Fashion meets Food

Pronto Pups (Corn Dogs)

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Erica

This past weekend I was hanging out on the boardwalk and noticed tons of fair food. From funnel cakes and elephant ears to pronto pups (corn dogs) and deep fried Oreos the boardwalk had a wide variety of fried foods. I passed up on the opportunity to indulge, but later found myself making my own batch of corn dogs to have at the beach with friends. They were everything I had hoped for and I think they’ll become a beach staple this summer.

Corn Dogs
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cornmeal
4 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk

Directions
1. Mix all dry ingredients, and then add eggs and milk. Mix until lump free. Insert a skewer into each hot dog. Dip hot dogs into the batter to coat.
2. Deep fry in hot oil (I did this on the bbq). When light golden brown remove and place on a paper towel.

Makes one package hot dogs with heavy crust or two packages with light.

Holland

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Erica

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{Antique Dutch Carousel}

A couple of weeks back, we went out to Holland for the afternoon. It’s about an hour and thirty minute drive from my place, but there was no better time to go than during Tulip Time (which you can see here). Holland is a coastal city on the western side of Michigan, which was founded by Dutch Americans. Dutch heritage is still a significant characteristic of the town, which results in your feeling like you are actually in Holland.

{De Zwaan a 250 year old Dutch Windmill}
they actually make AMAZING whole wheat graham flour in the windmill.

{Dutch dancing (in wooden shoes) in the street}

{The best ice cream: Hudsonville}

{1928 antique Amsterdam street organ}

{Dutch statue at Riverview Park}

Five Things

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Erica

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{the first glimpses of spring lines the streets with pretty blossoms}

Can you believe that Memorial Day is just around the corner. It seems like spring has finally arrived and now summer will be starting. I have yet to even start to build a backyard space worth spending the afternoon in for get-togethers and cookouts. This weekend my goal is to work on picking an area for a garden and starting to fence it off (major deer problem) as well as planting flowers as you come up the driveway. What are your weekend plans?

{let the summer projects begin}

{newest hair accessory}

{my daily view}

{my mum made me a gardening kit}

Homemade Root Beer

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Erica

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On this day in 1866 root beer was created, and quickly became an American classic. This week I decided to recreate the classic and it was everything I could of hoped for. The perfect root beer flavor with a slight hint of vanilla, and of course I couldn’t pass up making it into a float.

Homemade Root Beer
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups sugar (I used sugar that has been infused with vanilla beans)
2 ¼ cups water
2 tablespoons root beer concentrate (I used Watkins)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (I used Watkins)
Club Soda

Directions
1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat and stir until mixture starts to boil and sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Add root beer concentrate and vanilla and mix thoroughly.
3. To serve, add ½ to 1/3 cup (according to taste) root beer syrup to 5 ounces club soda.

Makes 3 cups root beer syrup.

How To: Hummingbird Food

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Erica

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I heard a radio announcement that the last of the hummingbirds should be back in the state by now, so I promptly made a batch of hummingbird food. If you have never made it before the process is extremely easy, and only calls for water and sugar. Combine 1 part sugar to 4 parts water (ex. ½ cup sugar and 2 cups water). Bring the water and sugar to a boil and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool before adding to your hummingbird feeder. I like to color mine red to help attract the birds, but it’s not necessary.