'Til you find your dream

"Climb every mountain" _The Sound of Music

America, there's no place like home. But I'm still reveling in my European vacation — particularly a Swiss hike along the Bisse du Torrent-neuf. Naturally, this was the soundtrack in my head throughout the entire 3-hour journey. (No one is surprised.)

When in Rome, reblog!

Spaghetti carbonara

Remember that time I made spaghetti carbonara that was so seriously scrumptious it made my Mom let out an angry "Mmmm," as if to say "How DARE you be this delicious?" Well hopefully by the time this post goes live I will have given off the same angry "Mmmm" in Roma. After all, there are really only two things to do in Rome: tour churches and eat everything in sight.

I fall in love too fast

"I fall in love too easily" _Anchors Aweigh

Knowing I'm going to be in Rome this Monday, I thought it only right to share a little tune sung by everyone's favorite Italian crooner.
 

What to pack?

I'd be lost without this list!

Why is it that we always underestimate the time it takes to do things like pack for a trip? And how do I always convince myself that picking out a week's worth of outfits will be a breeze? It never is. Thankfully, this packing list always comes to my rescue, reminding do/to bring those things that I often overlook due to my reoccurring delusions that packing is no big deal. 

Right click and select "view image" to enlarge and print!

Of course, some of the items on the list are outdated (music and player) or don't apply to me (tuxedo). But I still cross them off the list; it's a great sense of accomplishment in a sea of outlet adapters, too many dresses, liquids in plastic bags, and three scarves because what if it's not 80 degrees as predicted? As my flight leaves this evening, you might think I'm in trouble. But as long as I have my packing list all checked off — and as long as the suitcase closes at the end of it all — I'll be feeling pretty good. Next stop: Europe! À bientôt mes amis!

S'more pie

Like a campfire in your kitchen

Ahhh s'mores... Always love at first bite. And I love that I can taste that trio of chocolate, graham, and toasted mallow any time of year thanks to this s'more pie. As far as pie is concerned, this one is insanely easy. You can make it even easier by using a pre-made graham cracker crust, but I prefer to make my own.

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S'MORE PIE

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
CRUST
1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
6 TBS butter, melted (unsalted if you have it, otherwise salted)
2 TBS sugar

FILLING
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz. semisweet chocolate, choppped
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups mini marshmallows

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. To make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. Mix well and press evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-in. pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes until firm, then set aside to cool.

2. To make the filling: Bring cream to a boil on the stove. Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl and pour hot cream on top. Let stand a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Pour into crust and bake until set, about 25 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3. Just before serving, preheat broiler to High. Spread marshmallows evenly over the top of the pie. Broil until toasted, about 20 to 30 seconds, keeping a watchful eye to prevent scorching.

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As my brother mumbled through a mouthful of pie: "You can make this all the time." It might be cliché to say, but this really is a dessert that will have people clamoring for s'more! 

Hey there, Rio! Hey there, Rio Grande!

"Colorado my home" _The Unsinkable Molly Brown

For the next six-or-so weeks, my friend Rachel will be hiking the Colorado Trail. In honor of that feat, here's an ode to Colorado, powerfully performed by Harve Presnell. Too bad he can't sing, huh?

August 2014

A few of my favorite things

A Sunday stroll on the Milwaukee Riverwalk.

Day tripping in Chicago.

Lunching with curry couscous salad.

Friday night session at County Clare.

Nerding out at a Ravinia showing of "The Return of the King."

Layering a lemon chiffon cake.

Saying good-bye to Robin Williams.
(Not a favorite, but certainly defining.) 

Chowing down at Indiafest.

Making Reese's peanut butter cup taste-alikes.

A pre-Irish Fest party with Scythian at Tosa Tonight.

Loving a McBob's Reuben sandwich at Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Mixing up The Big Salad.