Cupcakes and Cookies Oh My!

Before my sister's graduation last week, I was in search of something "sweet" to give her after the big ceremony that was something different from flowers.  Since I was in the neighborhood I stopped by Sugar Bakery to see what they had.  Plus, I can't resist stopping by to see all of the delicious cupcake flavors that they change on a daily basis.  I definitely came home with a huge bag filled with treats after my visit. 

Besides the celebratory cookies for my sister, I also came home with four cupcakes for my husband: chocolate & peanut butter, chocolate mint, boston cream, and banana.  Ok, I tasted one or two to make sure they were good.  Really.

Sunny Days Lead to Flushing

This past weekend my husband and I took my mother in law to Flushing, Queens for a little road trip.  It's been a while since we've driven there, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather (despite super allergies).  We always debate whether or not to try a new Korean barbecue restaurant, but no matter what we end up at the same place; small and quaint but the food is consistently delicious. 

Getting the grill ready and some of the side dishes.

The usual kim chi side dish.  Cannot be missed.

After our (huge) meal, we decided to walk a few blocks to see some of the shops and restaurants in the area.  Definitely a good way to wake up.  When we thought we were "up to here" with food, we stumbled upon a little cute Korean bakery that had an overwhelming amount of pastries, breads, cakes, and donuts galore.  It was way too good to pass up.

Me with my tray

Danishes and donuts

Not sure what they are, but they're cute and tiny and look decadent.

Gluten free treats dripped in chocolate

Can't resist some chocolate bread

A box full of treats

After gawking at all of the pastries and goodies at the bakery, we bought a few (ok, a box full) to take home to try.  We then went to the Korean grocery store where my mother in law bought her groceries that she wouldn't be able to easily find back home.  

With the trunk full of groceries and pastries, we headed back to Connecticut...and traffic. Yay.

All in a day's trip to (Queens) New York.

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Egg-celent

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely not a morning person.  Even though I have a routine, it takes me forever to get things done and moving until I've had some caffeine.  A part of that routine is eating breakfast.  They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as far as I am concerned "they" are right.  Since I have to have something in the morning or else the rest of my day is shot.  One of my most recent recipe finds is making egg white muffins that could be made ahead and eaten during the week.  Thanks to Shana of ColorBlind for making up this very easy recipe which could be recreated with different toppings, and instead of egg whites it can certainly be made with whole eggs.  My hubby was all for it, so I made it a point to make sure I made a pan for him and another for me.  Here's how it went.

We picked the veggies: tomatoes, green pepper, onion, zucchini.

I sauted the veggies since we wanted to make sure that the onions didn't have such a strong taste.

Once the veggies were cooked but still with some crunch, I added my spice: Mrs. Dash.

The pan was sprayed with Pam, added the veggies in each tin making sure each had the same amount.

Baked it.

And voila!  Ready made little egg muffins for the week. 

I like to have mine on a whole wheat english muffin, shredded cheese, and salsa.

Just pop one or two in the microwave and breakfast is done.  One less thing for me to worry about in the AM.  Plus, I like it since it adds variety during the week.  Are you a morning person?  Do you eat breakfast?  Would this be something you'd try?
Hope you all have a great weekend!

The Green

Last minute plans always work out well especially when hanging out with Lydia and Megan.  We had some delicious pizza and you know, a few outfit photos at the green since the sun was still out.  After pizza, we did some window shopping (and maybe picked up a few little things) and some ice cream!

[I'm not sure if you know how much I love Modern Apizza.  A lot....ever since I had one of my birthdays there in high school.  We go way back.  I am excited anytime I have a chance to have some eggplant pizza, even though the parking in the area is just painful.  Just a little note: Adam Richman of Man vs. Food did a segment there when he aired a show about New Haven, and he tweeted back to me!]

shirt: zac & rachel / jeans: vigoss / watch: fossil / necklace: elizajaycharm

leather cuff: tjmaxx

studded heels: steve madden

bag: plato's closet

Photos courtesy of Lydia

Opa!

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Yelp International Supper Club event held at Cavos Tavern and Pizzeria.  It was such a great time had by all who attended.  All of the Yelpers who dined had a great time chatting and tasting each and every morsel that was brought out by the wonderful and courteous waitstaff and made fresh by the owner.   Everything was served family style, and the amount of food that came out was definitely more than enough to serve a whole village.


The Greek feast started off with a choice of house wines and an array of the mezedes/appetizers.
There were yummy dips (tzatziki, hommos, skordalia, and tyrokafteri) for the fresh warm pita and garlic bread.

The flaky spanikopita was served with creamy tzatziki sauce.


Fried calamari with tomato sauce.

Dolmathes or stuffed grape leaves homemade and never ever from a can!


Shrimp Santorini: broiled shrimp with lots of garlic and tomatoes, sprinkled with Feta cheese.


Delightfullly, crispy fried zucchini.


Grilled octopus perfection.


Mixed grill plate: pork souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, gyro, and horiatiko sausage.
Each and every bite was delicious.


Lamb Youvetsi: roasted lamb with tomatoes.
Not much of a lamb eater, but I had to try this one.  It was fall-off-the-bone good, and
tasted like delicious pot roast!


Rice and more fresh warm pita bread (not pictured) were brought out to the diners to eat with the dishes.


Saved room for dessert: Galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie) and Baklava (not pictured)
were perfect for the end of the meal.

Well that was not exactly the end of the meal since the owner let us try some ouzo, which is a Greek liquor that has a smooth anise taste.  He was truly passionate about the food that he makes which showed on the many plates on the table.  Each one delicious one after the other.  Emily C. our hostess with the mostest who organized the dinner did such a great job picking the restaurant, and I look forward to the next International Supper Club meeting.  Are you an adventurous eater?  Do you like to try different kinds of foods?

Lovely Time

This past weekend I met up with Lydia, Megan, and Tiffany.  We try to plan to get together at least once a month and so far we have been very successful.  Since brunch seems to be our favorite time to meet, we went to Lena's Cafe and tried their delicious specials.  We then went to the downtown New Haven, walked around a little bit and admired our pretty surroundings.  There were so many places to pick from, but we decided to just pick an area of the Yale campus despite the very cold weather.  

blogger cheers / my huevos rancheros brunch special

pretty Yale campus / Battel Chapel

it may have been winter, but I love this pretty campus / Battel Chapel

another lovely time with Meg, Tiffany, & Lydia / ended the afternoon with a cookie and breve

After the photos were taken, we all ventured to some of the shops and boutiques. Since we were all together, we all decided to go back to Coco's of Madison (the third trip for Megan, Lydia, and I within a span of a month) to see what new wares they had.  It's hard not to go since everything in the store is ten bucks.  I scored a Dolce and Gabbana skirt and a spring/summer scarf.  I can't wait for the next time we hang out again!