Peel Me A Grape

Duff Zebra Cake

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:35:00 +0000

I know that lately, I'm all

Pinterest

...but what can I say

it's very inspiring

which led me to my

latest test kitchen adventure

I've seen several pictures of zebra cakes

on Pinterest

so when I was at Target last week

I saw this from Duff

I knew it was meant for me to make a zebra cake - STAT!

Then I thought, " Hmm.. how do I make mine

stand out

amongst the others on Pinterest?"

Then it came to me...

Of course, PINK

instead of white

pink

is afterall

my FAVORITE color

At first, I wasn't quite sure what I was doing.

Basically, you have your pink cake

your chocolate cake

Using a 1/4 measuring cup,

start in the middle of a greased 9 in pan

(I used 2 - 9 in pans)

alternate between pink and chocolate

Pouring in in the middle everytime

I was too cautious at first,

and towards the end I realized

that I needed to fill the

measuring cup pretty full

Anyway, it still looks cool..

very zebra-ish

I made a traditional buttercream frosting

This pink frosting is very 1980's

I think I might try it again with chocolate frosting

for a more toned down version

..but c'mon

this is pretty fun and amazing

Stay tuned ...

there will definitely be more

zebra cake test kitchen activities

Dude, Sweet Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Dude Sweet Chocolate

is located

in the Bishop Arts District

of Oak Cliff

They let you tasted anything with a tag

which is just about everything

Here's what I bought:

Albatross

Blue Cheese Sea Salt Fudge

so, so yummy!

I shared this with my friends and a lovely Cabernet Franc

Mull'd Wine 2011 Chocolate Potion

Use this in a chocolate martini

over ice cream or hot brownie

or even coffee

They have also 2 other potions

One Night Stand Potion

featuring 100 anos tequila

and

Breakup Potion

featuring Breckenridge Bourbon

I cannot wait to try this, too

Smoke Restaurant - Dallas

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

This weekend's adventure was in Oak Cliff

We started with breakfast

Smoke

Hungry Bear Smoked Ham Steak

& Farm Egg Fritter

with Sweet Corn Griddle Cake

Dublin Dr Pepper Red Eye Gravy

Omelet with BBQ Brisket & Cheddar Cheese

Served with a side of Cheese Grits - Hominy Casserole

Smoke

is located at

901 Ft Worth Ave

next to the

Belmont Hotel

Spec's - Dallas Grand Opening

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:53:00 +0000

Spec's opened here in Dallas

back in December

but today kicks off their official

Grand Opening

I visited a couple of weeks ago

and was in awe of all the stuff they carry

In addition to liquer, beer and wine

here is just a sample of what they have

Spec's is located

9500 N. Central Expressway

Dallas, Tx

(off Walnut Hill)

I highly recommend checking this place out!

Buzzbrews

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Buzzbrews is another fun breakfast/brunch place

Actually, they have a full menu and are open 24/7

There are 3 locations in Dallas

I went to the one off Lemmon Ave

This was the most delicious omelet

Hare Krishna

Cinnamon Roll Cake

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:08:00 +0000

Cinnamon Roll Cake

I found this recipe on Pinterest

It originated from cookin up north blog

It is very easy to make

Cake:

3 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 cups milk

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp cinnamon

Directions:

Mix all the cake ingredients together except for the butter
Slowly stir in the melted butter
Pour into greased 9X13 pan
Mix all the topping ingredients together until well combined
Drop evenly over the batter
Swirl with a knife
Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes
While warm, drizzle the glaze over the cake

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

5 Tbsp milk

1 tsp sugar

Company Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:22:00 +0000

Company Cafe is located

off lower Greenville in Dallas

I love their philosophy of

buying local and from Texas

whenever possible

Misty and Melissa - this is for you!

The Beat

Two cage free eggs (sunny side up) with bacon

avocado and tomato

YUM!

Challah French Toast Sticks

Linz's Omelet / Not sure what flavor

I had a bite, and it was yummy

Going out for breakfast is one of my favorite things

to do on the weekends

Dallas has so many to choose from

that my friend, Linz and I are going

to try a new place at least once a month

Trader Joe's Texas Locations

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me and/or has been following my blog for any amount of time, knows that I totally love, love, love

Trader Joe's

and

very

excited

that they are

FINALLY

coming to

TEXAS

Since it was announced in May, 2011, I have been stalking their website. Everytime I used the store locator, Chesterfield, MO popped up as the closest one to me (approximately 600 miles) which we already know since we drove there back in October 2010.

Everytime I'd click on

"See Where TJ's Is Opening Soon"

nothing, nada, zip was listed for Texas

but now...

guess what???

Not only are the Texas locations listed

but when I put in my zip code

all the "closest" locations

are now in Texas

and not in Missouri, Nebraska or New Mexico.

Coming Soon:

Dallas (Lower Greenville), TX
Fort Worth, TX
Foxborough (Patriot Place), MA
Knoxville, TN
Lexington, KY
Los Angeles (3rd & Fairfax), CA
Medford, OR
Naples, FL
Nashua, NH
Plano, TX
Prescott, AZ

TJ Stores near you

Trader Joe's Dallas - Lower Greenville (403) - Coming Soon!
2001 Greenville Ave
Dallas, TX 75206
Phone Number: tbd
Trading Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm

Trader Joe's Plano (402) - Coming Soon!
2400 Preston Road Ste 200
Plano, TX 75093
Phone Number: tbd
Trading Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm

Trader Joe's Fort Worth (404) - Coming Soon!
2701 Hulen Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Phone Number: tbd
Trading Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm

Trader Joe's The Woodlands (428) - Coming Soon!
Kuykendahl Rd & Woodlands Pkwy
Spring, TX 77382
Phone Number: tbd
Trading Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm

Ebelskivers

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:37:00 +0000

My friend, Misty made us Ebelskivers for New Years.

What's an Ebelskiver you say?

Well, it's a danish fluffy pancake

that can be filled with treats to make them

either sweet (fruit, jam, chocolate, etc)

or savory (cheese, herbs, bacon, etc)

Check out this Nordic Ware Ebelskiver pan

from Williams Sonoma

Following the directions on the above

Ebelskiver pancake mix,

pour into the pan

Add your favorite filling

Here Misty used pumpkin butter, nutella,

and a boursin cheese bacon mixture

Pour more of the ebelskiver pancake batter

on top

Use these amazing ebelskiver tools

to turn them around

Check out Misty

She's ninja fast!

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

(Another Pinterest find)

This is from Iowa Girl Eats blog.

These are very simple to make.

Ingredients

2 russet potatoes (you can also use sweet potatoes)

garlic powder

extra virgin olive oil

salt

pepper

grated parmesan cheese

shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven 450 degrees

Slice the potatoes (not too thin)

Soak them in water for a hour. Can also been done overnight.

Pat them dry, and place in a medium size bowl.

Mix the garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and cheeses

Place on a baking sheet.

Cook for 30 minutes - turning them over half way through.

Texas Olive Ranch

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:30:00 +0000

If you've been to the

White Rock Local Market,

you just might have met Barbara

selling Texas Olive Ranch

Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars

She is taking olive oils and balsamic vinegars to a whole new level

Mixing up some viniagrette cocktails I never dreamed I'd sip from a small plastic cup

such as...

Blackberry White Balsamic Vinegar

with Myer Lemon Olive Oil

"Take a nose"

as Barbara says

Now taste

"Isn't it exquisite?"

another barb-ism!

Perfect as marinades, dips or dressings!

Another fabulous combo

Pecan Balsamic Vinegar with Rio Orange Olive Oil

smells like Thanksgiving!

Now this one,

Rattlesnake Chipotle and Pepper Olive Oil,

you want to be a little careful

when you "take a nose"

it's got a kick

but it's an awesome marinade, and even good over popcorn!

You can order from the website, but if you are local to D/FW

Contact me, and I will get you in touch with her

It'll save on the shipping costs

Pigs in a Handmade Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:56:00 +0000

My version of Pigs in a Homemade Quilt

I got this idea

from a fun diner

located in

Downtown Ft Worth

called

Cowtown Diner

Here's Cowtown Diner's Pigs in a Homemade Quilt

They are super easy to make
Here's my recipe - feel free to adjust as you see fit

Ingredients

1 box puff pastry
1 pkg sausage rope (I used Nolan Ryan Jalapeno Beef)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place puff pastry on a lightly floured surface
Roll out to a 12x9 rectangle / cut in half
Cut the sausage in half
Roll it on the puff pastry, pressing the seam together
Cut into slices and place on a baking sheet
Bake for 15 minutes.

Serve with any type of mustard. I used a cranberry horseradish mustard for the holidays.

Ham & Swiss Sliders

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:12:00 +0000

This is another recipe

I found on Pinterest.

It originated from the blog -

The Girl That Ate Everything

This is my version of it

These are pretty unassuming, but amazing!

Ham & Swiss Sliders

Ingredients

1 pkg 24 hawaiian rolls

24 slices honey ham

24 slices baby swiss cheese

Poppy Seed Sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 1/2 tablespoons of horseradish mustard

3/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup chopped red onion

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Prepare the ham and cheese with the rolls. Place in a 9x13 pan - touching sides.

Mix the ingredients for the Poppy Seed Sauce, and pour over the sandwiches.

Let it sit for 10 minutes while the butter sets.

Cover with foil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Uncover and cook for another 2 minutes or until the tops are slightly brown.

Mini Caprese Skewers

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:12:00 +0000

Aren't these adorable?

They are very Yummy, too!

So easy to assemble..

Just use bocconcini & grape tomatoes

Wrap in fresh basil!

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

I got the idea from Pinterest

which originated from the blog

Terri's Table

I served these at a holiday party featuring

olive oils and balsamic vinegars

from

Texas Olive Ranch

Fig & Blue Cheese Tarts

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:23:00 +0000

I bought this JJ&B

Fig & Walnut Jam

at our local

White Rock Local Market

It is amazing

Fig & Blue Cheese Tarts

(From Paula Deen's Christmas Magazine)

Ingredients

2 (1.9 oz) packages frozen mini phyllo shells
1/2 cup fig/walnut preserves ( you can use fig preserves and add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts)
1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
3 oz blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Directions

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Place phyloo shells in cups of miniature muffin pans
In a small bowl, combine fig/walnut preserves, cream cheese, and blue cheese, stirring to combine. Spoon mixture into phyllo shells. Bake for 10 minutes.
In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to boil over medium-heat high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until vinegar is reduced by 1/3 cup. Cool for 10 minutes. Spoon vinegar reduction over tarts. Serve immediately.

These are AMAZING. We actually served them at a Breaking Dawn party, then I made them for a wine party. They are perfect with hearty reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon.

Buy quality blue cheese and crumble it yourself. It really makes a different.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:11:00 +0000

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

I found these on Pinterest

(my new favorite site)

They were "pinned" from food.com

Ingredients

1 6oz package dried cranberries
1 container of cream cheese spread
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
4 large spinach flour tortillas

Directions

Combine all ingredients except tortillas, mix well
Divide and spread mixture evenly amough 4 tortillas
Roll up tightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least one hour
Cut into slices

These are amazing. They are so easy to make. Perfect for Christmas entertaining. So very festive.

Go Go Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:25:00 +0000

I saw this

usb outlet

on page 52

of the November issue

Real Simple Magazine

I want one for every room in my house!

Trader Joe's in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:33:00 +0000

It was a year ago last weekend,

when Misty, Melissa and I

took a road trip to Chesterfield, MO

(600 miles one way)

to the closest Trader Joe's to Dallas

It was about 6 months ago

as we were planning our next road trip -

would it be Nebraska or New Mexico

that we heard that we were

getting a

Trader Joe's

here in

Dallas/Ft Worth

Then, nada, nothing... no word

about Dallas...

well, just rumors...

like how

Lake Highlands was petitioning

for them to put their store in a newly developed area

how

the old Whole Foods location

on Lower Greenville would be perfect

now
there are rumors of locations

Knox/Henderson

Walnut and Central

again..

all RUMORS

Trader Joe's is being very tight lipped

I think they've reported my emails as SPAM

(hee hee just kidding)

Looks like they found space in Ft Worth

(I love Ft Worth)

&
now

I'm reading about space in Houston

It's November, so no Trader Joe's in Dallas

this year

but

if it does hits Houston first,

you can bet

I will be there

so my Houstonian friends

(Monica, Mona, Kim)

gte ready for a visit

and

can

Melissa and Misty stay too?

Williams Sonoma Technique Classes - November Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:33:00 +0000

Call your local Williams Sonoma store to determine correct date/times.
I usually go to the store located in Plano @ Preston Rd and Park. They hold theirs on Saturdays.

THE PERFECT TURKEY
November 6 & 7
Let us be your guide to preparing the perfect turkey, the star of the Thanksgiving table-moist, flavorful and a showstopper! We'll discuss how to select a turkey, what brining is and does, the secrets to roasting and tips for carving like a pro. Whether you'll be roasting your first holiday bird or your twentieth, join us for this essential class before it's time to turn on the oven!

THANKSGIVING SIDES & STUFFINGS
November 13 & 14
While the turkey may take center stage, for many of us, it's the side dishes that steal the show. Learn the basics of preparing potatoes, savory stuffings and other impressive sides that will make your Thanksgiving table both bountiful and memorable.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA ALL-STAR THANKSGIVING
November 20 & 21
Thanksgiving is less than a week away-but it's not too late to add an amazing side dish to your menu or discover some time-saving tips. This final Thanksgiving technique class features our favorite recipes plus last-minute tips to make your holiday truly special and stress-free.

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:02:00 +0000

These plates make me smile!

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:29:00 +0000

I first used Pioneer Women's recipe to make these

I have since put my own twist on them

Ingredients

12 jalapenos

6 pieces thin bacon

1 ounce block cream cheese - softened

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp - 1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp seasoned salt (I use Lawry's)

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup red pepper jelly

Directions

In a bowl, combine cream cheese with the cumin, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt, corn, and grated cheddar cheese. Set aside.
Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise. With a spoon, remove the seeds and membranes. (This helps tame the heat of the peppers)
Cut the bacon in half. You should have a enough bacon for each pepper.
Stuff the jalapenos with the cream cheese mixture.
Wrap the bacon slices around each half.
Brush the top of the bacon with the red pepper jelly (chutney or apricot jelly work too)

What the Fig!!??

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:20:00 +0000

Have you ever been to someones's house

and

they served the most awesome dish

that seemed so easy to make?

This recently happened to me

I had the

most awesome figs

with

proscuitto & parmesan cheese

they were figilicious!

Well, I should have asked for the recipe

before attempting this on my own

Apparently, it is recommended

to put the parmesan cheese

on the figs FIRST

then

wrap the figs and cheese

with the proscuitto

DUH!

Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:37:00 +0000

This is one of my favorites

It is inspired

by the

smoked gouda pimento cheese

we buy here locally (D/FW)

at Market Street

It took 2 test kitchen attempts

but I think this recipe is a winner!

It isn't the exact recipe,

because I didn't attempt

to create an exact replica.

The smoked gouda creates an

illusion that bacon is in the recipe

Let me know if you make it!

I'd love to hear how you create your own twist to it.

Ingredients:
1 cup mayo (I used Hellman's)
12 ounces light sour cream
1/3 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup smoked gouda (thickly grated)
1/2 cup gouda (thickly grated)
1/2 cup havarti (thickly grated)
1 - 4 ounce jar pimentos (chopped)
1-2 jalapeno peppers (finely chopped) optional

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Chill at least a hour before serving.

Serve with blue corn chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.

#TGTaste - Thirsty Girl Twitter Chat with Ghirardelli

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:09:00 +0000

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month,

Thirsty Girl

is teaming up with Ghirardelli

for a Twitter Tasting

with their Intense Dark chocolates

#TGTaste Twitter Chat

October 5th

@ 5pm PST/ 7pm CST

I signed up

and

received my chocolates

in the mail yesterday!

I immediately went to the Ghirardelli website to see their pairing recommendations!

If you are participating in the Twitter Chat on 10/5 (even if you are not participating in the Twitter chat, these chocolates are available at your local market), here are my wine pairing recommendations using wine from WineShop At Home in Napa, CA.

These wines are sold exclusively from WineShop At Home. You can order directly from the website and have the wines shipped directly to you.

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Evening Dream Chocolate

pair it with Fog Vineyards 2009 Paso Robles Zinfandel

This Fog Vineyards 2009 Paso Robles Zinfandel has aromas of cherry, cranberry and graham cracker with hints of blackberry, violets and grape jelly. The wine has a pretty, dark ruby color. The flavors mirror the aromas quite nicely. Enjoy this wine with burgers on the grill, teriyaki beef, ratatouille or medium cheeses such as cheddar.

Your Price: $22.50

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight

pair it with Talmage 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast

This Talmage Cellars 2008 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of cherry, raspberry and cassis with hints of leather, oak and blackberry. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with soft but noticeable tannin. The ripe fruit flavors fill the palate. The medium length finish is smooth and fruity with nice balanced acid. This wine is a perfect addition to a fun evening with family and friends, and it is also available with your personalized label when ordered by the case or half-case.

Your Price: $20.75

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Midnight Reverie

pair it with Broadmoore Estates 2009 California Syrah

This Broadmoore Estates 2009 California Syrah has aromas of cherry, blackberry and caramel with hints of spice and leather. The flavors are sweet and delicious with bright berry notes and light acidity and light tannin. Enjoy this wine with a pasta salad, a spinach pizza, teriyaki beef or medium cheeses such as mild cheddar.

Your Price: $16.00

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Toffee Interlude

pair with Fleur Bleu 2010 White Bouquet Central Coast

This Fleur Bleu 2010 White Bouquet has subtle aromas of apple and pear with hints of honey and spice. This wine has a weight on the palate not common with white wines. The finish is clean and pleasing. This wine was made for food. Enjoy this wine with fish and chips, pork with apples, Chinese takeout or medium cheeses such as Edam.

Your Price: $17.00

Disclaimer: These wine pairing recommendations are exclusively mine - Sandi Graham and in no way, shape or form do they reflect the views of Thirsty Girl or anyone associated with Thirsty Girl.

Thirsty Girl Does Dallas

noreply@blogger.com (simplysandi) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:42:00 +0000

Thirsty Girl is partnering with Marilyn Wines.

Marilyn Wines is celebrating their 25 year anniversary.

They will be at Sigels at 5757 Greenville Ave

on Thursday, Sept 29th

between 5-7pm

Wines to be tasted:

Norma Jeane Merlot 2010

Marilyn Merlot 2009

Marilyn Merlot 2008

Hope to see you there!