Name: Smothered Green Chili Burritos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 7-8 burritos
Ingredients: Green Chili Sauce:; 2 T. vegetable oil; 3 T. flour; 1 c. chicken broth; 3 seeded and diced grilled green chilis; 1 tsp. cumin; 3 dashes hot sauce; heavy pinch salt; pinch black pepper; Burrito Filling:; 1 lb. 90/10 ground turkey; 2 diced seeded grilled green chilis; 1/2 c. shredded Mexican cheese mix; 1/2 c. sour cream; heave pinch salt; pinch black pepper; Queso Sauce:; 3 oz. of Rotel®; 4 oz. of Velvetta®; Extra Ingredients:; 1/4 c. shredded Mexican cheese mix; Diced green onion for garnish; Diced tomatoes for garnish; 1 1/2 T. cilantro leaves for garnish; 8" low-carb tortillas (7-8)

Discovering Lincoln, Nebraska in a Weekend

May 28, 2019 by Vanessa 8 Comments

People in Nebraska pride themselves on being “Nebraska Nice” and from the welcoming treatment I received in Lincoln, I certainly felt like I was amongst friends. Lincoln may be known for it’s historic and award-winning collegiate football team, but I’ll always remember it as the town where I had a super fun time – and the best pasta I ever tasted!

I’m a Kansan and I had never visited Nebraska! I was overdue for a trip, and when I saw that an uber hip hotel called Graduate Lincoln was located downtown, I was convinced. To discover Lincoln, you simply must show up and take it all in — and we did!

The dynamic city, known as Nebraska’s capital and the home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, completely surprised me. I mistakenly assumed that I would find a cool hotel surrounded by a common college town with typical restaurants and bars. Nope! The city I experienced included hospitable people ready to lay out the red carpet. Whether someone is looking to dine on local cuisine or jam out to ’80s music while playing pinball in the Haymarket District, whatever you’re looking to do, Lincoln has it!

LODGING

I chose to stay at a boutique hotel Graduate Lincoln for the vibes (and it is centrally located in the city’s historic district dotted with restaurants, bars, and retail stores). Also located close to the UNL’s campus, the hotel focuses its design and ambiance entirely around its location — all things collegiate and cool drip from every inch of the hotel’s aesthetic. Everything inside Graduate Lincoln from the wallpaper to the bedding is meant to be nostalgic; to remind you of your glory days as your college/younger self.

As they say, “good ol hay days are had here (nights too),” the hotel is prides itself on “where your intellectual curiosity meets your favorite place to stay.”

The room keys feature iconic Nebraska cultural references from native Johnny Carson to the Kool-Aid Man. “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. Are you ready?” – Johnny Carson.

Another bonus of staying at Graduate Lincoln? The love dogs! Whatever the cost of the room, it was worth not having to board our pup who was welcomed in all parts of the hotel from the lobby near to the Top Golf Suites located adjacent to their tiki bar, John J’s.

Anyone want to pet me? Sasha felt right at home in the lobby while we played arcade games like Frogger.

And you know I did my homework! I knew that John J’s was known for serving great food and the ultimate tiki cocktail meant to be drank by two people (I mostly drank it – thank you very much!). So, the scene on Sunday early afternoon was set. I sipped on my rum punch to the backdrop of the local cover band Kelly Oh Brian while my dog dined at my feet on bacon provided by the waitress. Everyone was feeling delightful!

Our room was average in size but not in character. The walls were covered in historical maps, hilarious quotes, and references to the Midwest. The cabinet included a small refrigerator and a Keurig® was placed inside our bedside table which doubled as a hollowed out vintage TV.

Graduate Lincoln has several amenities on-site ranging from old school arcade games in the lobby to an indoor pool and tables games. Street parking isn’t much of an option for guests, so I recommend self parking in the neighboring garage that costs $15/night or $17 for valet parking. (We purchased the room package that included two breakfast tickets, which totaled around $139 plus taxes.) Pro Tip: Eat breakfast at the hotel’s cafe! I was quite impressed with the quality food and the healthy options included on the menu. My avocado toast was covered in a layers of gorgeous farm to table ingredients.

When in Nebraska, I had to drink a craft beer from the area! I would have loved to have participated in the Lincoln Beer Week tour during our visit, but since we were short on time we opted for buying IPAs like this one from Omaha’s Brickway Brewery.

Other options for hotel lodging in Lincoln include The Cornhusker Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, Hyatt Place Hotel, Settle Inn, and the Hilton Garden Inn, but I highly recommend staying at Graduate Lincoln for the ambiance, stellar service and unique amenities.

DINING & DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT

Short on time, we immediately asked locals which Haymarket District restaurants included dog-friendly patios and then we headed out to get a taste of the area! Our first stop led us to Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill where we relaxed on the shaded patio and drank Empyrean Ales best IPAs and seasonal favorites during their happy hour. Pro Tip: Take advantage of beer and drink discounts from 3pm-6pm. $2 off drafts, $2 off appetizers (the beer battered onion rings are to die for).

Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill is located directly across from boutique shops, an art gallery, and not far from the visitor’s center. Empyrean’s beers are always rotating so be sure to ask your server about their current seasonal options.

Lincoln is carving a path for craft breweries in Nebraska. Several are nationally recognized like Zipline Brewing, Boiler Brewing Company, White Elm, and Backswing Brewing. I loved Empyrean Brewing’s (this photo), and the fact that they offer a beer school once a month so guests can explore different types of brews with the head brewmaster is pretty cool.

After returning our dog back to the hotel room, we sought out another patio to enjoy a drink before dinner. We were pleased with the expansive views and comfy rooftop setting at Barry’s Bar and Grill. To the backdrop of country music, we people watched and drank cold, domestic beers while seated in adirondack chairs.

The quintessential college bar, Barry’s is flooded with Husker fans during the school year.

As we grew hungry for dinner, we scoped at a “secret” restaurant The Other Room located in a cobblestone alley. Locals informed us that the eatery and craft cocktail bar is like a speakeasy and “if the light above the door is green, they’re open and open to seating guests. Otherwise, come back another time.” Unfortunately, they were not open when we checked it out, but I’ll be sure to revisit the area just to try it out next time. Instead, we dined at Vincenzio’s Italioano Ristorante, a family owned authentic restaurant serving Italian entrees. Pro Tip: Always ask the server, “What entree from the menu do you like to eat when not working?” Our server’s answer? “Get the Cavatappi Con Broccolo Al Forno. It’s like crack. Everyone loves it!” It was hands down the BEST pasta dish I’ve ever eaten. The dish was served dripping in cheesy, white sauce and baked with a crust of more cheese and breadcrumbs.

I highly recommend sitting on the patio and enjoying a large bowl of pasta served with warm crusty bread at Vincenzo’s. The menu is affordably priced and the food is worth every penny.

Voted one of Lincoln’s best restaurants, their menu also includes an extensive wine list.

Soon after dining, we walked the Haymarket District to Versus Arcade Bar. Open to only adults 21+, the basement arcade is stuff to the gills with all the retro games you remember from pinball to Frogger to ice ball. Don’t have a roll of quarters? You can buy them from the bartender who serves up a long list of fancy cocktails and basic beers. Pro Tip: Make sure you visit the bathroom to check out the “scenery.”

A couple of the pinball machines had free plays left on them for some reason – bonus!

Not much for the bar scene? The city has a number of daytime entertainment options. For football fans, there is no better place to watch the game then at the University of Nebraska. Even if you’re not a die-hard Husker fan, you should treat yourself to a self-guided tour of Memorial Stadium, and be sure to check the Game-Day Experience Room that takes fans on a multimedia tour of a Husker game day and tunnel walk. Located indoors near the trophy room, attendees can also view The Traditionas Lobby Kiosk to learn about former and current NFL players who were one-time Cornhuskers. Want to tour the stadium? Enter the northeast side of the stadium to enter the stadium and prepare to be amazed!

You can park on this side of the building for free and enter to here to experience see the interior displays and ask questions of the staff.

This is the only sneak peak I’m going to show you because you need to check out the stadium for yourself!

Lucky for me, it was the weekend which meant one thing…I had to hit the farmers market in the Haymarket Historic District! Wear comfy shoes and be ready to walk in all directions of the downtown area because it’s a BIG market. Local vendors sell everything from beautiful bouquets of flowers to homegrown vegetables. But leave the dog at the hotel because pets are not allowed! Pro Tip: Park in one of the city owned parking garages for free the first hour or pay $1.25/hr afterward. Prefer meter parking? Expect to pay $1.25/hr enforced Monday thru Saturday 8am-6pm.

Don’t forget to bring your own bag to carry with you as you shop!

This market is only two blocks from Graduate Lincoln and other downtown hotels.

There is something charming about a town that celebrates its local artists by allowing them to paint murals around the city, and Lincoln is no different.

Street art often stops me in my tracks. What about you?

“Serving Hands”
This sculpture located near the downtown area is one of several six-feet-tall fiberglass installations on display through October 2019 by Lincoln Area Youth of Christ.

I promise you’ll love your visit to Lincoln. And because I’m so sure you’ll love the people and the city, I’m going to leave you with the ultimate tip for any visitor. Pro Tip: Make sure to stop at the Lincoln Visitor’s Center (7th and P Street) and ask Betty (or any one of the other amazing employees) your questions about the city. Not only will she give you insider tips but she’ll even take your photo with the infamous bobblehead “Lincoln” before sending you on your way with brochures in hand.

Perhaps you’ve already visited Lincoln, Nebraska? Leave me your tourism tips in the comments below!

Smothered Green Chili Burritos

May 19, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Do you love cheese? Do you love spicy food? Then you’re going to love Smothered Green Chili Burritos made with two kinds of cheese, grilled peppers, and low-fat ground turkey!

My original intention was to make cheese enchiladas, but I got the idea to make smothered burritos after locating a few key ingredients in my refrigerator and pantry. I consider this recipe to be low-carb since it used lean ground turkey and low-carb tortillas, but to be honest, it is loaded with decadent cheese so I’ll let the jury decide! (The green chili sauce recipe is an adaptation of one I saw on From Valerie’s Kitchen. My complete recipe version uses so many swaps it’s become my own.)

To make the burritos, it’s as easy as stuffing the tortillas with filling, placing them seam-side down in an oil sprayed baking dish, and smothering them with homemade green chili sauce and warm queso and baking them! Once removed from the oven and slightly cooled, you can add additional toppings such as diced tomatoes and green onion and cilantro leaves. If you like black olives or sour cream, heck, add those as well!

Depending on your heat tolerance, you could add hot sauce to any step of this recipe. The green chili peppers (de-seeded) bring enough heat to the dish for most people but I enjoyed adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce. I used 5-6 chili peppers (purchased during a popular Hatch green chili sale at a local nursery and later grilled and cooled) and chopped them up into small bits. You don’t have to use grilled chilis and can make this recipe with canned, diced green chilis as well.

Later, I used the diced chili to make the sauce to smother the burritos with AND for the filling, a real flavor punch!

The burritos were delicious! I knew I had a hit recipe on my hands when my boyfriend said, “This is in the top 3 recipes you’ve made this year! You need to write this one (recipe) down.” In my house, that’s a win!

I used 8″ round, low-carb tortillas to make this recipe and about 7 burritos fit in a 13″x9″ glass pan. Because I used grilled green chilis, the sauce took on a brown-green color.

The sooner you get started, the sooner you can eat! I know you’re going to love this dinner made in under an hour. Let me know if your family enjoys them as much as mine does by leaving a comment below!

One Delightful LIfe

7-8 burritos

Smothered Green Chili Burritos

You'll love these cheesy and spicy green chili burritos served warm from the oven!

30 minPrep Time

25 minCook Time

55 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

Green Chili Sauce:
2 T. vegetable oil
3 T. flour
1 c. chicken broth
3 seeded and diced grilled green chilis
1 tsp. cumin
3 dashes hot sauce
heavy pinch salt
pinch black pepper
Burrito Filling:
1 lb. 90/10 ground turkey
2 diced seeded grilled green chilis
1/2 c. shredded Mexican cheese mix
1/2 c. sour cream
heave pinch salt
pinch black pepper
Queso Sauce:
3 oz. of Rotel®
4 oz. of Velvetta®
Extra Ingredients:
1/4 c. shredded Mexican cheese mix
Diced green onion for garnish
Diced tomatoes for garnish
1 1/2 T. cilantro leaves for garnish
8" low-carb tortillas (7-8)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13"x9" glass plan with cooking spray and set aside.
To Prepare Green Chili Sauce:
Add vegetable oil to saucepan and bring to low heat. As soon as you smell the oil heating up, add the flour until it become a paste-like consistency. Then, whisk in the chicken stock until completely smooth. Add in the remaining ingredients and bring the sauce to medium-high heat. Continue to whisk occasionally until thickened. Set aside when the sauce is thickened.
To Prepare Queso:
Add the Rotel®and Velvetta® to a small glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave 15 seconds and remove to stir with a spoon. Return bowl to the microwave and continue this cook/stir method until the cheese reaches a smooth consistency. Add Rotel tomato liquid to thin it out if necessary.
To Prepare Burrito Filling:
Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until completely browned. You shouldn't need to drain grease from it since you're using a 90-10 mix.
In a large bowl, combine all the burrito filling ingredients including the crumbled ground turkey and mix well.
Fill each tortilla with filling (make a heaping log shape of filling) and then roll the sides of the tortilla towards the middle, then roll the burrito away from you to finish it. Add each burrito seam-side down to the prepared, glass baking dish in a row-like formation.
Cover the burritos with the chili sauce, queso, shredded Mexican cheese, and heat in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the exposed corners of the burritos are golden and the sauce has slightly darkened.
After allowing the burritos to cool a few minutes, garnish them with toppings and serve warm.

Notes

You could swap the ground turkey for any meat of your choice. You could also use flour or large corn tortillas instead of low-carb ones.

Nutrition

Calories

3590 cal

Fat

108 g

Carbs

411 g

Protein

240 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Healthy Brunch Recipes for Mother’s Day

April 21, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Celebrating your mother on her special day shouldn’t include crossing your fingers hoping you can get a table at a restaurant or standing in a long buffet line. Why not serve a healthy, flavorful brunch with classic recipes that mom love in the comfort of your home? She’s worked hard all her life for you, now you treat her with an award-worthy, delicious meal! There is nothing that says “I love you” like a home cooked meal.

Each one of the following recipes is tested and approved by fellow food bloggers (and I included a recipe of my own). The recipes are meant to be healthier than the usual carb heavy buffet holiday meal. Scroll down to pick your favorite recipes!

If you’re someone who needs to feed a lot of people, then you will love making my Blackberry Belgian Waffles as a crowd-pleasing breakfast option. They’re easy to prepare! The deep pockets of warm waffle are just the vessels you need to hold melted butter, warm maple syrup, and a few extra blackberries. Grab the re cipe.

Not of fan of waffles or don’t own a waffle maker? I’ve got you covered! Opt instead for yummy Brioche French Toast with Whipped Lemon Mascarpone from Windy City Dinner Fairy. Cinnamon and vanilla make this french toast mixture unique and scrumptious. Note: You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer for the mascarpone. Get the recipe.

Enjoying a variety of textures and flavors makes for a well-rounded brunch so I never forget to include a green salad. Buy This Cook That’s Grilled Citrus Spring Salad is a mixture of asparagus, garden radishes, and sweet green peas tossed in homemade vinaigrette and topped with glazed pecans for garnish. Grab the recipe.

For me, it’s not a classic breakfast without an egg dish on the menu. I love the idea of a make ahead frittata that can be warmed up in the oven just as I’m setting the table. This Sun-Dried Tomato and Sweet Potato Frittata by Whole New Mom can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves four people so double the recipe if necessary. Making a frittata is as easy as whisking together ingredients with eggs and baking until finished! Grab the recipe.

Incorporating finger foods like appetizers are great for pairing up with other breakfast foods! Maria Moore Nutrition’s Cheddar Chive Cauliflower Bites are a cinch to make using a muffin pan. If you have any leftovers (I doubt you will!) you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Heck, why not send leftovers home with mom? Grab the recipe.

Your mom deserves an honorary toast on Mother’s Day so raise a glass of Strawberry Lemon Rose Sangría by The Toasty Kitchen! A batch recipe can be made several hours in advance (that’s if you can resist drinking it!). Who doesn’t love a glass of gorgeous bubbly? Get the recipe.

Let’s end Mother’s Day on a delicious high note with dessert, but one that continues with the healthy theme we’ve established for brunch. I appreciate ending a full meal with a lighter dessert like this Honey Lemon Fruit Salad Recipe from The Seasoned Mom. Simple syrup glazes over fresh berries in this recipe bursting with citrus flavor. Get the recipe.

I’m so happy to help you pull recipes together for Mother’s Day with help of my food blogging friends. I know you want to not only spoil your mom but also impress her a bit, and these recipes lined up on the table will do just that for brunch! Enjoy the moment with your mom — she’s the best!

48 Hours in Austin, Texas

February 25, 2019 by Vanessa 18 Comments

When someone asks me, “Hey, do you want to go to Austin with me?” I don’t hesitate. Would you?

The live music capital of the United States is one of my all-time favorite destinations because of its unapologetic and unique culture. Locals don’t try to be anything other than their fashion-forward, on-trend natural-selves. They city beckons travelers looking to explore a high-energy city that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts by day and band-chasing, craft cocktail sipping visitors by night. Austin is just my brand of city.

With a population pushing almost 1 million, the city’s neighborhoods are distinctly different much like the people who live there. I prefer to explore the downtown district since it is a hub for live music clubs and within walking distance of food trucks and restaurants. If you consider yourself a bit against-the-grain or counter culture, then Austin will feel like a home away from home.

View of downtown Austin from our hotel room on the 16th floor.

ACCOMODATIONS

The downtown area is crowded with high-rise hotels. We chose to stay at the Sheraton at Austin adjacent to East 11th Street, a gateway into the center of the city. Having booked our room only a couple days before our visit, I was impressed with the accommodations. (Note: Visitors can expect to pay a pretty penny during festival weeks and will need to reserve a room well in advance.) Fortunately, we stayed in the city during the off-season and were able to find a room (and request a skyline view) without issue.

Upon check-in, I made sure to update my registration with my Marriott Rewards member information that upgraded our stay to include free Wi-Fi. The room came fully stocked with standard hotel amenities plus a view extras including a soft, cotton robe and quality bath towels. Although the room included a refrigerator, it did not include the promised microwave, an extra some travelers appreciate. I thought the room was quiet (I don’t mind the woosh-woosh white noise from the elevator) and the bed was super soft and comfortable.

Ask for the 16th floor for the best view of the city. The room was spacious!

The hotel features a library lounge, The Yard (a downstairs restaurant and bar), heated indoor pool and crystal clear hot tub, as well as an outdoor entertainment area complete with an Airstream trailer and chairs to stretch out and enjoy the Texas sunshine. Travelers seeking a grab-and-go breakfast or coffee will appreciate the on-site Starbucks cafe in the lobby. To be clear, we didn’t eat at the hotel’s restaurant The Yard because we wanted to save our appetite for a day of visiting downtown food trucks, an absolute must when in Austin!

By the way, valet and parking garage parking is available at the hotel. Although we expected to pay $30 a day for parking garage access, we didn’t pay a dime upon checkout. Bonus!

We enjoyed a Texas craft beer from the Library.

The Sheraton has two pools, and this heated one is located outdoors adjacent to The Yard.

A fun place to relax in the morning is the Sheraton’s outdoor courtyard. Grab a Starbucks coffee in the lobby and enjoy the scenery outdoors.

NAVIGATING THE CITY

A car is a necessity if you’re planning on traveling to the outskirts of the downtown area to explore parks or shopping districts and don’t want to use public transportation. To navigate from the airport, one could use an airport shuttle to their hotel and then rely on the use of rental, electric JUMP scooters or bikes in the downtown area. Of course, walking the downtown district is an option but I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and stopping mid-route for a breather since you’ll likely want to traverse different pockets of the urban area. The rental electric bikes and scooters are meant for short distances.

Renting a Jump bike is as easy as downloading the app and scanning the bike’s QR code.

Available across the city, Jump electric scooters are best used for A-B, short distances. Once you use the app to scan the bike’s QR code, you will discover how much charge is left on the bike for your use.

Now, more about those speedy, on-demand scooters and bikes! They are everywhere. There’s no need to try to find a “rental station” to check one out using the JUMP app since people simply abandon them anywhere and everywhere they want. In fact, it’s almost overwhelming how many scooters you see standing (and fallen over) on the side of the road. Renting a scooter is 15 cents a minute so they make a smart option for someone who just wants to head to and from a bar or explore the city a bit. The Uber app recommends wearing a helmet (and you might want to because they are a bit unstable), but no one does. Ride at your own risk and have a blast!

FOOD SCENE

Consider yourself a “foodie” who likes to taste a variety of ethnic cuisines? Austin is the mecca for an authentic, chef-prepared food truck scene. You can’t walk too far before spotting a food truck or ten! Sometimes hidden behind another business, some of the city’s best food trucks, like Via 313 Pizza are nestled in the backyard of another business like Craft Pride. It is tucked away but deserves to be found!

Via 313 Pizza located behind Craft Pride on Rainey Street features free music most days of the week.

We also enjoyed walking up to a grouping of trucks that included Tex-Mex standards, pizza by the slice, smokey barbecue dinners, gourmet hotdogs, and Mediterranean faire. Honestly, I could’ve watched the cook at Ditty Dog prepare hotdogs with layers of toppings all night. She moved at lightening speed adding cream cheese, crumbled chips, and sauces to each order. ::Excuse me while I wipe drool from my face::

Interested in hunting down the Austin food truck scene? I recommend using Eater Austin to plan your meals and read up on the city’s favorites.

Next door to the Diggity Dog, we had to try a slice of pizza as well!

Looking for award-winning cuisine? Welcome to Austin! Whether you’re on the search for fresh seafood or an artfully stacked sandwich, the city’s kitchens are putting out delicious meals. Check out a few online resources prior to your visit. The sheer number of restaurants is overwhelming. Resources like Thrillist, Eater Austin or Yelp Austin are good places to start.

Note: Austin is known for its Sunday brunch specials. Keep this in mind when doing your research. Many restaurants serve bottomless mimosas and craft cocktails with a deep menu of breakfast options. I appreciated the fully-loaded, mouthwatering tacos from Torchy’s Tacos and the Taco Joint. I ate two breakfasts in one day just because I couldn’t resist the food options!

At Torchy’s Tacos, order at the counter and they will bring your delicious tacos to you at the table.

Not sure what to order? The employees are super friendly and will give you advice on what most people enjoy from the breakfast taco menu.

Taco Joint – Order a variety of tacos! Sauces are complimentary.

Paperboy – Signature breakfast menu items.

Our first dinner downtown was spent at Moonshine Grill — talk about historic vibes! Located on the corner of 3rd Street and Red River Street, the building dates back to 1852. Originally a trading mercantile used by visitors traveling across Texas, the restaurant’s ambiance harkens back to its early days. Stone walls, wood accents, and historic photographs set the vibe. Instead of waiting at least an hour for a table on a Saturday evening, we stalked the open seating in the bar area and quickly nabbed two vacated chairs.

Because it was National Margarita Day during our visit, I ordered a salty margarita made with Pepe Zevada Tequila Resposado. It was phenomenal! Later, I asked the bartender the same question I recommend all travelers ask, “If it were your shift meal, what would you order from the menu?” Having served in restaurants for years, I appreciate knowing what meal the staff wants to eat, not necessarily the special for the evening of what the manager wants pushed to patrons. We dined at the dimly lit bar on savory chicken sandwiches and copious amounts of steak fries. The meals are huge!

CRAFT BEER SCENE

Always a sucker for a hazy IPA or locally-crafted lager, I did my research before visiting Austin to find what the locals consider the best craft brewery in town. Craft Pride and Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden were mentioned favorably numerous times, and since our hotel was a short drive from the Rainey Street District, we had to try them.

Craft Pride is a Texas-only beer bar with 54 taps, and it’s adjacent side room includes single cans and bottles of even more beer! To access the bonus beer room and patio, exit the main tasting room and follow the signs. While I appreciated learning more about the brews from the bartender, I wanted to spend the most time drinking leisurely and listening to bluegrass music outdoors. Visitors will fall in love with the permanent food truck, Via 313 Pizza, open every day in the rear of Craft Pride. Have you ever tried Detroit-style pizza? They serve authentic square pies that are thicker than New York style pizza but less carbolicious than Chicago-style pizza. It is delicious and even better with a cold beer to wash it down! I recommend ordering The Carnivore loaded with two kinds of pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, and bacon.

Look at all those glorious taps! Ask for a sample.

The outdoor patio scene is vibrant in Austin – in every neighborhood! The warm weather beckons townies and tourists to the Rainey Street’s Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden. I went for the beer (they have 100 taps!) but stayed for the people watching. Known for Austin’s largest tap wall, visitors order their beer using a number that corresponds to their brew of choice. I appreciated that our bartended, one of a half dozen or so, was patient and took as much time as we needed to order. The choices were overwhelming.

Banger’s patio is extensive and wraps around the courtyard out of sight of this photo.

You’ll enjoy the outdoor patio that stretches wide and up close to Rainey Streets main drag as it is the perfect vantage point to watch visitors celebrating sunshine, tasty beer, and delicious eats. Order a bierwurst sandwich and enjoy the scene from your perch sitting high above the bustling sidewalk.

Simple food is good food. Order a bierwurst (or two) on white bread and add the sauces of your choice.

NEIGHBORHOODS

While I haven’t been to every Austin neighborhood, I can speak to what it’s like to experience the downtown district, Rainey Street, and some of the surrounding suburbs. Keep in mind that Austin is a big city. I recommend planning your excursions.

Not all Rainey Street bars or restaurants have long lines outside of them, but it does make for great people gawking…I mean, watching. Most patios are considered dog-friendly.

The downtown area has numerous big name hotels intersected by high-end restaurants and live music bars. A tourist attraction, Dirty 6th (6th Avenue) is dotted with high-energy bars boasting everything from happy hour specials to pulsating live music every night of the week. In my opinion, I’ve outgrown the hard rock, punk rock vibe scene and would much rather have a great meal coupled by relaxing, live music. No matter your preference, you can find the vibe you’re looking for along downtown Austin’s streets.

If I had a dollar for every mural in Austin…

Adjacent to the Sheraton hotel in downtown Austin, you’ll find many preserved historic homes not open to visitors.

Don’t forget to swing by the capital building to snap a few pictures. Street parking is limited.

My favorite shopping district is South Congress. Lined with eclectic clothing boutiques, home good stores, and locally owned restaurants, the area is several blocks long. Street parking is available but you’ll need to reverse into your spot. Because I was traveling light, I brought home a few tiny gifts for myself including a Anthony Bourdain drink coaster. I strongly encourage you to take an hour out of your Austin stay to peruse the retail shopping on South Congress.

I’m going to have to put this restaurant on my brunch list next trip to the city.

Willing to wait hours to dine on Texas bbq? Bring your own chair and a six-pack of your favorite beer while you wait in line at Franklin Barbecue, a popular local joint. Rumor has it that visitors wait over two hours to dine there. We didn’t, but I suppose that’s because we were already full from a day of eating. The restaurant is located in a humble suburban neighbor not far from downtown Austin.

OUTDOOR FUN

Love to exercise and explore? Austin is an active community! We saw hundreds of people enjoying the weekend’s sunny weather at Zilker Park. The area was dotted with runners, scooter riders, bikers, kayakers on the water, and dog walkers along the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail.

Residents and tourists enjoy the area because beautiful trees and the river help it feel like they’ve escaped the bustling city.

Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit so you can take a dip in the city’s crown jewel, the Barton Springs Pool. Visitors and locals flock to the banks of the area to picnic, sunbathe, read a book while relaxing or play outdoor games with friends. Note: Starting during the spring (later in March), visitors must pay an admission fee to take a swim but if you’d rather avoid the price, you can enjoy a small waterfall area for free near the edge of the pool. Ask the customer service attendant for details.

This photo was taken in early March and people were swimming in the water! Lifeguards watched swimmers do laps up and down the waterway.

We enjoyed our time in the city. You’re guaranteed to love Austin! In fact, you’ll love it so much you’ll probably start planning your next visit while you’re still there. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that Austin offers for fun. Have a fun suggestion to add? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy travels, friends!

Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls

February 5, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Soft carrot cake with cream cheese icing. For over a decade of my childhood, I ordered carrot cake for my birthday cake when dining out OR when my mom asked what kind of celebratory dessert I wanted. Every. Single. Year. Today, I eat fewer heavy desserts like dense cakes or cookies, but I still love sweets and I know you do, too!

My Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls are delicious and filling enough as a breakfast bite or snack that you won’t be hangry by meal time. The recipe’s mixture consists of nature’s best ingredients including dates, raisins, chia seeds, and say it with me…carrots! Admittedly, I use peanut butter as the binder so if you’re someone with a peanut allergy, this is not your recipe.

This is the right consistency for the mixture to form into balls.

Did you know carrots are a power food packed with nutrients and vitamins essential to our body’s good health? We all know that eating carrots improves one’s vision, but they also slow the aging process. Yes, please! (And there are 8 more reasons to eat them!) I know you’re going to love how simple it is to make this recipe and the clean-up couldn’t be easier.

You may also like my recipe for No Bake Energy Bites made with chocolate chips and dried fruit! That recipe also includes chia seeds since they help keep hunger at bay and are super healthy as well.

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7-8 energy balls

Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Love decadent carrot cake? These breakfast bites are the next best thing but healthy!

20 minPrep Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. shredded carrot
1 c. smooth peanut butter
1/2 c. diced dates
1/4 c. raisins
1/2 tsp. chia seeds
heavy pinch sea salt

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until completely combined.
Test the mixture to see if it binds to make a ball. If it isn't quite ready, just add more peanut butter.
Remove the blade from the food processor.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into tight balls about the size of a quarter.
Transfer the carrot cake balls to a Ziplock bag or storage container and refrigerate until you'r ready to eat them. They last a couple weeks, if refrigerated.

Notes

Some people enjoy this recipe with shredded coconut added.