Tastebud Tuesday

Nothing better than having a nice, quiet lunch with a friend, right?

The Asian Chicken Salad from Panera Bread was perfect for this warm, sunny day!

Tastebud Tuesday

My children get to choose what kind of cake they want for their birthdays. They prefer me to make it versus ordering it from a bakery.

It was my youngest sons birthday last week, and his request was red velvet cupcakes!

That's what he wanted, so that's what he got!

Everyone loved them, but I didn't partake!

I'm watching my carbs, so I just had to take their word for it!

At least I got to use my new Wilton decorating tips!

 

Tastebud Tuesday

The hubster and I had a date night last week (dinner & a movie). It ended up being a late date, so we decided to skip Spidey for another day. Ha..we're gettin' old!

Anyway, we ended up at Giorgio's, and well, just like other restaurants similar to this, the food was "okay." I can honestly say that it will probably be a long time before we dine there again (if that). We were seriously not impressed. The quality simply isn't like it used to be. I can understand with the economy and all, that many places have to cut down on certain things. I just can't imagine that they could stay in business that much longer. Same prices...lower standards? Umm..no.

Anyway, we were starving by 9pm (remember it was a late date), so we ordered a couple of appetizers before our entrees came out.

We had Sauteed Mushrooms which was okay. I tell you...we were so hungry that I don't think we even cared at first.

Our other appetizer was Caprese. Total disappointment. We expected more basil, and more flavor to it.

My husband ordered Eggplant Parmigiana, and he only finished half of it. He said he could picture it being a frozen dinner that was heated up in a microwave.

I ordered the Fresh Salmon Florentine. Seriously..I could have made this better at home.

So, it looks good...but the taste and quality is not there!

Tastebud Tuesday {Banana Nutella Muffins}

Oh yes I did!!!

I used my "go to" banana muffin recipe and swirled in nutella in each muffin!!!

Result? 

YUMMYLICIOUS!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup butter, melted
Nutella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Combine bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans. Put a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin. Swirl it around with a toothpick or tip of sharp knife.

Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.

Tastebud Tuesday

I wish I could take the credit tfor making this up, but I have to give credit where credit is due!

I saw someone had posted a link to this dessert, and I knew I had to make it!!

I mean, it's genius!!

A mini ice cream cookie bowl!?!

Why didn't I think of this myself?

Tastebud Tuesday

There is nothing better than yummy ice cream on a warm sunny day!

Well, maybe except ice cold water!

But, in this case, we decided to take the kids out for some good ol' fashion 31 Flayvas!

I just trip out on how much the price has tripled since I was their age!

Decisions..decisions!

Hmm..I wonder if they are enjoying it?!

I'm sure the girls are, too! We had our friends daughter with us this day!!

The happy bunch!

Tastebud Tuesday!

Raise your hand if you love Sushi!!!

Have you ever indulged in all you can eat sushi? And I'm not talking about the buffet Asian restaurants that have the sushi already made.

This is all made fresh when ordered!

Sushi Factory allows you to pick and choose what kind of Sushi you want. Just mark it on the menu, and they will make it!!!

SO TOTALLY WORTH THE $$$!!

I wish I could remember the names of the ones we ordered, but my son got order happy, and we ended up with all this!

Tastebud Tuesday!

Okay..I know..what a cheesy title, right?

I was going to use "Tasty Tuesday," but it seems that it has been used many times before!

I don't know if I'll start another meme, but for now, I think I'll stick with it!

I do so many food posts, I might as well put them in one category!!

So, here goes another one!

Mine and my husbands second choice of Pho restaurants is one right by our house. Literally..two minutes away! I'm not too fond of the noodles at this place, so I usually opt for their rice dishes. My new fave is their bbq pork, served with white rice, and a fried egg. Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Eww..fried egg?" But, I kid you not..it is sooo good, and it adds so much to the dish! Honestly, I'm Filipino, and this is like totally normal!!! Trust me! Very tasty!

Ha..there's my husband in the background!

Anyway..I can't remember the name of his drink on the left, but, I want to brag on my NEW FAVORITE drink on the right! It's their mango shake, and IT IS THE BEST!! It's so fresh, perfectly sweet, and it is my go to drink for those hot days! And did I mention that this place is only two minutes away? Score!! Oh..and yes, I had to order a side of their egg rolls. So yummy, and better yet, this place will hardly make a dent in your pocketbook!!!