Express Dinners

Sometimes I'm just so tired that I need something instant and frozen for dinner. For the most part though I like to cook what I can, because I enjoy it and it's healthier.

There a ton of quick and easy cooking books on the market now-- the most famous ones being Nigella Lawson's "Express", Jamie Oliver's "Meals in Minutes", and most of Rachael Ray. To be honest though, sometimes I don't even have the energy for their idea of "fast" cooking.



PORK CHOPS
For example, Nigella Lawson's mustard pork chops required me buying hard cider and heavy cream. It's certainly not the most arduous task, but it's not something I could call a "go to" recipe. They were delicious, especially with the gnocchi, but I have a tendency to overcook pork chops (i.e. dry) and I felt bit of added sugar was necessary to round out the recipe.



TORTELLINI SOUP
Now this is my idea of lazy cooking. Nigella Lawson actually gave me the idea (although it's not a particularly unique one) during one of her Express segments. She suggested items you could keep in the freezer, and fresh tortellini was one of them. "Just boil them in hot soup, and you have supper!" True, and perfect for a cold night. I just sautee an onion and a carrot in a bit of oil, add broth, some herbs and tortellini and it's honestly so, so good and simple.

My freezer is currently jam packed with various fresh stuffed pastas from President's Choice (available at supermarkets such as Loblaws, Valumart, Zehr's, etc). They're normally on the high end of $4, but right now they are on sale for $1.50!!!!!! As a student, I wept with joy.
President's Choice Trentino-Alto-Adige Porcini Tortellini is one of my particular favorites.



SAVOURY OATS
Savoury oats are an easy, no fuss alternative to risotto. Just cook the oats as normal, add a wedge or two of Laughing Cow Cheese, throw in some roasted pre-cut butternut squash cubes and herbs and you're done! You can also cheat and add a tiny splash of chicken stock concentrate.



THAI RED CURRY
Curry is supposedly easy, but still takes a bit more effort than I'm prepared for sometimes... Still, if I'm going to do it, I like to adapt Nigella Lawson's red prawn and mango curry. I follow it really loosely - I don't use mango or fish sauce (I would if I had it). But I make sure to have fresh coriander, a stalk of lemon grass broken in (it's only 50 cents or so at the supermarket), and fresh lime juice.

Mom's Birthday Brunch - Zucchini Pancakes

It was my mom's birthday yesterday! Part of my present to her was making brunch.



I wanted something quick and easy but creative. My starting point was finding some way to spin the traditional Western breakfast.



President's Choice had these lovely looking lamb sausages for sale, and I thought they were a nice effortless way of jazzing up the meal. But what goes with lamb? That's when I had my brilliant zucchini pancake idea! (When I think of lamb I think of roast vegetables and other earthy things to compliment it. And mint jelly.).



I used this recipe for zucchini, but made the point of squeezing the grated zucchini before mixing the flour in. I didn't want the pancakes to be too soggy!



Tester pancakes.




To tie everything together (and to act as a dipping sauce) I served the plate with some Greek yogurt and honey. The honey is amazing with both the pancakes and the sausage, and the yogurt is thick, creamy and heavenly cool against the rest of the warmth.




I'm really happy with how it turned out, and happy that I didn't feel like passing out with exhaustion after cooking. Happy birthday, mom!

Costume Jewelry

I love costume jewelry.

I appreciate a classic pearl earring and an understated bracelet, but there's something about the fabulous architecture of a statement necklace that makes me flutter a bit.

The dress below on the left is from J Crew, and it's a perfect example of what I like to wear with costume jewelry. The poppy orange is one of my absolute favorite colors, and I like the longer sleeves matched with the fresh, above-the-knee hem. That dress is $230 though, so I was pleased to find something similar at Forever 21 for $27.80.



Since it's October, though, I began thinking about costume jewelry a bit more literally. The necklaces I picked below from Forever 21 are all beautiful (in my opinion), but also have a distinct aesthetic. I think they're great inspiration for Halloween! The first and third necklaces would be amazing for a vintage catwoman outfit (see Julie Newmar), the second necklace gives me a Cate Blanchett Elizabeth vibe, and the last two would be great for a Cleopatra outfit. And that's just the beginning!



















I can't wait to work on my costume this year. I'm hoping to find a costume that could incorporate those stunning eyelashes from Shu Uemura.

Last year I was Princess Peach (note the spray painted blonde hair lol):



I actually choose Bowser when I play Mario Kart, though. :o And why do those photos look like they were scanned from the 90's? D: