It's Time to Pollo! (Pollo Tropical Review)

This is another blog post about eating out.  Which I do a lot. Sometimes the day just seems to short to actually get in the kitchen and cook something.  Then clean it up.  I especially hate the clean it up part.

Because it lives right outside my gym and I often see their commercials, over and over, while on the treadmill I often go to Pollo Tropical.

Tar-jay

I just had to blog about this because it's the most awesomely awesome free sample I have ever received.  I don't even remember requesting this but no big deal!  I wish things like this came in the mail everyday.  Checking the mail is the best part of my day.  I usually just find coupon circulars that just get tossed in the recycle bin but I do like to look around the Internet to score free stuff.  Which I must have done to receive this from Target*: 

I received a small makeup bag with samples of shampoos, conditioners, eye cream, lotion, some makeup remover wipes and coupons.  I probably won't use the coupons.  I just don't buy many beauty products often.  They last me forever.  I did like the makeup remover towelette so I now buy them for my gym bag.  They smelled like cucumber and were very refreshing.

The Food Down Under (Outback Steakhouse Review)

Our former roommate decided to take us out for dinner to celebrate our recent marriage.  Even though I have been on this earth for 30 years I had never set foot in the land down under.  I guess because they were always so far away.  I remember drooling over their commercials and desperately craving a bloomin' onion.  If i had realized that you get free bread I would never have ordered the stinkin' onion!

Fekkai (Bzzagent Sample Review)*

I was so excited to get my very first Bzzagent campaign box.  I love getting to try new products and I especially love to get snailmail! 

A Wonderful Journey (and food too!)

I've been gone a while but I promise it was for a good reason!  I got so busy planning my wedding I just didn't have time to cook dinner let alone blog about it!  Peter and I got married September 24th in our hometown which is all the way up in Illinois.  We decided to drive.  Ugh!  What a long drive it is too!  There was a lot to look at while the sun was up and when it wasn't raining.  Which it did until we hit Illinois on the way up.  I hate driving in the rain.  The trip back down to Florida was more pleasant with better weather.  We went through Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky and it was gorgeous.

Dinner and a Movie

Last month some co-workers staged a girls day out in honor of a birthday.  We choose to see the movie Bridesmaids and to eat at the Cheesecake Factory.  I'm glad we decided to see the movie first and then eat dinner.  If you've seen it you know why if you haven't I shall not spoil the surprise!

Diet Friendly Cakes

Okay!  I promised to post more often.  I have failed.  I try to post every Tuesday and Thursday but when wedding planning goes awry the blog goes to the wayside!  Another thing that goes out the door is my exercise routine.  Also, my healthy eating habits.  This is not good folks!  I have a dress I need to fit into comfortably on my wedding day.  I just need to lose a little.  A smidgen really.  I never intended to have to do this diet to fit into a dress thing but when I ordered my dress it arrived smaller than I expected.  Since the store is all the way in China I figured the safest bet was to lose the weight.

As a part of that goal I decided to research healthy dessert alternatives.  I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that vegetables are a healthy part of anybody's diet.  It was hard to find cakes made of vegetables besides the traditional carrot or zucchini.  Don't get me wrong those are delightful, but not exactly healthy.

So I present the following cakes for you perusal:  

Asparagus Cake from sweatapolita

The asparagus cake.  It's not easy being green, it's also not easy peeing green.  Well, I mean, it's difficult to look at.  Down right disturbing in fact.  This cake, however, is divine.  Gorgeous and certainly part of a healthy diet!

Cheesy 'Crack' Potatoes

The most wonderful potato recipe in the whole wide world is cheesy party potatoes.  The thing is I don';t think that they should just be relegated to parties.  Also, they are quite addictive and like crack, not good for you!  Well, maybe good for the soul.  They are certainly a comfort food.  A sometimes food.

Eating Out: Zaxby's

Never in my entire life have I heard of this restaurant.  We don't have them in my neck of the woods.  Kept seeing the commercials though and lo and behold the city I now live in has one up the street.  Intrigued (and confronted by a huge car accident backing up traffic preventing us from getting to our intended destination of the Olive Garden), Mr. Penguin and I decide to take a risk and subject ourselves to some chicken.

So Sad Salmon Salad

Why is this pasta salad so sad?  One, because sadly my camera and lighting suck lemons and two, because it was made for a coworker/friend's going away potluck lunch.  That's why it's crying.  Can't you see the tears?  Actually, this dish shouldn't cry.  This salad is so easy to make and so delicious.  Well delicious if you like salmon and your not allergic.  So, please, continue forth if that does not apply or if you, like me, enjoy to torture yourself by oogling foods your not allowed/shouldn't eat!

Better than Beef Burgers

For a quick meal I like to buy those veggie burgers from the freezer section at the grocery store.  They actually don't taste all that great and are a bit pricey.  I finally decided to stop torturing myself and try to find a more palatable and less expensive option.  After looking at many recipes I finall settled on one from the Whole Foods website.  There stores are pretty awesome so I figured their recipes would be too.  With a little tweeking this recipe is now my favorite make ahead burger.

Disney Dining: Tokyo Dining

My very 'first' date with Mr. Penguin was when he took me out for Japanese at Tokyo Dining in Epcot.  I say 'first' because before that he had never taken me out to eat or anything, all those things consider date worthy.  That's a lie.  We spent the whole week at Disney but he says that doesn't count because he didn't even pay for me to get in.  We did hang out a couple times before I got to see him again but this trip was the trip that sealed the deal so to speak.  He didn't have to take me to some fancy schmancy resturant to win my heart, but he did anyways.  Hard not to fall in love while playing at Disney- so I think he cheated.

Disney Dining: Yakitori House-Japan Pavillion (Epcot)

Well I finally got all moved into my new place.  It's small but lovely.  now my only roommate is the FH Mr. Penguin.  Strange really.  I've pretty much had roommates my entire life, especially if you count having to share a room with a sib.

Anyways, we moved and the FH got a new job!  I'm happy for him, I really am but.....now I don't get to got WDW any ole time I wants! *pouts*

Before we moved we got in as many visits as humanly possible.  During one of those visits sans Mr. Penguin, I visited our favorite Epcot World Showcase Pavilion.  Japan! 

Shepherd's Pie

I've been trying to cut back on the taters but they are evil.  They call to me in the night begging me to eat them up.  French fries, tater tots, baked potatoes (boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew) and of course mashed potatoes full of cream and butter.  Yum!  

Beans, Beans the Musical Fruit...

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a awhile.  Mr. Penguin and I will be moving in about two weeks so we have been very busy packing and cleaning up our old place.  We're excited to be moving into our own place with no roommates but also saddened as well.  Mr.  Foo-foo Cuddley Poops was a wonderful roommate but we are soon to be a married couple and I can see how that could be annoyingly bothersome.

DBC April 2011: Maple Mousse and Edible Containers

The April 2011 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Evelyne of the blog Cheap Ethnic Eatz. Evelyne chose to challenge everyone to make a maple mousse in an edible container. Prizes are being awarded to the most creative edible container and filling, so vote on your favorite from April 27th to May 27th at http://thedaringkitchen.com!

I *heart* Morels

I'm in agony right now.  I live down south.   In the middle of Florida. And its Morel season.  I can taste them.  Buttery. Kind of crunchy.  But I'm in Florida.  Central Florida.  There are no fried morel mushrooms for me here.  Button mushrooms, shiitakes even, but no morels *sad face*

An Egg By Any Other Name

My most favorite breakfast in the whole wide world is poached eggs on buttered toast.  Unfortunately, I also think its a bit of a hassle to make during the week.  I just don't have time to get the water to a simmer and get the eggs cooked and actually have time to eat it before I leave for work.

I Hop for French Toast

I hate stale bread and I always end up with quite a lot of stale bread by the end of the week. I’m the only one in the house that eats sandwiches. I only eat them during the work week packed in my lunch tote. I like store bread bought bread because it’s convent, but let’s be honest, it’s not particularly tasty.

A Canful of Salmon (Salmon Croquettes)

Right now my pantry is overrunning with canned salmon.  I think they are mating.  Well, maybe not, but due to a recently discovered food allergy Mr. Penguin's sister gifted us with a sackful.    I was more than happy to take the little fishies.  I love canned salmon!

DBC March 2011: Yeasted Meringue Coffee Cake

traditional style

The March 2011 Daring Baker’s Challenge was hosted by Ria of Ria’s Collection and Jamie of Life’s a Feast. Ria and Jamie challenged The Daring Bakers to bake a yeasted Meringue Coffee Cake.

Cutie Cupcakes

Every year I make the same old boring New Year resolution: get healthy and lose weight. Some years are more successful than others. 2007-2008 were good years and I actually lost some of the weight I gained while in college. I felt a lot better and gained some self-confidence. I have since regained that weight and than some and lost that self-confidence.

THE Casserole

One of my favorite meals growing up was a chicken and broccoli casserole that my Dad claims to have concocted. I have seen variations of this casserole on numerous recipe sites so I’m not sure if Dad can completely claim that this is an original creation. Coincidentally my Mom also claims to be its inventor and has told me that it is based on some dish a friend in Germany once served them. I don’t really care who came up with it first. All I know is that it’s darn yummy.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Bread and a Giveaway! (Closed)

This St. Patrick’s Day I am cooking up the traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage with lots of potatoes. I finally got a crock-pot so making this dish is so much easier to prepare. I really don’t know why I make it every year. I'm not really a big fan of corned beef. I think maybe I do it because that’s what my Grandma does every year. Just smelling it reminds me of being at her house for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day.

Chocolate Meringue π

Happy PI Day!

 I had a hankering for something chocolate but also was bored and in need of a challenge so in honor of Pi day I decided to try make a chocolate meringue pie. I’ve never made a meringue pie before. I don’t like meringue. Mr. Penguin likes meringue though so I knew if I made this pie I’d have someone available to eat my leftover meringue. He did not eat any of my pie. My roommate Mr. Foo-foo cuddly poops had to help me eat it. Thank you roomie, you’re the best!

But Do You Know the ENGLISH Muffin Man?

I love English Muffins, what I don't love is the price of English muffins.  Six muffins typically cost more than a whole loaf of sandwich bread.  After taking the time to make some muffins myself I can see why they can be pricey.  Don't get me wrong I love these muffins and will make them again!  They are so delicious and fluffy and yummy.  Its just a lot of work.  Actually its a lot of waiting.  I'm not patient.

Spring Fever

Can I nibble the ears? Just a little?

Living in Central Florida doesn’t give me the opportunity to experience much seasonal transitions.  It does get cold in the winter and it gets really hot and humid in the summer.  I miss the spring time and fall time weather that seems to last all too briefly around here.  Today I can definitely tell its spring time.  The air smells absolutely divine and it isn’t terribly hot and humid.  In fact it’s the perfect weather to swing.  I love wood swings sets!  I’m sad to see that many playgrounds just don’t have them anymore (along with twisty slides and merry-go-rounds and teeter-totters!). 

I *heart* Penguins

You might have noticed that I have been referring to my soon to be husband as Mr. Penguin.  Why is this you ask?  A picture says a thousand words:

Can you tell I'm laughing?

You see folks, Mr. Penguin loves penguins.  I bought him that blankie because it had his name written all over it.  I was afraid he wouldn't like it.  Silly me!  We're talking about a man who has penguins in his bathroom and penguins on his dresser, of course he loves the blankie!

The perfect man for a girl who has a stuffed bunny in her bed every night.

Disney Dining: Blizzard Beach

Mr. Penguin took me to Blizzard Beach for New Year’s Day this year.  Having some fun is the best start of a New Year.  I’m so lucky to live in a place that is snow free and 70 degrees in the middle of winter.  Even though it was warm out I was still skeptical of being able to have fun at a water park in winter.  I’m glad I was wrong and braved the water.  It also helped that it was heated water!

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

During the week I really don’t like coming home and having to cook something for dinner.  This recipe is supper-duper easy and I always have the ingredients on hand.

Daring Baker's Challenge: February

The February 2011 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Mallory from A Sofa in the Kitchen. She chose to challenge everyone to make Panna Cotta from a Giada De Laurentiis recipe and Nestle Florentine Cookies.

A Camera Rant

The Junkiest Camera Ever

Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. My camera decided to be stupid and walk out on me. It wasn’t a fantastic camera to begin with but at least it got the job done (in a sorta crap-tastic frustrating way). None of my posts have great photos because of this camera. I also lack skill, but its also the camera.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

I have a ton of lemon pepper seasoning in my cupboard.  I don’t know who bought it or how it got there.  It may be my roommates.  Except I have rarely seen him cook.  I think I can count on one hand the number of times he has whipped up food not from a can or a box.  In fact I sorta-kinda took over our kitchen when I moved in.  I might actually be a bit territorial when it comes to MY kitchen.

Soup-a-Palooza: Split Pea & Ham Soup

I just happened to have a leftover ham bone in my freezer just waiting for a good excuse to become something scrumptious. When I saw this contest on the TidyMom blog I knew that bone was destined to become soup, but what kind of soup? I like peas, but I’ll be honest, split pea soup just looks unappetizing. Its green, it’s goopy, and, well, goopy.

Sunday Snackin': Kettle Corn

My most favorite snack on the entire planet is Kettle Corn. I think it’s a mid-west thing though because I have a hard time finding it here in Florida. Up north I could just go to Lowe’s and occasionally there would be a lady out in front set up to make it up fresh and to sell. If she wasn’t there I could try the flea market or sometimes Wally World (Walmart). I would always buy the big bag. It never had time to get stale.

Crockpot Cooking: Swiss Steak

This is one of my favorite dishes that my Dad would make for us when we were growing up. I used to scrap off all the tomatoes and onions and eat the meat only. Then, my favorite part of this meal was that it was always served with mashed potatoes, now; I love how tender the meat is and the wonderful flavors of the stewed tomatoes and onions. What I don’t love is having to bubbling on my stove all day making a mess. Dad never made it in the crackpot but this is the only way I will make it. It comes out exactly like my Dad’s without the mess and worry about it burning on the stove.

Meatless Mondays: Honey Baked Lentils

This year I decided to try to save money and eat healthier. I didn’t really need to designate a meatless Monday as we eat very little meat anyways. Usually because meat is expensive and my boyfriend won’t eat meat with bones in it unless it involves BBQ ribs. He’s impossible to feed sometimes.

Sunday Sweets: Aunt Georgia’s Cheesecake

This recipe is from my boyfriend’s Aunt Georgia. Every time there was a family dinner she would make this recipe. According to the bf it is like crack and the most epic thing ever. I have to agree. It isn’t really cheesecake in the traditional sense but it does have cream cheese and is way simpler to make than the traditional style New York Cheesecake.