Monday, November 19, 2012

Columbus Foodies

Hey everybody! So I'm not really sure if anybody reading this is from the Columbus area in Ohio, but I just HAVE to rant about a place that I recently went to for sushi.

First and foremost, I am really big on food. I freakin love it. Especially in the form of sushi and desserts; bring em to momma. So literally anytime that any of you want to share all of your super yummy favorite restaurants, pretty please I will listen!! I am all about food, and I will travel for good food so do not hesitate to share if you are from New Mexico or Ohio or anywhere in between!

Now back to my rant. I ate at this place in downtown Columbus called Red Bar and Sushi. First of all, there are like 2 or 3 different restaurants in the same block and they are apparently owned by the same person, which was suuuper confusing. I only went because I had a Groupon for one, which was closed but the other side took it as well? I don't know. Anyway, the food. It was overpriced for the small amount that was put on your plate. Now, I have been to plenty of restaurants that charge hella cash for a tiny bit of GOOD food. Keyword: good. This sushi was not good, and I am not saying that just because it was overpriced, but it just was not up to par. I ordered the Alaska Roll (a personal favorite) and the salmon that I did see was gray and fatty. I also had the Spider Roll, which is normally served as a warm 6 or 8 piece roll, at Red served as a cold 4 piece roll, filled with mainly mixed greens. As a main course my friend ordered the Cajun Pasta, which had not only no flavor, but barely any seafood! The garlic bread served alongside his dish also resembled that of a few hockey pucks. We had higher hopes for this restaurant because it is located in such a great area of Columbus, but we were sadly let down. If you find yourself wanting food while near Red in Columbus, keep moving. There are plenty of other great restaurants in the area that will be worth your time!

Happy eating :)

Red Bar & Sushi on Urbanspoon

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Killer Chocolate Vegan Cupcakes

Goodness me! I am trying so very hard to cook my baked goods vegan and it is SO difficult to find good recipes. Honestly guys, I feel like vegan baking should be a bit simpler than baking with animal products, but I guess I'm wrong. 

Lucky for y'all, I have a killer vegan chocolate cupcake recipe that I keep in my back pocket. AND I'm willing to share it with you :) Only thing is, I have yet to perfect the frosting recipe. Once I do I shall post that as well!

If anyone has any tested and truly good vegan recipes, send them my way. I'm setting up a test kitchen this weekend so I'll let you know my findings!

Happy Baking,
Sam <3


Killer Chocolate Vegan Cupcakes

350*F                                  12-16 standards

1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup vegan sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
3/4 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
dash of cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 cup strongly brewed coffee (warm)
1/2 cup canola oil
2 t vanilla
2 t apple cider vinegar

Mix everything together in a KitchenAid style mixer with a paddle attachment. Literally all at once. Be sure that EVERYTHING is incorporated together; batter will be super soupy. Fill the liners about 2/3 full and let them go for 18 mins at 350*F for the perfect cupcake. 40 seconds less if you like them gooey like I do. Let them cool and enjoy! (With or without frosting, super moist!)
This is one I did with a coconut frosting!
Now eat them all. Nomnomnom.