Lunchtime Links for August 30th, 2013

• Brown Eyed Baker: Thai peanut cabbage slaw. 
• Sweets with Sara: Dark chocolate peanut butter cookies. 
• I Heart Naptime: Sweet and sour chicken. 
• Averie Cooks: Fudgy chocolate brownie microwave mug cake with vanilla glaze. 
• Serious Eats: Red velvet cheesecake. 

Target Ottoman

A while ago, Target had an online furniture sale and I found this great gray patterned storage ottoman for my apartment.  The gray color is actually slightly lighter in person, so even with the busy pattern it manages to feel neutral enough with the other items in living room.  Also, I love that I can store my extra bedding sets and blankets in this ottoman - it fits quite a lot inside!  Unfortunately I am unable to find this exact ottoman online, but there are a few others that I think are great too, like this blue chevron one, and this blue diamond ikat one. 

Lunchtime Links for August 29th, 2013

• Food Fanatic: Ice cream bread. 
• How Sweet It Is: Crispy buttermilk baked chicken and cornbread biscuit sliders. 
• I Heart Naptime: Peanut butter and honey dip.
• Table for Two: Turkey chorizo burgers with guacamole. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Glossy and smooth macaroni and cheese. 

Chobani Bite - Coffee with Dark Chocolate Chips

A while back, Chobani came out with these cute snack-sized Chobani Bite cups, and I was especially excited to try the Coffee with Dark Chocolate Chips flavor.  It sounded like something I would definitely like since I love coffee ice cream and dark chocolate.

Luckily, it didn't take too long for me to find these at my local Target, and on sale too! The chocolate is blended pretty well - they're more like flecks of dark chocolate vs. bigger chunks mixed in.  There's still a bit of sourness that comes with yogurt but the coffee flavor was still strong in these.  I enjoyed these as a mid-day work snack - they are small yet satisfying for that afternoon sweets fix.   I haven't tried it yet but I think these would be great frozen, like a frozen yogurt pop! 

Lunchtime Links for August 28th, 2013

• Cookies & Cups: Devil's food Snickers cheesecake cupcakes. 
• Oh Sweet Basil: Baked Mozzarella bites. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: 5 minute Chinese buns. 
• Table for Two: San Francisco visit. 
• The Budget Babe: Vinegar for longer lasting manicures. 

Shake Shack - Peach Pecan Custard

I wasn't specifically planning on trying the Peach Pecan custard from Shake Shack, but I figured it was a nice seasonal offering to taste, especially since I happened to be there when the flavor was available.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of fruit pies, and this essentially is a peach+pecan pie a la mode blended together... but this was much better than I expected.  The fresh peach flavor was great, mainly because it still tasted rich like a custard and not like a peach sorbet or anything. The pecan bits added great texture to this custard as well.

Any peach pie fans will love this custard - heck, maybe even non-peach pie fans like me will too!

Lunchtime Links for August 27th, 2013

• The Pioneer Woman: Breakfast potatoes. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: 1 minute microwave chocolate mochi doughnuts. 
• Picky Palate: Roasted banana and Nutella s'mores bruschetta. 
• Buzzfeed: N'SYNC then and now.
• Averie Cooks: Soft and gooey loaded s'mores bars. 

Georgetown Cupcake - Red Velvet Cupcake

WHY did it take this long to get this flavor on my blog?!  I have no idea, but better late than never!

Georgetown Cupcake's Red Velvet cupcake is the very first cupcake of theirs that I tried, and still remains my overall favorite.  A Best In Show, if you will. It is "Georgetown Cupcake's signature cupcake — classic red velvet cupcake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting topped with a red fondant heart".  Simple, and delicious. Anyone that likes red velvet cake will love this cupcake! 

Lunchtime Links for August 26th, 2013

• Averie Cooks: Skinny chocolate peanut butter graham fudge pops. 
• Eat, Live, Run: Spaghetti All'Arrabiata. 
• Cookies & Cups: M&M cupcakes. 
• Serious Eats: Spaghetti with Parmesan chicken meatballs. 
• Table for Two: Cheesesteak sandwiches.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Last Saturday my friends M, K, and I spent the sunny afternoon at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair - I've heard about this fair on radio and bus advertisements for years but have never been.  I know most county fairs are big but this one was no joke - it started to feel like Las Vegas, where you walk forever and never seem to find the "end", and you lose all track of time, haha. It was a mix of carnival fun and lots of agricultural stands, events, and of course lots of animals.  I look forward to checking out the fair again sometime!   

Fry all the things!

I don't think this sheep was cold, but probably freshly shorn?

Pig races!

A camel... yeah this fair is just all over the place, haha.

This looks less than appealing (various body parts came to mind when the three of us saw this), but the red velvet funnel cake with cream cheese icing was SO GOOD. 

Lunchtime Links for August 23rd, 2013

•  My Baking Addiction: Biscoff sandwich cookies. 
• Averie Cooks: Peanut butter-swirled cheesecake bars with brown sugar-graham cracker crust.
• Kevin & Amanda: Soft batch peanut butter double fudge brownie cookies. 
• Cookies & Cups: Red velvet cake Krispie treats. 
• Food Fanatic: Peanut butter marshmallow brownies. 

Baskin-Robbins Oreo Nutty Salted Caramel Ice Cream

This past weekend I redeemed my free birthday scoop coupon from Baskin-Robbins while I was running other errands, and I was pleasantly surprised to see their August flavor: Oreo Nutty Salted Caramel.  It's like they knew that I would be coming in in August, haha.

This flavor was awesome, as expected, with lots of Oreo pieces and caramel sauce mixed in throughout.  My scoop had a few pieces of the aforementioned nuts, but not really as much as the Oreo pieces.  As a lover of Oreos and caramel, this was an awesome birthday treat! 

Lunchtime Links for August 22nd, 2013

• Averie Cooks: Reese's Pieces peanut butter fluffernutter cookies with peanut butter buttercream.
• My Baking Addiction: Texas sheet cake. 
• Bakerella: Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: S'more mug cake. 
• A Kitchen Addiction: Salted caramel pumpkin buttercream frosted pumpkin bread. 

Sephora/Benefit Birthday Gift

Every year, I look forward to Sephora's birthday gift, which is available to all Sephora members during the month of their birthday.  This year, the birthday freebie was a cute box of 2 mini Benefit products: They're Real! mascara and Watt's Up? highlighter.  These are a great size for traveling with, and I am looking forward to trying them out! 

Lunchtime Links for August 21st, 2013

• Serious Eats: Chocolate cake doughnuts. 
• Picky Palate: Roasted garlic cauliflower.
• Raspberri Cupcakes: White chocolate Hi-Hat cupcakes with sprinkles. 
• A Kitchen Addiction: Peanut butter chocolate chip cheesecake bars. 
• Brown Eyed Baker: Ultimate chocolate cupcakes.

Coco Sala - Love is in the Eclair

I've always loved the desserts at Coco Sala, and this one is no exception!  and This lovely new dessert, "Love is in the Eclair", is a chocolate and coffee lover's dream: "Glazed pastry filled with chocolate cream, glazed pastry filled with cafe au lait cream, and an affogato with espresso & blonde chocolate gelato".  

M and I tried it out soon after the dessert made its debut, and loved the presentation, especially when the espresso is poured over the gelato once the desserts comes to the table.  I recently had it again when my best friend was visiting, and it was delicious then too, of course!  The eclairs are very light and crisp, and reminded me more of a croissant than a thicker eclair shell.  This is a great addition to the fabulous dessert menu at Coco Sala! 

Lunchtime Links for August 20th, 2013

• Serious Eats: Gooey caramel Twix bars. 
• The Kitchn: Kimchi pancakes. 
• What's Good at Trader Joe's?: Cold brew coffee.
• The Pioneer Woman: Pasta party. 
• Averie Cooks: Peanut butter Nutella pretzel and peanut snack mix. 

Georgetown Cupcake - Peaches & Cream Cupcake

The current special flavors at Georgetown Cupcake for August are: Banana Split, Neapolitan, and this Peaches & Cream cupcake above, mmm.

The Peaches & Cream cupcake consists of a "Classic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake baked with fresh peaches and topped with a peach-infused vanilla buttercream frosting and a fondant peach".

I like that Georgetown Cupcake always tries to incorporate seasonal items in their cupcakes, and this one is no exception.  The cake is studded with lots of little peach chunks and the cupcake itself has a pleasantly peachy scent.  Fruit/cream combos aren't really my favorite but anyone that likes peach pie, peach ice cream, or peaches in general will love this one.  Be sure to try it out before the end of August! 

Lunchtime Links for August 19th, 2013

• Serious Eats: Sweets in Japan. 
• Brown Eyed Baker: Crab bisque.
• Averie Cooks: No-bake peanut butter marshmallow cereal bars. 
• The Pioneer Woman: Cinnamon crisps. 
• Cookies & Cups: Ice cream sundae cookies. 

My Birthday, Woo!

There's really no other way to talk about it without sounding obnoxious, so I might as well go all out - Today is my birthday, woooooooooooooooooo!

I'm planning on going a fun happy hour with friends tonight, and likely indulging in some Shake Shack at some point as well - shocker, haha.

Although this has nothing to do with my birthday, I was recently thinking about an old Jeff Lewis moment that never ceases to crack me up, and Bravo TV really might as well be a gigantic part of my birthday celebration, haha.  So here's an oldie but a goodie - Jeff Lewis flipping out about onions in his lunch, hahaha. I love you crazy Jeff, never change.

Lunchtime Links for August 16th, 2013

• Serious Eats: Salted dark chocolate toffee cookies. 
• Averie Cooks: Peanut butter-swirled fudgy brownies.
• Cookies & Cups: S'mores cheesecake. 
• Brown Eyed Baker: Chocolate marshmallow cookies. 
• Kevin & Amanda: Chocolate peanut butter banana bread mini doughnuts. 

Kate Spade iPad Case

When I found out that I would be getting an iPad for work, I immediately went online window shopping for a new iPad case - priorities, people! 

After looking around both online and in a few stores, I picked out this Chevron iPad folio from Kate Spade - it's super cute and I like that it's a case that also works as an iPad stand.  If anyone else is in the market for a new iPad case, this one is currently on sale!!  

Lunchtime Links for August 15th, 2013

• Picky Palate: Green chili chicken and bacon mac and cheese.
• Kirbie's Cravings: 3 ingredient chocolate ice cream mug cake.
• Serious Eats: Shake Shack's new fresh-cut fries.
• Cookies & Cups: Chocolate chip cookie peanut butter s'mores bars.
• Averie Cooks: Chocolate lover's chocolate chocolate-chip muffins.

Georgetown Cupcake - Summer Sunshine Swirl Cupcake

This free Summer Sunshine Swirl is probably one of the more interesting-looking cupcakes that Georgetown Cupcake has offered, since they normally stick to pretty classic colors.  It's a fun swirl of bright orange and bright yellow-colored frosting, and a multicolored fondant topper.  The cupcake itself is a vanilla cake with vanilla frosting, but it's a cute summery version of a classic flavor!  

Lunchtime Links for August 14th, 2013

• Serious Eats: Ramen-crusted fried chicken.
• How Sweet It Is: Double chocolate cheesecakes cookies.
• Two Peas and Their Pod : Heirloom tomato pesto galette.
• The Live-in Kitchen: Homemade Milano cookies.
• Bake at 350: Goobed-up potato chip cookies.

Haute Papier Haute Box #2

I was excited to receive my second HauteBox from Haute Papier (Box #1 is here) - this shipment had a fun metallics theme!

The Lucite tape dispenser will be perfect for the roll of washi tape that was also included, and the little note cards are great for gifts or just a note to say hello.  I'm keeping one of the mini notebooks in my purse to have for notes when I'm out and about - there's something still nice about writing things down with a pen and paper, in my book. I look forward to the next HauteBox shipment! 

NJ Trip

I'm off to NJ for work for a few days - I hope everyone's having a great start to this week!

Lunchtime Links for August 9th, 2013

• Sweet Basil: Dulce de Leche fluff brownies.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Ultimate Biscoff cake.
• A Kitchen Addiction: Grilled corn salsa.
• Cookies & Cups: Cake batter marshmallows.
• Table for Two: Grilled Caprese pizza.

Shake Shack - SMORSECode... Concrete

Mmm, s'mores!  This is the third concrete flavor at the 7th Street DC location of Shake Shack, and it was as delicious as I expected :o)

The SMORSECode... concrete is a nod to the Spy Museum next door, and consists of chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, and graham crackers from Pollystyle.  The ample graham cracker pieces were definitely my favorite part - they definitely didn't taste like the normal boxed supermarket graham crackers, and added lots of crunch to the dish.  Any s'mores fans will love this concrete! 

Justin Timberlake & Jay Z

I am super excited to be headed to the Justin Timberlake and Jay Z concert tonight, woohoo!  I have been listening to both of their new albums recently but I'm still hoping for lots of their old songs, fingers crossed!

Side note: a while back Jay Z officially deleted the hyphen from his name, or rather, "sold it"? Sure, this man can do pretty much whatever he wants to at this point, haha.

Lunchtime Links for August 7th, 2013

• Kirbie's Cravings: No bake strawberry Nutella tiramisu cake.
• Picky Palate: Mac n' cheese.
• Cookies & Cups: Salted Nutella butter bars.
• Raspberri Cupcakes: Chocolate mousse tart with chocolate chip cookie crust.
• Averie Cooks: Nutella-swirled peanut butter chip blondies.

Pabu Izakaya - Baltimore, MD

A while back my friend E, her husband S and I enjoyed a great dinner at Pabu Izakaya inside the Four Seasons in Baltimore.  The space is really pretty, and the menu was a great mix of familiar Asian flavors with a modern twist.  All of our dishes were beautifully presented, and delicious - especially those Berkshire pork ribs, yum. I can't wait to go back again and try more of their dishes!

Amberjack sashimi

Berkshire pork country ribs

Ahi tuna poke

Robata Platter - 5 assorted skewers, garlic butter rice

Dessert Omakase - Mango panna cotta, green tea-lemon Genoise, rose mochi ice cream, lemongrass brown butter bonbon

Soy caramel chocolate pudding

Pabu Izakaya

Four Seasons Baltimore

725 Aliceanna Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

410.223.1460

Lunchtime Links for August 6th, 2013

• Two Peas and Their Pod: Tomato, peach, and Burrata salad.
• A Kitchen Addiction: Monster cookie dough ice cream.
• The Pioneer Woman: Philly cheesesteaks.
• How Sweet It Is: Chipotle lime grilled chicken skewers with avocado ranch.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Heirloom tomato and mozzarella tart.

Sprinkles - Maple Bacon Cupcake

Bacon. Need we say more? Harnessing bacon’s unique umami taste, Sprinkles serves up our first savory cupcake. Thick, smoky bacon is baked to a crisp and woven into our Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cake. Topped with rich, buttery maple cream cheese frosting, you will be convinced that everything tastes better with Maple Bacon!

September 6 to 22

I am SO THERE.

Lunchtime Links for August 5th, 2013

• The Live-In Kitchen: Peanut butter pretzel cookies. 
• Steamy Kitchen: Roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet chili sauce.
• How Sweet It Is: No bake s'mores cheesecakes.
• The Kitchn: Birthday cake marshmallows with sprinkles.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Latte ice pops.

Georgetown Cupcake - Shark Week Chocolate Cupcake

I'm not a big fanatic about Shark Week like lots of other people are, but I can always appreciate a fun "new" Georgetown cupcake commemorating it, haha! 

This is a chocolate cake topped with a light blue vanilla frosting, and a giant Shark Week fondant topper.  The frosting is the same as the Baby Blue ones that I have blogged about before, and it's a fun little change from their normal frosting colors.  For those of you that do look forward to Shark Week every year, I hope you enjoy it! 

Lunchtime Links for August 2nd, 2013

• Serious Eats: San Francisco ferry building.
• Averie Cooks: Chocolate covered microwave peanut brittle.
• The Pioneer Woman: French bread pizzas.
• Brown Eyed Baker: Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. 
• Cookies and Cups: Brownie bottom ice cream cake.

Georgetown Cupcake - August Flavors

This month brings us THREE specialty flavors at Georgetown Cupcake, woohoo!

The August flavors are:

- Banana Split: Fresh banana cupcake with a fudge core topped with a vanilla cream cheese frosting, a fudge drizzle, hazelnuts, rainbow bobbles, and a maraschino cherry

- Peaches & Cream: Classic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake baked with fresh peaches and topped with a peach-infused vanilla buttercream frosting and a fondant peach

- Neapolitan: Classic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake with “twisted” chocolate buttercream and strawberry buttercream with a pink fondant flower

I'm especially excited for the Neapolitan to be offered every day - it was recently a free secret flavor and I loved it! 

Lunchtime Links for August 1st, 2013

• How Sweet It Is: Honey grilled watermelon Caprese salad.
• Eat, Live, Run: Coffee pancakes.
• Serious Eats: Clams with linguini, garlic, and summer tomatoes.
• I Heart Naptime: Homemade Reese's doughnuts.
• The Kitchn: Backyard s'mores party.

Shake Shack - August Custard Menu

It's time for another fun month of custard flavors at Shake Shack!

Monday: Strawberry Cheesecake
Tuesday: Malted Marshmallow Milk Chocolate
Wednesday: Apricot Jam Cookie
Thursday: Caramel Popcorn
Friday: Fromage Blanc Raspberry Swirl
Saturday: Boston Cream Pie
Sunday: Blueberry Sweet Corn

I am definitely intrigued by Tuesday, Thursday, and I might even let my dislike of blueberry slide for the sake of trying the corn one on Sunday, haha.