Friday, July 27, 2012

A Few Local Favorites

Well crap, I did it again. I said I'd be posting more frequently and now it's been a month since my last post. Why does life seem to keep getting busier and busier? *sigh*

Well, let's catch up, shall we?

This happened. Oh yes, it did.


Sugar-Addict's S'mores
2 soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies (I bought mine at Costco)
1-2 marshmallows (I like mine charred!)
1 Reece's Peanut Butter Cup

First, roast your marshmallow to your liking. While it's roasting, place the Peanut Butter Cup on the bottom cookie. When the mallow is done, place it on top of the PB Cup and then top that with another cookie. Wait a few minutes before digging in, to allow the heat of the marshmallow to start to melt the chocolate and peanut butter. Yum-o!


Camping with 2 kids under 5 years old? Not fun. Kabobs and Sugar-Addict's S'mores? Well, that might be worth it. ;)

What else has my July been occupying me with?

A date with my hot husband!

First we went to the Pirates exhibit at the MN Science Museum. It was a cool exhibit, but so not worth the money.

Next, we visited The Blue Door Pub, at the recommendation of a friend. It was featured on The Food Network's Diner's, Drive-In's and Dives. I ordered the Jiffy Burger. It was covered with pb, mayo, pepper jack cheese, bacon and pickles. The Jiffy Burger was awarded the best burger in the twin cities by City Pages. It was served with Beer-Battered Green Beans.

My personal review? It was really greasy and just ok on flavor. The green beans were pretty good though. The atmosphere is what really did it for me. I've been out of college for quite awhile now and The Blue Door was clearly a local hangout for the college-aged students. It was really fun! Even if we were the oldest people in there.

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My baby girl turned ONE! Can you believe it? My how time flies!


We invited family to join us at my favorite local frozen yogurt shop, "Sweet Toppings." I'm sure you've all heard of these by now, but if not, you have to try a self-serve yogurt shop.

First, pick your yogurt.


Next, add your toppings.


Third, admire your creation and EAT!


We had a very small second celebration on her actual birthday with a few of our closest friends.



My DH created these beautiful cake balls! My favorite was the lemon.


French Vanilla Cake Balls

1 box french vanilla cake mix
1 container buttercream frosting
1 package almond bark

First, make your cake according to the package directions. Allow to completely cool. In a large mixing bowl, crumble cake. Mix your frosting into the crumbled cake. Place in the fridge until dough is easier to work with. Take the dough out of the fridge and roll into balls (whatever size you want is fine). Stick back in the fridge for a little while to firm up again. Prep a cookie sheet with wax paper. Once the balls are ready, melt your almond bark in a double-boiler on low heat, or on a low setting in your microwave, stirring every 30 seconds so you don't burn it. Dip the balls into the bark and completely cover. Set on your wax paper/cookie sheet. Once all the balls are ready, stick back in the fridge to harden. Store in the fridge, or for a frozen treat, store in the freezer.


Triple Lemon Cake Balls

1 box lemon cake mix
1 container lemon frosting
1 package almond bark
1/4-1/2 tsp lemon extract
lemon zest (from organic lemons)

First, make your cake according to the package directions. Allow to completely cool. In a large mixing bowl, crumble cake. Mix your frosting into the crumbled cake. Place in the fridge until dough is easier to work with. Take the dough out of the fridge and roll into balls (whatever size you want is fine). Stick back in the fridge for a little while to firm up again. Prep a cookie sheet with wax paper. Once the balls are ready, melt your almond bark and lemon extract in a double-boiler on low heat, or on a low setting in your microwave, stirring every 30 seconds so you don't burn it. Dip the balls into the bark and completely cover. Set on your wax paper/cookie sheet. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Once all the balls are ready, stick back in the fridge to harden. Store in the fridge, or for a frozen treat, store in the freezer.

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The last thing that has been taking up all my time this summer is training. And I'm loving it! As you know, the hubby and I are training to run in the Warrior Dash in September. We've been lifting weights 3 days a week, running 2 days a week and cross-training 1 day. After 4 weeks of lifting, this is what I'm looking like...

Check out those calf muscles!!!

How has your summer being going? What's been keeping you busy?