A Public Service Announcement

Friends - if you find yourself walking into the bathroom with your cell phone in your back pocket, I beg you to stop, remove the phone, and place it carefully in a safe, dry place.  You do not want to hear that dreaded splash into the (clean) toilet that mine made earlier this week.  However, if you do find yourself in this predicament, quickly remove the phone from the toilet, dry off with a clean towel, and place in a Ziploc bag of rice (see above picture) for at least 24 hours to soak up the residual moisture.  It works wonders :)

Happy {safe and fun} Labor Day weekend - see you in September!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Broccoli Chowder with Corn & Bacon

With chilly mornings and early evenings, the onset of Fall makes me instantly think of soup.  Even though it seems a little ridiculous to make soup in August, when I found this yummy looking Broccoli Chowder with Corn and Bacon recipe in the Everyday Food Light cookbook for summer, I knew it was meant to be.  The fresh veggies in the warm soup help the transition from summer to fall feel a bit easier, and since it's a lighter version of a traditional chowder (what?? no heavy cream??), it's much more fitting for late summer when you're not in the mood to eat big, heavy meals yet.  While I was a bit skeptical that this soup would have enough flavor, I was surprised that just a half teaspoon of thyme instantly perked it up (the bacon didn't hurt either).  This was a perfect recipe for my transition back into the kitchen :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Great Oyster Debate

Saturday night, after our kayaking adventure, Maddie and I met up with David at The Walrus & The Carpenter for cocktails, a few small bites, and oysters (after we saw our bill for these few items, we decided to finish our meal with $3.50 slices at Ballard Pizza Co :).  Later that night, I posted the above picture on instagram of our yummy batch of oysters.  The next morning, I awoke to my dad's picture on instagram of his famous "oyster nachos" with the caption "What oysters are supposed to look like!"  While I can't argue against dad's oysters (they are amazing), I have to say that I did enjoy the raw ones with a bit of horseradish and shallot vinaigrette.  So this begs the question - how do you like your oysters?  Fried and crunchy?  Dressed up on the BBQ?  Cold and fresh?  For me, it's all of the above! (but yes, dad - yours are the best)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Sauteed Shrimp with Arugula & Tomatoes

Though I've been having a pretty awesome summer, one thing that's been missing is some good home cookin'.  It's been a beautiful summer so far, so the thought of spending the evening in the kitchen when I could be out playing in the sun seems silly.  But now that the mornings are getting chillier and the evenings are getting shorter, it's time to get my butt back to the kitchen and start making some yummy meals.  First up?  This Sauteed Shrimp with Arugula and Tomatoes that I found while perusing my Everyday Food Light cookbook.  It combines 3 of my favorite ingredients, and literally took 10 minutes to put together for a quick and flavorful weekend lunch.  I adapted the recipe a bit, since I knew it wouldn't make very good leftovers, and it can be served over pasta or rice (though I just ate it plain).  Give it a try when you don't want to spend precious time in the kitchen, but want something that will impress :)

Sauteed Shrimp with Arugula & Tomatoes

Ingredients

1 tblsp olive oil

1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 lb large shrimp

2 cups arugula

Salt and pepper

1 tblsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.  Add tomatoes and cook, stirring often, until blistered, about 2 minutes.  Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.  Add shrimp and cook, stirring often, until almost opaque throughout, about 4 minutes.

2. Add arugula, season with salt and pepper, and toss until wilted, about 1 minute.  Add lemon juice and toss to combine.

Serves 2

adapted from Everyday Food Light

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Kayaking {Agua Verde}

Because I had been talking about it non stop this summer (and because it's been on my Summer To Do List for 2 years now), Maddie surprised me with a kayaking day for my birthday!  I finally cashed in this past weekend, on a day that ended up being absolutely gorgeous.  We got in line at Agua Verde Paddle Club (with about 50 other people) and 30 minutes later we were out on the water, heading for the Arboretum. What we didn't realize was just how busy the Montlake Cut would be on such a beautiful day.  Terrifying.  But once we got through the Cut without tipping over or running into a boat, we headed over to the Arboretum for the relaxing part of our day.  For being so close to the craziness on the lake, it's surprisingly peaceful to just float around the lily pads and navigate the small waterways through the area.  It was absolutely beautiful.  After about an hour of that, though, it was time to say a prayer to the sea witch and head back through the cut again.  Though it was even scarier (and exhausting) going through the second time, we were rewarded when we got back with tacos and bottles of Mexican Cokes at the Agua Verde Cafe.  It was a perfect day out on the water and I can't wait to go back and try it again.  Thanks for a great day, Maddie!!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Outdoor Movie {Magnuson Park}

Last week I met Holden and a bunch of his friends for Outdoor Movies at Magnuson Park.  After a day of temps in the mid-90's, I was excited to be out of my scorching apartment and in the shade of the huge inflatable screen.  The group brought bottles of wine and a picnic and when the sun went down, Back to the Future started playing on the big screen.  I had forgotten how much I love that movie!  It had been years since I've been to an outdoor movie (coincidentally enough, also with Holden), and with so many options in and around the city, I can't believe it's taken me this long to get to another one.  With summer winding down, I may have to go seek out another in the next few weeks.

Happy Friday :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Autumn!

Happy Birthday to the girl with an infectious laugh, a generous heart - and who throws some great parties :)  Here's to many many more fabulous years!!!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Samish Island Crabbin'

When Stefanie and I decided we were heading up north last weekend, we figured we had to spend some time out at Samish Island crabbing.  Apparently, so did my grandparents' friends, which made for a fun (and full) crab boat :)  We ended up catching exactly our max for the day (10), and after an all-hands crab-cracking party, we made yummy crab tacos to eat on the deck.  It's been years since I've been out at the island at almost 9PM still in a tank top and shorts and not been cold, so I tried to savor every moment before heading back inland.  Such a perfect day on the island - if only I was able to get up there more often.... :)

 our catch

 stefanie

 me

 they have to be just the right size

 eric just couldn't wait

 cracking crab for crab tacos

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Tom & Thierry

When Stefanie and I found out that Tom Douglas and Thierry Rautureau were going to be speaking at Skagit Valley College, we immediately reserved our seats for the event - along with mom and grandma :)  They were there taping their weekly radio show, Seattle Kitchen, and talking to locals about food, farming, and everything in between.  Since the event was small, we were able to get right up close to the famous chefs and restauranteurs, and after the first hour of funny banter and jabs between the two, they each did a quick cooking demonstration and tasting for the audience.  I was in culinary heaven :)  While Stefanie and I are slightly obsessed with Tom Douglas (as seen here and here), it was Thierry who really stole the show.  His quick wit along with his often unintelligible French accent had the whole audience (including my grandpa) laughing hysterically at this "chef in the hat."  While we tried to get him to give up any gossip on Top Chef Seattle or Top Chef Masters, he stayed mum on the subjects, only divulging his love for Padma :)  We left the college with pictures, signed cookbooks by Tom, and a few quick recipes from both guys, and were so happy to have spent a few hours with some pretty awesome company.  Now, I just need to find someone to take me to Rover's.....

 Thierry making a simple summer tomato bisque

 Tom making vietnamese chicken lettuce wraps

 chatting with thierry

 thierry

tom

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Ten

This past weekend was my 10 year class reunion.  Holy crap - where did the time go?!?!  Before the party, I had a few of my BEHS besties over to the new house for some liquid courage wine and catching up time.  Just like in high school, we made the parents take endless photos of us being silly before heading off to meet up with our classmates.  Everyone was super nice and genuinely excited to see each other, so my nerves quickly went away and I ended up having a blast with the class of 2002.  Can't wait to see everyone again in 2022 :)

charlie's angels - our high school standby

 me and erika

 erika scaring suze

 duke, me, and aaron

 suze, merith, and me at the longhorn

 dancing the night away to our classmate's band

i love these guys :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy {hot hot hot!} Weekend

With the weather getting HOT here in Seattle (hello, mid 90's!), it's time to get out of the city and head to the beach!  So Stefanie and I are packing up early today and heading up north for some crabbing, family time, and (hopefully) lots of breezes.  Oh, and we may just be hanging out with Tommy D tomorrow.  We couldn't be more excited :)

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

photo via instagram from our early happy hour at Barolo yesterday

Caprese Toasts

Last week I bought a big loaf of crunchy bread, with no real plans of what to do with it.  However, when I realized I had all the makings for Caprese salad (one of my faves), I decided to mix up the traditional and make 'Caprese Toasts'.  I sliced up the bread and drizzled a little olive oil over the top.  Then I sliced up some mozzarella and put the cheesy bread under the broiler until it just began to melt.  Topped with basil leaves, tomato slices, and a little balsamic vinegar, I was eating a fresh and filling dinner in no time.  This will definitely be on rotation on the nights when I want something homemade, but not enough to slave away for hours in the kitchen :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Tilikum Place Cafe {brunch}

A few weeks ago, while summer was proving to be crazy busy, I decided to take a little timeout and meet Maddie for Saturday brunch.  Since David has been raving about Tilikum Place Cafe since I've known him, we decided to give it a try.  The restaurant was exceptionally cute (and in an unassuming part of town) and we immediately ordered mimosas while drooling over the menu.  When our food finally came out, I was happy with my larger than life shrimp omelette, though kicking myself for not getting the baked eggs (with creamed corn!) that Maddie chose.  We both decided that we'll definitely be heading back there very soon to try more off of the delicious brunch menu, or perhaps for a yummy cocktail at the bar.  It was a Saturday morning well spent :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Roasted Vegetable Chickpea Salad

Last week while perusing through my daily food blogs, I stumbled across this recipe on Annie's Eats for Roasted Vegetable Chickpea Salad.  I had been craving some fresh veggies after several days of birthday celebrating, and this seemed like something I could whip up in no time.  I adapted the recipe to fit my "cooking for one but love leftovers" needs, and the flavors of the roasted veggies, yummy cheese, and light but flavorful dressing were an instant hit (with my party of 1).  It was even a delicious leftover when I came home early from work with a nasty cold the next day.  I guess this is my summer version of chicken noodle soup :)

Roasted Vegetable Chickpea Salad

Ingredients

1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 red onion, chopped

Corn kernels cut from 2 fresh cobs of corn

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

1 - 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3oz feta, crumbled

1 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375.  Line a baking sheet with foil.  Combine tomatoes, poblano, onion, corn, and garlic, drizzle lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss.  Spread veggies in an even layer on the baking sheet.  Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning once.  Remove and let cool.

2.  In a small bowl, combine 1 tblsp olive oil with vinegar and honey and whisk until smooth. 

3.  Combine chickpeas and feta in a bowl.  Add the cooled vegetables and toss with the dressing.  Serve room temperature or chilled.

adapted from annie's eats

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {in pictures}

sunday morning greenlake walk with mom

This past weekend was one of those beautiful Seattle summer weekends that go by way too fast.  I spent quality time with my mama, made some yummy dinner, and once again, got my kickball on :)  If only Monday didn't come so quickly.....

 homemade pesto

 Rent at the 5th

 happy hour with mom at RN74

autumn during the 2nd annual kickball game at the newsome's

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Regina Spektor

Last night Erika and I headed over to The Paramount to see one of my favorites, Regina Spektor.  The show was awesome, and to my surprise, she played some of my absolute favorite songs.  Her piano playing is amazing, and she has one of the most unique and beautiful voices I've ever heard.  If you need a little Friday break, here are a few that she played last night that I couldn't stop smiling at :)

Eet

Samson

Us

Happy Friday!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Matt's in the Market

For my birthday last week, Stefanie spoiled me like crazy with my very own Cuisinart mini-prep (I think this was mainly so I'd stop threatening to steal hers) and lunch at the restaurant of my choice.  Since it had been years since I've been to Matt's in the Market, I decided we had to go there, and we lucked out with a sunny day overlooking the busy market.  Matt's has some of the best views and some of the best food in the city.  I always send friends there when they're looking for a nice night out that will impress, and I myself love to enjoy the more reasonably priced lunch :)  We both went with the special - Porchetta Tacos - and could not stop proclaiming our love for the dish.  Next time you're looking for a fancy night out in Seattle, or a fun and yummy lunch downtown, head over to Matt's and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

not a bad view, eh?

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Abby at the Beach

This past weekend Abby and Kelli were in town for a girl's week.  We spent all of Saturday afternoon at Samish Island and it was Auntie Stephie's job to take Abby out on the mudflats.  She was fascinated by the baby crabs, the incoming tide, and how I kept sinking in the mud trying to keep up with her.  It was a great afternoon with the cutest little sassy-pants around :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

pics via hipstamatic iPhone app