Britta Cooks: Cinnamon Vanilla Crepes

Hello Dreamers! Today I bring you another account of my ongoing culinary adventures.

When I was in the UK, I was privileged  to meet some really awesome cooks. One of which made the very best crepes I've ever tasted. Don't think, I left without getting my friend, Paulynn Chen, to send me her recipe! I wanted to come home and surprise my parents with an elegant, and delicious European treat. I tweaked her recipe to explore a bit.

One of the things I enjoyed most about making this dish is that it is entirely simple:

• 1 Cup of All Purpose Flour
• 1 Cup of Milk  
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tablespoons of Sugar (or to your liking)
• Ground Cinnamon
• Vanilla Extract

First, sift your flour into a mixing bowl, as this will remove any lumps. Crack the egg, mix into the flour, and then gradually pour the milk in as you whisk quickly until smooth. When it comes to Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, and Sugar, it's really up to you.  As you mix, the fragrance that rises smells like home, and warm cider, or freshly baked cookies. I poured an estimated tablespoon of Vanilla Extract, and sprinkled cinnamon to my hearts content. Butter your pan, and pour mixture into the center of the pan, rotating a nonstick skillet, over a medium flame, until it thinly coats the bottom of the pan.  Once finished, fold the crepe in fours (in half, and then again), placing them decoratively on your plate. Sift a bit of powdered sugar until it lightly coats them, top with whipped cream, and cinnamon. 

I loved every bit, though, I will have to practice in order to get them to Mama Chen's  out of this world standard! I sat to the table, sipping English Breakfast tea from one of my favorite tea cups, and wondered at what it will be like to cook from scratch for my family more often. There's an awesome sense of accomplishment as the spices flavor the air around you, bone white egg shells sit on the counter, and flour sticks to your whisk.

As an added ambience, I played the Jane Monheit Pandora Radio station which completely sets the mood with timeless, smooth jazz. Though, I cannot replay all of the songs that played as I cooked, I did create a wonderful 8 Track Playlist called: Crepes for Brunch.

This playlist is filled with songs by Jane Monheit, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, even a few scores like Pride and Prejudice, and Like Crazy.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you make Cinnamon Vanilla Crepes, PLEASE, let me know so that we can gush about it!

I wonder what I'll cook next....

Britta Cooks: Tortilla Soup

In this latest feature on Forlesket, I thought I might chronicle my adventures in the culinary arts. I spend most of my time running away from the stove, not because I can't cook, but just because I never think to do it to the extent that my Dad does. My Dad is the King of the Pot in my eyes, injecting chickens with robust marinades, frying turkeys during Thanksgiving, and adding dark chocolate to savory stews. When I went to the UK, I befriended a few lovely women who I credit for enhancing my Welsh experience with wonderful food! These women, my Dad, and a bunch of beautiful photographs on Tumblr, inspired me to try my hand at actually cooking for the love and experience of tasting.

Whimpy Side: Heidi of Tilly and Kira had a hand in inspiring me as well. Her daily musings or crafting, baking, and overall whimsy delight make me smile! Please check her out!

Some months back, I came across a Vogue article showcasing Kristen Stewart's recipe for Tortilla Soup, and I endeavored to try my hand at it. I almost wish that Kristen would find a way to showcase all of her recipes, seeing as her co-stars have nothing but rave reviews of her culinary skills. 

I'm in love with Mexican food, and so this savory soup promised to be a mind-blowing addition to culinary repertoire.

Kristen Stewart's Tortilla Soup recipe is PHENOMENAL! It serves as a fragrant mixture of flavors and seasons. Tangy, pungent flavors of lime blending with cilantro, cumin, and diced jalapenos gave me the feel of a warm summer night. Meanwhile, sprinkles of grated cheese mingling with the crunch of tortillas, green peppers, and flavorful broth is perfect for a Autumn or winter's night. My Dad told me that it reminded him of a cozy night-in, snuggling a blanket. My Mom's dubbed it 'Her Soup,' as she's a vegetarian, and would like for me to make this at least once a month. I love that this soup is a lot healthier than what I would normally choose for a night's meal, and it showed me that the right blend of seasonings can make a vegetarian dish incredibly flavorful.

Hmm....I wonder what I'll make next?!

Hope you guys are having an awesome week so far!

Source:  1

.02

Nail Varnish- Sephora by OPI: Colours {arm candy, what a broad, 212}

Cupcakes: MAGNOLIA

I spent the day sauntering through Midtown, past Rockefeller Center and millions of bead and fabric stores. The fall weather had that certain whiff of holiday spirit looming.  There's always something special about being anywhere near Rockefeller Center during the holidays, almost magical...even with rude pedestrians barreling into you.

I picked me up some cupcakes, and some sick nail varnishes from Sephora.

Then I came home and pilfered through some of my Great Grandmother's jewelry. She was so beautiful, and classic!

It was a pretty perfect day all around.