Pesto Spaghetti Squash

categories: Posts, Recipes, Vegetables & Sides

Pesto Spaghetti Squash

 

I’m trying really hard to stay healthy (read as: cut carbs) but it’s just so hard. I love carbs. I especially love bread and pasta and rice and all those delicious things that add inches to my thighs when I eat too much. We’re on week 2 of 2017 and I’m doing pretty well so far. I’ve been going to the gym, taking a healthy breakfast to work — and actually eating it, I’ve been packing my lunches, filling up on veggies, fruit and protein. Yes, I’ve been having some cheat meals. But come on, I need to live a little! (more…)

This Week on Instagram

categories: Posts

We made it through the first full week of 2017. So far so good. It’s also the second installation of “This week on Instagram,” and I have so many things to share! I did a ton of eating out and not as much recipe testing. I’m really excited to share my delicious experiences at the restaurants in the DMV (that’s DC, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia). (more…)

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New Year’s Champagne Pancakes

categories: Breakfast, Posts, Recipes

Champagne Pancakes

Now that 2016 is behind us, it’s time to start the New Year off right. Has anyone actually gone to the gym this week? I did! Now that we made it through week 1 of exercise and eating right, it’s time to celebrate, again, with Champagne Pancakes. Come on … you’re entitled to a cheat day, or two.

Leftover bottles of New Year’s champagne? No problem. Don’t put them away just yet. While you may have opted to just pour champagne into you morning glass of orange juice for an instant mimosa, consider saving some for your pancakes. Say what?? Yes! Boozy champagne pancakes. Before you write off champagne pancakes, you have to try them. The bubbles give the pancakes added fluffiness, while the champagne frosting is a fun substitute for syrup. You’ll find that it’s a similar consistency and just so fun with sprinkles on top! So pour yourself a mimosa and start your first weekend of 2017 off with a breakfast celebration. (more…)

This Week on Instagram

categories: Posts

It’s a new year. Happy 2017!

With the New Year, I’m happy to introduce a new feature to Measuring Cups, Optional. Starting today, I’ll be posting a weekly piece called “This (last) Week on Instagram.” For everyone who follows Measuring Cups, Optional on Instagram — THANK YOU! — you know that I am always in the kitchen working on a new project and most of the time, those projects don’t make it onto the blog. There are a number of reasons why that is, but I don’t want my readers, who don’t necessarily follow me on Instagram, to miss out. Especially on some of the fantastic recipes I test out from other food bloggers. Aside from just tons of food, there’s a sprinkle of the fun things I do. In the spirit of the oversharing society we’ve become, you’ll get a weekly dose of MCO happenings in one convenient post. (more…)

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Crockpot Beef Pho

categories: Posts, Recipes, Soups

Crockpot Beef Pho

‘Tis the season for short days, long nights, chilly weather, cozy layers… and lots of Pho!

Let me tell you about my very first Pho experience (it was awful, by the way). My friends had been raving on and on about Pho, which I quickly learned is pronounced, fah, and decided they wanted to plan a Pho night. It was Ramadan, and I was starving to begin with. The place was nothing to write home about. It included lots of basic chairs and tables, some Vietnamese décor, and of course only accepted cash. (more…)

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Garlic Roasted Potato and Arugula Salad

categories: Posts, Recipes, Salads

Garlic Roasted Potato and Arugula Salad

Just last weekend, the family and I took a short road trip to James Madison University (JMU) for my brother’s graduation. The graduation ceremony was boring, except the part when my brother made his way across the stage. It was a proud moment for all of us. Me included, since he wouldn’t have made it without my editing his papers. Did I mention that he usually sent them to me 2 hours before the assignments were due with a frantic text asking for my help? Of course Murphy’s Law would have it that I always had meetings on those days. Once, I was given 12 hours. I had to read that email a few times just to make sure I really had extra time. (more…)

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