Mardi Gras Weekend Indulgences: Scallops and Galaxy Leggings

Happy weekend-gras! See what I did there? Though, I think most people refer to it as Carnivale weekend, but either way.  I hope you're enjoying traditional indulgences before Lent (if you're into that).  I also hope everyone stayed safe in Snowgnarok here on the East Coast.

Just before the storm came, Matt and I went to the grocery store to get some food, and one of our purchases was scallops, one of our favorite seafoods.  And I guess I should feature the recipe used here (since it is somewhat original).

Look at them defrosting.

The defrosting was probably the longest part.  But soon after came the spicing and searing.  I like searing because high heat and minimal contact with oil creates flavor and crunch without too much unhealthiness.

Angry scallop is angry.

Look at them sizzling!

In the pan, we tossed in some garlic paste for some added flavor.  If you're into that.  Me and Matt clearly are.

So pretty and yummy looking.

As a side, we made peas and rice, since those are things that go with seafood.  And wine, but we didn't make or have that because we totally don't drink because we're underaged.

So this picture came out pretty dark.  Sorry.

Scallops with Peas and Rice
Scallops

• 8 scallops
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

Peas and Rice

• 1 cup brown rice
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dried cilantro (though I'm sure fresh cilantro would be even better)
• 1/2 cup peas

1. Defrost scallops
2. While the scallops defrost, cook rice in rice cooker
3. When the rice is almost done, add the lemon juice and cilantro
4. Heat the butter and oil on a large pan on medium-high
5. Use spatula to put garlic paste
6. Place scallops on the pan for 1 minute and a half on each side
7. Add peas

Serves: 2

Shirt (Urban Outfitters), hat (pins and needles), leggings (Tobi), shoes (Aerosoles), cuff (gift from mum),  and necklace (Urban Outfitters)

Since it was Carnival weekend, I decided to go a little crazy with my outfit.  By crazy, I mean, I wore leggings as pants and not just ANY leggings, but my favorite galaxy leggings.  The color also matches the nautical theme of the dinner with the wave-shaped rice with the scallops.  I wish I had a masquerade mask to wear, but that's an art project for another time.

So no entry on Tuesday, but Thursday, look forward to a post about Valentine's Day's ultimate treat: chocolate truffle.

Keep it yummy,
Jo

BACK TO BLOGGING (Finals and Fall Semester are Over YAY)

Hey everyone!  Sorry for the brief hiatus.  I really wanted to focus during finals and finish strong.  I was cooking!  Just not documenting anything (to be frank, I was wearing sports bras, sweaters, and yoga pants.  Every day).  But now I'm back to blogging every Wednesday and Sunday.  So get excited!

Today (tomorrow), it is mine and Matt's third month.  Yes, we are that corny.  So we went out to Le Pain Quotidien.  It used to be one of my favorite bread shops, back when I could eat bread.  Now they have spelt bread, which does not give me any problems, so I gladly eat that.  I got a little dolled up for the brunch, but first I'll talk about what I ate.

Of course, I start off with coffee. Nail polish (urban outfitters).

LOOK AT HOW FANCY THIS IS.

Three mustards on the side with a gruyere, ham, and spelt tartine.

I haven't eaten a sandwich in a while, so this was a very fine choice.  Spelt is super close to actual wheat, without the after-taste.  I had non-gluten-free toast once and it had this terrible after-taste that I could not stand.

Now about fashion!  Matt usually wears his Acacia hoodie with jeans, so I suggested he branch out a bit.  So he got two sweaters yesterday and I died from how handsome he is.

He got a haircut and he's wearing a sweater.  It's crazy and he's so cute.

Like I said, I decided to get dolled up.  Because we were going on a date, so I straightened my hair, did some makeup and wore a skirt.  I like that the skirt went with the greenery in the sandwich.  Kind of.  I clearly like my winter wear dark like my coffee.

No idea what I'm doing.  Skirt (urban outfitters), sweater (gap, thrifted), necklace (urban outfitters), hat (handmade), boots (Minnetonka)

That was my first brunch in the city during break.  Good luck to everyone still taking finals and whatnot.

Keep it yummy,
Jo