Shortbread Candy Bars

I have a hoard of chocolate in my apartment.  I still have Christmas cookies stashed away in my freezer.  I don't know the life span of frozen cookies, but they probably have freezer burn by now.

I believe I am trying to sabotage my goals of eating healthier.  

Oatmeal Pancakes

What are your thoughts about going to a movie by yourself?

I didn't work last Friday.  I was supposed to replace my driver's license, but I was told by a DMV worker that I needed another document.  Instead of doing useful and productive errands, I went to the movie theater during the middle of the day.

Goan Shrimp Curry

I went to a delicious Indian and Himalayan restaurant a couple of weeks ago with a friend.  Their Goan fish curry caught my eye.

I ended up ordering something else, but the next day I searched for a Goan curry and found this recipe.

Crumb Topped Banana Bread with Toffee and Chocolate Chunks

I like banana bread.  It isn't glamorous.  Instead, it's comforting and familiar.  I am excited whenever I have a few bananas that become too brown because it's the perfect excuse to make bread.

Given my affinity for banana bread, I have already posted a few versions on my blog.  This banana bread, with its crumb topping and chocolate chunks, is particularly decadent.  

Gallo Pinto

When I was in college, I spent a summer in Puebla, Mexico.  We went on a trip to Costa Rica.  I ate mountains of good food the entire summer.

In Puebla, I lived near a woman who served food in the first floor of her apartment.  For 25 pesos, I would eat until I could hardly move.  The meals always came with a big jar of agua fresca and as many fresh tortillas as you wanted.

Mint Chocolate Pancakes

I have become addicted to Trivia Crack.  I am not a big gamer, but for the past few weeks, I have spent at least 20 minutes a day answering trivia questions on this app.  

When I woke up this morning, I checked Trivia Crack to see if I had any pending games.  It's fun, but a complete waste of time.

Sausage Casserole

I experienced something new today: I was robbed.  I was less than a block from my office when it happened.  Luckily, only my wallet was taken.  I still have my phone, apartment key, and work ID.

I only had $10 in my wallet, but the culprit was able to spend some money at the liquor store with my credit card.  My bank is going to cover the fraudulent charges, which is wonderful.  I have had a string of good customer service experiences recently.

Bubbles and Squeak Patties

Yesterday I tried out a French style of kickboxing called Savate.  It was fun, and a little more graceful than the kickboxing I have experiment with in the past.

I just learned that it is the only kickboxing that does not allow kicking with the shin or knee.  Fighters generally wear shoes.  Savate actually means "old shoe" in French.

Cinnamon Rolls

I went to a paint your own pottery store on Thursday.  I anticipated spending less than a couple of hours painting.

I found an ornate Inca pattern online.  I overestimated my abilities and interest.

Glazed Ham

Earlier this week, the electricity in my power went out.  It was off for almost twenty-four hours.  It would not have been a problem, but it was also below freezing.  

That night I went to bed wearing multiple layers.  I was also inside my sleeping bag under my covers.  I am grateful I own a sleeping bag.

Scottish Mince Pie

Every year my cousin choses a country as a theme for our Christmas Eve celebration.  We have celebrated a Mexican, Ukrainian, Japanese, Chilean, and Greek Christmas, just to name a few examples.

We make food, listen to Christmas music, read a story, and do a craft from that country.  This year we listened to Scottish music and made Scottish food.  The main dish was mince pie. 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

I had an interesting work week.  Of the 25 people with whom I usually work, there were no more than 3 to 4 people in the office on any given day.  My boss was out everyday. 

The first day I came back, I was the only person in my corner of the building.  It's never a rowdy environment, but I could have heard a pin drop.  

Spinach and Mushrooms in a Cream Sauce

Happy New Year! Are you ready for 2015?  I don't know how I feel about this year.  I thought 2014 was going to be a fantastic year, and it was.  

I hope this year brings a big change or an exciting adventure.