Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Weekend Recap

Early Friday morning I headed to the airport to catch a flight to DC. After almost two years away, it was time to make a much needed visit to the city. Corby picked me up from the airport and after settling in at her house, we walked to my old office to have lunch with Margaret and Chloe. The accountant was also in that day so he made sure to welcome me back with another eviction notice. Don't worry, I didn't fall for it this time. 
We walked to Founding Farmers for lunch and had the best time catching up. It certainly did not feel like it had been two years since we all shared a meal together. After lunch, Corby and I contemplated what our next move was. Instead of doing the touristy thing since I've seen all the sights, we decided to catch an afternoon showing of The Longest Ride. I read this book months ago and was anxiously awaiting the release of the movie. It lived up to my expectations. Now I am just waiting for my real life Luke Collins/Scott Eastwood to appear. 
After the movie, we headed back to Georgetown to freshen up for dinner. We had a reservation at Coppi's per my request. This was one of my favorite spots but it was under construction when I left so I was excited to go back. We split a pizza and pasta dish along with a bottle of wine. My kind of meal! After dinner, we headed to Ri Ra's for a drink before calling it a night.
Saturday morning, we eased into the day with breakfast at the house and another Nicholas Sparks movie. We then headed to U Street for a Master's Party. It was the perfect day to be outside. 
After eating some pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches, we walked over to Masa 14 to catch up with some other friends. They have a great rooftop and we took full advantage of it - having drinks and then a bite to eat before our next stop. We then walked over to the U Street Music Hall to listen to Neulore and the Last Bison. I'd never heard of either of the bands but they were great. I'm looking into bringing the Last Bison to campus next fall. I think they would be a hit.
On our way home, we swung by Vinoteca for a drink. I had their Bonal Sparkling Cocktail - Bonal Gentiane Quina, St. Germain, Aperol, Grapefruit Juice, and Prosecco. I hope to recreate it at home. Thanks to the guy next to us at the bar, we also learned that they have a bocce court out back in case you are ever looking for a day drinking activity.

Sunday morning, we packed up before heading to brunch. Before the trip, Corby asked where I wanted to go to brunch and I said it didn't matter. Well she picked Medium Rare which happens to be one of my favorite spots. You can't beat steak, frites, and bottomless Bloody Marys.
After brunch, we headed to the airport but not before driving past the cherry blossoms. It was the season's peak and you would not believe the number of people out and about. Between the Cherry Blossom 10 miler and the festival, there were people everywhere.
Overall, it was an awesome weekend spent with great friends. I'd be lying if I didn't say that adjusting to being back in Spartanburg this week has been tough. I love being close to family and I have a great group of friends but I really miss living in a big city and all that goes along with it.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

What I Baked on Sunday

Easter Edition
These Coconut Macaroon Nests are the perfect addition to your Easter spread. Press the mixture into mini muffin tins to create bite-size baskets for your favorite Easter candies. For a chocolate version, fill each basket two-thirds full with melted chocolate before adding candies. 


Coconut-Macaroon Nests
Recipe from Martha Stewart Living

Ingredients 
Cooking Spray
4 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 package (14 ounces) sweetened flaked coconut
1 package mini Cadbury eggs or your favorite Easter candy

Directions 

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Coat mini muffin tins with cooking spray.
  • In a bowl, stir together egg whites and salt with a fork; mix in coconut. Drop 2 tablespoons of mixture into prepared tins.
  • Lightly press mixture into bottom and up sides of each cup. Bake until light golden on top, about 28-30 minutes. 
  • Let cool in tins on wire rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the sides to loosen. Lift out of cups; let cool completely. 
  • To serve, fill nests with 2-3 mini Cadbury eggs.