthday.

Going along with the "tv birthday" moments that I posted last year, this year I thought it would be fun to do something similar, but with some of my favorite birthday quotes:

- "I don't want to party like it's my birthday, I want to sell my house!" - Jeff Lewis, Flipping Out.

- "IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY." - Dwight Schrute, The Office.

- "Pie can’t compete with cake. Put candles in a cake, it’s a birthday cake. Put candles in a pie, and somebody’s drunk in the kitchen." - Jim Gaffigan.

- "When I was seven, my mother hired a pony and a cart to come to my house for all the kids... and... I got a really bad rash from the pony, and all the kids got to ride the pony and I had to go inside, and my mother was rubbing cream on me... for probably three hours, and I never came outside. And by the time I got out the pony was already in the truck. And around the corner. So that was my worst birthday." - Michael Scott, The Office.

-  Actually, my first violent act involved that ticking time bomb that I left in your uterus when I left. Happy 50th Birthday, Lois. - Stewie Griffin, Family Guy.

- Lauren Conrad: So, fun question, which one of you invited Heidi?
Stephanie Pratt: Lo.
Lauren Conrad: I know Lo didn't, I was just being nice.  - The Hills




Anyone else have good birthday quotes to share?
 

Lunchtime Links for August 18th, 2011

• Cakespy: Behind the scenes with This Charming Candy.
• Tasty Kitchen: Pie crust tutorial. 
• The Kitchn: 20 ice cream recipes. 
• Metrocurean: Hank's Oyster Bar expansion.
• Mango & Tomato: Clyde's farm dinner.

Lady Gaga - "You and I" video

One of my favorite songs from Lady Gaga's Born This Way album is "You and I" - she's done slow versions live in concert, and a quicker-paced one on the album itself.

The official TV premiere of the video is going to be on August 18th (TONIGHT) at 7:49pm on MTV.  However Gaga Daily has the music video up on their site here!!!

As usual Lady Gaga does not disappoint in the "What the F is going on" category, haha.  Enjoy!!

Lunchtime Links for August 17th, 2011

• Kirbie's Cravings: Glazed donuts.
• In Good Taste: Crab cakes with spicy remoulade.
• Serious Eats: Cold somen noodles.
• Tokyo Terrace: Creamy peanut butter pie.
• The Budget Babe: Fall 2011 Essie polish collection.

Shake Shack - Coffee & Donuts Custard

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

That should sum up how I feel about the Shake Shack Coffee & Donuts custard, but I suppose I should elaborate a little, huh?  This is coffee custard with PIECES OF DONUTS MIXED IN people!  SERIOUS SERIOUS stuff.  SO SERIOUS THESE CAPS ARE NECESSARY.  It's usually offered a few times a year (I think) as a monthly special, so if you're anywhere near a Shake Shack when it's available, RUN don't walk and get yourself a cup! 

Lunchtime Links for August 16th, 2011

• Metrocurean: Sylvie and Marshall's urban garden. 
• Buzzfeed: S'mores keyboard.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Oreo stuffed brownies.
• Tokyo Terrace: Dulce de leche empanadas.
• Bakerella: Peanut butter pie.

Jersey Shore Recap

(Pauly D voice) RECAPS ARE HERE!!!

Give an inch, they take a mile:  A guy tries to be friendly and let a girl lick his tongue and bite his lip, and the next thing you know she thinks she can go right ahead and “make sex” with you.

Wait...Snooki what did I just agree to?:   Snooki to Pauly D: "You should fuck Deena".   Pauly D to Snooki:  I'm probably going to."

If Timberlake and Kutcher can't make it work, Deena can't either:  Friends with benefits is just a bad idea.

Timberlake and Kutcher didn't make it work right?:  I never saw either movie.

Wait, does up mean down now?  Do cats and dogs get along?   Are we friends with the beat now???:   JWoww is the voice of reason about Deena and Pauly D.

I don't think Ronnie understands the meaning of "single":  Even if you're just trying to make Sam jealous, flying a girl to Italy probably means you're dating.

Why is Deena still wearing heels at home??:  She can't walk to begin with, so why make it more complicated?  It's like hopping in the shower even though the serial killer is still on the loose in your neighborhood.   Why tempt it?

If I don't die the first time most likely I'll do it again...so hopefully I'll die that first time:  Deena keeps trying to do sex with Pauly D.  She even stands over his bed pants less.   Pauly D tries every trick in the book to save himself (including fake sleeping).  Looks like you're gonna half to turnpike it with Pierre tonight Deena.

You know I don't speak Spanish:   How dare the Italians label their food in Italian.

Do I hear a future John Mayer song here...:  You're right Jianni and Snooki, long distance is really hard...especially on the first full day of long distance.

Remember that postcard Grandpa sent us from Florida of that Alligator biting that woman's bottom? That's right, we all thought it was hilarious. But, it turns out we were wrong. That alligator was sexually harassing that woman:  Mike, that's a lot of leg rubbing.  Are you trying to start a fire on Snooki's thighs?  Err, on second thought don't answer that.

There's a New Mexico?:  The Vatican is not in Florence...

Was the mafia unavailable: They’re working at a pizzeria??

I immediately regret this decision:  E-list celebrities on a TV show no one has heard of in your country can only help business right Marco?

Oh, so they have the internet on computers now:  Yes JWoww, coffee is hot.

If something's hard to do, it's not worth doing: Hitting on Italian women is difficult when you don't speak Italian or know the first thing about Italy.  Thankfully Situation meets an American girl named Brittany.   If she's talking to Situation, I bet she spells it  B-r-i-t-n-e-y with a heart as the dot in the i. 

If Ronnie was a guy, we'd totally be congratulating him:   Since he's a whiny pain in the ass though, I don't care that he was with 4 girls in 3 days back in the states. Plus he tells Sam, and we know how that's going to go over.

It must have been some other guy in a helmet:  I hear ya Deena.  Who hasn't confused the person they were gaming on in the club minutes prior to a uniformed police officer?  At least you didn't fall!

Crap...

Not the endorsement the lollipop industry is looking for:   Britney comes back and gives Mike a "blow pop".   In related news, Deena attempts to give Pauly D a Tootsie Pop...

Britney time to learn some Italian:  Done blowing Mike?  Great, put your clothes on because Taxis son aqui!

That's statistically impossible:   Wait, Mike is still hitting on Snooki?   Two guys want Snook now? 

Call me Nostradamus:   Situation, meet Dr. Drew.   Dr. Drew, meet the Situation.  You guys should stay in touch...

Even newer definition of "low point":  Getting denied by Snooki AND having Deena not want to cuddle with you

Uh, you know they have cameras in your room...:  Mike denies trying to cuddle with Deena...even though we all saw him try and cuddle with Deena.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen:  We've found L!   T, we're on the way...

Italy for idiots:  All together now...the Vatican isn't in Florence.

While we're at it:  The Sistine Chapel is not in the Vatican.

And since I still have your attention:  Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. 

Jiminy Cricket is probably rolling over in his grave...:   Fist-pumping Pinocchio

Look, is it weird if two guys get in a small hot tub that isn't big enough for two, and the hot tub has jets that push the guys closer together, and the hot tub shoots out neon mood lighting, and they jokingly refer to it as the Lovecuzzi?  Is it weird?:  Actually, yes.

Thoughts going through Britney's dad's head right now:   DTF means what?  I sent her to college for that???

Thoughts going through Britney's head right now:   I finally got my dad's attention!

This is like déjà vu all over again:  Sam misses Ronnie.  Sam still has feeling for Ronnie.  Sam wants to go cuddle in Ronnie's bed.   I want to vomit (particularly on Ronnie's bed...when he is in it...with Sam)

The Xenadrine finally worked!:   Ronnie is actually keeping it real.  He shoots down Sammie.   USA!  US...I mean Italia!  Italia!

Crap, I knew I forgot to pack something:   Sammie, I think you left your self-respect back in New Jersey

She's too young if...:  She signs the release form and agrees to let her face be shown on TV after she slept with you.  I think you forgot that one boys.  Until next week...

Lunchtime Links for August 15th, 2011

• Cakespy: Holiday card preview.
• Teen Mom: Recap from TVGasm.
• Picky Palate: S'mores recipe roundup. 
• Cupcakes: Nutter Butter and chocolate overload cupcakes.
• Serious Eats: Behind the scenes at a Las Vegas pastry kitchen. 

Cookies From The Inn At Little Washington

Ohh, la la - my friend T surprised me with a bag from The Inn at Little Washington...

...with another bag inside, of delicious giant cookies!

 

The bag included one chocolate chip (and some type of nut) cookie, and three oatmeal raisin cookies.  These were huge and delicious!  A great ratio of mix-in items to a well-balanced cookie base.  Thanks T for the great surprise!

Lunchtime Links for August 12th, 2011

• Bear Bread: Amazingly cute Japanese bread.
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from TVGasm. 
• The Kitchn: Trader Joe's Duchess grey tea.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Three ingredient sponge cake.
• Starbucks: Secret menu items.

Wedding Weekend in Ithaca, NY

A bunch of college friends and I will be meeting up this weekend in Ithaca, NY, to celebrate H and J's wedding!  I have technically been to Ithaca before, which I was not aware of - apparently my family went when I was very young, on our way home from Canada, haha.  I've heard it's beautiful up there and I can't wait to explore the area and celebrate my good friends getting hitched!

If anyone has any tips/must-see items for Ithaca please share!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend as well!

Lunchtime Links for August 11th, 2011

• Eat Drink Pretty: Rustic ice cream dessert table.
• Bakerella: Kidney cake pops.
• The Budget Babe: Gossip Girl legwear by DKNY.
• Jersey Shore: Recap from TVGasm.
• The Pioneer Woman: Nine West wedges.

T-fal ActiFry Machine

I was super excited and surprised when I found out I won a T-fal ActiFry from Feisty Foodie!  Here's her post about the launch party/demo to see what exactly this machine can do.

I'm on a French fry hiatus this year, which makes the timing of winning this pretty sad, haha.  However, the recipe booklet that is included with the machine has lots of veggie and meat recipes that I am looking forward to trying.  Thank you again to the Feisty Foodie for having a great giveaway!!

Lunchtime Links for August 10th, 2011

• Jersey Shore: Recap from Entertainment Weekly.
• The Kitchn: Uses for a bamboo steamer.
• In Good Taste: Malted chocolate chip cookies.
• Serious Eats: Grilled rice.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Sweet and salty brownies.

Weekend Sweets - Tout de Sweet Macarons + Shake Shack Concrete

When A was visiting DC a while back, OF COURSE we ate. A lot. Here's just two of the highlights of the weekend, clearly they'd both be sweets :o)

At Tout de Sweet in Bethesda, we split four cute little macarons: Vanilla, Red Velvet, and what I think were Raspberry and Coffee (or Hazelnut).  Ugh, I really should remember to keep notes when I go out to eat, haha. 

 

Regardless, the best ones for me were the new Red Velvet (it was like a teeny tiny red velvet whoopie pie) and the Vanilla - I don't know, something about the vanilla macaron there, I'm just obsessed!

A and also shared this cup of deliciousness at Shake Shack- the Presidential Sweet: "Vanilla custard, peanut butter sauce, marshmallow, Michel Cluizel caramel milk chocolate".  I'm getting hungry just writing this post!

Tout de Sweet Shop

7831 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814

301.951.0474

Lunchtime Links for August 9th, 2011

• Kirbie's Cravings: No bake Oreo cheesecake.
• Jersey Shore: Recap from NYMag.
• Tasty Kitchen: S'more rice krispie squares. 
• Serious Eats: Chocolate "crack".

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcake

 

Check out that chocolate sheen!  I couldn't pass up trying the Sprinkles Chocolate Marshmallow cupcake, what a great combo.  It's a "Belgian dark chocolate cake and marshmallow cream with bittersweet chocolate ganache".

Overall the cupcake was delicious, with rich chocolate flavor and moist texture.  Unfortunately the marshmallow component was pretty disappointing - it was literally a dab of marshmallow about the size of the tip of my pinky, directly under the candy Sprinkles dot.  I'm not sure if it was just a fluke cupcake, but I was surprised that it was that little marshmallow cream inside, especially considering the name of the cupcake.  If anyone wants to get me another one to prove me wrong, feel free ;o)

Lunchtime Links for August 8th, 2011

• Kirbie's Cravings: NYT's chocolate chip cookies.
• Serious Eats: Hale's Ales in Seattle.
• Sassy Radish: Lobster rolls.
• The Kitchn: Ice cream cakes.
• Teen Mom: Recap from TVGasm.

Jersey Shore Recap

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we're back!  This time for a season full of ridiculousness in Italiaaaaaaaaaaaaa.  Here's B with a fab recap of episode 1.

Ciao!  Welcome to Italy everyone.   At a time when America's status in the world is being questioned, MTV decided to drop the biggest A-bomb in its arsenal and send the Jersey Shore to Florence.   Deena can't wait to Jersey Turnpike the clubs in Italy.   Ronnie can't wait to be the same height as everyone.   JWoww can't wait to give the Pope an STD.  What could possibly go wrong with this trip?  As Snooki would say in Italian "aye dios mio!"

In fairness, George W. Bush thought the same thing:   Snooki, Europe is not the big country with Britain and France.   In fact, it's not a countr...you know what nevermind  

In fairness, a 14 year old boy thinks the same thing:  Vinny, those four hairs on your face don't constitute a beard

I'll take the over on that:  Deena says she won't "do sex" in Italy

Virgins are people too: That guy taking the passport photos was a little too happy to get a photo of the Jersey Turnpike. 

You guys actually know where you're going right?:  "Gracias" is not Italian for thank you.

I don't think JWoww has to worry about coming back from Italy different:  Plastic doesn't degrade that quickly

Were you expecting someone named Barack or Corey?:  Snooki's boyfriend is named Jionni.  Which brings us to the next question...

Is that really how you spell Jionni?:  (Shrugging my shoulders)

I think her other motto was "never turn down seconds":  Sam says her motto is not to sit around, cry and sulk

Stop me if you heard this before:  Ron Ron says he is looking forward to single Ronnie.   Uhhh, you were supposed to stop me.  Pay attention, we haven't even gotten to Italy yet!

You guys know they sell things in Italy right?:  JWoww brought 10 cans of bronzer, everyone brings blow dryers and straighteners that are the wrong voltage, and Sitch (9 suitcases) and Snooki (8 suitcases) packed everything from their rooms in their parents homes.

For the last time, you're in Italy:  You can't swap your dollars for pesos 

Is it just me...:  Or does JWoww look like Skeletor from He-Man.   Google Skeletor if you don't know who he is.  I'll wait.

I thought that was Deena's job:  Vinny is way too excited about the bidet

Like a shorter, more rotund, clutzier, boobier, turn-piking version of Albert Einstein:  Deena's explanation on voltage conversion made as much sense as her posing face down, ass up for the passport guy

Looks like Sam and Ronnie have something else in common:  Ronnie sits on an end table...and it promptly breaks.  Fatass.

How the "mighty" have fallen:  Sitch is digging Snooki for some reason.   He also claims they smushed in LA while Snooks was dating Gianni-however-the-hell-you-spell-it.  Ronnie is sworn to secrecy...I assume because Mike doesn't anyone to know he slept with the she-beast

How do you say "I'd rather see Final Destination 5" in Italian...:  Because I'd rather see Final Destination 5 before watching Ron and Sam get back together.

Why were you trying to learn Italian when you can't speak English???:  It's a carousel girls.  Not a ferris wheel or a carowheel.  

Cue creepy foreshadowing horror movie music:  Deena wants to be smush buddies with Pauly D.  There's no way he'd fall for it...

People I would trust over Snooki driving me around in Italy:  A drunk driver

More people I would trust over Snooki driving me around in Italy:  Helen Keller (present day version, and yes, I know she's been dead for 43 years.)

Things I lied about:   I actually had no clue Helen Keller has only been dead for 43 years.  I had to Wikipedia it.

You couldn't find a place within walking distance?!?!:  None of you can find Italy...on a map of Italy, yet you're going to drive yourselves to breakfast??

One down, two to go:  They found G!  T&L, they're on the way.

I bet the feeling is mutual:  Deena hates birds, and wants them off their roof.   What's perplexing is you would think the lifelike scarecrow that resembles JWoww would scare them away.

Wait, what?!?!:  That's actually JWoww?  Did she donate 20 pounds to Sammie?

Taxis Son Aqui!:  It's just fun to say...even if it's Spanish
 
Thank god, we can finally retire the vuvuzela:  Grenade Horn!

Vinny is the Ambassador to Smush:   No one speaks Italian except Vinny.  This makes it really hard to hit on women...  

Then again:   I can't think the language barrier will be the hold-up here.  Smush probably doesn't translate well in Italian.

Original definition of "rock bottom":  At the lowest possible level

New definition of "rock bottom":  Getting rejected by Snooki.  Sorry Situation

(Record Scratching):   Pauly D is making out with Deena.  Actually, Deena is licking Pauly D's tongue.  Pauly D has the same face someone does when a dog licks their face.

And remember death is not an option:  Pauly D and Deena smushing or Situation and Snooki smushing.

If only death were an option:  Ronnie and Sammie getting back together (you just know it will happen)

Lunchtime Links for August 5th, 2011

• The Budget Babe: Leighton Meester's skinny jeans and platform heels.
• 1st Place Photo: Really creative engagement photo.
• The Pioneer Woman: Duck risotto.
• The Kitchn: Cacio e Pepe pasta.
• Real Housewives of NYC: Recap from TVGasm.

Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownie Mix

I won this box of Barefoot Contessa outrageous brownie mix some time ago, and never really got around to using it until recently.  I opened up the box and found not just a dry brownie mix, but chocolate chips as well.  That, along with the detailed instructions, made these a little more time-consuming than regular box brownie mix.  Not that it was hard to follow or anything, but in case anyone's looking for a quick and easy brownie mix (especially for kids' baking), this may not be for you. 

I didn't photograph the brownies when they were done because, well, a sheet of brownies in a pan isn't all that interesting looking, haha.  I liked the addition of both the melted and solid chocolate chips in the brownies, they added an intense chocolate flavor and some texture as well.  I cut up and froze the rest of them and they have held up nicely since then.  Overall, I'm a fan of Ina Garten but wouldn't be running to spend $12 on a brownie mix again anytime soon.  However, I do think it'd be a cute part of a gift for someone (nicer looking than a box of Pillsbury... just saying, haha). 

Lunchtime Links for August 4th, 2011

• The Cupcake Avenger: Fluffernutter cupcakes.
• The Pioneer Woman: Chipotle steak salad.
• A Passion For Food: Six-course tea dinner.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Yogurtland Hello Kitty promotion.
• Bakerella: Sweet shops.

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Vanilla Cupcake

Photo courtesy of M

A while back, M and I walked from Bethesda, MD all the way to Georgetown via the Capital Crescent Trail.  One light at the end of the tunnel was our plan to stop in Sprinkles for a post-walk cupcake, woo!

I switched things up a bit and got their Vanilla cupcake: "Madagascar bourbon vanilla cake with creamy vanilla frosting".  As you can see it's a little messy to eat with the coating of vanilla sprinkles on top, haha.  This was a pretty tasty cupcake- I'd definitely recommend it for any vanilla flavor fans out there.  One thing I noticed is that the frosting reminded me of vanilla pudding in the taste - which I like, just thought it was sort of a random association to have, haha.   

Lunchtime Links for August 3rd, 2011

• The Kitchn: Tips for smooth hummus.
• Mango & Tomato: Grilled peach summer salad.
• Serious Eats: Ice cream sandwiches in NYC.
• Picky Palate: Peanut butter truffle centered banana bread muffins.
• The Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from TVGasm.

Cookies n' Cream Peanut Butter

A big "THANK YOU!" to my lovely friend A for this DELICIOUS surprise in the mail- Cookies n' Cream peanut butter!!!!!!!!

I'm not sure if this was the exact recipe she followed, but here's one from the Picky Palate blog here. 

If you like Oreos and peanut butter, make sure you try this out ASAP!

Lunchtime Links for August 2nd, 2011

• Kirbie's Cravings: Banana Nutella swirl bread.
• Serious Eats: Pan-fried mango chicken.
• The Kitchn: How to keep cake fresh. 
• In Good Taste: Chipotle chicken fingers.
• The Budget Babe: Alessandra Ambrosio's white dress & accessories.

Georgetown Cupcake - 4th of July Cupcake

For this year's 4th of July, Georgetown Cupcake gave away a very festive cupcake for their daily secret flavor: Red White and Blue Triple Berry :o)

I'm not 100% certain, but I think that this one is the same as a flavor they offered back in 2009: "Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries topped with a vanilla frosting".

I really liked the way the red and blue berries came through in the vanilla cake, and it's a great way to use in-season fruits.  This cupcake was v. cute and a festive way to celebrate the 4th of July!

Lunchtime Links for August 1st, 2011

• Bakerella: Cookies n' cream cupcakes.
• The Kitchn: Strawberry basil margaritas. 
• Serious Eats: Riding the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
• Not Exactly Bento: Mango frozen yogurt.
• La Fuji Mama: Pineapple pomegranate spritzer.

Georgetown Cupcake - Milk Chocolate Squared Cupcake

 

This "off-the-menu" free Georgetown Cupcake flavor has been a tricky one for me to acquire - it isn't available quite as often as some of the other free ones, and when it was, I was unable to get to the store for it.  Luckily though, I was able to snag it recently and try it out.  Woo!

The milk chocolate frosting wasn't so much of a surprise because the Milk Chocolate Birthday cupcake is now a regular menu item in stores.  However, the milk chocolate cake was new to me, and I enjoyed it very much.  I'm normally pro-dark chocolate but this cake complimented the frosting deliciously.  I hope they try out more milk chocolate cake-based cupcakes in the future!