When it comes to cupcakes, I've never been much of a red velvet girl. But when it comes to pancakes, I absolutely LOVE the red velvet pancakes at Larchmont Bungalow in L.A. Soft, light, and topped with a cream cheese filling that is to die for, I dream about these pancakes in my sleep.
For every holiday, get-together, or BBQ, I make and bring my signature frozen key lime pie. Now I have always made it clear that I didn't come up with this recipe, but today is the day where I reveal to you my very closely guarded secret and source: #1 there are no key limes used in this key lime pie {just regular limes} and #2 this recipe was created by the ever so amazing, Ina Garten. It is so simple, so tasty, and really may be my favorite dessert to make. Because I lack the careful planning and precise measuring that baking often requires, this pie makes it fail-proof even for me.
Since living on the West Coast, I've been exposed to more fun Japanese staples then I previously knew about. Calpico {known in Japan as Calpis} is a tasty and refreshing yogurt-based beverage that I now totally adore. The milky white water tastes like a very watered-down tart yogurt. While it may not sound or look too enticing, it's super refreshing and good for you with its lactobacillic components. The thirst-quencher comes in concentrate, original, or soda form. I recently had a calpico cocktail {the soda version mixed with saki}, and it was good! You can find Calpico at your local Japanese or Asian grocery store or at the online sites below.
{Photos by Taku Satoh Design Office. Purchase Calpico online stateside here and here.}
Give that special someone a special something that they'll be able to cherish in the kitchen {or in their bellies} long after cupid's day has past.
{1. ritz cracker necklace, 2. love birds salt & pepper shakers, 3. vosgues sweet coquette aphrodisiac chocolate, 4. heart water bottle, 5. ice cream keeper, 6. heart macarons}
I've previously raved about The Daily Scoop's giant and swoon-worthy cupcakes. So you may be surprised to hear that I only recently taste-tested their specialty...ice cream! Made of all natural and organic ingredients, you won't find any overly sweet or artificial flavors here. The ice cream feels more "grown-up" yet still made up of fun flavors for the sweet-toothed kid inside all of us. Try the red mint chip {peppermint ice cream with mini chocolate chips shown above}, the homemade waffle cones, and of course, the cupcakes!
Final thoughts...4 out of 5 happy ladies!
{photos by happy lady eats}
...to my little lunch bag! Super cute screen-printed lunch bags by Bee Things...
Tajin seasoning is a powdered concoction made of ground chili peppers, salt, and dehydrated lime juice. I discovered this Mexican staple during a recent farmer's market trip where it was sprinkled on fresh sliced heirloom tomatoes...like salt-sprinkled tomatoes bumped up a notch with a bit of lemon and peppery kick! We like to sprinkle this zesty seasoning on top of popcorn, cucumber stalks, tomato slices, watermelon, and so much more. Yum!
{Photo by Happy Lady Eats. You can purchase Tajin in the states right here.}
{1. tag cup, 2. half-pint glass creamer, 3. alfi juwel gold plate carafe, 4. normann copenhagen carafe, 5. memo cooler.}
A few months ago, I posted this recipe for making your very own mochi rice cakes to sprinkle on top your faux Pinkberry homemade frozen yogurt. While the recipe isn't too difficult, I've found pre-made mochi you can buy! {And isn't buying something always easier than making it?}
Nuts Online carries mochi rice cakes in 1 lb. bags that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months. This version is pretty comparable to the mochi found at Pinkberry and is perfect to have on hand for home snacking. One their own, the sweet rice flavor is magnified and tastes similar in texture and flavor to marshmallows. But these suckers really do shine when topped on tart frozen yogurt as the tart balances out the sweet mochi leaving a firm, chewy, and yummy texture.
Final thoughts...4.5 out of 5 happy ladies!
{photo by happy lady eats. flower salt & pepper box from tabulatua, napkin from dwellstudio.}
While I normally post about places I have actually been to, there are certainly plenty of foods and restaurants I haven't yet tried but am dying to try. Just like that handbag you want but really don't need, I've got plenty of food spots on my lust list.
Milk in Los Angeles may seem like your average modern eatery. But lo and behold, they've got a sweet side that will make any sugar-centric glutton drool. French macaron ice cream sandwiches, ridiculous milkshakes, and baked goods aplenty. Milk, watch out, I'm coming for you...
{photos by Milk}
Native to Southeast Asia, the pomelo {also known as a Chinese grapefruit} is usually pale green to yellow on the outside when ripe, with sweet white or pale yellow flesh and very thick spongy rind. I first tried a pomelo last year and have since fallen in love with this grapefruit doppelgänger. It's like a mild, less bitter grapefruit and way more fun to eat.
Amarin Thai Restaurant sits sandwiched amongst residential homes on a side street of San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood. It's simple and unassuming like most Thai places yet they offer a lovely mix of traditional Thai staples {phad thai & green curry} as well as some less than common dishes not usually found at Thai restaurants in America like meung kum {a mix-and-match plate of salty, sweet, sour & crunchy toppings that get wrapped in lettuce, top photo} and larb moo {a minced pork salad, bottom photo}.
Final thoughts...4 of out of 5 happy ladies!
{photos by Happy Lady Eats}
...by Line Thit Klein...
There's really nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread. That heavenly scent gets even better when that bread is baked on the premises and you can watch these yeasty delights being made before your very eyes. Con Pane in Roseville/Point Loma is a lovely local bakery and cafe that make incredible breads and sandwiches. The Almost Grilled Cheese sandwich {a mix of melted triple cream brie & gorgonzola} is cozy & delicious, as is the Italian Salami {a rustic update to your typical Italian sandwich}. Also be sure to try the specialty focaccia breads and, for something sweet, the Chocolate Brioche Twists.
Final thoughts...5 out of 5 happy ladies!
{photo by happy lady eats}
...by mav...
Round up your ladies near and far and cozy up for a sweet spot of tea {and of course a crumpet or two!}
{1. luncheonette pendant lamp, 2. fluted ceramic ramekins, 3. fluted dessert plates, 4. granit tea pot at dwr, 4. tea party candelabra}
...mix chopped fresh basil, diced sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, salt, pepper, garlic, a touch of vinegar, and olive oil for a tasty topper on pasta for dinner or atop toast for a quick snack...
{photo by happy lady eats}
by way of new york to philly, and now, to san diego, i'll share my favorite local finds as well as tips on how to find or make the featured food wherever you are. you'll also see plenty of stylish & tasty foodie things i love in general.
yours truly,
happy lady
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