Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
All of my prayers have been answered: Iced London Fog
So I have travelled all over this city asking for crazy unspeakable beverages before, so I am unsurprised that people say no; however, it came as a shock when people refused to even think about an Iced London Fog.
It happened one hot July day that I happened to wish "wouldn't it be awesome to have a COLD london fog?" So I asked. I asked cafe's and restaurants and coffee shops, all in vain. Everyone either shook their head or looks conserned before refusing.
BUT NO MORE. I love QV cafe - it has always been a choice hangout - but it warmed my heart that when I shyly asked for a cold london fog my request was met with not only a yes, but an enthused yes from a kindred spirit! The lovely lady made me the Iced London Fog and we tasted it until it was perfect.
So yes, I am right now fullfilling a wish as I type away with one hand, and hold my drink in the other.
It happened one hot July day that I happened to wish "wouldn't it be awesome to have a COLD london fog?" So I asked. I asked cafe's and restaurants and coffee shops, all in vain. Everyone either shook their head or looks conserned before refusing.
BUT NO MORE. I love QV cafe - it has always been a choice hangout - but it warmed my heart that when I shyly asked for a cold london fog my request was met with not only a yes, but an enthused yes from a kindred spirit! The lovely lady made me the Iced London Fog and we tasted it until it was perfect.
So yes, I am right now fullfilling a wish as I type away with one hand, and hold my drink in the other.
Sante Gluten-Free Cafe
The Gluten free Cafe is a cut little place in Quadra Village with the most interesting staff I have ever come across. The food is delicious, the coffee is fine, and they make the perfect Iced Chai for a hot day in summer.
I have to admit I spent more time chatting with Daniel about children's literature than I did noting upon the stylish decor, but I do remember the soft glow illuminating the room and the warm atmosphere making it well worth the trip.
I have to admit I spent more time chatting with Daniel about children's literature than I did noting upon the stylish decor, but I do remember the soft glow illuminating the room and the warm atmosphere making it well worth the trip.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Qoola ~ Your favorite frozen yogurt... or at least mine :)
Jazzy issues a Seal of Approval
To the new yogurt bar in Uptown. No, seriously, check this place out. Sure it'll cost ya 5$, but you get frozen yogurt with candy, fruits, nuts or syrup.
The premise: grab a container, fill it with yogurt, scoop in delicious toppings, squirt sauce or syrup on it, pay by weight.
Soooo Good. Here are the toppings:
- Coconut
- Dried Cranberries
- Cinnamon Flakes
- Gummy Bears
- Mini Marshmallows
- Triple Chocolate Shavings
- Bee Pollen (Organic)
- Greens +
- Hemp Seed Powder (Organic)
- Hemp Seed Nut (Organic)
- 100% Maple Syrup (Organic)
- Agave Nectar (Organic)
- Caramel Sauce
- Chocolate Sauce
- Honey
- Marionberry Syrup
- Nutella
- Peanut Butter (Organic)
- Marionberry Jam
- Q*Jam (Organic)
Then they have Mango and Lychee Popper - the most delicious snacks ever.
Of course, if that isn't enough, they also make smoothies out of their flavored yogurt:
Strawberry Banana
Raspberry Pomegranate
Cookies and Cream
Country Vanilla
Chocolate
Mango
Peach
Now, I didn't get to try one (I was far to full at this point), but they also make waffles that I hear are tasty.
I hope you get a chance to get some of this for yourself. Qoola is one hip place to chill and eat something good.
Qoola Frozen Yogurt Bar
Qoola Frozen Yogurt Bar
Uptown Center
101-3531 Uptown Blvd.
Victoria, BC V8Z 0B9
(250) 590-6816
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
~Jackalope Bistro~
Jackalope Bistro, 760A Yates St
Hello darlings. Now, usually I would explain some fun way of other to spruce up your food and parties, but today I'm going to draw peoples attention to this great new restaurant that just opened up downtown.
Jackalope Bistro is a cute little place over by the Odeon (just around the corner and down that alleyway leading to Dragon Impact). It is owned and run but a fun couple, one of which is a vegetarian. Because, or at least influenced by it, of this there is a great selection of veggie dishes. Not only do they have that, but they also cater to Celiacs, and have a Gluten Free section.
Another distinguishing factor is just how affordable it is. The burgers are between 5 and 10 dollars, the breakfast items are even cheaper, and it's all still great quality food.
Luckily he and his girlfriend found this spot to open up what I now consider one of my favorite places to eat in Victoria.
Hello darlings. Now, usually I would explain some fun way of other to spruce up your food and parties, but today I'm going to draw peoples attention to this great new restaurant that just opened up downtown.
Jackalope Bistro is a cute little place over by the Odeon (just around the corner and down that alleyway leading to Dragon Impact). It is owned and run but a fun couple, one of which is a vegetarian. Because, or at least influenced by it, of this there is a great selection of veggie dishes. Not only do they have that, but they also cater to Celiacs, and have a Gluten Free section.
Another distinguishing factor is just how affordable it is. The burgers are between 5 and 10 dollars, the breakfast items are even cheaper, and it's all still great quality food.
Luckily he and his girlfriend found this spot to open up what I now consider one of my favorite places to eat in Victoria.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Play with Your Food Please
I was browsing online when I came across forgreatjustice.tumblr.com
If you haven't seen this yet, you should open it up and check out all the really cool pictures he has got. I am mentioning this here because while I was browsing his pictures I came across some really fun ways to play with your food, and set up decorations before your friends come over.
It is the little touches that show just how geeky you are.
I like this idea. Grab a colorful candy and make your favorite video characters out of them. I'm going to start making these and leaving them on the dining room table or living room coffee table, so that when people come over they can snack in style!
I don't suggest eating this, but for decoration it would look fun and catch peoples eye :)
these are just some pictures from For Great Justice. Go check out more :)
If you haven't seen this yet, you should open it up and check out all the really cool pictures he has got. I am mentioning this here because while I was browsing his pictures I came across some really fun ways to play with your food, and set up decorations before your friends come over.
It is the little touches that show just how geeky you are.
I like this idea. Grab a colorful candy and make your favorite video characters out of them. I'm going to start making these and leaving them on the dining room table or living room coffee table, so that when people come over they can snack in style!
I don't suggest eating this, but for decoration it would look fun and catch peoples eye :)
these are just some pictures from For Great Justice. Go check out more :)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Traditional Teas
One way to spruce up a party or gathering - even just a nice afternoon reading, is to brew up some nice loose leaf teas.
The really cool thing about loose leaf tea, is that in a lot of cases you have specific things you can leave in the tea while you drink it.
The really cool thing about loose leaf tea, is that in a lot of cases you have specific things you can leave in the tea while you drink it.
This is Chinese Rosebud Tea, and when it is finished steeping you can leave in some rosebuds for decoration.
A friend of mine, Steve, introduced me to Genmaicha, a delicious black rice tea.
For any geek, tea is a special task. Teas are rich with culture and flavor, each representing an era and place on earth.
The best way, I've found, to make tea is as following:
1) Poor cold fresh water into a kettle or pot on the stove.
2) Bring water to a boil, turn off heat.
- While you are boiling your water, fill your Teapot with hot tap water. This helps keep the heat at a level temperature, so the boiling water you are about to add doesn't need to heat up the pot as well. Empty the Teapot when you are ready to poor in your boiled water.
3) Poor water into Teapot
Now, if you are just using a loose leaf bag of tea, drop that into the water. If you are using actually using loose tea, make sure you have a filter.
4) Steep times:
Green Teas: 2-3 mins
Black Teas: 3-5 mins
Herbal Teas: 5+ mins
5) Pour your tea into a cup. Then drink it.
If you are like me, take out some of the loose leaf and put it in your teacup for decoration!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Mango Curry Shrimp
) I host a lot of nerdy parties, you know the ones, and there is nothing better than coming over to watch all of Avatar the Last Airbender (three day marathon) to get you prepped for quick snack making! This is my favorite quick food to make.
Ingredients:
VH Mango Curry Sauce
Shrimp
Spring Garden Mix OR (separately chosen) Peas, Baby Corn, Water Chestnut, Broccoli, Cauliflower, mushrooms, Peppers, Carrots - pretty much any collection of vegetables you like.
Oil
(Spices I put in, optional)
Coriander
Curry
Cayenne
Nutmeg
Black Pepper
1) Shuck the shells (take off the shells) from the shrimp.
2) In a skillet or pan, grease it with the oil and put your Spring Garden Mix and Mango Curry Sauce in for 10 mins over medium heat - stir occasionally.
or
Steam or boil your chosen vegetables until they are the desired texture. Then put them in a pan and add the Mango Curry Sauce. Wait until the sauce starts bubbling, then turn the heat down to Low (1 or 2)
3) Add Shrimp, and any additional spices you want. Wait for 15 mins for the whole thing to simmer and thicken.
4) When you have a bubbling mass of deliciousness, turn the heat off and scoop into a bowl.
Ingredients:
VH Mango Curry Sauce
Shrimp
Spring Garden Mix OR (separately chosen) Peas, Baby Corn, Water Chestnut, Broccoli, Cauliflower, mushrooms, Peppers, Carrots - pretty much any collection of vegetables you like.
Oil
(Spices I put in, optional)
Coriander
Curry
Cayenne
Nutmeg
Black Pepper
1) Shuck the shells (take off the shells) from the shrimp.
2) In a skillet or pan, grease it with the oil and put your Spring Garden Mix and Mango Curry Sauce in for 10 mins over medium heat - stir occasionally.
or
Steam or boil your chosen vegetables until they are the desired texture. Then put them in a pan and add the Mango Curry Sauce. Wait until the sauce starts bubbling, then turn the heat down to Low (1 or 2)
3) Add Shrimp, and any additional spices you want. Wait for 15 mins for the whole thing to simmer and thicken.
4) When you have a bubbling mass of deliciousness, turn the heat off and scoop into a bowl.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Drinks on the House with a Princess Peach
Princess Peach Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce ginger liqueur
3 ounces peach puree or nectar
Crushed ice
1 ounce chilled ginger beer
Peach slices, for garnish (optional)
1) Combine Vodka, Ginger Liqueur, and Peach puree/nectar
2) Gently stir
3) Add crushed Ice.
4) Slowly pour the Ginger Beer on top
5) Take a long bar spoon sizzle stick and twirl until the drink is foaming.
6) Decorate with Peaches.
7) I like to add a sprig of mint.
Ingredients:
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce ginger liqueur
3 ounces peach puree or nectar
Crushed ice
1 ounce chilled ginger beer
Peach slices, for garnish (optional)
1) Combine Vodka, Ginger Liqueur, and Peach puree/nectar
2) Gently stir
3) Add crushed Ice.
4) Slowly pour the Ginger Beer on top
5) Take a long bar spoon sizzle stick and twirl until the drink is foaming.
6) Decorate with Peaches.
7) I like to add a sprig of mint.
Apple Pi Extension - Crust.
Ingredients -
2 cups of Flour
1 teaspoon of Salt
2/3 cup shortening or lard
2 tablespoons refrigerated butter
5 tablespoons cold water (add or subtract for desired texture.)
1) Sift Flour and Salt together
2) Cut your Shortening/Lard and your Butter into the mixture - mix it in until it is a flaky mix.
3) Sprinkle one tablespoon of water at a time while you continue to cut the mixture. Do this until dough starts to clump together.
4) Gather Dough into a ball. You can divide this into two, providing a crust for the bottom and top of a pie.
2 cups of Flour
1 teaspoon of Salt
2/3 cup shortening or lard
2 tablespoons refrigerated butter
5 tablespoons cold water (add or subtract for desired texture.)
1) Sift Flour and Salt together
2) Cut your Shortening/Lard and your Butter into the mixture - mix it in until it is a flaky mix.
3) Sprinkle one tablespoon of water at a time while you continue to cut the mixture. Do this until dough starts to clump together.
4) Gather Dough into a ball. You can divide this into two, providing a crust for the bottom and top of a pie.
Simple Apple Pi
Ingredients you will need for your pie:
Double pie crust recipe
5 Large Apples - peeled and sliced
1/2 cup of brown sugar
3 tablespoons of Flour
1 tablespoon of cinnamon,
1/2 tablespoon of nutmeg
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons of butter - refrigerated.
1 egg white
1) Preheat oven to 425'F
2) Lay out 1/2 pastry, rolled out to 1/8th thickness. Then place into your pie pan. Leave extra crust dangling over the edge. Then gently pinch crust to make ruffled edges.
make sure to pat the dough gently until it is flat against the pie pan!
3) In a separate bowl, place your sliced/diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and flour - then mix it all together.
5) Top Layer of Filling.
Now, this is where the fun comes in. Take your crust and roll it out on a cutting board. With a knife, cut out a Pi shape.
Wet the edges of you bottom crust, then place the top crust on top. gentle press the two crusts together until they stick.
6) Crack your egg and separate the yolk from the white. Keep the whites, and spread them over the top of the crust. This will give your pie a more golden color.
7) Bake for 50 mins, in the center of the oven. You can tell it is finished when the pastry is golden colored, and the mix is bubbling up through the pi symbol.
8) Let your pie cool for 1 hour before eating it - or until it is cool to the touch.
Candied Bacon ~ Yum
Heres a quick 5 step way to make delicious candied bacon - a great party treat or snack.
Ingredients: 1.5 Pounds of Bacon,
1/2 cup of sugar, mixed in with 2 tablespoons of honey
1) Preheat oven to 325' degrees.
2) Take a cooling rack and put it inside a baking dish. Grease down the rack, or use non-cook spray.
3) Coat each side of bacon with sugary/honey mixture.
4) Place each piece of coated bacon on the rack.
5) Cook for 20 to 30 minutes in the oven, then take out to cool.
Additional seasoning to add in your sugar mix if you want:
Cayenne pepper, coriander, sesame seeds, chili pepper, black peppercorns, mace or cloves.
A squirt of orange juice, lemon juice, chocolate, sprinkles.
Ingredients: 1.5 Pounds of Bacon,
1/2 cup of sugar, mixed in with 2 tablespoons of honey
1) Preheat oven to 325' degrees.
2) Take a cooling rack and put it inside a baking dish. Grease down the rack, or use non-cook spray.
3) Coat each side of bacon with sugary/honey mixture.
4) Place each piece of coated bacon on the rack.
5) Cook for 20 to 30 minutes in the oven, then take out to cool.
Additional seasoning to add in your sugar mix if you want:
Cayenne pepper, coriander, sesame seeds, chili pepper, black peppercorns, mace or cloves.
A squirt of orange juice, lemon juice, chocolate, sprinkles.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Eggs with a Twist
First, a quick 6 step process to make your hard boiled eggs:
1) Place the desired amount of eggs in an empty pot. If one of the eggs cracks, add a 1/4 tablespoon of vinegar to help react with the protein - hopefully it will plug the cracks.
2) Gently poor in enough COLD water to cover the eggs. If you use cold water you have a better chance of not overcooking the eggs.
3) Add 1/2 spoon of salt
4) Put lid on and bring water to a boil.
5) As soon as water boils, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit - still with the lid on - for 10 - 15 mins.
6) Place the eggs under ice cold water until the eggs are cold to touch. Some people will set them out to cool, but if you are going to be using the eggs primarily for decor, chilling them under cold water is fine too.
Once you have your eggs ready, bring out any felt or crayon or makers you might have, this is where the fun really begins. If you want your eggs to be a different color, buy a packet of food coloring. Have a few shallow bowls on hand so that you can fill them with water and squirt a drop of coloring into the mix. Let your eggs sit in the water for 5 mins.
( A fun note, if you put your dyed eggs in the microwave for 10 secs, they will become glow in the dark :)
Now that you have your colorful eggs, you are ready to go crazy too. Heres a sample from Geeks Are Sexy:
Now, not all egg drawings have to be crazy detailed. If you drew a portal turret you can get away with drawing a red hole in the center of the egg, with a black line circling the egg.
And there you go, one portal turret Easter Egg.
Another one of my favorites is writing out
0110100101101100011011110111011001100101 011110010110111101110101
on your egg, it means 'i love you' in binary. A great gift to give.
If you are a mario fan like I am, a lot of the fun can be had by recreating the characters egg-style.
I hope I gave everyone some fun ideas! Have a happy Cosmic Jewish Zombie Jesus Day!
1) Place the desired amount of eggs in an empty pot. If one of the eggs cracks, add a 1/4 tablespoon of vinegar to help react with the protein - hopefully it will plug the cracks.
2) Gently poor in enough COLD water to cover the eggs. If you use cold water you have a better chance of not overcooking the eggs.
3) Add 1/2 spoon of salt
4) Put lid on and bring water to a boil.
5) As soon as water boils, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit - still with the lid on - for 10 - 15 mins.
6) Place the eggs under ice cold water until the eggs are cold to touch. Some people will set them out to cool, but if you are going to be using the eggs primarily for decor, chilling them under cold water is fine too.
Once you have your eggs ready, bring out any felt or crayon or makers you might have, this is where the fun really begins. If you want your eggs to be a different color, buy a packet of food coloring. Have a few shallow bowls on hand so that you can fill them with water and squirt a drop of coloring into the mix. Let your eggs sit in the water for 5 mins.
( A fun note, if you put your dyed eggs in the microwave for 10 secs, they will become glow in the dark :)
Now that you have your colorful eggs, you are ready to go crazy too. Heres a sample from Geeks Are Sexy:
Now, not all egg drawings have to be crazy detailed. If you drew a portal turret you can get away with drawing a red hole in the center of the egg, with a black line circling the egg.
And there you go, one portal turret Easter Egg.
Another one of my favorites is writing out
0110100101101100011011110111011001100101 011110010110111101110101
on your egg, it means 'i love you' in binary. A great gift to give.
If you are a mario fan like I am, a lot of the fun can be had by recreating the characters egg-style.
I hope I gave everyone some fun ideas! Have a happy Cosmic Jewish Zombie Jesus Day!
Welcome
I have been browsing the web for recipes for a long time now, and it occurs to me that now that I have all these recipes stalked up, it would be a great idea to share with you all of my delicious nerdy food stuffs. As I said, a lot of my recipes I have collected not just from my own experimentation, but also from online, so I will try to find all the links. I hope you enjoy this new blog about
Geeks Eats.
Geeks Eats.
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