Category Archives: EAT

A Quickie

January 12, 2012

Filed Under : EAT - INTERIORS - STYLE

I totally forgot to mention in my last post that this week will be a very light posting week for moi.  Emphasis on the very light.  It’s the busiest work week of the year for me, including one crazyyy weekend.  It’s all very fun and exciting, but I can’t wait to see you all again on Tuesday.  Shall we call it a date?

In the meantime, here are a few things that I would like more of in 2012:

  • More black on black outfits:  So chic and classy.  Yes, please.
  • More chickpeas: Hey, I really like chickpeas.  This year, I want to find more inventive recipes for them, like this cilantro lime chickpea salad.
  • More rugs: My apartment is all wood floors and could really use a colorful rug here and there.  We only have one rug right now but I’d like one in each room.

Happy weekending and see you soon!

[Images via: 1 / 2 / 3]

A last minute treat

December 22, 2011

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

peppermint bark

Yesterday, I gave all my coworkers little treat bags full of homemade peppermint bark.  They’re very special to me so what better way to thank them for always being so amazing than with layers of peppermint-infused chocolate??  Nothing is better, I tell you, nothing.

I tied off the bags with baker’s twine and added these DIY gift tags.  Aren’t they the most precious things?  I’ve been using these tags for EVERYTHING this holiday season.  I even affixed one to Kyle’s hot chocolate the other night just to tell him that it was “homemade with love” so he better appreciate it.

Back to the peppermint bark!  It’s super easy to make and so much more special when it’s homemade.  PS don’t let anyone tell you that making it yourself is cheaper than buying a box of it at William’s Sonoma.  Chocolate chips are expensive, yo!  But making it at home is more fun and thoughtful.  I promise.

peppermint bark

Peppermint Bark

1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
1 bag of white chocolate chips (again used Ghirardelli)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract, divided
About 25 candy canes, crushed into pieces
A little canola oil (if needed)

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds at 50% power.  Make sure you stir the chocolate after every interval until it’s fully melted and smooth.  Stir in 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract.  Pour the chocolate onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet (it will not fill the entire sheet FYI) and spread evenly.  Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes over the chocolate.  Refrigerate and let it harden for about 10-20 minutes.  Melt the white chocolate in the same fashion.  You may need to add a bit of canola oil because white chocolate seems to be a thicker consistency.  Stir in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract.  Pour the white chocolate directly over the semi-sweet chocolate and spread even.  Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes and refrigerate until completely hardened.  To serve, break into small pieces.

Add an adorable tag and give it to all your favorite people.

peppermint bark

peppermint bark

Friday Love List

December 16, 2011

Filed Under : DIY - EAT - RECIPES

decembrrr

Now that we’re fully into December (WHAT?!), it’s getting quite chilly in these parts.  All I want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket and a giant cup of tea.  I think I will do that all weekend long, what about you??  Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

  • I’m printing out these DIY gift tags immediately, if not sooner.
  • This perfect gray tee, please come into my life.
  • I’ve had Kate’s holiday mixtape on repeat.
  • The best chocolate mousse you’ve ever had in your life?  Count me in.
  • Last night, we went to the West Elm party at their new Beverly Blvd location.  Beyond the fact that the store looks absolutely gorgeous, the party was super fun and they served mini donuts.  Any party with donuts is amazing in my book.  Best part?  Emily Henderson was there and I almost died.  Love.  That.  Girl.

Happy weekend!!

Image via Scout’s Honor Co.

Friday Love List

December 9, 2011

Filed Under : EAT - INTERIORS - RECIPES

christmas tree

This right here is my teeny tiny Christmas tree, photographed two ways.  I think the first way is my favorite.  Love the bokeh effect.  But seriously, how small is that tree??  It’s too adorable, I can’t take it!  Anyway, this week was literally the fastest week in recorded history.  So much stuff happening in my little life.  Also, I realized I’m really out of shape.  My office building had a fire drill on Tuesday and we had to walk down 18 flights of stairs…my legs are still sore.  COOL.  On a completely unrelated topic, here are a few things I’m loving this week:

PS – I finally made my Instagrams public!  You can follow me on Instagram at thestyleeater (sorry  I have no idea how to link to it).  When I signed up many moons ago, I didn’t realize it was a social platform.  And then when I did realize, it was too late, I was already the loser with no followers.  So I started to embrace the fact that I had zero followers.  Then Kyle convinced me that every Instagram account is public and I’m the only loser with a private account.  No longer!  I’m cool now.  Happy weekend!

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

November 30, 2011

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

baked oatmeal

I eat oatmeal almost everyday…but from a small packet that you mix with hot water.  Don’t get me wrong, I love instant oatmeal, but real, homemade, do-it-yourself oatmeal is kind of a lot better.

For one, it makes your whole house smell like cinnamon goodness.
And two, it’s just plain delicious.
And hot from the oven.
And a little crunchy on top.
With a slight tartness from the cranberries.
And a sweetness from the apples.
Oh, I like it a lot.

My friend, Heather, and I made this particular oatmeal for our friends over the holiday weekend.  Since there were absolutely no leftovers, I’m guessing my friends liked it too.  I think I will add this oatmeal into my brunch rotation.  Anyone want to come over for brunch this weekend?  My giant dining table can fit a lot of peeps around it.  Just kidding, don’t come over.  But maybe one day.  But not this weekend, I’m going to Ikea.

You can find the recipe here, adapted from Heidi Swanson’s recipe in Super Natural Every Day (one of my absolute FAVORITE cookbooks, by the way).