Corn Flake Crusted French Toast

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Years ago, I don't remember where I was but I enjoyed magnificent French Toast that had a crunchy outside... like a corn flake topping.  Last month, out of no where I started craving this recipe and found something online that could be just a little better!  Apparently I don't need to go far to enjoy this favorite brunch treat.  They happen to cook these up down the street at the luxurious Lafayette restaurant in the Washington Hay Adams Hotel. Luckily, I found the recipe online so that  I could enjoy this famous brunch dish in the comfort of my kitchen.

recipe source and photo: saveur.com

Ingredients:1 loafbrioche bread (about 1 lb.)*
1⁄3 cup half and half
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp. fine salt
1⁄4 tsp. orange zest
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups cornflakes, coarsely crushed**
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
Confectioners' sugar
Maple syrup

Photos above are my own

Preparation:1. Slice brioche loaf into eight1"-thick slices with a serrated knife. Using a 3" round cookiecutter, cut each slice into a circle and set aside. (Reserve bread scraps forbread crumbs.)
2. In a shallow dish, whisk togetherhalf and half, sugar, cinnamon, salt, orange zest, and eggs. Put cornflakesinto another shallow dish. Working with 1 circle of brioche at a time, dip inthe egg mixture, allowing brioche to soak for 10 seconds on each side, thencoat in the cornflakes. Transfer to a sheet tray lined with waxed paper.
3. Heat 3 tbsp. of the butter in a10" nonstick skillet over medium heat until just foaming. Transfer 4slices of brioche to the pan and cook, turning once, until both sides aregolden brown, about 4 minutes. Divide the french toast between 2 servingplates. Wipe out skillet, add remaining butter, and repeat process. Dust thefrench toast with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve withberries and sliced fruit, if you like.
SERVES 4
My notes:* this recipe works well with thick sliced bread.  I've used brioche and sour dough. I've also used pre-sliced thinner sour dough.  Heavenly!  I don't bother using a cookie cutter- more French toast for me, please!** I've used sugar frosted corn flakes, corn flakes, Kashi honey sunshine and Fiber One honey clusters and all work well on this recipe.  
Last, I find the bread quickly absorbs the batter.  You may have to refill your shallow dish on occasion. 
Cheers,Ana 

{We're Obsessed} Mesh Pumps

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Um, hello mesh pumps.  Where have you been all of my life and why did I have to find you when I'm about to go on unpaid maternity leave? 
I don't know if' I've been so obsessed over a shoe trend ever in my life, and that says a lot, considering my obsession-inspired shoe collection.  I think and dream about these gorgeous and sexy mesh pumps and since I'll have to wait until I'm back at work to scoop some up, I thought I'd blog about the top runners-up on my list.  Sigh.  I know the reality is that these beauties will sell out long before I collect a paycheck again!  My favorites, in order:

1. Versace, $725; 2. Jimmy Choo, $695; 3. Vionnet, $695; 4. Max Kibardin, $995

Cheers!Ana

{We're Obsessed!} Charlotte Olympia Shoes

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Oh I've admired Charlotte Olympia pumps for about a year now, so I am just  thrilled to own my first pair!  I see them worn by ALL of my style crushes and figured it was time to spoil myself and just buy some finally, before the already insane prices continue to creep up.  So while in Dallas in April I splurged and debuted them at my baby shower a couple of weeks later.  And as you can guess, I'm obsessed!  

One of my favorite fashionistas, Kelly Ripa, in Charlotte Olympia "Dolores" pumps, $895, Neiman Marcus

Kelly Ripa and Jennifer Lopez step out in Charlotte Olympia Masako pumps, $875, Net-a-Porter

I bought this pair and I love them.  So does J-Lo!  Charlotte Olympia Dolly pumps in raffia, $875, Neiman Marcus

Cheers!Ana

{We're Obsessed!} Colored Denim

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Happy Monday!  You can probably guess how happy I am that the colored pants look is back for the fall, and how better than to wear color than brightly hued denim?  Since trends don't always make their way to maternity sizes, I missed out on the trend this spring so I'm extra excited to embrace the look this fall.  I went with the blue jeans and coordinated them with a number of tops I had in my closet.  What do you think? 

Blue denim by Mossimo for Target, $23

1. 2. (similar to pictured) 3. (similar to pictured) 4. 5.

And just a few other ways colored denim has been spotted:

Pictures pinned from Pinterest

Cheers!Ana 

{We're Obsessed!} The Tweed Jacket

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Oh you fine tweed.  We are particularly in love with this jacket because it's a sophisticated break from another fall obsession, the motorcycle leather jacket.  It's amazing how the jacket can dress up a simple tee and jeans.  And if it dresses up the most simple of outfits, imagine the possibilities!  

Theory Jacket, $415, shown with jeans, tee, shoes and handbag, all Net-A-Porter

Theory Jacket, $250, Neiman Marcus
Shown are two almost identical versions by Theory.  One is available from the current collection and the other is last season (summer tweed) and half off! 

Cheers!
Ana

Bamboo Thai Bistro...don't judge the place by it's cover!

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It's located on the North East corner of 51st & Yale Ave in Tulsa, Ok.  If you're familiar with this area, you know that it's primarily retail, fast food and known for a less "fancy" genre of restaurants and shops. To say I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in, was to say the least. The decor is fitting to the Thai food. More of a upscale casual, which is contemporary to restaurants these days. It's definitely a good place to take families, dates, etc. because it isn't too loud and you can actually hear your conversations.


 Immediately, I'm greeted by friendly wait staff who are not only friendly, they're efficient. 
I opted to start off with the Thai Iced Tea and they brought me the complimentary Shrimp Chips...unique and yummy!
Next, I ordered the Spicy Squid as a starter. It's crispy squid stir fried with onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, bell pepper and five spices...very good.
Next, I was in the mood for something with a creamy, coconut flair. So, at the waitresses suggestion, I went for the Gai Tom Ka...it's described as a traditional coconut soup with chicken, onion, and straw mushroom. Topped with cilantro and green onion. It was creamy without being too heavy...the cilantro gave it a hint of lightness. It was delectable, velvetty, goodness.

You can't go to a Thai restaurant and NOT order some Pad Thai, so, I ordered the Pad Thai noodles with pork. It's made with bean sprouts, green onion, ground peanuts and egg. Topped with fresh bean sprouts and fresh lemon on the side. I ordered mine "hot" so the lemon came in handy to help cut through the spice. It was everything I thought it would be...no disappointment here...in fact, I was impressed above my expectations.

Okay, so finally, I asked my waitress what her favorite entree was...she said, with a smile, "definitely, the crispy duck." As soon as my entree arrived I knew why she smiled when she answered me and I'm pretty sure my smile mirrored hers when I took my first bite. It was crispy on the outside, juicy and packed with flavor on the inside. The sauce really brought out the flavors even more.
I wish I had room for desert because they had coconut ice cream or fried banana roll on their menu. But, I had to have my meal boxed up to go as it was and ended up making four meals out of what I ordered this night. Next time you're in the mood for some really great, authentic Thai, visit Bamboo Thai Bistro, you'll be glad you did...Thai(nk) you!

Fassler Hall's 1st Annual Inaugural Beer and Beefsteak Banquet

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 First, thanks so much to Fassler Hall for hosting such a great event! I hope this is the first of many more to come!

 The turn out was impressive, especially for a first time event. The price, $50 per person or $45 per person for groups of 4 or more. If you think this sounds steep, well, it's not. I sat next to men that almost cried out like babies. First, from the pure joy of the platters after platters of beef tenderloin deliciousness being placed before them, then from the pain of said non-stop gorging. You just had to be there, smelling the aroma of the beef and the fries, more on that in a minute.  Traditionally dubbed a "male" event, Fassler Hall launched this in "co-ed" friendly fashion and we ladies were oh, so glad they did!
 Upon arrival we were handed a commemorative apron, which doubled as momento and a true, much needed apron, it turned out. (Yay for juicy, tenderloin...and beer splashed bread fights.) With the apron, we were also handed a cup, to open the flood gate of high quality, German beer that was to come.
 Yes, this is the delicious, savory, smoky beef tenderloin that was clearly marinated for hours maybe even a couple of days. It was tender, juicy, smokey, and succulent. They brought out platter, after platter, after platter...you get the point. Rumor has it, they planned approximately 5lbs of meat per person...yikes! And, what's beef without potatoes?

Fassler Hall can't do anything plain Jane and they prove it in everything they do, even something as simple as fries. These are extraordinary, like everything else...say hello to Tulsa's best Duck Fat Fries. By the way, the servers kept bringing these out non-stop as well.

 Remember that cup they handed us that opened the flood gate of beer? Turns out we DID need it, to wash down the food! We also found ways to entertain ourselves...




...in keeping with the "Beer Inauguration and Beef Steak Banquet" traditions, there was an unofficial bread tower contest. Diners figured out early on, they can eat more beef if they omit the bread.  So, they built towers of bread and the tallest tower of bread is proclaimed the winner.
Klondike 5 String Band was the entertainment. As always, they put on a really good show. They were lyrical, melodious, bread fight-starting, musicians extraordinaire!

 It was a really great time...met some neat people, hi Heidi & Sarah :-) By the way, Heidi has a really cool and informative food blog that caters to gluten free recipes and the recipes look better and healthier than many non-gluten free. You've probably heard of her blog as she's a seasoned food blogger... you're going to love her blog site: http://glutenfreeindie.blogspot.com/p/gf-indie-bio.html

 

Brunch at Lucky's: 1st Brunch Trip (Most def not the last)

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Brunch at Lucky's: 1st Brunch Trip

      By True Foodie Sound Bites





First, I have to point out the photo on the left...can you see that rich, velvety, creamy goodness? Of course you can. What I meant was, can you taste that with your eyes? Of course you can. The photo doesn't begin to do this liquid, silk gold justice.                           

                    

                            Eggs Poblano
Poached with Poblano Hollandaise, Marinated Chicken Breast, 
Fry Bread, and Grilled Pineapple.

 I can't believe I haven't had Lucky's for brunch before now.   

You're greeted by smiling faces throughout, from the moment you walk in the door. They're accommodating as they are friendly.  We sat at a table, in the bar section where we had an excellent server, Laura. They have top shelf signature cocktails as well as the ever popular $2 mimosas. I ordered their signature Bloody Mary. It was perfect in spice, flavor and ingredient ratio.
My friend and I usually order different from one another so we can try each other's food, but this time, both of us had our eyes fixated on the description of the Eggs Poblano. I don't even know where to start. 
My mouth is watering as I type and glance at the photo. [Note to self: must post photo last, after the typing]. 
This dish is as you might guess regarding the composition typical to eggs benedict. Bread at the bottom, protein, poached egg, hollandaise sauce. What makes this like no other eggs benedict is, most of the ingredients and how it's prepared. 
The fry bread is not as dense as english muffins, it's lighter, fluffier, but the crust gives it a nice crunch and rustic flare. The protein in this case, other than the poached egg, is marinated chicken breast, not the typical ham or bacon. Soooo full of flavor, tender and juicy. 
The eggs were poached beyond perfection, not runny, not over cooked. I really, REALLY enjoyed cutting into the egg and watching that rich, orangy-gold, thick, gravy-like yolk, slowly ooze down the side of the chicken, where it mingled with the light yellow, pearl puddle of hollandaise sauce, which included flavorful, soft poblano peppers. 
If this wasn't enough (I wanted to order another one but my tummy couldn't fit it in), this dish comes adorned with grilled pineapple. At first, I thought, wow, that's an interesting garnish...until, I sliced into the grilled pineapple and swiped the hollandaise sauce with it, then put it in my mouth. WOW!! That pineapple gave the hollandaise a sweetness to it, and the hollandaise gave the pineapple a richness.  It was like a full-on separate dish...a rich tasting, yet light textured dessert, DURING THE MEAL, not after. It made me think instantaneously, Matt and Brooke Kelley know their stuff...obvy! 

I'm looking forward to this Sunday...I'm going to have the Salmon, which also comes with the hollandaise. I may even swing by for dinner to try the Grilled New York Strip, with sage brown butter, potato hash and creamed spinach. Lucky's ='s Foodie paradise
 

My Family's Thanksgiving 2011

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I know I am totally behind the times here but I LOVE Thanksgiving and I finally pulled these images off my camera so I thought I would share them with you.

In my family Thanksgiving is a big deal. We don't usually all get together at Christmas or Easter but when Thanksgiving rolls around someone gets the "privilege" of hosting it at their house. Any given Thanksgiving we could be feeding 25+ people. This year was a slightly more lean year as one of my Aunt's and her kids celebrated with the other side of the family (there are 10 of them total). So it gets crazy but it is always fun! This year since my parents bought a new home within the year, everyone decided they should host Thanksgiving. We were living in their basement at the time and so I would have had to have taken my fair share of the prep work, however I fell ill the week of Thanksgiving so I was excused with the exception of the cranberry sauce and an apple pie.

If you have ever been to my Mom's blog you will know that table presentation is extremely important to her. She LOVES to set tables and do what she lovingly calls tablescapes. We had decorated a few parties/events during the earlier fall months so we had more than enough Thanksgiving related ideas in stock to whip out something fabulous!

Her napkin rings that she used to sell on her blog - always a nice touch!

Busy bees working in the kitchen to finalize the masterpiece!

Grandpa snitches a few bites of dark meat - he is our Turkey Master Chef so I guess it's O.K.

Everyone else - being lazy watching football - can you guess which team?

This is my Great-Grandma Billie's FAMOUS frozen cranberry deliciousness (I am sure it has a real name but I never remember it...) It is like having a little slice of dessert with your main course. It is basically a frozen salad and we make it EVERY year. Once my mom tried to change up the menu and we all freaked because there are certain things that you only get to have but once a year!

Ahhh... Orange Rolls. Another favorite.

Here is my dad doing what we affectionately refer to as his "Marty Stewart" moment.

I know it is late but hopefully you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I have linked this on Tablescape Thursday on Between Naps on the Porch Blog.

Valentine's Salad Recipe

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So remember this frozen cranberry delicisousness I was telling you about in my recent Thanksgiving post? Well I lied about one thing, the recipe isn't my Great Grandmas (although she has one like it with cherries in it - and well, I am not a huge cherry fan) but my Grandma Letty's recipe. (Not from the same family.)

I have some pretty amazing grandmas. I have two that are just flat out some of the best chef's I have ever met and another one is like the best bargain shopper in the world (she can work a Macy's clearance sale like nothing you have ever seen!)

My grandma Letty used to run a bed and breakfast up in Lake Arrowhead and would cook these incredible breakfasts for her guests. She loves Ina Garten's recipes too and even gives a HUGE binder full of recipes to all the relatives who get married. She is so sweet and even gave one to my mother-in-law (which she uses ALL the time!) Her recipes are so flavorful, I love it when she visits and cooks for me.

Anyways, this recipe is one that we have every year for Thanksgiving because it is just that good. But my mom and I were thinking the other day, this would be such a fun frozen salad side dish for Valentine's Day! It is pink and can be frozen into any shape (like a heart) plus, it is GOOD!


Here is the recipe and hopefully you try it out for your lover on Valentine's Day.

Pink Arctic Ice by Grandma Letty 
Ingredients:
One 8 oz. pkg cream cheese
2 tablespoons mayonaise
2 tablespoons sugar
1 pound can whole berry cranberry sauce
One 9 oz. can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup chopped pecans
One 8 oz. tub cool whip

Soften cream cheese, blend in mayo and sugar and mix well. Add cranberries, pineapple and nuts. Fold in Cool Whip. Pour into oiled mold, cover and freeze overnight.

Linking up this recipe to Foodie Friday, and Inspiration Friday

Fassler Hall's 1st Annual Inaugural Beer and Beefsteak Banquet

To contact us Click HERE
 First, thanks so much to Fassler Hall for hosting such a great event! I hope this is the first of many more to come!

 The turn out was impressive, especially for a first time event. The price, $50 per person or $45 per person for groups of 4 or more. If you think this sounds steep, well, it's not. I sat next to men that almost cried out like babies. First, from the pure joy of the platters after platters of beef tenderloin deliciousness being placed before them, then from the pain of said non-stop gorging. You just had to be there, smelling the aroma of the beef and the fries, more on that in a minute.  Traditionally dubbed a "male" event, Fassler Hall launched this in "co-ed" friendly fashion and we ladies were oh, so glad they did!
 Upon arrival we were handed a commemorative apron, which doubled as momento and a true, much needed apron, it turned out. (Yay for juicy, tenderloin...and beer splashed bread fights.) With the apron, we were also handed a cup, to open the flood gate of high quality, German beer that was to come.
 Yes, this is the delicious, savory, smoky beef tenderloin that was clearly marinated for hours maybe even a couple of days. It was tender, juicy, smokey, and succulent. They brought out platter, after platter, after platter...you get the point. Rumor has it, they planned approximately 5lbs of meat per person...yikes! And, what's beef without potatoes?

Fassler Hall can't do anything plain Jane and they prove it in everything they do, even something as simple as fries. These are extraordinary, like everything else...say hello to Tulsa's best Duck Fat Fries. By the way, the servers kept bringing these out non-stop as well.

 Remember that cup they handed us that opened the flood gate of beer? Turns out we DID need it, to wash down the food! We also found ways to entertain ourselves...




...in keeping with the "Beer Inauguration and Beef Steak Banquet" traditions, there was an unofficial bread tower contest. Diners figured out early on, they can eat more beef if they omit the bread.  So, they built towers of bread and the tallest tower of bread is proclaimed the winner.
Klondike 5 String Band was the entertainment. As always, they put on a really good show. They were lyrical, melodious, bread fight-starting, musicians extraordinaire!

 It was a really great time...met some neat people, hi Heidi & Sarah :-) By the way, Heidi has a really cool and informative food blog that caters to gluten free recipes and the recipes look better and healthier than many non-gluten free. You've probably heard of her blog as she's a seasoned food blogger... you're going to love her blog site: http://glutenfreeindie.blogspot.com/p/gf-indie-bio.html