An Ode to IHOP

There's a place in my heart for the International House of Pancakes. Doesn't matter what location (for the most part). My favorite one is where I'm constantly trying to convince Mark to take us as a reward for a good morning workout after the gym.



The best brunch- when I close my eyes and imagine my go-to order at IHOP: steak tips and eggs (poached, cut them in half over your hash browns and drizzle a little hot sauce over that mmmhmm), the neverending coffee, and pancakes with sprinkles on the side, with whipped cream on top.



I put my favorite dream breakfast aside this week, when I heard that a new type of french toast debuted, using Kings Hawaiian Rolls. If you've ever put that fluffy goodness in your mouth- I understand you. So I tried the bacon, sausage combo with that new french toast with strawberries and bananas. This is an unapologetically focused description of just how much I value these ideas and breakfast executions- keep doing you IHOP.

Happy Valentines (Galentines, or Singles Awareness) Day

"Unless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love,  it's a waste of your time.

There are too many mediocre things in life; Love shouldn't be one of them."

-Dream for an Insomniac



Listening to Michelle Obama's Spotify 'Forever Mine' playlist for Barack <3

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

-Mark 10:9

My favorite gift was this set by Waxing Kara, a local company here in Maryland.

Everything smelled amazing and my skin never felt softer.

Was inspired by: https://munchies.vice.com/en_us/article/d7kb4z/mattys-perfect-rib-eye-steak

Seared steaks w olive oil in the skillet then added butter and garlic. Cooked spinach in sauce and drizzled over baked potatoes (450 degrees for 45 min)

Froze strawberries 🍓. Melted chocolate chips in the microwave and dipped them.

One of my favorite dessert places Milk from back in New York was able to deliver cookies in time as well. We go hard for the holidays. I think St. Valentine would be proud.

Chicken Tikka Masala from Scratch

As Food52 (where we got the recipe: https://food52.com/recipes/13819-ultimate-chicken-tikka-masala) writes, there is a smug satisfaction that comes with making a favorite takeout dish at home. This tasted incredible- so I made a movie montage!

Really enjoyed this 'Music for Cooking' playlist on Spotify, running in the background at times. A few good classics, and covers in there. 

https://open.spotify.com/user/sonymusicentertainment/playlist/6ZE2J5f6t16UWXQb1boB89

Lazy Sundays; Cookies

Got this chocolate chip cookie mix as part of a Secret Santa gift and finally made it today.

I can't get over how amazing the house smells now, while watching episodes of 'Godless'.