Homewood, AL!

Over the weekend I spent time in Homewood, AL for work. I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Birmingham Museum of Art where my newest dance piece "Etched" will be performed in November. Then, I stumbled upon O'Henry's Coffee one morning on my way to the rehearsal space (Children' Dance Foundation). Right then, my life changed with a cappuccino espresso chocolate chip muffin. Seriously, the the most luxurious moist piece of heaven I have ever had in my life and I am not a muffin eater! I took and chance and it paid off! When I got to the end of my feeding session, I really questioned whether it was worth eating the parchment paper it was so good. 

Now, I was there for work and did not have a lot of time or money to spend on food. For major meals, I went to the local Piggly Wiggly (makes me giggle every time). However, I did decide, of course, that I just had try the local beer; so I picked up Truck Stop Brown Ale from Gadsden, AL. Amazing...smooth, with a light finish of sweetness at the end from the honey. This went perfect with my Amy's Bean Burrito (ha...fancy!). What was lovely about this beer was the food pairing suggestions on the bottle. It was much appreciated and a nice touch. Now, back to O'Henry's Coffee...everyday instead of wining and dining myself, I would stop at O'Henry's to try another dessert after long rehearsals. The second day was the Caramel fudge cheesecake...oh MAN!!!! So good....on top there was crushed walnuts, caramel, and chocolate shaving, in the middle traditional cheesecake, and the bottom was chocolate fudge with a basic graham cracker crust. Surprisingly, this dessert was not as sweet I was thinking it was going to be but a perfect balance of sweet & tart with amazing texture. The last day of my trip before going to the airport, I stopped by to get something basic; traditional cheesecake...again, AMAZING!!!!!! Sweet, buttery, and tart.

In November I will be back, I vow to try the Seven Layer Caramel cake from O'Henry's and then I will search for the best BBQ in Birmingham, AL (feel free to make suggestions)....it shall be done. If you are in the sweet quaint town of Homewood, AL please take the time to "treat yo self"  to O'Henry's Coffee for the coffee, tea, quiet atmosphere and, of course, the desserts. Also, try the local beer...so worth it!

Poor Man Risotto

My Mother-in-Law arrived this past Thursday and we were low on food. Out to eat and grocery shopping was not an option (cause no contracts have been signed...feel me!?). What did I have? I had brown rice, yellow onion, garlic, broccoli florets, and baby bella's...I thought okay what could make this meal seem planned and extraordinary. Boom goes the dynamite! Risotto...but not with orzo pasta..nope with brown rice. Then, I had to figure out how to make it sexy like risotto...something you just want to stick your face in! Then, I opened the fridge and Light Cream appeared from the heavens (not really, folks!). Okay....here we go, chop 1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic, place in a huge skillet with olive oil to sautee. Then, in goes the baby bella's...sautee (let them work out in the skillet with onions and garlic a little), then add in frozen broccoli florets, thyme, pinch of oregano (and I mean....a PINCH), and then salt and pepper to taste. Then, add 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 cups of rice (let it sautee first...move it around to let it make friends with the others), and 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of water. Turn down the heat and let it cook! Move it round a bit, then continue to let it cook! Right as it looked like all the liquid  has disappeared add in 1 cup of light cream (add a little bit more salt and pepper to taste). Let that cook and OMG, Poor Man Risotto is there, looking at you, asking you to love it! Here is the thing with this one, tasting along the way is EVERYTHING...if the rice is not done add more liquid and let it cook....if it is too bland add more salt and pepper. Good, good, gooooooooooood stuff and even better the next day!

Turkey Bacon!!!

The past week has been crazy. Today, Thursday, has been b*tch slapping me all day....not appreciated Thursday! What a better way than to end this crazy awful day but with bacon. Now, here's the deal...I don't eat pork (long story, but it has nothing to do with religion, politics, etc.); so, Turkey bacon it is going to be in my belly! However, I am also really in the mood for pasta with a tomato light cream sauce....done, done and done, Folks. Here we go: cut bacon into perfect little squares, saute it with chopped onion and garlic in olive oil. Then, add in a large can of diced tomatoes (or fresh...go for it!) and let it get all good and yummy adding in some basil, oregano, and thyme (salt and pepper to taste ALWAYS!)..simmer simmer and turn off the heat. Pasta done (thinking penne, but spaghetti would also work really well...yes, it matters!), toss into sauce and at the last moment add in light cream and good Parmesan cheese! Here's to good eating for me and mine!