Salted Caramel Tiramisu with Baileys

My friends were hosting an Italian Sunday dinner at their house this past weekend, and I offered to make dessert. I had a craving for salted caramel so I decided to make tiramisu with a twist. I searched the internet for recipes and I decided to combine a few ideas and make my own, recipe below:

I started off by making a homeade salted caramel sauce, I got this reciepe from  Pioneer Woman: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/01/easy-caramel-sauce/

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 stick Butter (4 Tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup Half-and-half Or Cream (cream Will Make It Thicker)
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
• Generous pinch Of Salt

Preparation Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thicker. Turn off heat and let cool

If sauce is thin, just continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Ingredients for Tiramisu

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
•  8 ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup baileys
• 1 (3 oz.) package ladyfingers (24 fingers)
• 3 tbsp of homeade caramel sauce
• Topping: Homemade Whipped Cream:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Caramel Sauce

Directions:

Using an electric mixer, beat whipping cream on hight speed until thick. Then add the sugar, and beat until peaks form.

Mix in cream cheese and caramel sauce until combined.

Place a small amount 1/3 of the cream mixture in a trifle dish or small 8x8 dish.
Pour baileys into a bowl.

Dip ladyfingers in Baileys, and place in a single layer in dish.

Repeat layers, ending with cream layer. I did this with two layers of lady fingers.
Make the whipped cream for the topping, with an electric mixer, combine all ingredients and beat until stiff.

Top homemade whip cream and drizzle with caramel sauce ( you will likely have left overs)

Chill in the fridge overnight (8 hours) until you are ready to serve.

Fatkid Heaven: Dough NYC

I recently discovered Dough walking out of a Soul Cylce class with my girlfriend. After busting our asses for 45 minutes neither of us could justify eating a doughnut and nixing all the work we just did. So this AM my boyfriend and I ventured over to Dough in our sweatpants for Sunday morning fatkid breakfast. The choices of doughnuts at dough are endless!  We opted for: salted caramel, Nutella, dulce de leche, cafe au lait, coconut and plain. While they were all delicious, plain and coconut were my hands down favorites. They are fresh, smell amazing and have a great texture my only wish is that they were served warm (mainly the plain one). 

Dough is located at 14 West 19th St. In Manhattan, they also have a location in Brooklyn.

Friday Night Outfit, Long Cardigan & Basic Blacks with a side of Cleavage

It was freezing in New York last night per ush. My boyfriend and I were meeting up with some at his friends at a club, so I opted for something cute, comfy and warm with a bit of cleavage, it is the weekend after all ; ) Im loving black and camel these days the color combination looks great on pretty much everyone, I find it chic and easy to wear. Details of the outfit are below:

ASOS Longline oversized Cardigan on sale for $41.69:
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Longline-Oversize-Cardigan/12yhda/?iid=3988834&mporgp=L0Fzb3MvQXNvcy1Mb25nbGluZS1PdmVyc2l6ZS1DYXJkaWdhbi9Qcm9kLw..

ASOS Bralet Croptop $21.74:

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Bralet-Crop-Top/14xe1a/?iid=4526377&clr=Black&SearchQuery=crop+top&pgesize=7&pge=1&totalstyles=7&gridsize=3&gridrow=2&gridcolumn=2&mporgp=L2Fzb3MvYXNvcy1icmFsZXQtY3JvcC10b3AvcHJvZC8.


Joni Super Highwaisted Jeans $65.00
http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=joni+jeans+black&storeId=13052&productId=17457802&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33060

My bag is "wallet on a chain" by Chanel, a cute inexpensive alternative is this cross body bag from Nasty Gal for $55.00:

http://www.nastygal.com/accessories-bags-backpacks/carried-away-crossbody-bag

Or this super versatile quilted guy from ASOS for $37.90:

http://us.asos.com//ASOS-Quilted-Metal-Corner-Across-Body-Bag/yqzfu/?iid=2317242&istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&istItemId=wtqmatimp&istBid=t&channelref=google+shopping&affid=14174&channelref=google+shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=104934777865&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.104934777865&network=g&mobile=&search=1&content=&creative=56880160825&ptid=104934777865&adposition=1o4&gclid=CjwKEAiAoo2mBRD20fvvlojj5jsSJABMSc7jnpJ3cuH78BzPASXvwZBITXMK_7eMPzS-LIRAlO_gwRoChp3w_wcB

Lastly, my quilted ankle boots are from Zara last season. I've listed these as a close alternative below:

Topshop Attention Ankle Boots on sale for $80:

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=ankle+boots&storeId=13052&productId=17055661&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33060

Makeup Must Have (without breaking the bank): Ardell Wispie Lashes

I am lash obsessed. I started putting fake lashes on at the ripe old age of 9 for dance competitions. Initially my mother would apply them for me, by 10 I was convinced I was better than her at it. I have tried a TON of lashes; Lilly Lashes, MAC, Red Cherry the list goes on and on. While all of those are good, I have a hard time justifying spending a lot of money on lashes. 75% I'm passing out with them on (perhaps drunk) and they are ruined the next day anyways. 

Eventually, I discovered "Wispie" lashes by Ardell, they are made of 100% sterilized human hair, each lash strip is knotted and feathered by hand to achieve the highest quality They are long, feathered and look great on everyone! I apply with them with Duo glue, you can purchase here: http://www.amazon.com/Duo-Lash-Adhesive-Clear-Ounce/dp/B00027D8IC  or in any drug store. They say "each pair can be re-used up to three weeks". They cost $3.59 per pack, gorgeous lash without breaking the bank, sign me up. 

Link to purchase:
http://www.amazon.com/Ardell-Fashion-Lashes-Pair-Wispies/dp/B0041R15AC

*This link is for a set of 4, you could also purchase individually in a drug store or an online beauty store. 

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

So you've heard me go on in previous posts about how this cold New York weather is drying out my skin. I decided I wanted to buy a moisturizing mask to add to my beauty regime.   I've heard AMAZING things about Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask. The mask is an Elle "beauty award" winner  and has received a ton of recognition for giving an instant glow. The mask itself is a pink gel that smells light and fresh. They suggest you leave on for 30 minutes (10 if you have sensitive skin). The mask dries clear and tightens. I personally prefer a gel mask over a clay mask any day, I'm not a huge fan of that chalky feeling. The brand also suggests you apply a "thick layer" of the mask, but at the price point of $55.00 for a 1 ounce jar I was applying a little more sparingly. The mask left my skin feeling super soft and moisterizered my skin was noticeably more radiant (it was seriously looking pretty dull). The gel can be also be used as a overnight spot treatment for blemishes. Tata Harper's line is made in Vermont and is made from 100% natural & non-toxic ingredients, just another reason to love. I would definetly agree with all the hype on this product, A plus!

Healthy Snack: Frozen Yogurt Covered Almonds

So its a new year and everyone and their dog is on some what of a health kick. I, myself am turning 30 in 6 months and feel some what determined to look and feel my best on this milestone birthday. Cue the trying to eat a bit healthier, though I still have my daily fat kid moments. A girlfriend of mine had told me about making frozen yogurt drops as a healthy snack.I took her idea and made it a bit more substantial by adding almonds and that how this simple recipe was born.

What you need:
Raw almonds
Container of your favorite yogurt (my personal favorites are Greek vanilla or strawberry) * Side note: if you don't eat dairy use a coconut or almond based yogurt.
parchment paper
cookie sheet (if you don't have a cookie sheet even a plat would do - really any flat surface)

Instructions:

Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a small dollop of your yogurt onto the sheet, place a almond in the center of the dollop and repeat. Obviously leave space between your drops.You can really decide how big or small you want the yogurt ratio to be, as always do you baby boo. Once your done place your tray in the freezer. The should be frozen within 3 hours or you can just leave overnight. Pull you yogurt dots off the parchment paper and store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. A simple healthy snack with a bit of sweetness to curb your cravings. I know its not a fucking cookie, but it might do the trick! Enjoy!

Quick, easy & healthy breakfast: Overnight Oats

Breakfast is always a bit of a challenge for me during the work week. I never have extra time in the morning to make breakfast, probably because I hit the snooze button at least 3 times before I fly out of bed and start getting ready to run out the door. My go to is a granola bar, an almond croissant from La Colombe, an egg white wrap from Starbucks or nothing at all (which I know is so bad). The spending and eating fatty or processed foods has gotten out of control so I have decided to get back on my kick of over night oats. Here is what you need:

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup almond milk, coconut milk or regular milk  (really any choice will work )
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 5.3 container of yogurt ( I personally like Greek vanilla or plain) you can use an almond or coconut based yogurt if you want to stay away from dairy. 
• Toppings of your choice IE: coconut shreds, silvered almonds, a small handful of dark chocolate chips, fruit, nut butter. Really the possibilities are endless.

Instructions

1. The night before you plan to eat your oats, mix together all of the ingredients listed above and seal in an airtight container. I use zip lock twist and lock: http://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Twist-Loc-Containers-Lids/dp/B000LNY1D8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421337406&sr=8-2&keywords=screw+top+tupperware 
2. Refrigerate the mixture overnight 
3. Enjoy for breakfast the next day. I bring mine to work and keep in the fridge. One of these will last me three days of breakfast! 
   

Making the perfect egg & cheese breakfast sandwich

It seems like every Saturday morning I make a fat kid breakfast. It has come to be somewhat of a traditional, a slow start to the day eating fatty food in pjs. Over time I've come to master the simple egg and cheese breakfast sandwich (cue me dusting my shoulders off).

What you need:

Eggs

American orange cheese slices
(This fat kid cheese melts the best)

Potato buns (I think they are the key ingredient)

Salt

Pepper

Olive oil

Ketchup

In a frying pan heat up a generous tablespoon of olive oil (you want to make sure the pan is coated). *Sidenote: If you want bacon egg and cheese I would suggest cooking the eggs in the bacon grease- yum! Crack egg into pan and let fry until the clear turns white. Sprinkle with salt and pepper than flip. During this time put your potato bun in the toaster. I personally like my yellow a tad runny so I cook the flipped egg for about another two minutes. It's totally trial and error but you will figure out how you like your egg and sense the timing. Remove egg put onto toasted bun add cheese and Volia your breakfast of champions is all set! I like to put some ketchup on the side for dipping-enjoy! 

Getting crafty: Making Gemstone Magnets

Happy New Year! Sorry its been awhile since I posted anything, the holidays had me MIA.
So I am back in action and decided to get crafty last night. I have been slightly obsessed with these gemstone fridge magnets from www.Leifshop.com. See here:  http://www.leifshop.com/products/gemstone-magnet-set while $38 for magnets felt a little steep I probably would have bought them if they hadn't been sold out. Each set includes 8 magnets; one each of: amethyst, pyrite, quartz, geode, and four colors of agate slices. While I was visiting my mom's house in Vancouver, she asked me to go through my old room and do some purging. While sorting through hilarious old pictures and mortifying diary entries I came across my old rock collection. Yes, I loved rocks and I still do, though these days I'm more into a diamond than a piece of amethyst. I would constantly dig through are garden hoping to find a geode, shockingly that never happened. Anyways, as soon as i found my little collections, i decided once i got home to New York I would make my own gemstone magnets.

Here is what you need:

1) Magnets.I ordered these round flexible magnets off of amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DD5FE8M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 I wanted them to be strong yet flexible so I could cut them to fit the stone if necessary.

2) Glue gun. I have this guy another amazon purchase that does the trick:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NIFKRM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3) Heavy duty scissors

4) Gemstones. If your not a nerdy kid like me and have a full collection sitting around in your old bedroom closet I would search  in a local jewelry or bead store or on websites like ebay, esty and amazon. Here is a few link to some ideas:

http://www.ebay.com/rpp/gemstoneshops

https://www.etsy.com/listing/195424554/12-pound-lb-dyed-baby-geodes-mini?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=supplies-low-other&ione_adtype=pla&ione_creative=49918020875&ione_product_id=195424554&ione_product_partition_id=82464281555&ione_store_code=&ione_device=c&ione_product_channel=online&ione_merchant_id=11060574&ione_product_country=US&ione_product_language=en&gclid=CMqcmsWwgsMCFcvm7AodXSIAFQ

https://www.etsy.com/market/agate_geode

http://www.amazon.com/Occo-Agate-Geodes-Tumble-Small/dp/B002GOW394

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E1T5MQ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687702&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002GOW394&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0ETN2T7HNW36QAJGT9WX


Directions are fairly simple:

Heat up your glue gun. Once hot distribute a small amount of glue onto the flattest part or your rock, (obviously keep into consideration which side you want to be the front) stick on the magnet and let dry.  I had to trim some of the round magnets to fit onto the rock properly.

*Tip try and avoid heavier stones, I got pretty ambitious trying to put a chunk of amethyst on my fridge and it was just too heavy. Even with doubling up the magnets it just slid down my refrigerator door.

I was pretty happy with the outcome,though I think I have some more testing to do with the type of magnet and weight of the stone.  I was thinking they would make such a pretty house warming gift and could justify buying the rocks in bulk (which is how most are sold).

Id love to hear your thoughts/comments if you have any!