Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones

Have you ever been to Diamond Head Market & Grill in Honolulu? Well, they have a bakery that makes ah-mazing scones! I spent some time taking my favorite elements of the scones soft texture and fresh ingredients and created an easy recipe. My version isn't exactly like theirs, but my friends say it comes pretty close. I decided to whip up a batch today as party favors for a luncheon for a fabulous community leader and Hawaii native, Patricia Fae Ho. Shhh...it's a surprise lunch to celebrate her position as the new AAUW National President! I swear, the coolest people come from Hawaii. Be proud to be from here and share the aloha spirit...but make these scones first. Lol. Pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees and bake for 15 minutes or until slightly brown at the edges. Makes 9 to 10 scones.

What you need:

• 4 c.              all-purpose flour
• 2 T.              baking powder
• 6 T.              sugar
• 1 t.               salt
• 12 T.            unsalted butter; chilled, cubed
• 3/4 c.           fresh blueberries, rinsed 
• 1 c.              2% milk or whole milk
• 4 oz.            cream cheese

Ingredients: Fresh blueberries, butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cream cheese , milk

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add cubed butter. Use your hands to incorporate the
butter into the flour until it reaches a crumb like texture 

Toss the blueberries in the crumb like flour until fully coated

Add the milk a half cup at a time and mix the dry and wet ingredients with your hands 

Create tennis ball-ish mounds of dough and flour your work surface if needed 

Cube your cream cheese and create a small well in the dough to add
the cheese. Heck, put it wherever you want! Keep in mind the exposed cheese will brown and harden.
Avoid rolling the dough and try your best to keep it in it's natural look to provide more crispy craters while it bakes!

Press the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle extra sugar
on each piece before baking at 425 degrees

Keep an eye on these babies, 'cause they brown up fast! When done, remove gently from the
baking sheet and place on a cooling rack. Let 'em chill for a few minutes and serve hot with honey drizzle
or your favorite sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar, 1/8 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; wisk and slightly heat in the microwave for easy pouring)

Tuna-cado pita crunch

Quick lunch for one that packs protein and good fats. I'm not a health nut, but I like good and easy eats. All you need is one can of tuna, half a good size avocado, and black pepper.

Mix one can of tuna in water (drained), half freshly chopped avocado, black pepper.

Toast your pita bread and fill with tuna-cado. I like to add sprouts, tomatoes, or other
fresh veggies I get from the farmers market. Today I felt naughty and added potato kettle chips and tabasco!
(This is a half serving pictured here)


Try not to over mix your tuna-cado so you can have nice chunks of the green stuff in every bite. Get fancy and add curry powder or red chilli flakes if you want. Make it your own and tell me about it!

Cost: $1.50 per serving

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Breakfast Pasta (Pasta Carbonara)

My house is never ever without bacon and eggs...ever! My family loves to eat bacon and eggs all the time. I often buy bacon in bulk at wholesale stores. Bacon is really affordable to cook with adding tons of flavor  and minimal meat to any dish.

I decided to make what we call "breakfast pasta" or Pasta Carbonara. I discovered that Tyler Florence has a great recipe online, AFTER I made this pasta. I just make up my own technique with whatever ingredients I have at home. To be honest, most of my meals are made up of whatever's available. Haha! I prefer this dish with spaghetti, but we had none. I hope you try this out. It's hearty and feeds four adults.

What you need:

• 1 box              Pasta (spaghetti is best)
• 1                    Onion (chopped)
• 2                    Garlic cloves (chopped)
• 1 c.                Shreaded/Grated Parmesan
• 3/4                 Green peas (frozen is fine)
• 8 slices           Bacon
• 2                    Large egg yolks
• 1 T.               Olive oil 
• 1 t.                 Black pepper and salt 

Ingredients: Onion, garlic, grated parmesan  cheese, frozen peas, pasta, bacon, eggs.

Chop the onions and two cloves of garlic.

Chop bacon. Separate two egg yolks from whites; for sauce.

Pan fry chopped bacon until slightly crisp over medium heat, then add garlic and onion;
onions should become slightly translucent and will cook in the bacon fat. When translucent, lower the heat of the pan.

Pasta should be cooked same time as the bacon and onions. Drain pasta, toss with olive oil and set on side for a minute.
Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of warm (not hot) pasta water which will be used to beat with only the egg yolks.
Add pasta to the bacon pan, then the egg mixture to the pasta in the pan.
Toss with 1 cup parmesan cheese, then toss with black pepper and salt to your taste. Add green peas which should have been prepared in the microwave.

Serve immediate and offer more parmesan for your guests to add. Enjoy!

Cost: $1.25 per serving.

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OOTD: Mint Condition



When everything else is complicated, make your wardrobe simple. I went with mint, cream, and black for today's OOTD (Outfit of the Day).

Shorts: $15, Forever 21 | Boots: $15, Jeans Warehouse | Lace Top: $13, Jeans Warehouse | Necklace: $6, PacSun

 

 

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Noah and Allie go to PAM



The Pacific Aviation Museum (Pearl Harbor), held their "Wine Under the Wings" museum fundraiser in April. My date surprised me with tickets to the event and I was so excited to attend and thought I'd bring my 1940s inspired looks to the festivities. Everyday is a photo op in my world! With only a few hours to plan, I decided to pull inspiration from the actors in the Nicholas Sparks novel/movie, "The Notebook": Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling.

Left: Me  |  Right: McAdams

Rachel McAdams is such a timeless beauty in my opinion and I wanted to take a few details from her character, Allie. I focused primarily on the simple make up, 1940s hair, and the blue dress she wore in the famous scene in the rain when she and Noah realize it isn't over.

Thanks to the internet, you can learn to do almost anything on your own! I watched a quick YouTube hair tutorial by "The Cherry Doll Face". My look didn't come out as fab as I'd like, but I only gave myself 10 minutes to do my hair and five minutes for eyeliner and red lips...Eek! I found this great dress from Charlotte Russe for only $20 at Pearlridge Centers.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/Thecherrydollface



 

Left: Xavier dressed in a $12 shirt and tie set, $12 vest; Ross Dress for Less.
Right: Actor Ryan Gosling of The Notebook

My victim, sorry...my DATE wasn't too excited to hear about the idea. Mostly because I'm in love with Ryan Gosling and I adore him as Noah in The Notebook. I think he's absolutely delicious. Haha! Plus, my date's a local boy, born and raised on O'ahu, and works as a flooring contractor. His wardrobe mostly consist of jeans and t-shirts. After all, there's really no reason to own much more than that a few collared shirts for church and aloha shirts for other occasions. Alas he caved in and dawned these budget friendly threads. It didn't take long for him to totally dig the new look and he was comfortable posing for pics!


The rest of the evening was filled with good food, wine, and some dancing. If you get a chance, please visit this great museum. Enjoy the rest of the photos below from the night!

 



Left: McAdams as Allie
Right: Me, dressed in a high-low periwinkle dress

 

 

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Happy Hollandaise!

 

April 16th is National Eggs Benedict Day. I had no idea this holiday existed until now and I love it! Eggs Benedict is my all time Sunday Brunch favorite. Mostly because of the Hollandaise sauce! Smooth buttery goodness and egg on egg action. Sounds like #FoodPorn to me. *Giggidy*

 Here are some of my favorite EB creations I started in my own kitchen:
The Corny Potagee, Hum-must Have This, and Island Crabenedict.





Left: "The Corny Potagee"
Portuguese Sausage Benedict on Bacon Cornbread
Right: "Hum-must Have This"
Edamame Hummus Benedict on English Muffin




"Island Crabenedict"
Snow Crab Benedict with Papaya Relish

Not gonna tell you exactly how I made these EBs, but I will give you my easy blender recipe for hollandaise sauce that's cheap and extremely fast. Here's what you need:

 

2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon warm water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

 

Melt butter in the microwave. In a blender/food processor, combine egg yolks, water, lemon juice, and salt; blend until frothy. Add melted butter to egg mixture and blend until smooth. And yes, the hot butter will cook the eggs; don't heat the butter to high. Serve immediately. Makes enough for four pieces of Benedict.

 

Pour the sauce on veggies and other meats. Be sure to consume and serve right away; throw it out otherwise. Keep hollandaise in a warm water bath if not serving immediately; no more than an hour. Consuming raw egg products carry a risk of Salmonella contamination. Always use fresh products.

 

Checkout this fun video about the history of the Eggs Benedict.

 

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Things to do in Honolulu: April 4/19-4/21

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? I always encourage everyone to shop local and support local businesses in Hawaii.Check out these events and deals in the Honolulu area:

 

 

April 19th:

Aloha Friday Series at Cottage by the Sea. Get 50% off their selected beach inspired item. Must be following @CottageHawaii on Instagram to get the discount. Browse the store for more women's wear and checkout the sale rack, too!

 

April 20th:

Bishop Museum hosts the "6th Annual Grow Hawaiian Festival" and offers complimentary admission for Kama'aina and Military guests. Must have your idea upon entering. Bring the kids for fun and learn to pound poi and enjoy other exhibits! Follow them on social media for event updates: @BishopMuseum.

 

Honolulu Night + Market is a good time for art, music, and fashion! Indulge in the featured food trucks, browse local vendors and artists, and enjoy entertainment happening throughout the evening. Find the fun on Auahi Street in Kaka'ako. Street and lot parking available. Bring cash. Alcohol is served in designated area. Family friendly event. Follow social media for updates: @HNLNightMarket.

April 21st:
Eden in Love Boutique turns 3! The clothing store celebrates their third anniversary at Ward Centers  and is offering amazing discounts and an Instagram contest. You could win $200 to shop! Follow: @EdenInLoveBoutique and don't forget to checkout the good these divas do for our community.

 

 

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