Blog to Taste: 2016
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Saturday, August 27, 2016

Berry Broccoli Salad



Image MapHey foodie friends! Happy Friday. I'm so excited. This is the last weekend of summer classes and then I have a few weeks off before the fall term start. Hopefully, I can enjoy the last bit of summer before it comes to an end.

Speaking of summer, let's talk about this heat. It's ridiculous! I'm running my AC more than I want to and sweating more than I'd care to admit. This week's post is inspired by cool dinners that are easy to make. This berry broccoli salad totally hit the spot and filled me up without overheating me. I'm ready for some fall meals, but for now this is hitting the spot. Check out the video below and let us know what you think!


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Friday, August 19, 2016

Blackberry Cobbler Recipe



Blackberry cobbler is a totally Rosie thing. It reminds me of so many good things from my life. Picking blackberries from my parent's gravel driveway, baking with my mom, baking by myself as a kid, just figuring things out, making a mess and then getting to make everyone around me happy with the results. I've enjoyed treating my friends and family to this recipe as long as I can remember, and I have never had an unhappy customer. So naturally, I am going to share it with you foodie friends, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Chicken Cauliflower Bake

Hello foodie friends! It's been a little bit since I've shared a good ol' recipe with y'all. Also, apparently I've turned into a excited southern woman at this moment. I am actually excited to share with you this creation that I was inspired to make.

Remember when I told you that I love cauliflower? It's still true. If you need a reminder you can check out this cauliflower soup recipe that I did earlier this year. And if you do read it, you'll notice I said I #CantStand onions, but I've recently changed my ways. Additionally, chicken and cauliflower are my ideal pallet apparently. Finally, a bit of warning. Do not make this on a hot summer night. I was inspired, but maybe you can hold off for a night that isn't in the high 80s.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Energizing Granola Mix

I recently shared with you all that I decided to start making better choices for my health. While I still indulge in a bacon cheeseburger every now and then, I've been much better about my day-to-day meals. My biggest improvement has been with my breakfast and lunch that I eat on working days. In the morning, I have either 1/2 cup oatmeal with fresh fruit or a whole wheat English muffin with nut butter (peanut or almond so far). For lunch, I eat vegetables or beans. Throughout the day, though, I often get a craving some snack foods. That's why I tried this new recipe for an energizing granola mix.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Foods We Love: Eggs


Image MapHappy Tuesday, foodie friends! I have been meaning to write this post for a while. Like a rain cloud in November, this post has been looming over me. When I think about the foods that I don't think I could live without there are three things that immediately come to mind: cheese, sausage and eggs. Eggs are so freaking good and today, I'm going to share with you why I love them.


Thursday, August 4, 2016

Green Tomato Pie

This week brings another post brought to you by the farmer's at Little Bearfox Farm. They still have an abundance of green tomatoes, and this week we came up with another way to enjoy them. Introducing- Green Tomato Pie. And when I say pie, it's really cobbler, but we're still calling it pie because it sounds better and is being served in a pie dish.

Sarah from LBF coined this pie Snickerdoodle Love Apple Pie, which I think is adorable, but also it's super cool because love apple is a tomato nickname. It is the literal translation of the french words for tomato- pomme d'amour. I am pretty much obsessed with anything french since my trip to Paris last fall.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

What I Had for Dinner Last Week


Happy hump day, foodie friends! This week on Watch What Happens with Warren - my new favorite TV show - I decided to share with you all what I had for dinner last week. From the delicious to the delightful, between homecooked to restaurant made, my week in meals was actually fantastic. I hope this post inspires your dinner choice this week.

Fair warning: this week I went out way more than usual. I guess that makes things more interesting though.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Super Simple Bean and Lettuce Wraps Recipe


I'm about two weeks into my Prediabetic Journey, and I've lost about 10 lbs according the my bathroom scale. My scale, mind you, gives me a different weight depending on the position of my arms (on my hips, hanging by my side, etc.) so I highly doubt its accuracy. Either way, though, there's been some results. It's certainly the combination of eating less and moving more. Once you get started, it can be quite addicting. Of course, I've had days where I break down and eat a piece of pizza, a burger, or a donut. I don't want to live life without tasting things I love, so I don't dwell on it, and I just continue my progress the next day.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict Recipe

Hello Foodie Friends! I have got a special post for you today! Today's post is sponsored by my friends at Little Bearfox Farm. Little Bearfox Farms is two farmers focusing all of their efforts on growing tomatoes this year. They have 400 heirloom tomato plants, in 30 different varieties, and 400 conventional tomatoes making a whopping total of 800 tomato plants on about a third of an acre! Wowza, that is a lot of tomatoes. When I say friends, the great thing is- those guys are seriously my friends. My husband and I are actually renting them a strip of our property to farm on. The farmers are here working the ground every day, and we have all been patiently waiting for the first ripe tomato, which thankfully arrived last week. 

However in the meantime, there's no need to panic because green tomatoes are a treat in themselves. Especially when your mother is a southerner and you know what to do with those babies. 

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Warren's Weird Meals: Chicken Cinnamon Bagel Sandwich

Happy Friday foodie friends! This week I had to get permission to write this post before I could share it with all of you. I didn’t want it to come across as mean or ungrateful, but I did have a burning desire to share this story with you. I will start by saying that I very much like my stepmom. She is a very nice lady, and at times I prefer her company over my own father. She has blended in well to our family, and she puts up with my dad which is honestly a miracle. With all of that said…she gave me one of the weirdest dinners I’ve ever had in my life. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

My Prediabetic Journey


I first learned that I was prediabetic in January of 2015. My workplace was doing a wellness check for free, and we could receive health insurance for free by completing it. When I saw the numbers and the range that I fell into, I wasn't surprised. At first I thought, "oh well, that's what happens when you're fat." Since then, though, it's been slowly eating away at me. The idea that I could be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes within 10 years is terrifying. I'm not even 30 yet, and I'm already at risk for something so serious and life-changing.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Best Ever Bacon Burgers Recipe



Image MapImage MapBurgers deserve to be a food group of their own. The perfect trifecta of protein, carbs and veggies is hard to deny. Some burgers are better than others, but a burger that I don't like is few and far between. When I stopped eating dairy, restaurant burgers became an easy choice when eating out. When in doubt, a hamburger is usually free of milk or cheese. I learned quickly that there are two distinctly different ways that you can make a burger. The first is "pub style" which I have always considered a burger baseball. The patty is thick and bulges in the middle. You know you're going to get this style of burger when they ask how you want your burger cooked. The other kind is "diner style". This patty is flat and the meat is spread even over the whole surface of the bun. Everybody gets to pick their favorite style, and mine is diner. And that's what you are going to read about today.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Warren's Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Mexican Street Corn
Image MapHappy 5th, foodie friends! Are you guys experiencing the harsh 4th of July hangover? I'm not talking about the alcohol induced one (though I'm sure there's a bit of that going around too). I'm talking about the neighbors shooting off fireworks well past midnight on a work night reducing your number of quality hours of sleep.

The 4th of July in the good ol' US of A is all about freedom to wear red, white and blue without prejudice no matter how tacky, country music in the backyard, small town parades and grilling your eats. I seriously miss having a grill. Our apartments don't allow for any grills, and it's seriously a buzzkill. It's like the song goes, "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot." Sorry for the ear worm peeps!


Friday, July 1, 2016

Loaded Potato Cakes Recipe


Loaded Potato Cakes RecipeIt's officially 4th of July weekend! Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays because the weather is great, you can eat as many hotdogs as you want with no judgement, and there are fireworks. In my hometown of Molalla, OR, there is a lot of activity surrounding this patriotic holiday. We have a big parade through the middle of town, rodeos every night, firework displays, all-night pancake cooking in the park, and American flags hung in every yard. For my family, a big part of the celebration is tasty food. This year, I tried a new recipe- Loaded Potato Cakes. They are filled with mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheese, and they're topped with sour cream and green onion.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Easy Party Planning: Fiesta Menu





Do you ever struggle to figure out exactly what to cook on vacation or when having people over to your own home? Summertime is here, and it is the season to vacation and entertain, so today I am sharing a tried and true, tested and vetted dinner menu that is great for a crowd, or for your own family.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote Recipe

Image MapHappy Friday foodie friends!! I'll start with a bit of an apology. I was definitely supposed to post last week, but I got a bit distracted by a cold and Netflix. However, I'm back and ready to give you a recipe that I have been playing with for a while.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Kitchen Herb Garden 2016


Every year I like to share some photos from my garden. I typically have a variety of herbs, fruits, veggies, and flowers. Lots of flowers. This year is no different. Though, I've had trouble finding a basil plant with the growth rate I'm looking for, I think my garden has some successes this year. A fresh herb garden is a delight for those who like to cook with herbs, and you'll know exactly where at least some of your food came from. This post is more of a picture story, so I'll let you enjoy the photos with some captioning.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Review: Whole Foods Soda


I am a girl that loves fancy soda. I am not really into the run of the mill, major soda brands. Although, I do go for a 7-Up or ginger ale occasionally. But I have weakness for fancy sodas. San Pellegrino sodas, I will drink any day. Homemade Italian sodas, yes please. Fizzy, sweet and delicious are hard to be mad at. 

Friday, June 10, 2016

Spicy Shrimp Soup Recipe

Spicy Shrimp SoupThis is one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink type of recipes. I got so excited in the produce section, and I wanted a little bit of everything. What this created is a colorful bowl of chunky veggies, shrimp, and spiciness. My focus was the broth. I love a good broth, and the best way to create that is by stewing the ingredients together for a long time on low heat. This Spicy Shrimp Soup recipe is for a day when you really just want to cook. It's not quite as quick and easy as other recipes I've posted, and it has a complicated flavor. That's how I like my soups, though, slightly mysterious.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Oven Baked Fajita Recipe


Image MapImage MapI love fajitas. My household loves fajitas. Not just fajitas, all Mexican food really. If I had to choose one cuisine to eat for the rest of my life (and I am glad that I do not!), I would have to pick Mexican food. I would miss sushi badly, but I am sure I would make it through. Again, especially because this is a ridiculous scenario that would never happen. 

Friday, June 3, 2016

Lemon Blackberry Crisp Recipe

lemon blackberry crisp Happy Friday, foodie friends!!!! We made it another week. This week flew by with a holiday on Monday and non-stop work and school all week. I'm excited to announce that my term is over. I just have one more paper to write and then another final exam. This term has kicked my booty, and I feel like today's recipe is the perfect toast to the end of a treacherous term.  :) I kid, I kid...or do I?

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Oregon Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Oregon Smoothie BowlThe smoothie bowl is the latest craze in healthy eating. It's all about making the most nutrition-packed bowl you can... but it should also be pretty! Just look at Instagram, for reference. Every foodie worth their salt is posting a smoothie bowl photo. I don't want to be just another follower trying to keep up with the latest trends, but the smoothie bowl photos I've seen were too gorgeous to ignore. I decided to make my own version to add to the conversation.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Fajita Seasoning Mix Recipe

Hola again amigos! I am still sharing recipes from out blogcation Fiesta that we threw, and I have been waiting to move on from guacamole and onto fajitas! This week I am sharing the fajita seasoning mix, and next week you'll get the full fajita recipe. So just wait, it will be worth it! (Update: Here is the full fajita recipe, it's awesome!)

 Seasoning mixes are such easy recipes to share that I almost feel bad doing it- they are just so basic. But I can't help myself, I've been on this path to never have to buy seasoning mixes again and I think there are others out there, just like me. Cheap, and paranoid about ingredients. 

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Potato Breakfast Boats Recipe

Happy hump day foodie friends! The old saying goes, "I love BREAD!" Well, if you're Oprah it does. I've said it before, and I'm saying it again, "I love Breakfast!" (side note I also love bread). I'm obsessed with breakfast, you can tell by the many breakfast posts that I've posted on this here food blog. Breakfast is one of the thirty love languages that I speak. I also love saying..."why doesn't this exist for breakfast?" For example, breakfast pasta. Don't worry, I made that here. So naturally, when I was looking through a food magazine recently and saw a picture of twice baked potatoes, I said, "why haven't I ever had that for breakfast before?" 

Friday, May 20, 2016

Gorgonzola Ranch Dressing Recipe

Gorgonzola Ranch Dressing Recipe

Lately I've been thinking about flavor combinations. You have your basics: peanut butter with jelly, tomato with basil, and tequila with lime. Then there's the complicated combos like cherry with chipotle. Some flavor marriages are disappointing or downright disgusting, but there are some weird combinations that come together like magic in your mouth. A great example: arugula and prosciutto.

Typically, arugula isn't my favorite green. It is bitter, and it looks like a weed. When it's combined with prosciutto, though, it transforms into the perfect backdrop for that salty delicious meat. New favorite lunch staple right here! To push it one step further, though, I decided to add in another combination of flavors- gorgonzola cheese with ranch seasoning.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Chunky Guacamole Recipe



Holy Guacamole! I am still working my way through our fiesta menu, which is just in time for our transition from spring into summer. Like I said last week, avocados are my fave, and guacamole is a must have in my house. I am literally eating avocado toast as I write this blog post. Nom nom nom. 

This recipe calls for the Guacamole Seasoning we featured last week, as well as the Pico de Gallo from the week before. Those two elements plus a couple of avocados will get you one heck of a yummy, creamy, festive and fresh dip. It's guacamole heaven baby!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Sweet and Tangy Red Wine Steak Recipe

Image MapHello foodie friends! I hope you're all doing well and staying cool! We're having a bit of a heatwave here in Portland the last few days, but I think it's coming to an end soon. Last week was a bit of doozy for me I have been doing a ton of schoolwork, taking midterms, and writing papers. Plus, I've been working on this new project at work that has been a bit of a mental time consumer. With all that said, I decided I deserved something nice for dinner!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Lemon & Lavender Hair lightening Deep Conditioner Recipe


It's time for a new installment of Blog to Taste Beauty. It's all about using natural ingredients found in your kitchen for hair and skin beautification. As we all know eating food is fun, but it's important to think about what we put on the outside of our bodies just like we think about what we put inside.

To let you know a bit more about my hair situation, I've been using henna dye for about a year and a half. I love the results, and it's a very affordable alternative to professional salons. It's also much better for the hair than chemical dyes. On the other hand, it is limiting in color options. I still love the reddish copper color, but I am ready to go back to my natural blonde. Now, how does one remove henna dye from their hair? Apparently, they don't. For the most part, you just have to wait for the hair to grow out. I have noticed slow fading of color over time, but my hair is still very red.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Guacamole Seasoning Mix Recipe



I love guacamole. I love avocados. If you were with us way back in the beginning of Blog To Taste, you would know that my spirit food is avocados. The are earthy, smooth and creamy, and most importantly- they like to wear black, just like me. Anyway, I digress. Guacamole is basically the bee's knees, but, I have a guacamole confession. Usually when I make guacamole, I like to use the packets of guacamole seasoning from the grocery store. The ones you pick up in the produce section. It's still homemade, even with a seasoning packet, I try to tell myself. Well, I have embarked on a quest to rid myself of relying on grocery store packets (I redid taco seasoning towards the bottom of this post)- I thought I would recreate my favorite guacamole seasoning packet. Shortly coming up will be another seasoning packet redo for fajitas.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Quick Breakfast Rolls Recipe

Happy Tuesday, Foodie Friends!! I am literally melting as I write this. It's approximately 250˚ outside, and I just have to give *prayer hands emoji* to air conditioning. I'm positive that I've said I'm temperature sensitive on this blog, but it's true, and it's worth reminding everyone. In other things that you've probably learned about me in the all these weeks of blog posts, I like things to be easy, and I like things to be quick. Between a full-time job, going to school basically full-time this term and trying to find the time to have a social life, I honestly just don't have time to fuss with all these extra things.

Lately my breakfasts have consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt and granola. As a breakfast fan, having the same boring thing day after day for the past two months is really starting to wear on my spirit. I decided to switch it up this past week and make something a bit more fun.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Rosemary Bean Spread Recipe

"Beans beans, the magical fruit. The more you eat. The more you toot." This was the joyful little diddy that I sang as a kid when eating beans. This mushy, fibrous food has always been welcome in my tummy. As you know, I love a good bean soup. In fact, I posted my own recipe on the food blog way back in January 2014- see it here. I also like bean dips, but I've never tried a bean spread before. It is essentially the same idea as a bean dip, but the flavor profile is a bit stronger in this recipe to make it more versatile outside of the realm of tortilla chips.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Pico De Gallo Recipe



Pico de gallo is one of those dishes you make once and know it by heart. Then you make and you make and you make it for people that don't know how because it is so simple and delicious that you simply must share. 

I love pico de gallo because it is fresh, bright, crisp and sweet. The texture of the diced tomatoes cannot be beat, it's like eating tiny squares, and that make me happy. 


It is equal parts tomato and onion, with a pepper or two (depending on taste), and some cilantro, all diced up as small as you can handle, and then mixed with fresh lime juice, garlic salt and pepper. 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Cheesy Corn Queso Dip Recipe

Image MapHappy Friday foodie friends!! I am so ready for the weekend. It was a long week, and now I'm ready to unwind and enjoy some Netflix while snacking on my new favorite dip. Remember last week when I gave you all those awesome tips for visiting the Disneyland of Oregon? I said I had something particularly cheesy for you, and I wasn't lying. This is magnifico!

This post is everything I love: cheese, cheese, cheese and Juanitas chips! The real stars of this post are Tillamook Cheese and more specifically Garlic Chili Pepper Cheddar Cheese. It's the perfect amount of spicy and satisfying. I swear by the power of this cheese. #honest

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Best Blended Margarita Recipe


Margaritas are my favorite adult beverage- especially blended ones. I love the feeling of the smooth, cold perfection. One of the greatest purchases of my grown-up life was the Margartiaville Frozen Concoction Maker. It never fails in making an amazing margarita, and it is so easy to use. At the same time, it opens the door to limitless experimentation in the blended drink realm. You can make daquiris, smoothies, or just a pitcher full of shaved ice. Next to my Kitchenaid, it's my favorite kitchen counter appliance.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Brunch Basics: Easy as Pie Quiche Recipe


Two years ago Warren's fave new phrase was "That's so quiche". The first time he said it to me I immediately got it, quiche is a compliment. After we ate this delicious quiche- Holly and I kept throwing the phrase around. We three Blog To Tasters recently went on a blogcation at the Oregon Coast, and quiche was a no brainer for Saturday brunch. They are so easy to whip up, and just an all around classic dish that you should definitely have in your recipe box. Simply- it's so quiche

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

9 Things To Do At The Tillamook Cheese Factory

Hello foodie friends! If you live in the Portland area or have ever visited, you've definitely ventured to the coast. On those days, depending on where you head, you might find yourself at the greatest tourist location in the Pacific Northwest.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is my favorite spot in Oregon, and it is a must visit for any trip to the coast. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is fun, educational, fascinating and delicious. I am a huge proponent of supporting the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Tillamook Cheese in general. Yes, it is just that good.

Friday, April 8, 2016

The Yummiest Bowls: Cafe Yumm! Review




Here's another story for you: my first time trying a Yumm! Bowl. I heard about this Oregon-based restaurant franchise at work. At first, I wasn't interested because I didn't like the sound of a rice bowl with vegetables (so narrow minded, I know). For my boss's birthday, though, we had a Yumm! Bowl potluck, and that's when I turned a corner. I tried the Yumm! Sauce and I was not sure that I liked it at first. After eating a whole bowl, though, I was hooked. The sauce had a repugnant deliciousness. Now I eat there almost every week. So far I'm only into bowls, but my next foray will be into the world of wraps- more about their menu later.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe


This recipe starts with a story. I've had a long and tumultuous relationship with Ranch dressing. You see, I once loved it so, so much. As a kid I would dip to my hearts content, from carrots to potato chips. Dang, I liked Ranch so much, I would put it on pizza and sandwiches. 

Then came the lactose intolerance. And I had to break up with Ranch. Good bye Ranch, farewell old friend. I tried to get used to having Thousand Island, or oil based salad dressings only. But secretly, every time I was out in the world and someone was eating delicious dip-able foods (tater tots, jojos, potato wedges- I'm looking at you), I became engulfed in lactose intolerance induced food jealously. If that's even a thing.

Until one day it hit me, I could buy a Ranch packet and make my OWN RANCH with all my lactose free friends (almond milk and mayonnaise)! So I did that, and it was glorious. Yay! All is right in the world! 

Until one day, the Ranch Dressing Episode of 2009 happened. 

Friday, April 1, 2016

Spring Shrimp Pasta Salad


Hello foodie friends! Happy April Fools Day. I have to say, my body has been playing a cruel April Fool's Day trick on me. It's been so nice the last few days, and I, of course, got a cold. Blurg! However, I've still been really enjoying the nice weather. I was feeling the spring weather inspiration, and this week's recipe is a result.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Flavor Tripping: A review of mberry tablets


I first heard about mberry tablets on Facebook while trolling the comment section of some random post. The commenters raved about how it made things like lemons and limes taste heavenly. This piqued my interest. I like to try new foods, especially if they're described as "heavenly." So off to Amazon I went. I ordered a 10-pack of mberry tablets for $15 (Prime free shipping of course). The tablets arrived promptly, and it was time for me to pick the foods I wanted to try while "flavor tripping."

Friday, March 25, 2016

Brunching at Old Salt: A Review

Last Saturday I headed out for brunch with a couple of girlfriends. We mostly randomly selected Old Salt in North East Portland as the place, none of us had ever been there, but we were able to take a quick look at the menu before we picked it, and it was looking good. Boy were we lucky, because this place is FOOD GOLD! Old Salt was Willamette Week's runner up restaurant of the year in 2013, and I am not surprised. Everything we ordered was devoured, and enjoyed.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Peep Show Part Tres

Happy tasty Tuesday, Foodie Friends! My favorite "cute" holiday is quickly approaching. I, of course, am talking about Easter! I love love love this holiday. I love the religious reasons for the holiday, but I'm also a very big fan of all the cute pastel animals. My favorite candy at Easter is the classic Peep. You've seen the Original Peep Show and Peep Show Part Deux, and this year we've got another great treat for you!

Friday, March 18, 2016

Reese's Banana Bundt Cake


Reese’s are one of my favorite candies. As far as I’m concerned, they have a place in my heart all year round, but holiday Reese’s are especially fun. You can enjoy a peanut-butter filled tree, rabbit, heart, or egg. You might say, doesn’t it taste the same no matter what shape it comes in? The answer is no! But I digress. The real point of this post is a recipe for Banana Bundt cake with Reese’s. 

Originally, I wanted to make a banana bread with Reese’s in it because I saw a post about it on Facebook. Instead of bread, though, I wanted cake. Banana seemed like a fun twist, and it ended up tasting very delicious. It was easy to make for a cake from scratch, and it was super moist.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Funny Dudes Eating Funny Foods: Celebrity sightings in a classic PDX eatery




Last month a comedy tour stopped in the City of Roses that offered a handful of everyone's favorite 1990's Saturday Night Live players. Shout out to the nineties- woop woop! Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, David Spade and Norm MacDonald were on the bill, and while this is a dream team line up of guys I have long loved (sadly missing my favorite- Chris Farley), the $100 or more price tag per ticket was more than this working girl could afford. So I turned on a vintage SNL and imagined what they would be telling jokes about in Portland: Hipsters, beards and one can only assume marijuana.

And then I never thought about this night again.

That is until one week later when I ran into a guy I kinda sorta know. He is a server at the iconic Virginia Cafe downtown, and starting telling me a story about some famous patrons that he had recently served. His story went something like this: 

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Orchard Chicken Salad Recipe

Do you remember the Orchard Chicken Salad Sandwich at Subway? I do, and it was one of my favorites. It debuted in 2010, and it came around again in 2011 for a special summer release. I thought it was pretty good for a premade chicken salad, and it was released at the height of my Subway-eating phase. Now, I don't eat there as often because I bring lunch to work. Also, making a fresh chicken salad at home sounds much better!

Thursday, March 3, 2016

The Buoy Beer Co. in Astoria, Oregon: A Review

A room with a view always gets all the attention, but sometimes you are just cruising down to the coast for the day, and you're not getting a room at all. So what's the next best thing? A restaurant with a view!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Your Mom's Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Hey Foodie Friends! I guess I should start by saying happy March?! I don't know how that actually happened, but somehow it did. Today's post is classic Warren. I love things that are simple, nostalgic and have a good story. Tater Tot Casserole is something that we had quite a bit growing up. With two full-time working parents, meals in our house were always what was easiest for my mom: spaghetti, hamburger helper, meatloaf, chicken alfredo and casseroles of any kind. Tater Tot Casserole was a favorite for my brother and I. We LOVED it. 

I was talking to Holly about Tater Tot Casserole recently, and she had never heard of it! EXCUSE ME?! She also immediately had a million concerns, with the number one being that the tater tots would be soggy and gross. I had to make it, share it with you, and share it with her. I am sure she's going to love this post.

Friday, February 26, 2016

5 Things We've Learned About Group Blogging


Hi foodie friends! Today’s post is a little bit different than our normal recipe posts. As you may know, we recently celebrated our second year of blogging on this here blog. Over the course of two years we’ve definitely had our ups, downs and lots of learning thrown our way. No one likes group projects at school or work (we’re in that boat too), so how has it worked for us?

We’re going to share with you the five things that we’ve learned about group blogging that have helped us continue on with this project despite some of the speed bumps we’ve had along the way.