Mixing up a Milkshake

When KitchenAid asked me to try out their 5-speed hand blender, I said yes, please! I love the fact that it can do the job of several appliances, which is important for tiny New York kitchens where counter space and storage is a precious commodity. Since the hand blender purees, whisks, chops and more, I wanted to put its multiple uses to the test with the best and most delicious way I could think of: a milkshake.

With the blade attachment, I made a chocolate banana shake. It was great for keeping an eye on the consistency and getting those bananas smashed up. I used the whisk attachment to quickly whip cream, and I crushed a heath bar with the chopper attachment. The blender is easy to handle and served all of its purposes well. I'm looking forward to using it for soups, smoothies and sauces but maybe just one more milkshake first.

Chocolate Banana Milkshake

1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 banana, sliced
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
whipped cream, optional
candy bar, optional

Combine ice cream, milk, cocoa, banana and vanilla with hand blender until combined and smooth. Top with whipped cream and crushed bits of your favorite candy bar.

Thanks to KitchenAid for sending me their 5-speed hand blender.

What's on Your Walls?

My apartment walls are covered with a mix of my personal photos, paintings that my mom did, some screen prints ordered on Etsy and one framed poster of James Dean. I'm thinking of adding a little more professional photography to the assortment, and these black and white prints available at Art.com have just the right blend of beauty and personality. What's hanging on your walls?

Speaking of photography, be sure to join in on this month's photo challenge!

[photos found here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Weekend in Photos

Doughnuts, fun packages in the mail, take-out, music and conversation at a friend's place and brunch in Brooklyn. All good things on a windy New York weekend. What did you find yourself up to?

Just Chillin'

Update: Lena of A Crimson Kiss is the winner!

I have a fun product to tell you about. It's called the Corkcicle, and it's a sleek and simple way to keep your bottle of wine at just the right temperature. Wouldn't it make a great hostess gift? It was one of Oprah's favorite things last year, so you know it's good. And in keeping with Oprah, one of you gets a Corkcicle of your very own! (I do really wish I could say "You get a Corkcicle" and "You get a Corkcicle!") Just leave a comment below before noon on Friday, February 22nd, telling me your favorite way to relax or what your favorite wine is. One winner will be selected at random. Good luck!

Lovely Love Songs

Happy Valentine's Day! Here's a little playlist of some of my favorite songs about love. What's your favorite love song? Note: Kiss from a Rose is not an acceptable answer. Sending flowers, music and love your way today. 

Strawberry Cake for Your Sweet

This cake idea has been bouncing around in my head since last Valentine's Day. It's a strawberry cake with white chocolate frosting, so you end up with a tasty, out-of-the-ordinary cake and a cutesy pink and white color combination. I think my cake could still use some tweaking, since it was a bit dense, but this is the recipe I used, halving the gelatin and using unsweetened frozen strawberries. I'm curious to try this recipe too.

As far as the frosting goes, this cream cheese and white chocolate blend is just right. I'm already imagining it on top of carrot cupcakes for Easter. I really like the sweet strawberry cake paired with the more subtle frosting. It would be great for a girly birthday party or a shower, and of course, for sharing with those closest to your heart on February 14.

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of butter (1 stick), softened
6 ounces white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until blended. Add melted white chocolate and vanilla extract. Measure 2 cups of powdered sugar, then sift. Add sifted sugar to mixture gradually until combined.

Frocktails: Think Pink

It's February frocktail time! I went for a happy, little pink drink called a Paloma since it's in the Valentine's Day color palette and because grapefruit is just the tropical dose I'm craving when there's snow on the ground.

This Gap shirt dress is coral with a pink zigzag stripe and is just what my fashion sensibilities are craving mid-winter. It's bright, comfortable and feels like a dress I'd wear on vacation ... even a mental one in my living room.

Pink Paloma

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila

1/2 oz. of lime juice

3 ounces freshly squeezed pink or ruby red grapefruit juice

1/2 oz. agave

2 ounces club soda

Combine tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice and agave. Add ice and top with club soda. Garnish with

wedge of lime or grapefruit. Serves one.

Dress found here and belt found here. Frocktails is a monthly feature for fashion and libation inspiration. See past pairings and see another favorite Valentine's Day cocktail.