biergarten
11.10.2009
Rathskeller
I really can't believe I haven't written about the Rathskeller on here yet. It is such a neat place, and we usually like to go in the summer to hear the live music on the weekend in the beirgarten. The Rathskeller is a very German restaurant, and they have the biergarten out back. Great place to hang out in the summer right downtown!
11.09.2009
update on my pumpkin...
So, apparently squirrels like pumpkin? Here's how the pumpkin started, as a reminder:
And the next morning...
How funny is that??
Then, after I put it outside in the morning, this is what I found in the afternoon:
And the next morning...
How funny is that??
A little Champaign in our weekend
We got to see Mike and Jenny this past weekend and their new house!
11.04.2009
Brickhouse Burger
So a few weeks ago, Ryan and I had the opportunity to do a Tastecasting event at a new restaurant, Brickhouse Burger. I have to tell you I was VERY impressed. I figured it would be just another burger type place (they have fantastic burgers btw), but it was so much more. Everything we tried was so good, and very reasonably priced (similar to an Applebees or something like that). But the food is MUCH better. We tried the nachos as an appetizer and could not finish it between the four of us because it was so huge. Also had the sweet potato fries which I have been craving ever since.
I must say one of my favorite parts were the cream cheese and jalepeno stuffed burgers. You all know that I am not even a spicy food fan, but these were outstanding. I don't want to lead you to think this is an every day burger joint, because it's not. They had all kinds of stuff, including award winning ribs!
The restaurant has several huge tv's and most of the tables face them. I think it would be fun to hang out on a Sunday and get to watch all of the football games. I might have to try that out soon.
11.02.2009
And the cooking continues...
A few more recipes I have found:
Chocolate chip pumpkin cookies
1 c. sugar
1 c. pumpkin
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix sugar, pumpkin, oil and egg. In a separate bowl mix, flour salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add to first mixture. Also add baking soda, milk, vanilla and chocolate chips. Drop on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes.
Roasted Tomatoes and Cipollini (this is fantastic!)
1 pound cipollini onions (or white boiler onions)
1 pound small Roma or large cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
Coarse salt
4 slices of country or ciabatta bread, one-inch thick
15-ounce can of white beans, drained and rinsed or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans of your choice
Garlic clove (optional)
Few fresh basil leaves, slivered
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel onions (blanche in boiling water for 10 seconds and run under cold water immediately to help). Spread onions and tomatoes in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil and add a few pinches of salt. Toss well, and put in the oven for 45 minutes, turning tomatoes and onions every 15 minutes.
Right before the tomatoes/onions are finished place the bread slices on the oven rack to toast. You can rub the garlic cloves on the bread if you would like. Place the bread on a serving platter and pour can of beans over the top. Scrape the entire contents of the roasting pan on top of the beans, and make sure to get all of the juices. Lastly, top with basil.
Found at: http://www.smittenkitchen.com/
Chocolate chip pumpkin cookies
1 c. sugar
1 c. pumpkin
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix sugar, pumpkin, oil and egg. In a separate bowl mix, flour salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add to first mixture. Also add baking soda, milk, vanilla and chocolate chips. Drop on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes.
Roasted Tomatoes and Cipollini (this is fantastic!)
1 pound cipollini onions (or white boiler onions)
1 pound small Roma or large cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
Coarse salt
4 slices of country or ciabatta bread, one-inch thick
15-ounce can of white beans, drained and rinsed or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans of your choice
Garlic clove (optional)
Few fresh basil leaves, slivered
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel onions (blanche in boiling water for 10 seconds and run under cold water immediately to help). Spread onions and tomatoes in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil and add a few pinches of salt. Toss well, and put in the oven for 45 minutes, turning tomatoes and onions every 15 minutes.
Right before the tomatoes/onions are finished place the bread slices on the oven rack to toast. You can rub the garlic cloves on the bread if you would like. Place the bread on a serving platter and pour can of beans over the top. Scrape the entire contents of the roasting pan on top of the beans, and make sure to get all of the juices. Lastly, top with basil.
Found at: http://www.smittenkitchen.com/
11.01.2009
Wisconsin
Two Purdue games in a row! We went up to Madison this weekend to visit Lauren and Ben and to go to the Purdue / Wisconsin game. It was really great to see them and see their new town! We miss them a lot, and it's awesome to see how God is providing for them in Madison and how much they are learning.
Delaplaine St!
We found the Boilermaker Special!
the group
Everyone was pooped after the game, so we celebrated Halloween by handing out candy to some kiddos.
Delaplaine St!
We found the Boilermaker Special!
the group
Everyone was pooped after the game, so we celebrated Halloween by handing out candy to some kiddos.
10.29.2009
Boiler Up!
Last weekend, we went up to Purdue for the Illinois game. Ryan's parents were also up for the game, so we were able to tailgate with his family. It was pretty cold, but we stayed warm by the fire and enjoyed the awesome ribs. The Sawrie's have mastered tailgating food.
brothers
We took a walk around campus, so many memories!
and it's beautiful in the fall.
Afterwards we stopped by the the Speichers house for dinner to see their little girls and the Kunkles. Danielle was actually due the following Tuesday and was experiencing some contractions. She ended up having their baby very early Tuesday morning. An adorable little girl!
brothers
We took a walk around campus, so many memories!
and it's beautiful in the fall.
Afterwards we stopped by the the Speichers house for dinner to see their little girls and the Kunkles. Danielle was actually due the following Tuesday and was experiencing some contractions. She ended up having their baby very early Tuesday morning. An adorable little girl!10.28.2009
10.27.2009
What I love about West Lafayette...
Ryan and I were up at Purdue this weekend for the football game and I was reminded of all of my favorite things about West Lafayette (note: they are mostly food). In case anyone was interested, here are the top ten:
1. McCords vanilla coke-McCords is a small soda fountain and candy shop located on Main St over in Lafayette. They will make you a vanilla coke from scratch (syrup, and soda water) that is delicious. Definitely one of my favorite things on warm days in the fall.
2. Vienna's vanilla latte-I don't think I am alone on this one. They are semi-famous around town for their vanilla lattes. Also for their vanilla chai's, but I do not like chai's. Way better than Starbucks if you ask me, and located on Chauncy Hill.
3. Oasis Bali wrap-the Oasis, in the union, has some very unique wraps and soups, and bakery items also. But, the Bali wrap is awesome...it has rice, and this delicious mayo. (The Turkey Club wrap is also delic. with it's guacamole and bacon...Mmmm...)
4. Chumleys-a bar over in Lafayette is my favorite. I am not a fan of most campus bars, but Chumley's has character. It was a great place to meet up with friends and just hang out. They also have schooner night on Tues/Thurs which is a great deal.
5. Cafe Royale-best study place on campus for me. Great coffee, and plenty of room to meet up with friends. I really liked their older location much more than the new one on Northwestern.
6. South Tower-a secret place in the union. I can't give too much away, but it is a cool old room in the union where you can see out over campus.
7. Bistro501 martinis-On Thursday nights, Bistro501 in Lafayette has 1/2 priced martinis. We used to have girls' nights on Thursdays, and dress up and sip fancy martinis. Very fun, but definitely not affordable full price for a college student.
8. Java Roaster-Another one of my favorite places to study. Also located over in Lafayette (right next to Chumleys), I think it helped to feel just a little further from campus. I enjoyed studying in coffee shops a lot, and Java Roaster wasn't always filled with college students. I used to love going there just to read and spend some time alone.
9. Dog n' Suds-hello, you should know by now that two of my favorite things are corn dogs and root beer floats. What could be better than a drive up restaurant with plenty of corn dogs and a lot of root beer and ice cream.
10. Love Shack calzones- a staple for me freshman year. Probably contributed to that freshman 15 thing, but still so good! The Parm was my drug of choice.
I promise I did more than eat and drink coffee while at Purdue. But thinking about all of this is making me really hungry.
1. McCords vanilla coke-McCords is a small soda fountain and candy shop located on Main St over in Lafayette. They will make you a vanilla coke from scratch (syrup, and soda water) that is delicious. Definitely one of my favorite things on warm days in the fall.
2. Vienna's vanilla latte-I don't think I am alone on this one. They are semi-famous around town for their vanilla lattes. Also for their vanilla chai's, but I do not like chai's. Way better than Starbucks if you ask me, and located on Chauncy Hill.
3. Oasis Bali wrap-the Oasis, in the union, has some very unique wraps and soups, and bakery items also. But, the Bali wrap is awesome...it has rice, and this delicious mayo. (The Turkey Club wrap is also delic. with it's guacamole and bacon...Mmmm...)
4. Chumleys-a bar over in Lafayette is my favorite. I am not a fan of most campus bars, but Chumley's has character. It was a great place to meet up with friends and just hang out. They also have schooner night on Tues/Thurs which is a great deal.
5. Cafe Royale-best study place on campus for me. Great coffee, and plenty of room to meet up with friends. I really liked their older location much more than the new one on Northwestern.
6. South Tower-a secret place in the union. I can't give too much away, but it is a cool old room in the union where you can see out over campus.
7. Bistro501 martinis-On Thursday nights, Bistro501 in Lafayette has 1/2 priced martinis. We used to have girls' nights on Thursdays, and dress up and sip fancy martinis. Very fun, but definitely not affordable full price for a college student.
8. Java Roaster-Another one of my favorite places to study. Also located over in Lafayette (right next to Chumleys), I think it helped to feel just a little further from campus. I enjoyed studying in coffee shops a lot, and Java Roaster wasn't always filled with college students. I used to love going there just to read and spend some time alone.
9. Dog n' Suds-hello, you should know by now that two of my favorite things are corn dogs and root beer floats. What could be better than a drive up restaurant with plenty of corn dogs and a lot of root beer and ice cream.
10. Love Shack calzones- a staple for me freshman year. Probably contributed to that freshman 15 thing, but still so good! The Parm was my drug of choice.
I promise I did more than eat and drink coffee while at Purdue. But thinking about all of this is making me really hungry.
10.26.2009
A few more fall recipes - delicious!
I have continued my fall cooking streak, and have a few new recipes I would definitely recommend.
Fresh Peach Pie
3/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of salt
5 c. sliced fresh peaches
2 tbsp. butter
1 unbaked pie shell 9" & top crust for pie
Peel and wedge the peaches and place in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Pour the dry mixture over your peaches and gently mix. Place the peaches into the pie crust and dot with butter. Put the crust on top, and bake for 40 minutes at 400 degrees.
Butternut Squash au Gratin
2 lbs. butternut squash
1 med. onion, finely chopped (about 1 c.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. finely shredded Swiss cheese
Peel outside of squash, half it length wise, and cut into thin strips. Place in a bowl with onion, butter, salt and pepper, and mix. Spoon into a 9" baking dish and bake, covered, for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk, and cheese and pour evenly over the squash mixture and bake an additional 20 minutes.
Fresh Peach Pie
3/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of salt
5 c. sliced fresh peaches
2 tbsp. butter
1 unbaked pie shell 9" & top crust for pie
Peel and wedge the peaches and place in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Pour the dry mixture over your peaches and gently mix. Place the peaches into the pie crust and dot with butter. Put the crust on top, and bake for 40 minutes at 400 degrees.
Butternut Squash au Gratin
2 lbs. butternut squash
1 med. onion, finely chopped (about 1 c.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. finely shredded Swiss cheese
Peel outside of squash, half it length wise, and cut into thin strips. Place in a bowl with onion, butter, salt and pepper, and mix. Spoon into a 9" baking dish and bake, covered, for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk, and cheese and pour evenly over the squash mixture and bake an additional 20 minutes.
10.25.2009
10.19.2009
Pumpkins
It is about that time to start carving your pumpkins! Again we were off to Tuttles on the northeast side to get some pumpkins. After heading back to Angela's, we got started. Angela is so great, and offered me one of her extra carmel apples and it was DELICIOUS! As you can tell in the pic, I was not willing to put it down :)
My finished pumpkin!
10.14.2009
Apple picking time!
One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to pick apples. Luckily, I had some wonderful ladies to come and share this adventure with me. We went to Tuttle's Orchard up on the northeast side of Indy. Just something about putting on a jacket and wandering through the aisles of trees, pulling your wagon, and then baking an apple pie when you get home. Honestly, I am not thrilled about the cold weather, but might as well make the most of it!
our baskets, filled
and the pumpkins!
crates and crates of apples!
our baskets, filled
and the pumpkins!
10.11.2009
Great recipes
It is fall now, and that makes me want to cook! I have doing a decent amout of cooking lately, and wanted to share some great new fall recipes I have found that were delicious.
Blue cheese stuffed Potatoes
4 medium baking potatoes
½ Cup sour cream
1 oz (1/4 cup) crumbled blue cheese (or a little more :) )
¼ Cup milk or buttermilk
4 Tbs real butter, cut into chunks
¾ tsp salt
Dash pepper
½ t garlic powder
8 pieces bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Grated cheddar cheese
1. Bake potatoes for 1 hour at 400 degrees
2. Once they are cooked, cut the potatoes in half, and scoop out the "meat" into a bowl (I had to use a potholder to hold the potatoes because they were still VERY hot)
3. Add the butter, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, salt, pepper and garlic to the "meat" and mash.
4. Place this mixture back into the shells and into a baking dish
5. Return to the oven and bake 12-15 minutes
6. Sprinkle cheese and bacon over the top and bake for 3-5 more minutes and you are finished!
For more detailed instructions and pictures check this out:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/03/stuffed-bleu-cheese-potatoes.html#
(this blog is awesome, I really like her ideas)
Avocado Ice Cream (must like avocados)
12 ounces avocado meat, approximately 3 small
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1. Peel and pit avocados
2. Put avocado, lemon juice, milk and sugar in a blender to puree
3. Place the mixture into a medium sized bowl, and add heavy cream and mix with a whisk.
4. You can chill the mixture for a couple hours before adding it to the ice cream maker or go straight to the ice cream maker (it might just take longer)
5. Place in ice cream maker until it reaches a thick consistency
Low fat apple crisp
7 cups of peeled, sliced apples
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
3 tsp Cinnamon
1 cup quick rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soft butter (or a little more...)
1. In a small bowl combine sugar, flour and 2 tsp. cinnamon.
2. Add to fruit in a baking pan and toss
3. In another bowl combine oats, brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and mix. Add butter and use a fork to mix until you have a crumbly topping.
4. Sprinkle on top of fruit
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes
6. Serve with low-fat ice cream
Spaghetti squash
1 spaghetti squash
butter
salt
pepper
Monterrey jack cheese
Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place two halves upside down in a baking dish, and cook for 1 hour at 375 degrees. Once it is finished cooking, scoop out the insides (should come out like spaghetti). Add butter, salt, pepper and cheese.
Enjoy!
Blue cheese stuffed Potatoes
4 medium baking potatoes
½ Cup sour cream
1 oz (1/4 cup) crumbled blue cheese (or a little more :) )
¼ Cup milk or buttermilk
4 Tbs real butter, cut into chunks
¾ tsp salt
Dash pepper
½ t garlic powder
8 pieces bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Grated cheddar cheese
1. Bake potatoes for 1 hour at 400 degrees
2. Once they are cooked, cut the potatoes in half, and scoop out the "meat" into a bowl (I had to use a potholder to hold the potatoes because they were still VERY hot)
3. Add the butter, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, salt, pepper and garlic to the "meat" and mash.
4. Place this mixture back into the shells and into a baking dish
5. Return to the oven and bake 12-15 minutes
6. Sprinkle cheese and bacon over the top and bake for 3-5 more minutes and you are finished!
For more detailed instructions and pictures check this out:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/03/stuffed-bleu-cheese-potatoes.html#
(this blog is awesome, I really like her ideas)
Avocado Ice Cream (must like avocados)
12 ounces avocado meat, approximately 3 small
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1. Peel and pit avocados
2. Put avocado, lemon juice, milk and sugar in a blender to puree
3. Place the mixture into a medium sized bowl, and add heavy cream and mix with a whisk.
4. You can chill the mixture for a couple hours before adding it to the ice cream maker or go straight to the ice cream maker (it might just take longer)
5. Place in ice cream maker until it reaches a thick consistency
Low fat apple crisp
7 cups of peeled, sliced apples
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
3 tsp Cinnamon
1 cup quick rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soft butter (or a little more...)
1. In a small bowl combine sugar, flour and 2 tsp. cinnamon.
2. Add to fruit in a baking pan and toss
3. In another bowl combine oats, brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and mix. Add butter and use a fork to mix until you have a crumbly topping.
4. Sprinkle on top of fruit
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes
6. Serve with low-fat ice cream
Spaghetti squash
1 spaghetti squash
butter
salt
pepper
Monterrey jack cheese
Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place two halves upside down in a baking dish, and cook for 1 hour at 375 degrees. Once it is finished cooking, scoop out the insides (should come out like spaghetti). Add butter, salt, pepper and cheese.
Enjoy!
10.05.2009
Colts game
Ryan's parents were able to give us their tickets to the Colts game for this past Sunday. We have started a tradition of getting a soft pretzel (with cheese) and nachos at different sporting events. Anyway, the Colts had another great victory!
We were in a new spot, but still great seats!
We were in a new spot, but still great seats!
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