My Quest for a Low-Fat Spring Roll

In this world there are two different categories of food: healthy, good for you food and tasty, delicious, artery-clogging food. Like a venn diagram, a dish rarely ever falls into both categories. Staying health-conscious among a menagerie of incredible foods is a constant struggle, and typically the items tempting you most are the ones inevitably adding to your waistline. Everyone has at least one food that you order from every place that offers it-- you know what I’m talking about, whether it’s fried cheese or chocolate chip cookies, if it is on the menu, you have to order it. For me, that food is spring rolls, the fried crunchy outside protecting the savory contents inside, I just can’t get over it. It doesn’t even matter if I prefer another restaurant’s rolls, I will order one anyway simply because they are on the menu. Sadly, I become instantly overwhelmed with guilt after consumption because I know how the roll became so crunchy. Bubbling, hot, greasy, oil. Yet I keep coming back, knowing the guilt but not caring because I am addicted.

Delicious, 200 calorie snacks

Because of this weakness, I began a quest, looking high and low for an alternative to satiate my need for crispy, fried spring rolls. I sought refuge in the grocery store, perhaps frozen foods were the way to go, of course there are so many varieties of frozen egg roll from which to choose. Sadly, these options contained just as much fat as their restaurant counterparts, what’s the point of eating frozen food if it isn’t going to be any healthier than take out? But all that changed when Lean Cuisine started cooking up what they call “casual cuisine”, basically they took all of the best junk foods and turned them into 200 calorie snacks. I don’t know what they took out (or put in) to make these guilty pleasures not-so-guilty but I am thoroughly impressed.

My favorite item is the Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls (pictured here), they heat up in the microwave with the same crunchy coating and warm insides that come from something straight out of the fryer. Chocked full of white meat chicken, spinach, parmesan cheese and caramelized onions, these rolls will satisfy your junk food craving in a guilt-free manner. There are dips and other rolls which I am intrigued to sample, the broccoli cheese dip received excellent reviews and the personal portion helps fulfill your craving without making you feel like a fatty after you finish eating. I give these Lean Cuisines five stars because not only do they taste amazing, they let you feel like you are indulging without the consequences. Try them, if you hate them, at least you didn’t waste 600 calories figuring it out.

Life Changing Marshmellow Soup

According to Campbells ®, tomato soup is in the top three best selling soups in America. In Spain, Gazpacho, a cold, tomato-based soup is often served at every gathering. Poland also favors tomato flavored soups, according to Wikipedia, sadly, my taste buds never quite developed a fondness for soup with tomatoes of any kind. For me, tomatoes are best in salsa and ketchup, constricting tomatoes to the “garnish” category.

One of my best friends loves tomato soup and orders it whenever offered on the menu, I have tasted probably about 30 different variations on tomato soup with her and never really enjoyed it... until now. The soup I am referring to comes from a restaurant called “Rise No. 1” off Lovers in Dallas. This soup changed my life, literally. On the menu it is referred to as “Marshmellow soup”, no, it does not contain any marshmellows whatsoever. Why is it called that? I’m glad you asked. The “marshmellow” part refers to these mini Gruyere cheese souffles which adorn the top, deceiving the mind and dazzling the taste buds. Not only do these souffles look exactly like their sugary namesake, but the consistency is remarkably identical; both fluffy, soft, white and need I elaborate, unbelieveably delicious. Eating a spoonful of this soup will make you forget that it is tomato, the flavors transport you to another place entirely-- a place where the worst imaginable scenario is running out of this creamy delicacy. Famous for the French souffles of every type, “Rise No. 1” boasts a unique experience, from the atmosphere to the staff, my meal was memorable to say the least. I say with confidence that I will be returning, if for nothing but a bowl of this incredible soup.

Free, Fun Events in Dallas! (and how to get the invite)

As a fairly recent college graduate living in a major metropolitan area, finding (cheap) fun things to do can be a bit, shall we say, challenging. While having your own place, driving a new car and cashing a paycheck are fun, writing rent checks, making car payments and paying taxes are not. Venturing out to try new restaurants or going to events not only provide a night away from take out, but also allow you the chance to try dishes you wouldn’t attempt at home (for fear of contracting salmonella or burning down your apartment complex).  Attending events in the city allow you the chance to network, meet new people and potentially land you the dream job.  Yes, clearly all of these suggestions are obvious, but managing them on a budget seems impossible. When it’s between saving money that you will need for your rent or going out on the town, the responsible thing to do is stay in and eat ramen. Good for you, you know you have reached adulthood when you settle for the less fun option despite having a credit card. Go you! Now that you have made this very adult summation, I am here to be your money-saving, adventure-having fairy godmother.

Thanks to the invention of the internet and the emersion of online coupons, there is a way to have it all. Because I have signed up various sites like thrillist.com, I am now in the loop for free things to do (involving food and sometimes alcohol) in Dallas. But sites like this aren’t just for Dallas, you can select the city you live in and the site will send you invites to free events. Not only is this site great for inside events information, but they will also tell you about restaurant deals and when to go for the cheapest fare. From Thrilllist I found out about the free events happening this weekend like the vegan food fair at White Rock Lake, the “Tequilla with Models” party and the Buick Food and Wine event featuring Food Network star Michael Psilakis. Because I don’t particularly care for food that doesn’t involve cheese and I particularly dislike both tequilla and models, I registered for the food and wine event at the Ritz.  We showed up a couple hours late so we missed all of the obligatory Buick car demonstrations and made it just in time for free cheese, a wine tasting class and a presentation by Chef Michael Psilakis, whose Greek style is both fairly easy to replicate and tasty to boot!

Meatball made with pork and veal and incredibly delicious

During the wine tasting, I learned several things about the proper way to taste, as well as how to tell what a bottle will taste like before you order it. Apparently warmer climates like Argentina and Australia will create more full bodied wines versus more mild climates like France will produce milder, lighter wines. Chef Michael demonstrated how to make the perfect meatball, and we were given one of our own to eat, along with a copy of his new cookbook, “How to Roast A Lamb”, autographed by the chef himself. So you see, if you keep your eyes peeled and know where to look, there are plenty of free, fun events to attend in your area. Sign up and see what adventures might be in store!

Grapes, Tours and the Death Burger

After our the distillery had warmed up our taste buds, we decided to venture down the road and get to a winery or two before lunch. (Yes we did drink bourbon before 11, don’t judge.) We stopped at Becker Winery, a few miles down from the distillery, to pick up a bottle of wine, get a tour of the winery and maybe do a tasting. And tasting we did aplenty, we paid to do 6 tastes each so that we could try 12 different wines and pick one that we both really liked. Sample after sample and we decided upon the first one I tasted, it was the Claret 2009, a red from several different kinds of grapes. The tour was nothing too exciting, although we did learn that one wine vat costs $350,000, I was not expecting that at all. Basically if you are going to start your own winery, you better have lots of money to invest. All of these tours and tastings had worked up our appetites so we ventured back to town to test the strength of our tongues against the death burger….


Hondo's in Fredericksburg, TX

Spicy food is the best type of food. Spices and flavors turn ordinary dishes into memorable, extraordinary meals. So, when I saw “Death Burger” on the menu at Hondo’s on Main Street, I knew it would be a place worth eating. Topped with jalapenos and Hondo’s specialty “Death Sauce”, this enormous burger is not meant for the faint of heart. The crunchy jalapenos mixed with the melted cheddar cheese and really made the burger pop. We also ordered the fried crunchies sampler, which was exactly as deliciously fattening as it sounds. It came with curly q fries, parmesan potato chips and jalapeno matchsticks. Before this experience, I had never tasted jalapenos that were friend with their seeds and stems, the ranch dressing side did little to cool down the fire. If I lived in Fredericksburg, this would definitely be a regular spot on my restaurant rotation.

Down to the Distillery!

While researching attractions in and around the Fredericksburg area, Garrison Brothers Distillery came up on multiple sites, so naturally we decided to check it out. Located in Hye, Texas (about 20 miles East of Fredericksburg), the distillery can be found hidden amongst the wilderness off of a dirt road.  Because I forgot to bring appropriate rain attire, naturally the floodgates opened and I was completely unprepared for the walking portion of the tour. But nonetheless,  we continued toward the distillery --and our complimentary samples. There we learned that Bourbon is legally protected by the U.S., like tequila is to Mexico or champagne is to France; to put the name of “Bourbon” on the label of the bottle, there are specific regulations required by law.

Due to the poor weather conditions, we were the only two on tour which gave us the opportunity to interact with the craftsmen and ask questions along the way. The Garrison Brothers distillery is completely eco-friendly, they use collected rain water heat and cool the vats; after they have used the corn/wheat mixture, the rest is donated to feed local cattle. Our tour guides let us come down to the floor where the mixture was undergoing the fermentation process and were allowed to taste the pre-filtered mixture (which had a grainy consistency, smelled like yeast and contained a surprisingly alcoholic aftertaste). Next, we were able to see how the poisonous alcohol was filtered out and even tasted a moonshine-like substance called “white dog”--  the pure alcohol before it is put into barrels to age for two years. You might associate age with the quality, the longer the better, but actually the years have nothing to do with the aging. When the alcohol is put into barrels, the weather causes the vessels to expand and contract which actually helps it age. We visited a vineyard who said the same thing, even a bottle of the best red wine should be consumed no later than six years after bottling. Apparently this crazy Texas weather is good for something after all! At the conclusion of the tour we were given a taste of some of the “Reserve Garrison Bros.” which sold out in stores. I won’t pretend to note the hints of oak and light hue of almond, but I can tell you that it was tasty!

The best part about buying a bottle is not just the delicious contents but knowing that the product you are buying is made with love and care. From the beginning of the tour to the end, you could just tell that the people at the distillery not only care about the product but tread lightly on the earth around them, taking no more than they need and give back all that they can. If only all of us could put the same effort into our daily lives, the planet would be much different place. Tomorrow you will hear about our adventure to Becker Vineyards and our meeting with the burger of death... what will happen next? Come back to find out!

Adventures in Texas Hill Country

Auslander in Fredericksburg

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I hit the road to Fredericksburg, to see the beautiful Hill Country, eat delicious German food and of course, taste a little wine. The drive took about five hours, (it would have been much longer had I let Justin drive) and it was surprisingly scenic once we passed Waco. Lush green trees and vineyards dot hwy 290, giving passersby the feeling that they are no longer in Texas. We arrived at our Bed and Breakfast, called Inn on the Creek, only a short walk to Main Street; so that we would have access to shopping, dining and of course, wining.

Our first evening consisted of traditional German fare –basically an excessive amount of sausage, sauerkraut and potatoes. Now there are several establishment which claim to serve “authentic German food”, but we chose the Auslander because I specifically remember eating the best potato pancakes of my life at this place. My memory did not fail me, the crispy potatoes were exactly as I remember them tasting, full of herbs, soft on the inside with a crunchy fried outside. For an appetizer we selected Barvarian Potato Skins which were potato skins filled with German sausage, sauerkraut, red cabbage and covered in melted Swiss, served with a honey dijon dipping sauce. I felt very nervous about ordering this due to my unfounded hatred of cabbage, but the skins were surprisingly delicious—it is hard to make potatoes with cheese taste badly but it’s possible. We continued our meal with potato pancakes, two types of local spicy sausage and several beers from the biergarten.

Overall it was a fabulous welcome meal to the Hill Country, from the friendly service to the tasty cuisine, I couldn’t have planned a better first meal. Tomorrow I will tell describe our adventure to a bourbon distillery, a winery and a chocolate factory, also an encounter with the infamous “Death Burger” lies in the future… Come back to read more…

Cake Pops

How my cake pops did NOT turn out

For my birthday I decided to throw a “Taylortini” party to celebrate my birthday, I would serve various appetizers and feature a cocktail called the “Taylortini”.  For a light dessert, I thought Id’ try my hand at cake pops, which have taken the nation by storm recently. Everyone makes it look so easy and perfect. Let me tell you how it really is: not easy at all!  Not only does the cake stick to your hands so that it takes an hour to even form the cake balls. Once they are formed and put into the freezer to harden, the real fun begins.

My pledge sister Kate willingly helped me with this dessert experiment, and it’s not likely to be forgotten soon. I decided to use dark chocolate, and white chocolate as my coatings with coconut, cashews and purple sanding sugar as the decorations. The people on tv make dipping these and coating them look so simple, but trust me, not losing the ball in the coating took a skill that only Kate seemed to possess. Sadly, my cake pops kept getting stuck in the white chocolate. I tried different methods but I finally gave up and had to drizzle it onto the cake pops themselves, which inevitably made them look like a five year old had the task of decorating. The dark chocolate did not end up much better, I concluded that the heat of the chocolate combined with the coldness of the balls was the cause of the demise. In the end the cake pops tasted yummy but looked too amateur for display on my blog. Overall, I say leave the cake pops to the pros, they know how to do it, and they have the patience not to give up.

Caviar & Champagne

Nick and Sams, Uptown Dallas

On my actual birthday which was last Thursday, my fabulous boyfriend took me to Nick and Sam’s to celebrate my turning a year older and (hopefully) wiser. Once we sat down, two glasses of complimentary champagne were delivered to our table by the manager who personally wished me the happiest of birthdays.

After deciding on a Argentinian Malbec as our wine of choice, Korean-barbequed ribs were placed in front of us, also complimentary, for us to enjoy while we perused the menu. Justin and I both quickly devoured the ribs as we decided on the mushroom dumplings and ahi tuna deviled eggs topped with caviar. No sooner had we placed our order when our waiter appeared with a platter of complimentary caviar to nosh on before the appetizers arrived. We graciously accepted the free fish eggs, I thought this would be a golden opportunity to taste caviar without having to pay for it! And as it turns out, I am very glad it was free. I guess my tastes are not be refined enough to enjoy caviar (which tasted like mildly crunchy miniature couscous that had taken a salt bath).

After eating most of the caviar, our appetizers arrived and to my delight the mushroom dumplings were phenomenal, no greasy fried aftertaste or overly salty eel sauce, just delicious light dumplings packed to the brim with sauteed mushrooms. The deviled eggs came in three varieties, guacamole, lobster and ahi tuna with caviar. Now I must point out that although Justin is not the biggest fan of deviled eggs he tasted all of them without complaint, for me. We decided the guacamole was just guacamole, nothing worth going back for. The lobster seemed to hide behind all of the regular deviled egg flavors, which is tragically disappointing considering lobster is easily the star of any dish. Our favorite deviled egg, by far, remained the ahi tuna adorned with the perfect dusting of caviar, I consider the execution of the dish perfect, if only all the eggs could have tasted like these.

My filet minon entree and Justin’s udon noodle dish arrived along with the lobster mac and cheese we ordered as the side dish. The filet was perfect, no need to elaborate on this (the steakhouse is excellent as are the steaks). As for the mac and cheese, the texture of the creamy cheese juxtaposed with the al dente pasta and crunchy bread crumb topping danced harmoniously on the tongue. My only criticism would be the lack of lobster flavor in the side, I don’t know if someone should give the lobster a compass, maybe that might help.

For dessert we selected peach bread pudding and a chocolate molten cake. Justin loves bread pudding and chocolate is my first love so naturally we would choose these two dishes. The chocolate molten cake embodied everything a respectable dessert should, heat, gooiness and sweetness. I could not have asked for a better birthday finale. The bread pudding left more than a little to be desired, but nothing compares to chocolate so I wasn’t too disappointed. Needless to say we left completely satisfied and even though the menu is rather pricey, the amazing service, high quality of food and freebies aplenty make it probably the best restaurant I have eaten in Dallas to date. Of all the choices of expensive restaurants, I will most assuredly return to Nick and Sam’s for a meal or two.

Birthday Week Adventures--Popeye Dip!

Now that my birthday week is over, I have to face the sad reality of more healthy meal choices, but it was completely worth every bite, even if I do feel five pounds heavier, ha ha~. I am documenting my birthday culinary adventures, some eating out and some attempts at foodie favorites. (You will discover why I say “attempts” in the coming days). On Tuesday, my boyfriend used his Pluckers card to get me free wings and spinach dip (oh yeah, he’s got the hookup). Nothing I love more than boneless wings, bleu cheese and waffle fries.. except a cheeseburger maybe.

The “Popeye Dip”--which is spinach dip with a cuter name--tasted disappointing. I had such high hopes for the dip, the menu said it went through 23 variations before deciding on this recipe. Well, whoever decided must have tried 23 beers throughout the tasting and his judgement was impaired. Popeye would have been ashamed at what the chefs did to this spinach. It could have been the physical pool of grease on top of the dip or maybe the shiny grease-laden tortilla chips which accompanied it that turned me off, but needless to say, it was an utter disappointment. Of all the appetizers I have tasted at Pluckers, the twinkie-sized cheese sticks are by far the best, and I mean probably the best I’ve ever eaten, but also the best app at Pluckers as well.

The wings and bleu cheese tasted just as crispy and delicious as ever, I debated venturing out to try something new but that day I felt like going with my favorite. Besides, I tried a new appetizer, and that didn’t work out so well; although I’m glad I tried it when it was free! Now this was only day one of my fattening birthday week.. tune in tomorrow to see what I ate next... and if it was free too! Oh, I love my birthday week-- best week of the year!~