homemade chocolate syrup

Have I ever told you I am possibly obsessed with chocolate milk?  Perhaps it's the nostalgic memory of my grandmother shoving a warm bottle of sweet chocolate milk in my mouth (when I was way too old to be drinking from a bottle)?  Or the refreshingness of a cold glass?  Or it could be that I'm a devoted chocoholic.  Maybe it's because I have a slightly obsessive personality and once I find something I like, I have to have it all the time. 

But probably all of the above.

Since I've started eating healthier, I had to dramatically decrease my chocolate milk intake (I was seriously drinking it almost every night...no joke).  But I may revert back to my old ways again because as soon as I came across this recipe, I knew this was it.  I had to have it. 

But it's not all bad.  Yes, it has sugar.  But it contains half the ingredients of a bottle of Nesquik syrup and is much more cost-efficient, which makes it a winner in my book. 

*The measurements for this recipe were adjusted to fit my personal taste.

Chocolate syrup (adapted from The Complete Tightwad Gazette via The Small Notebook)
yields about 2 cups


1/2 cup cocoa powder (I used dark chocolate)
1 cup water
1 1/3 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
a pinch of salt

Mix the cocoa powder and the water in a medium saucepan. 
Heat and stir until cocoa dissolves. 
Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. 
Boil for 4-5 minutes over medium heat. 
Add the salt and the vanilla. 
Let cool. 
Pour into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.  It will take a few hours to thicken.

I've been getting a little crazy with it.  I've tried it in my smoothies, milk, drizzled over strawberries and I've even had spoonfuls straight from the jar--because it's that yummy. 

-jillian m.

i'm now on twitter!

I had been toying with the idea of signing up for a Twitter account.  But it wasn't until me and Jamillah exchanged some emails about it, that I've decided to finally join (find me here!).

I always thought Twitter was just for celebrities and businesses looking to promote themselves.  But I've since learned that it really is a great way to connect with other bloggers and people that share the same interests, whether it's answering questions, sharing links and keeping in touch with the people you support, as well as the people that support you.  And it doesn't hurt that it's an effective tool for reaching out to new readers and blogger buds.

Now, I'm going to need some help.  I feel like an 90 year-old that is just now learning how to use a computer ("Eh?! What's this button do?!").  I understand that it works just like a Facebook status.  But what are the rules?  What I mean is, is there a Twitter etiquette?  Usually with blogs, it's bad form to comment on someone's post with just a "hey, come see my blog and follow me".  Is there something equivalent to that for Twitter?

I'm also trying to figure out a few other issues. For example: when to use hashtags, how to add the logo to my blog, etc.

Any tips for a newbie Twitterista?  And I do mean any.  I'm so clueless, it's actually sad.

-jillian m. 

adventures in weekending: german lunch, wanderlust and bags of groceries

It was one of those low-key weekends that pretty much consisted of errands, cheap lunches, watching movies and having Bob continuously tease me about how I fell down the stairs on Friday night (ha!).  And as usual, I set a list of goals that I wanted to complete (or even, start) by the weekend, but that just didn't happen.  I was too busy doing nothing.  I don't feel too bad about it, though.  Playtime is a weekend necessity, especially when you're working all week.

My first experience with German food was a pleasant surprise.  Sometimes, I'm hesitant to venture out of my comfort zone (what can I say? I know what I like), but I'm so glad I did because it was delicious and packed with flavor.  We shared a sizeable portion of Jagerschnitzel with homefried potatoes and sweet-tarty red cabbage (my favorite part of the meal) at Manor Oktoberfest in Queens.

And a Franziskaner Weissbier for Bob.

Stopping at Borders for a book break.  I spent the entire time in the travel section deciding on what book to buy (Europe for Dummies or Spain: Spend Less, See More?).  I'm already excited to start planning a Euro trip for 2012!  My heart skips a beat just thinking about it.

I actually like shopping for groceries (I'm not the only one, right?).  Finding ingredients that I've been searching for for months (whole-wheat four, finally!) is immensely gratifying.

Curling up on the couch with pizza and movies is just about as "Saturday night" as anyone can get.  And for the record, aside from the stunning visuals and action, Sucker Punch was a disappointment.  Womp womp.

How was the weekend for you?

-jillian m.

friday!

• The pros and cons of television's best boyfriends. I'd totally date Pacey or Dylan. Or Sawyer. Or Eric.  Or all of them.

• From now until July 2nd, students can eat free at Ikea!  Bring this along with your student ID and get yourself some Swedish meatballs and potatoes.  

• How to make fresh fruit pops.  A healthy and more delicious alternative to the sugary pops in the freezer aisle.

• Would you be able to do Meatless Mondays?  I'd have no problems doing it.  But if someone put a medium rare filet mignon from Angelo & Maxie's in front of me, then all bets are off.

• I've been waiting rather impatiently for True Blood to premiere (Team Eric!).  This little tease scratched the itch...but not for long.  Sunday can't come soon enough.

• Have you ever heard of BillShrink?  The name says it all.  Such a useful tool for those of you looking to pinch pennies.  And very user-friendly.

• Happy weekend to you!

-jillian m.

p.s. My Bob took this photo!

what's your go-to summer look?

I've already started noticing that I have a pattern.  A makeup pattern, that is.  But instead of calling it a rut, I'm calling it my go-to summer daytime look!  As much as I love experimenting with colorful eye shadows and lipsticks, this is the look that I'm constantly coming back to because it's natural, soft, easy and it takes all of 1 minute to do.

Mac Powder Blush in Peaches

True story: a co-worker actually told me I had an "exquisite natural glow" about me.  I didn't have the heart to tell her it was this blush! Haha.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Shimmer

A sheer coral that can be applied without a mirror.  One tip I have about shopping for Rimmel products: there is almost always a coupon for $1 or $2 off, so be sure to check out your weekly coupon inserts or The Krazy Coupon Lady for some savings.

Maybelline Full 'n Soft Mascara

Long, thick lashes are a must all year-round.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

When dewy becomes too dewy.

Tell me, what comprises of your go-to look for this summer?  Or are you going au naturel?

-jillian m.

broiled bananas with honey and yogurt + a strawberry-blueberry smoothie

I take breakfast very seriously.  See...without a good breakfast, I feel tired, unfocused and cranky, which is a dangerous combination when you have to work all day.  So I'm always sure to plan out my breakfasts for the week a few days before.  And of course, I try to keep it as healthy yet delicious as possible.

As I've mentioned before, I'm obsessed with Sophie Dahl's cookbook, so it was only a matter of time before I started trying out her recipes, particularly in the breakfast category.

*The following recipes have been adjusted to fit my own tastes and measurements.

Broiled Bananas with Yogurt and Honey (serves 1-2)
1 ripe to overripe banana
1-2 tablespoons of honey, plus more for tasting
Plain yogurt
Cinnamon, to taste (optional)


Preheat broiler.
Peel banana and slice lengthwise.
Drizzle honey over the banana slices and place in broiler.
Remove after a few minutes (when the bananas are browned and sizzling).
Place over yogurt. 
Drizzle more honey and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon.

Obviously, this isn't the most beautiful-looking breakfast, but it tastes like a dessert which is a nice little pick-me-up in the a.m. And it can double up as light snack.

The strawberry-blueberry smoothie, however is not light.  It's thick and creamy--exactly how I like it.

Strawberry-Blueberry Smoothie (serves 1)
5-7 large strawberries or 8-10 small strawberries
Handful of blueberries
5-6 tablespoons of plain yogurt
Few splashes of orange juice
1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of raw sugar
2-4 cubes of ice

Place all ingredients in blender and puree until completely blended.  You can add more orange juice to thin it out or yogurt to thicken it up.

Having an icy fruit smoothie on a warm and humid morning really cools down the insides (sounds so weird but feels so good).  Maybe I'm looking to much into it, but it really sets the tone for a good day.

But I've tired these options already.  And I need some new breakfast suggestions (this is the part where you come in).  I like sweet and I like savory.  Nutritious and easy are biggies for me.  Any ideas?

-jillian m.

adventures in weekending: father's day bbq (and a b-day)

Bob and I on the bus to New Jersey.  I love how we're the only ones that aren't sleeping.

My brother spraying the boys with the hose.  Ever notice how water activities can keep kids busy for hours on end?  Summer + pool = godsend for parents.

Lively conversations.

The best Black Forest cake I've ever tasted.

I went for seconds.

No one knows how Mason got sand all over his face and hair (too many somersaults in the sandbox?).  And I also don't know why he looks so sad in this picture.  Aw!

Crackers for the kids...

and hard drinks for the adults!

It would have been fitting to have a photo of my Dad for this post, but he absolutely refuses to take pictures! The only pic I got of him was of he and my brother flipping the bird to the camera (his signature move, by the way).  Ha!

Did you do anything special for Father's Day?

-jillian m.

it's time for a vacation

I am beyond excited right now!!! 

After many months of planning (read: procrastinating), Bob and I have booked a trip in early September to St. Lucia. Yeeeeah! 

Confession time: As an adult, I've never been on a real vacation before.  Let me explain.  I've been to Puerto Rico and Florida a few times as a kid, when my parents used to send me to stay with family in the summer.  But as an adult?  I've stood at Atlantic City and Wildwood (in New Jersey, for those that don't know).  That's it.  And if you've ever been, you'd know these don't count as "real" vacations.  I'd call them day trips, if anything.

I won't bore you with the details of why I haven't traveled much before (tight budgets, family issues, me feeling guilty for taking days off from work, etc.), but I'm traveling now and that's all that matters. 

Fun in the sun is just what this beach lovin' gal needs.  Here's to the first stamp on my passport!

-jillian m.

p.s. I've got my eye on Europe for next year...

avocado quesadillas

I've been hearing a lot about the go-to recipe lately.  You know, that recipe you turn to when you're short on patience?  Mine was a grilled cheese (I tend to gravitate towards meatless dishes).  I almost always have cheese, bread and butter in the house so it seemed natural to go the grilled cheese route. 

But there's a new go-to in town and its name is avocado quesadilla.  I swear I had no idea that quesadillas were so easy or else I would have been making them a long time ago!  The total time including prep and cooking was about 10 minutes.

Avocado quesadillas (based on the recipe from Big Girls Small Kitchen)
serves 1
*I doubled up on almost all the ingredients because I prefer my quesadillas more stuffed.

1 avocado
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon butter
1 whole-wheat tortilla
1/4 - 1/2 cup grated white cheddar


Mash the avocado with the lemon juice and the salt.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. 
Lay the tortilla down and sprinkle the cheddar across the surface. 
Cook until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the tortilla is deeply golden. 
Quickly spread the avocado mixture across one half of the tortilla. 
Turn off the heat and fold the tortilla in half, pressing down so the melted cheese glues it together.
Cut into wedges and serve.

You will most likely have some leftover smashed avocado, in which case you can eat as is (like I did) or  you can use that little bit as a substitution for mayo in sandwhiches, a spread for your breakfast toast (just add some olive oil and chili flakes) or a mini chips 'n guac snack.

-jillian m.

summer, how do i love thee? let me count the ways

You've probably seen more than your fair share of summer-themed posts and articles already, but I couldn't let another day go by without expressing my love for my favorite season..  Here are a few of the things I adore and a few things I'm looking forward to:

Summer fruits, especially for use in pies, jams and other desserts.  Yum.

Sunshine, of course! Gotta' love that feel-good vitamin D.

Feeling the ocean wash over my feet.  And getting to take pictures like this.

An abundance of colorful blooms. They're just so pretty.  And as I've said in my 'About Me', I'm a finder (and lover) of pretty things.

The return of the Jazz-Age Lawn Party! For a little taste of how much fun we had last year, check out part 1 and 2.

Balmy evenings on the beach.  Ideal for hand-holding, long talks and making wishes.

Fairs and festivals.  These make me feel like a kid again.  And I don't ever feel guilty for eating too many zeppoles or deep-fried Oreos.  It's like a rite of passage or something.

 Shorts.  I don't even mind that it means I have to start shaving regularly again.

Care to add any to the list?  Let me know what you're looking forward to!

-jillian m.

adventures in weekending: "home" is where my heart is

This was just what the doctor ordered:  A wonderful, fun Saturday and a relaxing Sunday.  I feel refreshed for a new week.

Oh, Home...I heart you.   Bob and I wanted to try something new, so we decided on Home, a restaurant known for its fresh, sustainable food, warm atmosphere and homemade ketchup!  I can't even begin to tell you about how fantastic our experience was.  I'll show you instead...

We had the outdoor patio to ourselves for most of our meal.  I took the opportunity to liberally snap away the quaint garden adorned with pretty twinkle lights while I could.

Juicy Hanger steak with braised collard greens and thyme fries with grated gouda.  

The most perfect fresh blackberry tart.

We went wandering around the West Village, wishing we could afford to live there.  Well...we could probably afford an apartment, but we would just have to stop eating, using electricity, bathing...

Calling all Friends fans!  Does this building look familiar to you?

Enjoying Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights from cover to cover. I can't decide if it's the simple, mouth-watering recipes, the glossy photos or the sweet anecdotes that have me hooked, but all I know is that I want to try every single recipe!  Her genuine and adorable personality really shine through in this book and her show, The Delicious Miss Dahl.  Click here if you want to see a clip of what this lovely lady is all about. 

Did you have a good weekend?

 -jillian m.