Monday, May 19, 2014

The Recipes: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Last night my roommate and I wanted a healthy snack/ dessert after we enjoyed our dinner and decided to make some chocolate covered strawberries!

Ingredients: 

3/4           Cups Chocolate
6-8           Strawberries
                Water

Optional:
1/4            Cup Crushed nuts, Coconut, Sprinkles, Etc.




Equipment:

Metal Bowl
Pot
Mixing spoon
Parchment Paper


Instructions:

1) Put water in pot (water should just touch the bottom of metal bowl or be a little less, varies depending on the size of your pot and metal bowl), and place on stove (med-high heat)

2) Put chocolate chips in metal bowl and place metal bowl in the pot

3) Mix chocolate until melted and smooth

4) Take clean strawberries and dip in chocolate

5 1/2) Place decorated strawberries on parchment paper and place in refrigerator (freezer if you need quickly)

Optional:

5) Dip chocolate covered strawberries in crushed almonds or topping of your choice


Pictures:
Strawberries, Dark chocolate
Fresh strawberries, Dark chocolate, Almond crumbles
Water and pot, medium-high heat
Place bowl on top of pot & water
Chocolate will start melting
Stir until smooth and creamy
Dip strawberries in chocolate until covered all the way around

Dip chocolate cover strawberries in almonds or another topping for extra yumminess
Have your parchment paper ready

Put in refrigerator
Then indulge!

ENJOY!






Sunday, May 18, 2014

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:
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




Friday, May 16, 2014

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!