cheers 2020
maybe it was just the warm texas weather or all the fires, but was anybody else just starting to warm up to 2020? good thing the only thing thats changing is having to remember to write 2021 instead of 2020…am I right?? all jokes aside, this was a w-i-l-d year, but I am honestly so thankful for the blessings & learnings I have. this is the first year since high school I’ve spent so much time at home, and the first time I’ve ever spent this much time with my dad. I learned the benefits to slow down, be still, cherish the small things, enjoy the process (especially the cooking ones), never take a hug for granted & to love myself where I’m at (even if I want to better myself). I learned there is so much chaos & so many things to distract us, but there no matter the circumstances, there is always hope, love, Joy & peace (and really good food) to carry us through this life on earth.
fine tuning kitchen skills
less restaurant outings means I need to get my cooking into gear…really it’s just an excuse to try & become foodie friends with molly baz or dave chang.
french omelette - honestly, just trying to impress molly.
the easy but pretty smoked salmon avo sourdough
penne vodka with lots & lots of shrooms
ramen - honestly such a fun date night, especially when you had a patient boyfriend who lets you take step by step reels
bedell baking - carrot cake cookies (that I royally f’d UP) & Brown sugar cookies
supporting local
only had a few days of december in the city, but the boy helped me support local
after a weird sick sesh post walk, the boy dropped off delicious soup, homemade sourdough & grilled cheese from soupbox
the cutestttt cheese & wine shop, all together now, to get a little charcuterie basket for the boys fam
period control? get a boy that sends you a beet smoothie & ginger turmeric shot from real good stuff to beet the period cramps ;) (also follow my girls @bunsinbalance to figure out the best tips to help stabilize your body’s craziness)
for the boy and I's last night together before I left, we had to go to our favorite , pfcic, we got their new tavern style with shrooms & peps as well as their fried oyster mushroom sandwich. my ranking holds, go there…now.
In PLANO, I stopped by my new favorite coffee shop, mudleaf coffee. I just wish this place was in chi-town. they had the best cozy vibes with a ton of space to post up. always had a wall that said love everybody always…so that was an immediate win. Oh also, they served delicious warm, homemade, gingerbread cookies with their coffee. YUM!!
THE one outing we did the entire time while at the lake, cedar creek brewery. I got the “f 2020” imperial russian stout and it was delishhhh.
texas chronicles
would it even be back with your family you weren’t working out in their bedroom, layering up in a freezing household because your dad doesnt believe in using heat, and snuggling the family dog?
Other fun tidbits: my oldest sister asked me to be her MOH (she’s getting married in April), had the best little day with this pup, gus. he is a freindly neighborhood dog that got too far away for home, so mom & I took her back to his owners…but not going to lie, I wanted him for myself. The boy came to the lone star state to meet the fam. Gave blood. and saw the prettiest gift from god, this sunset.
foodie fires
Nothing says being home to me like being posted up to the fire (did you read my comment about Dave not believing in a heater?) and eating all of the amazing food. This year was no exception.
Cocktails - a welcome home Old Fashioned & an early Friday glass of vino with mom.
Dinners: Egg Roll Ramen Skillet, TexMex Skillet, Thai Quinoa Salad, Chicken Enchilada Soup & homemade cornbread (unreallll good)
Traditions: We go all out for Christmas Eve (see below), so Christmas day is a breakfast ham egg & cheese croissant and a dinner time Rueben.
We also had this insane thing called a piecaken (a pie +cake). This baby was layered pecan pie, cheesecake & red velvet. To be honest, it wasn’t that great…BUT I am a sucker for hurt so sweet icing, so I didn’t mind the outside so much.
Last but not least, I had my first Taco Tuesday at the Vara household. IYKYK.
Movie Meals
For the past couple years, we have done the 12 days of Christmas for Christmas Eve dinner. It was amazing, but truly so much food (and booze). My mom is a meal wizard & planned a movie themed menu, with themed t-shirts and all.
ELF: Elf Hats
The Christmas Story: Peking Duck Spring Rolls
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Standing Rib Roast & Chinese Brussels Sprouts
Home Alone: Mac & Cheese (mom’s homemade recipe, served in togo containers to mimic “easy mac”)
Scrooge: Shrimp Lo Mein (served in Chinese takeout)& Kale Salad
Love Actually: Portuguese Egg Tart (if you watch the British Bake Off, you’ll recognize these guys, and oh my lanta they are work the anxiety of Paul Hollywood breathing down your neck).
A Christmas Carol: Sticky Date Pudding (tip: underbake these for a gooey texture)
HIS HEAVEN ON EARTH
With His heaven on earth, through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to live in
hope, love, joy & peace
