Backyard BBQ

My sister and I had some friends over for movies last night, and kicked the evening off with dinner with a couple kids who showed up on the earlier end.  We threw some hamburgers, turkey burgers, asparagus, and corn on the cob on the grill, which definitely made it feel like summer.

Thanks for all your help, Lizzy and Cameron!

It also happened to be someone’s birthday.  Happy 2nd, Abbey Road.

Lizzy has an awesome design blog Rocket Out, which she promises to start updating again soon.  Thank goodness, because I’ve missed it.

I also miss posts from the other Girls in Boots.  Anyone else?

-Lo

Baked pears

This is my latest favorite dessert.  It’s so simple, and can be made sugar-free, so I figured it’s recipe time!

BAKED PEARS

1. Peel and core about 6 Barlett Pears.  I like to just use a carrot peeler.  I’ve tried the D’Anjou and they turn out waxy, so trust me.  99 Ranch has them at a pretty good price lately.
2. Pre-heat oven to 375˚ F.
3. Line pears in a pan.
4. Mix: 1 cup orange juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.  Brush mixture onto pears.  Pour leftover mixture on top of them.
5. When oven is ready, cover pears with foil and let them bake 30-35 minutes.

In the meantime, you can work on the…

SAUCE

1. Thaw 2 cups of a frozen fruit of your choice.  Raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries work well.
2. Puree thawed fruit in blender.  If you chose a seedy fruit, push the puree through a fine strainer.
3. Over low heat, combine 1/3 sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and the fruit puree in a saucepan.  You can substitute the sugar for agave or maple syrup, and just add a bit more cornstarch.
4. Bring to medium heat until in bubbles, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and let cool (a little).

Spoon sauce onto a dessert plate and place baked pear on top.  Garnish with a mint sprig.  Easy peasy.

-Lo

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Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I’m usually not much of a cocktail girl, but I’m dying to try this pink grapefruit Margarita.

(via Katie Lee Home)

Also, how good does this roasted garlic guacamole recipe sound?

-Lo

Asian grocery

A new 99 Ranch Market just opened up in town, making me even more excited about the task of grocery shopping.  I explored the store—which has great prices on staples like soy milk, produce, and fish—for the first time today, and was fondly reminded of my trip to Japan.

You can see my Tokyo street style observations here.  Also check out The Sartorialist‘s recent posts from Japan.  The flea market picture are so great.

-Lo