Taco Bell's Dorrito's Taco Loco and Cantina Bowl

Thanks to the Taco Bell World Series promotion, boyfriend treated me to a fast food lunch. I haven't had Taco Bell for several months, but I figured since they have this new Cantina bowl by Lorena Garcia, and the promotion is for the Dorritos taco, why not?

Dorritos Tacos Locos, Cantina Bowl and Black Bean Burritos

My favorite part about Taco Bell is the little hot sauce packets. This establishment was running low thanks to the promotion, but I managed to snag these beautiful babies.

The Cantina bowl was okay, more fresh than most things at the Bell, but still not as good as Chipotle. The Dorritos taco was interesting, but I guess that's because I'm not a big fan of Dorritos. However, I am in love with their black bean burrito. Surprisingly delicious. 

Today was super cold, so I gotta layer up. Check out my sweet winter gear!

Pulling it off

It's really sad when you order the "short" size and you still have to roll the pants up about 4 inches. But it's a fact of life for the vertically challenged. Besides, I get to wear my sweet mask to block the high winds, while looking like Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.

Get over here!

Hopefully this weather will ease up, especially on the east coast. Hoping and wishing for the best for all of those who have to face hurricane Sandy's wrath. Flight schedules and flight loads have been insane lately and it's showing at work. Winter is on it's way, and everyone in the airline industry just want it to be as safe as possible. Be careful out there.

-Akemi-chan

Kalua Pork Stuffed Baked Potato

Boyfriend I went geo-caching on a Saturday afternoon. Bad idea. Since we live in Champaign, IL, home of the Fighting Illini, the streets were swarming with orange and blue college students and Big 10 fans. And when I say swarms, I mean swarms.

These are just the tailgaters, not including the kids at the bars, the game and the streets

Maneuvering around this stampede is so difficult, let alone trying to be sneaky and look for buried treasure. Fortunately there were a few caches out of the way, so we could still enjoy our Saturday adventure. 

Striped cardigan, jeans, brown boots and houndstooth pageboy hat. 

Today I was a little hung over, so cuteness took a back seat, but I think I didn't pretty good. Oh, and what are these lumpy ball things? Boyfriend calls them "monkey apples" but I have no idea. Silly Midwestern greenery. 

Corkscrew/ Fettuccine Alfredo

Boyfriend and I frequent a local wine shop called Corkscrew. They have a wide selection of wines along with a staff with a goofy sense of humor.

Example of previously mentioned sense of humor

This date night at the Corkscrew's wine bar was long overdue. Boyfriend and I made a deal to purchase a bottle of port and a few glasses of wine if we both lost our fantasy football matchups in week 6, it's week 8.

Boyfriend picking out our port

My favorite turtleneck from H&M is as comfy as a t-shirt, but in a festive fall color. Along with a cotton mini from Forever 21 and a woven maroon belt, I feel like Rachel Berry from Glee.

Cue music

Paired with the coziest scarf/ wrap from Old Navy and leather coat since it's about 30 degrees outside. A girl's gotta stay warm. To add some dimension, I added lace tights and black booties. Feelin' fancy!

Snuggling up with some vino

Cheers

Boyfriend and I splurged on a bottle of ruby port and a bourdeaux. Not to mention a glass of Ugly Duckling cabernet sauvignon and a cheese plate.

Dranks and noms

Pampered Sunday- Green/ Turkey, Potato and Kale Soup

Last week I finished A Feast for Crows, the fourth book in the Song of Fire and Ice series (better known as Game of Thrones). Let me tell you, these books are intense, so I needed a break. Let's hit the easy, juicy stuff: mystery novel here I come!

Death by the Glass, the second installment of the Sunny McCoskey mystery novels, was my noncommittal relief. After reading the description of the first novel in the series, I knew this was right up my alley. 

Wine, Nomz and Murder. What more can a girl ask for?

The lovable and driven, yet meddlesome, Miss McCoskey is a young chef in Napa Valley, where the latest scandal is usually hot, but occasionally it's served up as cold as the dead. The easy to read novels have charming characters, picturesque landscapes, keep-you-guessing plot and food and drink that will make you salivate onto your Kindle (mine goes by Kindo, rescuer of loneliness and boredom). What else would you expect from wine country?

And since we're doing a quick read, let's top it off with a quick manicure. Thanks to Wet N Wild's fast-dry series, I can have a perfectly shiny coat of SaGreena the Teenage Witch on my tips in the matter of three chapters. 

SaGreena and her buddy Kindo

Look at that gorgeous deep green! That reminds me, I have kale from the market. What to do? What would Sunny do? Aha! How about a soup?

Spicy Turkey and Kale Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp crushed red-pepper flakes
• 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 15.5 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 32oz carton of  reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 small bay leaves
• 1 bunch kale, stemmed and shredded
• salt and pepper to taste
• 
  

In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook until soft, stirring, 2-3 minutes. Add turkey, garlic, red-pepper flakes, salt and pepper; cook until turkey is browned, 5-7 minutes.Add chickpeas, tomatoes, bay leaves and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover; simmer about 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaves, add kale; simmer for another 10 minutes.

Now, how long will I hang out with Sunny in Northern California before I head back to King's Landing? After all, Winter is coming....

-Akemi-Chan

Spicy Honey Chicken Thighs

I found this recipe a few months ago while boyfriend and I were trying to eat healthier. Luckily for us, this fell into our laps and we embraced it with open arms. It's so flavorful and 2 pieces of chicken is under 300 calories.

Spicy Honey Chicken Thighs

2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp dried minced onion (optional)
1 tbsp crushed red pepper
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
6 tbsp honey
1 tsp sriracha
2 tsp apple cider vinegar

In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, pepper, cumin and onion powder. Add chicken thighs and toss to evenly coat chicken. Spray broiler pan with nonstick spray and place chicken on pan.

Broil on high for 5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile combine honey, sriracha and cider vinegar. When chicken is broiled, remove from oven and brush half of the honey mixture onto one side of chicken. Broil chicken for another minute. Brush honey on other side of chicken and broil for another minute.

The chicken will be spicy and sweet with a bit of a char thanks to the broiler. I paired the chicken with sauteed zucchini and a salad to get some freshness.

-Akemi-chan

Brussels Sprout, Apple and Sausage Hash

When I first saw this recipe, I started to drool. I had to have whatever this blogging goddess just revealed to me. I only tried Brussels sprouts for the first time last year and I was shocked to discover that they weren't as bad as the reputation that preceded them. It's like a miniature cabbage, and I love cabbage.


Brussels Sprout, Apple and Sausage Hash  Inspired by Perry's Plate

2 tbsp butter, divided
1 lb Brussels sprouts
3 small apples, cored and diced
1/2 pre-cooked turkey kilbasa, diced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste

Trim ends off of the Brussels and discard them with any wilted-looking leaves. Slice them in half, and quarter them if they're particularly large, to make similarly-sized pieces.

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Make sure the pan is really hot before putting in the sprouts. Cook them for about 5 minutes. Toss them around occasionally until you start to see dark, caramelized spots. Transfer them to a bowl.

Add the other tablespoon of butter to the skillet with the chopped apple and sausage. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the apples begin to soften slightly and the sausage is heated through and has a few dark spots. Add the mustard and the vinegar to the skillet; stir to combine. Add the sprouts back to the skillet and cook for another minute or so. Season to taste with a pinch or two of salt and pepper.

The combination of the smokey sausage, the sweetness of the apples, crunch of the sprouts, zing from the vinegar and mustard and the savoy richness of the butter all melt together in the perfect weeknight dinner. Maybe this will be a new addition to our Thanksgiving spread. 

-Akemi-chan

Pumpkin Carving/ Apple Cider Cocktail

Last year, boyfriend and I attended a casual game night at our friends' home. Since it was Fall, we decided to be seasonal and make a cocktail from apple cider and Captain Morgan spiced rum. The sweet, fresh flavor of the apple cider, mixed with the warmth from the cinnamon and a flavorful kick from the spiced rum was a huge hit and gave birth to my favorite fall cocktail.

I must warm you to be cautious. We discovered that the sweetness and full flavor of the apple cider easily masks the sting of the alcohol. Consume wisely, last year the cocktails were equal parts cider and rum and we couldn't tell the difference.


Apple Cider Cocktail

1 gallon apple cider
3 apples, sliced (optional)
2 tbsp cinnamon (optional)
Spiced rum, to taste 

Pour first three ingredients into a large slow cooker on low heat. Heat through to incorporate flavors, this can take a while. Can also use sauce pan on stove for smaller portions. Add spiced rum to glass to your preference, completely optional. Add apple cider mixture to rum and mix well. Add a splash of lemon juice, if desired, to cut through sweetness.

ABC: Avocado, Brie and Caramelized Onion Sandwich

A few years ago, boyfriend's friend introduced me to what he referred to as an "ABC sandwich." This concoction consisted of avocado, bacon and cheese on a loaf of french bread. It was life changing-ly delicious. However, I'm not the biggest bacon fan.

I know, I know. I get a lot of criticism for being underwhelmed by America's favorite pig product, but I don't ever being under bacon's spell. In my opinion it's not worth the calories or the high price at the market. Although I do not hate bacon, I tend to pick it off my burgers, sandwiches and salads and place it in boyfriend's plate instead, which he is more than happy the oblige.

So in honor of the ABC sandwich that inspired me, we're going to kick thing up a bit and replace the "B" of bacon for brie cheese and replace the "C" of cheese with some caramelized onions.

ABC: Avocado, Brie and Caramelized Onion

1 tbsp butter
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 avocado
2 oz brie cheese, sliced (or any cheese of your choosing)
2 sliced of bread of your choosing
salt and pepper to taste


In a saute pan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Place sliced onions into pan and slowly let them caramelize, around 45 minutes. Stir rarely to help caramelize, salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, toast bread in toaster oven. After bread is barely toasted, add brie and toast again until cheese begins to melt. Add caramelized onions on top of cheese.

Slice avocado while still in skin and scoop out with a spoon. Place avocado slices onto onions and add salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining piece of toast.

This is an open-faced sandwich, but you can make it a traditional sandwich by putting another piece of toast on avocado. You can also substitute the brie for pepperjack if you want a little spice, though it wouldn't be an ABC sandiwich anymore. Oh, the things we do for flavor.

-Akemi-chan

Consignment Sale

As I was walking down the street, I noticed a little crowd next to my gym. Turns out it was a local consignment sale. I've never experienced one before, so I had to check it out. Though I don't live in a particularly stylish part of the country (this college town is mostly t-shirts, hoodies and jeans) I figured I'd give it a shot.

Most of the merchandise was faded or from the 80's, but I did manage to find two items from The Limited  that were my size. Since I used to work at The Limited, I had an even greater appreciation for the huge markdown. Even better, it was merchandise I was going to purchase when I was still employed at The Limited, but didn't have the cash. Now they're mine, all mine!

Purple short sleeve tunic and green satin strapless dress

I even got to wear my newly acquired blouse to a friend's housewarming party.

Matches my Mike's bottle

I wish I knew about these sales before, there could have been some great finds. Especially in the bigger cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and of course New York. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for next time. Might need to hop on a flight for a day of discounted shopping.

-Akemi-chan

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Swirl

Our friends Kevin and Patty are having a potluck/ Housewarming party. We hardly get to see them because they live out in the country. So when they say to bring something to the potluck, I'm your gal. 

'Tis the season for pumpkin everything! Though it is not my favorite seasoning, I cannot deny the temptation that flutters in my gut when the words, pumpkin cheesecake are uttered. Only this time, we're adding chocolate. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Swirl based on Martha Stewart recipe

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbles
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 
  

Filling

• 2 packages bar cream cheese (8 ounces each)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Start with a 9 x 13 glass casserole dish, spray with cooking spray for easy removal. In a small bowl., thoroughly combine ingredients for crust and gently press into sprayed casserole dish. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, cream the 2 bars of cream cheese with stand or hand mixer. Add sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, spice and salt and mix with cream cheese until smooth. 

In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate in 30 second increments. After chocolate is melted, take 1/2 - 1 cup of pumpkin cheesecake blend and mix with chocolate to get smooth consistency. 

Pour remaining pumpkin mixture onto cooled crust. Drizzle/ drop chocolate mixture onto surface of pumpkin mixture and use pointed object to swirl chocolate on surface of pumpkin cheesecake. Bake in oven until cheesecake is set but jiggles slightly when shaken, 40-50 minutes. 

Cool in pan on wire rack. Cover and chill until firm, 2 hours (up to 2 days). Cut into bars and serve. 

Ta-dah!

Our friends' housewarming party was wonderful. Nothing like hanging out with friends; chatting, eating, drinking and laughing. Isn't that what life's about? 

The lovely hosts even made my Slow Cooker Kalua Pork with their own twist: pineapple! I never thought about it, but it's genius. It gives the dish some acid and sweetness that is delicious with the salty and richness of the pork. YUM! They even served it on little Hawaiian rolls. 

Kalua Pork sandwich, BBQ pulled pork sandwich and cowboy caviar

Don't forget the drinks! Boyfriend was nice enough to bring his wine, which was awesome next to the bonfire. Since one of our hosts is a beer drinker and the other has gluten allergies they had beer and malt liquor, including my favorite, Mike's Black Cherry Lemonade. Delicious!

Reunited, it's been too long

The Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate swirl was a hit. Loads of compliments on flavor and aesthetics. *victory dance* 


-Akemi-chan

Pampered Sunday- Green Swirls

This Sunday I'm feeling white gold and green. This is in honor of Shonn Greene (of the New York Jets) who had a great game last week and brought me close to a victory, even though I lost, bleh.

I few months ago, I found a nail design technique on Youtube that was so beautiful and inspiring: the swirl/ marble technique. The design is beautiful, but I like the minimalist approach of only doing one of the five nails on each hand. It makes the color and pattern stand out.

Starting with Sephora by O.P.I.'s Keep Me on My Mistletoes for all nails and a base coat for the swirl. For the swirl I used Wet N' Wild's Fast Dry in SaGreena the Teenage Witch, Sephora by O.P.I.'s Already Famous, Forever 21's Love and Beauty in N9111 and Forever 21 love and Beauty's Glow in the Dark series' Neon Green. 

Can you see the game in the background? :-P

Take a small disposable cup and fill it with room temperature water. Take the assorted nail colors and drop colors into the water. The polishes will stay floating at the top of the water. I used concentric circles in this design, but the choice is up to you.

You can also do random spots of color instead of "target" effect

Take a tooth pick and draw lines across polish colors to create design, kind of like swirls of chocolate on top of a cheesecake. After desired pattern is reached, take finger (nail facing down) and dip into pattern.

You can use Scotch tape to keep fingers clean

Take the same toothpick and touch all remaining nail polish that is floating on the surface of water. This will gather the rest of the polish so it does not collect on your current design. 

My mini pirate sword doing the clean up

When you remove your nail from the water, it will be covered in polish. Take a Q-tip, dipped in nail polish remover to clean up your manicure. Like the Youtube video, you can continue with the rest of your nails, but I only did my ring finger tips.

Every swirl is different, but that's half the fun

For the hair, I love half-up, half-down styles. Sometimes it gets a little boring just wearing your hair down, and what better way to get the hair out of your face, than a simple braid. 

Squishy face

Going with the green, I threw on some sea-foam earrings, green eye shadows and green t-shirt to brighten up a brown cardigan, jeans and fuzzy sheepskin boots.

-Akemi-chan

Kimchi Fried Rice Stuffed Pepper

Last week boyfriend and I went to Am-Ko to get ingredients for homemade kimchi. Now it is time to throw down! Kimchi fried rice is a typical dish in Hawaii, born from the local style of cultural and culinary fusion. A mixture of Chinese-style fried rice and Korean made kimchi. To take it another step further into fusion, we're using the mixture with ground beef and green bell pepper to make a not so traditional stuffed pepper.

Also, boyfriend is in Chicago today, so this recipe is for one.

Kimchi Fried Rice Stuffed Pepper

1 green bell pepper
1 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 cup ground beef
1/8 cup kimchi, chopped
1/8 cup cooked white rice
salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Kimchi

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice off top of bell pepper. Remove seeds and ribs from the inside of bell pepper. Remove the flesh from the stem of the top of the bell pepper and chop flesh. Heat oil in medium saute pan. Add chopped bell pepper, beef, garlic, kimchi, salt and pepper. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until beef has browned. Add rice and saute for 1-2 minutes to coat and fry in kimchi and beef juices.

Scoop mixture into bell pepper shell and place into preheated oven. I use my large muffin tin, it helps the bell pepper sit up straight. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bell pepper has slightly softened.

Remember kimchi is spicy, so be careful of any additional spices you add to mixture. Enjoy!

Give in to the spice

-Akemi-chan

Our Annual Fall Stay-cation

Since I've been employed at American Eagle Airlines, my perception of vacation has drastically changed. The vacations of my childhood meant a week or two of Disneyland and other California destinations. Vacations of my young adulthood were mostly Christmas trips to Las Vegas thanks to my cousin attending UNLV. My current views on vacation mostly consist of  2-3 days every other month and going to new destinations, old favorites or making a mini stay-cation out of a long "weekend". This stay-cation marked the beginning of Fall and that means our annual trip to Curtis Orchard.

Curtis Orchard is a local apple orchard and pumpkin patch here in Champaign county and boyfriend and I are in love with this place. It's a family destination of hay rides, apple and pumpkin picking, a country store and an adorable little cafeteria. Did I mention the Wizard of Oz theme? WHAT?

In the matter of a week, boyfriend and I have been to the orchard twice. We can't get enough of the atmosphere, the friendly people and of course, the food. Award winning apple cider; hot, cold or our favorite slushie-form. Apple donuts, apple fritters, pumpkin pie, freshly picked apples, picking out your own pumpkin from the patch, house-made salad dressings, jellies, jams, preserves, bbq sauces, butters, the possibilities are endless.

We picked up a handful of indian corn to decorate the house, a pumpkin bigger than boyfriend's head, two apple cider slushies, half a dozen apple donuts, and our favorite chipotle apple barbecue sauce.

I wouldn't be surprised if we visit Curtis Orchard again before the season is over, especially since we have to get a gallon of cider for our Captian Morgan and apple cider cocktail party. YUM! Until then, it's nice to support a local business that gives us so many fond memories.

-Akemi-chan

Individual Zucchini Frittatas

Yesterday, one of the TSA agents at our airport came in with zucchini from his garden. I was shocked to find out that no one was going to take the beautiful, fresh, home-grown produce. I had to jump on it, especially since I've had a slight obsession with zucchini since my roommate made me risotto-stuffed zucchini in college. I woke up this morning to no milk, therefore no granola. So what's a girl to do? Improvise.

Individual Zucchini Frittatas

1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, separated
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, smashed
1/4 cup pepperjack cheese, shredded
3 large eggs

2 tbsp parmesean cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium saute pan heat 1 tbsp olive oil on medium high heat. Add zucchini slices, salt, pepper and smashed garlic saute until zucchini is tender (around 4 minutes).

Remove zucchini and garlic from pan. In a small bowl, lightly beat eggs, add salt and pepper, and pepperjack cheese. In a 6- 1 cup muffin tin, spray non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of frittatas. Evenly distribute zucchini and egg mixture into each muffin mold. Top with extra pepperjack cheese if desired. Place in oven for 7-8 minutes or until eggs are fluffy and pulling away from muffin tin walls. 

Remove muffin tin from oven and switch oven to broil on high. Sprinkle parmesean cheese onto each frittata and drizzle remaining olive oil onto cheese. Place muffin tin back into oven, under broiler for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and delicious. 

Frittatas are perfect with hashbrowns, a mixed green salad, pico de gallo, or you could even make a breakfast sandwich with a biscuit or English muffin. Enjoy.

-Akemi-chan

It's Been a Loooooooong Week/ Crane Alley

It's been an exhausting week at work. Stress levels are at an all time high. With the unpredictable and erratic Chicago weather, delays, misconnects and long hours, Mama needs a cocktail.

Due to unexpected delays, I consider the number one rule of my job is "NEVER make plans." Also people at work consider it to be a jynx. Since I made plans to get out of work at 1830, fate dealt me the fortune of leaving at 2030. Unfortunately, this cancelled my plans with a beautiful bottle of port from my local wine wine shop on double stamp day.

Plan B: hit up local martini bar/ restaurant down the street. Boyfriend was more than happy to oblige, especially since he looks good in a button-down shirt and I get to put a dress on.

My inspiration for this ensemble was purely built around the shoes, tights as Daisy Fuentes' hair from my favorite daytime show, The Chew.

The perfect mix of up and down

Matte purple eye shadow on the lid, metallic purple eye shadow on the lower lash line, mauve lipstick, jt black mascara and a flush of rose blush for makeup. Purple chandelier earrings, gold t-shirt dress, classic black cardigan, wine-colored belt, ribbed black tights and patent leather pumps. Don't forget Daisy's hair-do!

Belt matches boyfriend, don't mind my face

Crane Alley is a quiet but normally occupied bar with a good beer selection and pool tables. A nice gastro-pub joint, but I go for the martini menu. I decided to splurge on a martini and felt the Caramel Apple Martini call to me. A mixture of caramel flavored vodka, apple schnapps and Goldschlager . Boyfriend took advantage of the $4 beer flight night to sample seasonal beers. For nomz, cheese plate with fruit, mixed greens, olives and warm crusty bread. I ended the night with a coffee drink spiked with Godiva liqueur, creme de minthe and whipped cream.

 
Our joy after a long couple of days

It was wonderful to go out, talk to boyfriend about life, eat, drink and just enjoy each other's company. If this is the light at the end of the tunnel when work goes to hell, I'll take it. 

-Akemi-chan