I need to tell you about these Chocolate Toffee Scones, but first…
For those of you who live in Southern California and other places which are lucky enough to have In N Out, you know the deal. It’s ALWAYS busy. Before school? Busy. After church? Busy. Christmas Day? Busy. Seriously, Christmas Day? Yes Christmas freaking’ Day! It’s just the way it is. It’s a popular place; an L.A. institution, if you will. But I guess there are some people who just don’t get it. Read More…
Is there anything new I can write about Avocado Toast?
Probably not, so I’m just going to write down the Top 5 things I love about it.
1. Easy
Seriously, I can’t think of an easier homemade breakfast. First, you toast bread. Then, you spread avocado and sprinkle stuff on it. Done.
2. Fast
There’s not that much one needs to do to make this breakfast. Refer to the steps written above.
3. Healthy
Yes , avocado toast is loaded with fat-not the type that gives you a muffin top, but the good kind. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins C and B-6 so your immune system will be all boosted up.
4. Lemons
I love lemons. I love it in my Ginger Lemon Tea, Basil Beerade and especially in my Lemon Velvet Cake. In my opinion, avocado toast ain’t avocado toast unless it has tons of lemon juice; and I thoroughly enjoy the tart and bright flavor it brings.
5. Savory
Most days I want something sweet for breakfast, like a muffin or my absolute favorite, Waffles of Insane Greatness. But sometimes I want something that’s not going to completely spike my blood sugar and make me power-nap ’til lunch. Enter the brilliance of avocado toast.
What about you? What do you love about avocado toast?
I haven’t been making a lot of muffins lately. I suppose it’s because it’s July. Perhaps, it’s because I’ve been working on my boozy coffee shakes or perfecting my mad drizzling skills. Eh, the fact of the matter is, it’s all of these things. Plus, the summer heat doesn’t really inspire muffin creation or consumption, in my opinion.
However, while working with Clabber Girl this month, I was given the chance to delve into their extensive recipe catalog and voila: Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. It was the best reason to make them and it doesn’t hurt that zucchini is totally in season, right now.
I remember telling my buddy Snuda over a huge plate of truffle fries that I was going to make chocolate zucchini muffins. She made this face as if to say, “What? How does chocolate and zucchini even go together?” I can’t say that I was surprised by her puzzled look because I felt the same way. “Eh, what the hell,” I thought. “At the very least. it will be something I’ve never tried before.”
After making them I was pleasantly surprised. These chocolate zucchini muffins are not too sweet and totally somewhat healthy for you. If you skip the sprinkled sugar topping they’re even healthier, although not as pretty. I mean, look at that crinkly top!
All in all, they’re great as a quick grab-and-go breakfast or post-workout snack. Consider them Mondo approved.
Recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Muffins slightly adapted from Clabber Girl
Baked Maple Bacon Donuts! These are the donuts people have been talking about for ages. In fact, a buddy of mine asked me to join her at the Glazed Donut Cafe here in L.A.. I said I would once I realized they have a Brown Butter Maple Bacon Donut. I haven’t had a chance to get there yet, but let me tell you something…these bad boys will hold me until I do.
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. I mean, I love me some bacon and I’ll never say “no” to a donut, but a baked maple bacon donut? I wasn’t too sure. It’s like putting two things together that have no business merging. Let me put it to you like this: cheeseburgers are fantastic and ice cream is to die for, but do you really want two scoops of meat-filled Rocky Road? I didn’t think so.
On the other hand, what have I got to lose? Worst comes to worst, I’m left with a pile of crispy bacon and six maple glazed donuts.
I think I’ll be alright.
Recipe for Baked Maple Glazed Donuts
Recipe for Cinnamon Donuts slightly adapted from Buns In My Oven
Recipe for Maple Glaze
3/4 c powdered sugar
1 T milk or water
1 T maple syrup
Put powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add maple syrup and milk and whisk to combine. Dip donuts in glaze or spoon over the top. Top donuts with crumbled or chopped bacon. Enjoy!
Man, that sounds corny, but it’s true. I’m one of those people who draws energy from other people. Good lord, I’m starting to sound like someone who worked at the Psychic Friends Network. The truth of the matter is that if you’re sitting next to me at a cafe, I’ll just start talking to you like we’re old friends-I’m that chick. I mean, why not? Spread the joy…that’s my policy.
Usually, when this happens, I meet some interesting people. Or, at least have some fun and airy banter. Our conversation doesn’t have to be anything deep over a hot cuppa and biscotti. Let’s keep it light. Shall we?
And yet…
Sometimes it goes all wrong. On occasion, I choose the worst person with whom to start a chat. You know, that one dude who’s waiting desperately for someone, anyone to say anything to him, but doesn’t understand the art of conversation.
Check it out…
Dave and I went to Starbucks the other day for a coffee and a tea. I was in a mood and just wanted to get out of the house. We grabbed our drinks and sat down next to a guy working on his laptop.
“Let’s be friends.” I said.
“That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in weeks,” he replied, which of course, made me feel wonderful. I was all set to exchange pleasantries and then this happened.
“Usually, it’s white people telling me to go back to my own country.” Wow, um…that’s a bit much, but ok.
Dave tried to keep it light and said, “We usually try to keep that to ourselves.” Fantastic, I thought. Let’s laugh this away and get to talking about something else.
“I don’t consider you white. You’re too nice to be white.”
Ugh, I had chosen wrong. I chose to sit next to some nut job with an axe to grind. I wanted to scream at him “No! Keep it light, dumbass! You’re supposed to keep it light!” Instead, he unleashed upon us an endless stream of bullshit comprised of titles like Why Siri Sucks and My Healthcare Situation.
I guess I should’ve stayed at home. If I had I could’ve whipped up a batch of waffles and drank my tea in peace.
Typically, I reach for a golden, crispy waffle, but not today. Today, I took a trip to the dark side.
These dark chocolate waffles are serious…not see-me-after-class serious, but are-you-really-trying to-have-this-for-breakfast serious. The answer is ‘yes’. Yes, I am and I did.
The kiddies probably won’t like this one. This breakfast is on the adult-side: super-rich, dark chocolate waffles that aren’t too sweet. Perhaps, that’s why I drizzled them with melted peanut butter. What?
Don’t wait for a special occasion. Make them today. Invite me over for breakfast and make them for me. If you do, I promise to be on my best behavior…and keep the conversation nice and breezy.
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cacao), finely chopped
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
Unsalted butter, warm pure maple syrup and peanut butter (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 250°.
Whisk flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and add egg yolks, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
Blend with a fork, then gradually incorporate dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites in a small bowl until soft peaks form.(It took about 6 min)
Working in 2 batches, fold egg whites into batter just until combined. Fold in chocolate.
Heat a waffle iron until very hot; lightly coat with nonstick spray. Working in batches, cook waffles until cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and keep warm in oven until ready to serve.
Serve waffles with butter, syrup and peanut butter.