BluWater Bistro {breakfast}

Sunday morning, mom and I woke up early (well, early for me - normal for her) and headed down to the BluWater Bistro next door to my apartment for breakfast.  With the sun shining and the Greenlake runners/walkers out in full force, we lingered in the restaurant enjoying our coffee and yummy meals.  Mom's banana pancakes looked absolutely beautiful, and I was pleasantly full after eating up a plate of corned beef hash.  It was the perfect way to end a great weekend with my madre:)  Thanks for coming down, Mom!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A la Mode Pies

Saturday night after our fancy date at Canlis, mom and I decided we needed a little something sweet before heading home.  We stopped by A la Mode Pies, a cafe in Phinney specializing in this delicious dessert.  I had stopped by one night with Erika last summer right at closing time and grabbed the last two slices they had, and they were absolutely amazing.  This time, mom and I sat at the cute shop and shared a cup of coffee and two slices - the Blue Hawaiian (blueberry pie with coconut and pineapple - dad, you'd love this) and the Toasted Coconut Cream. They both were so delicious, there wasn't a crumb left on either plate :)  I can't wait to go back and try their other flavors very soon.  Anyone want to join?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Oscar Night Fashion

Let's be honest.  The real reason we watch The Oscars is not to see who wins the award for Sound Editing or who cries while thanking their agent.  No, we watch it for the fashion.  Who rocked it - and who didn't.  Below are my top 5 picks of the night, in no particular order:

Jessica Chastain

 Charlize Theron

 Kerry Washington

 Naomi Watts

 Stacey Keibler

Who was your favorite?  If I had to pick one, I'd have to go with Naomi Watts.  Gorgeous :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Canlis {the bar}

Saturday, Mom and I went to see The Music Man.  After the show, we decided to stop off at the Canlis bar for a drink and some appetizers, since I had been promising her every time we drove by for years that we'd go.  Though technically not a happy hour, the bar serves much more affordable plates than the fancy shmancy restaurant.  We grabbed a table next to the piano (which, unfortunately, didn't start playing until right before we left) and took in the gorgeous views of Seattle before sunset and the plethora of men in suits.  We each ordered a drink, and then decided to split the teriyaki tenderloin, Canlis salad, and those famous truffle fries.  Everything was absolutely delicious, and before we knew it, we were stuffed.  As we were walking out of the bar (vowing to come back), I ran into none other than Brian Canlis himself, who graciously reminisced with me about the scavenger hunt we participated in, which now seems so long ago.  Mom was so excited to finally meet Brian, and I could tell from his reaction that he was genuinely excited to see one of the founding members of Menu Impossible back in his restaurant.  He sent his best wishes to the other members of the group (I promise, one of these days I'll recap our adventures for you) and couldn't stop saying how we need to come back real soon.  It was a great way to spend a Saturday evening with my mama :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Oscars

I love movies.  One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to go to the theater alone (although I don't mind company :), get a big bag of popcorn, and spend the next few hours lost in a movie.  (I've been doing this since college.  Do you go to movies alone?  If not, I'd highly recommend it).  This year, there were so many great ones I had a hard time choosing my favorite from the 6 movies I saw out of the 9 nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but here it goes!

 I took Erika's suggestion and went to see Life of Pi in the theater, as opposed to waiting for it to come out on Netflix.  Boy, was I glad I did.  I love the original book, and the movie may have even surpassed that.  It's visually stunning, and even though the majority of the movie is set in the ocean with only a boy and a tiger, it is never slow or boring.

 I finally saw Lincoln last week, and I'm so glad I did.  Though long, and basically only spanning the length of one month, it holds your attention from the very beginning.  It's amazing to think back on that time in history and how far we've come.  The movie shows the determination, perseverance, and warmth of the President - and who know ol' Abe was so funny??  If Daniel Day Lewis doesn't win the Oscar, something is very wrong.

 Silver Linings Playbook was one I was hesitant to see, since I really had no idea what it was about going into the theater.  However, of all the movies I saw this year, I think it seemed the most real.  All of the actors are superb, and you go from crying to laughing and everything in between throughout the entire movie.  Definitely the surprise hit of the group.

 Talk about intense.  When we went to see Zero Dark Thirty, I knew that it was going to be dramatic, emotional, and educational.  What I didn't expect was how much I liked it.  It's definitely one of those movies where you have to pay attention the entire time (and should probably have a little bit of historical background going into it if you want to catch everything).  I can't wait to read up more on the history this one deals with, then go back and watch it again.

 For a girl who loves musicals, Les Miserables was made for me.  Some of my most favorite songs in the world are on this soundtrack (I had 'On My Own' on a mix tape - not mix cd - in high school) and I had a hard time not singing along the entire time.  I was thoroughly entertained throughout the movie (especially by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter :) and I know this is one I will be purchasing for my own collection very soon.  Anne Hathaway - you rock.

My absolute favorite movie of the year, though?  Argo.  While they were all great, I kept asking myself "which movie would I want to watch over and over again?" and Argo was it.  The story is intense (even though I knew how it would end, I still was on the edge of my seat) and the actors perfect for the roles.  Argo is my pick for Best Picture, but I'll guess we'll just have to wait and see!

here are my recaps from 2011 and 2012, if you're interested :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A New Routine

Once again, I decided to give up buying coffee for Lent.  And once again, it is not easy.  It's only been a week, but already I find myself staring longingly at the line for a morning Starbucks in our lobby and volunteering to walk down there with my coworkers, just to get a whiff.  After a week of tea (which, coincidentally, was a week of battling a cold, so the tea was welcome), I decided I needed a change.  I dusted off my old leaky coffee maker, took out a bag of Christmas Blend I bought a few months back, found a semi-sturdy travel mug, and yesterday, I MADE COFFEE.  For most people, this isn't a big deal, but for me, it was momentous.  It was so convenient to have a cup while I was getting ready in the morning, and I felt all grown-up bringing my travel mug on the bus.  While I'm sure when Lent is over I'll be right back there in that Starbucks line every now and then, I'm liking the convenience (and the price) of my new morning routine :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Chocolate Silk Pie {smitten kitchen}

For Valentine's Day, I wanted to make a special dessert for my valentine, combining his two favorite things - chocolate and pie.  Flipping through The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, I knew I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon her Chocolate Silk Pie.  The recipe, though a bit time consuming with the chilling and mixing (if you're using a hand mixer like me, I'd suggest keeping a magazine nearby to flip thru), was incredibly simple to put together, even for a novice baker like myself.  I assembled the pie the night before so it could chill all day, and quickly made the whip cream after dinner so it was fresh and fluffy for dessert (is there anything better than homemade whip cream???).  Though incredibly rich and decadent, the dessert was a huge success, and the perfect way to end a great day :)

Chocolate Silk Pie

Ingredients
Chocolate Crust
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
2 tblsp sugar
Pinch of salt
5 tblsp unsalted butter, melted

Filling
12 tblsp (1 1/2 sticks) butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
1 tblsp sugar
Chocolate curls shaved from a bittersweet bar with peeler (optional)

Instructions
Crust
1. Preheat oven to 350.  In medium bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, sugar, and salt.  Stir in melted butter until evenly dispersed.  
2. Press crumbs evenly across bottom and up sides of 9 inch pie dish.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then let cool completely before using.

Filling
1. In large stand mixer (or large bowl with hand mixer), whip butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
2. While mixer is running, drizzle in melted chocolate.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating mixture at medium speed for 5 minutes after each addition, scraping down bowl.
4. Add vanilla and blend well.
5. Spread chocolate filling in prepared crust, and smooth top.  Refrigerate until fully chilled, at least 6 hours, or overnight.

Garnish
1. Just before serving, beat cream with sugar until it just holds soft peaks.
2. Spoon onto pie and garnish with chocolate shavings (optional).

adapted from the smitten kitchen cookbook

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Weekend {in pictures}

my valentine making dinner

 valentine's dinner

 wedding dress shopping with erika (so pretty!)

cinnamon pancakes for breakfast

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hopefully, no matter where you are or who you're with, you're doing something that puts a smile on your face :)  The plans for tonight aren't set in stone, but I know it involves a fabulous-looking homemade chocolate silk pie (I hope J is bringing his sweet tooth) :) 

I'm taking an extra long weekend from the blog to rest up and recharge, so have a lovely weekend and I'll see you back here next week!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

image via rifle paper co

Spicy Shrimp & Tomato Pasta

Earlier this week I wanted to make something flavorful and quick, so naturally I turned to Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast.  The Spicy Shrimp & Tomato Pasta is one of my favorite recipes in the book and it's so simple to put together with just a few ingredients I almost always have on hand.  I tweaked the recipe a bit to suit my tastes (no capers, smaller portion) and it was absolutely perfect for a cold February night.  If you want to make this less spicy, leave out the crushed red pepper flakes (I may have started sweating from the heat of the pepper while eating it :).

Spicy Shrimp & Tomato Pasta

Ingredients
Salt and Pepper
1/2 lb penne
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
2 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 - 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes in juice

Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to directions.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.  In large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat.  Add shrimp, and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 3-5 minutes.  Remove to plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium.  Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomatoes with juice.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are softened and sauce thickens, 10-15 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add pasta and shrimp to sauce and combine.  Reheat over medium low if necessary before serving.

Optional - Add chopped olives when making sauce, or torn fresh basil and grated parmesan on top

Serves 4

adapted from martha stewart

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Wine Night

Friday night, with no plans after a very long week, I decided to accept Stefanie's invitation to wine night with the girls at her friend Lauren's house.  6 of us each brought two bottles of wine - one of Pinot Noir (under $25) and another of our choosing.  The Pinots were each put into a paper bag, and all 6 of us girls were poured a taster of each.  We sat around the table, chatting and gossiping, all the while sipping our wine and rating each on color, smell, taste, and overall quality.  The winner of the night (definitely not me) got to take home everyone's "other" 6 bottles.  What a great idea!  It gives you something to play for, and next time, I'll definitely bring something that'll win.  Thanks for a great night, ladies!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Agrodolce

Last week, Maddie and I decided it was time for a little date night and headed to Agrodolce, the brand new Maria Hines restaurant in the old 35th Street Bistro location (so sad to see that place gone) in Fremont.  The space was just as awesome as it has always been, with floor to ceiling windows, perfect mood lighting, and, of course, that lit up tree in the middle.  Oh, and the food?  Delicious.  We shared the arancini (basically fried risotto filled with meat sauce) and each opted for pasta as our main dish.  My duck marsala cavatelli with wild mushrooms and pancetta was absolutely amazing, and I'm so glad I ordered the entree size (since I was practically licking the plate clean).  If you get a chance, head on over to Agrodolce for a fabulous meal - before everyone else finds out about it :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday,Suze!

Happy Birthday weekend to one of the all around greatest people I know.  Susannah - thanks for always being there (even thousands of miles away) to listen, laugh, and chat with, about important stuff....... and the not so important stuff.  It's so nice to have, even after all these years.  I wished you lived closer so we could take more attractive pictures like this :)

Happy Birthday, Noosannah!!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic circa 2009

Engaged {Erika & Joe}

Last Sunday, Joe finally popped the question, and Erika said yes :)  So last night, I had the girls over for a celebratory champagne toast and yummy treats.  I went all out with candies, cheese, a delicious chocolate cake, and a pink and red theme (apparently, February really is the perfect time to celebrate love).  We all got to hear the tale of the proposal, the fun preparations already in the works, and the bride was smiling the entire time.  Erika - I'm so excited for you!!  Congrats, you two :)

 passing around the ring

 kona came to play, too

yay!!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Viva Young

While the selection this year for the best Super Bowl commercial seemed a bit dismal, there were a few standouts that had the whole room laughing.  My favorite?  Taco Bell's "Viva Young".  Apparently, I have a thing for kids, dogs, and old people.  Watch it - it's pretty funny :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Green Sauce

I went back and forth a hundred times trying to decide what to make for Dip-a-palooza this year, but nothing seemed good enough until I remembered one of the most delicious and addictive dips I've ever had - the Newsome "Green Sauce".  It's Matt's dad's recipe, and they bring it out at almost every function at their house.  It was easy to put together (and gave me an excuse to use my mini-food processor) and the comment I got the most at DAP was how "fresh" it tasted.  With yummy, fresh, and green ingredients, it was the perfect compliment to the heavy and cheesy dips on the table.  So much better than 4th place :)  Thanks Erin and Matt for sharing the recipe!!

Green Sauce

Ingredients
2 avocados
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (mine was huge, so I only used half)
1/2 cup plain Green yogurt
1 cup Salsa Verde
handful cilantro, chopped

Instructions
1.  Put all ingredients in food processor or blender and blend until smooth.  Refrigerate 1 hour.
2.  Serve with tortilla chips, veggies, or on tacos or burritos.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza 9

This year's DAP was a little sad since my ladies couldn't make it, but I powered through and made it to our annual SuperBowl extravaganza on my own (here's DAP 7 and here's DAP 8).  I tried a little harder this year, and ended up tied for 4th place with Phil (not too shabby).  I even had several people asking me for my recipe (to be shared later)!  Mr. Barrows took the top spot again (is this thing rigged?), but I can't complain too much, cuz with a baby on the way, he deserves the glory.  But, the highlight of the day (besides getting a coveted seat on the couch to watch "Blackout Bowl")?  Meeting Holden and Lisa's new puppy, Sammy.  Since I arrived a little early, I got to spend some extra quality time with this 10 week old cutie, and I'm pretty sure I'm in love.  I can't wait to join him for walks around the lake and have him give me a hand, errr, paw, at the next poker night :)

 announcing the winners

 another barrows' victory

 the winning dip

way too much excitement for sammy

xoxo,
stephanie marie