Tuesday, January 27, 2015

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.


Sunday, January 25, 2015

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.






Saturday, January 24, 2015

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


Friday, January 23, 2015

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. 

Sunday, January 18, 2015

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!




Friday, January 16, 2015

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!



Thursday, January 15, 2015

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!