more pics for dishnit

 patio beers

 powerhouse salad at fresh! 

 my attempt at macaroons .... total failure 

 seaweed salad from pho house 

chicken pho soup!

Rice Paper Wraps

Ingredients:
- Vermicelli Noodles 
- Arugula
- Cucumber 
- Carrots 
- Tomato
- Tofu 
- Soy Sauce 
- Chilli Flakes 
- Sweet Chilli Sauce 

Spicy Meatballs

I had a package of ground chicken in my freezer and absolutely no food so as a result I had to work with what I had in order to make something delicious! I had originally made a few burgers with the ground chicken but then decided that since I have my Nonno's AMAZING spicy sauce, what better to do with ground beef than to make meatballs! 

I have severely underestimated how spicy my Nonno's sauce is (by adding more chilli peppers). I think since I have been having the regular (unspicy sauce) most of the time, I forgot how much that man loved his spice and loved to test my pallet! As a result, the meatballs turned out awesome all because of that wonderful man and his Italian ways! 

*side note: the pictures do not do justice, but the aroma definitely does 

You can't have meatballs without a some parm and a little extra seasoning to top it all off 

Sunny days

Although it has still been snowing when its supposed to be spring, at least we have had some pretty bright and sunny days throughout the week. Of course these are the best days to be nuggling with the kitty haah  *Fingers crossed that it'll be nice and sunny on St. Patty's day this sunday* & 

With summer coming up I have decided to attempt my health kick (since I have been slacking) so here is the beginning of my fresh start. This is my home made salad with mixed greens and arugula (my fav) , tomatoes, bocconcini cheese, olives, home made balsamic vinaigrette, and poached eggs !

How I spend my snowed in days

Attempting to deal with my computer crashing the only way I know how... with a glass of wine!.. and a lot of them!

Since I was snowed in today, what else was I supposed to do but bake my favourite new healthy treat! ... and by healthy I mean not as bad as chocolate fudge brownies :) - These are way better.. Chocolate quinoa brownies! so moist! 

Compilation

I'm sorry I have slacked in my posts lately. I have been swamped with my finals. I promise after the 12 there should be many posts since I will finally be able to whip out the old camera again! For now I shall post a few pictures from my phone that I've taken over the past few weeks that I've been MIA.

Homemade chicken noodle soup. I over cooked the noodles a little (they cooked super fast since they were egg noodles) but it still didn't taste all that bad :)

I have been going on a baking spree as my little stress reliever from my exams slash treat for my roommates. I really do pamper those girls ;) love em too much! This was all made from scratch. It is a vanilla cupcake with Nutella icing. 

My parents came down over the weekend to take me out for breakfast, buy me some groceries and drop off a few things for the house. So lovely to go out with them and such a treat to have some flowers from my Mom to brighten up my room. I am obsessed with flowers but can never fathom spending the money on them every month when they die so fast :( 

As we all know I have a slight obsession with online shopping. I just purchased these over the weekend from Aldo. They were so cheap I had to :s Originally $80 they were on sale for $30. They are perfect the christmas parties I'm going to over the break and am currently on a hunt for a cute dress to go with it ! If you have any ideas.. please let me know ;) Can't wait to wear these bad boys out

If you have yet to try this you must. Take 1 peppermint tea bag and 1 green tea bag and steep them for a minute or 2 (so they aren't too strong). It is the best combination of tea... so fresh and light! 

Early Rising

This morning I woke up early to head to the gym (since I rarely go anymore) and it was gorgeous out. Even though it was freezing the sun was just rising and it was so bright and pretty.

After looking for food ideas yesterday on Pinterest, I stumbled upon a morning smoothie. After my workout I decided to pop into metro and grab all the ingredients for it. It is surprisingly delicious and I am definitely going I be making it more often!

P.S. sorry for the ugly pictures I took them with my cellphone :) 

Ingredients:
2 whole bananas (preferably frozen)
1/2 c cooked oats
1/3 c yogurt (preferably Greek)
1/3 c almonds
1/2 c soy milk
Ice

Quinoa Brownies

These are absolutely amazing! If you are looking for a healthier and lighter choice rather than scarfing down a sweet brownie you have to try these. These brownies stay very moist and are the perfect choice when craving sweets. 

Bring your water to a boil then turn heat down to low and allow quinoa to cook for 20 minutes. 

Take all your dry and wet ingredients mixing them in a food processor until smooth. If you don't have a food processor a blender works fine (thats what I used)

Once your quinoa has been made allow it to cool before adding it to the blended mix.

For an added touch to the final product you can add anything on top. I added some melted chocolate. Icing sugar would work great as well.

Ingredients

1/2 C quinoa

3/4 C light brown sugar

1/2 C cocoa powder 

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 C milk 

2 tbsp canola oil 

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla 

Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes