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Saturday, September 6, 2014

Odds & Ends

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1. What's the Difference Between Dutch Process and Natural Cocoa Powder? I know there's a difference and even so, I never really paid attention to which was called for in a recipe, usually defaulting to what I had on hand. I've since bookmarked this article and will be referencing it in the future, especially after seeing the pictures of the chocolate cake and chocolate pudding that were made with each--it pays to use the right kind!


2. By far the worst part of my daily routine is packing my lunch. I grumble about the five minute task, which I realize is silly, but it's by far my least favorite chore each evening. Thanks to Babybel, it was a little easier this past week, since they sent me some cheeses and a handy little bento lunchbox to pack in. I loved assembling a "snack plate" of sorts, with Babybel cheese (the original is my favorite!) and crackers, some fruit, and some veggies. It's nice to have one container instead of several although, let's be honest, I eat WAY more than this during the day while at work! My little sister is reading over my shoulder as I write this and we're both laughing about how we love to play with the wax that the cheese comes wrapped in. Food that you can play with? Even better!
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3. I want to give a shoutout to the Nike Training Club App today! It's my go-to app when I'm traveling and want to stay consistent with a lifting workout (I use it at home too, but am more likely to use YouTube or lifting videos I own). I can usually find space in the fitness room at the hotel I'm staying at to plop down a mat, my iPhone, and a set of weights and get to work. Prior to this I would half-heartedly do a few moves I could remember off the top of my head and call it good; I like that there are a ton of workouts to choose from, depending on what I'm looking for, and that they keep me motivated!

4. Yesterday was my mom's actual birthday, but we actually celebrated last weekend while we were home visiting. I cooked a pretty awesome meal if I do say so myself, full of new recipes (some of which I plan to remake and share with you!). For dessert, however, I stuck to an old favorite--my go-to chocolate cake [Dark Chocolate Cake with Hot Chocolate Buttercream]. I have yet to find a more perfect chocolate cake and I made it more special this time by spreading salted caramel sauce between the two cake layers instead of the buttercream. Definitely give this a try if you're a caramel fan!

One Year Ago: Marinated Summer Vegetables
Two Years Ago: Tomato, Arugula, Cheddar Egg Sandwiches
Three Years Ago: Green Salad with Spiced Walnuts
Four Years Ago: Basil Ice Cream
Five Years Ago: Greek Salad

Friday, September 5, 2014

Breakfast Quesadillas [with Scrambled Eggs and Vegetables]


Breakfast Quesadillas | The Sweets Life
Breakfast Quesadillas 
It's inevitable. Every time I make enchiladas, I end up with a few spare tortillas, taking up space in my cheese drawer. Sometimes I get my act together and turn them into cinnamon sugar chips to eat with fruit salsa, but more often than not they sit untouched and forgotten, until I make enchiladas, buying another pack of tortillas, and guiltily tossing the old ones. Forgotten tortillas, no more! Instead turn that handful of spares into breakfast quesadillas. We eat them for brunch or dinner, with whatever other spare ingredients we can scrounge up. The premise is simple: make a batch of scrambled eggs, with as many or as little mix-ins as you'd like, then sandwich the eggs between two tortillas with a hefty sprinkle of cheese and you have yourself breakfast quesadillas!
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Breakfast Quesadillas | The Sweets Life
The combination I've made most recently, and what you'll find here today, has a bit of a Mexican flair, with bell peppers and spinach, spiced with cumin and chile powder. We prefer them with sour cream and an avocado tomato salsa, but you're free to make these your own. We've thrown in black beans, bacon, even leftover brats! The key is to add cheese on both sides of the quesadilla (under and on top of the egg mixture) to give it some sticking power when you cut into triangles! We might call them breakfast quesadillas, but they're a favorite for lunch or dinner in our house too. Don't ever let those spare tortillas get lost in the fridge again.
Breakfast Quesadillas | The Sweets Life
 In other news, I have to give a shout-out to my mom today on her 50th birthday! The first time I made these was actually with her, so it’s appropriate that they’re posted on her birthday, especially since cooking together is one of my favorite ways to spend time with her! Love you mom!

One Year Ago: Jalapeño Lime Slaw
Five Years Ago: Greek Salad