neverbeenso

Golf Ball Cake Pops for Father’s Day

Published on June 7, 2016June 7, 2016 by neverbeenso4 Comments

Father’s Day is coming and you know what that means, you get to celebrate the wonderful men in your life, especially your dad (aka the hardest person to shop for)!

If your dad is an avid sportsman like mine, over the years you’ve probably exhausted him with every ounce of paraphernalia of every single one of his sports team’s and any type of sports equipment you could get your hands on. I’ve also gone the route of bringing him things to eat and drink (dad loves a cold beer). This year I took it to a new level and combined both of the ideas I’ve been using for the last 28 years!

I give you golf ball cake pops!

Really any sport will do, as long as you find the mold online and Amazon has an awesome selection. I used these molds (for the balls) and sticks (for the tees) and they worked perfectly!

I tried a couple different cake recipes. I really wanted to somehow incorporate beer, but all of the cake recipes I found that included beer were basically inedible, IMO. Including a very basic cake pop recipe below.

One Little Project has a ton of different cake pop flavor variations.

Here are some tips for coating cake pops that I’ve found helpful.

Once your cake pops are beautiful. Grab an old slab of wood, drill a few holes and you’ve got the perfect presentation of tees on a course! [I’ve also found this is a great way to dry your cake pops].

Golf Ball Cake Pops

Servings: 24
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Print

Ingredients
1 box white cake mix (and ingredients called for on the box)
1 jar white frosting
1 package Candiquik melting chocolate (or any other variation that works for you, but I swear by Candiquik) + 2 tablespoons of white chocolate
Cake pop molds and sticks

Directions
1. Prepare cake (9×13 or 2 rounds) as directed and let cool.
2. Add cake to bowl and crumble until it resembles fine crumbs.
3. Using your hands to incorporate, add frosting a little bit at a time until cake can be formed into a ball, yet slightly crumbly.
4. Freeze your balls for 20 minutes.
5. Melt the 2 TBSP of white chocolate and dip sticks into chocolate and into balls, place back in the freezer for 20 mins.
6. Melt the Candiquik according to directions and then cover each cake pop with the melted chocolate and place into the mold.
7. Let them harden for 10 minutes or so and place on your stand!

Oreo Stuffed Churro Cupcakes

Published on May 5, 2016May 5, 2016 by neverbeenso2 Comments

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!! This is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. Tacos, margaritas, tequila, guac; what else do you need? As I was sitting at work today, I couldn’t help but crave churros and wanted to share that craving with my co-workers. However, I was a little late to the game in preparation and decided to think up something quick and easy in my head that I could prep tonight and bring in tomorrow (or this weekend, if I became too lazy).

For the sake of time, I decided to enhance store-bought mix and icing. I figured I could just throw some cinnamon in the batter and call it a day, UNTIL I spotted cinnamon bun oreos! So, I decided to stuff my cupcakes with the oreos and add a little crunchy layer underneath the icing to give them a churro-esque texture.

Alas, Oreo Stuffed Churro Cupcakes. Now, if you don’t have time to whip these up before tomorrow’s festivities, why not expand your Cinco Celebration throughout the weekend?? Or make them just because; they’re that good (AND EASY)!

Oreo Stuffed Churro Cupcakes

Servings: 24
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Print

Ingredients
1 box white cake mix (and the ingredients called for on the box)
2 jars cream cheese icing
1 package cinnamon bun oreos (or golden if you can’t find these – and add ground cinnamon)
4 tablespoons of butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 TSP ground cinnamon
Cupcake liners (since these were for Cinco De Mayo, I used red, green and white)
Decorative pieces (found these edible mustaches at Party City)

Directions
1. Mix cake batter according to box directions.
2. Line your muffin tins and pour 1 tbsp batter into each liner and then place one oreo into each liner and push down (the batter should hug the oreo, but not cover). Then place 1-2 tbsp more batter into each liner until they are 3/4 full.
3. Bake according to box directions (mine were perfect in 17 mins).
4. Move the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely.
5. Once cooled completely, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Brush melted butter on the tops of each cupcake and then dip into cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Top with cream cheese frosting and decorative pieces.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Set out 20 mins prior to serving.

11 Baltimore Restaurants Doing Deviled Eggs Right

Published on May 4, 2016May 4, 2016 by neverbeenso4 Comments

For this week’s 180 Wednesday, I’m talking about DEVILED EGGS! I know I’m not the only one who despised these little suckers as a kid (or up until a month ago). Of course deviled eggs have features to dislike (i.e. smell, preparation); however, they’ve never been so on the top of my cravings list.

And because I become instantly obsessed when I stumble upon a new flavor I like (hence the creation of 180 Wednesday), I have been eating up deviled eggs at every restaurant I can get my hands on (all within the last month!). It’s quite surprising how many restaurants actually serve up these little guys, all with their own take on presentation and flavor. I missed photo ops on a few of these, never imagined I would fall in love as hard as I did

And while I’m sure our family’s recipes are on the tops of all our lists, in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, let’s give Mom and Grandma a break, and have someone else do the work. Here are the restaurants serving up the best deviled eggs in Baltimore!

1 . Cava Mezze | 1302 Fleet Street

GREEN EGGS & HAM deviled eggs | fresh herb vinaigrette | crispy pancetta
First off, their brunch is amazing; bottomless eats and drink. So when I happened upon deviled eggs on the menu a month ago, I gave them a shot. I figured if I don’t like them, no biggie, it’s bottomless. WELL, lets just say, my mouth experienced complete confusion and satisfaction. And since, my love for deviled eggs was born – not to mention they get extra points for Dr. Seuss nostalgia.

2 . Woodberry Kitchen | 2010 Clipper Park Road

Devilled Eggs | Chipped Ham | Fish Pepper
These little guys are high up on my list. I was skeptical of the fish pepper, but it packed such a good flavor!

3 . Bond Street Social | 901 South Bond Street

“Eggs and Bacon” Deviled Eggs | bacon jam | pickled mustard seeds | pimento cheddar filling
Half-priced, daily 4pm-7pm

4 . Dinosaur BBQ | 1401 Fleet Street
Creole Deviled Eggs | Cajun spiced | Chives
Get these in portions of 3, 6 or 12 pieces

5 . Artifact Coffee | 1500 Union Avenue

Deviled Eggs
As you can imagine, these are pretty similar to the ones served at Woodberry Kitchen, but there’s nothing wrong with that!

6 . Ten Ten | 1010 Fleet Street

Deviled Eggs | Cunningham farm eggs | bacon | smoked paprika

7 . Sugarvale | 4 West Madison Street

Deviled Eggs | Duck Ham
This ham is LEGIT.

8 . Southern Provisions | 3000 O’Donnell Street
Deviled Eggs | Mustard Seed | Paprika

9 . The Nickel Taphouse | 1604 Kelley Avenue
Deviled Eggs | bacon jam

10 . Cardinal Tavern | 901 South Clinton Street
Mom’s Deviled Eggs | “classic recipe just like Mom used to make”

Who am I missing?? I’m always up for solid recommendations!

The Culotte Jumpsuit Should Be Your Go-To Staple This Season

Published on April 20, 2016 by neverbeenso2 Comments

We all know those trends that we loved and then absolutely hated and are loving yet again. Recently, I talked about culottes making their comeback and I’m still obsessing over that trend. But for this #180wednesday, I’ve found the most perfect staple for this spring/summer that is making a big comeback and that’s the culotte jumpsuit, meshing culottes and the romper (my usual go-to), into this hybrid of comfort and style. I cant get enough of them.

I came across the Aboreta Jumpsuit at Anthropologie (pictured below) and instantly fell in love. Although, I did have to wait until just recently to wear it because of Mother Nature’s mood swings, but its neverbeenso worth it. I paired it with some steals I found at a local shop in my hometown, called Centerpiece Boutique. The second I walked in, I was instantly transported to a charming southern town. My shades, necklace and bangle can be found there and they have a huge selection of Bourbon and Boweties! If you live in the Southern Maryland area, definitely check it out. And these flats from Old Navy were less than $20!

This jumpsuit is on the pricier side, so I’m sharing some more affordable options that I plan on scooping up this season. But just think, with a jumpsuit, you only have to buy one piece of clothing, so the extra dollars have neverbeenso justified!

ASOS Bardot Jersey Jumpsuit With Wide Leg | $40.44

Caslon Sleeveless Utility Jumpsuit | $88

ASOS Jumpsuit with Culotte Leg and High Neck | $80.88

Old Navy Floral V-Neck Jumpsuit for Women | $30

French Connection ‘Samba Avenue Drape’ Print Crepe Culotte Jumpsuit | $178
NEVERBEENSO obsessed

Adelyn Rae Stripe Wide Leg Jumpsuit | $98

ASOS Minimal Jersey Jumpsuit with V Neck and Wide Leg | $64.70

AND can we talk about the perfection that is this ASOS Bridal Jumpsuit with Detachable Cape | $242.63
Either for a rehearsal dinner or a beach wedding. I seriously cant.

What trends are you loving this season?? Have any staples made a comeback in your closet??

Creamy Sausage, Kale and Cauliflower Garlic Rice

Published on April 13, 2016April 13, 2016 by neverbeenso2 Comments

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post all about my love for brussels sprouts in a new series called 180 Wednesday, documenting foods or experiences I despised as a child and have neverbeenso obsessed with now. This week, it’s CAULIFLOWER.

As a child, this was the most bland (and ugly) vegetable I could think of, even buckets of ranch couldn’t get me to eat it. And now, I’m obsessed. It can be transformed to resemble so many things: rice, mashed potatoes, pizza crust, the list goes on.

I’ve posted a cauliflower fried rice recipe (SO good), but this weekend I wanted comfort food. I mean, rightfully so since it’s been so cold and dreary (who else is ready to throw blows about this snow in April?!). I adapted the Creamy Cauliflower Garlic Rice from Pinch of Yum by adding sausage and kale and it was exactly what the doctor ordered to get me through these freak cold spells. The recipe makes a decadent sauce made mostly of cauliflower, yet tastes like its full of butter and cream and melted cheese.

Stay tuned for several of my go-to cauliflower recipes!

Creamy Sausage, Kale and Cauliflower Garlic Rice

Servings: 6
Time: 75 mins
Difficulty: moderate
Print

Ingredients
1 head cauliflower, florets broken up
4 cups vegetable broth + 2 cups water
½ cup milk
1½ cups brown rice (I used Harris Teeter Basmati Blend)
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste!)
4 tablespoons butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
16 oz sausage, cut into ½ inch slices (I used Hillshire Farms Turkey Kielbasa)

Directions
1. Start to cook the rice according to package directions.
2. While the rice is cooking, bring the vegetable broth and water to a boil in a large pot. Add the cauliflower and boil for about 10 minutes, until tender. Transfer cauliflower pieces to a blender or food processor.
3. Puree the cauliflower, adding milk or extra vegetable broth to get a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt. Set aside.
4. While the rice continues to cook, in a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter and add the garlic, sauteing over low heat until the garlic is very fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the sausage and kale and mix until sausage browns and kale begins to wilt. Note: The kale should still be bright green.
5. When the rice is done, add remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the rice and pour in the cauliflower mixture, mix until well combined.
6. Add the kale, sausage and garlic mixture into the rice and stir until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Let cool slightly and serve.

Kale Basil Pesto

Published on April 4, 2016April 4, 2016 by neverbeenso1 Comment

This entire recipe from Gimme Some Oven is delicious, but the Kale Basil Pesto is the true shining star. Gimme Some Oven pairs this pesto with chicken sausage, gnocchi and brussels sprouts. [This should have been added to my previous post – 15 Ways To Satisfy Your Brussels Sprout Craving!]

But anyway, the pesto alone would be delicious on literally anything! Perfect if you’re testing out #meatlessmonday like myself and don’t want to sacrifice flavor!

15 Ways to Satisfy Your Brussels Sprout Craving

Published on March 30, 2016 by neverbeenso3 Comments

Can you think of any foods that you absolutely despised at a younger age and then you had a moment when you tried them again and you’ve neverbeenso obsessed?? I was an extremely picky eater as a child (neverbeenso sorry, Mom!) and now I am being reintroduced to a ton of foods and making up for lost time.

This has happened countless times – peppers, fish, eggs, olives, horseradish AND most recently, brussels sprouts. They’re perfect for bite-sized apps, side dishes, or the main star of any meal. I have been trying every recipe I can get my hands on to satisfy this intense craving. If you still aren’t convinced, these recipes are guaranteed to change your mind!

What are some of your favorite ways to prepare these little beauties?

Share the foods that have your taste buds doing a 180 with #180wednesday!

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

2. Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

3. Beer Caramelized Onion and Brussels Sprout Pizza

4. Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

5. Roasted Garlic and Bacon Brussels Sprouts

6. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Saute

7. Fried Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Vinegar Toasted Breadcrumbs

8. Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

9. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Polenta

10. Ricotta Herb Stuffed Brussels Sprouts

11. Brussels Sprouts Gratin

12. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Skewers

13. Asian Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Carrots and Almonds

14. Zesty Pickled Brussels Sprouts

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Aioli

Put On Something Pretty

Published on March 20, 2016 by neverbeenso1 Comment

Who else is a creature of the weather? The mid-60s last week were a huge tease, I had neverbeenso thrilled to put my big coat away. However, the weekend finally arrives and it’s cold, rainy and just plain dreary. I was more than ready to stay in and finally finish up deciding between thirteen sets of flatware for our registry – why are there SO many?? But then Will convinced me to get myself together and not let the rain ruin our time off. Since he knows the way to my heart – he suggested putting on something pretty and going out for food.

So I dug into my second Rocksbox that I received this week and my mood instantly started lifting. I received some gorgeous pieces this time around; I’m learning the stylist really listens to the feedback. Don’t forget if you want to get a free month of Rocksbox – use code “neverbeensoxoxo”!

This month’s pieces:
Soko Chain Dangle Choker
Gorjana Greer V-Neck Necklace
Loren Hope Sophia Studs in Neon Yellow

If you haven’t noticed, I’m super into chokers and collars this season. So I paired the Gorjana Greer V-Neck Necklace with the Minimal Metal Collar from Bauble Bar, which they are calling a BB Essential. I also threw on these studs from Brightside Boutique and was ready to get my chow on.

So, if you are feeling down this weekend as a result of the weather – put on something pretty, eat something good and turn your mood around. It’ll be warm soon enough – hopefully.

10 Eateries You Must Visit in Charleston, SC

Published on March 4, 2016March 4, 2016 by neverbeensoLeave a comment

As stated in my post about the charm of Charleston, I told you I wanted to bring you a post solely devoted to it’s divine food culture, and what better time to do that than at the start of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Last year I volunteered at the festival, participated in several events and had a blast; if 2016 wasn’t the year of our friends’ weddings (10!), our own wedding, and house hunting, we would be there – we’ll see ya there in 2017!

You never know who you’ll take a selfie with. Myself + Hugh Acheson.

You never know who’s autograph you’ll get. Myself + Virginia Willis.

Or who you’ll see perform! The oh so talented Marc Broussard. – Thanks to The Local Palate for choosing my photo in a contest they ran and giving me these awesome tickets!

And that was my experience in a nutshell. But I digress. You’re here for the food recommendations, right? So here they are. 10 of the places I couldn’t get enough of during my temporary stay in Charleston. These are the places I had neverbeenso happy to stumble upon and neverbeenso satisfied with when I left.

Poogan’s Porch – 72 Queen Street
The most adorable, quaint restaurant – it truly is what you expect when you think Southern.
TIP: Get the Mac & Cheese – creamy smoked gouda, country ham, need I say more?

Barsa – 630 King Street
Don’t let the fact that Barsa is a little bit on the outskirts detour you. This is one of the coolest atmospheres I experienced in Charleston and some of the best food!
TIP: WHEN, not If, you order the paella, put it in first since it takes roughly 45 mins – 1hr to prepare and snack on some light tapas and drinks while you wait.

167 Raw – 289 E. Bay Street
This place is SO good. It’s pretty tiny inside, so snag a seat at the bar if you can. The oysters were phenomenal and the tacos are out of this world – totally unexpected.
TIP: The Fish + 10 Hr Carnitas Tacos are the way to go.

Magnolia’s – 185 E. Bay Street
A Charleston staple, for sure. The fried green tomatoes are out of this world and the fried chicken is insane.
TIP: Reservations needed in advance – the earlier the better.

Poe’s Tavern – 2210 Middle Street
This spot is over on Sullivan’s Island, but totally worth the trip. Go on off-hours to ensure you get a seat, as they don’t take reservations. I mean, this burger, really.
TIP: A burger topped with a fried egg AND fried onions.

Fish – 442 King Street
French and Asian cuisines reimagined is how Fish describes its style and I can’t argue it.
TIP: The dessert dim sum allows you to get tiny bites of 4 different desserts to experience all the heaven they have on one plate.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – 476 1/2 King Street
In my two month stay, I visited Callie’s at least 8 times. I’ll be the first to admit, I was an addict and would give my left arm if they would open up shop in Baltimore.
TIP: Some friday nights they open late night and serve fried chicken biscuits – HELLO!

Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar – 205 E. Bay Street
You guessed it, this place is a raw bar, and the quality is off the charts. The oyster shell chandeliers are so Charleston.
TIP: You need the Crispy Calamari Steak Slices in your life – crispy strips of calamari topped with corn, onion and bacon

Burwell’s Stonefire Grill – 14 N. Market Street
I spent a lot of time at this bar and when I finally had the food I was blown away.
TIP: Get the “on the rocks” appetizer and cook your own steak to perfection on the table side searing stone.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – 501-A King Street
So I know Jeni’s has multiple locations, but it was my first experience and I couldn’t get enough.
TIP: Two scoops are always better than one.

You’re probably scrolling through wondering where the big hitters are, like FIG and HUSK, on my list. If you’ve read anything about Charleston or watched Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown: Charleston episode, you’d know these two spots are must-gos; HOWEVER, what they don’t tell you is you need reservations months in advance. I arrived in Charleston in February and couldn’t get a Friday or Saturday night reservation (at a normal dining time) before I left in April; neverbeenso crushed. So if you are even toying with the idea of heading to Charleston, make that reservation now. I’m having serious FOMO so let me know if you’ve been so I can live vicariously! What are some of your favorite spots in Charleston?!

Look for Less: Oliver Peoples Sunnies

Published on February 29, 2016 by neverbeensoLeave a comment

Recently, I fell in love with Oliver Peoples; however, they are a little steep for my pocket, especially since I’ve neverbeenso horrendous at keeping track of sunglasses. I have sent far too many expensive sunnies to the SGY (sunglass grave yard – RIP). Other than the Ray-Bans I’ve managed to keep alive for more than 2 years, I mainly opt for cheaper pairs. So I got to the Google and came across a pair of Oliver Peoples inspired shades and decided to give them a shot. They are by Saint Noir and have the 80s inspired look I was going for in the After Midnight pair from Oliver Peoples. Granted, they aren’t the highest of quality, as it seems the nose pads are a bit flimsy, as well as the temples, but for a very mere fraction of the price, they’ll do the trick! Stay tuned for a post with some of my favorite budget-friendly sunnies for this upcoming season!

Oliver Peoples – After Midnight – $450
Saint Noir – Oliver Peoples Inspired Gold Metal – $12.50

Golf Ball Cake Pops

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Oreo Stuffed Churro Cupcakes

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Creamy Sausage, Kale and Cauliflower Garlic Rice

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