Bites of My Life

June? Already? How did we get here so fast. How are we halfway through the year? Mind boggling I tell you mind boggling. Days, weeks, months are flying by at super speed. I'm trying so hard to hold on to each moment, but they are flashing by, especially lately.

Work is moving at rapid fire these days (more on that later), but I can honestly say I'm loving every minute of it, so I can't complain. Although, sweet Take a Bite has taken a bit of a back burner because of it. I apologize for the lack of anything but a wimpy "bites" post each week. But come July I'm hoping I'll have some extra time on my hands for more TAB love. I couldn't even tell you the last time I cooked a real meal. Now that is depressing and a clear sign of how busy I am. 

-I haven't had a chance to blog much on TAB, but I did guest post last week on The Well. Read my post here. 
-On a weird turkey burger kick. Cutting corners and using TJ's frozen patties, but loving this deconstructed burger version I've been serving myself. 
-Finalizing our dessert menu for The Jones Assembly means ice cream for lunch! Blueberry, watermelon, cucumber and grapefruit sorbet. Yes cucumber sorbet. It was amazing.
-Training has begun for The Jones Assembly. Which just means things are getting closer and closer to opening!
-Pro tip: ask for plantain chips with your guac at Barrios, and definitely order the salmon ceviche!
-My work here is done. Successfully turned the texan into an OKC lover. *pats myself on the back*
-Work on a Saturday ain't so bad when it involves your bestie and matcha lattes.
-Could shower this cutie bridey for days! Cannot believe you are about to get married! 
-The brussels caesar is low key my favorite thing at The Drake. 

Annie

Bites of My Life

Taking my first bite of 24! I mentioned a few weeks ago that this month was treating me too well and I was pointing fingers at the reason being because it was my birthday month. Yes, I think that did play a roll, but with everything going on right now, I think it's more just timing that is making May the month of the year! I have been extremely busy with both work and play. Baby showers, wedding showers, work events, a lake trip, two restaurant openings, looking for new house...I'll stop now. Hence the lack of any kind of post this last week. Keep reading for the short version recap of the past two weeks! 

-Last time with all 3 at Mahler Pl. before we go our separate ways. Couldn't ask for better people to live under the same roof with in these pivotal past two years. 
-When food like this is pumping out of the kitchen at work, it's hard to not go on a complete carb only diet. I suddenly want/need all the breads, biscuits and baked goods. 
-Every day I'm continually validated by my job and the people I work with. Want to join the crew? Apply here. 
-Typical Oklahoma storm watch. Feet up, wine poured. Twisters shmisters.
-Kitten is leaving us to be a big cat in Chi town! A proper adios fiesta was in order before she departed! 
-A big night for The Jones Assembly two Saturday's ago. Can't wait to open our doors to the public at the end of June!
-When I volunteered to help throw a shower for sis, I obvi took over the food task. It was a very What's Gaby Cooking inspired spread. 
-I clearly didn't wear the right foot wear for futbol. I'm just going to leave this picture right here and not get into the weird details of why I was kicking around a soccer ball last week. 
-Like, so, #ontrend. Scarf found here.
-Breakfast//lake edition//birthday edition.
-Move over LeCroix, there's a new basic betch in townl
-Hot dogs, baked beans, and patriotic berries. All the eats for this holiday Monday!

Annie

P.S. Make sure and hop over to The Well Today for my guest post from yesterday!

Bites of My Life

Work isn't slowing down, and neither is anything else. I'm not mad about it though. When things are busy, more gets done and in my experience more fun is had. It's like when you have barely time to do anything, you try to slip in as much fun as you can have.  

-Celebrated 4 years of teaching barre3 for sis last week! Still killing the game even 7 months preggo!
-Sweetly surprised when my drink order came out pink unknowingly. Order this: the sweet almond herbal tea from Elemental Coffee, add steamed almond milk. 
-A little post-college Monmouth Duo party. 
-A summer version of my go-to lunch!
-When the craving comes on strong and you can't leave the grocery store parking lot without ripping open the bag of popcorn. I wish I could say this doesn't happen often...
-First time trying Chick-n-Beer! With none other than my adventurous eating PIC, dad!
-It's too convenient that my new favorite coffee shop is walking distance from my work. 
-Bibimbap is one of my family's favorite things at our favorite restaurant in the city. Kathleen's version comes in a very close second. 
-The Hall's Pizza Kitchen officially opens today! Got a sneak peek last Friday and already have plans to go back this week. Their burrata is calling my name!
-Baby K can't come soon enough, loved getting to shower sis this weekend.
-Crawfish, barbecue and beer (and club specials) oh my. 
-Love a day just for you mammasita!

p.s. take a look at last week's Key Lime Pie recipe post if you missed, it's a must make dessert! In fact, I'm making it again tomorrow!

Annie

The Only Key Lime Pie Recipe You Need

Look no further. This is the last key lime pie recipe you need. I got the recipe from one of my best friend's moms. She adapted it from Joy of Cooking then I made of few tweaks myself. The results=absolute deliciousness. I'm not even going to ramble on about it, let's just cut to the chase.

I'm a sucker for a good graham cracker crust. Especially this one. It has brown sugar it. I'm telling you it makes all the difference. 

Key Lime Pie
yields 1, 9" pie

Crust:
1 1/2 cups of graham crackers (about 10)
6 Tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup brown sugar 

Filling:
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup key lime juice (about 12 to 14 key limes)
zest of two key limes, plus extra for garnish

Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp. sugar

Directions:
Preheat your over to 350 degrees. In a food processor, grind up your graham crackers until finely ground. Pour melted butter and brown sugar in and process together. Dump graham cracker grounds into a 9 inch pie pan. Using your hands spread them out and up the sides. Use the base of a measuring cup to help pat down the crust so that it is even. Use the side of the measuring cup to smooth the sides and make sure the crust is even all along the rim. Bake for 10 minutes.  

While your crust is baking whisk your egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest in a large mixing bowl. Once your crust is done, lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Pour in the filling and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Let your pie cool completely before adding the whipped topping. 

Once the pie is cool, make the whipped cream. Using an electric mixer, mix heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Using a spatula, loosely top the pie with a hefty amount of whipped cream. Sprinkle with extra key lime zest. Serve cold. 

Make it for you momma this weekend. I know she will love it. Mine sure does!

Annie

Bites of My Life

Dove head first into the new month with a week and weekend filled with too much fun. I'm pointing fingers at this being my birthday month as the reason why. So much delicious food, made and eaten, drinks with friends, new and old, gorgeous weather, long sunny days and and a major feeling of summer creeping in. 

-Used my archived Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe to make this pizza pie last Monday. Turned out better than I remembered, a post update is in the works. 
-A healthy dinner followed but an unhealthy amount of vegan cookie dough...this stuff is amazing (found at Whole Foods).
-The Moscow Mule adventure I mentioned before, went full speed last week. We tried out three more places and IMO mine is still the best!
-I have a friend who has me hopping on the oil train. Swapping real lemons for lemon oil in my morning hot water.
-Have you made the basil vinaigrette I posted last week? If not you are mistaken. I topped my cauliflower crust pizza and salads with it. 
-Last week's recipe post looking prettier than ever. 
-The last key lime pie recipe you need, coming this week.
-Scenes from cinco. 
-Not embarrassed at all to admit I went to En Croute 3 times in 24 hours over the weekend. Our new-ish little neighborhood french bistro has me smitten. 
-When you get to be wedding dates with one of your besties!
-The best time of year!!!
-Turkey burger night round two with my favorite people (my parents).

Annie