Calling all Foodies: Crazy Gringa Hot Sauce

A few weeks ago, Ruby and I received a message from her aunt and uncle asking us to try their hot sauce. And as ladies who never turn away a good taste test, we said, YES! And thank goodness we did. As a total whimp when it comes to anything spicy (I am sweating at even the thought of Flamin Hot Cheetos), I was SHOCKED by how delicious and dynamic I found the flavors to be in Crazy Gringa's bottles of love.

Here is our review:

Chipotle: This was the collective favorite of the group. Had great flavor, went really well with eggs, and seemed to be on the have just enough kick for my weak taste buds.

Jalepeño: This was my personal favorite. Really retained the jalepeño flavor without singeing off all your taste buds but enough kick to get your mouth watering for more.

Ghost Pepper: Surprisingly, becoming a fire-breathing dragon is not a side effect of the ghost pepper hot sauce. I have always wanted to try a ghost pepper, but seeing as my tolerance level for anything spicy (again... pepperonis tend to make run for the nearest cold beverage) is atrociously low, that was never an option. I really liked their ability to maintain the flavor of the ghost pepper and give me a spicy taste I could actually enjoy.

Habanero: This one was great as well. What I notices about all of these sauces was that they didn't taste like every other hot sauce I've ever had. They're unique and way delicious.

Here is how you can learn more about Crazy Gringa (FACEBOOK PAGE) and here is how you can be as lucky as Ruby and myself and purchase a couple of bottles (ETSY PAGE)

My favorite breakfast on the planet earth.
(Look out for a post to guide you in achieving such a mouth-watering start to your morning) 

Top it with some Crazy Gringa Hot Sauce and we have what I like to call a BREAKFAST PARTY!!!

Rubs sure enjoyed Crazy Gringa.
Get it gurrrl.

Pork Belly Taco // Veggie Taco

yum.

Never underestimate the power of a good sauce. It is one of my favorite aspects of cooking.

Well done Crazy Gringa. Well done.

Fiercely Yours,

Weekend Mixtape

I feel like we are finally starting to get in the groove of things here in the life of Frankie and Ruby. Things are not slowing down, but I feel like we are currently living on cruise control, which is nice sometimes. So, thank you for still saying the nicest things to us about this blog adventure and not being annoyed by our inconsistent posting. Frankie and I have a super busy, but very exciting weekend ahead of us! Hope you all find some time to sit down and relax this weekend as well. Enjoy this list, it's close to my heart. Happy Friday! XOXO


Mixtape #3 
(^click that link) 
Shoeboxes David Ramirez 
Sparks Jesse Woods
Like the Dawn The Oh Hello's
Higher Love James Vincent McMorrow
I Need My Girl The National
The Stable Song Gregory Alan Isakov
In the Wind Lord Huron 
Golden Wake Mutual Benefit
Tamer Animals Other Lives
Pictures Of You The Cure 





Fiercely Yours,

Fashionality: My Feelings Regarding Spring 2014

Happy first day of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! I don’t know about you all, but I’m going to be watching it streaming live during any free moment this next week. (Watch it here!)

I don’t remember the last time I heard someone say, “I’m SO excited it’s spring!!!!!!!!!!” Mostly because no one says that and if they do, I’m not friends with them on purpose. Spring is like your ex boyfriend; can’t make up his mind, can’t commit, and sure as heck doesn’t have that “one thing” that makes you happy. Fall has cuddles, winter has snow, and summer has the beach. Spring has what? Flowers? I’m sorry spring, but every one has flowers. So, no. I know I’m still about a month behind the first day of spring but I am discussing it for two reasons (other than the fact that it basically is spring in Santa Barbara): 

one- anything I dread, I have to talk about it and plan ahead so I’m not miserable 

two- I secretly really enjoy Spring 2014 fashion trends

That being said here’s something key words // phrases I have picked up on for this season:

// 80s working woman pants (trousers) 

// two piece sets

// tropical

// queen elizabeth (royal) colors

// athletic

// modest girl (3/4) skirts 

// hippie lady (wide-leg) pants

// metallics  

// shift blouse

One: Top, Skirt, Shoes Two: Top, Trousers, Sandals Three: Top, Jeans, Hi-tops 

Fiercely Yours, 

 

Calling All Foodies: Roasted Chicken and Veggies

I'm utterly sorry for the food-lust I may cause you with these photos tonight. Actually, I take it back, I'm not sorry. Now that I am providing you with the recipe you have zero excuses to not make it and drool over the real thing.

This recipe is so simple (it may seem hard to believe but trust me. It's a little bit of chopping a few minutes on the stove and then you just shove it in the oven for 20 or so minutes) so I HIGHLY encourage you to try it out!

INGREDIENTS:

Disclaimer: you may need some more olive oil and you don't have to use all of the salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme.
It is more just to your liking.

 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in middle.
2. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into strips. 
3. Cut onions into chunks.
4. Toss both onions and potatoes with olive oil in a large shallow baking pan and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and some of the garlic. Roast in the oven, stirring occasionally, while preparing chicken (about 5 minutes).
5. Pat chicken dry, then rub with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until it shimmers, then brown skin side of chicken, about 3 minutes.
6. Transfer chicken, skin side up, to pan with potatoes and onions, reserving skillet, and roast until chicken is cooked through and potatoes and onions are tender and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.
7. While chicken roasts, reheat fat in skillet with remaining tablespoon oil, then add vinegar and boil, stirring, 30 seconds. Pour into a cup and keep warm, covered.
8. Serve chicken and fries drizzled with spicy vinegar and ENJOY!

Can you dig it?

You can do this. I have faith in you all. Don't doubt your abilities for a second!!!

Also, we honestly apologize for the sporadic nature of our posts this last week and hope you will forgive us! With our crazy schedules we are just trying to find our groove.

Fiercely Yours,

Calling all foodies: Strawberry & Fried Goat Cheese Salad

Honesty hour guys, I was going to make tacos tonight. I was so excited and then last night that decision changed because Ruby made the most delicious fried goat cheese topping for a salad and I was IN!

So here is a delicious salad topping great for any salad but tonight it is paired with a strawberry salad!

INGREDIENTS:

You will also need either grapeseed or vegetable oil for the frying of the goat cheese

Directions:

1. Cut the strawberries and wash the mixed greens if needed
2. Begin to heat up the vegetable oil in a small frying pan on med-high heat
3. Roll the goat cheese into small bite-sized balls 
4. Coat the balls of cheese in egg white
5. Then roll in bread crumbs (italian bread crumbs are my favorite)
6. Place in the oil. These suckers cook fast so turn them when a side is golden brown and take out when all sides are crispy
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a dash of salt and pepper for the dressing
8. Combine everything like any other salad
9. Top with the cheese balls and eat up!

Woah. 

Also guys... I have to admit something. The cookie in a cup is... well it's good. BUT BROWNIE IN A CUP OH MY GOSH I HAVE NEVER TASTED SOMETHING SO GOOD THAT WAS MADE IN 3 MINUTES!

So you guys get an EXTRA RECIPE tonight!

1. Melt 2 TBSP of butter
2. Add:
1. 4 TBSP sugar
2. 4 TBSP flour
3. 2 TBSP cocoa powder
4. 2 TBSP water
5. 1/4 tsp vanilla
6. Pinch of salt
3. Mix
4. Microwave for 45-60 seconds!
5. And enjoy more than the cookie (full disclosure: I have eaten probably 5 in the last two days)

Eat up, ladies and gents.

Fiercely Yours,