A Snowy Valentine's Day

A pandemic combined with about a foot of snow meant that this year's Valentine's day was very lowkey {just as I like it!}.  We spent the morning making yummy breakfast and cleaning off my car, then spent the afternoon reading and eating donuts.  Later, we went for an icy walk around Queen Anne before deciding that burgers {not our typical Thai} sounded perfect for a Valentine's dinner.  We picked some up at our fave local spot, Eden Hill Provisions, then walked home {with a milkshake to keep me warm} where we promptly snuggled in with pink champagne, Netflix, and Nina.  It was a perfectly lowkey holiday that I wouldn't have any other way :)

watching neighbors trying to get out of the alley provided lots of entertainment

best valentine

my on theme ensemble

icy walk

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy {long} Weekend!

Happy long, snowy, Valentine's Weekend!  Since it's the last official holiday until almost June, I'm excited for an extra day off, hopefully a bit of snow, and lots of cold weather Netflix, puzzles, whiskey cocktails, and snuggles.  Hope you have a great long weekend and a lovely holiday!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Since the weather here is set to dip below freezing for the next few days {hello snow!} comfort food is a must.  This One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is a total cinch to make and while there are vegetables hidden in there to up the healthy factor, make no mistake about it - this one is pure indulgence.  I love that it only requires one pot {and not even a strainer since you don't have to drain the pasta} so it makes for simple cleanup, yummy leftovers, and a warm belly to fight against the cold.  Make this one asap, accompanied by a big glass of wine snuggled up on the couch.  Perfection :)

One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

1 lb short cut pasta like macaroni

1 small to medium head cauliflower, roughly chopped

3/4 cup milk or heavy cream

3oz cream cheese, cubed

1 Tblsp dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded or cubed fontina or provolone cheese

2 Tblsp butter

Salt & Pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper {I omitted this}

freshly chopped parsley or chives, for serving

Instructions

1. In large pot, bring 4 cups water to boil over high heat.  Add 2 tsp salt, pasta, and cauliflower, and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 minutes.  DO NOT DRAIN WATER {most will evaporate in cooking}.  Stir in milk, cream cheese, mustard, and garlic powder, and cook until cream cheese has melted and pasta is al dente, about 4-5 minutes more.

2. Add cheeses and butter and stir until melted and creamy.  Remove from heat.  Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne {if using}.  If sauce feels too thick, add 1/4 cup water or milk to thin.

3  Serve with fresh chopped herbs.  For reheating leftovers, simply heat on stove with a few Tblsp milk.

Serves 6

adapted from half baked harvest

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Susannah!

Happy Birthday Susannah!  And welcome to your first quarantine birthday!  One of my biggest regrets is not having gotten my butt up to Bellingham more often before 2020 to see your smiling face now that you're living so close, but I can't wait for all the hugs, laughs, and wine nights when we are safely able to do so.  For now, here's a big virtual hug from afar, along with one of my favorite pics of us from high school!  I miss you and love you so much - have a great birthday, dear friend!  Cheers to you!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Crush Those Lugers

 

While it's been 3 years since I've actually gone to Dip-a-Palooza {I still like to think of myself as the reigning champ}, I still enjoy watching the Super Bowl at home, in part for the halftime show and commercials {along with the game if it's more exciting than this last one}.  Though there were some pretty good contenders for best commercial this year, my vote goes to GM and Will Ferrell, vowing to beat Norway in the electric vehicle race and his journey to Scandinavia.  Haven't seen it?  Watch until the end and I promise you'll be giggling to yourself just like I have been watching this over and over :)  

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{when did he become a teenager??}

{greek + HBO}

{we can't get enough of this girl}

{finishing up some work on my new faucet}

{checking out treasures from the homeland}

{the cutest little cider shop}

{rainy & sunny walk along shilshole}

{oyster po boy from mean sandwich}

{nina checking out the gorgeous sunset}

{picking up essentials at costco}

{superbowl chili}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  This week has just flown by and I can't believe we're already at another end of the week.  I started Monday off with a free live lecture with Dr. Ruth through UW and it really was such a highlight of the week.  At 92 she is still a force and her stories, advice, and anecdotes had me giggling to myself the whole hour long.  If you haven't already, check out the documentary Ask Dr. Ruth on Hulu - Christian and I watched it awhile back and we were both fascinated by this delightful woman's story of struggle and triumph - it really is a must see.

Have a great weekend!  Stay warm!

xoxo,

stephanie marie