I now hold the recipes to rule the world

or at least conquer your sweet tooth. Over my Thanksgiving festivities, I witnessed and took notes to my Mom's infamous flan recipe and Sweet Lips' Mother's signature apple pie recipe. Two rich and delicious desserts that are sure to make me the most popular guest at the party.
Sorry, I'm keeping these secrets to myself!

No sweat summer sweets!

I made these jumbo mallow concoctions this weekend for a cookout.

They were super easy and super satisfying! Try'em!

Recipe here. 

Get creative with your toppings... coconut flakes, graham cracker bits, Swedish fish, the sky's the limit!

My Korean BBQ indulgence.

I started my weekend off right last Friday... Good group of friends, lots of delicious meats/veggies and 2 bottles of soju for just Lil Miss Honsauce and I to share. We went to an old favorite of ours – Joung Kak. Read my full review on Yelp here.

So what... we're pigs.

My sisters and I met for lunch yesterday. In the mood for sushi, we started at Sticky Rice in Fells Point. Several rolls and a sakemosa later....  still hungry, so we headed to B.O.P. for a slice. And since it was an all-out kinda day... we hopped over to Pitango Gelato to satisfy our sweet tooth. Yes, sounds a bit excessive, but I regret not one single calorie!

Sakemosas at Sticky Rice (they were actually really weak, I suggest skipping them)

Sticky Balls at Sticky Rice (Hooray for Sticky Balls... they were deelish! :)

B.O.P. Slice with Mushroom, Pepperoni & Ricotta (A Classic!)

Pistachio and Orange Chocolate Noir from Pitango Gelato (the Chocolate Noir was actually sorbet, but the creamiest and dreamiest sorbet imaginable)

I'm starting to yelp... read more here if you'd like.

Taco Tuesday Bitches!

*I hate when people say shit like that ("It's Friday Bitches!" "I'm back Bitches!"). I promise to never do it again.

But it is TACO TUESDAY!!! AND in these uncertain times... I find comfort in Tacos and comfort in having them on Tuesdays (preferably with a friend of mine appropriately nicknamed Lil Miss Taco Tuesday).

The origins of Taco Tuesday begin waaaaaaaaay back... like 3 years and 3 months ago. Now those were for sure–uncertain times. I had just moved into my current apartment–living solo for the 1st time in my life, finally taking an ax to my most recent relationship disaster. I was single and full of angst/energy. Lil Miss Taco Tuesday just happened to be my neighbor and up for Tuesday night mischief AND mischief we made. So much mischief Wednesday mornings were a waste. Those Taco Tuesdays usually involved... Fed Hill Bar Hopping, Pitchers of Sangria, Hubcap Margarita's, Some Solo Dancing, Countless Inappropriate Text Messages, Possibly Some Tears (from the breakup with the dog) AND of course... TACOS!

These days (when we have an opportunity to uphold the tradition), Taco Tuesdays are way more tame. Sometimes they even involve some physical activity (other than dancing), like tennis. Basically it's a moment to regroup and bitch over tacos.

New show idea...

I'd like to pitch it to MTV...
It's called 31 and on Birth Control. Do you think they'd go for it? I can bring the drama, especially for a sponsor. I would put the money to way better use than those stupid brats on 16 and Pregnant. Their babies are screwed for life anywayz. I could use the money for my monthly Pill Bill which keeps rising! For years/post-college I would continue to go to the clinic and get free yearly supplies. I'd say I was still a student (I really liked education) or just show them a waitressing pay stub and pay $2 bucks. At my previous job a pack of birth control ran me about $10/month. Current job about $15/month until NOW with insurance hike... $26/month. I'm pissed. To add insult to injury, the jerks will only give you 1 pack at a time. I'm very close to getting back in line with the Baby Mama's and claiming I'm unemployed. Hell if broke Hipsters are dining on wild salmon, heirloom tomatoes and triple crème cheese, than I don't feel bad for taking advantage of the system.
Geez, soon I'll be drinking rail, eating at Olive Garden and dating this guy ☟

... the horror!

A Killer Burger and a Bitchin' Blizzard

First let me begin with how prepared I was... I left my house Friday morning all packed with multiple comfy/lounging outfits, snow boots, board games, movies and Firefly. The snow had already begun to stick when I left work that afternoon, so I went straight to Lil Miss Honsauce's house, where I had every intention of weathering the storm. LM Honsauce had other intentions, one being getting a ride to Hamilton Tavern to celebrate with a friend for his bday. She reassured her husband and myself that we would have no problem just catching a cab back. Our ride to the tavern was pretty scary, so I was already doubting how the night would end, but vodka and the most amazing burger in the world have a way to make you forget your worries.

Crosstown Burger $10
Roseda Farms beef, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, & horseradish cheddar ...Add sticky-spicy bacon or a fried egg for $1 (both for $2)
LM Honsauce and I split this (with the bacon & egg-of course) and some garlicky mussels. This burger was phenomenal, almost worth the grueling journey ahead.

Several drinks and shots later, we were in full denial-mode. A blizzard was brewing and we had no way "home" and were without any necessary supplies (besides vodka).

COMPLETE and utter DENIAL.

We woke up to this mess–Harford Rd. (a snow emergency road).

We are now stuck far North in Baltimore City and far South is "home" with dogs that need taking care of. What to do???? Luckily, we were in the company of mountain-men, with literally all the gear needed to climb Mt. Everest-seriously! So, I suit up for a hike of a lifetime...

Notice my lack of enthusiasm. Sometimes people and their optimism REALLY piss me off... Either way, we were all determined to get back and we had two mountain-men with us to guide our way and make sure we didn't eat each other. Stocked with water/snow shoes/snacks/hiking poles and extra clothing we began our 5.2 mile hike in the blizzard, measuring about 2 feet deep at the time. Using iWalk for direction, we hiked through the upper residences of Baltimore City, through the hood (where onlookers thought, "crazy white people") and back to SouthEast Baltimore. On our way, we were interviewed and photographed by the Baltimore Sun for our obvious foolishness. I do have to say though, there were some genuine beautiful moments that wouldn't of been able to be captured any other way. They almost made up for the moments that I wanted to cry and my legs wanted to give out. Being reminded that my tears would freeze–I kept them in.

Trying to make a path.

Not sure if you can see it... but, she is STILL smiling! Damn her.

Me... always bringing up the rear. Someone needs to have their back.

Now, how do I end this story??? Well... we got "home" obviously and now I'm here to blog about it. Moral of the story: Bdays and Burgers are not worth risking your life in Blizzard conditions.

Startin' the New Year off right.

After some late night house hopping, I start the 1st day of 2010 at the Royal Farms in Highlandtown for some much needed coffee. Apparently everyone else had the same idea because there was a super long line of caffeine holding patrons. My friend Emmaline and I were still dressed in our NYE finest, which for me meant sequins. The obviously/local lady in her late 30's/early 40's behind us comments on how nice we look and asks where did we go last night. After explaining that we went to some house parties, she begins to recall her wild drinkin' days. She's rambling about bars and parties, not being in her right mind and not being able to find her car, etc. She then comments on Emmaline's "European look" and asks if she's ever been there. Emmaline replies that she's been to a couple of countries... Then follows a conversation about Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Jamaica & Ireland, but especially Paris. Terry (I think her name was) was very adament with her distaste for the Parisians. This sparked the woman in front to join in the conversation because she too felt strongly about how rude they were. This discussion about "our wild ways" and the world lasted for at least 10 minutes, till we finally got to the register. I bought Terry her coffee and she gave us big hugs and wished us Happy New Year. She was so genuinely happy to have met us. It was a moment for us all.

After I showered and de-sequined, I met my friend Celena at Woodberry Kitchen for their NYDay Brunch. This brunch was purposely planned as the kick-off to our new blog about Bmore restaurants (Honsauce-details to follow)... Though NYmorning–maybe not the best time as far as alertness goes. But boy, did I have the most delicious 1st meal of 2010! Steak and Eggs (all organic) w/ onion rings, skillet potatoes and béarnaise sauce... Yumm!

Turkey Day Flavor

These soup shots turned out super yummy and everyone dug the spicy/sweet bacon, especially the kids who created the festive backdrop for our feast. I definitely recommend creating extra bacon!
Butternut Squash Soup "Shots" with Candied Bacon
Ingredients:
3 pounds (about 3 medium) butternut squash                 Candied Bacon
2 large leeks                                                                     1 pound sliced bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil                                                        1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon curry powder                                              1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups chicken broth or stock                                         1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Candied bacon, as garnish

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cut squash in half lengthwise and place face down in a baking dish with edges. Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the pan. Bake 40 minutes or until fork tender. Let cool enough to handle.
2. While squash is baking, trim leeks, slit lengthwise and wash thoroughly to remove all grit. Chop roughly. (Save the top, tough green part for making stock, if you wish.) Heat olive oil in a soup kettle and add leeks. Sauté for a few minutes, tossing with a wooden spoon. Add curry powder and cook another minute.
3. Scoop out squash flesh. Add to the pot with the leeks and curry. Add chicken stock, ginger, maple syrup and salt. Cook at a simmer for about 30 minutes, to cook leeks and marry the flavors. Using an immersion blender, a blender or a food processor, working in batches if need be, puree the soup. (Except for the bacon, this can be made a day ahead and gently reheated.)
4. Serve with a half slice of bacon in each small cup. Makes 12 small servings with leftovers for the cook.

Candied Bacon 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. While the oven heats, cook bacon in a heavy skillet over moderate heat. You'll need to do this in two batches to keep from crowding the bacon. Cook until lightly browned but not crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. While bacon is cooking, combine sugar, cayenne and black pepper.
2. Lay partially cooked bacon on a baking sheet lined with brown paper or parchment. Thoroughly coat bacon strips with sugar-pepper mixture. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until sugar is caramelized and bacon is crisp. Transfer to clean brown paper to cool. (Don't use paper towels - the candied bacon will stick to them.)
3. Break slices of bacon in half and serve half a slice in each "shot" or cup of soup. (This will hold for a few hours, but if you make it the day before, it will go limp.)

Adios Melt-in-your-mouth sliders (tear/tear)

Hands down, my favorite appetizer in Baltimore is the Foie Gras & Kobe Beef Slider (with truffle aioli and red onion marmalade) at Salt. Unfortunately I was accosted with news that has made me rethink... Friday night as I'm walking to dinner in Federal Hill, I thought I was walking in the midst of a fight by the look of all the PoPo that were around, but it was in fact an anti-foie gras demonstration out in front of Corks (white linen restaurants). I would say it was a band of 10 or so crunchy-granola types with pictures of tortured ducks, picket signs and loud mouths. Apparently I've been totally oblivious to the practice of attaining foie gras, and even without doing much research, I knew this would end my love affair with Salt's Sliders ;(  Yeah, it sucks what they do to the ducks, but I think I'm more annoyed that I'll never get to taste my fave app again (at least with a clear conscience).