Simply How To: Remove the core of a pineapple

Well, my lovely mother taught me how to do this. 

Lets Go!

Things you need:
Pineapple
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Container to store/plate 

Place pineapple on its side, hold with a tight grip so it can not roll.

Cut off the top of the pineapple.

Turn around and cut off bottom of pineapple.

Place either top or bottom flat on cutting board.

Remove the green. 

Start at the top and cut all the way down.
Do this all the way around the pineapple so there is no outer layer.

The pineapple should look like this with no outer layer and all un-edible parts removed besides the core.

Find the core in the middle of the pineapple.

Place knife as close to the core as possible without cutting into the core and slice.

Four cuts should get you all the way around the pine apple and you should have parts like so.

The core is un-edible and can be composted.

Cut pineapple into wedges or eat as is!

Enjoy!

Simply Adventures: The High Line

So I haven't done much exploring of attractions around the city until this weekend! My friend Kenny and I visited The High Line. The High Line, is a garden that is build on an old elevated train track !

Type: Park

Location: Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue

• Gansevoort Street (Elevator Access (E.A.))
• 14th Street ( E.A.)
• W. 16th Street ( E.A.)
• W. 18th Street
• W. 20th Street
• 23rd Street ( E.A. currently out of service)
• W. 26th Street
• W. 28th Street
• W. 30th Street ( E.A.)

Hours: 7:00am to 10:00pm

Cost: Free 

Extra:

• Map
• Become A Member
• Events
• Eats

Park Rules 

They have awesome lounging and sitting areas all over the park.
Everyone was taking advantage of this on such a beautiful day!

The High Line, Tracks & Garden

The Lawn

Tunnel of trees

OH! Did I forget to mention that the views from the park are amazing! 

The High Line is a awesome time. I was a little disappointed because it was mostly green. I wanted to see more flowering plants and maybe some gardens. With that said though, it wouldn't stop me from returning again. This seems to be a great place to come and read, maybe even enjoy some yummy snacks that are offered. PLUS the views of New Jersey and the city are pretty great and its right on the water. The walk wasn't that far and didn't take us more than 25 minutes at the very most. We went on a Saturday and it was quite crowded, but not enough that I wanted to leave. I would love to check it out at night, I would say its safe to assume that the views would be GREAT then! Enjoy!

A wonderful adventure with a wonderful man! 

Restaurant Review: Sun In Bloom

I went to  Sun In Bloom yesterday morning, and it sure was delicious!  I will defiantly be going back soon!

Type: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

Location:

Brooklyn – Full Service Restaurant
460 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Phone Number:

718-622-4303

Hours of Operation: 

8:30 AM – 9:00 PM (M, T, W, Th, F)
Weekend Brunch:  10 AM – 5 PM (Sa, Su)

Location:

Tribeca – Takeaway & Cafe
165 Church Street, NY, NY 10007

Phone Number:

212-791-6700

Hours of Operation: 

7:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Monday through Friday)
9 AM – 6 PM (Saturday &  Sunday)

Price Range: $2 - $15

Specialities: Vegan, Gluten-free, Raw

Social Media: Check out their Facebook Page

I started my meal off with a 

 Soy Cappuccino

First Cappuccino ever, and it was AMAZING! Can you say froth?!?

I also had

Vegan & Gluten-free Apple Pie Pancakes

Three medium sized pancakes, packed with cinnamon apples in between each layer
Served with fresh maple syrup
Couldn't have asked for a better brunch dessert!

Brunch Burritos

Rice, Tofu, Corn & beans
Parsnip fries
Greens

Poblano Pepper Burrito
Parsnip fries
Greens

YUM!

If you try this place on a weekend (Brunch) make sure you come before 11:30! I saw the place fill up within a matter of minutes! The atmosphere was great! It was modern rustic, casual with class. My date and I sat at our own table but they offer communal seating, which I absolutely love. Service was good, I would give it 4 stars. The staff worked great together and thats always awesome to see a team. I couldn't have been more content with the food! I was super full after leaving and a very happy camper! I will be back next weekend for another wonderful meal!

Great atmosphere & decor

Fresh flowers at every table

Restaurant Review: Taim

This was my second time at Taim and might I say, it was even better than the first time!

Type: Falafel & Smoothie Bar

Location:

West Village
222 Waverly Place
(at 7th Avenue)

Phone Number: 212-691-6101

Hours of Operation: 11am to 10pm EVERYDAY

Deliver: Yes, W 16th to University Pl., to W. Houston to West st.  there is a $12 minimum, cash only

Food Truck: YES! Follow the truck on twitter to see locations  @taimmobile

Price Range: $6 - $13

Falafel Flavors: 

Green : Parsley, cilantro, mint (traditional)
Harissa : Tunisian spices (mild spicy)
Red : Roasted red peppers (not spicy)
Daily Falafel : Changes daily

Falafel Sandwich

Falafel flavor of your choice (harissa)

Hummus, israeli salad, pickled cabbage, tahini sauce

$6.25

Packed with YUMMM

Seriously gets better with each bite

Obviously I loved it &&& got a second one to go!

{Tah eem}

If you are going to be in the city, this is a must try place! It's amazing! The flavors of the falafel are great. On the sandwich, you taste each component, and yet it becomes one! When you decide to check this place out, expect it to be busy. It's a small shop, with limited seating options. Take out is the best choice. Service is friendly and fast! I haven't waited more than five minutes for my food! ENJOY!

Dirt: Recipe Testing Flunk - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

So I found this awesome recipe on pinterest and decided to give it a go.


Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ball

I decided to substitute some ingredients in order to accommodate items I already had.

Ingredients:

1              Tablespoon melted coconut oil
1              Tablespoon buckwheat honey
1/4           Teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3              Tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 1/2        Teaspoon chocolate chips


Instructions:

1) Combine coconut oil, buckwheat honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
2) Add flour until blended
3) Mix in chocolate chips
4) Enjoy....NOT!

Chocolate chips, Whole Wheat Flour, Coconut Oil, Vanilla Extract, Buckwheat Honey

Melting coconut oil

Mixing all the liquids in a bowl

Using my roommate as a guinea pig

Review: 

What went wrong?! It seemed like it would be good, if not great, but it wasn't! The flavors were good, but the texture was off. When we ate it, it seemed as if we had just eaten quick sand (really weird). This was just a test though! The first time you try a new recipe, there might be things you need to change! SOMETIMES when you change things in a recipe, they just don't work the same way.  So whats the next step? I am going to follow the actual recipe and see if that version is a flunk too. Stay Tuned :)


Not Dirt?

If anyone tries variations of this recipe and they turn out great, please let me know!

The Recipes: Shiitake Fakin

Hello!

I just got done making shiitake fakin round 2! The first time I did soy sauce, the second time (this time) I did salt! Both ways were great and I recommend you try both to see which you prefer!

Inspired by: Shiitake Bacon BLT via.  Sun In Bloom


Ingredients:

4           Cups Shiitake Mushrooms
1           Teaspoon Salt / Soy Sauce
1/4        Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Instructions:

1) Pre-heat over to 350 degrees
2) Clean mushrooms (remove stem, rub off dirt with towel)
3) Slice mushrooms into even strips
4) Mix olive oil, salt / soy sauce and mushrooms together
5) Spread evenly on sheet pan and bake in oven 30- 45 minutes,
    flipping every 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp


Pictures:

Clean Cutting Space

Shiitake Mushrooms (Whole)

Remove the stems and clean

Slice into strips

Mix salt / soy sauce (not shown), olive oil and mushrooms

Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown

Enjoy!

Tips:

• Try to cut as evenly as possible, this will help cook evenly on tray
• If some are getting crispy, remove them from the tray early and continue cooking
• Salt and soy sauce taste almost the same, I think if I were to make this again I would do the soy sauce, but salt works just as good (both ways end up with the same flavor (bacon))