Super Scampi: A Super Easy, Super Delightful Dish

Back in college, I was a terrible cook. I could bake cookies, cakes, brownies. That was easy. Although I vividly remember making banana bread that was basically black on the outside and a soft, gooey mess in the middle. Scratch that, I guess I was terrible in the kitchen. I took Home Economics in middle school. Shouldn't that make me a pro? No? Hmm... 

At any rate, a friend of mine bought me Rachel Ray's Look + Cook cookbook and it forever changed my life. Yes, a cookbook can save you in the kitchen. It seemed that I worried a lot about what my dish looked like while I was making it. Is this supposed to congeal like this? What should my meal look like when it's completely cooked? How thick is too thick for a pasta cream? But with this cookbook, it gave me step-by-step instructions with pictures. A gift sent from heaven! I now know that I'm a visual learner. Seeing pictures or watching videos on how to do certain tasks (especially in knitting) helps me complete whatever I need to do in a way words can't sometimes. 

I should note that my husband is actually a great cook, and I've learned a lot from him by being his cutter. You know, the person that's in the shadows, slicing and dicing his garlic, onions and peppers. I'm invaluable really. He probably wouldn't be as great if I weren't there.

After making several recipes from this wonderful book, I've landed on one that I've been making for several years now, and it's good every single time I make it. I don't even need the pictures to help me anymore! 

Super Scampi Recipe 

If you don't have this cookbook, or prefer to have everything online, there is a link to the recipe on Food Network. It's packed with flavor and feels light since there isn't a hearty sauce that goes along with it. The whole recipe (prep + cook) takes less than an hour and most items should already be in your pantry, at least they are in mine. 

What You Need: 

• EVOO (Extra-virgin Olive Oil)
• Anchovies (I don't actually add these, but I'm sure the flavor is that much stronger with it)
• Garlic
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Oregano
• Parsley (again, don't use this, but that's just personal preference) 
• Dry White Wine (you can use a cooking wine or even a Pinot Grigio, whatever you want) 
• Butter
• Chicken Stock
• Water
• Large Shrimp (fresh, uncooked shrimp is best, but whatever you have access to is fine) 
• Linguine 
• Lemon 
• Basil
• Salt and Pepper

The recipe is simple. You really only need one pot, and of course we use our Le Creuset cast iron dutch oven because it does what we need every time. I highly suggest investing in one; it'll be in your kitchen forever. 

Here's the finished product: 

And here's a closeup, because who doesn't want a closeup of the food you're about to consume in mass quantities? 

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do! Let me know if you add anything extra to make it pop even more. 

Always, 

A

Favorite Travel Destination: Oahu

Warm vacation destinations is where my heart lies. It probably has something to do with the six months of winter that Minnesota is known for. And the other six months consists of a quick hint of spring, a few months of a scorching summer, followed by a few weeks of fall. Also consider that most people have a 9-5 job, Monday through Friday. It leaves very little time to let that sun bathe over you. You can start to see why I want have a need to be where beaches exist. 

However, I must admit that I haven't traveled as much as I'd like to think. Sure, I've covered a lot of my home country, and dabbled in Canada and Mexico, but outside of that it's been the few months I've spent in Europe. Just a blip on the radar really. So to say where my favorite place to go comes with a little bit of ignorance of all the other beach vacations that exist. But for now, the top travel destination in my book is Oahu, Hawaii. 

Why Oahu? 

I've been to this beautiful destination twice. Once for my J-term in college and another last summer with my husband. Both experiences blew my mind and I'm left with the feeling that I need to go back. There's something very special about this island to make you want to go a third, fourth or even fifth time. And that's not to say that the other islands aren't worth your time, it's just to say that Oahu is a great first island to visit. 

My first visit had us living for three weeks in the heart of Honolulu. Not Waikiki where all the other tourists are, but in a YWCA. It wasn't glamorous but it provided us a real-life experience. We took the buses to get around, we went to the local grocery store when we needed something, we shopped at the mall where locals (and yes, probably tourists) shopped. Of course we hit the tourist destinations, but finding a rhythm of a day-to-day life in Honolulu was comforting and exciting. 

The second visit was closer to Waikiki, mostly because we wanted to be in a central location so we could do an outfit change or take a break from the sun. Because the hubby had never been, I wanted to show him things that I had done, and he also wanted to take me on hikes that I definitely didn't do my first go-around. There were also a few days on the trip that we rented a car so we could see the entire island, and that was probably the best thing we could have done! 

Both trips were special in their own way and I couldn't possibly pick one over the other. And since i've found myself on the island for over a month in total, I thought I share some of my favorite things to do! 

What to Do on Oahu

1. Explore Waikiki 

I know. You might be thinking that this is a tourist trap and that there is a Buffalo Wild Wings, McDonalds and a few other restaurants that you've been to more than you'd like to admit. But you have to look deeper into Waikiki than that. 

For instance, some of our favorite places to chow down were right on the strip! The first being Surf N' Turf Tacos, a small taco joint that had shrimp, poke, cod and other delightful proteins to pack into your taco, quesadilla or burrito. Plus they had chips and salsa that I could not get enough of. It's small but I think that just adds to the charm.  

Another great find was Marukame Udon, which I didn't even know how much I loved udon noodles until this place. The line gets crazy long so make sure to hit them up at earlier in the day or later at night! You won't be disappointed. 

Besides food, Waikiki has a beach that gives you beautiful views of Diamond Head Crater and the Royal Hawaiian, that bright pink hotel right on the beach that you've seen on dozens of postcards. Take a swim in the warm water or catch all those sun rays while listening to some music. The sand is also smooth and soft, not full of bits of shells like some beaches. If you walk down a ways, you'll run into the Honolulu Zoo! 

Finally, there are great shops, both national and local, that you need to check out to get out of the sun for a while. All you have to do is wander down Kalakaua Ave (pretty much the main drag). There are several mall areas where you can find swimsuits, look at Teslas and eat fro-yo. But you will also stumble upon great pop-up shops where you can haggle with the vendors to fulfill all your souvenir needs.  

2. Hike 

If you are not a hiker, than skip this section. But if you love getting outside and catching some breathtaking views, continue reading. 

We went on a lot of different hikes with a lot of different levels of difficulty. While my husband was dying to Haiku Stairs, we 1) chickened out but also 2) it's dangerous and illegal. It offers stunning views from which we've seen on YouTube from others that risked it, but I promise you can catch equally stunning views on very legal hikes. 

Diamond Head Crater is a classic hike. I did it both times I was in Hawaii, and loved it every time. It's not too strenuous and it doesn't take all day, but when you get to the top you catch a beautiful view of the coastline in Waikiki. It's even better at sunrise! This hike will be more touristy, so the earlier you go, the better. 

The next hike is one I can't recommend to everyone (or anyone...) except for the simple fact that you can say you completed a hike that is 1,000 steps upward! Koko Crater Railway Trail is across the road from Hanauma Bay, and we hit it up after spending a few hours snorkeling. Note to self: Maybe hike THEN snorkel and relax on the beach... Anyway, the trail starts easy enough, but soon you find yourself going pretty much straight upwards to the top. If it wasn't my husband's birthday, I wouldn't have put that strain on myself. I was hostile until we got down. Looking back, I think i'm happy I did it. Maybe. 

A quick hike that we did in flipflops (maybe don't do it in flipflops, just saying) is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. When you get to the top, you get a very enjoyable view of Lanikai Beach, as well as the Chinaman's Hat (a little island that you can wade over to in low tide). 

Crouching Lion hike is one that has lots of different spots for you to check out the view and either turn around or keep going. I'ts a hike to feel satisfied wherever you decide to call it quits. You can take the trail to the summit, or hit the top of the ridge in about 40 minutes. The views of Kahana Bay are worth the first part of the dusty hike, where you need to grab on to vines and ropes left from other hikers. Once you hit the top of the ridge, you'll get a nice breeze that'll cool you down instantly. I think some of my favorite photos came from this one. 

3. Go Snorkeling 

Yes. Hanauma Bay is touristy as all get out. But that's because once you get through the bus ride (or car ride), the lines, the video you must watch and so on, you find yourself on a beach in a nice bay with coral and fish galore. They let you rent all the snorkel gear you need, or you can bring your own. Snorkeling is such a cool way to see all the crazy fish (and sometimes turtles!) and getting close up to the coral in the area. 

While this is the only part of the island I spent time snorkeling, there are plenty of other sites to check out. I would suggest researching them online to find the right type of adventure. 

4. Beach Hop 

Not all beaches are the same my friend. I've already gloated over Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay, but I promise there are other stunning beaches you need to hit up. Ala Moana Beach Park is a nice play to go after you've traipsed around the mall for a few hours. It has a beautiful peninsula called "Magic Island" and it's a great place to go at sunset. I've seen plenty of wedding photos taken in this area. The beach itself is rather large and not as populated like Waikiki. 

Waimea Bay Beach is the biggest beach we went to. The white sand goes on for what feels like miles and there is a sweet little rock formation that you can jump off into that beautiful blue ocean water. I chickened out, but my husband had a good time. The beach is kind of on it's own, so make sure to bring a snack or arrive full. 

5. Go to a Luau 

I've only been to one luau on the island, but it was so good, I went back to the same one. They are on the pricier side but there are some you can find that are cheap or even free. 

The Polynesian Cultural Center is my favorite because it's more than a luau. You also get access to their "theme park" if you will, which is events and activities from the different cultures that Hawaii is made up of. Plus you are wined and dined during the luau, and you can end the night with their fire dancing show. 

In the Hilton Hawaiian Village back in Waikiki, you can hit up their luau at sunset. It's till a tad on the pricier side, but the backdrop couldn't be more stunning. Again, there are plenty of luaus to check out, you just need to do a little digging. 

Of course these aren't the only things you can do on the island, but they were what we focused on this time around. If museums are your thing, I highly suggest Pearl Harbor. They do a great job setting the scene for such a tragic event in American history. Or if you like to fish, look into deep sea fishing. While we didn't catch anything (the husband's line broke just as he was about to get the fish in the net!), it's still a great time on the ocean at sunset. My final suggestion is hitting up the Kualoa Ranch if you want to go off-roading and check out some famous areas from some famous movies (Lost, Jurassic Park to name a few...). We decided to spend our money elsewhere, but you better believe this is a must on our next adventure. 

Here's a final picture of the ocean near a lighthouse we quickly hiked to. I mean seriously, every bit of this island is to die for. 

I hope you all find this helpful, and that you now think it's a must to spend some time in this lovely state. Aloha and Mahalo friends! 

Always, 
A

My Favorite Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Happy February friends!! Thank goodness January is over. January felt like 231 days. It always has the ability to drag on. January is the black sheep of the family, the little sibling that puts on your makeup and wears all of your clothes. They are impossible to get rid of, plus their family so it'd be frowned upon, so you must live with it. So to commemorate this brand new shiny month, I bring you my favorite chicken noodle soup recipe!

This recipe comes from Pinterest, the same place I found an orange chicken recipe that bombed completely and utterly. The ingredients had all sounded delightful: BBQ sauce? Yum! Orange juice? Who doesn't like orange juice? Soy sauce? So salty! But just because all of those things are delicious on their own DOES NOT MEAN you can put them together. That smell will haunt me forever. Regardless, Pinterest is a land full of hit and misses. Even simple chicken noodle soup recipes aren't safe. I can't tell you how many times I've made them and the recipes call for lemon. While I love lemon, it simply overpowers the soup and is not an ingredient I need.

Iowa Girl Eats is the creator of this gem of a recipe (and I hope to make other recipes from this other Midwestern woman) that captured my heart and my husband. She makes gluten-free recipes because of her diagnosis with Celiac Disease, so if you live a GF life, you too can enjoy this one!

It's simple and basic but it can really hit the spot on a cold day or when you're really under the weather. The first time I made it was because the hubby was under the weather and it was dire he get a pick-me-up food. I'm not sure if this cured him, but he definitely had an appetite!

What I especially love about this recipe is that they are items most people already have in their pantry and does not require trips to the grocery store. And if you choose to add some extra spices, I think that's totally acceptable.  Also, if you're not GF, I highly suggest having a slice of bread (or four) to soak up all that broth-goodness.

I won't post all the details because, hey, it's not my recipe, but i'll give you the ingredients so you're ready when you choose to make this delightful soup. Bonus: Nothing needs to marinate or sit overnight so once you have the ingredients, you're good to go!

What You Need:

• EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• Butter
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt and Pepper
• Chicken Broth
• Chicken
• Spaghetti Noodles

I know, spaghetti noodles threw me too, but honestly I wouldn't make it any other way. Just make sure you break it up enough so the noodles are easier to eat. The noodles do tend to soak up a lot of the broth, so make sure to have extra stock on hand. Or add water when you're in a pinch. 

So here is that link again for you and I hope you spend these cold winter months eating this to your heart's content. Enjoy! 

Always, A