Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

I stumbled upon this recipe late last night. So, of course, Ryan and I made 'em first thing this morning. It was a total team effort and we rocked it! These pancakes pack all of the flavor of a baked cinnamon roll, while feeling less heavy and dense. They're also super easy to make. Go on, try 'em...you know you want to!

Check out that short stack of deliciousness! YUM.

After pouring your pancake batter on a hot griddle, it's time to hit it with a swirl of cinnamon! Use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off or a squeeze bottle (if you have one lying around like we did). And who says you have to stick with the swirl? You could get creative and draw a heart, a happy face, or a secret love note of cinnamon.

Butte 52: Week 6 - Red Bluff Round-Up

Ok, so the Red Bluff Round-Up is technically in Tehama County, but everyone I know in Butte County looks forward to it. It's been around since 1919. 

Refreshing Blue Ta-Ta Cocktail

Warning: drinking a Blue Ta-Ta will result in a fantastic mood!

To be honest - I'm not a huge fan of wine, I can't stand beer, but I sure do love a mixed drink. I'm a big fan of experimenting with different liquors and mixers, always in search of my new favorite cocktail. This pretty Blue Ta-Ta just happens to be the drink of the moment around here.

The Blue Ta-Ta has become extremely popular among my friends (even with the guys!). The reason behind the name shall remain a secret, but trust me, this cocktail is pure DELICIOUSNESS! It's the perfect cocktail for a hot summer's day. It's light, refreshing, and a lovely color.

Caramelized Chicken with Jalapeno Cream

It's late...and I have to be up bright and early in a couple of hours. So let's just get to it, shall we? 

This sauce is incredible! Despite being a cream sauce, it tastes somewhat light and it has a refreshingly subtle jalapeno taste (says the one with oh-so-heavy spicy hand). I paired it with spicy fried rice, but Ryan and I both agreed, it would be better with pasta next time. It's yummy...make it!

Start by pulsing fresh jalapenos, shallot, and garlic in the food processor. Try not to lean over the top, to take in it's beauty, as I did. The shallot/jalapeno fumes will punch you in the face and make your eyes water uncontrollably. You've been warned.

Butte 52: Week 5 - Almond Blossoms

I am truly enjoying my first spring here in Northern California. As beautiful as the Evergreen State could be, it was often just that...green. So when the almond orchards exploded with blossoms here, I was in awe. They were so colorful, so bee-u-tiful! 

The blooms only lasted for a couple of weeks, but while they were here, they were incredible! Unfortunately, I didn't get out to photograph them until they were almost all gone. But I was able to catch a few good shots.

Can you spot the bumble bee?

Here in Butte County, people pronounce the word almond differently. Locals, including those who actually farm the almonds themselves, pronounce it am-mind. I grew up saying all-mund.

At first, I was totally opposed to dropping the "l" in almond. It sounded ridiculous. Ryan would say to me, "Well you don't pronounce the l in salmon, do you?" Well no, but still. 

However, now that I've lived here for awhile, I find myself dropping the "l" without thinking about it. When I read it in my head, I drop the "l." My sister came to visit and heard me drop the "l." She called me a traitor.