Yearly Archives: 2013

moment for me: italian date night …

June 3, 2013

As you know, I have been working with Haagen Dazs on their Moments for Me campaign.  This week they sent me and my husband on a date night to an Italian cooking class.

This was such a perfect choice for us, since I love to cook, and we have always wanted to attend a class together.  And, let’s be honest, this night couldn’t come soon enough, we needed a little time away from the kids to spend time just with each other which seems to more and more rare as our children get older.
The night was fun, and we were able to make some fresh Italian dishes.
We made the most amazing homemade fresh ravioli with a spring pea, ricotta, mint, and basil filling.
It was so so good!  I can’t wait to make it again!  I was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be!
We were able to taste various balsamic vinaigrettes.
And, we finished off the night by making some amazing salmon in a lemon caper sauce, and some panna cotta with strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar.  
Such a fun, and tasty evening!  Just what we needed!
Be sure to check out other moments for me, and tag your moments with #hdmoment on your social networks, and Haagen Dazs will share their favorites on their tumblr page!
[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, all photos by me.]

DIY chalkboard pencil box teacher appreciation gift …

June 1, 2013

If you are scrambling for a last minute teacher appreciation gift, I am sharing some fun DIY chalkboard pencil box teacher appreciation gifts over on my post for Hellobee today.
It is a fun little project that your little one can get involved in, and be proud to give it to their teacher!
Be sure to check out the full tutorial and step by step instructions and pictures over on Hellobee.

Recipe // banh mi burgers

May 30, 2013

Banh Mi Vietnamese sandwiches are SO good!!  So, I decided to try my hand at making a burger version of the popular Banh Mi sandwich.  And, I believe I have succeeded.  With BBQ season underway, these twist on the traditional burger might just be the next thing to cook up at your next cook out!
{Banh Mi Burgers}
Makes 8 Burgers
2 pounds ground pork
1-2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 shallots, minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1-2 tablespoons lemongrass minced (I like to buy this pre-minced in the freezer section at an Asian market)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 egg whites
Spicy Mayo
Mix 1/4 cup mayo with a few squirts of hot spiracha sauce for some spicy mayo, set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients well, and form into patties.  Grilled over the barbecue or pan fry about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the pork patty is cooked all the way through.
Serve over kaiser roll buns, spread with spicy mayo, and add shredded carrots to the top, sliced cucumber and fresh cilantro.
Enjoy!