Getaway Partners

I want to travel the world. All. The. Time. But since my partner-in-crime says that's not reality, (he should really be nicer, no?) I travel more in my head than in real life. This year we're taking a lot of weekend trips and as much as I want to go away for one full week, these little trips give me peace. And coffee. And food. And more love for my getaway partner.

First up, Portland Maine. I think I'm going to move there. Wait, let me rephrase. I will move there when it's sunny, I think all the snow might put me into a constant state of temper tantrums.We stayed at the Inn By The Sea and I'm going to live there when I grow up. They allow dogs, that's right dogs! That means the famous Lucy can come next time - you know cause she's so well behaved and all.

So here's where our travels took us - don't judge because it's all food and shopping related.

Pour-Over Coffee Shop (Speckled AX), yes please. I don't think either of us stopped smiling while in there.

Standard Baking Company cookbook and these nautical gems.

Oysters and wine for lunch while sitting with locals at J's Oysters

Wine & Cheese picnic on our bed (we were very neat, we promise!)

Rose bubbly is my new friend.

Cookies before bed.

Cinnamon roll the size of my head courtesy of The Good Table...

 

...and Lucky Charms mugs

Here's to another fantastic weekend filled with food and travel partner love!

Dear Chicken Thighs: I Adore You

Let me be clear there are MANY days I don't feel like cooking. Well actually it has more to do with time and ingredients and tiredness. But then I feel bad because our beachy little town doesn't have an overabundance of awesome takeout options - some, but not a ton.

But then there are dishes that come together when:
a: I don't want to cook
b: I have slim pickings of ingredients
c: I an tired

and it turns out so perfectly that I forget I never wanted to cook in the first place. And all is right in the world - well, my world at least.

Let's talk chicken. I used to only buy and eat boneless skinless chicken breasts. Then I smartened up and realized chicken thighs have a whole repertoire of recipes that I just adore. And they can make a Friday night throw-together meal feel a bit more fancy. We like fancy over here (fancy as in we ate dinner in our workout gear, but wine was included so it counts).

The ingredients 
chicken thighs (bone-in, skin on)
prosciutto slices - cut in half)
brie - cut into thin slices
1 Tbsp olive oil
salt + pepper

The "recipe"
First make an assembly line - prosciutto slices, brie slices and salt + pepper. Take your fingers and separate the skin from the chicken thighs making sure it still stays attached - you are essentially creating a pocket for more flavor.

Place half a slice of prosciutto and 1-2 slices of brie under the skin of each chicken thigh. Then salt + pepper the skin of each chicken thigh.

Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat in a large pan . Once heated, place each chicken thigh skin side down into the pan. It's best to do this with your hands (probably not safe, but it's the best way!). This is going to seal the skin and make sure your pocket of flavor stays in place.

You want to turn each piece of chicken over once it does not stick to the pan and it has formed a nice golden crust (if it is sticking to the pan, walk away slowly - the chicken needs some time alone). This is about 5 minutes on each side, depending on how big your chicken thighs are.Cook on the other side for another 3-5 minutes and then....

you have dinner, or as we like to call it Fancy Friday Night.

Take This Tuesday!

Oh, the last time I posted was March 25th - let's ignore that okay? And instead we can talk about food and family and Tuesdays. I knew you were thinking the same thing. So has anyone ever had a weekend that needs a redo? We just had one over here - not that it was bad, just felt like our black travel cloud reared it's ugly head and so yeah. But there's lots of good stuff too.

Like when your aunt who's also your godmother sneaks you Greek cookies and Easter bread and you can eat them in the car and on Tuesday for breakfast.

Or when you get to test out a new funfetti cupcake recipe for a new Mom. And she eats them even though your heart tells you the batter is dry. (Oh and she's one of the most natural new mommies that one ever did meet!)

And then there's leftovers from Easter of one of your favorite dishes. And you've tried to recreate it but of course there is no family recipe written down and you have no idea why yours keeps coming out too dry. (yeah, apparently we ate this before taking any pictures)

Of course this smiley face. If you can guess how old she is, you'll win a prize. (Disclaimer: I have no idea what that prize is)

And raw fish, oysters and tuna to be exact. At the restaurant that is your brother's dream and now your life. And you love it all.

All of this makes a 7-hour drive (that was only supposed to be 3) seem doable and even fun. Now on to this Tuesday. Show me what you got!