Month: April 2019

Weekend Things

LaurenLeave a comment

I feel like I have so many good things to say about this weekend and unfortunately, none of them are Rockies related because OH MY GOD, the beginning of this season has been ROUGH.  Also rough was the fact that I managed to schedule a pedicure, a facial and a haircut and highlight in one weekend.  Life is so hard 😛

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If it looks like we are melting in the sun it’s only because we were melting in the sun.  After last year’s Opening Day weather, I should’ve been grateful for warmth, but those first few innings were HOT.  Luckily there were clouds and a slight breeze later on but I think I still managed to get a sunburn.  It goes without saying at this point, but we had lunch at Biker Jim’s before the game and it’s official — I’m a fan of the new sidewinder fries!

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Last year was miserable for weather reasons and this year was miserable for game play reasons.  It was 9-1 when we decided Little Man was a better place to spend the afternoon.  There was hardly a line and I couldn’t believe it!  Turns out Blake Street Bomber is just Space Junkie and my last bite was a piece of brownie covered in marshmallow cream so I guess I’ve never been happier?  Joey and crew went to Black Hawk that night, per Opening Day tradition, and I stayed home to shower off my sunscreen and feel ridiculously tired.

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Saturday started with Whole Grain Carrot Cake Waffles that I loved and then I walked over to Base Coat for my first pedicure in MONTHS.  Felt so good.  I went with Taurus because Taurus Season is coming and also because I’d already decided I wanted a nice pink color.  I maybe emptied my entire purse and just had a book in there 😛

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I saw those bright red tulips on my way home and was so happy about it.  SPRING ♥  Back at home, it was nice enough to throw together a salad and eat lunch outside.  The best!  Joey was out getting a haircut but proceeded to come home and tear out this tree stump and I have no idea how he did it without injury… I headed back out a bit later for a facial and even got to see my mom on my way out!  She and my dad were headed to a murder mystery dinner party later on, which sounded like my own personal nightmare but I thought it was cute they were going.

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That night we ate leftovers and watched Avengers: Infinity War because um, I think we were half asleep the first time we watched it.  I just went back and re-read my initial reaction and was sort of shocked because, upon a re-watch, I really really liked it!  Plus it made a lot more sense.  Not only did we make it through this two and a half hour long movie (why though?) but we watched ALL of SNL after.  Who are we??  I had very low expectations of Kit Harington but then I thought he was great!  I guess I know nothing, Jon Snow.

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Sunday started with Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (do I only eat carrot cake-flavored things now??) before I headed out to have my hair done.  The gal who does my hair is not only a master stylist but also my therapist?  She also does my sister and my mom’s hair, so we’re all just one big happy family.  Back at home, I threw together another amazing salad and how sad is it that hit-the-spot salads make me this happy?  Plus I got to eat outside again!

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I helped Joey finish our salads for the week and read for a little bit before taking myself to yoga.  I had to park really far away because it was beautiful outside (YAY) and that meant all of Denver was out and about (NOT YAY) but I didn’t mind the walk and maybe took some glamour shots in the car before I got out.  Joey and Adam went to the Rockies game that night so more leftovers for me and I snuck in an episode of Mad Men.  Um how incredible is the final episode of Season 3??  “Joan.  What a good idea.” is my favorite line.

Please tell me how your weekend was, I’d love to hear 🙂

Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza, aka The Very Best Pizza-Making Method

LaurenLeave a comment

On March 2, 2016, we made our very first cast-iron skillet pizza and life has never been the same.  Okay, maybe that’s dramatic, but then again, maybe it’s not!  This is by far, my favorite pizza we’ve ever made and I am delighted EVERY SINGLE TIME we do so.  The crust is thick but perfectly crispy on the bottom, the cheese is melt-y and golden-brown in places and brushing the hot crust with a little spicy honey is maybe the best pizza-making discovery I’ve ever made.

All this being said, the whole process moves sort of fast and until literally yesterday, I’d never not had pizza-making anxiety the entire time.  I’ve got it down now, so I feel qualified to coach you through it.  Here’s how!

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First, take out your dough and set it on a floured surface (it’s easier to work with when it’s room temp), make sure you have an oven rack in the center of your oven and preheat to the hottest temperature it will go (really!).  Now, grate your cheese, mix some honey, chili flakes and just enough water to thin it out and make it brush-able and tear a good handful of basil leaves.

While your oven is heating, start working your pizza dough.  I personally like to give it a stretch, then let it rest, then give it another stretch, then another rest, and repeat that until it’s big enough to fully fill your cast-iron skillet.  Dough, I find, does not like to be rushed.  Same, dough, same.

Once your dough is stretched and your oven is fully heated, put your flour, cornmeal, olive oil, salt & pepper and pizza sauce next to the stove and preheat your cast-iron over medium-high.  Let it get nice and hot (if it’s smoking, it’s too hot!) then quickly sprinkle with a pinch of flour and like the tiniest amount of cornmeal (I understand the strategy with cornmeal but I do not like tasting those little raw beads of cornmeal so I truly keep it to a minimum).  Drape your dough in the pan, then brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Let your dough cook until bubbles start to form on top.  Once you see those bubbles, spread the pizza sauce over the ENTIRE surface of the dough.  It’ll caramelize into the crust and taste amazing!  Top generously with shredded cheese (mozzarella is our favorite but anything shredded works) and slid the whole pan into the oven.

Cook for 10ish minutes, but keep on eye on it.  The cheese will really bubble, which is FINE, but it will start to turn golden fast and once that happens, it’s time to take the pizza out.  Slide the pizza onto a cutting board and brush the hot honey all over the crust.  Let it sit for 5ish minutes (harder than it sounds!), then top with the basil and admire your work.  Maybe take a picture because IT LOOKS MAGNIFICENT, then slice it up and devour.

YOU GOT THIS!