Mochi Love September 3, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food.5 comments
Favorite blogger Jenn is always talking about mochi. Mochi this and mochi that. And as someone obsessed with food, I knew that somehow I would have to taste this magical stuff. I admit that up to this point, I haven’t really tried to find it. I did a google search and came up with nothing and I asked a girl at my favorite yakitori restaurant and she directed me to an Asian market but I never went.
Tonight I stopped at Trader Joe’s to pick up some randomness and what do you think I saw in the ice cream section? Mochi ice cream!
Too lazy to pull out a plate
I scooped it up (pun) as quickly as I could and rushed home to try it. At first it looked kinda weird. Like cold dough wrapped around a little ball of ice cream. I was apprehensive to taste it but when I did…YUM!
I can’t even describe how tasty it is. This is seriously my new favorite treat. I thank the good Lord above that the distance between me and the nearest Trader Joes will stop me from keeping these bad boys stocked in the freezer.
Have you tried mochi ice cream?
Pink Cupcake Dreams August 28, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food, Reviewed by Babs.10 comments
When Barista offered to bring cupcakes to the birthday bash I was a little more than excited. Not only has she been bragging about how people love them, but I happen to be something of a cupcake fiend. Recently, she started a cupcake business. I love that she is taking a talent and turning it into business. Sisters are doing it for themselves!
She showed up Wednesday with three boxes. Each one larger than the next. The smallest was for Tazzee, the other two were ALL MINE!
Inside the boxes was the most beautiful selection of chocolate peanut butter, red velvet and strawberry cupcakes. Each one was decorated with a sprinkle of sugar and a handmade chocolate “K”. Now, my name is Babs so I am not sure who the “K” was for, but I thought they were GORGEOUS. I mean, she took to the time to make little B’s K’s on each cupcake. I dig that!
Barista decorates like that because she can back it up. They were delicious! Truly. I had a chocolate peanut butter and all that was missing was a scoop of vanilla ice cream and no one to watch me devour three of them in one sitting. Next I decided to try the red velvet, but by the time I made my way back to the cupcake table those b!tches were gone! Instead I had a strawberry. I normally don’t like strawberry cake of any sort, but it was quite yummy.
Everyone in attendance will agree that the cupcakes were the hit of the party next to me in my dress. If you are in Atlanta, I would highly suggest you give Pink Cupcake Dreams a try. Personally, I’m looking for an excuse to order some in the very near future.
Thanks, Barista for sharing your tasty treats with us!
Meat and Potatoes August 21, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Dating, Food.14 comments
Flip! Burger and Fries
Good Guy is heading out of town for the weekend, so he decided to pick me up for lunch for some face time. Apparently Babs is quite miss-able. What, you didn’t know?
Anywho, he picks me up and asks where I want to go and I squealed with excitement. Vietnamese! He looked at me like I suggested we fly to Saturn for a bite to eat and then quickly vetoed that idea. I was crestfallen. I have been craving that damn beef and rice and was totally going to go get it today until he called and said he was free. I tried to bounce back and suggested we head to Flip for lunch.
This time he didn’t make a face, but I could tell he was apprehensive. He made an attempt at suggesting we go to Fellini’s and grab some pizza, but I have had pizza very recently and wasn’t going for that. He gave in and we headed to sweet potato tot heaven.
As we were driving there I was kinda bummed. You all know how much I love food and dining. It is extremely important to me. I seriously should have had a career in the food industry. Driving to lunch I realized that he is not into food at all. He is a self proclaimed meat and potatoes man. I will never be able to get him to try new foods. I will never get him to understand that it’s okay to drop some major change for a meal. His idea of a good meal is probably going to Pappadeaux.
Can I be with a man who has a preference for chain restaurants?
Old Babs would have said absolutely not. Old Babs would have been so disappointed that she would have started to back off from getting to know him. She would have considered that “dating down”.
New Babs, however, is all about these damn babies. *cursing my biological clock* So if I meet a guy that isn’t into the food and beverage scene, well I’ll just call my good friend Keyalus whose husband is also not into food and plan for girlfriend’s dinners out. Besides, it’s my own damn fault. I totally left that off of my desired qualities list in my Law of Attraction notebook. Be specific!
Just like I once said I wouldn’t date a man with children, or a man with *insert trait of most men in their late thirties*, or whatever. My wants and needs have changed as I have gotten older.
Cravings August 19, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food.20 comments
It’s about that time- when I start having wild cravings. So glad this only comes around once a month. I inadvertantly starved myself yesterday and then went to the grocery store feeling like a ravenous beast. I was weak and bought… (more…)
Seafood Salad July 26, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Entertainment, Food, Friends.20 comments
Friday night I, along with select members of the Crew, headed to the cinema to check out that new movie with the dumb girl who sleeps with the ghost of her dead lover. While I can’t stand to watch her on the small screen, I can tolerate her on the big screen and even own one of her movies on DVD.
The movie was quite hysterical. It was crude, rude and pearl clutchingly vulgar. On more than one occasion I found myself staring open mouthed at Deuce or CaliSlim at some of th zingers that were delivered. I also found myself staring open mouthed at Rehab, although not because of the many references to co.ck or bl.owjo.bs.
This chick came up into the theater on a Friday night with a two course meal! First she broke out the spring rolls. Then she got a fork so she could eat her pad Thai. I was so thankful to be sitting two seats away from her so no one would know I was with her I didn’t have to endure the smell of curry and chicken for two hours.
Don’t her me wrong, I’ve snuck in my fair share of food into the theater. Just never on a busy Friday night where I was sitting near anyone. I’ve taken sub sandwiches, seafood salad, honey bbq wings from Wendy’s and even chocolate cake!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever snuck into a theater?
A Bit of Bubbly July 24, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food, Out and About.25 comments
Last night my boss hosted our team at her house. Although I’m not usually too keen on hanging with these muthersuckers, I was really looking forward to the event because my boss and her family always put out a fabulous spread.
Sure enough, when I arrived, I was led to the deck overlooking the pool. We feasted on homemade guacamole, jumbo shrimp cocktail, brie and plenty of beverages. I went with champagne for a change, and there is nothing like a bottomless glass of veuve to keep your spirits up. The next course was gazpacho, with which almost all of us were unimpressed. Then we moved inside for grilled steaks and a delightful platter of mango, tomato, corn, cucumber and a bunch of other summer fruits and veggies. After dinner the children broke out the homemade dessserts. These kids are super talented, so the selections included pecan pie, brownies, rasberry tarte, strawberry tarte, blue berry tarte and apple tarte.
I mostly stuck to my little circle of friends, but I managed to break away from them to make chit chat with others I don’t know as well. The plantation is going through a lot of changes so it is important now, more than ever, to be a team player and make connections.
What really surprised me is the number of people that didn’t attend, and it’s usually the same people. I can understand occassionally missing something, but these people have never been seen after hours. I don’t think they realize how much upper management pays attention to those sorts of things.
Do you attend after-hours work functions? If not, why?
Food Finds July 8, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food, Reviewed by Babs.6 comments
The other day, my local market was sampling these sausages. I took one bite and added a package to my cart.
I’m constantly bored by chicken and avoid it at all costs, but this is a great way to add some variety to my meal rotation. I’ve been bringing them in for lunch because they are fully cooked and easy to heat up in the microwave. As suggested, I add a little apple juice before cooking to bring out the apple flavor. I skip the bun and add a little dijon mustard and I am good to go!
I bet these would taste even better on the grill, so think about adding them to your next cookout. The non-red meat eaters will surely be pleased.
Mexican Night July 2, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food, Friends.8 comments
I had intended to take a picture of the delicious pan of enchiladas just as they came out of the oven, but I had a house full of hungry friends and I wanted to hurry up and the get the food plated and served.
I had intended to take a picture of my friends as they enjoyed their delicious enchiladas, but I was too busy scarfing them down myself.
So this is what we have left: an empty pan of once-delicious enchiladas and two empty bottles of cuervo margaritas.
Good times!
The Crew (and the Intern) started arriving around 6pm and in true Crew fashion did not leave until midnight. They enjoyed chips, salsa, queso, enchiladas, mexican rice and margaritas. It’s been a while since I’ve entertained and it felt good to get back in the saddle. I love to prepare a tummy-pleasing meal. I love fixing plates and serving my guests. And I love to hear the silence of people digging into their plates.
As usual we were laughing and hollering. I had to remind them more than once that I do not live in a single family home. I’m sure my neighbor is cussing me out this morning, but it was worth it.
It was a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and I can’t wait to do it again.
Fish fry b!tches!
Gravy June 23, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food.18 comments
I’ve always tried to pack my breakfast, lunch and snacks when I come to the plantation. Sure there are some good meals in the cafeteria, but I save so much money by bringing my own food. Additionally, I save lots of calories by planning what I eat. So, in the nearly four years that I’ve been here I’ve been pretty good about bringing food in and keeping a few staples at my desk.
Recently, however, I have done a far better job of making sure I bring my own food and on days when I forget to bring something I simply do not eat. Yes, I choose to eat NOTHING if my only choice is eating the cafeteria.
Why, you may be wondering? (more…)
Weekend in Review June 8, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food, Out and About, Roxie.8 comments
I had a pretty good weekend. Well, I always have a good weekend. Even if I sit on my couch I am perfectly content!
Friday I got down in the kitchen. I made these chicken enchiladas. They were easy to make and yummy! They also make a lot, so I’ve eaten one every single day and will still be throwing away a lot.
Ole!
Saturday I took the puppy to the vet for her shots. I learned I was a bad mother. She had gunk in her ears and poop on her booty. They probably thought she was a stray that I found, and not a pampered house pooch.
Saturday evening I met the girls for a day party in midtown. It was weird being at the club in the middle of the day, especially since I am on likker restriction. But it was good seeing my girls in spite of the down-low frat boys walking around thinking they are prettier than me. The best part: no one brought their camera so I can totally wear that outfit again!
I left there and headed to Dunwoody for a date. Oh, but you’ll have to check back at 10am for my latest misadventure in dating!
Sunday I went to church and took Roxie to get groomed. I love her so much more when she is freshly bathed and cut. It’s a wonder I don’t do it every month. I seriously can’t stop hugging and petting her!
So fresh and so clean
I spent the rest of the day chilling. I baked cookies, but they didn’t turn out right, so I won’t be mailing any out. I know what I did wrong, so I’ll give it another go next weekend.
How was your weekend?
