I am a Honey Bee

All about my adventures with cooking, crafts, and travel

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Sketchbook 2: Day 7

It’s funny how so many things change in a year. This photo was taken for my 25 birthday- 1/10. Last year, if you would have told me what would be happening between now and then I would have thought you were crazy. But it seems that life is in fact crazy so you have to constantly roll with it.

Last summer I took a scrapbooking layout class from Kelly Purkey. I have posted my previous layouts (1-6) but I’m just getting around to finishing up the rest of the class now. Well, this layout has been completed for a while but I’m just getting around to posting it now.

I loved the sketch from day 7 because it was so simple. I liked the verticality of the page. Granted it could be rotated for a horizontal layout, but I liked it vertically. I also really liked how everything came to one this one line. I played around with mirroring the pictures along the line, having the large picture-less areas opposite each other. I made the title by cutting out numbers with my Cricut, lightly adhering them, spraying the paper with a glittery mist, and then removing the numbers later.

You can purchase the class sketches on Kelly’s blog.

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Strumpets Crumpets’ Valentines Swap

I hope you enjoyed Valentines Day. Price and I relaxed at home with some cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, and some wine. This was the first year since we have been together that we did not have classes or homework to compete with so we took it easy and just enjoyed the opportunity to savor the night together, without the collegiate pressure. Next year I am stepping up the game and we will make a bigger deal about it, but without those cheesy hallmark card moments. yak!

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So the real reason for the post… my craft for the Strumpet’s Crumpet’s Valentines Swap!

I enjoyed the Strumpets Crumpets Ornament Swap so much that I signed up to the Valentines Swap as well. I loved getting to meet my previous partner Erin and I loved the ones she made me sooo much. I made her a mini crapbook ornament using some of her 2010 photos posted on flickr. I actually forgot to take a pic of it before shipping it on its way. But that made me even more aware of taking photos of my Valentines Swap before packing it up.

This time I was partnered with Kym. We emailed each other with some information about each of us.  With that knowledge about her and some crafty supplies I got to work on a yarn wrapped wreath that was adorned with some paper flowers. I created this to symbolize the family that she is a part of.

The 2 largest flowers are for her and her partner

The 3 smaller flower are for her kids.

The 5 heart shaped leaves are for their pets.

In the end it took a bit more spring like theme instead of Valentines Day…oops! I just fell in love with the papers (Stampin’ Up!) and had to use them. At least this way the wreath can hang around a bit longer than Feb 14th. 🙂

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are so easy to make that you’ll be saying “Ta-Dah!”. You’ll also be amazing at how quickly they disappear. Yum!

Post from 2/4/18, Pictures updated 8/22/18

Do you know people who don’t cook?

I didn’t think people like that really existed, but my friend Dawn does not cook.

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OMG Red Velvet Event- Recap

A few weeks ago my friend Jason sent me a link to a red velvet themed charity event for Lovin’ Spoonfuls and he did not have to ask me twice about going. The event was organized by Urbanspoon’s Christine Liu and was sponsored by Signpost Boston and How About We… So on Tuesday night we headed over to Flour Bakery in Fort Port to chow down on some fantastic red velvet themed treats by some of Boston’s great chefs who donated their time and food for this event.

Macaron from Sportello/ Cupcake from Flour Bakery

Participating chefs included:
The Chocolate Tarte
Flour Bakery
Hungry Mother
Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake
SoCo Creamery
Sportello
Susu Bakery
Sweet Cupcakes
Union Bar + Grille
Garden in the Cellar

Red Velvet with Jalapeño Infused Sugar from Rattlesnake/ Red Velvet Fried Chicken from Garden at the Cellar

I enjoy a good red velvet treat but I enjoy that my admittance fee went to Lovin’ Spoonfuls.

“Headquartered in Brookline, MA, Lovin’ Spoonfuls is a 501c3, non-profit organization that facilitates the recovery and distribution of perishable and unserved foods that would otherwise be thrown away and wasted. They deliver this food directly to local crisis centers, soup kitchens and other social assistance entities. Lovin’ Spoonfuls was incorporated in 2010, and is committed to do its part to help eradicate hunger in Massachusetts.”

Cupcakes with The Chocolate Tarte/ Red Velvet Donut Muffins from Susu

The red velvet desserts varied from cake, cupcakes, donut muffins, and macarons. Then coming out of left field there was a savory item that consisted of chicken coated in red velvet cake batter, fried, and then dressed in a blue cheese sauce. It was a very creative on red velvet. My two favorite items were the macaron from Sportello and the red velvet spoonfuls from Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake.

Macaron from Hungry Mother/ Red Cake with Chocolate Mouse topped with a Red Hot from Union Boston

While there we learned about another very unfortunate situation that requires some special attention. Will Gilson, chef from Garden at the Cellar, reported a tragic situation his mother is experiencing. Jodie Gilson lost all of her greenhouses under the weight of the snow, which means she has lost her lively hood. Why can’t she just go through insurance to fix it… well read about the whole situation and donate to help her get back on her feet HERE.

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Tacos Tacos Tacos Tacos!- Boston Brunchers at Dorado Tacos and Cemitas

On Sunday morning 16 food bloggers, including myself, descended upon Dorados Tacos in Brookline, MA. We arrived an hour prior to their normal opening to feast on their brunch options. We snapped photos, discussed our blog’s point of views, talked camera settings, and what we did for work. We took video, shared plates of food, talked about events we have attended, and which restaurant offers the best{_fill in the blank_}.

Why did we do all that?

Because we are part of the community of food bloggers in Boston. But more specifically we came together through Boston Brunchers. Renee, the organizer, has put together a great schedule for people to to enjoy brunches at various places throughout Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge. Brunches vary from free to $ to $$$, limited by first come first serve sign up, or participants are selected by the restaurant based on reasons why they want to attend the brunch.

In this case Dorado limited the total # of people, while they threw in a few free meals for the people that won their approval. I was one of the first 14 people to sign up so I paid for my meal , which is no big inconvience since everything there is really affordable.

The group came together over plates of huevos rancheros,  breakfast quesadillas, patatas bravas, agua frescas, hot chocolates, and coffees. I enjoyed the house-made pork chorizo quesadilla with guacamole and a side of patatas bravas. The quesadilla was really good, without being greasy from the chorizo. The guacamole was inside th quesadilla so it was incorporated into each bite. The patatas bravas, a Spanish potato side dish that is similar to home fries, were so much more spicy than I anticipated. I really enjoyed them but I’m glad I listened to someone describe them before pouring hot sauce on them, like I typically do with home fries. I washed that down with my favorite cucumber mint agua fresca.

I’m looking forward to attending more brunch gatherings in the future with the great people I met. Plus great food doesn’t hurt!

PS- Whenever I hear about or have tacos I think of Terry on Reno 911. Any scene with Terry at Tacos Tacos Tacos Tacos cracks me up.

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Ole! First Annual Burrito Bowl Recap

When I first saw a tweet about the First Annual Burrito Bowl at Rattlesnake Bar I knew that I would have to rush to get tickets to attend this event. Thankfully I did because the event sold out and was a blast.

It’s no secret that Rattlesnake is one of my favorite places in Boston. So I obviously could not miss a chance to go there, while enjoying this burrito battle. The premise was simple, top chefs in the Boston area “serving up an edible homage to their favorite NFL team” making burritos to be judged by a panel and by the public.

Natalie, Jason, Price and I arrived early to grab some seating for us since we knew it would be packed. Emily and Peter followed shortly thereafter to pile in the booth after us. We all took turns supervising bags and coats while roaming around taking bowls back to sample together. An afternoon as simple as sampling the various burritos and enjoyed some beers and margaritas* results in some heated debate regarding the burritos.

– The frito pie inspired one was really good, however not really a burrito!

– The one with the roasted pig was fatty and there was some idenitifiable thing in the rice that was really chewy. However, it had a good slaw on it. Also, it had a QR code on it directing you to the recipe, which is fun and creative

– The New Orleans Saint’s one was a favorite since they fried each piece of fish at the station so it was hot and crispy. I would love this as a whole dish.

-The only one that resembled a burrito was submitted by Brian Poe (host) and consisted of chicken braised in duck fat. The sauce served with that was amazing.

Seeing a packed restaurant with people buried over bowls of burritos and chefs conversing together about their recipes just proves that food is a great connector. It certainly brought us all together to enjoy a rainy Saturday afternoon.

The line up:

Jason Hutchinson of Boloco, Laura Henry-Zoubir of Church, Jason Santos of Gargoyles on the Square, Erwin Ramos of Ole, Brian Poe of Poe’s Kitchen at The Rattlesnake, Jose Duarte from Taranta,  Andy Husbands of Tremont 647.

The winners:

Judged:  The roasted pig buritto bowl from Jose Duarte (Taranta)… not my favorite

People’s Choice: Frito Pie burrito from Jason Santos (Gargoyles on the Square)… not a burrito!

UPDATE: RECIPES FROM THE EVENT! FIRST ANNUAL BURRITO BOWL RECIPES

I really enjoyed the event. It gave me the opportunity to see food bloggers Jacki and Meesh from Just Add Cheese and Bianca from Confessions of a Chocoholic.  Getting a chance to taste different plates from great restuarnts I have not been to was a great experience. Plus I can’t deny that I enjoyed the 3 margaritas I had.

*Uber excited that the Cranberry Ginger Margarita that I created and won for the 20th anniversary event is now on the newly revamped drink menu!!!*

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Satan’s Kingdom

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There is a small group of people who know me personally enough to know that when they come across random, bizarre articles, link, or places that I am a good person to share them with. So, the fact that I received an email from my friend Emily with no text and just the wiki link to Satan’s Kingdom, MA is not that out of the ordinary .I could not believe that a place actually existed called Satan’s Kingdom, let alone driving distance from Boston. After the busy holidays we found that we would be able to go last Sunday (1/30). Plus, we felt it would be best to go as a way to celebrate my birthday. ha

The idea of driving 2+ hours one day to get to Satan’s Kingdom, “an unincorporated community in the town of Northfield, Massachusetts” (wiki), would be a ridiculous idea for some people, but this is just the kind of thing the Emily and I enjoy. We have driven to Maine for lobsters since it’s much more fun to get them right off the docks and to the Cape for no real reason at all aside from a trip just to end with boxed wine.

So we set out early to drive to Satan’s Kingdom. The ultimate goal was to get to the Satan’s Kingdom Wildlife Management Area, where there had to be a sign that we could take a photo with. Without real directions to there we drove around the town trying to reach the Wildlife Management Area, mind you this is the middle of no where so there is no consistent 3G reception telling us where to go. First we overshot it and ended up in Vermont. Then we circled back and stumbled upon W Rd, which according to google maps on the iphone is “closed winters”. I thought that this would not be true… hello, we are not in the Rocky’s here! I was wrong. Finally, we then found Veron Rd which brought us there, which also was closed further down.

I have no idea how my car made it on the hills. The two just kept cracking up in the car as my car made angry noises as it slowly made it up these little snow covered hills. But we made it through, even making it over the tiny causeway at Sawyer Ponds.

Once we made it there we took foolish photos with the sign. How can you miss the opportunity to make devil horns in front of that sign?!? And briefly wanted around Satan’s Kingdom, which was not spewing hot fire but was covered with a nice coating of snow. There were even older snowshoer’s who were also there, that I suspect not as (childish) amused by the sign as we were.

After the visit to the Satan’s Kingdom, we headed north to Brattleboro, Vermont. We enjoyed an amazing brunch and checked out at local yarn store before heading back to Boston. In all it was a long day of driving but it was totally worth it. I can’t even wait to scrapbook these pictures!

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Happy Hour with SeamlessWeb and Boston Food Bloggers

I absolutely love the food blogging community in Boston. While I don’t exactly consider myself a food blogger… I’m a ‘life’ blogger who writes about what I care about, which often is food… I have been meeting great people who are just as passionate about food and restaurants as me. All this is thanks to Rachel, who has organized Boston Food Bloggers.

Last night was no different. Great food, drinks and people coming together because of food. The thing that brought us all together is called SeamlessWeb. What is SeamlessWeb? It’s an online food delivery service. So hop on the site, enter your address, and then see what food can me delivered to your door. This gets rid of the guess work when it comes to delivery ETA, ratings, and getting your order taking properly since it’s all done with a few clicks of a mouse.

SeamlessWeb hosted the happy hour mixer at The Landsdowne to introduce the company to Boston. They actually had been braving the elements this week and were giving out free coffee as well in different neighborhoods in the city. I definitely welcome any sort of launch party/happy hour/raucous get together that invovles free drinks and food. So Price Tag, as he introduced himself as, and I had a great time seeing bloggers I have met before and meeting a few new ones, all while enjoying some pub food and beers.

In honor of the gift certificates we picked up last night and the mess in the kitchen I have left for too long, we ordered pizza for dinner to night. Muy Bueno. Thanks SeamlessWeb!

PS- That magic 8 ball thing is AMAZING! I snatched one up and have been having too much fun shaking the hell out of it getting different answers like Thai, Mexican, Pizza, Panini, etc.

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Very Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip

This Very Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip is a party favorite. Skip the tedious poppers and mix up this jalapeno popper dip- easy & delicious. Spicy too!

Post from 2/3/2011, photos updated 2/25/18

Post Contains Affiliate Links. Read my full disclosure HERE 

One of my favorite foods to eat while watching football is a jalapeno popper. I love the crunch from the outside breading, the heat from the jalapeno, and creamy, cheesy filling. The perfect bite!

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Mexicasian Tacos

A few weeks ago I came across a call for entries for an Alaskan Fish Taco contest using fish native to Alaskan waters to create new taco recipes. I love fish tacos so this was a no brainer. I just had to give it a try and enter.

I love fish tacos for their lightness and balance of flavor. I never feel too stuffed after having one. It probably has to do with the lack of heavy salsa and cheese. Either way, a fish taco is a perfect combination of fried or grilled fish and fresh vegetables that provide it with some bite. For example, most fish tacos I come across have some radish slices or some picked cabbage.

I decided to head in teh direction of an Asian themed taco. I felt that the light crisp flavors  of summer rolls, or veggies stir fries would be similar to the picked vegetables that are often found in California based fish tacos. We always seem to have bok choy in the house ebcause it is a favorite for our rabbits. We cook it often in stir fries so I was familiar with the texture and flavor it would bring to the fish taco. Adding ginger to the bok choy would help it bring out more flavor and enhance the Asian flavor experience.

I used cod fish, a fish that was approved for the contest. This is light flavored fish that holds up well to light frying. It would work well with the taco because the texture would a nice contrast to the tortilla and softened bok choy.

Overall I think this is a successful Asian inspired taco because the flavors are distinctly Asian, the taco has texture, and the taco is flavorful from the sriracha, ginger, and cilantro. I knew it was a good taco recipe since Pricer, who is uneasy about fish, ate it and enjoyed it. Victory!

Mexicasian Tacos

Makes 8 fish tacos

Spicy Mayo Sauce
1/4 cup of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce
Juice of half a lime
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Stir fried Bok Choy
4 bulbs of baby bok choy
1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons wok oil or canola oil
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Fried fish
1/2 pound of cod
1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
Flour
1 egg
Panko bread crumbs
Oil for frying
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8 corn tortillas
1/4 cup Cilantro
2 limes

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Preheat oven to 200 and place tortillas on baking sheet to warm. Warm until desired temperature, flipping at least once to evenly warm.

To make the spicy mayo, combine the mayo, sriracha, and lime juice. Let chill until ready to serve.

Cut your 1/2 pound cod fillet into 8 even taco sized pieces. Combine the rice wine vinegar with the soy sauce to marinate the fish. Marinate for approx 15 minutes, much longer will result in a bitter tasting fish.

Prepare a breading station with individual bowls for flour, beaten egg, and panko bread crumbs.

While fish is marinating, slice the bok choy parallel to the bulb base, creating thin ribbons, and grate ginger. Over medium heat, heat wok oil in a skillet. Add both the bok choy and ginger to the hot oil. Stir fry for a few minutes until the boy chow is tender, remove from heat.

Over medium, heat oil in a large deep skillet.  Coat each piece of fish with flour, then egg, then panko bread crumbs. Immediately place breaded fish into hot oil. Gently fry fish for 2-3 minutes on each side, careful not to burn the panko breadcrumbs. DO NOT overload the skillet, this will make flipping harder and reduce temperature of oil, effecting proper browning.  Place cooked pieces of fish on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Assemble tacos with fish, boy chow, spicy mayo, a few cilantro leaves, and serve with a lime wedge.