When I was in Florida just before the new year, my dad let me have free-reign on whatever I wanted to do. We used to go to the Morikami Japanese Gardens a lot when I was younger (it’s a great place to take kids!) but I hadn’t been in a few years, so I was excited to go back again. I’m not sure how excited my dad actually was but he tagged along without complaint.
I totally forgot to post one of these last weeks, what with Christmas celebrations and getting ready for my trip to South Florida, the week came and went. But I’m back in full force this week and I’m happy to announce that the first week of 2015 has been filled with laughs and sunshine for me! I only got to spend three and a half days in Florida but I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to visit my childhood stomping grounds and we made sure to keep busy while down there.
When I think of July 4th, one of the first things that pops into my mind is good ol’ apple pie. The epitome of American cuisine, along with its equally famous cousin the hot dog, apple pie is near and dear to my heart. So how does this dish transition into the fall and winter? By becoming apple crisp, of course! A crisp is a baked fruit dessert topped with crunchy layer of deliciousness and baked until the topping is a golden brown.
I found that this recipe can feed at least six people, maybe more if portion size was smaller. Note of warning: this recipe is not the healthy in the least bit; I could almost feel my arteries clogging with all of the butter and sugar I used. However, as Parks and Recreation taught us, it’s always a good idea to “treat yo’self” from time to time!
Last week dad and I went to the local cinema to see Birdman. It’s not a new release and it’s darker than most films I usually watch, but I would definitely recommend renting it.
Afterward we headed out next door to the Mexican restaurant, Zia Taqueria. The best way I can think to describe the atmosphere of the restaurant is hipster cool with amazing tasting food. There are locations in the Charleston area, as well as in Asheville, North Carolina.
Can y’all believe that there’s only four more days until Christmas?! I’ve gotten all of my shopping done and now all I have to do is wrap and put the gifts under the tree. It hasn’t been cold enough down here but it snowed yesterday in Winston-Salem, so I can only imagine what the rest of winter has in store for us when school starts again!