Sugar and Spice: birthday

Showing posts with label birthday. Show all posts

Friday, August 5, 2011

Summer in a Post

Hi, there. I've been an awful blogger these past few months. So, in order to make up for that, here is what I've been up to this summer - told through the photos on my iPhone. Enjoy!

*Note: I am still obsessed with Instagram, so be forewarned that ~~most~~ all of these photos have been Instagramed. :)

FINALLY experienced District Taco for the first time in May at the Courthouse Farmer's Market. Who knew such good food could be made in a food truck the size of my closet? The carnitas and pollo tacos were amazing.

Tried a new dish, Chicken Chilaquiles, and discovered my tolerance for heat is not what I thought it was. HOT, but, yummy nonetheless. *Use less Adobe sauce. Just sayin'.

Dug up a favorite recipe, Spring Risotto. Still in love. The zucchini and peas are perfect in late spring, early summertime. The parmesan on top is a perfect combo.

At the end of May, early June, the Marshall family made our annual migration from DC, SC and Michigan to Outer Banks. This year we stayed in Kill Devil Hills, and it was as lovely as ever. I miss it. Nothing is better than being with family, near the water, and eating lots of food. Adam and I also celebrated our three year anniversary. Time is flying! Can't wait until next summer!

Taken at the beach house. Cooper really is a happy pup. This may have been the hundredth photo we took of these three. Yeah, Mom looks like she's over it, too. Love. :)

Oh, and we made lots of this. Dad's specialty. My mouth is watering. AH!

One of my best friends from home, Lindsay, visited DC in mid-June. She was in town for an engagement party and snuck away to play with me for a night. I was so happy to have her here for the weekend! Now, you need to get Kaley up here to finally visit, too. :)

This is just a random date night photo from some time in June. Love ya, Addy!

In late June, we had a little get together at Casey and Katie's apartment for Mary-Kate and Amber's summer birthdays (June 21 and July 5). We all brought over salads of all sorts (pasta, panzanella, wild rice, vegetable, etc.) and stuffed our faces. It was glorious.

Oh, and I made "the" cake. The Strawberry Cream Cake, to be exact. Try it, you'll die. Aren't we festive with the red, white and blue. America!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan

2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (from a 1/4-ounce envelope)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan, and line with parchment paper. Butter and flour paper and sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture in 3 parts and milk in 2, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes; invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Using a serrated knife, split cake in half horizontally; place bottom half, cut side up, on a serving plate.

Make topping: In a large bowl, combine strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside. Place 2 tablespoons cold water in a small saucepan, and sprinkle with gelatin; let soften 5 minutes. Place saucepan over very low heat, and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool.

Using an electric mixer, beat cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until very soft peaks form. Continue to beat, and gradually add gelatin mixture; beat until soft peaks form.

Arrange half of strawberries over bottom cake layer; top with half of whipped cream, leaving a 1-inch border. Cover with top half of cake, cut side down. Top cake with remaining whipped cream, leaving a 1-inch border. Refrigerate cake and remaining strawberries separately, at least 1 hour (or up to 1 day). Just before serving, spoon strawberries over cake.

Not sure how many of you know, but my dad retired from Pepsi in February after almost 38 years. During the last week of June, Pepsi planned a retirement party for him in Charleston. I coordinated with my mom and the wonderful party planners and ended up flying down and surprising him! It was such a fun time. This was a gift from Pepsi. It has a cooler built into the middle also. There's a grill in the background, too. Very cool.

Dad in his "roast" chair up on stage. Such great friends were able to make it for the event and the speeches were out of this world. I know it meant so much to my dad!

The gift they had made for my parents. Hilarious. Little Coop is in the back!

We stayed at the Charleston Marriott, and it was such a nice hotel. They had awesome room service, too. I would know since I had to hide in my room for several hours before the party to avoid running in to anyone in the lobby! This cheeseburger was dank, and the fries were delish. I loved how they added the okra on top. Such a cute Southern thing to do!

I got to spend a few extra days in Charleston, which wasn't so bad either. :) I wish I could have gotten a photo of everyone! So glad I got to see you, too, Cady Nell and Samantha! Can't wait for football season. It'll be here before we know it!

My sister sent this to me a few weeks after the party in Charleston. Looks like they are the same as ever. Happy Retirement, Dad! I know you and Mom are enjoying it!

Adam and I spent the fourth of July at our first Nationals game of the season. It was BLAZING hot, but very fun. We stopped by the Bullpen on the way out and ran into friends. Then we ventured in to Rosslyn to watch the fireworks from the National Mall. It was nice to spend America's birthday in the Nation's capital for once. :)

We got to see the whole fam again over the July 8-10 weekend when they visited DC. My parents chose to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary with us, and we couldn't have been more excited. This was the first time my parents and sister have visited all at the same time. On Friday, Adam and I took everyone to Fireworks for dinner and then Arlington Rooftop for drinks. Jess got to experience her first night out in Clarendon, and I'm sure she'll forever want to erase the images of singing kareoke in my living room later that night. We went sightseeing on Saturday and I finally got to visit the Newseum. Later that night we celebrated their anniversary at Circa in Clarendon. On Sunday, we went to a Nats game. It was a great weekend, and I'm so glad to see my parents as happy together as ever. Here's to another 35 years!

Dad and Adam discussing who knows what at Arlington Rooftop. :)

Other than those visitors in early July, the rest of the month was pretty low-key. I discovered my new online obesession, Pinterest. Check it out and follow me!

I literally sped through about 10 books including the Hunger Games series, and I am eagerly awaiting the movies to come out in 2012.

Harry Potter 7 Part 2 came out and I went to see it with my other Potter-loving friends, Casey, Laura and Zach. I bawled during the whole thing. It's the end of an era, and I feel like a piece of me died. I can't wait to buy it on DVD and watch it 3,48,759 more times.

I'm not sure I mentioned it, but as of April, I am one of the newest members of Junior League Washington. Casey and I attended a new member potluck two weekends ago, and met some of the new members and ate LOTS of food.

One of my very good friends, Christa, got a new job and moved to NYC this past weekend. Thank goodness it's only a bus ride away! Miss you already!

Adam and I went to Virginia Beach last weekend. I finally got to ride my beach cruiser again. I was basically running out the door as soon as we go there so I could go ride it! Here are some gross pics of me that Adam took with his phone. I am seriously sweaty and the decision to wear a huge white t-shirt was huge mistake on my part. I look hu-mungo. It did help when riding to get airflow, though. :)

Sweet ride.

Well, that's all folks. This weekend, Adam and I are once again getting out of DC. We are visiting SC for a high school friend's wedding in Lyman, SC. We'll be staying in Greenville, so I won't be able to see any Cola friends. :( I hope to get some San Jose on Friday night though!

I will, however, be back in Cola for the USC v. Kentucky game on October 8, woop! I can't believe the Gamecocks are ranked #12! With football starting in less than a month, that means FALL IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!! I promise to blog regularly once my favorite season begins. Love you all!

Monday, February 7, 2011

The day has finally come..

Happy 21st birthday to my sister, Jessica!

I love you to the moon and back. You so are funny, kind, strong-willed and grounded. You live in the moment, which is something I strive to do everyday. I am glad to call you my sister, but I am lucky to call you one of my best friends. I can't wait to be in South Carolina this weekend to experience this special time with you! I hope that this year brings you everything you could wish for. Happy birthday! Snorkel. :)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Happy Fallidays!

Fall is here! I am head over heels in love with this season and everything that comes along with it. Over the last few weeks, I have been enjoying lots of time with family, friends and all loved ones in my life. It has been such an exciting time! I have a few updates to come in the next few days, but until then, here is what the beginning of fall has offered!

September 19 was Courtney's (one of my best friends and roomies) 24th birthday! We celebrated with dinner and a night on the town the night before, and surprised her with gifts on Sunday!

Roomies out for Court's birthday

The Louisiana-shaped cheeseboard I gave her! The heart is on Baton Rouge, her hometown.

Cheeseboard from AHeirloom on Etsy.

Later that week, I made a dish that I found, once again, from one of my favorite blogs The Pioneer Woman. This recipe, Penne alla Betsy, was named after Ree's sister and is so rich and decadent I couldn't pass it up. Sometimes you've gotta indulge, ya know?

Penne alla Betsy

Ingredients:

¾ pounds Penne Pasta
1 pound Shrimp, tail-on
3 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Onion (small)
2 cloves Garlic
½ cups White Wine
1 can Tomato Sauce (8 Oz)
1 cup Heavy Cream
Fresh Basil - To Taste
Salt To Taste
Pepper To Taste

Note: I used thin spaghetti because I was out of penne. It's the same effect, and it's still yum.

Recipe:

Cook the penne pasta until tender-firm, also known as al dente. Heat about 1 tbsp. butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for a couple minutes until just opaque. Do not overcook them. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Now, put the cooked shrimp on the cutting board and pull off the tails. Chop the shrimp into bite –sized pieces and set aside. Finely dice one small onion. Mince two cloves of garlic. In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the garlic and onion and sauté, stirring occasionally. After the garlic and onions have cooked a bit add your white wine. Let the wine evaporate for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Now add an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir well until combined. Then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue stirring. Turn heat down to low and let simmer. Now chop your basil, or if you’re feeling very proper, chiffonaded. Now add your chopped shrimp back into the tomato cream sauce. Give it a stir and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally add your cooked penne pasta and give it a good stir. Serve with parmesan cheese and basil on top.

The next weekend Heather and Lauren hosted all of our friends at their new home in Glover Park for September's Supper Club. It was Southern themed, so everyone brought a favorite side dish while the hosts made the most DELICIOUS shrimp and grits EVER! I decided on Baked Macaroni and Cheese, minus the tomatoes and plus LOTS more cheese, and..

Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, melted
4 cups fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk

Note: I divided this recipe in half (except for the amount of peaches) because I don't have a 9 x 13 inch pan. I used a pie dish.

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour butter in to the bottom of a large casserole or 9 x 13 inch pan. In the prepared dish, toss together the peaches and 2 tablespoons sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup sugar, salt, baking powder, flour, cinnamon, and milk. Spoon batter over the peaches. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until top is golden brown.

This past weekend, I hopped on a plane (yes, I know, it feels like I'm in an airport every other week... oh wait, I am..) to sweet South Carolina to celebrate the nuptials of my dear friend and sorority sister, Lauren and her fiance Chris. It was a gorgeous wedding in Sumter and I am so happy that I was able to attend. Congrats Lauren and Chris! I hope you are having a blast on your honeymoon in Mexico and enjoy married life to the fullest!

The happy couple! I totally caught Chris off-guard by my yelling from the top of a rather large bench.. but, it's still adorbs. :)

And finally, dinner last night..

Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

1 bag of broccoli, the kind you can microwave in the bag.. judge if you must..
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 whole Chicken Breasts Boneless And Skinless
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Coat
1 bag of Uncle Ben's white or jasmine rice

Sauce:

1-½ cup Water Plus 2 Tablespoons Divided
2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
¼ cups Fresh Lemon Juice
⅓ cups Rice Vinegar
2-½ Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Grated Orange Zest
¾ cups Brown Sugar, Packed
1/4 teaspoons ground Ginger
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
¼ teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
½ teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

Note: This dish is SPICY. So, if you don't like that kinda stuff, go easy on the red pepper flakes or don't add 'em.

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all the ingredients for the sauce except for the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once the sauce has started boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts. Put the chicken on an aluminum foil covered baking sheet, and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until cooked through. Once cooked through, allow to cool enough to handle, approximately 5 minutes. Slice into bite-size pieces and set aside.
Turn the heat on the sauce to medium. In a small mixing bowl, mix the reserved cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in order to combine and avoid lumps. Add the cornstarch mixture to the rest of the sauce and stir to combine. You will notice the sauce begin to thicken quickly. Stir for a minute or two until well thickened. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, gently toss together the broccoli, chicken and sauce. Serve with (or over) rice.

And here's just a little something I'm proud of.. call me Martha Stewart, if you'd like. :) (Actually, you can call me Martha because I saw this idea in Martha Stewart Living this month.)

Candle is from Pier One and smells like fall heaven. Taper candles and holders are from Williams-Sonoma circa 2009.

So, that's it, folks. I hope that fall is making you as elated as I am feeling. Have a fantastic weekend! I have four of my best friends from high school (L-town, what?), Mallory, Heather, Rachel and Ashley H., coming to visit me in DC this weekend, and I could not be more excited to show them my home! Also, let's all say a prayer to the football gods that my precious Gamecocks can walk away with a win after meeting Alabama in Willy B on Saturday. GO COCKS!

Until next time..

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Happy birthday Rannie!

I'm a two days late, but Tuesday was my roommate and dear friend Randan's 23rd birthday!! Courtney, and her talented self, baked a delicious and beautiful cake to celebrate the occasion! We woke Rannie up at 11:30pm the night before armed with the cake, candles blazing, and gifts. It was a rather hilarious moment for Court and I deciding if it would be a good idea to wake Ran up, but in the end it was perfect. :)