Sunny Sunday Treats

I know its already Wednesday but - in blogger time - I am so behind whats a few days difference on what I am updating you on? Its been a killer month in the Bay Area for the Schmuglers. For 3 weeks we had our parents in town. It was a smash! Everyone got along swimmingly and we are prepped and ready to celebrate the shit out of our wedding plans. We set a date for Sept 4th, 2011 in Albany, NY and couldnt be more excited to have a barn wedding.

Friday was the last day my family was in town and Shawn and I took them to our favorite Indian place DOSA on Valencia. They loved it! Then Saturday was so much fun. About 10 friends of ours all went out to Pagolac in the Tenderloin then mosey'd over to the Dr. Dog show @ The Great American Music Hall. The show. was. epic! I had a great time. I cant wait to listen to their music on purpose now. hahaha.

Sunday was such a beautiful day in the bay area and what better to bring to the beach on a sunny sunday than Peachy Yogurty Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
I based my recipe on a similar recipe to SmittenKitchen's Peachy Cupcakes with brown sugar frosting (http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/08/peach-cupcakes-with-brown-sugar-frosting/) except I had a lot of setbacks.

SETBACK #1 - Peaches are apparently NOT in season. Therefore of the beautiful peaches you see below in the picture - 3 of them were completely rotten. My quick fix was to just use 1 peach and puree it instead of use the diced ones.

SETBACK #2: If you take the peachy-peachy-peachyness out of the equation there really is no need for such a simple frosting as brown sugar. Really, it calls for something a little spicier and bolder to offset the plainness of the cupcake. I decided to whip the cream cheese and some cinnamon to really kick it up a notch.

SETBACK #3: Density. It is NOT your friend in a cupcake. Maybe in a muffin. I found these were too thick in the end to really be a cupcake. I would more put in the category of bread even. I dont know what in the recipe should change next time but I think it would be either skipping the yogurt or adding baking soda to break down the compounds. I suppose you will never know.

I leave you now with 2 pictures from the beach on Sunday that are just divine. The first is the gayest photo ever of my beloved Shawn looking like he's chillin out maxing relaxing all cool with his bromantic partner Jim. The second is Ruth's dog Beau taking a nap on her back.

LOVE the beach in SF. :)

Guy Fieri You Came Through

Shawn and I vehemently despise Guy Fieri. His job could be done by an ape with 90s frosted tips- he always just says everything is "oh man mmmm moist" and "man the texture". Someday you should ask Shawn to do his impression - its priceless and involves backwards sunglasses hanging out on his neck.

YET we watch Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. I cant deny the likability of that show and the lovely home spun greasy spoons they seek out across the United States. We were watching it the other night and I saw this really great recipe that just stuck in my head and I had to make my own version - it was - Pistachio Pesto Chicken Burgers! It was fairly simple if you have a food processor but note to self: Whole Foods doesnt do simple ingredients. It was pretty hard finding shelled pistachios and ground chicken. I cant stand Safeway so we skip it as often as possible and yet those items are easy to find there. Go figure.

I know Natalie will not approve - as she hates ground chicken :)


Pistachio Pesto Chicken Burgers
1 lb ground chicken
1 bunch of basil
1 cup cup shelled pistachios

1 cup parm cheese
1/2 fresh lemon, juices
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste!

Step One: Combine basil, parm, pistachios, garlic and lemon juice in the food processor. Pulse until combined.

Step Two: Take 2/3rds of the pesto mixture and work into the ground chicken. Once fully combined make into 5 patties. Cook! I suggest on the grill for the best char -

Step Three: add olive oil to the remaining pesto mixture and pulse until liquefied. Use this for post grilled topping!

Where To Start?

So many places to start my friends! Its been the craziest two weeks I think Ive had my whole life. Between work, going to mexico and...............getting engaged! Its been absolute madness.

As most of you know Shawn proposed to me two Sunday's ago on a beautiful surprise champagne brunch cruise around the San Francicso bay. It was the most beautiful day I can remember since the fall. The sun was shining, the champs were flowing and the cruise pianist was cheesy as ever. I had no idea this was coming, so it was for sure a 100% (well maybe like 70%) surprise.

I just wanted to thank all of my friends and family who have supported us when we were crazy to be long distance for a year, and nuts enough to move in together in SF - and just crazy people in general (clearly made for each other!). Now lets get this PARTY PLANNING STARTED!

Sally Wants A Simple Salad

Give me a big juicy salad with explosions of cold and warm, salty and sweet - I like one large confusion of taste buds going on for a salad. After trying out a new gym near my work and falling deeply in love with the personal spinning machine (complete with a tv and 40 classes!) - I decided I needed a refreshing crisp salad to make the night.

Behold:
Shrimp & Toasted Bread Salad w/ Avocado and Goat Cheese
1 Bag Of Spinach
7 Large Plump Shrimp, not cooked.
1 Small dinner roll, cubed
1 Avocado
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 cup tomatoes
4 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step One: I peeled the shrimp while bringing the salted water to boil. Shrimp are always the best when cooked with a little salt and they get super plump and juicy. Boil for 3-5 minutes or until they start curling up and are super pink. Drain, set aside to cool. Once cooled, chop into bite sized chunks.

Step Two: Toss cubed bread with some olive oil and start grilling it in a skillet over medium heat until browning on both sides. Should be warm and toasty and like a crouton.

Step Three: Add the remaining ingredients to a bowl and toss with the shrimp and bread - serve with any dressing you like! I prefer Annie's Goddess Dressing.

What A Weekend!

This weekend was especially full filling as it was Shawn's 33rd birthday! What better way to have celebrated than to have a 10th Birthday Bowling/Pizza Party extravaganza? My baby deserves all the yellow cake cupcake, goodie bag & spiderman paper plates in the entire world. As you can see much fun was had at the Classic Bowl in Daly City, CA - although in the history of group bowling I dont think there could have been any outing worse: almost no one over 100, and 8 fouls. At least the bartender was mediocre. And thats a compliment.

The after party continued - where else? The 500 Club. Shawn must have enjoyed the night, as he was speechless at the end. And if you know Shawn - you know what speechless means :) a very hungover Saturday am.

Saturday was a very nice San Francisco day, starting off with brunch at The Squat & Gobble for Melina's birthday followed by a book club outing to see Precious at the Red Vic. I gave Precious an A, though it was not as traumatizing as the book.

Lastly, the highlight of our weekend (except Shawn's birthday, of course!) was the traditional Thai feast at the Micholics. Recently back from their 3 week honeymoon in Thailand they were eager to test their cooking chops. Who better to document the absolute yumminess - but me! Ill tell you this, I am making Tom Yum as soon as possible! So easy.

On the menu:

Ground Pork Fried (non greasy) Spring Rolls

Chicken Tom Yum

Chicken Green Curry

Chicken and Cashew w/Chilis

California Dreaming.

Ah, the glamorous life was fun for a weekend! We spent Friday - Sun in our old stomping grounds - Los Angeles! It was a super quick weekend but filled with some really great quality time with our friends. Thanks so much, friends, for making it a great weekend - even good enough to make us thinking about moving back! Well, not so fast - THINK about it - not actually PLAN it. Nice to day dream about, though.

As some of you know, we were able to stay at a very swanky hotel The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills- courtesy of our friend Christina back home who let us use a gift certificate she received and couldnt use. Here is a shot of me in the bathroom and of a room. The decor was very high end, abstract, modern - and random. It was just a really fun experience to say the least!

We started out Friday night with a bang when we arrived at the hotel and they were hosting the Image Awards for the NAACP. We ride up in a rental and work clothes to find a red carpet and everyone in gowns! We immediately rushed out the door to meet our friend Torrie at one of our favorite LA eats: Cube on La Brea. We had a lovely time there as you can order wine now and the cheese menu continues to be off the hook. I had a truffle burger which was delicious. We saw Creepy Ethan from Lost there. Once I saw a celebrity I felt at home. Afterwards we had Torrie back to the hotel where Shawn and I and her decided it was time to take some ExtenZe. Warning: I took it and went to bed. False advertising.




Saturday was a rainy day in Hollywood but definitely not a slow one. We started the day with breakfast with Pam and Lev @ Tres, the hotel restaurant. Included in the gift certificate was $100 a day credit for food and boy did we ever stretch that dollar to the end. We dined on a swanky continental breakfast (both mornings) but I ordered the Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise AIR. Yes, you heard that correctly. AIR. Molecular Gastronomy Light, Id say.

Then I met Evie for some Milkshakes and pedicures at La Vie Lorange. What a treat it was to be able to chat and catch up all while getting pampered! We then stopped by Meagan's new place to see where shell be living. What a great apartment!

In the evening a bunch of my friends (Evie, Lappin, Meag, Pam, Lev, Torrie) all went out to this Brazilian restaurant in Los Feliz for dinner. Excellent food and great friends and so so ambiance. I actually forgot to take many photos but rest assured a good time was had and there were many topics debated: The Reader, Mormonism and Babies.

We finished the night with a drink at Ye Rustic Inn and called it a night! The next day was short and sweet. We hiked Runyon Canyon quickly and I made Shawn eat a Mos salad.

Im Reviewing Your Movie (and maybe some TV)

As most of you know I gave up drinking for 10 days. No, not for Jesus! My doctor said it would help my acid reflux and its pretty positive when youre trying to lose weight and save money. So meh. I was pretty bored this weekend to say the least. My amazing, sweet and supportive boyfriend also gave it up so he's been my partner in the restriction.

That being said - there's been SO much time for TV and MOVIES! had a lot to say about the movies and TV Ive been watching. I guarentee I will offend most of you and you may lose faith in me as a pop culture guide, but this is the chance you take when you have a blog.

Law Abiding Citizen: A-

Youre wondering when this movie came out and if it was even in theatres? It was released in October 2009 and is apparently already on video. Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) plays a former spy whose family has been randomly killed. While on trial, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) strikes a deal so 1 killer goes free and 1 killer gets the death penalty. The rest of the movie is essentially blowing up shit, moral vengeance, mind fucks and a very grey battle between good and evil. Which I actually love!

As far as originality, this movie is tops. I am basing all my reviews on that concept today. I have never seen a movie like this (Im sure there's one out there!) - we paused the movie probably 4 times and looked at each other and said "Where is this movie going?" and I loved being on the ride.

Its not oscar worthy, apparently it wasnt even theatrical release worthy but for a rainy afternoon its better than most movies Ive seen this year and it kept me on my toes. My only gripe was that the entire time I wished Gerard Butler was Russel Crowe.

One Minute To Nine (AKA "Every F*cking Day) - B+: This documentary was shown at last years South By Southwest movie festival and subsequently bought by HBO and shown in their On Demand doc section. It centers around the Maldanado family in 2006 after the mother and son have brutally murdered their abusive patriarch. The doc follows them on their final 4 days before the mother is sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Emotionally its hard to hear the plight of a perpetually abused family and wonder how they couldnt just leave him? But thats not the pov of the movie. Its more to show you how the fallout from a murder can actually be soothing and inspiring and give you hope. I wont give away too much but I recommend seeing this movie. My qualm with it is the scope is too huge to get into one movie and many of my questions were left unanswered.

The Hurt Locker: B-
Holy wow, Kate - the movie winning the most amount of critical acclaim this Oscar season you only gave a B-? Well, to be honest, I wanted to give it a C but I felt it was a disservice to the real people who go out and do this job.

As you know this movie is about soldiers who go out and disarm incredibly fatal bombs in the middle east. Its definitely a subject that deserves more attention and I give the director alot of credit for doing a movie about something so different than most. The subject was entirely original, however, the script and characters were totally predictable. The movie reminded me of Avatar in many ways where you sort of know the next move and how the plot will eventually wrap itself up. The acting was okay, nothing special. I just felt the biggest asset you have in a film like this is the main character: suspense of a bomb blowing up. There was no moment where I really questioned the outcome of a scene.

Crazy Heart: A.

Man these tunes were catchy.

Anyway, Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake a washed up (once famous) drunken country singer who cant do anything right. Whats that you say? Sounds like The Wrestler? Pretty much, including the abandoned and unforgiving neglected child from his past.

The movie plays out much like you anticipate, he drinks, he fucks up, he tries to repent and love the awkwardly bad reporter (Maggie) - and he ends up on top. The End. I know I said earlier originality was my biggest point in my reviews today but somehow this one, more predictable than the rest gets a good review? Jeff Bridges is intoxicating and amazing.

.......and the tunes are so catchy!

Honorable Mention: Love Colin Farrel as the super famous kenny chesney type. and he sang his own shit. :)