Best Bites: Southern California

Growing up, our family time pretty much consisted of either eating together or seeing a movie together. I think that has helped in creating a passion in me for food and cinematic arts. I have seen too many  a lot of movies throughout my childhood and teenage years, and the tradition continues to this day. One of my parents will usually text us sometime in the afternoon asking if everyone will be home, and what movie we should either go see or rent. Movie watching, I admit, got to be a bad habit for me at one point. I would put on a movie when I was cleaning, or doing homework, and especially in free time that I had. I am not picky at all when it comes to genre, which i think has aided to the problem in the past. But thankfully my number is now down from about 6 movies a week (yeah.......I know), to 1, and sometimes 2. It sounds like an expensive habit, but really it is one of the cheapest things you can do for entertainment, if you know what you're doing. The libraries in Burbank have an expansive selection of movies that are available for rent, for free, or if its a newly released title, it costs $1 for three days. and because I don't have school on Fridays, my mom and I have our "Friday Dates" per say. We go to a morning movie ($6 per ticket), then grab lunch and run errands. Its actually quite a nice time. But I digress. 

What i WAS saying {before that long tangent} is that pretty much, Ive seen a lot of movies, and eaten at a lot of restaurants. Somehow my parents find out about all these super secret, yummy spots. Living in Burbank is nice too, because there is such diversity. The best part is, there are SO many more places that we have yet to dine; the possibilities are endless, really. All this has lead to many of our families friends calling and asking my parents, and now me, "Where should I eat?" or "I'm having guests over and they like _____ kind of food, where do we take them?" Well anyways I have dedicated this post to what I feel, are the:

"Best Bites in Southern California"

1. Best Mexican Food:

Don Cuco

3911 W Riverside Dr, Burbank

I have grown up eating here, and we absolutely love it. The meal is preceded by endless chips with salsa and sour cream, followed by your meal, which usually includes soup or salad, beans and rice. My favorite is the fried burrito, or the shrimp tacos.

** BUT, this is of the most critical importance, The original one is located in Burbank on Riverside drive. There is also two more in Glendale and Santa Clarita, and a new one in Burbank, up on Orange Grove. The Santa Clarita and Glendale ones are not the same. They were opened by other people in the company, the chefs aren't the same, and the food is notably different. However the family opened up a second one in Burbank (Orange Grove), which is owned, managed, and "cheffed" by the same family members as the Riverside one, and the food is just as wonderful. But i you eat at the other two, you didn't hear it from me ;-)

FIESTA TACO

1110 N Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 9150

This is literally an old house that has been converted into a restaurant. You go in and order and then squeeze into the back and sit at one of 5 tables. Its located next to a hotel, and yeah, it looks super ghetto. But, its as real as it gets with homemade Mexican food.  They have great burritos, and their tongue meat is realllly good too. (If you're into that whole thing.) It's super reasonable, and can not be beat. Its great.

2. Best BBQ

Pecos Bill's bar-b-q

1551 Victory Boulevard Glendale, CA 91201

This place is another literal "hole in the wall" spots, but i have never tasted anything even comparable to what they produce. The sandwiches are yummy, melt in your mouth pulled pork. Their coleslaw is amazing as well. You haven't had pulled pork, till you've had Pecos Bill's. Just try it, okay?

Phil's BBQ

3750 Sports Arena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110

Okay, Southern Californians don't do authentic BBQ well. I think my total time spent in southern states would total about 3-4 months, and I ate BBQ for almost every meal. Homemade, and from restaurants, and its not like Woodranch at all people. But this place is dang close. It's phenomenal, and the line usually stretches around the building. I always get a full rack of beef ribs and leave drenched in sauce. We always buy two bottles of their sauce to take home,  until we go again. Your life will be changed, forever

3. Best Deli's

Handy Market  

2514 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505-3029

By a display of common grace, I live two blocks from here. They have a deli with all kinds of meat, and the best bacon you can find, guaranteed. Its thick, fresh, never frozen, amazing strips of bacon. They have all different kinds of meats and cheeses they will slice for you, fresh off the "block." On Saturdays, they do a out side bbq and grill literally all day. There is quite a line, but the bbq sandwiches, ribs, or anything, is SO worth it. They also have amazing paninis any day of the week; my favorite is the chicken panini. You will never buy 

Hillshire farms again.

Monte Carlo

3103 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, California 91505

I have been going here.....forever. It was my brothers favorite place when we were little, and I've always loved it. It is a restaurant (Pinocchio's) connected to a deli (Monte Carlo).  They serve homemade Italian pizzas, lasagna, salads, and sandwiches.  It has two dimly lit rooms, that are very intimate, and you could spend forever just sitting and talking to friends.  The deli however; which shares a wall with the restaurant, and is run by the same people, is awesome! They have all kinds of fresh cheeses and meats, that you cant find anywhere else locally (and their prices are SUPER reasonable). Plus they have super yummy gelato. I would definitely recommend a visit here.

4. Best Cafe's

Portos

315 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91203-2303

---and---

3614 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505-2913

Of all the places that I recommend people to go, Porto's is definitely one place that pops up the most! Porto's is a Cuban bakery, that serves fresh sandwiches, breads, pastries, coffee and smoothies. Seriously, this place is one in a million. My favorite things are; potato balls (GAH!), chocolate croissant, and the torta de pollo (on a croissant instead of French Bread). They have outdoor seating, and its a great place for a chat with a friend, or taking time to think by having lunch by yourself. I can not say enough good things about this place. Ask anyone who has been and they'll tell you the same! So either go now, or come over to my house, and we can walk and eat. YUM.

Aroma

4360 Tujunga Avenue
San Fernando Valley, CA 91604

Oh Aroma. Where to start. I feel like everyone I know has been there, but then at the same time, so many of my friends haven't. I absolutely LOVE this place. It reminds me of Grace Church so much, because I have never been, and not seen at least two people from around grace, :-) YAY! But this cafe is a converted house, with mostly outdoor seating. They serve all kinds of yummy wraps, desserts, coffees, teas, smoothies, salads, panini's. Whenever I want to have lunch with a friend, and really have a nice place to talk and relax, I would hands down pick here. This place is so magical, and the food never gets old! 

5. Best Italian

Tony's Bella Vista 

3116 W Magnolia Blvd 

Burbank, CA 91505-3045

I have been eating here my whole life. Every time we would have dinner with a bunch of people at my grandmas house, we would order pizza and a salad from here. They have, I think, some of the best pizza in so cal. Its such a cozy, cute Italian restaurant. They serve pizza, salad, pastas, and other stuff........Moment of truth, Ive never had anything other than the pizza and the salad. If it ain't broke, don't fix it....right? But seriously, i love Tony's and would definitely recommend it. 

There are SO many other places that I have in mind, and would mention if only my fingers weren't so tired. but maybe I'll do this again :-) I hope you enjoy any of these places that you go, and let me know what you guys think!

enjoy

xo

B

Resolved.....to go to Resolved!

Hi friends! Okay so here's the deal. Every year my church college/youth ministry holds a large conference centered around being refreshed by God's word, strengthening brothers and sisters in the faith, and living lives that honor Christ. I hadn't been able to attend in the past due to various scheduling/ financial issues, but this year, my schedule is open, praise the Lord! The only thing is, I don't have all the money to register, pay for hotels, food, gas, etc.

In thinking of how I could raise money, the first thing that popped into my mind was selling stuff I bake... I can do it well, and I've been offered money to do it before, so why not try!
I guess this is like an online bakesale..... Haha.
So here's the deal. If you would like to help me go to Resolved this summer you can purchase:
1. Red Velvet Cake W/ cream cheese frosting(or cupcakes)~ $20.00 (for one, double layer cake or 2 dozen cupcakes)
2. German Chocolate Cake w/ coconut pecan frosting (or cupcakes)~ $23.00 (for one double layer cake or 2 dozen cupcakes)
3. Caramel Apples ~$10.00 (for six plain caramel apples. You can have them chocolate dipped for $0.50 more an apple. And let me know if there's other specific toppings you'd like)
4. Oatmeal, White Chocolate Chip cookies with dried cranberries ~ $7.00 (for one dozen)
5. Let me know if there's something you'd really like me to make you and we can figure out a price!
Lord willing I will be able to raise about $300 by early June, so PLEASE do not hesitate to email me at: brookecanoe17@yahoo.com.
You can pick up these FULLY HOMEMADE items at my home, or I can deliver them to you at your home, or give them to you at church! Thanks for reading, and tell your friends!
Xoxo. Brooke

A Young Womens Guide: Preparing for a Christ Centered Marriage.

The past few weeks I have been writing a topic paper for my biblical counseling class. We were required to write a 5- page paper on any topic relating to Marriage and Family. Bill Shannon recommended this topic to me, and I am so thankful that I chose to do it. Seriously I was so encouraged by my study in this area, so I thought I would share my paper on my blog. It is kind of lengthy, but the Scripture and resources I used definitely encouraged me a lot! 

*****************

A Young Womens Guide: How to Prepare for a Christ Centered Marriage.

So many young women in today’s churches have been infected with the “dating disease.” This “dating disease” produces the need to be constantly in a relationship, and feelings of utter inadequacy if their weekends are not spent out on dinner dates with the most desirable of young men in the church. The world today inundates young, single women with the idea that when you are single, you’re just living in a party world, with no need for responsibility; However as women who profess Christ, this could not be farther from the truth.  Instead of seeing our single life as a curse, and a long period of “free time,” we ought to wisely strive to know Christ more, and prepare ourselves to have a God- honoring marriage in the future. As writer Nancy Wilson says, “We have to know more than how to be a good wife, we have to know how to be good Christians, and if we are good Christians we will be good wives and mothers.” There are endless ways to prepare for marriage, both spiritual and practical. In this paper we will see what scripture has to say about how we, as young women of the Lord, ought to live in preparation for a God-honoring marriage in the future.

            Firstly, and undoubtedly most importantly, a young woman must fear the Lord be devoted to seeking him. Just as Colossians 3:1 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” We as Christians are fundamentally commanded to seek the Lord, before we seek anything else.  Hebrews 11:6 echoes this, stating, “and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God, must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Chasing after a boyfriend is husband is idolatry, and demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s word, which says in Psalm 84:11b-12 “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” If a young woman is completely content in the Lord and seeks him, she will guard herself from making a hasty decision to marry someone of questionable character. In her book The Excellent Wife, Martha Peace says, “Our desires are only as good as our willingness to wait on God’s timing.” God is the originator of marriage, so it obviously is not wrong to desire to be married: However, it is wrong to make marriage an idol, and seek it before the Lord. He knows our hearts better than we do ourselves. As Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it?” Thus we must trust him to provide the right person, at the right time, and solely set our hearts desire upon pleasing our Lord and Savior. Fear of the Lord is the bedrock of preparation for any Christian woman, and a gift to her marriage. Proverbs 31:30 states it best, saying, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  Women preparing for marriage should be counseled to seek men who are devoted to the Lord first and foremost, and to know the Scriptures in order to make sure her motives and relationship are pure and right.  In churches today, I think we dilute the importance of being single minded for the Lord, and discount discontentment as just a ‘normal’ longing for something good; marriage. I think it would be wise for many counselors to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, seeing that these women’s hearts are not hidden in the Lord, but rather immersed in the secular need to be accepted and loved be a man. If we have the Lord, we have all that we need, anything good in addition to him is an added display of his grace for us. Parents, likewise, ought to be instructed to teach their children to fear the Lord and trust in Him for all things, rather than the focus being on practically preparing their children for the future, and assuming that because they go to church, they will be spiritually prepared.

            Secondly, a young woman preparing for marriage must be in a discipleship relationship with an older woman in the church. As commanded in Titus 2:3-5, “Older women, likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled,” older women must shepherd younger women in the teaching of the scripture, and likewise, young women must be seeking out the wisdom of older women. As Susan Hunt says in the book Becoming God’s True Woman she explains that “Our relationship with God is personal, but not individualistic. When he adopts us into his family, our relationship with him means that we are also related to His other children.” She also explains that these discipleship relationships are covenantal. “Living covenantally means that we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Women nurturing women is simply one way we live covenantally. […] This is not a self-enrichment program. These are covenant relationships that are centered on glorifying God by reflecting his grace to one another.”  This is more than mere fellowship, but relationships that cultivate a love for the Lord, his word, and sound judgment. In addition to being commanded to be under the teaching of more mature women in the church, Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 shows how it is wise to have close relationships to another because, “Two is better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, and has no one to lift him up!” Women in counseling need to be pleaded with to seek out older women in the church, and to create a close accountability relationship with them. This goes beyond the counseling room, and can in many ways become more personal because of the amount of time that can be devoted to the relationship.  Older women, likewise, need to be aware that younger women are looking up to them, and that the Lord has commanded them to guide them.  They must be aware of this, and live lives obviously and clearly in an upright manner, as to not cause a fellow sister in Christ to stumble.

            Thirdly, a young woman preparing for a Christ honoring marriage must be diligent and not lazy. In the Bibles most extensive passage on the virtues of a godly wife, Proverbs 31, it says in verse 27 “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Being diligent is more than just getting everything on your list done. It is planning your time with the purpose of maximizing it for the Lord’s sake. In Ephesians 5:15-16 we are told “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.” Proverbs 21:5 also says “The plans of the diligent lead to sure abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” The Bible is crystal clear on how we are to live, especially in regards to this area. Diligence honors the Lord and brings blessing, and laziness marks the way of the foolish, and its only outcome is destruction. This is critical, not only in preparation for marriage, but also in being a useful slave of Christ. As single women, we must realize that our time is a blessing! We may do the Lords work, and come alongside his people, without neglecting the responsibility to a family. Jackie Kendall says in her book Lady in Waiting, “As a single you have a wonderful opportunity to use your time to maximize your fellowship with God.” I firmly believe that how we manage our time as singles is how we will manage it when we are married. In counseling we must help women to realize that marriage is not a light switch that turns you on to living fully in accord with the Lords desires. We must encourage women who struggle with this to see it for what it really is; a failure to understand the gospel. On the cross Christ redeemed all of our sin. Every wasted moment and word was paid for, so why do we go on living as if it does not matter that he shed his blood for out laziness? Shouldn’t our Savior, who paid for our sins with his life, be the one who dictates our time? As women it is so much easier see our potential husbands as greater motivation for diligent living, rather than the true reason we are to do so; because the Lord commands us to, and we are to honor him with our lives, as a living sacrifice.  Romans 12:11 commands us, as believers “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

            Fourth, and finally, a young woman must be a servant. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us to “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Being a servant is mirroring Christ’s example, because the “even as the Son of Man cane not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a random for many.” (Matthew 20:28) As redeemed slaves to Christ it is imperative that we follow his example of servant hood to others in the body. Marriage is all about being a servant to one another.  In all things we are to count others as more important than ourselves and do what is in their best interest. God made us each unique, with different gifts, and as 1 Peter 4:10 says “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” We are responsible to use our spiritual blessings to bless one another, and further the work of Christ. Whether it’s welcoming others into your home that need a place to stay, or donating money to missionaries in your church, the Lord can use any humble heart to do the work of his kingdom. Understanding this key principle is vital not only for marriage, but for being a useful worker of Christ. Young women and married women need to understand that service is commanded of those in the church, and having a servants heart will not only bless the server, but those around her being served. 

            Although there are many more spiritual and practical things that a young woman can do to be prepared for a Christ centered marriage, these things are repeatedly commanded in Scripture, and their main focus is pleasing the Lord.  In the Bible, being devoted to Christ is always commanded first, and from there, being a godly wife and mother will follow. If we as young women prepare for marriage this way, we will honor the Lord and bless our husbands. 

Crepes {with Sweet Yogurt and Blueberries}

Okay, so if you haven't gotten the not-so-subtle hint, I love breakfast. This past Sunday, I decided to take on, what i thought was a brave endeavor to make crepes, without a crepe pan. I found a recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, and decided to try it, seeing that the batter was fairly simple to make. The only thing I was nervous about was how to cook them, in a regular non-stick skillet. Well, upon making my first crepe, this fear completely disappeared. Seriously, crepes are SO fantastically easy to make, and you can fill them with just about anything. And I liked the idea of filling it with a Greek yogurt mixture :-) They turned out SO yummy, and I definitely will be making them more often! Just keep in mind, the batter has to sit for 20 minutes before you start to cook the crepes.  This allows the flour particles to expand and absorb more water. :-) But the filling seriously rocks. Its like a perfectly sweet and tangy light cloud of heavenly goodness. 

INGREDIENTS:

~ 3 large eggs

~1 1/4 C milk

~ pinch of salt

~ 3 T unsalted butter; melted

~ 1 C flour

~ 1 1/2 C plain greek yogurt

~ 3 T brown sugar

~ 1/2 t pure vanilla

~ Maple Syrup (for drizzling)

~ Blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. In medium bowl, mix eggs and 1/4 C milk and salt until blended. Whisk in the flour until well blended. Then  whisk in remaining cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Let batter stand @ room temp for 20 minutes

2. In another bowl, mix the yogurt with the brown sugar and vanilla. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Heat non-stickk skillet over moderate heat. Brush the pan with some of the melted butter. Pour in a scant 1/3 C of the crepe batter and immediately rotate the pan to evenly coat the bottom. (I ended up using quite a bit less than 1/3 cup for each crepe, it makes them thinner)

4. Cook the crepe until lightly browned (45 seconds). Flip and cook until brown spots appear on the other side, about 15 seconds.

5. Transfer the crepe to a large baking pan covered with parchment paper.

6. Spoon 3 T of yogurt onto each crepe and toll them up. Top with maple syrup and berries. Sift powdered sugar over prepared crepes.

bon appetit! 

xo

B

and of course i had to take a picture of the best cooking partner :-)

yes we do have matching ears. they were $1 at Target, so obviously I was compelled to make the purchase! :-)

Creamy {Basil} Salad Dressing

Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was go to dinner at The Spaghetti Factory in Hollywood. The meals are always served with salad or soup. Their house dressing was our family's favorite, and we sometimes would buy some extra to take home. Recently when I was playing around with recipes, I discovered the exact creamy basil pesto salad dressing recipe I have fawned over for years, score! I literally could eat this stuff by the bottle, with some lettuce on the side, of course!

INGREDIENTS:

~ 3/4 C oil

~ 1 C mayonnaise

~ 3/4 C buttermilk

~ 2 T grated Romano

~ 1/2 t crushed dried basil

~ 1/2 t salt

~ 1 clove garlic

~ 1/4 t paprika

DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk together oil and mayonnaise. Add buttermilk, cheese, basil, salt, garlic and paprika. Mix thoroughly.

2. Cover and let flavors meld overnight in refrigerator.

I promise this is thee best salad dressing you will every taste!

Enjoy

XO

B

Valentine's Day {Sugar Cookies}

Approaching Valentines day, I was anticipating making red velvet cupcakes for dessert. However upon seeing the adorable Valentines day sprinkles at Target, I decided to make sugar cookies and decorate them with pink, red and white icing. I only wish i was able to find X's and O's cookie cutters, but i didn't see any at the stores i visited, so if you know where they're selling them, please please, do tell! Personally I think my mom has one of the best sugar cookie recipes, but thats just me! they're fun to decorate with a bunch of girlfriends, and the possibilities are endless!

SUGAR COOKIES

~ 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour

~ 1/2 teaspoon salt

~ 1 teaspoon baking powder

~ 1 cup butter

~ 2 cups sugar

~ 2 large eggs

~ 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, and zest of two lemons

*****

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. set aside.

2. Use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs

3. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Wrap dough in plastic; chill for about 30 minutes. 

4. Preheat oven to 325. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shaped. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges start to brown. Let cool and decorate with Icing.

For the icing I put about 2- 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar in a bowl and add milk in very small amounts. Stir and add enough milk until sugar is completely dissolved and movable, but still thick. I add small amounts of gel paste food coloring (can be bought @Michaels- $1.99, and they have EVERY color). Paint cookies and ENJOY!

and just to add to the business of the week, I gave my baby bunny a bath on Tuesday night. There is nothing quite as adorable as giving a bunny a bath. She's so sweet! :)

Happy Valentines Day!

XO

B

In The Name Of {Love}

I usually don't admit this in public, but Valentines Day is my favorite holiday (Christmas doesn't count, or else it would be a no-brainer; Mariah Carey isn't allowed to audition for American Idol, you know.)  Even since I was little, I've always loved all the decorations, cards, candies, flowers, songs, and movies that come with this special day. I would spend hours, literally, preparing my valentines to take to school. Just the other day i spend an hour and a half wandering around the Valentine's section in Target, soaking it all up(The Proposal was only $10). Obviously I've only had one actual real-life "valentine" but that was last year, and its safe to say the tradition will not be continuing this year, but I digress.

I think its so cool how all the candy companies go all out with the repackaging of their candies.  Seriously, my favorite candy, York peppermint patties, are heart shaped this year, with pink filling. When i saw this, my heart was definitely bursting with joy. I think Valentines day obviously is mostly geared for couples in love, but I've always used it to just remind those around me I love, that i love them! 

My mom and I  always gets each other something cute, sometimes having to do with Valentines day, and other times not. I remember one year I bought her two pink mugs from Starbucks that have coasters with hearts on them :). We usually give my dad and brother candy...because they aren't pink's biggest fans. 

The only thing i dislike about Valentines day is that there is lots of cute candy sitting on our counter, which I often eat. Instead of eating it I took a picture, thats at the top of the post. Definitely not as satisfying. 

Well if you're stumped for what movies to watch on Valentines day, I got you covered, with my top ten favorite romance movies, in this post here :). Since that post, other movies have come out, and I would add "Letter to Juliet" to the list.

And if you're into making mixed C.D.'s here is the link to my favorite love song. EVER. Smother Me- by The Used.

Another creative idea for this day is something I discovered when I was about ten, and I love doing it. Make a heart shaped fried egg for your "sweetheart" (I did this while making my parents breakfast ;). Simply pull out a heart shaped cookie cutter. Heat the skillet with butter. Place the cookie cutter on the skillet and crack the egg inside. Cook until done and simply remove the cookie cutter and place the egg on the plate (with bacon of course) and enjoy! It wont damage a metal cookie cutter, but please don't use plastic, thats just a sad mess waiting to happen :( 

I will hopefully post a red velvet recipe before next Monday, which is my favorite V-day dessert, or anytime dessert actually. :)

xoxo

B

 "Love is patient andkind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7