Epic Portions

Author: admin

  • Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Cups

    edit: this was Varta’s doing, not John.  John could never even imagine making something as delicious as this.  most apologies.

    Bananas. Like the flavor, hate the fruit, why’d they have to be so mushy? So browsing through World Market on Saturday, where I made a beeline for the food stuff they tuck in the back, look at what I found.

    banana

    Holy. Bananas.

    That night was also my good friends birthday dinner where when we were about to order dessert, the waiter told us that all the desserts on the menu were mini sized. MINI? Yea, we definitely closed the menus and went to Cold Stone. That got me thinking though, about a single serving size banana flavored ice cream treat. *Inspiration*
    banana1
    I made a simple graham cracker crust, using a cupcake tray as the mold to keep the size right. A blob of the banana chocolate spread was covered by thin slices of banana and carefully topped with ice cream. I wanted it too look pretty so I made chocolate ganache (just melt chocolate and add some cream) and spread a layer over the ice cream. Back into the freezer to firm up and done! (Side note, I ran out of ganache and one was left top naked, and I actually preferred it that way)
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    banana3
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    I really need to work on my food photography. I would have attempted to take an autopsy shot and just better pictures in general, but my dad, uncle, brother, cousin, and my brothers friend were all waiting for me to plate and serve.

  • McDonalds Angus Burger

    I love my gym. Unfortunately, its location tests me on a daily basis. First of all, it’s right next to a Starbucks, and I’m a prissy Persian girl, Starbucks’ marketing team thrives on us. Second, when I drive home, McDonald’s is on MY side of the road, so a detour to the drive-thru is on the way home. Darn you, convenience. After an hour of Zumba though, I convinced myself that today I deserved a treat. I pulled in thinking I’d order a Happy Meal just to curb the craving when something caught my eye.

    angus1

    Hubba Hubba Drool.

    Screw the Happy Meal, bring on the bacon. Giddy as can be I didn’t even bother to wait until I got home, I put the fries in the cup holder and burger box in my lap. This is why we have red lights, right? I wish I looked at the odometer to see how many miles it took me to finish it because I inhaled it. Obviously, the expectations and standards of a fast food burger are pretty low, but I have to say it was a delicious burger. Tastes like actual beef (I know, duh) and not what I call “McDonald’s burger meat”.   Good bun, more importantly, bun to beef ratio was on par. You know when you get a Big Mac and it’s half bread? None of that. I ordered the bacon and cheese angus burger and there was a good amount of bacon on there. That’s another point most fast food places miss with burgers, not enough bacon. I also was pleasantly surprised when I took a look and saw red onion. Fancy.  Passing up the Golden Arches on the way home just got harder.

    From John:

    I actually had the same exact thing for lunch yesterday and have to agree that these things are pretty damn good.  Unfortunately I was at work when I got it and had no intentions of doing a review, so enjoy these terrible pictures taken with my Blackberry.

    angus

    angus2

  • Lettuce Wraps

    I’m a carb counter (gasp!!!). I love the lettuce wraps at PF Changs and it didn’t seem too much work goes into them, so I figured I’d give them a try. I started off by cooking some onions and garlic, adding meat, then veggies, and my secret ingredient that I was almost too embarrassed to share. Don’t let the cheap trick fool you, these were yummy!

    One-two (depending on the size) shredded carrots, a few diced mushrooms, and two small-ish zucchinis.
    One-two (depending on the size) shredded carrots, a few diced mushrooms, and two small-ish zucchinis.
    Well, that doesn't look too great. One small onion, chopped, two cloves of garlic, minced, and mix of sausage and beef.
    Well, that doesn't look too great. One small onion, chopped, two cloves of garlic, minced, and mix of sausage and beef.
    Oh, now it looks better.
    Oh, now it looks better.
    I couldn't figure out what Chinese "brown sauce" is, especially since it's an American Chinese food thing. I have come to the conclusion that it is this.
    I couldn't figure out what Chinese "brown sauce" is, especially since it's an American Chinese food thing. I have come to the conclusion that it is this.
    More of a boat than a wrap, but you get to hold it like a taco!
    More of a boat than a wrap, but you get to hold it like a taco!