Whether it’s a simple morning beauty routine…
or a leisurely afternoon spent with a good book, a cup of tea, and a pastry..
Less really is so much more, don’t you think?
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo DaVinci
Desserts
Blueberry Bars
Ever since I made the peppermint bark cookies back in December, I’ve been wanting to try a different variation. The shortbread-like crust opens it up for many possible pairings. For example, you could add chocolate chips and walnuts. I decided to keep it simple and use blueberries.
I mainly followed this recipe as a starting point. Some changes: I used egg whites instead of eggs and wheat flour twice instead of all purpose flour. I also cut down on the sugar, as I didn’t want it to get too sweet with the addition of the blueberries.
It was quick and easy to bake, with wonderfully tasty results. I’m looking forward to having these blueberry bars for breakfast all week.
A French-Inspired Evening
First stop: Paris Baguette
So many delicious pastries to chose from.
A croissant, blueberry cream cheese pastry, and a cake donut
Next stop: Crepevine
The colorful menu written on chalkboards
The California crepe (bell peppers, avocado, sauteed onions, and cheese with chipotle sauce and salsa) with a side of potatoes and salad. True confession: I will order anything that has avocados in it.
Al this French-ness is making me wish I was walking on the Champs- Elysees at this moment. I guess downtown Palo Alto will have to do for now. I can’t complain too much when it looks like this.
I think trees should be lit up all year round (and not just during the holidays). Don’t you?
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
I’m not a sports person at all. In fact, the only sports players I know are those that used to or are married/dating celebrities, for example: Lamar Odom, Reggie Bush, Kris Humphries, Tony Parker, etc. But the one thing that excites me about the Super Bowl is the opportunity to bake.
This year I made chocolate chip banana bread. I followed this recipe with some modifications: using wheat flour instead of all purpose, egg whites instead of eggs, and throwing in some chocolate chips for good measure. The end result was delicious.
Tip: Warm up the bread so that the chocolate chips are slightly melting and pair with a hot cup of coffee/hot cocoa! Bliss.
Hot or Cold or Both?
I really love it when completely opposite food items are paired together (within reason, of course) to yield one delectable result. Some of my favorites include pear and gorgonzola pizza and the pizookie.
Another dish that tops that list is fried banana and ice cream.
I know it sounds not very appetizing, but I urge you it’s worth a try. You can find it at a Thai or Malaysian restaurant. The combination of the hot, crunchy banana with the cold, soft ice cream is heavenly. Another one of my favorites is mango fried ice cream.
Do you enjoy the mix of hot and cold desserts? Why or why not?
Shots of Happiness 