I trust that everyone enjoyed their Valentine’s, Gal-entine’s or Pal-entines day/weekend. Whether you were spending it with your past gal pals or the love of your life I hope you had an amazing time.
Valentine’s Day is one of those special nights that many restaurants go all out for. They usually offer a special menu, a rose for the ladies, or some sort of special ambiance to draw a swooning couple in… Don’t worry there was nothing over the top or cliché about the local restaurants we went to.
What was your favorite part about Valentine’s Day or what did you like or not like about the restaurant you went to?? Please share.
Here is my weekend in review:
I was lucky enough to wake up to a snow day on Friday so I was extremely happy that my weekend could start early!!!
I was blissfully surprised when I walked downstairs to the table set and a beautiful brunch waiting for me! The Hubs sure knows how to treat his lady right! 🙂
He had mimosas, chocolate covered strawberries, and white roses (my favorite) set out on the table! He dazzled me with my favorite Eggs Benedict and hash browns with onions and peppers! So good! I think I may keep him for awhile
Valentines night, we decided to keep it low key… but we did go to one of our favorite bars. Newberry’s Yard of Ale. The hubs had been patiently waiting and craving their newest beer on tap and a very scrumptious beer we have been on the hunt to find for many months. Finally, Duclaw Sweet Baby Jesus beer is on tap at Newberry’s Yard of Ale! This beer is lightly sweet and Jesus it’s insanely tasty! After your first sip, you will definitely want to EXCLAIM its NAME!!! Sweet Baby Jesus!!! It is a dark, rich, chocolate peanut butter porter that finishes smooth with hints of espresso, peanut butter, and roasty notes of chocolate. AMAZING!
We sat at the bar and got one of the many friendly and talented bartenders. We ordered off of their special Valentines Lovers Menu and listened to the smooth and soulful vocals of musician Regina Sayles. Check out her website to see where she is playing next in the area and to hear how talented she is! You can also check out a feature article on Regina Sayles through Local Flair Magazine online. Local Flair Magazine is a premier lifestyle magazine of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Check out Local Flairs website to see all the happening in our area by clicking here!
There was a great crowd and an awesome atmosphere. I went with three blackened to perfection Jumbo sea scallops over arugula, wild mushrooms, and grilled asparagus.
For desert we ordered chocolate cream stuffed zeppolis and a traditional Irish coffee that was made with homemade whip cream. The fresh and fluffy cream was whipped up by our very talented bartender Gary. It was a perfect way to end the night!
Until Next Time,
xoxo
the tasti life
Now that I am on my summer break, I decided to treat myself to a day at the SPA. It was much needed and afterwards it put me in such an amazing mood that when the hubs got home from work I greeted him with a sparkling glass of wine with berries! Take THAT 1950’s housewives!!!!
Anyway, the spa was amazing! It was my second time going to The SPA at Mount Airy. Check out their site. If you are looking for a little getaway to explore the Pocono Mountains, gamble, eat at some really great restaurants, and get pampered like a queen at the spa, Mount Airy Casino and SPA is the place for you!!!
I was in such a good mood the hubs said I should go more often, and I will definitely take him up on that offer!! 😉
After my treatment, I took full advantage of the strawberry infused water, the sauna, steam room, and hot aromatherapy shower. I was engulfed by bliss and serenity that I completely lost track of time.
By the time I got home I threw together a quick rub to put on a London broil and fired up the grill to surprise the hubs with dinner! (Silly man- thinks grills are just for boys) 😛
Until next time,
xoxo
the tasti life
Last week I had bought some ground turkey to either make tacos or burgers. All day at work I had planned in my head and was craving a grilled turkey burger. Unfortunately, the weather was not completely agreeing with my grilling plans. It was pouring!!! I definitely was tempted to say screw this cooking business lets order in, but I decided to be a good wife and have dinner ready for the hubs when he got home. I know he would react with either “who are you, and what did you do with my wife.” Or he would just drop dead with astonishment. Well, luckily for me he did not drop dead, but was surprised!!!
Since the rain kept me away from grilling I decided to pan fry the turkey burgers. Here is the slight recipe for the preparation.
Ground Turkey
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Chopped onion
BBQ sauce
Mustard
And a splash of pickle juice… Yes, pickle juice. Not sure why but I went for it and the results were amazing!!
Of course we washed it all down with a beer or two.
I decided to add lettuce, pickles, and a dab of BBQ sauce on a onion poppyseed bun.
After dinner we took a ride to Lowes and Home Depot, because I think that’s what married couples are supposed to do. We browsed through the tile isle and looked into lumber for our upcoming deck project. Then to end the night on the right note we did what any newlywed couple does on a dreary night. We went for ice cream!!! what did you think I was going to say?!? Jeez people!!!
Now that’s my kind of Happy Ending!!!
xoxo
the tasti life
This week I think has been a record for the hubs and I. He hasn’t had to travel for work and I have been a good housewife and cooked us dinner every night of the week so far!! WOW! That is impressive for me!!!! I think if anyone who really knows me may drop dead from this information, but yes it is true. I even opted out of a “let’s do happy hour” request. What the hell is wrong with me??!!?
Anyway, fresh lemons and sunny weather was my inspiration for this dinner. And of course scallops!!!! YUM!
Crisp thirst quenching lemon water helped wash everything down.
I started out with jumbo scallops and mixed them in olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon, oregano, thyme, parsley, garlic, and a dash of pepper. Then I made a tinfoil pocket to place on the girl so all the juices and flavors soaked in.
I also made couscous and threw some chicken sausage on the grill for the hubs.
The meal prep and cook time took about 20 minutes. And it was delish!!!
Manga manga! ❤
xoxo
the tasti life
I’d like to think of myself as a good cook. The hubs and I are also trying to eat more at home and make some use out of our new kitchen. (Don’t worry we still go out at LEAST 2x per week- and we do have a night out planned for Thursday). With that said last week I decided to play housewife and prepare a home cooked meal that I knew the hubs would LOVE.
I started with a loin of pork that was seasoned with honey, cinnamon, and a hint of hot sauce for a little kick.
Next, I cut up 3 large apples and added a touch of cinnamon sugar.
After that, I threw that baby in the oven.
While the pork was baking, I decided to whip up some homemade mashed potatoes. I used red skinned potatoes, crushed garlic cloves, real unsalted butter, organic milk, and of course CHEESE!!! The whole meal prep and cooking time took a whopping 45min. and the results were delicious!
I love experimenting with food and this dinner turned out great, but I am sure the next time I make it- it will turn out differently. Who needs recipes! 😛
xoxo
the tasti life
Hello out there my fellow food loving readers and bloggers. I apologize for not blogging in awhile. But don’t you worry while I was absent in the blogging world I didn’t go hungry in the real world. just because I wasn’t blogging doesn’t mean I wasn’t eating
This post is from a dinner I made a couple weeks ago and I was inspired by looking through a take out menu.
Take out is always fun and relaxing. But recently I have been feeling more a bit domesticated and decided to do my own take on Asian. Yes, I cooked and pigs didn’t go flying around like the hubs said they would.
I would have to say Asian and Asian fusion type restaurants are the hubs favorite so when I told him we were having Chinese for dinner he was very excited until he saw me take out the pots and pans.
I would like to say that cooking a take out inspired dinner was a delectable decision.
Until next time,
XOXO
the tasti life
Tonight there was no ordering off a menu or having to tip. I am feeling very domesticated weird! Not really, I just think I should get a super wife award for cooking a kick ass dinner.
I planned our meal in advance- which makes cooking dinner so much easier after a loooong hectic day in the classroom.
So, what was on the menu tonight? I know your dying to know
Garlic herb pork tenderloin with tomatoes, carrots, onions, and peppers. With a side of delicious and protein packed quinoa blend with brown rice!!! So good!
I would give you a step by step recipe… But that wouldn’t be me because I never follow them. I like to cook by taste and smell and sight. A total sensory experience…
Recipes actually make me anxious. Did I use the tablespoon or the teaspoon?!? Did I give a pinch of salt…?!? You get the gist of it.
Anyway I searched the fridge and freezer and this was created for dinner:
xoxo
the tasti life
There is an on-going joke in my family, that when people ask me what I am making for dinner when I cook that is… that I coined the term “chicken surprise.” I often find that people make chicken constantly and on a regular basis. I feel like as carnivores and “boring” American’s… people are ALWAYS eating CHICKEN SOMETHING around the dinner table. There are so many yummy go-to and easy chicken recipes that we would be silly not to take advantage of all the options that the WONDER BIRD has to offer us…. but this post is NOT about a chicken dinner I made… I know my family will be in complete shock and amazement!!
This is a scrumptious little dinner I decided to make myself when the Sherminator was away for business. It was put together in under 15 minutes… beat that Rachel Ray!!
Recipe:
- 2-3 large sea scallops (rinse and pat dry scallops).
- gently sprinkle scallops with Old Bay Seasoning.
Directions:
- Heat pan over high heat
- Add extra virgin olive oil
- Place scallops on pan **IMPORTANT** Do not move scallops
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until bottom is golden
- With spatula, turn scallop over and sear opposite side for another 2-3 minutes.
The thing about scallops is they are delicate to cook, and it is very easy to over cook them. The perfect scallop should have a mildly sweet flavor and the texture should be soft, moist and easy to chew.
xoxo
the tasti life
thetastilife 