TV Trailer | Waffle + Mochi

Recently I was sent the synopsis of the upcoming Netflix series Waffle + Mochi (2021 - Present) which is being produced in part by Michelle and Barack Obama. And because I basically fell in love after watching the trailer, I had to share it with all of you.

Official Website | Instagram | Twitter | #WafflesAndMochi

Once upon a thyme, deep in The Land of Frozen Food, lived two best friends named Waffles and Mochi with one shared dream: to become chefs! The only problem? Everything they cooked was made of ice. When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime. With the help of friendly new faces like the supermarket owner, Mrs. Obama, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities. Whether they’re picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends. Waffles + Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe. 

Format: Single Camera (Live Action)
Episodes: 10 x 20 minutes
Showrunners: Erika Thormahlen & Jeremy Konner
Executive Producers: Erika Thormahlen, Jeremy Konner, Tonia Davis, Priya Swaminathan, Barack and Michelle Obama
Production Company: Higher Ground Productions
Featuring: Michelle Obama
Puppeteers: Michelle Zamora (Waffles), Russ Walko (Mochi and Intercommy), Jonathan Kidder (Busy), Diona Elise Burnett (Steve the Mop and voice of Magicart), Taleia Gilliam (Shelfie), Andy Hayward (puppet swing), Piotr Michael (voice of Mochi), George Konner (voice of Intercommy)

C'mon, how cute does this show look?! I honestly cannot wait for it to start airing on March 16th so I can watch it with my sister and Mimi. I think Mimi will absolutely love watching it because she is always pretending to cook in her toy kitchen and is always asking whomever she is in the actual kitchen with if she can help them cook. Plus, I think my sister and I will really enjoy it too -- When we were little little there was no Food Network or Cooking Channel, so we would watch cooking shows on PBS and pretend to cook right along with Lidia Bastianich, Mary Ann Esposito, Ming Tsai, etc. So Waffle + Mochi would have 100% been right up our alley (It still is, we both still LOVE cooking shows).

What do you think? Are you going to watch Waffle + Mochi with a child in your family or on your own? Let me know!

Cookin' Librarian | Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Earlier in the week I posted a picture on Instagram of the dinner I had made for myself and Justin, as a result a handful of people asked me for the recipe. So I thought that I'd type it up and post it even though the majority of my cooking I do to taste, which is why there are no amounts on certain ingredients.

• Quinoa • Chicken or Vegetable Stock • Chick Peas • Red Onion • 

• Cherry Tomatoes • Arugula • Dill • Garlic • Chives • Scallions • 

• Plain Greek Yogurt • Olive Oil • Feta Cheese • Black Pepper • Salt •

Dressing Instructions
• In a blender add 6 oz of plain Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, dill, scallions, chives, salt and olive oil
• Blend until smooth
• Set aside

Quinoa Instructions
• Pour desired amount of quinoa into a sauce pan and add double the amount of stock
• Place over a medium heat and bring to the boil
• Reduce to a simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is absorbed
• Pour quinoa into a serving bowl and let cool
• Rinse and drain a 15.5 oz can of chick peas
• Finely chop the red onion, dill and chives
• Quarter the cherry tomatoes
• Rinse and dry the arugula
• Add all of the ingredients, including the desired amount of dressing, to the bowl with the cooled quinoa and stir until combined

This salad can be eaten at room temperature or cold.

Cookin' Librarian/Day Drinking | Holiday Treats...

For those of you that might need last minute holiday treats that are pretty easy, here are a few that  Day and I made her coworkers as gifts...

Manhattan Cocktail Truffles

Ingredients

• 8 Ounces Bittersweet Chocolate -- Chopped 
• 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream 
• 3 Tablespoons Rye Whiskey ← Day and I added more
• 1 Tablespoon, Plus 2 Teaspoons Sweet Vermouth ← We forgot to buy vermouth
• 18 to 20 Maraschino Cherries -- Stems Removed

Optional Additions

• 6 Dashes Angostura Bitters 
• Cocoa Powder
• Colored Sugar
• Sprinkles

Directions

1. Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the heavy cream to another microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High until boiling, about 2 minutes. Pour over the chocolate; let side 5 minutes, then stir until melted. Stir in 1 tablespoon rye, 2 teaspoons sweet vermouth and 3 dashes angostura bitters, if using. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. 
2. Meanwhile, put the remaining 2 tablespoons rye, 1 tablespoon sweet vermouth, 3 dashes angostura bitters, if using, and maraschino cherries in a small bowl. Let soak 1 hour; drain and pat dry. 
3. For each truffle, mold a small spoonful of chocolate mixture around 1 cherry, smoothing to cover completely; roll between your hands to form a ball. Roll in cocoa powder/colored sugar/sprinkles, if using. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to package and serve.

No-Bake Baileys Bonbons

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons Baileys ← Day and I added more
• 10 Ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips  
• 2 Tablespoons Butter  
• 0.5 Cup, Plus 1 Tablespoon Heavy Cream

Optional Additions

• Sprinkles
• Cocoa Powder

Directions

1. Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the heavy cream and butter to another microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High until boiling, about 2 minutes. Pour over the chocolate; let side 5 minutes, then stir until melted. Stir in 3 tablespoons of Baileys. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. 
2. For each bonbon,roll between your hands to form a ball. Roll in cocoa powder/sprinkles, if using. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to package and serve.

If you try the recipes lemme know how they turned out!! Happy holidays!!!

Cookin' Librarian | Lobster & Shrimp Pot Pie...

Since posting the picture of the Valentine's Day meal I made for myself and Justin, I've had a lot of people ask me how I made it. So I thought I'd just do a quick post with the recipe.

Unfortunately like 99% of the things I cook there is no exact recipe because I eyeball everything. But here is a rough recipe for all of you...

• Lobster Tails • Jumbo Shrimp • Carrots • Celery • Onion • Shallots • Garlic • Potatoes •
• Seafood Stock • Heavy Cream • Tarragon • Chives • Puff Pastry • Flour • Egg •

Instructions
• Preheat oven to 375°.
• Clean and devein the shrimp and lobster tails. Set aside.
• Mince three cloves of garlic and a whole shallot.
• Chop the carrots, celery, onion and potatoes into bit size pieces.
• Saute the carrots, celery, onion, shallot and garlic in a pot.
• In a separate pot, boil the chopped potatoes until fork tender and drain. Set aside.
• Add seafood stock to the pot with the sauteed vegetables. Bring to a boil.
• Add in the potatoes that were set aside, as well as the heavy cream.
• Chop the tarragon and chives, then add to the mixture in the pot.
• Take a ladle full of the hot liquid and whisk in two tablespoons of flour to make a slurry.
• Pour the slurry into the boiling pot and let boil for a couple of minutes until thick.
• Add lobster and shrimp meat. Stir.
• Take the mixture and ladle into ramekins.
• Cut puff pastry into squares. Put two pieces on top of each ramekin. Score with a knife, then egg wash.
• Place ramekins on top of a baking sheet. Place in oven and bake until the puff pastry is golden brown.
• Let sit for five minutes once out of the oven.
• Garnish with chives and enjoy!

Optional Step
Take the shells from the lobster and shrimp, as well as the bits of vegetables and put them in a pot with just enough water to cover them and boil for thirty or so minutes to make your own broth -- Which is what I did.

If you try out my recipe lemme know!

Cooking & Watching A Movie | The Boy Next Door...

If you follow me on Instagram you know that about a week or so ago I got an advance copy of the Jennifer Lopez movie The Boy Next Door (2015), which is actually coming out tomorrow April 28th on DVD/Blu-Ray, and last night I finally got a chance to watch it as I was making dinner -- Thank you Lisa for reminding me that I have a DVD player in my kitchen.

And I must say I really enjoyed this movie and that being said, going into it I didn't think I would. So I was completely surprised how engrossed I was with it. I actually took my sweet time prepping all of the ingredients so I could stand in front of the television to watch it. I unfortunately had to stop in the middle because I finished cooking, but as soon as we were done eating I went right back into our kitchen and was standing up, leaning on the counter watching the rest of it. And when I was done I walked into the living room to Justin, who was watching the Subway Series, and I went on and on about how I ended up liking it.

For those of you that don't know what the movie is about, here is the official synopsis...

Jennifer Lopez (Maid in Manhattan, Out of Sight, Monster-in-Law, The Wedding Planner) stars as Claire Peterson, a high school literature teacher struggling to get back in the dating game after separating from her cheating husband (John Corbett, TV's Parenthood and United States of Tara). When handsome and charismatic 19-year-old Noah (Ryan Guzman, Step Up series, TV's Pretty Little Liars) moves in next door, Claire has a moment of weakness that leads to an extremely intense and intimate night together. Noah's attraction quickly turns into a dangerous, violent obsession, forcing Claire to her limits as she protects her world from being torn apart.

Rated: R       Genre: Thriller       Run Time: 93 Minutes

But yeah, it was good! I'd totally recommend watching it. If you do, lemme know!

And for those wondering, I made lemon ricotta raviolis in a lemon sage parmesan cream sauce with sauteed onions, garlic, burnt broccoli, mushrooms and dollops of ricotta -- Justin's had prosciutto.

FYI - It was really yummy and I highly recommend trying Trader Joe's lemon ricotta raviolis.

Forgotten Photos: DSLR & GoPro Edition...

Hispanic Heritage Month, Recipes & A Chef Merito Spice Basket Giveaway...

Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Monday (September 15th-October 15th) and what better way to celebrate than with food -- Which for those of you of Hispanic or Latin decent know is one of the main ways to celebrate any and everything. So I have some recipes for you from the wonderful people over at Chef Merito (For those of you unfamiliar with Chef Merito, it is a family-owned business that feature a full line of special seasonings, spices and herbs. Their products combine only the freshest and highest quality spices and are dedicated to enhance authentic Latin American, Mexican, and Spanish cuisine), as well as a giveaway!

Unfortunately I don't have time to cook anything and show you how I'd cook the recipes I've decided to share because I'm leaving for Greece, but I promise you when I get back I'll bust out my spices and show you some of their other recipes because there are a bunch that I'd love to try. So for right now here are some of Chef Merito's recipe cards...

You guys know I don't eat meat, but I had to share Chef Merito's Cuban Steak recipe because it is one of my family's favorite dishes. Whenever I'm at a Cuban restaurant at least one member of my family orders it and it's a treat at my parents' house when my dad makes it.

And for people like me who don't eat meat, Chef Merito's Ceviche recipe might be up your alley.

If you'd like to check out any more of their recipes click here or if you have your own, I'd love to hear about them -- I'm always looking for something new to cook.

Now on to the giveaway...

One (1) reader will be receiving a Chef Merito gift basket similar to the one below.

This is a standard Rafflecopter giveaway. In order to be the lucky winner you must leave a comment below about your favorite Latin American, Mexican, Spanish, etc. cuisine and follow this blog using Google Friend Connect. You can gain additional entries by doing a number of other tasks listed in the widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

••••••••••••••••• CONTEST ENDS SEPTEMBER 24th AT MIDNIGHT •••••••••••••••••

This post and giveaway were sponsored but I did not receive monetary compensation. I'll be receiving my own Chef Merito Basket identical to the winners. 

50 Random Facts About Me...

1. I kept the parking receipt from the day Justin proposed to me
2. I have mini internal panic attacks when other people try to bag my groceries for me.
3. I know more about baseball than I would like to admit (Damn Justin forcing me to watch the Mets).
4. After having LASIK I now have "bad" 20/20 vision.
5. I don't have my own computer at home but I have a 27" iMac on my desk at work.
6. I suffer from "Low Battery Anxiety Disorder" and thus I carry a wall charger, as well as two external battery chargers (One is solar powered), with me at all times.
7. I love sitting in bed with a cup of tea watching ghost shows (ex. Ghost Adventures & Dead Files).
8. My nose is pierced & it has been for almost nine years.
9. I hate eBooks and refuse to help patrons with their eReaders.
10. I have accidentally worn black pajama pants to work.
11. I love anything that tastes like black truffles.
12. Because I take so many pictures of things on my desk at work and post them here or on Instagram, I don't have any pictures of Justin anywhere you'd be able to see.
13. I basically use my iPad for playing Candy Crush & going on Pinterest, that's it.
14. There is always unsweetened cold brew tea in my fridge.
15. Justin and I have been together longer than one of his sisters has been alive.
16. I like to take a "mental health" day or two on the beach during the summer in lieu of going to work.
17. I cook dinner four days a week.
18. Before Nella I hated dogs. 
19. I own more than five Scrabble boards.
20. I crack my knuckles. 
21. Victorian death photos fascinate me but Justin won't let me have any.
22. I love raw tuna but hate it fully cooked.
23. If you want me to do something, you can bribe me with fancy cheese.
24. There are 45+ photo apps on my iPhone, no I don't use them all.
25. I don't eat chicken but I will cook it for Justin.
26. When I'm really bored at work and no one is around I make Snapchat videos of puppets singing random song and send them to all of my friends (We have a lot of puppets). 
27. I have almost forty 1st cousins on my mother's side of the family & I am one of the "younger" ones. 
28. I drink at least two cups of tea a day.
29. My friends in college once thought that the local liquor store gave me a membership card because of all of the alcohol that I bought* -- It was actually a scratch off I got myself.
30. According to my sister I am my parents' favorite child.
31. I have a mini Madeline doll on my desk.
32. My favorite mixed drink is an amaretto sour but they give me heartburn if i have too many.
33. I have four name tags at work that all say different names & titles on them, that I refuse to wear.
34. I only have 1.4 GB left on my 32 GB iPhone 5 and because of that I can't wait for the iPhone 6 (Or whatever the hell they are going to call it) to come out so I can upgrade to a 64 GB phone.
35. I have a scar in my belly button from when I had my gallbladder removed.
36. I would one day like to own a replica Weeping Angel statue from Doctor Who.
37. Mozzarella sticks are my favorite fried food.
38. I collect old buttons.
39. MAC Kanga Rouge is my favorite lipstick of all time.
40. I never look at my work schedule and come in when I think I should.
41. Since having LASIK I've gone sunglasses crazy and own over twenty pairs.
42. I only recently discovered how amazing dishwashers are.
43. Justin and I have a closet full of bottles and cans we need to recycle.
44. When I'm bored during my lunch break I go to the local drugstore and buy makeup I don't need.
45. I have a Hello Kitty dress up magnet on my desk and I change her outfits depending on the season.
46. I had to change my travel plans for 2014 because Justin proposed to me. I was planning on going to Spain and Portugal with Erin and Day but that's not happening now.
47. Thirty-four is my favorite number.
48. I don't have any pictures later than 1984 framed around my apartment.
49. I want to try my hand at vlogging and am going to attempt to vlog an upcoming trip.
50. I love lamp... Just kidding.

* I bought a lot of alcohol in college but it wasn't all for me

Cookin' Librarian: Tortilla Soup...

About a month and a half ago I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner, and after searching through Pinterest forever I decided that I wanted to try my hand at tortilla soup. Unfortunately I didn't really care for any of the recipes I saw, so I thought I'd take the basic ingredients and add whatever the hell else I wanted and this is what I came up with...

• Flour Tortillas • Olive Oil • Chicken Broth • Heavy Cream • Onion • Avocado •

• Green Bell Pepper • Garlic • Lime • Tomatillos • Cilantro • Black Pepper • Taco Seasoning •

• Goya Adobo • Goya Sazonador Total • Goya Sazón • Cumin • Oregano • Bay Leaves •

• Goya Reduced Sodium Black Bean Soup • Goya Chick Peas • 

• Chi-Chi's Green Chilies • Muir Glen Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes •

• Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn • Herdez Salsa Verde • Cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat olive oil in a pot

2. Chop onions, green pepper, tomatillos & cilantro

3. Sauté chopped onions and peppers until soft

4. Remove half of the sautéd vegetables and put into a blender

5. Pour entire carton of chicken broth into the pot, as well as the entire can of diced tomatoes

6. Add cracked black pepper, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, Goya Adobo, Goya Sazonador Total, Goya Sazón, salsa verde, taco seasoning, cilantro & half of the chopped tomatillos into the pot and stir well

7. Drain off the black beans, chick peas & corn

8. Pour a little more than half of the drained black beans & chick peas into the pot and the rest into the blender

9. In a dry hot pan roast the drained corn kernels, once roasted to your liking put half in the pot & half in the blender

10. Dip two tortillas into the broth mixture and put into the blender

11. Add a ladle full of the broth into the blender and blend all of the ingredients together

12. Add blended mixture, a splash of heavy cream and lime juice into the pot and stir

13. Cut two tortillas into strips, toast until golden

14. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, green chilies & toasted tortilla strips

15. Enjoy

If you try out my tortilla soup lemme know!

NOTE: This was NOT sponsored by Goya or any of the other products mentioned above, I just prefer the products mentioned. Though Goya should sponsor me because I buy more Goya than any other brand product.

August Blogging Challenge: Day 10...

My absolute favorite recipe this summer has been Greek quinoa. I make it at least once a week and Justin and I just eat every last bit of it up every time I make it. It's great for lunch, dinner or even as a snack on the beach. It's filling, delicious, etc.

• 1 Cup Quinoa • 2 Cups Vegetable Stock • Olive Oil •

• Red Onion • Grape Tomatoes • Chick Peas • Feta •

• Baby Spinach • Kalamata Olives • Lemon • Pepper •

1. Bring the two cups of vegetable stock (You can use chicken stock if you'd like) to a boil
2. Add one cup of quinoa to the boiling stock
3. Cook for about fifteen minutes or until the liquid is absorbed
4. While the quinoa is cooking chop the onion, tomatoes and olives & set aside
5. Once the quinoa is cooked put into a container
6. Add baby spinach and stir it in until it wilts
7. Add in chopped red onion, chick peas, olives and tomatoes the juice of one lemon, a tablespoon of olive oil & black pepper to taste
8. Mix everything together and put in the refrigerator to cool down
9. When cooled add in feta
10. Eat cold or leave it out until it is room temperature
11. Enjoy!

Sunday Social...

1. If You Could Only Eat One Thing For The Rest Of Your Life, What Would It Be?
Seeing as I am a fat chick this is a difficult question to answer. Hmm... I'd definitely have to go with Moro y Christianos (You might know it as Congri) which is a Cuban black bean and rice dish.

2. What’s Your Guilty Pleasure/Comfort Food?
Homemade nachos. I make my own chips out of flour tortillas and sprinkle them with cayenne pepper and Goya Adobo as they come out of the oil. I put them in a tray with various cheeses, black beans, pickled and fresh jalapenos, and then bake it all together until everything is melted. Once everything is baked to my liking I top it with scallions, salsa, sour cream and more fresh jalapenos.

3. What’s The Weirdest/Craziest Thing You’ve Ever Eaten?
I don't think I eat weird things, especially since I have odd textural issues when it comes to food. 

4. What Foods Do You Avoid At All Costs?
Beef. I do not eat beef. I have never liked it and I will not touch it.

5. What Meal Reminds You Of Your Childhood?
Buttered elbow macaroni with chunks of Polly-O mozzarella. My Abuela made it for me all the time.

6. Share One Of Your Favorite Recipes & The Story Behind It.
I absolutely love the BLT pizza from California Pizza Kitchen and I since going there all the time is kind of a pain I decided to try and make my own.

• Pizza Dough • Oscar Meyer Fully Cooked Bacon • Shredded Mozzarella •

• Iceberg Lettuce • Tomato • Mayo • Olive Oil • Black Pepper • Garlic Powder • Salt •

1. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil
2. Coat the covered pan with three tablespoons of olive oil
3. Sprinkle garlic powder and salt to taste on greased pan
4. Stretch pizza dough to desired thickness -- I like mine super thin
5. Sprinkle dough with more garlic powder and salt to taste
6. Cover with dough with shredded mozzarella, bacon and slices of tomato
7. Bake until golden brown and cut into slices
8. Shred iceberg lettuce
9. Mix lettuce with two tablespoons of mayo and black pepper to taste
10. Put mayo lettuce mixture on top of the pizza and enjoy

Everyone I have ever made this for has loved it. It is one of the most requested food I make.

Lemme know if you try the recipe out!

Cookin' Librarian: Quinoa Salad...

• 1 Cup Quinoa • 2 Cups Vegetable Stock • Olive Oil •

• Red Onion • Grape Tomatoes • Asparagus • Lemon • Salt • Pepper •

1. Bring the two cups of vegetable stock (You can use chicken stock if you'd like) to a boil
2. Add one cup of quinoa to the boiling stock
3. Cook for about fifteen minutes or until the liquid is absorbed
4. While the quinoa is cooking chop up half of the red onion and set aside
5. Once the quinoa is cooked put into a container
6. Add chopped red onion, the juice of one lemon, a tablespoon of olive oil & black pepper to taste
7. Mix everything together and put in the refrigerator over night
8. Take the mixture out with enough time before eating so that it is room temperature
9. Cook asparagus to your liking (I like mine barely cooked), shock in ice water and cut into pieces
10. Cut grape tomatoes into quarters and add to the mixture along with the asparagus
11. Enjoy

Lemme know if you try my little quinoa salad!

Arrested Development & Frozen Bananas...

Yesterday Justin, Phil, another friend of ours and I finally got around to watching the new season on Arrested Development on Netflix and in honor of a new season after seven years I decided to make frozen banana's for us to eat while we were watching the new episodes.

• Bananas • Popsicle/Craft Sticks •

• Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips • Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips •

• Heath Bar • Chopped Pecans •

1. Cut bananas in half ← I used one banana per person
2. Stick popsicle/craft stick into the flat portion of the banana
3. Put the bananas into the freezer

4. Chop up your toppings of choice, place in bowls and set aside
5. Cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil or wax paper and set aside
6. Using a small sauce pan boil some water
7. In a mixing bowl that fits into the sauce pan put in a small mixture of both types of chocolate chips ← From past chocolate covered mistakes I've learned to melt the chocolate in small batches so it doesn't get clumpy & gross
8. Place the mixing bowl on top of the sauce pan and stir the chocolate chips until melted
9. Dip frozen bananas in melted chocolate one at a time

10. Immediately cover with toppings and place on the lined sheet pan
11. Put covered bananas back into the freezer
12. Take out ten minutes before serving and enjoy

That's Justin's hand in the picture, he couldn't wait to try a banana

Cookin' Librarian: Apple & Cheese Sandwich...

One of my favorite sandwiches to make myself is an apple and cheese sandwich. And since I made one for myself earlier I thought that I'd share the recipe with you, even though it is really silly and easy...

• Sharp Cheddar • Granny Smith Apple • Whole Wheat Bread •

• Mayo • Garlic Powder • Black Pepper •

1. Toast bread to your desired level of toastedness
2. Spread on mayo
3. Sprinkle with garlic powder and crack black pepper *
4. Cut cheddar and add an even layer to each slice of the toasted bread
5. Cut apple and pile on desired amount on one slice of bread
6. Cover with other slice of toasted bread
7. Cut and enjoy

It's a super simple recipe but it's super yummy. If you try it lemme know!

* = I sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper on the mayo because I didn't have my favorite cheese to use to make the sandwich, which is a garlic chive cheese from my local farmers market. When I have that particular cheese I skip doing this because it is already garlicy enough.

Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie...

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Banana • 1 Cup of Strawberries •
• 1-1/2 Cups of Baby Spinach • 1/2 Cup of Almond Milk •
• Ice (I had frozen Almond Milk That I Used) • Vanilla Agave to Taste •

Take all of the ingredients, throw it in a blender and blend away (I'm too lazy to do anything but cut the green part of the strawberries off). It's super easy, gross looking but very yummy. If you want you can add protein powder, flax seeds or what have you -- I would have added all of these things if I would have had some in the house, I need to make a run to the health food store.

Do you guys have any favor smoothie recipes? If you do lemme know and I'll try it!

Easter Dinner With Both Families...

You'd think that since Justin and I have been dating for over ten years that we would have had tons of family dinner with both of our families, but no we had our first combined family dinner today for Easter.

This whole thing came about because Justin's mother is one to "take on strays" and while we were over her house last weekend she found out that we still have stuff in our dinning room from downstairs (Our den still isn't fixed after Hurricane Sandy) and she insisted that I invite my parents over for dinner. And surprisingly they said yes.

So fast forward to today... Justin, my sister and I got over to Justin's mother's house early (My dad works on Sundays, so he and my mother came later on in the afternoon) so that I could start preparing all of the food for dinner and force my sister and Justin to help me. And boy did we prep a lot of food -- I made tons of guava puffs for dessert, fried eggplant with goat cheese, antipasto salad, spinach fish and lemon rice.

My parents got to Justin's mother's house a little after 3:00pm and almost immediately Justin's stepfather got my father into his music room and they disappeared for what seemed like forever -- They missed out on my awesome fried eggplant, pull apart bread and drinks, while they were jamming away.

At some point we had Justin's sister call them into the dinning room because we were going to start on the antipasto. Once we got them into the room we all sat down and just ate, chit chatted, etc. It was nice.

Overall dinner went extremely well. Everyone was on their best behavior (I was worried about my family because we don't typically behave well) and it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves -- Not that I honestly care very much because it's not like I want Justin's mom and stepfather to be my parents best friends. But yeah, I hope I don't have to do that again anytime soon just because it was tiring.

I hope that all of you had a happy Easter if you celebrated it! And if not, I just you had a nice Sunday!

March 2nd Photo-A-Day...

March 2nd: I Made This!
I made lunch for myself and Justin! It's toasted slices of ciabatta bread rubbed with raw garlic and topped with goat cheese, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Super easy and super yummy.

Twenty-Five Things That Make Me Happy...

After everything that has happened in the last month and a half (My mom being in the hospital, me getting sick, cutting my finger open on New Year's Day, etc) I figured it was time to think happy thoughts and start being more positive again. So here is my attempt to start doing so, I give you my newest list of twenty-five things that make me happy...

1. Finding money with a Where's George stamp on it
2. Tea parties
3. Seeing that I have a comment on one of my blog posts
4. Laying in a bed, watching TV & drinking wine with Erin & Maria
5. Buying a new journal/notebook to write and doodle in
6. Footie pajamas
7. My daily greeting from Nella when I get home from work
8. Heated blankets
9. Knowing the first thing out of Phil's mouth when he calls me is "¡Hola Bitchtits!" (Weird I know...)
10. Doctor Who references
11. Finding a hidden can of Diet Cherry Pepsi in the fridge
12. Glitter
13. Staying in & playing video games with my boys
14. Long hugs from Justin
15. Finding a new place that makes French macaroons
16. My friend's kids
17. Knowing that searching Pinterest at work is considered doing work
18. Cooking for people
19. Headbutts from Erin's cat Star
20. Surprise visits from my friends while I'm at work
21. Getting mail
22. Homemade Rice Krispie Treats
23. Incorporate my random knowledge into everyday conversations (I know a lot of stupid things)
24. When kids at the library draw me pictures
25. Fondue

I'd love to know what makes you happy, leave me a comment bellow and let me know!

<center> <br><a href="http://misfitlibrariansadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/twenty-five-things-that-make-me-happy.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Adventures of a Misfit Librarian" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h330/misfitlibrarian/Untitled-14.png"/></a></center> <br>