Ugly Spaghetti

When ugly spaghetti just won't do...after endless days of eating boring and "ugly" food for lunch at work I decided to take cooking and eating beautifully delicious food into my own hands!

"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." -- Sophia Loren
Fleur De Sel Caramels a la Ina Garten 
This was my first foray into the candy making world and I have to say it didn’t turn out half bad! Ina was not kidding when she said it will “bubble violently”…and it did, very akin to an erupting volcano! Although the finished product wasn’t as visually appealing as the taste, I would have to give myself at least a B+ this go round. :)
Pro Tip: You have to use a candy thermometer & keep the finished candy’s frozen until ready to serve as they melt rather quickly!

Fleur De Sel Caramels a la Ina Garten 

This was my first foray into the candy making world and I have to say it didn’t turn out half bad! Ina was not kidding when she said it will “bubble violently”…and it did, very akin to an erupting volcano! Although the finished product wasn’t as visually appealing as the taste, I would have to give myself at least a B+ this go round. :)

Pro Tip: You have to use a candy thermometer & keep the finished candy’s frozen until ready to serve as they melt rather quickly!

Kolache Factory! 
For any of you not from the Lonestar State - I suggest making a trip just for the delicious treat known as a kolache. Kolache Factory kolaches are (in my opinion) the BEST. There are many options to go with but my personal favs are the jalapeno popper and the classic ham and cheese.
www.kolachefactory.com

Kolache Factory! 

For any of you not from the Lonestar State - I suggest making a trip just for the delicious treat known as a kolache. Kolache Factory kolaches are (in my opinion) the BEST. There are many options to go with but my personal favs are the jalapeno popper and the classic ham and cheese.

www.kolachefactory.com

solidindecision:

Healthiest Dried Fruits
Apple – Not only are they are great source of fiber, but apples also contain many phytonutrients which act as antioxidants, ridding the body of cancer causing free radicals. Apricot – Vitamins A, C and iron are all contained within apricots, plus they are also a great source of fiber. However, did you know that the most nutritious way to eat apricot is dried?Mango – Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are essential for immune health and healthy skin can be found in this fruit. In addition, mango is teeming with phytonutrients, vitamins A, C and E. Cherry – Antioxidants are important in the fight against cancer causing free radicals and cherries have been called the “new antioxidant super fruit.” Moreover, they also include other important nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid and fiber.Fig – As mentioned above, it is believed that some fruits lose a portion of their nutrition when dried; figs lose none of their potency! They are still a great source of iron, folic acid and potassium.Papaya – Everyone wants to have a healthy heart! Recent studies have shown that papaya, another great source of antioxidants, have shown that they may aid in preventing diabetic heart disease.Blueberry – With high amounts of vitamin A, E and especially B, blueberries are another super fruit that is rich in antioxidants. In addition, they are fundamental to maintaining a healthy nervous system. Raisin – This is a childhood favorite and with good reason; raisins are low in sodium, high in fiber, totally fat and cholesterol-free. Definitely a great everyday, every age group snack!Plum – Dried plums, or prunes, are known because of their assistance in regulating the digestive system, but they are also a great source of vitamins. Tomato – Yes, tomatoes are fruits! A great way to receive the cancer-reducing proprieties of tomatoes, along with lycopene and vitamin C is by eating sun-dried.

solidindecision:

Healthiest Dried Fruits

Apple – Not only are they are great source of fiber, but apples also contain many phytonutrients which act as antioxidants, ridding the body of cancer causing free radicals. 
Apricot – Vitamins A, C and iron are all contained within apricots, plus they are also a great source of fiber. However, did you know that the most nutritious way to eat apricot is dried?
Mango – Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are essential for immune health and healthy skin can be found in this fruit. In addition, mango is teeming with phytonutrients, vitamins A, C and E. 
Cherry – Antioxidants are important in the fight against cancer causing free radicals and cherries have been called the “new antioxidant super fruit.” Moreover, they also include other important nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid and fiber.
Fig – As mentioned above, it is believed that some fruits lose a portion of their nutrition when dried; figs lose none of their potency! They are still a great source of iron, folic acid and potassium.
Papaya – Everyone wants to have a healthy heart! Recent studies have shown that papaya, another great source of antioxidants, have shown that they may aid in preventing diabetic heart disease.
Blueberry – With high amounts of vitamin A, E and especially B, blueberries are another super fruit that is rich in antioxidants. In addition, they are fundamental to maintaining a healthy nervous system. 
Raisin – This is a childhood favorite and with good reason; raisins are low in sodium, high in fiber, totally fat and cholesterol-free. Definitely a great everyday, every age group snack!
Plum – Dried plums, or prunes, are known because of their assistance in regulating the digestive system, but they are also a great source of vitamins. 
Tomato – Yes, tomatoes are fruits! A great way to receive the cancer-reducing proprieties of tomatoes, along with lycopene and vitamin C is by eating sun-dried.

thecasualdiner:

I fell in love with the fish market in Seattle. Talk about sensory overload! My suitcase is still packed as I head to Michigan and Maryland for some family time. See you guys in a few weeks!!! Hope everybody has fantastic Monday! Lots of love, Luna

my teeth hurt just looking at this picture…but I don’t care!

my teeth hurt just looking at this picture…but I don’t care!

(Source: ohmisseman)

Bloody Mary time

Bloody Mary time

Cheers! 

“Where everybody knows your name!”

Cheers!

“Where everybody knows your name!”