Knock You Naked Brownies

Did you know the Farris wheel was invented for the Chicago World's Exposition?  I learned that useful tidbit last year.

I just learned from Wikipedia that we owe another great invention to the Chicago World's Exposition:  the brownie.  In 1893, Bertha Palmer, the wife of the owner of the Palmer House Hotel, asked the hotel's pastry chef to create a dessert that could be packed into lunch boxes.

Sausage, Caramelized Onion, and Cheddar Frittata

I went to the wonderful state of Texas this week.  My one regret is that I didn't eat any Mexican food.  It's a bit of a tragedy really.

Northern Virginia isn't known for it's Mexican food.  It's been a while since I have eaten quality Mexican food.  

Thai Chicken Curry with Pineapple

I'm in the habit of starting each post with a trivial story about my day to day life.  Usually it is an event from the past few days.

Unfortunately, the past few days have been incredibly dull.  I'm board even thinking about it.

Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken

Every year my co-works have a barbecue during the summer.  We start early and continue chatting and eating until dusk. 

Yesterday was the day.  My co-workers come from a few different ethnic backgrounds, so it's fun to taste the diversity of foods.  

Asparagus and Mushroom Frittata with Feta

Next week I'm going to Dallas.  I have never been.  

I'm going to volunteer at the Veteran Wheelchair Games.  I volunteered last year when it was held in Philadelphia with a group of my coworkers.

Cranberry and Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins

When I lived with my parents, I regularly watched PBS.  I have started getting in the habit again, and it's been delightful.

I'm currently binge watching American Experience and Antiques Roadshow.  I just finished an episode on Thomas Edison.  I didn't know he was instrumental in inventing motion pictures.  Before watching American Experience, I was just aware he invented electricity.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This weekend I went camping at Assateague Island.  It was fun to camp right on the beach.  

There were no rocks on tree branches under my back as I slept, but the best perk of beach camping is the view.  We woke up and were yards away from the ocean.

Dried Cherry and Almond Chocolate Pancakes

I have recently become obsessed with dresses.  I look at new styles online, and I'm always on the lookout for a pretty new one.  When I was a child, I disliked dresses.  They didn't fit with how I viewed myself.

I would only wear a dress on Sundays for church, and as soon as church was over, I changed into other clothes.

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette, Dried Berries, and Almonds

Today I rode my bike home from work in a rain storm.  When I say rain, I mean deluge.  I was soaked to the skin.

At times the rain was so hard it limited my eyesight.  I had to slow down to avoid running into sign or tree.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Yesterday I went to an outdoor concert in a park.  It was an area of town I didn't know well.  We walked around the neighborhood afterwards.  It was delightful.

The park was by the river.  The city has built a path along the river and through the park.  There were restaurants along the path and many people enjoying the start of the weekend in the relaxed atmosphere.  

  

Red Lentil Curry

I am going through an Indian kick.  Over the past few months, I have eaten at Indian restaurants about half the time I have eaten out.

I am also drawn to Indian recipes while I'm perusing other food blogs.  The flavors and spices are so delicious.