New twist on an old classic

Posted in Food & Drink by Emily | Bites & Pieces

In the summertime is there anything better than an ice cream sandwich? What if the “sandwich” was a doughnut?! I know what you’re thinking. Why didn’t you think to try this sooner! Stop what you’re doing, run out right now, pick up some of your favorite doughnuts and ice cream and make this delicious treat right now!

Earlier this morning I stopped by Federal Donuts and scooped up a few of their famous “fancy” doughnuts. My favorite is the Blueberry Mascarpone (pictured), which I carefully sliced and filled with a heaping scoop of Moose Tracks ice cream. What a way to celebrate Hump Day!

What’s your favorite twist on an old classic?

30Jun2014

Spruce Street Harbor Park is a must-see!

Posted in Travel & Philadelphia by Emily | Bites & Pieces

Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philly’s newest pop-up park along the Delaware River Front is the ideal summer oasis. Located at the Penn’s Landing Marina along Columbus Blvd (next to the Hyatt), the park offers a boardwalk, urban beach, floating restaurant/bar, lily pad garden, hammock lounge, games for the kiddos and more. Open daily from 11 am-1 am through August 31, it’s a summer must-see. We checked it out over the weekend, and while the temperatures soared into the high 80’s, I was more than content sipping my Yards Saison lounging in the shade, taking it all in.

The Blue Anchor, a floating, pop-up restaurant, managed by the Garces Group, offers a selection of burgers, a salad, fries, desserts and cocktails. The food is just okay, definitely not up to par with typical Garces fare. It’s certainly not the highlight of the experience, but will hit the spot, paired with one of the many Yards varieties available on draft next door at the beer station. Side note: adding to the charm of the maritime history of the park, all of the concession stands are converted shipping containers.

Image via Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Kudos to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation for a job well done! While we still have a lot to aspire to – to reach the grandeur of pop-up parks and events that our big brother 90 miles to the north puts on, it’s a step in the right direction for the Delaware River Waterfront and Philadelphians everywhere!

26Jun2014

One ingredient all-natural ice cream!

Posted in Food & Drink by Emily | Bites & Pieces

Ohmigosh, this is so amazing! Creamy, delicious ice cream with one ingredient and no extra tools or equipment!

How you might ask? Frozen BANANAS. That’s right, simply pop sliced, frozen bananas into a food processor and violà…instant soft-serve, custard-style ice cream!

It’s so simple. Slice bananas and freeze them for at least 6 hours in a Ziploc bag. Add to a food processor and purée until creamy. If needed, to help smooth out the purée, you can add a splash of milk.

You can experiment with adding some additional flair such as peanut butter, Nutella, honey or chocolate. Enjoy plain or top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, cookie pieces, you get the idea!

I was skeptical about this far-fetched kitchen trick at first. I figured the texture would be icy or crumbly, but it was delicious, rich and silky. Also perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Have you tried frozen banana ice cream? What do you think?

24Jun2014

Red, white & blue

Posted in Gifts & Gadgets by Emily | Bites & Pieces

Super cool red, white and blue gifts, just in time for the 4th of July!

1. Americana Tank // Old Navy // $7

2. Cherry Firecracker Macarons // Dana’s Bakery // $30

3. Stars and Stripes Bunting // Etsy // $26

4. Sunnylife™ Bribie Beach Paddle Set // J.Crew // $30

5. The ROPES Maine, The Kennebunkport Bracelet // Bliss Boutiques // $60

6. Threshold™ Beach Stripe Throw // Target // $24.99

7. Opal Chanteuse Collar // BaubleBar // $40

8. Star Spangled Cake-In-A-Jar // Duff’s Cakemix // $18-72

12Jun2014

The season of saison

Posted in Food & Drink by Emily | Bites & Pieces

Photograph by Romulo Yanes via Bon Appétit

Woo hoo! It’s that time of year when restaurants and bars all over the country swap dark stouts for crisp, refreshing Belgian-style saisons. I once heard this style of beer referred to as the “Gatorade of beers” because these earthy and spicy, easy-drinking beers are perfect thirst quenchers in warm, summer temps.

Here are six of my favorite, readily available saisons:

1. Saison Dupont // ABV: 6.5% // Tourpes, Belgium
Coppery blond, the finest aromas and a strong bitterness transform this beer into a thirst-quencher with no equal, just the way it was created. (Saison Dupont)

2. Ommegang Hennepin // ABV: 7.7% // Cooperstown, NY
A moderately hoppy, farmhouse-style ale with a champagne-like effervescence, Hennepin has a crisp start followed by malt sweetness balanced with a firm bitterness. Hennepin has a bounty of great flavors: ginger, spice, orange and toasted grain. Pouring a bright golden color with a spicy-sweet balance of orange peel, sweet malt, hops and ginger, Hennepin makes way for a dry finish with a slight bite of ginger. (Ommegang Hennepin)

3. Goose Island Sofie // ABV: 6.5% // Chicago, IL
Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in wine barrels with orange peel, Sofie is a tart, dry, sparkling ale. A subtle, spicy white pepper note, a hint of citrus from the orange peel and a creamy vanilla finish make Sofie an intriguing choice for Champagne drinkers and beer drinkers who are fond of Belgian Saisons. (Goose Island Sofie)

4. Stillwater Artisanal Stateside Saison // ABV: 6.8% // Baltimore, MD
Stateside Saison pays homage to old world tradition while celebrating new world innovation. Naturally brewed with the finest European malts & fresh aromatic hops from the United States & New Zealand. It’s then fermented using a classic farmhouse ale yeast and bottle conditioned to enhance stability. The outcome is a beer of unique design and exquisite taste, showcasing some of the best attributes of modern-day craft brewing. (Stillwater Artisanal Stateside Saison)

5. Yards Saison // ABV: 6.5% // Philadelphia, PA
Saisons were originally brewed to keep farmhands happy and hydrated during the warm summer months. True to the style, Yards’ Saison is a semi-unfiltered Belgian style ale brewed with distinctive Belgian yeast. It’s delicate and fruity with a subtle spiciness. Styrian Goldings in the kettle lend a touch of hop to the palate, balancing out this highly drinkable version of the classic style. (Yards Saison)

6. The Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale // ABV: 6.7% // San Marcos, CA
This Farmhouse Ale traces its roots to the small rustic breweries of Southern Belgium. The word Saison comes to us from the French language and it means season. Lightly spiced with Organic Ginger, Orange Peels, Black Pepper and Grains of Paradise, this brew promises to quench your thirst on the hottest Southern California days or wherever your travels may take you. (Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale)

What’s your favorite saison?