How Many Licks Does It Take

(Image courtesy of Bakers Royale)

Not sure why we didn't think of this on our own. Corona Popsicles....holy shit. We've never wanted anything more.

Joe Squared

With the typical happy hour consisting of $1 Jaeger shots and various discounted Red Bull concoctions, we love taking a trip to Joe Squared and reveling in nightly specials that don't suck. In fact, they're pretty effing wonderful. This past Monday night we indulged in 1/2 priced risotto and wine bottles (offered every Monday from 4-7:30). This means that two people stuffed themselves silly with two large bowls of creamy, delicious risotto and two bottles of Sauvignon Blanc (don't judge) for under $40. Happy Hour specials are offered almost every day of the week, each providing an economically respsonible way to get your food and booze fix.

 Bonus points: Flash a few smiles at the bartender and you may even score a few free shots of Grand Marnier (seems like a good idea at the time).

Four Questions

(Image courtesy of Food Network)

Last night, we packed the kids into the ole' station wagon and hightailed it to the county for Mama Carol's Non-Seder-Seder. As is the case with most Jewish functions, the wine consumption was inappropriate, inside voices did not exist, and the gluttonous crowd left not even a crumb for Elijah.

 As harrowing as it was to pick one highlight from the whole evening, the award must undoubtedly go to the Indonesian Ginger Chicken that prompted well-dressed ladies to employ some pretty barbaric eating techniques (hands are a form of silverware, dammit). Oh, and seeing these guys model a pastel assortment of yarmulkes was totally worth the price of admission.

National Grilled Cheese Day

(White Truffle Grilled Cheese)

(Green Goddess Grilled Cheese)

(Grilled Beer & Cheese)

In case you weren't already aware, today (April 12th) is National Grilled Cheese Day. There aren't many non gift receiving holidays that excite us, but this is a celebration that we can totally get down with.

We didn't actually craft our own cheesy wonder for the occasion (yesterday's sunshine served as a brutal reminder that bathing suit season is fast approaching) but we are going to leave you with some pretty inspirational food porn.  

#FatBitchProblems

Back when we first met (if one can even remember so far back) we divulged our undying love for dirt-cheap, authentic Mexican food in the form of Mi Viejo Pueblito. In addition to spreading this obsession all over the internet, there is not a single member of our posse who has not dined there (strong arming was only implemented twice). Fearful of having too much of a good thing, we took a brief hiatus, allowing our cravings to truly grow. During this separation, a friend informed us that MVP was under new ownership (?!) and had undergone a name change (?!?!). Unaware of the awesomness of the first iteration, he gave the place high marks (which were likely swayed by the BYOB status). 

Fast forward to this past Saturday night when we made our long awaited trip ''home''. Upon our initial observation, not much had changed. Same sunny exterior, intoxicating smells wafting through the front door, and a wonderful handwritten BYOB sign. Situated at a nice corner table equipped to handle our party of 10, we dove into the menu. Despite the absence of a few dishes, it seemed pretty unscathed. Another sigh of relief. The first plate to arrive at our table was a hefty portion of bright green guacamole. Going in for the first bite, we noticed something odd. The chips. The fresh from the fryer, hot, salty tortilla chips that we have come to expect had been replaced with some straight from the bag Tostitos shit. WTF? And it only got worse from there.

Although everybody's food was hot and palatable, there was nothing exceptional about any of it. Chicken Enchiladas were completely overwhelmed by quarter inch thick corn tortillas and enough mole to overflow a bathtub. Tamales so void of anything but dense, dry masa that they could sink a boat. To be fair, our feelings of devastation were not shared by all. Some of our party ohh-ed and ahh-ed with every bite. Some people enjoy bland food. Au revoir, Mi Viejo Pueblito (we don't care to remember your new epithet). And so, the search for Baltimore's perfect Mexican spot continues....

Starch Raving Mad

(Images courtesy of The Inspired Bride)

While we have done our fair share of entertaining and ''table-scaping'' the past few weeks, none of our accomplishments even compare to this bomb-ass spud bar. This fabulously decorated spread includes every variety of delicious potato treat conceivable; mashed, baked, tots, fries, and wedges. Not to mention enough topping and dipping options to seduce anyone into the sweetest of starch comas. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so prepare to be flattered super soon, spud bar.

This Shit is Bananas

In an effort to salvage some almost funky bananas, we decided to try our hand at banana bread for the first time. Plus, a hungry boyfriend offered to tackle cleaning our meth lab-esque kitchen if we let him take the whole batch to work. Baking and leaving the (pre-existing) mess for someone else? Ummm, ok. We used all ingredients that we already had on hand, making this an incredibly cost-efficient treat. While we weren't privy to tasting any of the final product, the house smelled divine, and the feedback was fabulous.

Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

Recipe after the jump

Tree Hugger

(Image courtesy of Epicurious)

With the fabulous Baltimore Farmer's Market mere weeks from gracing us with it's presence, we are making a pact amongst ourselves to utilize it more so than ever. In addition to our weekly South Mountain Creamery and Desert Cafe fix, we plan on stocking up on as much fresh produce as humanly possible. 

As it stands, we probably earn a B- (D on weekends) for our vegetable consumption. Nothing to scoff at, but in typical lady-like fashion, we want more, more, more. How convenient that we just found this nifty visual guide to cooking greens over at Epicurious. With pictures, descriptions, and links to recipes for 10 dark leafy green varieties, we can finally do more than ''just toss it with garlic and olive oil'' with our organic finds.     

Pop, Lock, and Drop

(We were enjoying our champagne and chocolate comas way too much to take pictures. Forgive us?)

To kick off what was sure to be a most excellent (and amnestic) weekend, we rolled out of bed way earlier than usual for a Saturday and whipped up a batch of homemade Pop Tarts. Our filling of choice was a combination of Nutella and orange marmalade, but the possibilities are endless. These take about 10 minutes to construct, taste great, and make Brunch guests think that you're a fancy, culinary genius.

Nutella and Orange Pop Tarts

Recipe after the jump

Time Bandit

(Image courtesy of Framed Cooks)

Having not yet adpated to life sans an hour of sleep, waking up for work was more of a bitch than usual today. Not typically in the mood for Breakfast, this egg, bacon, brie, and spinach sandwich would have been the perfect prescription for a groggy Monday morning.

Hooters

Living with boys has proven to be rather...exceptional the past couple of days. It's always entertaining, but when you actually focus and take notes, you make some really interesting observations. They like to parade around the house (and sometimes outside) in bizarre attire, they really appreciate boobs, and when they suddenly become obsessed with a new food, they must have it every single day. Basically, it's like living with a small child. It is due in part to observation number 3 that we were literally forced to make Buffalo Wings last night. They were delicious and easy so we were by no means mad about. The only improvement would be the addition of a mute button for the ''Are they readyyyyyyyy'' laments coming from the living room. 

Old Bay Buffalo Wings

Recipe after the jump

Massacre

In celebration of a friend turning the big 3-0, we spent the majority of Saturday overindulging at Alexander's Tavern in Fells Point. While we got our fill of 5 for $15 craft buckets and tater tots smothered in crab dip, some of the more ''active'' party goers battled to the death (ok, not really) in round after round of the ever brutal shuffleboard. Drunk and bloodied, it was now time for dessert.

In our constant attempt to defy normalcy, we created a Birthday Cake Truffle in lieu of a standard cake. Not quite sure how the belligerent mob (not really, again) would react to this slap in the face of tradition, we hid amongst the fallen mathletes, awaiting our fate. As truffle crumbs littered the bar, we peered out from our hiding place only to discover that the once angry faces were now covered in chocolate stained smiles. Bellies full, and peace restored, we have created a masterpiece.

Birthday Cake Truffles

Recipe after the jump 

Shattered



As intriguing of an idea as candy making is, we have always left it to the professionals. This slacker attitude comes from the lack of a candy thermometer (a $4 investment that we have yet to make), and a complete impatience for recipes that instruct us to watch for the ''soft ball'' or ''hard crack'' stage. But when an impromptu pantry clean-out presented us with all of the necessary ingredients for brittle, we realized that we were up for the challenge.

20 minutes, and some very sticky fingers later, we had successfully conquered our fear. From these candy virgins to others, it was shockingly simple. The key is to have all of your ingredients and tools prepped and ready to go, as the sugar mixture tends to harden at mach speed. The recipe itself is extremely basic so feel free to experiment. We happened to have cashews on hand, but have already planned out countless brittle variations. Needles to say, we will most likely end this phase of our lives toothless and fat. Sounds fun, right?

Vanilla Scented Cashew Brittle

Recipe after the jump

Bogus

For the one half of A Charmed City whose company does not deem un-plowed city streets a reason to shut down the office, today will be business as usual. But that doesn't mean that I have to be happy about it. In fact, I'm about 30 different shades of green at the thought of my partner in crime and our friends feasting on mimosas and french toast whilst I enjoy luke warm tea and Triscuits. Life is truly good.

Pity party aside, last night's thundersnow (who knew that such a thing could happen) proved to be the perfect time for some comfort food. We hit the grocery store before the hoards of milk and toilet paper hungry crazies ransacked the ailes, and we were ready to go. Our Chicken Pot Pie (albeit a bit more time consuming than the frozen variety) is filled with fresh veggies, and roasted chicken, substantially lessening the cream sauce induced guilt. The finished product was everything that you could ask for in a classic comfort food; rich sauce, crunchy shell, and pipping hot chicken. Oh, and don't you dare forget the hot bourbon cider, it's a snow day must.

Recipe after the jump

Choosy Moms

(Image & recipe courtesy of Culinary Concoctions by Peabody via TasteSpotting)

We're not quite sure how we missed this, but yesterday was National Peanut Butter Day. So unless you have an unfortunate allergy that causes hives and swelling, there is no excuse not to hold a belated celebration. Apparently, the equally brilliant bloggers at TasteSpotting felt the same way and compiled a list of their 100 favorite peanut butter-centric recipes. Have fun perusing, and try really hard not to get drool on your keyboard.

Stinking Rose



(Boat loads of garlic and onions simmering in butter make the house smell dreamy)

 Once you have been in a relationship for any stretch of time, certain concerns tend to fly out the window. Leg shaving isn't exactly a daily necessity, bizarre forms of OCD are revealed, and you can eat all of the garlic and onions that you want. Luckily, we fall into this category of monogamous creatures who are able to throw caution and fresh breath to the wind.

When we first spotted Roasted Garlic Soup with Parmesan Cheese, we knew that it was a keeper. Any recipe that calls for 44 whole cloves of garlic has our names written all over. Yes, 44. Believe it or not though, the heat factor here is incredibly mild. Roasting the garlic brings out it's earthy sweetness and cuts back on the pungent burn that we typically associate with it. Trust us, it really is that good. And if nothing else, any Vampire within a 10 mile radius wouldn't dare mess with you.

A Spoon Full Of Sugar

(Please enjoy this totally unrelated picture of the tart maker and two phat tart eaters who ate the tart so fast that there was no time for picture taking. And in case you were wondering, we can assure you that this picture was taken in St. Tropez. And definitely not in Annapolis.)

This past weekend has been a whirlwind of kneading, slicing, and piping, so we are obviously going to share the details with you, ad nauseam. From friend's dinner parties to catering gigs (an actual exchange of currency went down) we are officially bloated and tired. The stove area resembles a meth lab and the KitchenAid is about ready to quit this bitch. That being said, it was the epitome of time well spent.

As any sensible person would, let's begin with dessert. We made this Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart on a whim, and let's just say that no one was mad about it. The process is a bit time consuming but primarily because the dough has to rest, and get a facial, and then rest some more. It's worth it though. We would offer the names of our references, but last we heard they were in rehab from the lingering sugar high (ZING! Lame, yes).

AHHHHHHHH!

A thousand apologies if we frightened you with our 50's B-Movie nostalgia, but it isn't nearly as horrifying as the pictures that actually accompany this recipe. The meal itself was utterly delicious, but every single picture looked like something found in the cafeteria at Three Mile Island. That being said, Brie Stuffed Chicken with Sherried Mushroom Sauce may taste and sound amazing, but when the editor of Food and Wine comes over for dinner, you may want to consider something with a touch more curb appeal.  

Brie Stuffed Chicken with Sherried Mushroom Sauce

Recipe after the jump

Under The Sea

When it comes to our culinary adventures, there are some that we view as true milestones. We've made our fair share of complicated dishes in the past, but sometimes it is the simplest tasks that prove to be the most daunting. Cooking a whole, live lobster is one of those tasks. You can count the ingredients on one hand, and the prep work is as simple as boiling water. This all seems pretty mindless, right? Nope. While the required technique is little to none, the prospect of plunging a living creature into a fiery death didn't sit too well with us. After many self administered pep talks, and some very loud singing to drown out what was happening around us, we did it. We won't go into the gory details, but the end result was fabulous. So brush up on your yoga breathing, have a glass of wine, and plunge away.

Lobster Boiling 101

After the jump

I Only Date Fun Guys

Growing up, Campbell's condensed soups were my go to after school snack. Adding that can full of water to the congealed cylinder in the pot, truly made me feel like I was making magic happen. Of the dozens of gourmet ''flavors'' at my disposal , I always found myself going back to cream of mushroom. It wasn't until years later that I learned that real cream of mushroom soup actually contains mushrooms. If you're not into that sort of thing, by all means, stick with the stuff in the can. But if you, like me, are a die hard mushroom fanatic, I urge you to try the real deal.   

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Recipe after the jump