Learning Patience

Chocolate Molten Cake

2012-07-30T17:12:00.000-03:00

Hi.

If you are still over on this site, you need to head here and resubscribe.

You're missing out on all the daily contests, posts and awesomeness!

I never used to be a dessert person.

Then, I met my husband...

A man who could live forever on chocolate and ice cream and pie.

Now, we end our evenings in bed, sharing a bowl of ice cream.

~ yum ~

After scanning a million recipes online, I made my own and thought I would surprise Glen last week.

It reminded me of all those chocolate molten cakes on our Trans-Atlantic cruise last year.

Unfortunately, it was the day he arrived home from work 2 1/2 hours late.

not so molten anymore

I didn't get mad, I just ate most of the cake myself.

The Verdict - It was delicious, I cooked mine for 20 mins, but it was a tad over cooked.

Start checking it after about 14 mins.

Make sure your guests are home when the cake comes out - eat immediately!

Chocolate Molten Cake

Recipe Type: dessert

Ingredients

1 cup flour, i used whole wheat
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
4 Tbsp unsalted butted, melted
1 egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp espresso powder, I used a Nespresso pod
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 325.
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, 1/4 cup of cocoa and 1/2 cup brown sugar - whisk.
Stir in the milk, vanilla, yolk and melted butter.
Spread into a buttered 9" square pan.
In a bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup of cocoa. Whisk to break up clumps.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cake batter and then sprinkle the cocoa powder and sugar mixture on top of that.
Combine the espresso powder with the hot water and pour all over the top but do not stir.
Bake for 14 minutes and then start checking cake. Depending on the oven, it could take between 20 to 35 minutes. The edges of the cake should feel baked but the middle should have a gentle jiggle.
The sauce poured on top has now settled to the bottom to create a rich pudding.
Let cool in pan for about 5 minutes and serve with ice cream.

Have you ever made a molten cake before?

Shabby Apple Giveaway

2012-07-11T22:05:00.003-03:00

Have you heard about Shabby Apple yet?

It's this adorable, online boutique that will help you channel your inner Joan Holloway...their dresses, tops and skirts manage to combine the tasteful with the seductive. I love the whole "Mad Men" vibe going with their drool-worthy pieces, now if they only came with a Don Draper too...oh wait - I'm married.

Here are the pieces on my wish list...

Today, Shabby Apple is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to one lucky Learning Patience Reader!

You know you want to enter! Good luck!

~ You must be a Learning Patience follower, Like Shabby Apple on Facebook and have a US Mailing Address ~

Please leave a separate comment for each entry

-Extra Entries-

leave me a comment telling me what Shabby Apple dress or item you love

visit Learning Patience on FB and tell me what color brings out your va-va-voom <--- (mine is bright orange or yellow)

tweet - "CoreyLearn is giving away a $50 gift card to @shabbyapple. Get your MAD MEN style on and hop on over and enter before Friday the 13th!"

Winner will be announced on Friday, July 13th, 2012.

who says friday the 13th has to be a bad luck day?!?!

Head on over to the NEW BLOG SITE to enter!

WIAW and Corey's Favorite Things Giveaway

2012-06-20T08:14:00.001-03:00

33 years ago at 9:59 am, I came into the world.
9 pounds 10 ounces...I was a whole lotta baby!

Happy Birthday to me and happy WIAW too.

Here's some of the fabulous food I ate yesterday!

I thought it was only fair to hold a giveaway the week of my birthday, so one of my very special readers could get a present too! I'm giving one of you lucky readers a package containing some of my favorite things!

- 1 4pack of goVino stemless, shatterproof wine glasses

- my latest obsession - glass drinking straws from Strawsome

- an amazing snack pack from New Family Naturals

- my favorite flour sack dishtowels

- my favorite go-to healthy filler - flaxseed meal

- several surprise Trinidad gifts

- - NALGENE Tritan OTG BPA-Free Water Bottle 24 Oz

-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's how to enter for this giveaway (must be a Learning Patience Follower):
leave a separate comment for each one you do

1. Visit Learning Patience on Facebook here and tell me one of your favorite things

2. Pin something from Learning Patience Blog onto Pinterest

3. Share this giveaway on Twitter and tag @Coreylearn with a link to this post.

The winner will be announced on Monday, June 25, 2012.

What is one of your favorite things?

DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS BLOG.
YOU MUST HEAD OVER TO THE NEW BLOG.

CLICK HERE

Hey You There...I Moved!

2012-06-12T16:43:00.002-03:00

It seems like some of y'all are still logging on to this website to my little ole blog...If you missed it...I MOVED.

I'm at the same http://www.thehinzadventures.com but I moved to WordPress and I think some of y'all had the .blogspot address. Please head on over here, and resubscribe!

Do it soon, because on Monday, I'm having a awesome giveaway. I'm calling it "Corey's Favorite Things!"

Y'all won't wanna miss it!

Head on Over

2012-06-12T07:46:00.003-03:00

Head on over to the new site now...

If you find this page, please update your reader - http://www.thehinzadventures.com

BIG Changes, MRI Results and WIAW

2012-06-06T08:19:00.000-03:00

I have hinted that BIG changes would be coming soon to Learning Patience.

Those changes start today, so please excuse any interruptions you may face in the next couple of days. My little blog is growing up and I've decided a make-over was the perfect present for it's 1 year blogaversary!

We are headed over to WordPress too!

I hope y'all will follow me over and we can celebrate on Friday!

Now for those MRI results I was patiently waiting for...

Fracture of the second metatarsal on right foot, near the base

Severe bone bruising in several spots.

No surgery, but apparently I was very close to needing it. My Dr. is awesome and know’s how much I like to workout, so he is allowing me to wear the aircast - normally they would have casted me. So, that means I can start pool running this weekend. Looks like I'll have crutches for at least 4 weeks.

Then, we re-evaluate how the bones are healing, it could take several weeks longer.

I tried wearing the aircast last night in bed and woke up crying. I'm guessing I am completely crazy while I sleep, because morning is when my foot hurts the most. Hopefully, I can get that figured out soon.

My goal is to be running by mid-July.

My half marathon is September 22.

Plenty of time...right?

Now it's time for WIAW.

Jenn wanted us to talk about how we sensibly snack for today's WIAW.

I like to keep pre-cut veggies in the fridge to dip in hummus throughout the day.

I am in LOVE with these dessert protein puffs!

Lunch at PÊCHE PÂTISSERIE (not pictured)

a delicious chicken sandwhich on 5 grain whole wheat bread

1 chocolate truffle cookie

water

my go-to snack

Dinner - YUMMY lobster and squash, chucks of Parmesan cheese and a glass of vino

Cheering Myself Up

2012-06-05T10:42:00.002-03:00

I logged onto some e e cards this morning to cheer myself up.

I find out my MRI results today.

fingers crossed it is a positive report

It's been 10 days since I last ran, it's depressing.

I promised not to be all gloomy, until I know for sure what it wrong and how long I will be sidelined for exactly. So...no more writing about injury for today!

Enjoy these very funny cards...they made me laugh!

I promise to share my results with y'all as soon as I get them.

~ Thanks so much for all of your nice words and support ~

Carrot Ginger Dressing

2012-06-04T09:02:00.002-03:00

Every time I go to Benihana's, I'm reminded how much I love that ginger carrot dressing that comes on your salad.

It's tangy and delicious.

So, when I found this recipe online, I knew I had to recreate it.

The Verdict - It was a home run, tasted exactly like theirs...YUM!

Carrot Ginger Dressing

Ingredients

2 medium carrots, peeled, sliced

½ medium shallot

2.5 inches fresh ginger, sliced

3 Tbs soy sauce

1/3 cup water

1/4 rice wine vinegar

3.5 Tbs veggie oil

1 tsp sea salt

Ready to Cook!

Food process everything until well combined.

Pour dressing on lettuce. Top with cilantro chilies and peanuts.

Enjoy!

What is your favorite workout song right now?

Giving Thanks...1 year later

2012-06-03T19:02:00.002-03:00

Today marks our 1 year anniversary upon moving to Trinidad.

It's hard to believe that a whole year has gone by already!

I have SO much to be thankful for today, so let's get started!

This week I am thankful for...

...the beautiful island I live on!

we traveled to Mayaro yesterday....so pretty

...amazing friends to enjoy life with...and take me to every Dr. apt, MRI scan, etc... without complaint.
Thank you Karen! She even got me a "sick treat" (a bottle of vino) she knows me SO well!

...pool time today air cast free!

...gnome zombies...I love them! If you missed my zombie walk...check it out here!

...this some eecard - it just makes me laugh!

...this amazing picture, too bad it resulted in a possible 6 week without running injury.

We are off to enjoy a fabulous dinner on the water with friends for Matt's last night.

This day is so special because it allows me to "give thanks" and remember the little things that make life SO amazing!

What are you thankful for this week?

Island Girl

2012-06-02T19:28:00.000-03:00

Yesterday, we woke up early, hopped on a plane and headed to Tobago.

Even though I am on crutches, I decided that some fresh air would do me some good!

We booked a day trip on Island Girl, a fabulous 43 foot catamaran.

The day was a blast.

The crew was very attentive, lunch was delicious, the bar was open and both stops to snorkel were amazing. The second stop, Emerald Cove, was full of brightly colored coral, tons of fish, a huge manta ray and a adorable turtle!

The tour is 85 US a person and I highly suggest it!

We had a wonderful time.

visit them on Facebook

Sean, the owner, came along and was a peach to accommodate me and my crutches.

thanks Sean

The boys spent the day relaxing...

So they could go out on the town later last night!

My foot was feeling sore, so I stayed in...and rested!

Well, I rested and worked on something BIG happening on the blog soon.

VERY BIG

I'm excited.

Do you like to snorkel?

I love the water SO much, I very carefully, did so yesterday.

Funny, Relaxing, Tiring Friday

2012-06-01T23:04:00.000-03:00

Today was nice!

We welcomed Glen's friend, Matt into town last night and took him to Tobago for the day.

We hopped aboard a catamaran and enjoyed a day on the water.

No, it wasn't easy for me on crutches and wearing an aircast.

It was tiring but fun.

I forgot about how anxious I am to find out about my foot.

Then, I came home and saw the above cartoon on Facebook and about died of laughter!

Now I am in my PJ's, with my foot propped up about to go to bed.

The boys...well, they are out on the town.

Enjoy boys...a glass of vino and an early bedtime is just what the Dr. ordered for me!

Happy Friday!

P.S. A HUGE thanks to Heather for my fun blog award today....thanks for knowing how to make a girl feel better!

MRI DAY

2012-05-31T17:45:00.002-03:00

I shared with y'all on Monday, that I injured myself.

At first, I got very encouraging comments from the Dr. (no x-ray breaks) and was instructed to rest for 24 hours and return. Tuesday, I returned and had a 2nd ultra sound done and the Dr. saw a bone chip and thought I should get crutches and scheduled an MRI. Since yesterday was a public holiday here in Trinidad, today was my MRI.

so sexy...

This was my 1st MRI and all I could think about was how my metal fillings felt like they were vibrating.

I know, I'm nuts.

After begging the technician to give a hint at my scans and offering to make him cookies...he finally let me see them. He did not offer any advice though. There was a noticeable area on the scan that did not look good, coincidentally, that is the area in pain. I tried "googling" MRI images, but decided that would just make me crazy all weekend.

I am keeping a positive attitude and going to be happy until Monday or Tuesday when the scans are done being evaluated. We are hoping that it is not a lisfranc fracture...

via

Yesterday, I finally hopped off the couch mid-day to make a tray of delicious protein egg white puffs to snack on...YUM. If you haven't tried these...you have to soon!

Dinner time came and Glen and I enjoyed a double date w/Karen and Kevin!

Karen has driven me to every Dr. apt, X-ray, MRI thing this week without hesitation.

She has been SO amazing and we wanted to say a HUGE thank-you to both of them for being such amazing friends. We dined at Chaud Cafe and enjoyed wine, scallops, chicken, pork belly, pasta, shrimp tacos and the incredible dessert pictured above!

After my MRI today, Karen and I returned home to find a massive water break in our tower shutting down the elevators. I did mention I'm on a very high floor and on crutches rt?

So we did what any responsible woman would do...left and drank wine!

So, it has been a rough week.

2.5 hours later...I'm finally in my condo.

ahhhhh

Like I said...when it rains...it pours!

Anyone else had a rough week so far?

Spice Education

2012-05-30T09:03:00.000-03:00

via

My mom is a fantastic cook, but growing up I was not interested in learning to cook.
Then, in sixth grade, I decided to stop eating meat.
It was at that point I realized without spices, most things seemed just boring and plain.
So, like most people, I grabbed the basic spices I knew...onion powder, garlic salt and pepper.
Then, much later, I met my husband. I really wanted to learn how to cook meals that he would love - steak, pork chops, lasagna, hamburgers, etc... So, I slowly started teaching myself how to cook. I used magazines like Bon Appétit, Food and Wine and Cooks Illustrated. That's when I noticed, I needed to learn how to use spices.
Sometimes using a new spice seems a bit scary.
They smell weird, look weird and are some are really expensive!
But, once you start experimenting with different spices, even weird ones, you start creating flavorful & amazing dishes! Here are some of my favorites...

I LOVE...

Tarragon – I cannot make chicken salad without using tarragon – you wouldn’t believe the difference it makes. I also used it in this recipe and this recipe, both knocked my socks off!

Sumac – This is a tart, Middle Eastern spice which you can use on green salads, fish, grilled veggies and meats. It’s like a squeeze of lemon and cranberries but better... I can't say enough about this spice, you have to try it asap!!!

Thyme - Thyme’s active ingredient is known for treating bronchitis, sore throats, chest congestion, laryngitis and asthma. Thyme is so effective it is often an ingredient in cough drops and mouthwashes to treat inflammation and infections. Thyme is also effective as a soothing stomach aid to relieve gastritis, indigestion and colic. I use fresh thyme is many soups, with several chicken dishes with lemon.

Cumin – Living in Houston for so long, I know that this spice is perfect in almost any recipe with a Mexican feel. I love it when making my spicy black bean edamame burgers, cauliflower poppers, chicken dishes, steak and chili. It is also especially high in antioxidants, but cumin is known for being especially good for digestion. It stimulates the gallbladder and pancreas to secrete enzymes and bile that break down food into usable nutrients your body can use.

Rosemary – I used to think this spice was way too strong, but now I am amazed what a couple pinches of it will do in my 7 vegetable soup, chicken soup or a bean dip. I also use in a lot in chicken dishes, Our friend Adam made a savory rosemary cheesecake for the Superbowl recently and let’s just say – it was a HUGE hit with my husband, who doesn't even like cheesecake.

- Bay Leaves – My whole life I had never seen my mother use these, ever. Then, I read that you need them in making soup and OMG, the flavor of the soup is drastically different – I cannot imagine making some of my soups without using them.

Curry – I had never used curry before moving to Trinidad. Then, I tried using it in my chicken salad and LOVED it. I also loved it in my curried zucchini fritters . Just be careful because it dyes your fingers something bad….

Chili Powder – I use a ancho chili powder and I love it – it turns up the heat on any dish, perfect in chili, stuffed peppers, steak or chicken rubs, etc…

Herbs De Provence – If you don’t know, this is a spice blend from France that includes Lavender, thyme, parsley, fennel, basil, garlic. It is this amazingly fragrant blend that is perfect on roasted veggies, Halibut in parchment, and in soups.

Smoked Paprika – A good smoked paprika can make all the difference in any poultry and tomato based soups. It is also excellent in meatballs and as a hummus topper, it’s sweet taste delivers a nice punch!

Turmeric – Turmeric’s yellow-orange pigment, curcumin, is the main active ingredient in this super spice. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory benefits are actually comparable to drugs like hydrocortisone and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like Advil and Motrin. But, unlike the drugs, curcumin is not toxic at all. It is great as rub on chicken, combined with pepper and cumin or in my famous falafel burgers!

Here are some amazing online sources to find just about any spice needed...

here, here and here

What are some of your favorite spices?

Sail Away with Me

2012-05-29T17:58:00.000-03:00

I have always wanted to learn how to sail.

There is something about all the things to learn that gets me excited.

Life is all about learning new things.

Glen had always wanted to learn too (hooray), so we started lessons 2 weeks ago.

Last Saturday, I took my camera to capture some of the fun!

~ Enjoy ~

Have you ever been sailing before?

Baby Shower Fun

2012-05-28T17:52:00.000-03:00

Hi.

Yesterday, I threw a baby shower for my two friends.

One however, had to travel home to Seattle early because the baby was getting excited and wanted to come to the party too. Although we missed Jen, Chike and Maya...we still managed to have a blast!

Well, that was until I had the bright idea to jump into the pool for a photo.

the photo looks amazing...thanks to Anthony!

However, the pain I felt once I hit the bottom of the pool was not awesome.

My right foot is swollen and has a possible bone chip.

My knee is very sore.

I am clumsy.

I'll be OK.

The Dr. told me today that I was his 1st sports injury at a baby shower.

I had to laugh....

Back to the fabulous shower...

We had a blast, ate root beer pulled pork, decorated bibs & onesies and enjoyed the day!

Thanks to Anthony...photog extraordinaire for some of the pics below...

Any clumsy pool injury stories to make me feel better?

Runners High

2012-05-25T15:48:00.002-03:00

My training plan called for a 10 mile long run today.

I haven't ran 10 miles since my half marathon on March 10th.

Yea, I didn't realize that either until this morning.

My husband woke up with me at 4:45 am and started the run w/me...what a great sport!

I felt great, was a little tired around mile 7, so I ate a GU...

I don't know how my girl Heather uses these as her fuel...I cannot find a flavor that I like.

I gagged down a Vanilla one & some water and about 5 minutes later, I felt better!

(please tell me what GU flavors to buy)

I felt like a million bucks when I finished!

I love my runners high.

Some of you have emailed me and asked if I am training for something.

Yes, I am.

I will be heading back to the States in September for my 1st official half marathon.

~ SO EXCITING ~

I have some awesome news related to that too, but you are going to have to wait until next week to hear all about it!

(i know, I'm a tease)

this has nothing to do with anything -- it's just hilarious

Lots of fun stuff this weekend...

Wine & Cheese night this evening, our 2nd sailing lesson and I'm throwing a poolside baby shower on Sunday!

Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?

Skinny Pina Colada's

2012-05-24T16:05:00.000-03:00

Are you looking for the perfect summer cocktail without all the calories?

Try my Skinny Pina Colada!

It tastes just like the real thing, minus the 700 or so calories and all the guilt.

This is such a HUGE hit with everyone, I make them all the time here.

Plus, it has coconut water in it, so its good for you...right?!

Skinny Pina Colada

Ingredients

1/3 cup Malibu

1/3 cup coconut water

1/3 cup unsweetened pineapple juice (i use Dole)

Have you tried this lo-cal cocktail yet?

WIAW and Running Naked (almost)

2012-05-23T16:01:00.003-03:00

Happy Wednesday!

It's that time of the week again.

WIAW

This is where I share with y'all all the things I consumed yesterday.

Yesterday was awesome!

I had a killer 4 mile tempo run - 4 miles at 8:45.

breakfast - not pictured...vitamins, OJ and some peanut butter

I ran a bunch of errands with Karen...

(I'm throwing a double baby shower for my girls Jen & Anya on Sunday)

then we ended the day w/lunch. I even got to see my girl Aly there!

Aly has been a bookworm because she's taking her law exams rt now

lunch - scallops, veggie mix (not pictured - vino, lentil chips & hummus)

After lunch, I got busy registering Beth & I up for a SUPER FUN run in Houston.

Yup, I'm heading back to Houston for a week to celebrate my birthday with B, make a trip to the dentist (i love my teeth) and celebrate the 4th of July in the USA!

Beth is such a great sport...it is for charity after all

After all that travel planning, I grabbed a snack.

sprouted grain half English muffin, hummus and steamed spinach

Then, the hubby came home later with dinner, my favorite - Shrimp wonton soup!

zucchini pasta...so good!

We ended our evening with 2 Mad Men episodes & a bag of M&M's!

Have you ever ran a race in your undies?

Feeling Lucky

2012-05-22T09:47:00.000-03:00

A Luke Adams glass star

"Good friends are like stars....

You don't always see them, but you know they are always there" -unknown-

Our amazing friends, Karen & Kevin, returned back from there three week trip home to the States on Sunday night. Yesterday, Karen and I spent the day catching up and that is when she surprised me with the above star. Y'all know how much I love stars!

It is beautiful and already hanging in my living room, by the window.

Thanks Karen and Kevin...we are SO happy y'all are back!

The sneakpeeq.com giveaway winner is... Bethany!

Congrats, your sneakpeeq.com account will be credited with $20.00

Easy Pot Roast

2012-05-21T10:42:00.001-03:00

I haven't eaten beef since 6th grade, but I am married to a "i love meat" kinda guy.

So, when I found parsnips last week, I decided to channel my grandma and make my very first pot roast. After researching a bunch of recipes online, I decided to go with The Pioneer Woman's version found here. It was super easy and Glen gave me a HUGE 2 thumbs up!

Pot Roast

Ingredients

1 whole 2lb Chuck Roast

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

3 whole onions, halved

6 whole carrots, cut into 2 inch chunks

3 parsnips, cut into 2 inch chunks

1 pkg baby bella mushrooms, halved

Salt & Pepper

1 cup red wine

2 cups to 3 cups beef stock

3 sprigs fresh thyme

3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary, or more to taste

Ready to Cook!

Choose a nicely marbled piece of meat. This will enhance the flavor of your pot roast like nothing else.

Generously salt and pepper your chuck roast.

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

When the oil in the pot is very hot (but not smoking), add in the halved onions, browning them on one side and then the other. Remove the onions to a plate.

Throw the carrots into the same very hot pan and toss them around a bit until slightly browned, about a minute or so.

If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the very hot pan.

Place the meat in the pan and sear it for about a minute on all sides until it is nice and brown all over. Remove the roast to a plate.

With the burner still on high, use either red wine or beef broth (about 1 cup) to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom with a whisk to get all of that wonderful flavor up.

When the bottom of the pan is sufficiently deglazed, place the roast back into the pan and add enough beef stock to cover the meat halfway (about 2 to 3 cups). Add in the onion and the carrots, as well as 3 or 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary and about 3 sprigs of fresh thyme.

Put the lid on, then roast in a 275F oven for around 2 1/2 hours.

For a 4 pound roast, plan on around 4 hours.

Enjoy!

Have you ever made a roast before?

Giving Thanks

2012-05-20T21:40:00.001-03:00

This week I am thankful for…

…a fun night with my husband yesterday - an evening walk, cocktail sipping, delicious eats and plenty of twirls.

…one of the best runs ever this morning – 4.5 miles in 38 minutes!

5
miles
00:38
time
08:32
pace
460
calories
details

…delicious blueberry and banana smoothies.

...a delicious lunch at Chaud on Thursday!

…I only have one month till my birthday, I don’t care how old I get, I LOVE my birthday!

ringing in my 30th birthday in Houston

last year in Grenada, my 32nd birthday

…my grandma. She passed away my senior year of college, but I channeled her today and made my very 1st pot roast for Glen. I even included my favorite, parsnips! She would always invite me over when she made this dish. She would eat the meat and I would eat the veggies!!! (i promise the recipe tomorrow - GLEN LOVED IT!!!!)

p.s. You have until this evening to enter my sneakpeeq giveaway!

What are you thankful for this week?

Wonton Mini Nacho Bowls

2012-05-18T12:40:00.000-03:00

Oh Houston Tex Mex...I miss you!

Before moving to Trinidad last June, I would have to say we ate Tex Mex at least three times a week. Yup, it's that delicious folks! So, when I found fresh cilantro at my new favorite shop, Petit Gourmet, I knew I had to whip up a little bit of home with a new twist. I had seen the wonton wrapper craze take over Pinterest, but I had yet to wonton! gasp So, I finally pulled my $2 pack of wonton wrappers out of the freezer and once they thawed, I got busy.
The Verdict - This recipe is officially going into the semi-weekly rotation.
It is quick, easy to make, flavorful and healthy!
Plus, you can use all your leftover ingredients to create new flavor combinations!

Wonton Mini Nacho Bowls

Ingredients

wonton wrappers (find them in your freezer section)

black beans

corn

salsa

sour cream

cilantro

shredded cheese

chicken

roasted bell peppers, diced

rice (optional, I used leftover lime/parsley barley)

butter, melted

onion powder

cumin

salt and pepper

Ready to Cook!

Preheat oven to 375.

Take two wonton wrappers and gently push into mini muffin pan.

Melt butter and gently brush over wonton wrappers.

~ Next time I would, at this step, cook the buttered wontons for 3 minutes first, before filling them, just to precook the bottoms a bit more ~

Fill wontons with cheese, beans, corn, rice, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, chicken and peppers.

Sprinkle tops with spices and top with cheese.

Cook for about 17 minutes.

Have you tried the wonton thing yet?

My Night at Fanatic Kitchen Studio

2012-05-17T11:36:00.004-03:00

Executive Chef Ian Rooks and I enjoying the evening

Last night, I was invited to attend French Cooking with Rachel Bryden at Fanatic Kitchen Studio. If you haven't heard about Fanatic Kitchen yet, it's this awesome studio (think Top Chef) located in Port of Spain, where you can have fun with food, take a cooking class, engage in one of their Friday night limes, hold a corporate team-building event, etc... The ideas go on and on!

I arrived around 6pm and was welcomed with a glass of vino (yes, please), everyone brings some to enjoy, and given a packet of recipes that Rachel would be showing us how to make.

On the menu last night included...

Beef Bourguignon

Chicken cooked with Vinegar

Pork a la Normande

Fish a la Provence.

Rachel started with the Beef Bourguignon and as she taught, she asked for volunteers to help out, which I liked. It allowed you to be hands-on or simply relax, watch and drink some vino! She was filled with a ton of great tips and suggestions, I was jotting down notes all evening! For the next three hours we chatted, we cooked, we ate and we consumed a bit of wine...it was so much fun!

I sat next to Sofia Waddell, she received the whole French Cooking series (5 sessions in all) as a birthday gift and was loving the whole experience. "Fun, friends and food...what else do you want? Oh right, wine. There's plenty of that too!"

As each dish finishes, you are given a plate to enjoy!

Joanne Pouchet, frequent visitor of the studio, said, "My experience at Fanatic Kitchen has always been fabulous and lots of fun. Rachel Bryden, one of the many chefs, is just a delight, quite eloquent, thorough and very experienced. Taking a class at Fanatic Kitchen Studio should be a must on your Trinidad bucket list!"

I couldn't have said it better myself Joanne!

Any dish with this much garlic in it, has to be amazing!

p.s. those are fresh bay leaves, apparently we have a ton of bay leaf trees here and I never knew, go figure

The chicken dish was amazing!

Everyone was practically liking their plate clean!

love this

The evening ended around 9pm and everyone said goodbye with a happy stomach, a handful of new recipes, wonderful memories and plans to return soon!

A HUGE thank you to Fanatic Kitchen Studio for having me - it was awesome!

So, if you wanna to break out of that same-old dating rut, are interested in learning some new cooking skills, want a fun night out or looking to meet new friends - head on over to Fanatic Kitchen Studio soon!

You can find them here or here for more information

P.S. My awesome giveaway is still going on until Sunday...
click on over and enter today!

WIAW - Sunsets, Operation Letters and a Giveaway

2012-05-16T12:39:00.000-03:00

Yes, these sunsets are very real and they happen almost every evening.

I know, I have one of the best backyard in the whole world!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Hip Hip Hooray for WIAW.

Before I get to my eats from yesterday, I must fill you in on the cool project Jenn (yes, miss peas and crayons herself) and I started!! We were putting together a care package for her husband and his squadron who are serving overseas...and we thought how awesome it would be to include a ton of letters, pictures, etc.. inside for them!

This blog community is HUGE and AMAZING - so we need your help!

Please email OperationLetters@gmail.com and Jenn will print and mail it all overseas in a jumbo care package!

No donations needed, something as simple as a letter can absolutely brighten someone's day!

click here to send a email to our troops

power protein balls and OJ

shrimp wonton soup - love

zucchini pasta w/turkey and mozzarella and pita chips

snacks

skinny pina colada

won ton mini nacho bowls - watch for the recipe tomorrow!

AND

Don't forget to enter my fun giveaway - it ends Sunday night!

In order to enter this giveaway all you gotta do is CLICK HERE to join sneakpeeq.

This contest is open to folks w/ a U.S. mailing address

AND

new sneakpeeq members only

Good luck, enjoy you’re $10 credit just for entering and the winner will be announce Monday morning and be rewarded with an extra $20!

Happy Shopping!

OPERATION LETTERS - We Need Your Help

2012-05-15T16:05:00.003-03:00

click here to email a letter

Can you imagine been thousands of miles away serving your country?

Without your family?

Without Internet?

Without the comforts of home?

I can't even begin to imagine that situation.

So, why am I asking you this?

I need your help. We need your help!

Most of you know Jenn, the amazing/adorable/funny/talented chica that runs the WIAW party every week! I have had the pleasure of getting to know her and yes, she is just as awesome as she comes across on her blog!

Anyways, I asked her if I could help her with a care package to send to her husband and his squadron who are currently serving overseas. She was thrilled and that is when we came up with OPERATION LETTERS. We would like for you, your family, your friends or anyone you know to send an email here to show the troops that someone is thinking about them. A couple of minutes of your time, could mean the world to them.

Draw a picture, write an email, send a couple of jokes...just DO SOMETHING.

click here to help

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think can help.

Jenn will be mailing the package in June, so get writing!

Thank you.

click here to email a letter

P.S. My awesome giveaway is still going on until Sunday - click on over and enter today!