Forking Up

Photo credit: Sushigirlatx instagram

Because we may not have long left on this Earth thanks to our fearless leader's noble tweets, I thought I'd share a vital recipe to our Millennial lives:

Avocado toast.

Is there really anything better? Artisan bread with ancient grains, smooth, creamy French butter, a smashed avocado, and all your hopes and dreams.

Photo credit: Sushigirlatx Instagram

Avocado Toast
You will need:

• 1 Avocado ~$25,000, roughly your yearly paycheck after graduation and/or one year of tuition at a state university
• 2 slices Artisan bread ~$5,000? Carbs amirite?
• 1 pat high quality French butter ~a million dollars, it's French
• 1 pinch Himalayan sea salt, preferably one you got on your yearly summer trip to Asia where you took selfies with disadvantaged youth ~$10,000*
• 2 pinches crushed red pepper, from Italian vacation backpacking through Europe ANYONE CAN TRAVEL IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT ~$8,752
• drizzle of olive oil from that same vacation when you extended it a week to visit Athens ~$2000 because aren't they going through some sort of economic crisis? Now is the time to book your flight.
• Eccoutrements! Such as veggies from the Farmers' Markets, meats of all sorts, extra gluten, poached goose egg $85-7000
• 1 glass Charles Shaw wine 2 BUCK CHUCK FTW $2 (because you're using a glass that holds the whole bottle)

-Slice the avocado in half --if you're over 26 and no longer on your parents' health insurance, please be careful with the knife--and scoop out just enough of the fruit** to leave at least a centimeter (metric system is cooler than you) of flesh in the peel. Fill with your favorite fair trade latte and set aside to sip while you complete your meal.

-Place your slices of Artisan bread in the toaster and remember what the warmth feels like because nuclear winter might be an actual thing to be afraid of soon. Allow the bread to toast until it's the color of President Trump's skin after too many rounds of golf at his resort.

-As you consider your future and crippling student debt, spread the softened butter over the crusty surface. Book another vacation on your credit card because #YOLO.

-Use a fork to press the avocado bits onto the bread. Sprinkle the salt and crushed red pepper over the top and notice that it kind of looks like nuclear fallout. Or does it? We'll know soon!

-Drizzle with that drizzle of olive oil. Is it organic? If not you better get your ass back to Greece and get a new one.

-Do not serve on a napkin because you're a Millennial and we are KILLING the napkin industry so hard right now.

-Make sure the lighting is perfect for your Instagram photo. Use the portrait setting (YOU'RE WELCOME) and then wash it out with filters. #hashtag.

-Take a bite and kiss your dreams of owning your own house goodbye. The American dream is dead anyway (we killed it) Because war and avocados. Haha, aren't Millennials the worst?

Photo credit: Thesmokingho Instagram

*Feel free to substitute with the tears of baby boomers who are rly dissapoint in you rite now
**YES, Avocado is a fruit, not a vegetable, you plebeian. #mansplaining

Every so often I try to go low carb or paleo in a fruitless attempt to shed some weight. It never works, because I always fail, BUT I do learn some pretty neat recipes. Also, I like avoiding the bloaty feeling that comes with eating too much glutenous stuff.


When it comes to baked goods, ESPECIALLY ones for breakfast, I actually really love using coconut and almond flour. I'd almost say I prefer it! It's just an added bonus that they're marginally "better" for you and have more fiber/vitamins and protein than traditional white flour. To be honest, whenever I'm breading meat for dinner I use almond flour. It just. tastes. better.

So, I'm not saying this is health food. It surely isn't, and the bourbon caramel I drizzled on top made any "paleo" claims fly right out the window. But I loved this cake. It was the perfect snack to munch on while I binge-watched The Great British Baking Show.

Anyone else addicted? I need to track down more episodes somehow, as I already devoured the ones on Netflix.

Anyways, if you have any sort of reservations about gluten free flours, I encourage you to seek out Paleo recipes. You're not going to get a fluffy, sugar-riddled birthday cake out of it, but you will find solid flavors and a bit more substance. And you'll avoid the weird aftertaste that some GF blends have. Bonus: many stores are creating their own in-house generic labels for these flours, so they aren't nearly as pricey as they used to be. If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, you can get a bag of either for well under $10. Score!

• 1/3 cup coconut flour 
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp apple pie spice (or equal parts cinnamon, ginger, cardamom)
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup melted butter + 2tbs for topping (or sub with more coconut oil for dairy free)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar (+ extra for sprinkling on top, ~2 tbs)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 egg whites
• 2 peaches, sliced
• 1/3 cup walnuts
• optional: caramel for drizzling.

"Where did you go on your honeymoon??" Erm, well, nowhere yet. Kind of. This is the question people keep asking us. Unfortunately, living 2000 miles away from where we had our wedding, meant most of our vacation time went to being home to prep for the wedding itself, leaving no time for vacation.



The last time we were in New Orleans we had the most amazing crawfish etouffe at a place we only vaguely could remember the name of... and after a few missteps (Antoine's is a whole other restaurant, need the pere!) we finally found it. Since crawfish season had just passed, the etouffe wasn't QUITE as good as we remembered, but it still was pretty delicious.

We started with the fried cheese and a few potent bloody marys. This is an older place, and I feel like it could definitely benefit from a facelift of sorts, but it is still our favorite lunch spot in NOLA. Stick to the seafood and you'll be quite happy.

 Cafe Beignet New Orleans
600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 

Bevi Seafood Co
236 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA


Steamboat Natchez
600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA

This was our date night activity. It might seem cheesy, but a nighttime dinner cruise on the Mississippi was just too good to pass up. It was about $162 for the two of us, with dinner included. You can forgo the dinner if you choose for a cheaper ticket. Drinks will cost extra, but I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the food served. I always go bananas at buffets, so I filled my plate with a little bit of everything, and there was not one disappointing item at the buffet. The prime rib with horseradish sauce was excellent, as were all accompanying sides. If you want a nice bite of NOLA flavors with a lovely sunset cruise down the Mississippi River, definitely check it out!

 J's Seafood Dock At the French Market
2 French Market Pl.New Orleans, LA

Finally, this is another spot I always need to stop at in New Orleans. Fresh oysters, shucked right in front of you as you take a break from shopping the French Market. The "Bad Motha Shucka" will sing and entertain as he cracks open fresh Gulf oysters. These things are perfect, with just a little bit of horseradish and lemon they go down quite easy. I tried them on a cracker for the first time and that added a nice little crunch for those unsure of the texture of a fresh live oyster. I get a half dozen for lunch and leave NOLA a happy lady.

Have you been to Charleston or New Orleans? Tell me about it in the comments!

Frosé Peach Granita

• 2 cups rosé of choice
• 1/4 cup moscato
• 1 cup white cranberry peach juice
• 1/2 cup pureed ripe peach

-In a deep baking pan (I used a jelly roll pan, but a casserole dish would work too), mix together the ingredients until well combined

-Place in freezer, and mix with a fork every half hour until a shaved ice type consistency is reached, about 2-4 hours.

-Scrape into a covered container and keep frozen until ready to serve. When ready to serve, scoop into small dishes with an ice cream scoop.

TIP: if it freezes solid, you can always break into chunks and puree in a food processor. Just consume QUICKLY because it will turn into slush.

Despite being a red wine drinker about 75% of the time, summer just calls for something lighter. Something sweeter. Something that really helps you chill and enjoy time together with your brand new HUSBAND... woah. Still feels weird to say!

Since arriving home last weekend it's been a bit of a whirlwind. Considering we planned and executed a wedding the month prior (well, planning took a bit longer but you know) we almost felt busier upon coming home! We had cats to attend to, a house to clean, work to catch up on, parties to attend, and friends to see. Not to mention a whole new fridge of groceries to buy since we forgot to pay our electric bill while we were gone... oops. That's why we made it a point to have a sort of stay-in date. And boy, was it nice to eat something other than fast food!

Cavit has been providing us food bloggers with their whites to try for a few months now, and I was excited to receive this Moscato in the mail! It's light, sweet, and perfect for summer. I decided to do a take on a classic Chicken Piccata and add a bit more flavor and a bit more veggies to pair with the wine.

Cavit, "America's favorite Italian wine" which is made in Northern Italy, is actually known for helping to popularize Pinot Grigio in the 1970s, and while the Pinot is their star, the whole collection is pretty great. For more information on their collection and where to find it, visit their Facebook and Website.

I'd also suggest throwing in a few frozen berries and a splash of your favorite liqueur for a quick and easy sangria.





Lemon Artichoke Chicken for Two

• 2 chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 egg, whisked
• 3 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 vegetable boullion cube
• 1 lemon, 1/2 juiced, 1/2 sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

-Mix together the almond flour and cajun seasoning. Prepare the chicken by dredging in the egg wash and then dipping in the almond mixture. Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until an internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Set aside.

-In the leftover oil (add a bit more if you need to), add the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and add the boullion cube, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and lemon juice.

-Once the wine has reduced by half, add the butter and lemon. Salt and pepper to taste.

-Serve hot, with the vegetable mixture poured over the chicken. Pair with Cavit Moscato.

The Lobster Shanty
25 Front St, Salem, MA


Everyone has a favorite place and time in their life, when they were young and free and not quite dragged down into the adult-ness of everything. For me, it was my years in Boston. For my husband (wow, so fun but still so weird to say!) it was when he lived in Salem. When we had to take the trek to the airport to pick up a friend who was visiting for the wedding, we made sure to stop by the town made famous for witches to stop at Cory's old hangout and former job: the Lobster Shanty.

The Shanty, as it's lovingly called by locals, has the best and most resonably priced lobster in the city. It's also sort-of famous (on a Diners Drive-Ins and Dives episode) for its Lobster Martini. Yes, it's a martini with lobster juice and an ENORMOUS claw. I almost wished I hadn't ordered a full lobster for myself (almost...) because this claw was pretty much a lunch in and of itself.

The rest of the drinks are great, totally boozy and worth the Boston-esque prices. The lobster was fresh, full of meat, and perfectly accompanied by butter. It's a small shack in the middle of an artists' center, but the expanded deck makes for lovely outside dining during the summer months, with a bit more room to stretch out and enjoy a cocktail.

95 Main St, Easthampton, MA

I can't believe I lived in Western Massachusetts for years and never visited Coco. Unmi Abkin, head chef, was nominated this year for a James Beard award. And after visiting Coco for a "snack" and a drink, I certainly know why. As with most Western Mass restaurants, the season dictates the menu, so it's always changing. The small list of offerings is inspired by all sorts of cuisine--when I was there it looked like it was heavily Asian-inspired with maybe a bit of French.

I ended up getting an expertly crafted cocktail as well as this fried chicken dish that was absolutely to die for. The chicken was moist, the skin was crispy, and the flavor was incredible. The potatoes underneath were piping hot. The slaw was a cool addition and packed with flavor, and I would have eaten that too if I hadn't filled up on the other two. We also had some delicious desserts after our meal. I will surely be back the next time I'm in my hometown!


Herrell's
8 Old South Street, Northampton, Massachusetts


I can't have a trip home without at least one stop at my childhood favorite. Fun fact: the owners' daughter was one of my college roommates! The ice cream shop recently went through a remodel, giving it plenty of kitchen space for a brand new kosher bakery, where they can bake their famous No-Moo® cookies, as well as other allergy-friendly treats.

My favorite Herrell's items are the hot fudge sundaes (their hot fudge is hands-down the best in the world) with a banana or Almond Joy ice cream base, or a simple kiddie cone with Burnt Butter & Sugar and sprinkles. Their ice cream is thick, creamy, sweet, and amazing, and the offerings are always so varied it's nearly impossible to pick which one to try! I especially appreciate that if I'm being conscious of my tummy troubles they have a wide variety of allergy-friendly offerings, or if I'm watching my waistline I can still partake in sorbets, sugar-free, or low fat options.

Do NOT visit Northampton without stopping here!!


Osaka
7 Old S St, Northampton, MA


Batchlorette Party, Take 2: for my second batchlorette party, we started at Osaka. Now that my beloved Zen has departed downtown, Osaka is my new go-to for local sushi. And of course, when I saw Lobster Tempura on the sushi menu, I had to partake.

In addition to excellent sushi, it's Northampton's only Hibachi restaurant. I got steak and shrimp as my main meal, and they were cooked with all the silly finesse of a hibachi chef. Because we were a batchlorette party, we got free sake shots--squirted across the table into our mouths, making an enormous mess.

Plus, the boozy scorpion bowls make this a must-go for any bar-hopping party. We had a great dinner to start off a night of fun before I tied the knot!


Captain Jack's
232 Northampton St, Easthampton, MA

Another "why have I never been here before?" place only a stone's throw from my parents' house. Captain Jack's is everyone's suggestion for the best lobster roll in town. It hits all my parameters: butter toasted roll, Maine style lobster salad, just a bit of lettuce for crunch, and a little bit of flavor. I was hoping for a little bit more flavor in the mix but Captain Jack's wants the lobster to shine on its own, and I respect that.


The shoestring fries were incredible as well. After this monster of a lobster roll--I am pretty sure 1.5 whole lobsters are in that thing--I only had room for a few. Their clam chowder was exactly what I was craving, and a perfect side to the enormous roll. Overall, I think their roll is probably the best in the area, though fresher finds are found closer to the seashore.


Friendly's
Various locations across New England

So, I had a bunch of photos on my computer to prepare for the month of me being in Massachusetts for my wedding, so that I could simply pop up a recipe and not have to cook or develop while I was home for a month.

Guess who brought their work laptop with NO pictures on it, instead of their personal laptop with all the pictures on it?

This gal.

And May was pretty nuts--I traveled to MA for my bridal shower at the start of the month, I had my Austin Wedding 1.0 (big party so my Austin friends didn't have to travel to Massachusetts), my New Orleans Bachlorette Party, my mom came to visit, had my Austin Book Signing, my future mother-in-law came to visit, my improv troupe hosted a weekly show, then June hit and I've already attended an improv festival in Rhode Island and had another book signing. And now it's 2.25 weeks until my wedding and I have to DO ALL THE THINGS.

So, unfortunately I am kind of on a brief hiatus until I'm back in Austin.

I mean, maybe. I do have my camera WITH me and kind of want to make lobster rolls at some point...


But yeah. Sorry. For the next few weeks it'll be a little quiet. It's been quiet, I know, but I've been busy with my book (please buy it!) and wedding stuff.

See y'all when I'm back! If not sooner! <3!