The Peppermint Snowflake

I'm actually really proud of this one.

Below, you will find a cocktail that I created for my office holiday party.  We coined it "The Peppermint Snowflake", and contains Snow Queen Vodka (from Kazakhstan, no less), Cointreau, and White Cranberry Juice.  Top it off with some mini candy canes, and the bottom of the white (get it?  snow!) drink fades into a deep red.  It's sexy, and you know it.

My Kryptonite

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  16 Handles, you are my Kryptonite.

Carrot Cake (bring it back, 16 Handles, bring it back!), Chocolate Dreams, and Peanut Butter something or other.  Sans toppings.

Christmas Sushi!

Sometimes I wonder where all my extra money goes.  Then I remember I have a sushi addiction.

Seriously, Japanese joints must make bank on Christmas.  Here we have an Alaska Roll, some Oshinko, and Topiko (or flying fish roe).

Kitty Popcorn

So delicious, even the kitty wants in.  Chocolate drizzled peppermint kettle corn.  4 bags just aren't enough.

Turkey Chili

Based of a recipe I used once, but now can no longer find, this is my pseudo-made-up Turkey Chili!  Serves a ton, and by using ground turkey instead of beef, the health factor goes up.  Ingredients include: ground turkey (duh), tomatoes, tomato juice, sweet red pepper, and an assortment of beans.  I also use oil instead of butter, and season the meat to give it a little flavor kick.  Non-spicy, add cheese on top if you want!  I love it, and it lasts me a week.

 

Seaweed

Sometimes, a little seaweed salad from your favorite sushi spot (in this case, Mizu in Williamsburg - check it out!) makes everything better.  Ingredients: Seaweed.  And magic.

FreeFoods

Lunch from FreeFoods in NYC - quinoa salad, sesame salmon with a cucumber sauce and mushrooms, beat salad, and some sort of bean salad with artichokes.  Expensive?  Yes.  Worth it?  I mean, probably not, but it was delicious!  I'm also excited to use the word "quinoa".

Huevos Diablos

I love trying new things and having them come out deliciously awesome.  I needed a new variation on eggs to mix things up a bit, so I decided to try deviling them.  These deviled eggs here were made with a pretty basic recipe - mayo, honey-mustard (for a slightly sweeter rather than spicy taste), salt, pepper, a little pickle relish, and paprika.  Not only did they come out great, but since I made 12, they lasted for 2 meals (and were unbelievably filling)!  Next time, instead of using all mayo, I'm going to add in ranch dressing for a ranch-twist, and maybe some smoked salmon (which I used as a side this time around).  And by using low-fat mayo, I brought the 93 calories per 2 halves down to about 75.  Bam.

Light Summer Yummies!

I had a similar salad at a quaint little spot in Brooklyn Heights and was inspired to copy/create my own at-home version of this delicious salad.  While it isn't exactly the same, it's close!  This is a perfect light yet filling meal for a hot summer day (and is great for cutting calories).  I used a mix of baby lettuces, cut up some fresh watermelon and organic peaches, fresh mozzarella, sprinkled with a handful of almonds.  I topped it off with a light balsamic and enjoyed.  The whole thing runs between 350-450 calories (depending on the dressing).  I am a huge fan of mixing fruits into salads, and by throwing in the mozzarella for protein, I was surprisingly full for hours without feeling that awful heavy stomach feeling.  New obsession - check.

Jeff's Dinner

A crab-stuffed-lobster.  Enough said.

Yumberry

OH Pinkberry, how you torture me.  I actually had this for lunch yesterday.  I know it's a terrible substitute for a meal, but my throat has been so swollen lately that this felt awesome (that's what she said).  This delicious dessert consists of Strawberry Yogurt (quite tart, actually), mangoes, strawberries, chocolate crisp balls, and yogurt chips. 

Bento Box Picnic

Yesterday, Jenny and I had a lunch date in Bryant Park.  She took me to this adorable little Japanese spot, Kinokuniya Bookstore, right on 6th avenue.  Upstairs was a hidden gem of a cafe, where we had our little Japanese picnic.  I went with a chicken bento box, with squash, and various types of seaweed salad.  A+ on the find, Jenny!

Pomegranate, Yo

Pomegranates are one of my all time favorite fruits.  I don't even care that they are a pain to eat, they are delicious.  Unfortunately, they are most definitely seasonal, so I spend two thirds of my year sad and void of my fruity obsession.  Until this morning, when I found these badboys!  At 60 calories a pop, they're a lot of (natural!) sugar, but I don't even care.  Hilary: 1.  Pomegranate season: 0.  Bam.

A Bacon Kind Of Day

I took my weekly trip to Smorgusburg, the food market in Williamsburg on the East River, and discoverd this delectable treat:

Slow roasted bacon (seriously,  they let it sit for hours), slathered in maple syrup and paprika, smashed on a stick.  Going back this weekend for more?  You betcha.