Cheesy Taco Buns

This was one of those recipes I pinned and was not sure if it would be any good. It seemed sort of lazy to me for some reason. So, the other day I had one of those days when I needed a lazy kind of meal. My husband was out of town and my kids don't appreciate fancy meals anyway, so Cheesy Taco Buns were on the menu!

I got the recipe: HERE on Centsless deals' website. You can read all of the nitty gritty details there, but here's a quick overview:

Brown up your ground beef and add taco seasoning, preferably in a cast iron skillet, because they're awesome.

Then you have to make a sauce with cream cheese and salsa. Unfortunately, we were all out of salsa, but I did have this taco sauce, which worked out well.

Then you have to get your Pillsbury Refrigerated Rolls. I used these:

Then you roll them out flat, like so:

Put a little dollop (I used that word because Sister #1 hates it) of the salsa/cream cheese mixture, add some meat and cheddar cheese.

Then pinch the dough together to make a cute little taco bundle and place it in our your cookie sheet, seam side down.

I just realized that the recipe said to brush the tops with butter. I didn't do that! Darn. Butter is always a great addition, but mine were still good without it.

Then you bake them for about 15 minutes! Easy Peasy!

Mmmmm..yum. Clearly, not at all authentic taco cuisine, but still a good meal. It was a big hit with the kids. I was kind of expecting that the leftovers wouldn't heat up very well, so I was pleasantly surprised when they did!

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Teriyaki Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce

I recently found a recipe for Teriyaki Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce on Pinterest. It can be found: HERE.

Let me just start off by saying, I don't really like seafood. If someone makes it for me then I'll eat it, but I very rarely choose to make it or to order it at a restaurant. I am usually ok with salmon. I really like Giada's recipe for Salmon Fish Sticks which can be found: HERE. Ooh...and this one too, Cheesy Onion Baked Salmon found HERE. Anyway, I decided to try this Teriyaki recipe and I really liked it! My kids liked it too. Awhile ago, Sister #2's daughter told my son that salmon makes you smart and he pretty much takes everything she says as gospel, so he eats salmon really well. I wonder if she can talk to him about shrimp and broccoli too.

The recipe is pretty simple.  You have to marinate the salmon in a teriyaki sauce recipe listed on the link. The longer you marinate it, the better. I let it marinate for a couple of hours and it was good.

Then you have to make the Sriracha Cream Sauce. I thought it had a little bit of a kick, but not too spicy at all. You can add extra Sriracha afterwards.

I clearly have a hard time taking pictures of meals after they are all made. I think at that point I'm a little too excited to eat or something. So, for a pretty plated picture, head over to Damn Delicious' website. Again, here's the link: Teriyaki Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce.  It was really good and went well with rice and kimchi, but I'm Korean so most things are good with rice and kimchi in my opinion.

Try the recipe and let me know what you think!

Favorite Places in New York

A few weekends ago, a couple of my friends and I decided to take a trip up to New York City. We left Friday morning and came back late Saturday night. One of them had never been before and the other had been a couple of times. I am by no means an expert on New York, but I've been a couple of times and now have some favorite spots. So, this is my "tourist guide" to New York city.

We decided to ride the bus and I was a little hesitant, because...well I don't know why. I was just hesitant! I'm glad we decided to go with the bus though. We took Mega Bus and it left out of White Marsh. The crazy ladies I was with decided that we should take the 6:20 bus, which got us there around 930. I don't really have any complaints about the bus. The time seemed to go much faster, we didn't have to worry about fighting traffic ourselves, gas money, or parking once we got into the city. It lets you off right in the city. Now, taking it back to Baltimore was a little different. The stop is a little farther away from downtown, but still..not bad at all. Don't forget to bring layers. It gets a little cold in the bus. There are also USB outlets so that you can charge your phones at your seat.

We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel on Times Square and it was a great location and the room was huge compared to other hotel rooms I've seen in New York. We were able to drop our bags off there before we were able to get into our room and we left them there during the day on Saturday after we checked out.

After dropping off our bags we headed to my favorite pizza place of all time, Grimaldi's. It is a chain, but there really is nothing like eating pizza in Brooklyn under the Brooklyn Bridge. It. Is. Delicious. You want to get there right when it opens, because there is usually a line. We got there right around 1130 and were able to walk right in and be seated. Also, it's cash only, but they do have an ATM. 

Then we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It's always fun to people watch while walking across the bridge. Unfortunately it was pretty cloudy and misty that day, so we couldn't see the Statue of Liberty across the water. It was fun to see all of the locks couples have put on the bridge.

Once we got off the bridge we headed over to see the 9/11 memorial. You do have to get tickets to go see the memorial. They are free, but they ask for a small donation. You have to go to the museum to get tickets and then go over to the memorial. It took a little while to get into the actual memorial, because there is a line and security screening. It is still under construction, so I'm sure when that's all finished that it will be much faster. It was definitely worth seeing. The fountains they built are amazing. It is impossible to get a really good picture from ground level. They really have done a fantastic job.

After that we headed over to Chinatown and Little Italy to look around and to have cannoli! We like to go to Cafe Palermo. I'm actually not a huge fan of Cannoli. It's a little sweet for me. So, I had a lemon blueberry cheesecake and it was delicious! They are known for their cannolis though and I know Sister #4 is a big fan.

At that point we thought we were going to pass out from exhaustion and over eating! So, we headed back to the hotel to check into our room and freshen up a bit. The view from the room was so fun! After a little bit we headed down to Ellen's Stardust Diner. We decided not to go to a show this trip, so we figured we could get a little of the Broadway experience by going to Ellen's. It's a diner where a lot of Broadway hopefuls are the waiters and waitresses. So, they sing and perform throughout the night. I am NOT a fan of crowd interaction, but it was still super fun. The food was actually nothing to really write home about. It's diner food, but it was good and it was more for the experience anyway.

On Saturday morning we woke up early and headed to Central Park. I had never been before and I have to say that it is now one of my favorite spots in New York City. It was so fun to walk around at a little bit of slower pace than we had on Friday and to just enjoy the scenery. We could not figure out where everything was though, so luckily we found an awesome guide there who had a great map. So, if you see one of the guides ask them for a map! It was such a life saver. We really wanted to go on paddle boats on the lake, but they weren't open because it looked like it was going to rain.

Here were some of our favorites in Central Park:

The Alice in Wonderland statue:

Belvedere Castle was fun. It was small and you could go to the top where there is a fantastic view of the park.

This was the John Lennon Memorial.

We got to see a lot of different spots that show up in movies which was kind of fun. I kept thinking of that line from You've Got Mail, "It'd be a shame to miss New York in the Spring."

We ended our trip to Central Park by riding on the carousel. You're never too old to ride on a carousel.

After leaving Central Park we headed to look at the Plaza Hotel. I kept playing that movie, Big Business in my head! Then we walked down 5th avenue and looked at all of the ridiculously expensive things for sale. We walked through Tiffany's which was kind of fun. We went up to the floor with all of the engagement rings and dreamed a little bit. Then we walked over to Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall.

After that we headed to Carnegie Deli for lunch. I have to admit that the first time I went to Carnegie Deli I was not really sure what the big deal was. So, we decided to try it again. I'm so glad we did because I really liked it. They have an amazing and huge Reuben sandwich for $27 and they add $3 to share it. We bought one and were able to split it between the three of us. We also split a giant pastrami knish. It was delicious. Also, GET THE CHEESECAKE. Delicious.

Then we headed to the Empire State Building. It ended up being a good time to go because it started to rain and we were inside during the storm and it cleared by the time we got up to the top. For those of you in the military, there is a discount so make sure you ask for that. The wait wasn't too bad. It probably took an hour and a half all together. We walked up and down the last 6 flights which cut down the wait a little. There a lot of people trying to sell fast pass tickets outside and we were told by the people inside that there is no such thing as a fast pass ticket, so it's best to just buy your tickets inside. I kept thinking of Elf!

Once we got out of the Empire State building we did a little bit of shopping and looking around there on 34th street. It started to storm again so we had to rush and find something to eat before getting our bags and heading to the bus. We were just a couple of blocks from Koreatown! I was so excited to find my people! There were a ton of restaurants that looked delicious, but we were in a little bit of a hurry so we went to a restaurant that was a little cafeteria style. It was really good. I want to go again the next time I go so that we can try a different restaurant.

After that we headed to the bus. We used the Subway a lot and got pretty good at it by the end. There was only once when we got pretty confused, but other than that we did pretty well! I saw a giant subway rat, so I figured my experience was complete.

The only other tips I can think of are to make sure you wear comfortable shoes, walking around is part of the experience. I wore my Reef flip flops and my feet weren't at all sore. My calves and thighs..well that's a different story. Also, I was so grateful for my portable charger for my iPhone. I use the Yubi, which is the only one I've tried that works with the 5s. I was also grateful for the New York Subway app. If you put the address into Google Maps on your phone and click public transportation it will switch you over to the Subway App and it was really helpful.

So, there you go..my guide to New York City. It's always fun to visit, but then I like coming home and not living in a city. If you go, then let me know your favorite spots! Sister #4 is going in the next couple of weeks so I'm sure she'll post about her favorite spots as well!

Jamberry Nails

Okay so, I so wanted to be able to post a positive review of these.  My third sister and I decided to purchase and try out Jamberry Nails.  For those of you who are not familiar with them, they are nail wraps that come in all different designs and colors.

The claim is that they last longer than a regular manicure so overall they are saving you money.  The fingernail ones are supposed to last for two weeks and the pedicure ones are supposed to last longer than that.  Each set is $15, and there is enough for you to apply them twice.

We decided on a set of French Tip, an accent color, and a set for our toes.  Below you see how they turned out.

Cute right?  Yeah, we thought so too.  After a week, however, both of us noticed that the wraps started to peel up at the tips.  My nails started to get things underneath and I had to run my nail over the tops of them to squeeze out dirt and other debris that would get underneath of them.  After some discussion we thought that maybe it was because we had applied them incorrectly.  I did some research online and someone suggested purchasing nail glue for when they started to peel up.  Seemed silly to have to do that, but I was willing to try again because I really do love the way they look.  

I removed the original wraps, which was a very easy process, maybe too easy.  Then reapplied.  This time I followed all the instructions to the letter.  I even bought a good nail file (we thought the one we used previously was too cheap).  

This time I did the French Tip only - mainly because I forgot to do an accent nail.

So again, I really think they are so cute!  This time it seemed to be much better, the excess came off much easier and they seemed to be pretty well stuck on.  Then after about 5 or 6 days, they began to peel at the tips again, and things started collecting underneath again.  I tried the nail glue method of securing the tips, but it didn't work.  I have taken to either filing down the parts that are peeling up, or sniping them off with finger nail clippers.  I still have to periodically squeeze out the stuff that has collected underneath, which lets face it is ... disgusting.  

A couple of things that I DO like ... my nails have a tendency to rip along the edges and sides, and the Jamberry wraps seem to do a good job of keeping that from happening.  They do seem to add some strength.  I also do like that the application process is so easy.  

I really like the look and the concept, I just think that they work better in theory.  At the end of the day, they last just barely a week ... just barely.  I didn't feel like it was worth the $15 plus shipping per set.  

It may still be that I was not applying them correctly, but I just don't see how that could be.  I would love to try them again, but I don't want to spend the money to have them do the same thing again.  If anyone has had better luck - I'd love to hear about your experience!  

Fish Tacos To Die For!

So, I thought that for the first post in these many months, I'd share my absolute favorite fish taco recipe.

http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/10/02/beer-battered-fish-tacos-with-baja-sauce/ 

I unfortunately do not have a picture of the ones we made, but below I've included a picture from the recipegirl's site.  They are really very good, and very easy to make.  My kids will make several tacos and then just eat the fish on it's own with the sauce.  

A couple of things:  I usually leave the Jalapeños out of the sauce, because some of my younger kids don't like the added spice, but I cut some Jalapeños up for myself and add them separately.  Also, I'm not a beer drinker so I substitute the beer with beef broth I don't know how much it changes the flavor because ... well ... I'm not a beer drinker.  I usually make my own Mexican seasoning and I like it a lot better than the store bought taco seasoning and it's so easy to make.  I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

10 Must-Eats in DC

Almost 10 months ago to the day, I moved to the DC area. To celebrate, I thought I would share my top 10 favorite places to eat in the DC/Maryland area, in no particular order. (Click on the restaurant name for more info)

1. Farmers Fishers Bakers

You guys. I've been to brunch here, and it's to DIE FOR. Farmers Fishers Bakers is a completely sustainable restaurant, and it is on K Street on the Georgetown Waterfront. My only complaint is that it's a little pricy, and it's almost impossible to get a reservation since it's so dang good and everyone wants to go here for brunch. It's $30 per person, but it's an all you can eat brunch. They have probably the best crab dip I've ever had in my life, which says a lot since I am a Marylander that is particularly picky about her crab dip.

2. Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers is the same company as Farmers Fishers Bakers, and is also a completely sustainable restaurant. I've only ever been to the one in Potomac, MD. Founding Farmers also has fantastic brunch (that seems to be a thing now, right?). I particularly love their Crab Benedict. YUM. Their Bananas Foster Milkshake is also a must-have. I kinda have a weakness for milkshakes.

3. District Taco

I've been to the District Taco on Capital Hill and loved it, but there are several other locations throughout DC. Their food tastes very similar to Chipotle to me, but their selection of salsas is INCREDIBLE. I am a sucker for spicy food, and find their habanero salsa delightful.

4. Good Stuff Eatery

Want two reasons to go to Good Stuff? Handmade fries, and Creamshakes that will knock your socks off. No joke. Their burgers are great, but their Rosemary fries??? Oof. Heaven. They also have an incredible assortment of delectable fry sauces like Sriracha, Old Bay, and Horseradish, just to name a few. I've been to the one in Crystal City, but there are several locations throughout the District.

5. Georgetown Cupcake

I know you've heard of this place. If you've never been, GO. You won't regret it. There's just something amazing about that pink box, and something even more amazing about the cupcakes inside. I've never been to the original location in Georgetown. I always go to the one in Bethesda because the lines are so much shorter. My favorite cupcakes are their Key Lime, and Peanut Butter Fudge. Go. Go. Go!

6. Max Brenner

Max Brenner is a chocolate bar. If that sentence alone isn't enough incentive to go, I'm not sure what else I could possibly say. I've been to the location in Bethesda, which differs from other locations like the one in NYC because it doesn't serve lunch or dinner entrees. It only serves chocolate desserts. I particularly love their ice cream bar, their s'mores bar, and chocolate syringes. Yep, I'll say that again. Chocolate. Syringes.

7. Shake Shack

Shake Shack is a chain restaurant, a DC staple, and there's a line out the door for a reason. It's simply delicious. They have amazing burgers and hot dogs. While I'm only "eh" about their fries, I am particularly fond of their SmokeShack Burger, and their Peanut Butter Shake. See? I told you that I'm a sucker for a good milkshake! 

8. Golden Brown Delicious

Ever heard of Chicken and Waffles? GBD serves Chicken and DOUGHNUTS. I haven't tried their chicken and doughnuts yet (need to) but I have tried their doughnuts and they almost made me cry because they were so amazing. They have super weird hours though, so check out the hours on their website before you take a potentially disappointing trip there, only to find out that they are closed. Hop on over to their location in Dupont and be sure to get their Tres Leches or Fruit Crumble Doughnut, and thank me later. Holy moly.

9. Seoul Food

As a half Korean, I'm very particular about my Korean food. That being said, I ADORE Seoul Food. It's a DC Food truck, and it has this really interesting Korean/Mexican fusion thing going on. They have Kalbi Burritos and Kimchi Quesadillas! I absolutely love their Bulgogi BiBimBap bowl. It's unique, but still holds on to the traditional Korean food taste and feel. They have a permanent location on University Blvd in Silver Spring, but you can find their truck around DC.

10. Fenton Cafe

To end my list, I thought I would include one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall places in Downtown Silver Spring. Fenton Cafe is a really delicious crepe place. They have savory and sweet crepes, and I loved the savory and the sweet crepes that I tried. My favorite was probably the Nutella, raspberry, and strawberry crepe that I had. Whoaaaa nelly. It's run by super sweet people in a super cute location. I'm a big fan.

Well there you have it! It was kinda hard to narrow down my list to 10 places, but these are some of my favorites. If you live in DC, take a peep at my list and give me positive and negative feedback. I'd love to hear about your go-to places as well! I'm constantly looking for new places to try. If you happen to try any of these places after reading my list, let me know what you think of them!