Forking Up

This is an old post from my old blog, reposted for the recipe, so understand it's a few years old!

I love when people come to visit, because it means that I get to do all the touristy stuff that I secretly love but can't admit to if I'm trying to become a "real" Austinite. Over the weekend my mom and my fiancé's mom made their first trek down to Austin since we moved here in November. It was really an amazing weekend and I am so happy I was able to show the moms around my beautiful new city!

We packed so many things into five days, it was nearly exhausting.

First up, we went to Chuy's for lunch as soon as the moms landed. It's still our favorite Tex Mex place in the city (again, we're new! I know there are better!) and the moms enjoyed trying the THREE dips Cory and I always get when we're there. It was too early for margaritas, but just the right time for enchiladas.

The next day I took the moms on a shopping day to The Domain and South Congress. We saw the bats emerge from the South Congress Bridge at sunset, then ate dinner at one of my favorite food trucks--Ms P's!

Since the "i love you so much" wall was on Cory and my Christmas card this year, we also had to make a stop here. I love you, mom!

My mom took a picture in front of every. single. cactus. This one was from Saturday, when we went to San Antonio to see the Alamo. The San Antonio day was fun because I hadn't visited that city yet. We also explored historic Gruene.

Another tourist spot I'd never been to: The Greetings From Austin wall! We braved getting hit in oncoming traffic to take a million and a half pictures here.

• 2-3 large potatoes--I used golden potatoes
• Enough oil to cover 1 inch in a large frying pan
• Seasonings

• Mandolin or killer knife skillz
• Frying pan
• Slotted spoon
• Drying rack

 -Heat your oil to about 375 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer, pay attention to how the potato sizzles when dropped in. Sizzling = good.

 -Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes as thin as you're able. Thinner = crispier. Drop them in batches into the hot oil.

-Watch the potatoes. Once they begin to curl and look brown around the edges, remove with a slotted spoon.

-Move to drying rack and sprinkle with desired seasonings--I did plain salt, salt and pepper, and parsley and parm--and let dry for ten minutes. Store in an airtight bag.

 This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BrunchWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #Brunchweek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
Welcome to #BrunchWeek 2018 hosted by Love and Confections and A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures! This year is even bigger and better than ever! Thirty eight bloggers from around the country are showcasing their best brunch dishes. We have so many delicious recipes for you to enjoy throughout the week (over 150!!) including cocktails, appetizers, pastries, tarts, main courses, and plenty of desserts! Our BrunchWeek Sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much, Sponsors, for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway -- Check out my first post of the week for details!



It's the last day of Brunch Week! Tomorrow, Sunday, is the most brunchiest day of all. So make sure you enter our giveaway to make your next brunch the best it can be! Thanks to all our sponsors and the hosts for making it such a great event!

Take a look at what the #BrunchWeek Bloggers are creating today!

BrunchWeek Beverages:
Sparkling Strawberry Ice Tea from Daily Dish Recipes
Texan 75 from Forking Up
Voodoo Bloody Mary from Girl Carnivore

BrunchWeek Appetizers:
Antipasto Platter from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Brunch Gazpacho Shooters with Cheesy Everything Toast Dippers from The Crumby Kitchen
Kale Salad with Apples, Carrots, Cheese and Peppers from Shockingly Delicious
Spring Cobb Salad from The Barbee Housewife

BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
Asparagus, Mushroom and Cheese Egg Cups from The Bitter Side of Sweet
Asparagus, Sausage, and Onion Quiche from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Breakfast Stuffed Avocados from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Ham & Cheese Hashbrown Frittata from It Bakes Me Happy

BrunchWeek Breads, Grains, and Pastries:
Banana Blueberry Cinnamon Mini Muffins from Sweet Beginnings
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting from Love and Confections
Cheddar Sun-Dried Tomato Scones from Tara's Multicultural Table
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crepes from 4 Sons 'R' Us
Coconut Doughnuts from Mildly Meandering
Grand Marnier French Toast from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread with Eggs) from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Morning Glory Doughnuts with Coconut Glaze from The Chef Next Door
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Kolaches from The Spiffy Cookie
Shortcut Blueberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls from Big Bear's Wife

BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
Salmon Quiche from My Catholic Kitchen
Steak and Eggs over Asparagus from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Sandwiches from Books n' Cooks

BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Breakfast Salad from Caroline's Cooking
Green Apple Smoothie from The PinterTest Kitchen
Herbed Asparagus Velouté from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Roasted Asparagus & Carrots from Amy's Cooking Adventures
Sweet Potato Hash with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes from The Redhead Baker

BrunchWeek Desserts:
Hazelnut Pudding Cups from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Pull Apart Cinnamon Coffeecake with Chocolate Glaze from Family Around the Table
Raspberry Lime Parfaits from Eat Move Make

• 2 oz Champagne, 
• 1/2 oz blood orange juice, 
• 1 oz tequila, 
• 2 Dashes Simple syrup (one part Dixie Crystals sugar to 1 part water)

This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly. Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, LorAnn Oils and Flavors, Cento Fine Foods, Michigan Asparagus, Cal-Organic and Eggland’s Best for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #BrunchWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Seven (7) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BrunchWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #Brunchweek posts or entry.

 This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BrunchWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #Brunchweek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
Welcome to #BrunchWeek 2018 hosted by Love and Confections and A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures! This year is even bigger and better than ever! Thirty eight bloggers from around the country are showcasing their best brunch dishes. We have so many delicious recipes for you to enjoy throughout the week (over 150!!) including cocktails, appetizers, pastries, tarts, main courses, and plenty of desserts! Our BrunchWeek Sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much, Sponsors, for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway -- Check out my first post of the week for details!


Yes, I am a millennial. No, I do not own a house. Yes, I like avocado toast. No, I don't think my love of avocado toast has anything to do with whether or not I own a house at this point in time.

Cool? Cool.

I also keep pretending I'm going to lose weight someday, and swapping out plain ol' carby toast for nutrient-dense sweet potato helps me keep that denial going.

At least it's tasty, right?

Anyway, it's a great snack as well as breakfast, full of good fats and tasty toppings. I put my own suggestions in the recipe, but honestly you can top it with whatever you want! What do you like on your toast? Let me know in the comments!



Take a look at what the #BrunchWeek Bloggers are creating today!

BrunchWeek Beverages:
Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep from The Crumby Kitchen
Peppermint Mocha Coffee Syrup from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Strawberry Bellini from Caroline's Cooking

BrunchWeek Appetizers:
Barley and Apple Salad with Kale Pesto from A Day in the Life on the Farm

BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
Asparagus and Cheese Tart from Brunch-n-Bites
Egg & Veggie Casserole from The Chef Next Door
Muffin Tin Frittatas from Sweet Beginnings
Red Pepper, Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche from Family Around the Table
Shaksuka from Karen's Kitchen Stories

BrunchWeek Breads, Grains, and Pastries:
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal from Cooking with Carlee
Chocolate Caramel Muffins from The PinterTest Kitchen
French Toast Sticks from The Barbee Housewife
Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread with Eggs) from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes from For the Love of Food
Strawberry Streusel Crescent Muffins from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Tiramisu Pancakes from Tara's Multicultural Kitchen

BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
Everything Bagel Breakfast Pockets from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Frutti di Mare Marinati from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad from Eat Move Make
Asparagus Tart from Mildly Meandering
Creamy & Luscious Italian Asparagus from Girl Abroad
Roast Carrots with Pine Nuts & Feta from Books n' Cooks
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast from Forking Up

BrunchWeek Desserts:
Champagne Mimosa Layer Cake from Love and Confections
Chocolate Rum Beet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Beet Frosting from Daily Dish Recipes
Espresso Coffee Cake from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Peach Brown Butter Coffee Cake from The Redhead Baker


Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

• 1 sweet potato, sliced into 1/2" thick slices
• 1/2 cup prepared guacamole
• 1/4 cup Cabot Cheddar Cheese, grated
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp hot sauce of choice
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

-Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.

-Brush both sides of your sweet potato slices with melted butter. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slices begin to brown and are fork-tender.*

-Top with avocado, pepper, cheese, and hot sauce.

*Alternatively, you can toast in a toaster oven but add the butter after so it does not burn.

Welcome to #BrunchWeek 2018 hosted by Love and Confections and A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures! This year is even bigger and better than ever! Thirty eight bloggers from around the country are showcasing their best brunch dishes. We have so many delicious recipes for you to enjoy throughout the week (over 150!!) including cocktails, appetizers, pastries, tarts, main courses, and plenty of desserts! Our BrunchWeek Sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much, Sponsors, for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway -- Check out my first post of the week for details!




Take a look at what the #BrunchWeek Bloggers are creating today!

BrunchWeek Beverages:
Carrot Grapefruit Smoothie from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Cranberry Orange Mimosas from The PinterTest Kitchen
Hazelnut Coffee Syrup from The Redhead Baker

BrunchWeek Appetizers:
Antipasto Salad from Cooking with Carlee
Egg & Asparagus BLT Salad from Sweet Beginnings
Spring Brunch Veggie Tray from Wholistic Woman