Lunchtime Links for December 16th, 2019

• A Spicy Perspective: Chocolate pots de creme with espresso whipped cream.
• Love and Lemons: French onion soup.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Triple chip chocolate cookies.
• The Kitchn: Pumpkin sheet cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
• Averie Cooks: Snickerdoodle mini muffins.

The Block MD in Pike & Rose

I had the chance to check out the new Block located in Pike and Rose over the weekend, and I'm so happy to have another new place close by!  The Block opened before Thanksgiving, and currently has 6 vendors - Mama Mei's, Slice Club, Oppa's, Pokeworks, Snocream, and Rose Ave Bakery, plus a nice bar set up in the upper level of the seating area.  

 

I tried the combination Lo Mein from Mama Mei's and it was very tasty - this will definitely be a go-to when I'm feeling like getting a quick fix of Chinese food!  

 

The pastries from Rose Ave Bakery are really pretty and if you get there early enough, there's a lot of very fun and inventive menu items to try! 

Since there were so many items to choose from in the morning, I got the Coffee milk tea doughnut, Ube s'mores mochi cruller, and matcha chocolate chip cookie.  The Ube s'mores mochi cruller especially had a great chew from the mochi and I really enjoyed it.  I love that they have so many flavor combinations that you can't find everywhere else.s I can't wait to come back and try out more items from them, as well as the other vendors!

The Block MD
Pike & Rose
967 Rose Avenue
North Bethesda, MD 20852

Lunchtime Links for December 13th, 2019

• Averie Cooks: Classic caramel Flan.
• How Sweet Eats: Hot cocoa cake with whipped marshmallow.
• The Kitchn: Pumpkin Alfredo with butter and sage.
• A Spicy Perspective: Chocolate snickerdoodles. 
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Hot cocoa cookies.

Lunchtime Links for December 12th, 2019

• Creme de la Crumb: Chicken avocado salad.
• Dessert for Two: Chocolate thumbprints marshmallow creme.
• The Kitchn: Shrimp and broccoli Lo Mein.
• Cookies and Cups: Chocolate shortbread. 
• Bakerella: Major mini chip cookies.

Lunchtime Links for December 11th, 2019

• Kirbie's Cravings: 4 ingredient apple cake.
• Cookies and Cups: Creme Brulee cookies. 
• The Kitchn: Lasagna.
• A Spicy Perspective: 50 Christmas cookie recipes.
• Creme de la Crumb: Cheesy mashed potato casserole.

Dunkin' Donuts x Homesick Candles

Dunkin' Donuts and candles - what a perfect combination!  As soon as I saw that Homesick was coming out with coffee and doughnut themed candles in a special collaboration wil Dunkin' Donuts, I knew I had to get them! 

There are 3 scents in the collection - Original Blend, Old Fashioned, and Peppermint Mocha.  I got the first two which you can see in the photo - the packaging is too cute!  On cold sniff they smell great and true to the names.  I love coffee-scented candles especially so the Original Blend is really awesome.  I hope they do more collaborations like this in the future!

Lunchtime Links for December 10th, 2019

• Cookies & Cups: Soft gingerbread cookies.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Garlic mashed potatoes.
• Crazy for Crust: Cake mix sugar cookies.
• Love and Olive Oil: Cream stuffed chocolate cookies 'n cream cookies.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Pumpkin brownie mug cake.
  

  
  

Lunchtime Links for December 9th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Creamy Ricotta pasta with broccoli.
• Joy the Baker: Pumpkin pie with chocolate whip.
• I Heart Naptime: Easy Lasagna. 
• Crazy for Crust: Easy pumpkin bread.
• The Pioneer Woman: Pumpkin dinner rolls.

Mitsuwa NJ Visit - Ramen Santouka and Omusubi Gonbei

I was recently up in Northern NJ for work, and was pretty happy to see that I happened to be staying very close to the Mitsuwa market complex in Edgewater, NJ!  I used to come here a lot with my family when we lived in NJ, but I haven't been in years since we all moved away.  It was so nice getting to stop in and do some shopping like old times!

Ramen Santouka has been at the food court of Mitsuwa for as long as I can remember, so of course I had to grab lunch there before driving back home.  Below is the Tonkotsu Miso ramen - the broth is delicious, and the tender pieces of chashu pork are so good! 

I also picked up these at Omusubi Gonbei, which I don't think was around when I was shopping at Mitsuwa years ago.   They had a bunch of different omusubi flavors so it took some time to decide.  But I decided on the shrimp tempura and pork chashu omusubi.  Both were really tasty and packed with so much flavor.  A place like this would be a great option for a quick snack or meal, depending on how many you get.  I would love for one of these to open in the DC area!

Lunchtime Links for December 3rd, 2019

• Damn Delicious: Pumpkin spice waffles.
• Crazy for Crust: Swiss chocolate cake roll.
• A Spicy Perspective: Tres Leches pie. 
• The Kitchn: Au Gratin potato recipes.
• How Sweet Eats: Frozen pumpkin roll.

Lunchtime Links for December 2nd, 2019

• Style Sweet: S'mores black bottom pumpkin pie.
• Love and Lemons: Oven roasted potatoes.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Japanese milk bread rolls.
• Dessert for Two: Make ahead mashed potatoes.
• I Heart Naptime: Bread pudding.

Georgetown Cupcake - December Flavors

December is one of the best months for fun Georgetown Cupcake flavors - there are so many fun holiday themed cupcakes available now!

- Christmas Cookie: Georgetown Cupcake's twist on the traditional holiday sugar cookie is a Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake infused with almond and cinnamon and red and green crystal sanding sugar, topped with an almond and cinnamon-infused buttercream frosting, red and green crystal sanding sugar, and a fondant Christmas cookie

- Mrs. Claus' Cocoa: Georgetown Cupcake's Valrhona chocolate cupcake, stuffed with marshmallow, and topped with a Callebaut milk chocolate buttercream frosting, Callebaut dark chocolate curls, and a white fondant snowflake

- Chocolate Peppermint: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a peppermint-infused whipped Callebaut chocolate ganache frosting topped with crushed peppermint

- White Chocolate Peppermint: White Callebaut chocolate peppermint-infused cupcake topped with a candy-cane striped white chocolate peppermint buttercream frosting

- Rudolph Red Velvet: Classic red velvet cupcake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting topped with a fondant red-nosed reindeer

- Reindeer Munch Crunch: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a peppermint chocolate ganache center, frosted with Callebaut white chocolate peppermint buttercream frosting, and topped with crushed peppermint and a drizzle of peppermint chocolate ganache

- Gingerbread: Gingerbread cupcake topped with a cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting and a fondant gingerbread man

- Chocolate Egg Nog: Valrhona chocolate egg nog cupcake topped with a (non-alcoholic) rum-infused frosting, a dusting of nutmeg and a light blue fondant snowflake

- Christmas Butterscotch Cheesecake: Callebaut butterscotch cheesecake with a graham cracker crust topped with a butterscotch frosting and fondant holly

- White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake: Georgetown Cupcake's Callebaut white chocolate peppermint cheesecake with an oreo cookie crust, topped with a Callebaut white chocolate peppermint buttercream frosting, crushed peppermint, and a fondant wreath

- Santa's Chocolate Chip: Vanilla chocolate chip cupcake with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting topped with a fondant snowflake

-  Sticky Toffee Pudding: Georgetown Cupcake's modern twist on the traditional English sticky toffee pudding - Toffee cupcake with a caramel core, topped with a toffee-infused frosting, and a caramel star drizzle and fondant holly

- Christmas Caramel: Caramel cupcake with a salted caramel-infused buttercream frosting topped with a caramel drizzle and a green fondant Christmas tree

- Holiday Lava Fudge: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a rich fudge core topped with a vanilla icing, a fudge star drizzle, and a green fondant Christmas tree

- Snowy Vanilla and Buttercream: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake topped with a vanilla buttercream frosting, sparkling sanding sugar, and a shimmering light blue fondant snowflake

- Snowball Coconut: Georgetown Cupcake's holiday inspired coconut cupcake topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes

- Baileys Holiday Red Velvet: Georgetown Cupcake’s signature Red Velvet cupcake, infused with a non-alcoholic Baileys Irish Cream essence, topped with a gold fondant holiday ornament embossed with Baileys logo

Lunchtime Links for November 20th, 2019

• Creme de la Crumb: Potato soup recipe.
• Seasons and Suppers: Hot cocoa cookies.
• Love and Lemons: 50 Thanksgiving side dishes. 
• The First Year Blog: Microwave peanut butter fudge.
• Crazy for Crust: Cinnamon roll coffee cake.

Lunchtime Links for November 19th, 2019

• Dessert for Two: Easy pumpkin bread.
• A Spicy Perspective: Sweet potato Souffles.
• Dine and Dish: Buttery dinner rolls.
• The Kitchn: Pumpkin pie filling desserts.
• Averie Cooks: Browned butter salted caramel chocolate chunk blondies.

Lunchtime Links for November 18th, 2019

• Crazy for Crust: Dinner rolls with garlic and herbs.
• Joy the Baker: Cinnamon sugar St. Louis gooey butter cake.
• How Sweet Eats: Grilled bread stuffing. 
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin spice fluff.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Crispy Parmesan potato stacks.

Bye Bye Bei Bei at Smithsonian's National Zoo

Some friends and I went over to the Smithsonian's National Zoo for the last few days of Bei Bei's stay in DC before he goes to China - it will be sad to see him go!  The zoo has had a lot of fun events to celebrate Bei Bei and his parents over the last week, and it was a windy but sunny day to enjoy walking around and seeing some of the other animals that were out.  I hope Bei Bei has a safe trip to China - DC will miss you!

Lunchtime Links for November 15th, 2019

• Oh Sweet Basil: Marshmallow no bake pumpkin pie.
• Love and Lemons: Maple roasted acorn squash.
• Damn Delicious: Buttermilk cornbread.
• How Sweet Eats: Spiced orange spritzer.
• Cookies and Cups: Potato casserole.

Lunchtime Links for November 14th, 2019

• Love and Olive Oil: Nutella stuffed brown butter blondies.
• Seasons and Suppers: Italian meat sauce.
• The Live-In Kitchen: Pretzel cookie dough truffles.
• Style Sweet: Anytime brownies. 
• Oh Sweet Basil: Peanut butter blossoms.

Lunchtime Links for November 13th, 2019

• Brown Eyed Baker: Pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling.
• Crazy for Crust: Fluffy potato rolls.
• The Kitchn: 10 potluck dessert recipes.
• Creme de la Crumb: Cinnamon rolls with brown sugar frosting.
• Love and Lemons: Roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Lunchtime Links for November 8th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Salted honey no-bake peanut butter pie.
• Cookies and Cups: Pizza crust.
• Love and Olive Oil: Pumpkin ruffled milk pie. 
• Picky Palate: Ravioli Lasagna soup. 
• Averie Cooks: Death by Chocolate no bake cheesecake bars.

Lunchtime Links for November 7th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Pumpkin pie recipe reviews.
• How Sweet Eats: Cacio e Pepe Brussels sprouts.
• Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin cheesecake. 
• Oh Sweet Basil: Softest pumpkin rolls.
• Style Sweet: Salted caramel pumpkin doughnuts.

Lunchtime Links for November 6th, 2019

• Averie Cooks: Mini crumble topping pumpkin bread.
• How Sweet Eats: Twice baked sweet potatoes with pumpkin and sage. 
• A Spicy Perspective: Texas sheet cake.
• The Kitchn: Roasted Brussels sprouts five ways. 
• Creme de la Crumb: One pot chicken Parmesan pasta.

Sanrio at World Market

I stopped in World Market on Sunday after seeing some posts on Instagram about more Sanrio items being sold in stores.  I was happy to see lots of different items, not just the Hello Kitty items that I had seen previously.  There were plenty of "just for fun" items that I saw and liked, but I decided to get some "useful" items this time - Gudetama pens (Frixion pens have erasable ink so they're great for planners!) and Hello Kitty pasta, haha.

If you're a World Market member, there was a coupon to receive this little Hello Kitty beanie plush with any $25+ Sanrio purchase until today.  Even though it's really tiny (the tag is almost bigger than the plush haha), it's a nice little bonus to go with my purchases!  Be sure to check out the collection online or in stores - there's lots of cute items that would be great for holiday gifts!

Lunchtime Links for November 5th, 2019

• Serious Eats: Apple cider doughnuts.
• How Sweet Eats: Salted peanut butter hot chocolate.
• I Heart Naptime: Meatball soup.
• Cookies and Cups: Snickerdoodle cupcakes.
• Handle the Heat: Garlic, herb and cheese bread rolls.

Lunchtime Links for November 4th, 2019

• Crazy for Crust: Double chocolate chip cookies.
• Picky Palate: Lasagna.
• Style Sweet: Brooklyn blackout cake.
• Table for Two: Chocolate Reese's peanut butter cup cookies. 
• Love and Olive Oil: Ultimate chocolate cupcakes with chocolate cloud frosting.

Georgetown Cupcake - November Flavors

There are a lot of fun fall-themed flavors this month at Georgetown Cupcake - perfect for Thanksgiving or other gatherings which seem to ramp up this time of year!

- Caramel Apple: Fresh apple cupcake with a caramel core topped with a vanilla cream cheese frosting and a caramel star drizzle

- Maple Chocolate Chip: Maple cupcake studded with Callebaut chocolate chips and topped with a maple cream cheese frosting and a fondant maple leaf

- Thanksgiving Chocolate: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting topped with a brown fondant turkey

- Thanksgiving Vanilla: Madagascar vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting and topped with a brown fondant turkey

- Caramel Cheesecake: Caramel cheesecake topped with a caramel frosting and caramel star drizzle

- Coffee Toffee: Coffee cupcake infused with crushed toffee and topped with a mocha frosting and crushed toffee

- Pumpkin Cheesecake:Pumpkin cheesecake cupcake with a graham cracker crust, topped with maple cream cheese frosting and a fondant maple leaf

- Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin spice cupcake with a maple-infused cream cheese frosting topped with a fondant maple leaf

- Chocolate Caramel Swirl:Valrhona chocolate and dulce de leche caramel marbled cupcake topped with a whipped Callebaut chocolate ganache and salted caramel “twist” frosting

- Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a pecan nut and caramel core, topped with a salted caramel buttercream, toasted coconut flakes and a fudge & caramel lattice drizzle

- Baileys Red Velvet: Georgetown Cupcake’s signature Red Velvet cupcake, infused with a non-alcoholic Baileys Irish Cream essence, topped with a gold fondant heart embossed with Baileys logo

Lunchtime Links for November 1st, 2019

• Seasons and Suppers: 10 ways to bake with pumpkin.
• Serious Eats: 9 chocolate chip cookie recipes.
• Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin muffins.
• Creme de la Crumb: Swedish meatball pasta.
• The Kitchn: Pumpkin dump cake.

Lunchtime Links for October 31st, 2019

• Dessert for Two: Baked breaded chicken strips.
• Love and Lemons: Peanut butter cookies.
• Picky Palate: M&M brownies.
• Handle the Heat: Pumpkin chocolate cheesecake bars.
• Crazy for Crust: Peanut butter blossoms.

Lunchtime Links for October 30th, 2019

• How Sweet Eats: Pumpkin sheet cake.
• Dine and Dish: Skillet chocolate chip cookie.
• Handle the Heat: Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
• Table for Two: Pumpkin spice latte cupcakes.
• The First Year Blog: Pumpkin cheesecake.

Dunkin' Donuts Holiday Cup

I'm fully aware that we're not even done with October yet - but I got coffee at Dunkin' Donuts yesterday and love their holiday cup design this year!  The little doughnut snowflakes and wreath especially are too cute.  Since it's been pretty chilly here recently it feels more like we're getting closer to the holiday season with these festive cups!

Lunchtime Links for October 29th, 2019

• Picky Palate: Buttermilk pumpkin pancakes.
• Style Sweet CA: Salted honey no-bake peanut butter pie.
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin brownies. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Honey walnut shrimp.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Costco copycat crumb pumpkin muffins.

Lunchtime Links for October 28th, 2019

• Picky Palate: Iced pumpkin banana muffins.
• Smitten Kitchen: Chicken curry.
• Creme de la Crumb: Roasted butternut squash. 
• Steamy Kitchen: Shrimp wontons in a spicy Sichuan sauce. 
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Pumpkin snickerdoodles.

Shake Shack - Pumpkin Shake

What better way to get fully immersed in the fall spirit than a delicious pumpkin shake from Shake Shack?  

This shake consists of a "vanilla frozen custard blended with real pumpkin, marshmallow, cinnamon, and nutmeg and topped with toasted pumpkin seeds".  I love the extra texture and decoration of the toasted pumpkin seeds on top, and that the pumpkin flavor isn't a super strong pumpkin pie-like flavor.  This shake is available through the end of October, so be sure to head over soon if you want to try it out!

Lunchtime Links for October 11th, 2019

• Cookies and Cups: Cinnamon rolls.
• Brown Eyed Baker: Pumpkin recipes.
• The Kitchn: Jiffy corn casserole. 
• Creme de la Crumb: Easy Tamales.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Flourless pumpkin brownies.

Lunchtime Links for October 10th, 2019

• Handle the Heat: Brown butter sweet potato pie.
• Table for Two: Apple cider chicken skillet.
• Style Sweet: Sunflower cookies.
• Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls.
• The Kitchn: Apple recipes.

Lunchtime Links for October 9th, 2019

• Table for Two: Pumpkin pasta with turkey sausage.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Oven baked potatoes.
• I Heart Naptime: Easy Buckeyes.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Cheesy chicken fritters.
• Crazy for Crust: Apple cider pound cake.

Sophie & Lili - Sweater Weather Candle

As soon as I saw this fall-themed wood wick candle on Sophie & Lili's Instagram account, I knew I had to have it!  I pre-ordered this item and received it in the mail yesterday - it's even cuter in person! 

The packaging itself is right up my alley and I am definitely considering keeping the box just for the label, haha.  The candle is a nice sized wood wick candle and smells like apples and cinnamon - so good!  The glass candle container will be a cute storage jar after I am done burning the candle as well.  She also has a few holiday-themed candles available for pre-order as well if you're looking for some great holiday gifts. 

Lunchtime Links for October 8th, 2019

• Picky Palate: Pumpkin chocolate Bundt cake.
• Creme de la Crumb: Chicken and sausage pasta.
• Damn Delicious: Chicken harvest salad.
• Averie Cooks: 10 minute shrimp Scampi. 
• I Heart Naptime: Stromboli.

Lunchtime Links for October 7th, 2019

• A Kitchen Addiction: Sourdough English muffin bread.
• Seasons and Suppers: Pumpkin pie.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Chicken, potato, broccoli, and corn chowder.
• The Kitchn: Pesto chicken dip. 
• Creme de la Crumb: Snickerdoodle cookies.

Piketoberfest at Pike & Rose

Yesterday was Pike and Rose's annual Piketoberfest, and it was a great day to celebrate fall!  There were lots of people enjoying the festival right when it started, and the crowd kept getting bigger as the afternoon went on.  Of course one of my main objectives was getting some of Sunday Morning Bakehouse's soft pretzels - so soft and delicious! Lots of stores from the area participated with food and giveaways, as well as live music and kids' activities.  I hope they continue to host fun events like this throughout the year!

Lunchtime Links for October 4th, 2019

• Kirbie's Cravings: Chocolate peanut butter lava mug cake.
• Cookies and Cups: Pumpkin roll. 
• Averie Cooks: Beef with broccoli.
• How Sweet Eats: Apple cider donut cake with brown butter.
• Gimme Some Oven: Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.

Lunchtime Links for October 3rd, 2019

• The Live-In Kitchen: Sweet potato rolls.
• Kirbie's Cravings: 35 pumpkin recipes. 
• I Heart Naptime: Baked spaghetti.
• Picky Palate: Soft pumpkin cookies.
• Style Sweet: Pumpkin cake with maple cream cheese frosting.

Lunchtime Links for October 2nd, 2019

• The Kitchn: Apple desserts.
• Table for Two: Cheesy pumpkin and spicy sausage stuffed shells.
• The First Year Blog: Pumpkin swirl cake. 
• Seasons and Suppers: Pasta with sausage tomato sauce and Pecorino.
• Picky Palate: Oreo peanut butter cookie bars.

Georgetown Cupcake - October Flavors

October is a great month for lots of fall themed cupcake flavors at Georgetown Cupcake!

• Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake cupcake with a graham cracker crust, topped with maple cream cheese frosting and a fondant maple leaf
• Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin spice cupcake with a maple-infused cream cheese frosting topped with a fondant maple leaf 
• Chocolate Ghost: Valrhona Chocolate cupcake topped with whipped Callebaut chocolate ganache frosting and decorated with a white fondant ghost 
• Vanilla Bat: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake topped with orange buttercream frosting and a black fondant bat 
• Vanilla Candy Spider: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake baked with chocolate candy pieces, topped with orange buttercream frosting and a black fondant spider 
• Chocolate Toffee Spider Web: Valrhona chocolate cupcake baked with crushed toffee pieces, topped with purple buttercream frosting and a fudge spider web drizzle 
• Halloween Surprise: Madagascar vanilla cupcake infused with orange and black non-pareils, topped with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting and decorated with a white fondant ghost 
• Vampire Red Velvet: Red Velvet cupcake decorated with a black fondant bat 
• Midnight Cookies and Creme: Valrhona chocolate cupcake topped with a milk chocolate cookies & crème buttercream frosting and cookie crumbles 
• Haunted Chocolate Cheesecake: Valrhona chocolate cheesecake with a cookie crust, topped with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting and decorated with a green fondant ghost 
• TLC "Give a Little" Red Velvet: Red Velvet cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting, decorated with a sprinkling of gold sanding sugar and red confetti hearts, topped with coordinating “Give A Little TLC” and “Stand Up Against Bullying” logo fondant. These cupcakes are available for in-store purchase only from October 1st – October 31st.

Lunchtime Links for October 1st, 2019

• Picky Palate: Perfect cinnamon rolls.
• The Kitchn: Coffee making tools.
• Handle the Heat: Caramel apple coffee cake.
• The Pioneer Woman: English muffins. 
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin blondies.

Lunchtime Links for September 30th, 2019

• Bakerella: Sunday Fundae cupcakes.
• Cookies and Cups: Baked meatballs.
• The Kitchn: Pumpkin chocolate chip bread. 
• Apartment Therapy: Reusable tumblers.
• Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin desserts.

Georgetown Cupcake - Double Chocolate Chip Fudge Cupcake

I remembered to get the Double Chocolate Chip Fudge cupcake while it's still available this month at Georgetown Cupcake - better late then never, haha :o) 

The cupcake consists of a "Valrhona chocolate cupcake studded with Callebaut chocolate chips, filled with fudge, and topped with a Callebaut milk chocolate buttercream frosting, fudge lattice drizzle, and a sprinkling of Callebaut chocolate chips".  Maybe the cupcake should've been called the super duper extra chocolate cupcake instead - so many different chocolate flavors in one cupcake!  It's a really delicious combination of chocolate in all forms and textures, perfect for any chocolate lovers.  I also picked up a Cookies and Creme Cheesecake as well, which is not quite as chocolate-filled but still super tasty.  Both of these flavors are September menu items, but I hope they come back again another time!  

Lunchtime Links for September 27th, 2019

• Table for Two: Pasta sauce.
• Picky Palate: Giant salted pumpkin chocolate chunk cookies.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Japanese Karaage fried chicken. 
• Crazy for Crust: Cinnamon sugar pumpkin pancake rolls.
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin spice marshmallow treat cupcakes.

Lunchtime Links for September 26th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Easy shrimp stir fry.
• Style Sweet: Pumpkin s'mores sheet cake.
• The Live-In Kitchen: Roasted garlic and broccoli pasta. 
• Seasons and Suppers: Brown sugar and cinnamon apple bread.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Blender cinnamon roll cheesecake bars.

Lunchtime Links for September 25th, 2019

• The Kitchn: General Tso's chicken.
• Averie Cooks: Carne Asada tacos.
• The Cozy Apron: Corn fritters. 
• Two Peas and Their Pod: M&M cookies.
• I Heart Naptime: Pumpkin pancakes.

Jinya Ramen Bar - Spicy Meatball Ramen

I love seeing the new menu items that come out Jinya Ramen Bar throughout the year, and this current Chef's Special is no exception!  This Spicy Meatball Ramen consists of: "Chicken clear broth, meatballs, corn, green onion, cabbage, cherry tomato, butter, and original tomato sauce in the broth with chili oil".  

 

I'll be honest, it kind of sounded like a lot going on when I first saw the menu, and I especially wasn't sure about the tomato broth.  However as soon as I started eating it, I really enjoyed it!  All of the different components really added a ton of flavor and texture to the dish, and the tomato broth was much better than I expected.  The default thick noodles that come in this dish are great as well - there's a lot going on up top here and the noodles definitely stand up to the other ingredients.   It was a delicious bowl of ramen with a unique twist - I would definitely recommend trying it out while it's available:o)  

 

Lunchtime Links for September 24th, 2019

• Bake at 350: Triple chocolate cookies.
• Averie Cooks: One pot Italian sausage and tomato basil pasta.
• Gimme Some Oven: Buttermilk pancakes.
• The Kitchn: Italian meatballs.
• Crazy for Crust: Banana cake with caramel filling.

Lunchtime Links for September 23rd, 2019

• Cookies and Cups: Pumpkin cheesecake.
• Style Sweet: Caramel apple spice cake. 
• Gimme Some Oven: Butternut squash mac and cheese.
• Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin fluff dip. 
• SoraNews24: Japanese sweet potato Frappuccino.

First Day of Fall - Pumpkin Spice Latte Throw

Happy first day of fall everyone!  While I've been enjoying seeing a lot of fall-themed items in stores for a few weeks now, I was still really happy to see this pumpkin spice latte-themed throw blanket at TJMaxx! 

I thought it was so cute with the little mugs and pumpkin pie designs on the super soft throw.  It's a little different from the Halloween and pumpkin designs that are out in stores - perfect for anyone that's obsessed with pumpkin drinks like I am!

Lunchtime Links for September 20th, 2019

• Creme de la Crumb: Skillet chicken pot pie.
• I Heart Naptime: Pumpkin bread.
• Love and Lemons: Mac and cheese.
• Table for Two: Chocolate chip cookies.
• Style Sweet: Overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Lunchtime Links for September 19th, 2019

• Damn Delicious: Sheet pan mac and cheese.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Mug cakes.
• How Sweet Eats: Sheet pan nacho chicken.
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin creme brulee.
• Love and Lemons: Margherita pizza.

Lunchtime Links for September 18th, 2019

• Two Peas and Their Pod: Banana muffins.
• Averie Cooks: Crunchy peanut chicken salad.
• Gimme Some Oven: Pumpkin cream cold brew.
• Cookies and Cups: Corn dog muffins.
• The First Year Blog: Apple spice cupcakes.

Smoko - Dumpling and Toast

Ever since I started following Smoko on Instagram a while back, I've been obsessed with their cute and fun products!  I first got the little dumpling lamp, which gives off a gentle glow while being super cute and squishy.  I recently got two more items that I had ordered a while ago - a dumpling mug and toast mug!  The dumpling mug has the same dumpling character in various drawings, which remind me of the delicious soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung :o) The toast mug is slightly smaller and square, like a thick piece of toast (with a face on it, haha) If you're also a fan of food/cute themed items (or know someone that would love them as a gift), be sure to check out all of the fun items that Smoko offers! 

Lunchtime Links for September 17th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Pasta Cacio e Pepe.
• How Sweet Eats: Cheesy smoked chicken pesto dip.
• A Spicy Perspective: Vietnamese fresh spring roll bowls.
• Brown Eyed Baker: Apple recipes.
• My Baking Addiction: Sweet and salty cheesecake.

Lunchtime Links for September 16th, 2019

• I Heart Naptime: Cheesy pesto pull-apart bread.
• Dessert for Two: Mini pumpkin cheesecakes. 
• The Kitchn: Meatball recipes.
• Table for Two: Chicken with tomato herb pan sauce.
• Averie Cooks: Creme Brulee cheesecake bars.

Trader Joe's - Pumpkin Products

I was very happy to see some pumpkin items trickling in to my local Trader Joe's the other day!  While I don't think it's full on pumpkin mode all over the store just yet, there's already a good amount of fun new products to check out!  I'll definitely have to increase my visits over the next few weeks to make sure I don't miss anything, haha :o)

 

Lunchtime Links for September 13th, 2019

• Kirbie's Cravings: Spicy Hunan beef.
• Dessert for Two: White chocolate chip cookies.
• Cookies and Cups: Norwegian chocolate chip cookies.
• Bakerella: Sugar cookie sunnies.
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin cookies.

Lunchtime Links for September 12th, 2019

• Cookies and Cups: Coffee cake.
• Creme de la Crumb: Pumpkin snickerdoodles.
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
• Gimme Some Oven: Roasted butternut squash. 
• Seasons and Suppers: Pumpkin chicken chowder.

Lunchtime Links for September 10th, 2019

• How Sweet Eats: Apple cider spritz.
• Damn Delicious: Grilled steak salad with Balsamic vinaigrette.
• The Kitchn: Shrimp Alfredo.
• My Baking Addiction: Caramel apple crisp.
• I Heart Naptime: Fried mac and cheese.

Lunchtime Links for September 9th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Chocolate chip cookie bars.
• Cookies and Cups: Soft double chocolate pudding cookies. 
• Oh Sweet Basil: White chocolate banana bread.
• I Heart Naptime: Brownie truffles.
• Love and Olive Oil: Cookies 'n cream puff ice cream sandwiches.

Hello Kitty Collection at World Market

I know that I've already been celebrating everything fall and pumpkins, but how cute is this summer themed Hello Kitty collection at World Market?  I had to take a closer look around the display when I saw this Omatsuri (Japanese festival) theme - so many cute items!  

I really like that there are so many different items, like mugs, enamel pins, bento boxes, notepads just to name a few.  I would love to know who is buying this enormous Hello Kitty cookie jar, where part of the head pops off to fill with cookies, haha!

Lunchtime Links for September 6th, 2019

• The Kitchn: 5 minute brownie in a mug.
• Gimme Some Oven: Vietnamese lemongrass chicken.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Three ingredient sponge cake. 
• Table for Two: Shrimp and zucchini orzo.
• Handle the Heat: Dark chocolate brownies.

Lunchtime Links for September 4th, 2019

• The Kitchn: 50 no-bake desserts.
• Averie Cooks: Pumpkin chocolate chip cake.
• Cookies and Cups: Cookie dough stuffed chocolate sprinkle cookies. 
• A Spicy Perspective: Easy Szechuan beef.
• The First Year Blog: Easy apple coffee cake.

Lunchtime Links for September 3rd, 2019

• The Kitchn: Steak and rice noodle salad.
• Averie Cooks: Chocolate chip cookie s'mores bars.
• A Spicy Perspective: Fluffy banana cream pie. 
• Creme de la Crumb: Creamy red pepper pasta.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Japanese milk pudding.

Starbucks - Pumpkin Spice Madeleines

While it's still technically summer, September to me always feels like the start of fall because of all the fun fall goodies that start to come out.  I saw these Pumpkin Spice Madeleines at Starbucks and had to try them out. 

Even though I didn't get an overwhelming pumpkin spice taste from these, just a nice hint of spice in each bite.  If you like trying pumpkin items I would definitely recommend giving these a try while they're available.  The little cakes are the perfect snack with coffee or tea!

Lunchtime Links for August 29th, 2019

• Creme de la Crumb: Teriyaki steak stir fry.
• Bake at 350: Churro ice cream.
• Averie Cooks: Grilled chicken and corn salad.
• The Kitchn: Starbucks' pumpkin cream cold brew coffee. 
• Dessert for Two: Garlic butter shrimp.

Lunchtime Links for August 28th, 2019

• Creme de la Crumb: Flank steak tacos.
• The Kitchn: Baked spaghetti.
• I Heart Naptime: Banana bread muffins.
• Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin spice snickerdoodles. 
• My Baking Addiction: Mini s'mores cheesecakes.

Rachel Allene Fall Goodies + Starbucks PSL Day

If you're a fan of pumpkin spice anything like I am, hopefully you got a chance to enjoy the debut of the fall drinks at Starbucks yesterday!  I was very happy that my order from Rachel Allene's online shop arrived right before Pumpkin Spice Latte day, so I could go enjoy my first fall drink in my new steel mug. 

As an added bonus, you get $0.10 off of your drink at Starbucks if you bring your own mug - all the more reason to have a fun themed mug, right?  Even though it's not officially fall yet, it's never too early to enjoy some fun fall items!     

Lunchtime Links for August 27th, 2019

• The Kitchn: French bread pizza.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Brown sugar cinnamon Bundt cake. 
• How Sweet Eats: Salted pretzel s'mores crunch bars.
• Table for Two: Scallop and summer vegetable skillet.
• Handle the Heat: Peanut butter cookies.

Lunchtime Links for August 26th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Anthropologie's fall kitchen collection.
• Averie Cooks: Pasta salads. 
• Cookies and Cups: Easy baked chicken legs.
• Smitten Kitchen: Salted caramel pretzel blondies.
• Serious Eats: Chicken thigh recipes.

Sugarfina - Birthday Rewards

Being a Sugarfina rewards member definitely has its perks, like receiving my choice of a 3 piece candy bento box for my birthday! I went to a store to pick them out in person, and decided on some fruit-based gummies to try out:

- Pink Pineapples
- Pink Diamonds
- Blood Orange Fruttini

I can't wait to try these out!

Lunchtime Links for August 21st, 2019

• Dessert for Two: Oreo brownies.
• My Baking Addiction: Dominique Ansel's banana bread.
• Gimme Some Oven: Gambas Al Ajillo.
• Handle the Heat: How to bake thick cookies.
• I Heart Naptime: Churro cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

Compass Coffee - Roasting and Tasting Event

A group of friends and I went to Compass Coffee last Saturday for their coffee roasting and tasting event.  I wanted to do something a little different and fun for my birthday and this was a great way to hang out with friends and learn more about coffee!  

The groups are small enough that it's not just a generic tour and you can ask questions as you're going through the roasting and cupping steps.  We also got to choose a tin of coffee based on what we liked during the cupping/tasting which was very nice!  I would highly recommend this for anyone that's a fan of Compass, or coffee in general as a fun little event.   

 

Compass Coffee - Shaw
1535 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001