20something cupcakes: a blog about discovering the passions of your quarter-life and beyond

prosciutto-roasted sea bass.

August 9, 2012 — 11 Comments

Guys, I made fish. (!!!)

Prosciutto-Roasted Sea Bass

What, not exciting enough for you? Allow me to elaborate.

Fish is something I love ordering out, but I rarely cook it at home. I’ll do it occasionally during the week, but I’ve never really took it upon myself to make something delicious. It’s usually more along the lines of getting something together for dinner that’s fast and healthy. I’ll throw a piece of salmon in the oven with a little lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper and call it a day.

And I wonder why I’m not excited to cook it!

I watched Ina make this the other day, and I was inspired. Finally! Just what would we do without Ina Garten? I don’t want to think about it.

Her version looked lovely for fall but I thought, this sea bass idea would be equally perfect anytime of year. I served it alongside my summery peach panzanella but you could do virtually any side. A simple roasted tomato dish would be perfection right now, too.

The beauty of this dish is that it comes together in NO TIME. I am not exaggerating. This is shockingly simple.

In Dinner Party Worthy, Fabulously Simple, Main Dishes dijon mustard, fish, prosciutto, sea bass, seafood

peach + tomato panzanella.

August 6, 2012 — 8 Comments

One of my favorite things: When I tell Daniel what I’m making and he whines about it … then he eats it, and loses his mind over how delicious it is.

Peach + Tomato Panzanella

How on earth could one whine after being presented to the thought of a luxurious bread salad – packed with fresh summer peaches, tomatoes, arugula, basil, and blue cheese – you ask?

Well, it all started when I explained to him what a panzanella is … Traditionally, it’s an Italian bread and tomato salad where the chunks of stale bread soak up the juices from the tomatoes. From there, anything can be added – more veggies, dressing, etc. But none of that matters because I lost him at the whole bread-soaking-up-tomato-juices thing.

In Salad Bar arugula, basil, blue cheese, main course salads, peaches, side salads, summer recipes, tomatoes

well-fed friday: get your {audition} on.

August 3, 2012 — 12 Comments

You saw the soup, and now it’s time to read the story: Here’s what went down with my audition, lovelies!

The day after we got engaged, Daniel and I woke up (with a vicious migraine thanks to the copious amount of champagne and rosé that were had during our celebration of a lifetime … SO worth it) and headed downtown to my BFF Nikki’s apartment (the same one who’s having her bachelorette party in the DR, as mentioned in here … I hope you’re taking notes).

We went on a super-mission to Whole Foods and BBB to buy groceries and a thermos (plus a bowl to serve it in, etc.) and let me just tell you, I have a new-found respect for all of you NY-ers who actually have to do, like, real-life stuff in the city. It’s fun to visit but it’s not so fun to run errands. I lived in NYC once before for an internship but I didn’t cook at that point or do anything relatively human so errands for me meant boutique shopping in Soho. FreshDirect is a gold mine.

I made my soup and I brought it back to our hotel, which was conveniently located near the audition spot. I then had a microwave delivered to my room. On a room service cart. And it was freaking awesome.

In C'est La Vie, Well-Fed Friday inspiration, positive energy

mexican {street} corn chowder.

July 31, 2012 — 7 Comments

I suppose it’s safe to say that this soup comes with a story.

Mexican {Street} Corn Chowder

Weird, I know.

This was the soup that I conjured up to take to my audition for that lil’ cooking show I told you about. You know … the one with Nigella and Anthony. On a major network. Small fries. Small potatoes? Whatevs.

I’m going to tell you the story of that audition, although you won’t be getting the results, because I don’t know them yet myself. Unless someone out there knows something otherwise – we’re in full-on wait-mode right now.

Except I’m not really waiting, because I think the word “waiting” signifies that you’re sitting around, in a state at least somewhat close to inactivity – which clearly, I am not.

Between being engaged – is this a real thing that people already have a gift registry by now, because that scares me – planning an engagement party, going to Key West last weekend which, by the way, I’ve decided is like Vegas in the fact that I shouldn’t be allowed to stay there for a period longer than 3 nights … oh, wait – and that reminds me, I will be in Vegas the weekend after my engagement party for my BFFs bachelorette party, and then there’s another one in the DR and then wedding after wedding after wedding after … and don’t I have my own wedding to plan, or even think about, for that matter?

ANYHOO.

In Main Dishes, Starters chowder, corn, cornbread, cotija cheese, lime, mexican recipes, quick breads, soups, summer recipes

how-to: the perfect burger + super-fast buns.

July 26, 2012 — 5 Comments

I bet you didn’t know that burgers are just full of secrets.

How to Make the Perfect Burger Plus Fast Hamburger Buns

{And not the K-Stew/Robert Pattinson type}

I’ve shared them once before, but just in case you’re more of a visual person – and who isn’t? … I made a video, just for you!

What’s even better is that we’re making homemade buns that’ll be done just in time for the burgers. Are you skeptical? I was, when I first discovered this 40-minute hamburger bun recipe that I used a base to form my own.

If you don’t know much about bread-making – and I won’t pretend to be an expert, either – just know that when you’re messing around with yeast, you usually have to deal with all sorts of rise times and the like. There’s nothing hard about it – it’s can just get time-consuming. With these buns, however, you’re using a lot more yeast than you normally would, so this makes up for the lack of resting/rise time. Don’t ask me why, I’m no scientist – just watch and see!

In Main Dishes, Sassy in the Kitchen burgers, ground beef, homemade bread, summer recipes, whole wheat

frozen peach {basil} sangria.

July 23, 2012 — 10 Comments

Here we go again.

frozen peach {basil} sangria

And by we, I mean me … once again, I’m off making deliciously crafty cocktails that go down way too easily – and if you’re not careful, you’re gonna end up in a state of comatosity.

I’m not kidding – after a nice, healthy pour of this frothy sensation, I was ready for a nap.

But isn’t this what summer’s all about? Sweet peaches, fresh basil, crisp white wine and tequila … it’s starting to look like I took my favorite things about summer and stuffed them all into a blender, isn’t it?

It kinda is what I did, but let me just say, this is one of the best cocktails I’ve ever made. It’s truly unique, yet all of the flavors harmonize perfectly.

In Cocktails, Food Matters Project basil, frozen drinks, limes, peaches, sangria, summer recipes, tequila, white wine

your new favorite snack bars + giveaway!

July 20, 2012 — 96 Comments

Raw. Organic. Vegan. Gluten-free. Kosher.

Daaaammmmnnn.

These bars have it going on, right?

And more than that, they taste ah-mazing.

I first tried a Pure Bar when I received one in my swag bag at BlogHer Food in Seattle. I was immediately intrigued by the clean list of ingredients and stellar nutrition info. The flavor was Banana Coconut, which of course sounded delish enough – but with all of the healthiness going on in there, could it actually taste good?

Yes. pure organic bars - review + giveaway

This was thrilling news for me, because on extra-busy days (is there such thing as a day that’s not extra-busy? I didn’t think so) bars like this are a life-saver. I’m generally super-picky about ‘em, because I don’t want a lot of preservatives but I also want a good mix of protein, fiber, fat, and calories. Tasting good is an obvious bonus, so Pure Bars are a triple-win!

When I reached out to the company to get my hands on more, they happily obliged – and what’s even better is that they’re sharing the love with you, too!

In Healthy Eats, Product Reviews fiber, giveaway, healthy, protein, snack, snack bars

grilled chicken salad + blackberry vinaigrette.

July 12, 2012 — 8 Comments

It’s time to get back into the {salad} swing of things!

Grilled Chicken Salad with Mango, Avocado + Blackberry Vinaigrette

I’m seriously creeped by how long it’s been since I’ve shared one. I’ve had so much going on (just got off the phone with ABC again, NBD) that I’ve been pretty lazy about it. This one‘s been my go-to, because I can toss in a can of tuna and white beans and literally have dinner ready in 5 minutes.

But suddenly, I had a craving for something bigger and better. I’ve been obsessing over blackberries lately, because I’ve had some seriously good batches of them – as opposed to the blueberries I’ve been buying, which have for whatever reason been sour and lame. What’s up with that? For a blueberry-fiend like me, it’s pretty much the worst!

The idea of combining blackberry and mango in a salad just took me over, and from there the avocado was a natural addition. And then, pistachios! My new favorite addition to salads. If you buy them already roasted, shelled, and salted, they’re so easy – and they add the most savory flavor. I especially love them with avocados. Plus, they’re one of the lowest-calorie nuts (they are the lowest, actually, until you get into the roasted/salted world) and they’re super-high in potassium. Love, love, love.

Things didn’t really get good, however, until I decided to turn my happy little carton of berries into a vinaigrette.

In Healthy Eats, Salad Bar avocado, blackberries, dressings + vinaigrettes, main course salads, mango, pistachios, summer recipes

roquefort-avocado dip + beet chips.

July 9, 2012 — 16 Comments

Making chips out of vegetables makes me feel slightly better about sneaking massive amounts of tangy blue cheese into my guacamole.

Roquefort-Avocado Dip + Beet Chips

We all know I’m a cheese freak, and for that matter – an avocado/guacamole freak.

You’ve seen my white bean + avocado dip, which was fantastic but for very different reasons. You see, the white beans make the dip healthier. You’re sneaking fiber and protein into a place which subsequently has less room for fatty avocado (yes, we’re talking healthy fats … but too much of even the good stuff is no bueno for the waistline) and in turn, creating an all-around healthier situation.

But! Here, you’re enjoying the most sinfully delicious spread of chips and dip, and there are no carbs to be had! All because very thinly sliced beets have gone and turned themselves into crunchy, savory little chips rivaling anything that comes out of a bag. Terra chips, you’re out!

In Food Matters Project, Starters avocado, beets, blue cheese, chives, crème fraîche, dips + spreads, guacamole, lemon, orange, shallots, tarragon, vegetable chips

well-fed friday: dream-chasing.

July 6, 2012 — 22 Comments

We’re doing something a little different on this fine Well-Fed Friday. There won’t be any recipe sharing to feed that belly, and you certainly won’t find any cocktail ideas to try this weekend – although, I must admit … I could probably use one right about now …

Let’s see … Where to begin? This time next week I’ll be cooking at one of my best friend’s apartments in New York City. The next day, I’ll be bringing that dish to an audition.

In Well-Fed Friday career, inspiration