HOMEMADE ICE CREAM SANDWICH.... the first try

What are my two favorite desserts, you ask? Cookies & ice cream. How could you make my life even better? BY COMBINING THEM. That's how I started my quest for the perfect homemade ice cream sandwich. I happen to already know the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe (remember it HERE?). So I thought, "Um, omg. Easy." Disclaimer: it only half worked. Here's what I did:

Seems simple: stuff two oversized cookies with one scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Freeze. & you've got yourself a delicious homemade ice cream sandwich. Right? Kinda........

You've got an ice cream sandwich with cookies so hard you can't bite into it. THE WORST! I eagerly chomped into this treasure yesterday & was left with.. nothing! Not even a bite! Now, I'm biased, but I believe these would have been perfect if I ate them right away without freezing. However, four cookies worth of cookie dough later, I thought I'd be good (smirk emoji) & save this mega treat for later.

So back to the drawing board I go. In my google search bar today: "How to keep frozen cookies soft." Ideas & tips welcome!

CINCINNATI'S COFFEE EMPORIUM [OTR]

Coffee Emporium. Really Good Coffee.

Mon-Fri 6:30a-8p / Sat-Sun 7a-8p

This post is o.v.e.r.d.u.e. I have been meaning to write these Coffee Emporium posts since I rebranded the blog. In fact, a lot of the rebranding for Magical Simplicity was inspired at Coffee Emporium. I. love. Coffee Emporium. So much. There are multiple CE locations, so I want to spread these posts out. Each one has a unique personality. We shall start in OTR.

Coffee Emporium OTR is located on Central Parkway [map]. Conveniently one block away from my old office. I used to rack up major points on My Coffee Emporium Tab (you get a free drink every 12 drinks you purchase) (I have three waiting in my queue) because I stopped in every morning on the way to work & came back for a decaf refill (& a Donna's Gourmet Cookie) at lunch. 

I consider Coffee Emporium the gateway to the rest of OTR. &, as such, it shines with OTR qualities. The baristas are awesome & hipsters. There are plug outlets in the ceilings. All of the furniture is perfectly mismatched. Local art colors all the walls. But it's not just local art -- Coffee Emporium is 100% local. I guess I can't say that - because the beans come from South America (see above). But as soon as they arrive, they're roasted at the OTR location & served on site. (& distributed to other CE locations across the city).

Because of the full kitchen in back, OTR has a delicious menu [here] & you better  believe that the ingredients are as local as they get. + every weekend they make waffles. Danggg guys, are they good! (Might they even give Taste of Belgium a run for their money?)

Coffee Emporium has a nice industrial feel. If you stay for a while you're going to see friends catching up, business meetings happening, people reading & working, this girl blogging. Its always a buzz of activity. & it's all fueled by some REALLY GOOD COFFEE. 

CINCY STYLE: TASTE OF BELGIUM + LUNCH DATE WITH CINCINNATALIE

Three words: WAFFLES & CHICKEN (updated: #thewafflecomesfirst #respectthewaffle). It's the perfect meal. It's savory & hot & oh so sweet. But let me back up a little to explain myself. 

This past Friday I had the distinct pleasure of lunching with CincinNatalie. You know, Natalie was a big reason Magical Simplicity went through a rebranding & relaunch back in April. She's a dear friend of mine (we met at the ripe age of 10(!) & reconnected when we both landed a post-college job at the same downtown ad agency). We've been learning the whole blog business together, often over coffee after 5:45a.m. spinning classes.. but this time, over lunch J.

We met downtown in a mutually favorite neighborhood: Over the Rhine. It only took a moment of waltzing around Vine Street before the sweet smell of waffles drifted our way (okay, I may have imagined the smell after Natalie suggested Taste of Belgium, but, nevertheless...).

Taste of Belgium is an OTR icon. It all started at Findlay Market in 2007. A few short years later, Taste of Belgium has grown to multi-establishment Cincinnati staple. Why the expansion? It's crazy delicious. 

I swear the idea to combine Waffles & Chicken came from God himself. & unlike any of the chicken & waffles I've had before, Taste of Belgium serves theirs with hot sauce. For real. I wanted to cry of happiness just knowing I was eating something so beautiful.

I like the vibe in Taste of Belgium - it's fancy food in a laid back atmosphere. Kind of how I think about myself. You know, when I fancy the thought of comparing myself to a meal.

Anywho, Natalie & I had a great time talking strategy, posts, editorial calendars, e-courses, etc. We're really trying to meet up with other Cincinnati Bloggers to do the same type of thing. Sooo, if you're interested in a Cincy Blogger Meet-Up... contact me J. I promise we're really fun. (p.s. she wrote a corresponding post about our date HERE.)  (Apparently this kind of collaboration is called "linking up.") (See, we're already learning!)

Moral of the story, y'all, head down to Taste of Belgium. Get the Waffles & Chicken. Thank me later.

P.S. How do you like my NEW CAMERA!?!? I LOVE IT. So much. & I cannot wait to bring you more posts. xoxo

Photog: Annie & Natalie

CINCY STYLE: ANNABEL'S & LOOKOUT JOE

Welcome to Mt. Lookout Square! Est 1870. While it's brimming with fun restaurants & bars, I'll admit to a favorite duo. I told y'all that CincinNatalie & I are trying to host monthly brunches. Well, we were a little late for May because of Derby. So last weekend we hopped over to Annabel's on Delta Ave for Saturday Brunch.

This was my first visit to Annabel's, but, I've already heard a lot about it. Word on the street is Annabel's is a hot commodity. So, I dropped in early to put our name in for a three top - expecting much more than the 25 minute wait they assigned. They took down my phone number (love it!), so I was free to roam the Square in the Seattle-like drizzle that's been plaguing our city.

Naturally, I gravitated across the Square for a cup o joe. Lookout Joe is the coolest. First of all - they have the best hours. 6:30a until 10p. I'm pretttty addicted to caffeine (greet me with a cup of coffee in the morning & I'll probably kiss you straight on the lips). 10p is appreciated.

The smell of espresso hits like a wall the moment you walk through that adorable blue door. Partially because Lookout Joe roasts their coffee beans right at the window. I'm told it happens every week day. So... if anyone is up to play hooky & learn about roasting... you know where to reach me.

Serve yourself & then head up to checkout. (DO buy a Donna's cookie on the way. You'll regret it if you don't.) The vibe is pretty chill & artsy too. There are some couches & some tables & an outdoor patio. The baristas use words like "darling."

We stayed until my phone started buzzing & then crossed the street again, to the cutest little brunch spot in all the land.

Annabel's is tiny. So tiny, in fact, that they don't have a website. Everything is local (including the coffee - turns out they get it at Lookout Joe!), & every menu item has a twist. (Think pancakes made with corn flour... it kind of tastes like corn bread. Delicious pancake corn bread.) I'm also a huge fan of the tunes. Felt like I was listening to my Bon Iver pandora station.

If you're a girl like me, you'll make any excuse to go out to breakfast. I hope you happen upon this post between Thursday & Sunday from 9a & 1p. Then you can head over to Mt. Lookout for my power duo . & let me know what you think J

CINCY STYLE: ELI'S BBQ

So guys, I'm moving. Not out of Cincy (obv), but to a new part of town. I'll keep you updated.. but for now, if you know of a single bedroom apartment in walking distance of an independent coffee shop, holla at your girl!

Anywho, I wanted to show you one of my absolute favorite neighborhood joints before I move out of the hood! Eli's BBQ is, in two words, the best. You probably already knew that. & I sure hope you've been to the perfect little hole-in-a-wall tucked in at 3313 Riverside Dr (right at the merge where Eastern transitions to Riverside).

I'd start with the parking, but I actually don't really know much about it (I always walk!). I definitely see lots of people parking on the side streets.& you'll be able to tell when you're close because of the line.

Eli's is open seven days a week from 11am til 9pm - but I can betchya, no matter the time, there will be a 30 minute line. It goes out the door & down the sidewalk. Worth it. Because... the food.. is... AMAZING. I mean lick your fingers, clear your plate, you'd go back for more if the line wasn't so long GOOD.

But, I jumped ahead. We were at the counter. Eli's vibe is legit. Kind of hipster, super chill, so relaxed.

As you can see, you'll want to have cash on hand. Or, if the Reds are in town...

After you put in your order, head out the back door. You can either grab a picnic table or stake your claim with a blanket in the adjoining park. & crack open a beer! They'll call your name when your food is ready in about thirty minutes.

& it is BYOB (which is honestly one of my fave aspects).

So basically, come here with your best friends, on a great summer night, with a huge appetite.

Things to bring to Eli's:

• Picnic blanket
• Cash
• 6 pack of your favorite beer (I've been rotating between Rhinegeist Truth, Mad Tree's PsycHOPathy, West Sixth Brewing Company's IPA)
• Bug Spray
• Sunglasses 
• Your best friends. 

Eli's, you've been good to me. No way a move across town will be able to keep me away!

FIRST SATURDAYS.

Hey y'all! Getting ready for our second First Saturday Brunch - en route to Derby! But before I tell ya about that, I thought I should tell ya about our first...

Saturday is my favorite day of the week, hands down. French press coffee, no work, no obligations, no commitments, no working out, no alarms &, now, First Saturday Brunches.

Yes! I'm trying to convince CincinNatalie to hold monthly brunches with me on the first Saturday of every month! Here's my thought process: 1 | Everyone loves breakfast, especially me; 2 | But there are no alarms on Saturday - so we have to make it brunch!; 3 | Now that our blogs are in full swing we have lots of fun new recipes to try; 4 | It's an amazing kick-off to the weekend; 5 | We love our friends. You're all invited :)

We hosted our first one on April 5th at Natalie's new apartment (Note* you can see posts about Natalie's cute little gem of an apartment HERE). I woke up around seven to make Berry Baked Oatmeal. Inspiration by 10 Spring Brunch Ideas at The Glitter Guide.

Oh my God, you guys. I can't even explain how great my house smells.

BAKED OATMEAL | YOU WILL NEED: 
Panel 1 | Old fashioned oats, Cinnamon, Salt, Baking Powder
Panel 2 | Maple Syrup, Honey, Almond Milk, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Butter
Panel 3-6 | Fresh, fresh, fresh fruit :)

Preheat the oven to 375.
Stir two cups of oats,  1&half teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder in bowl to set aside.
Whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup honey, 2 cups almond milk, 2 eggs (beaten), 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Grease a 2 quart baking dish and line with fresh fruit. Pour oat mixture over top. Evenly pour honey/syrup mixture over oats. Sprinkle with more fresh fruit. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. 

We each brought a dish & obviously accessorized with mimosas.. & Summer Sigh paint, for Natalie's accidental highlights. 

It was so much fun, guys. Can't wait to bring you May 3rd's First Saturday from a school bus - en route to the Kentucky Derby!

Cookie, cake, scone, banana perfection.

I am sitting here on this damp Saturday morning, sipping coffee and biting into THIS.

This is the banana chocolate chip cookie. And it is divine. I would call it a perfect mix between banana bread, cake, cookie, scone, and muffin.
The bananas were mixed with half a teaspoon of baking soda, so they became fluffy and took on a cake density.

Probably, I should not have cookies for breakfast (my mother never approved of my early morning sweet tooth). But honestly, I'm not sure what these are- besides delicious.

reeces cup(cake).

Aren't birthdays just the best? It is a perfect day. You celebrate another year of life and all the happiness that the last one brought. And on your birthday, you should be treated like a princess.

Or in this case, a prince. It was my friend Aarons birthday last week, and lucky for him- I know his weakness. Chocolate and peanut butter.


I searched all morning for the perfect recipe and came upon these (from a cake at annies-eats). They came out a little dry- I suspect from a tiny too much baking soda- but that didn't stop me and my sister from eating every single left over.
So thank you Aaron, for having a birthday. and a really, really smart sweet tooth. And hey, happy birthday!

fivecents pie.

megan pacitti and i are "power walkers." and on the weekend before i left for break, she wanted to make a pie. she brought eleven dollars on our walk. at check out we realized that it was not quite enough. we exchanged the name brand evaporated milk for kroger brand which brought us to $10.95. with tax? $11.05.

what are two girls to do?? i told her that surely i would find a nickel in the parking lot. i searched and searched. to no avail! i checked all the candy machines. no such luck! i came back empty handed and as we were about to leave.. megan chanced our last ray of hope. an exchange student was checking out next to us. we asked for a nickel. "im sorry, i dont have any cash." megan turned around, sorely disappointed. "wait.. is this one?" the girl had pulled two nickels from her purse. and in hesitant english saved our pie.

the dirty chai

good tuesday! quick post to say ive fallen in love- with a drink!
double grande soy chai latte. it is so flavorful and smooth. it has a double hit of caffeine with the tea from the chai tea and the double shot of espresso from the dirty. i got it on a whim this morning, and i dont think i can ever go back.

chai-vanilla.

ive never made cupcakes from scratch, so im very proud of the ones i made today. and oh what a fight i fought to make these. 

chai is made of five spices: nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. I needed three of those, the three most expensive.

the timeline of chai
sunday: i had a terrible day, but i left my wallet in loveland and sadly realized i could not buy the spices.
monday: I went through my purse for coins and found twenty dollars in quarters, tried to buy spices at self check out- the coins jammed and i left embarassed and empty handed.
tuesday: i returned to the store desperate, my plan- COINSTAR. i got twenty one dollars from my coins, but realized at check out that  that was not enough (darn you, cardamom). so i bought what i could and left to ravage through my car. I came back in moments later with ten more dollars in coins. and FINALLY the magical chai spices were mine. (sidenote, i have since fallen -more- in love with chai)

anywho, the cupcakes are tasty. come by if you want one. i made twelve (and already ate two). the rest are for all of you!

extra, extra.. read all about it.

as you all know, im a stress baker. and im stressed. so this is what im making today- a pumpkin spider web cheescake. but tierney and i are on a get-skinny kick. SO this finished product is going out to one of my lucky followers.
the only rules are- 1. you must be following my blog (just click - join this site- under followers- then sign in with an account! hint- miami students, our miami email works as a google address) 2. comment on this post with your halloween costume.
and thats it! i will hand deliver to my favorite costumed follower. im off to get ingredients right now. i cant promise that it will look as great as this picture- but it might! let the games begin. photo courtesy of kraft food recipes. 

update:
its out of the oven and in the fridge for five hours! keep the posts coming!! this cake is looking good!

upside-down apple cinnamon

stress baking at its finest. i tried the upside down apple cinnamon muffins today. i found the recipe while i was browzing in my botany class last night, and i couldnt wait to try.

they look kind of funky, but taste like apple pie.

oven- you may see me again soon. midterms are right around the corner.

rookie mist/C/ake.

the crisis:

the background:
- we have a small kitchen, so when i began the final practice cake for benjamin's big day (still hope hes not reading these posts! a white chocolate raspberry birthday perfect cheesecake) i had to utilize the entire area.
- now ive heard cheesecakes are difficult to bake.. thats why i had to practice.
- we do not have the proper baking utensils.. thus i improvised using the cereal bowl and metal cooling rack pictured above to melt white chocolate chips over simmering water.

the story:

The good news is, the smoke alarms at 111 east walnut work fantastically. the culprit is pictured above- the pot of simmering water on the back left burner RAN OUT OF WATER! as soon as i smelled burning, the alarm above the kitchen table (pictured to the right) went balistic. then the alarm in my room went CrAzY. then the alarm in tierneys room began the loudest beep of all. i panicked. I fanned, i flapped, i opened windows, to no avail! i tore the alarm off the ceiling .. but it just kept beeping in my hands! i ran into my bedroom and threw it under my bed covers. i slammed shut my bedroom door and FINALLY, four minutes later, all three alarms went quiet.

the results: are thus.. a smoke filled apartment, a smoke alarm under my covers, an empty bottle of febreeze, and this... raspberry white chocolate cheesecake (that i cannot get off the cake pan) time to enjoy my pretty delicious rookie mist-cake.