My Christmas Thoughts + Simple Eggnog Cake

Well, it's finally Christmas season. I feel like just yesterday I was on a boat in a bikini, drinking and having a blast. But alas, summer has actually left Bermuda. On Sunday, the boy, Amari and I went to the Santa Claus parade. I still think it was a bit early to have a Christmas parade but oh well. Amari had a blast. He got tons of candy and was beyond excited to see Santa.

This year, I've decided to do things a bit different for Christmas. Since both the boy and I are December babies (my bday is December 5 and his is December 23), it gets to be a bit much. My sister is also a December baby, the 18th. So needless to say, the month is busy. I've decided that I won't do a traditional Christmas. Yes, we have a tree that will be decorated this weekend. And of course we will have a huge meal and lots of wine for Christmas. But, I don't want to go big on the gifts.

Happy Thanksgiving + Apple Pie w/ Crumb Topping

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know we don't technically celebrate it in Bermuda but since I grew up in the US, I cook a dinner every year. Not only is it a time to enjoy some amazing food, it's a time to celebrate with good friends and family.

This year, I am thankful for my amazing boyfriend, my beautiful son, my wonderful friends and family and my kick ass job :). But seriously though, this has been a rough year and I am truly thankful for all the things God has blessed me with.

Tonight, I am having about 15 people over for dinner. I am making my herb roasted turkey which is hands down the best turkey ever. I'm also making a sweet potato gratin and a salted caramel apple cheesecake pie which I will post tomorrow. The rest of the menu is roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, vegetable lasagna, stuffing, dinner roast (a vegetarian meat), pumpkin pie, gingerbread and spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer. It will be epic!

Local Eats @ Tribe Road Kitchen + The Newport

Have you ever had a breakfast that was simply the most amazing thing that you have ever eaten? That happened to my boyfriend and I last weekend. On Saturday morning, we decided we would go to Tribe Road Kitchen for breakfast. I have been a fan of this place for over a year now, especially of their breakfast. I first tried the breakfast earlier this year and had chicken and waffles. They were to die for so I knew I had to go again soon. The boy was game so off to Tribe Road we went.

Rice Krispie Treats Two Ways

I love rice krispie treats. I think they are so underrated and I find that to be very sad. I know some of you are thinking I'm crazy because rice krispie treats can be very boring. If made incorrectly, they can be hard and dry and not at all appetising. But when they are made right, they are perfection. They are gooey, sweet and buttery. All things that are amazing to me.

The problem I've always had with rice krispie treats is that usually, they don't have chocolate. As you know, I am a HUGE chocolate fan and will try to eat everyday. Shh...don't tell my trainer! This recipe is special because I've made "traditional" rice krispies and a chocolate version in the same pan. The "traditional" ones look traditional but actually aren't because instead of just melting the butter, I make brown butter which takes the flavour to another level. The chocolate version is actually chocolate and peanut butter mixed into the rice krispie marshmallow goo. They are soo good! Let's get started.

I'm So Healthy....Not Really

Today, I had a shot of wheat grass. Then, I had half a fruit smoothie. Then, I went to body combat at my gym and totally kicked ass! Then, I got a quinoa, chicken and vegetable salad. I'm soo healthy!

The truth is, I wanted to go to Rock Island and get a chai latte and a date bar. However, I ended up going to Down to Earth with my boyfriend who coerced me into having a shot of wheat grass. He gets them all the time. I had never had one. He said it would make me healthy. I said OK even though I planned to have bread and cheese for lunch. But I got so caught up in the new found healthiness in my life that I caved and had my quinoa.

Best Apple Cake Ever

It's finally getting cool here in Bermuda. Summer seems to be officially over which is such a wonderful thing. I was getting tired of the 80 plus degree weather. I feel that once middle to end of October comes, I should be able to wear a long sleeve shirt and not feel hot. Well today, I have on a cardigan and it feels awesome! There's a chill in the air and it's long overdue.

I know we don't have Fall here, but it feels like Fall so I want to eat Fall related foods. I love apples and anything appley gets me everything (unless there's chocolate, chocolate always wins). Growing up, my nana made pies - apple, pumpkin and lemon meringue. I would happily stuff my face with her apple pie every time she made it. I love my pie warm with ice cream on top. Apple pie/cake/turnovers/tarts always remind me of Fall.

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yes, I have had my caffeine already and am quite chipper today despite not being able to take advantage of the extra hour. My son woke up at 6:22 yesterday morning. Yes, I said 6:22am. Needless to say, that wasn't the best start to my day and by 8am, I was starving. We decided to go to breakfast at Grotto Bay and that was the best decision I made all day. The servers kept refilling my cup of coffee which I have to say was wonderful. The breakfast buffet was amazing and the food was delicious.