television 2/5 Breakfast to Bed

Merry Drapermas!

By breakfasttobed | March 25, 2012 - 12:45 PM | entertaining, family, fashion, fitness, Recipes, television

Merry Drapermas! Tonight should be an official holiday. A holiday where we celebrate with bribery, liquid lunches, cocktail parties, pearls, high-waisted skirts, and less-than-virtuous experiences with ad men that are recently separated from their batshit crazy wives. Sounds like a good time to me. Please pass the gin, and delicious, gray eyed, Don Draper (mix well for best results)

I am all ready. In preparation for today’s banananess, I ran a tenner yesterday–on a treadmill–that, my lovelies; is dedication. It’s also possible I got lost in another book. It’s also possible I thought the protagonist might die. It’s also possible they got to a realllly steamy scene in the book and I blushed on the treadmill hoping no one could hear what was going into my ears. I felt like the guy watching porn on the library computer. I simply ran harder to explain my blush. The fear of being found out served me well; I ran 10 miles in 77 minutes, with most of my splits falling under 8 minutes. I followed that up with some much needed stretching and strength training, focusing on upper body supersets and abs. I feel like an overstretched rubber band today. I’m ready for some booze and finger foods.

crap form because I was taking a picture of myself.

As for my part in the party, I told you yesterday I’d be dressing in my 60′s finest. Here is a sneak peek.

My boobs are padded, but my hip pads were uncomfortable.

Obligatory “looking off into the distance” “Mad Men” shot. I think the barbiturates might clog their vision.

It’s also Sunday Funday, meaning I get to have a sweet treat or two. Today’s sweet treat is a nod to the classic rice krispie treat, but twisted and messed up.

I give you the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheerio Treats.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter cheerio treats

by Cat Tan

Keywords: no bake dessert bars

Ingredients

1 package of marshmallows
3 TBSP butter
6 cups of peanut butter cheerios
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup DARK chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

crush 1 cup of the cheerios roughly, this will act as a binder in the mix

melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pot on medium until it forms a thick goo

add in the peanut butter cheerios and crushed pb cheerios and stir

stir in pb and dark chocolate chips

pour in greased 9″-13″ pan

let set

melt white chocolate chips in the microwave

drizzle over treats

let set

cut and serve

Tell Me I’m not the only one super excited for “Mad Men”?

What is your favorite cereal from your childhood? (mine is Corn Flakes.)

A Bourbon Nooner

By breakfasttobed | March 23, 2012 - 8:37 AM | Current Affairs, entertaining, fitness, Movies, Recipes, television

13 Comments

I am in so much pain today it’s incredible. GOOOOOD pain. Sure, I can’t sit down on the sofa without whining, but this is the kind of pain that hurts.so.good.

Yesterday I leaped through the air to catch a rope, climbed a rope and rock wall, shot LOTS of arrows (over 88% accuracy rate) and ran my ass off. I thought about coming home and eating only slightly cooked grouse, in honor of my new status as “I could totally survive at least the first day of the Hunger Games”, but I went with spaghetti. It seemed more appetizing. I am so glad they’re are two more movies and three DVD releases because that means WAY more “Hunger Games” workouts. I swear, it didn’t even feel like I was working out. The music was pumping, the activities were fast and furious, and it was exciting! When was the last time your workout was EXCITING? (the ones you do OUTSIDE of the bedroom)

I always feel more energized about working out when I am trying something new. A new class, a new routine, a new goal to work toward. Even if I fail miserably, and can’t walk the next day-I feel accomplished. After multiple “Hunger Games” workouts? I am ready to STORM THE CAPITOL. Or maybe; just watch the movie.

I promise, I’ll try to calm the “Hunger Games” talk after I see this thing tonight. My poor husband, he frequently has to deal with a myriad of hypothetical questions posed to him based on whatever I am reading, but this has been a lot even for me.

“If you were brainwashed, do you think you could get past it and still be in love with me?”

“If you were dying of blood poisoning and didn’t want me to risk my life to get you medicine, would you be mad if I drugged you to go get you some?”

I think he’s looking forward to Saturday and Sunday (Mad Men prep) when I ask him questions about having sex and drinking bourbon in the middle of the day. He much prefers to ~~have~~ talk about having sex and (me) drinking bourbon. I like to fancy myself a Joan, without the AMAZING body.

Since I can’t have her body, I’ll do the next best thing, I’ll make an afternoon cocktail. I’ll serve that afternoon cocktail with delicious cheese straws.

Spicy cheese straws.

Spicy Cheese Straws

by Cat Tan

Keywords: bake blender appetizer snack vegetarian

Ingredients

one stick of butter, softened
1 3/4 cup shredded cheese (I used mexican blend)
1 cup all purpose flour
2 TBSP milk
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

preheat oven to 325

pulse all ingredients in food processor until it just comes together, slightly wetter than a pie crust

wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for one hour

roll out into 1/4″ thick rectangle

slice with a pizza cutter into 1/2″ strips

place on parchment lined cookie sheet

pinch the straws in 1″ intervals to crimp

bake for 25 minutes or until the edges just start to brown.

let cool entirely before removing from rack.

Getting In Bed With Don Draper

By breakfasttobed | March 20, 2012 - 9:49 AM | Current Affairs, entertaining, family fitness, fitness, healthy eating, Movies, Recipes, running, television, Uncategorized

25 Comments

Happy Vernal Equinox! Get outside and go for a walk! (gas is too damn expensive to drive.) I really think we could solve our energy crisis if we could somehow harness all the hot air the politicians are producing on the primary trail. I think we could power Vegas for a year. I also think we should attach a windmill to my son, because the captain never stops moving. I haven’t stopped moving this week either, I am too fidgety in preparation for “Hunger Games” and “Mad Men”.

We are down to three days before Katniss enters the arena, and five days before Don Draper has another scotch and water at noon. (Not that I think you have to wait 5 days until you have a liquid lunch; maybe spike your protein shake with rum–or not.) I do, however, suggest you get outside and challenge yourself physically. Perhaps with fewer deadly mutated wasps, trees that spontaneously ignite, and incidences of blood poisoning, but maybe do an obstacle course? Really PLAY with your kids at the playground? (The Miz is known for her playouts.) You can always pretend that you’re running for your life. You could also, later in the night, pretend you’re stuck in a cave with a handsome fella that you’re just FORCED to make out with. (note to self: must find cave and convince the cop it’s a good place to hang out.)

Last week, I wore my HRM to the park while I played with the captain, I burned-NO LIE 602 calories in one hour. THAT’S 3 BEERS!!! 4 COOKIES!!! A GIANT SLICE OF NYC PIZZA!!! It was also more fun than I’d had “working out” in ages. The captain thought I was a rockstar. I knew he was a rockstar.

If you can’t tell, I *really* get into my books/movies/tv. Right now, I am reading Jennifer Estep’s “Elemental Assassin” series. So.much.action. It will get you running so damn fast. It also features a ruggedly handsome, rich, assassin loving businessman who makes Edward Cullen look oh-so-lame. If you loved “Twilight”, and you love “True Blood”, you will love this series.

I can see it becoming as obsessive to me as “Hunger Games”. Especially because the lead (around my age) is southern (shout out to my MawMaw!) and bakes and cooks, and occasionally, slits peoples throats. I may not be an assassin (yet), but I do kill it in the kitchen ~~and the bedroom like mr don draper.~~

Yesterday, whilst watching every single preview available for the new season of “Mad Men” and “Hunger Games”,~~and possibly crying with joy and wetting myself in anticipation~~ I was struck by how much sugar they eat on “Mad Men”, and in the Capitol! Katniss describes the tables and tables of petit fours and chocolates, cakes and pies, sweets and savories. There was so much that she couldn’t eat it all.

If we ate it all, we’d be huge. We’d also be nutrient deficient. This is why I came up with a healthy alternative that tastes of the decadence of a meeting with Sterling or a party in the Captiol. Inspired by my beloved peanut butter Twix bar, (introduced in the UK in 1967) I made these bars with a ton of antioxidant rich foods, protein, and fiber. They’re a sweet, light, granola bar base, topped with creamy peanut butter, and topped with rich, dark chocolate. I may have had these for breakfast.

Healthy Peanut Butter Twix Bars with Chia.

Healthy Peanut Butter “Twix” bar

by Cat Tan

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Keywords: breakfast side snack dessert gluten-free cookie

Ingredients (30 bars)

3 cups quick oats (or gluten free rolled oats pulsed in the food pro)
1/2 cup egg whites
3/4 cup vanilla non-dairy milk (i use coconut)
3 tbsp chia
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 very ripe banana
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup dark chocolate chunks/chips

Instructions

preheat oven to 350F

combine milk and chia-set aside for 10 minutes

mash the banana

combine chia milk mix, quick oats, whites, crunchy pb, honey, vanilla, and mashed banana.

mix until well combined

spread into a greased 9″-13″ pan

bake for approximately 25 minutes or until edges are a golden brown

let cool

spread creamy peanut butter evenly over top

freeze

melt chocolate in the microwave and spread over top of peanut butter

chill and cut.

Do you have your tickets for the “Hunger Games” yet?

Favorite candy bar?

Tonight, We Are All Obsessed

By breakfasttobed | March 16, 2012 - 9:52 AM | healthy eating, Movies, television, Uncategorized

5 Comments

One week until “Hunger Games” and one week and 2 days until “Mad Men”. I swear to you, my little heart is just too excited for words. If you ever wonder what happens if you take a bibliophile, combine that bibliophile with an actor/writer, and throw in an obsession with Mid-Century Modern everything dating back to childhood memories of a grandparents house full of impeccable mod and deco furniture? You get me. Not to mention my slight, obsession with Jon Hamm; because, if you are a straight woman, and you don’t have a small obsession with him? You must not have a pulse. The fact that BOTH premiere next weekend is almost overwhelming to me.

This is why I am keeping myself busy. Thankfully, it’s pilot season. Today/tomorrow looks like this: audition, audition, photo shoot, audiobook read audition (my favorite), exercise, shower, drop kids off with husband, drinks with my cast/cast meeting/we’re all winos, home, shower, sleep, wake up and go to workshop. Between all of these I have to look over my lines, look over my music, and spend time with my faves. Oosh. I am tired just writing that. On Sunday; I’ll need a valium.

“I’m ready for my close up. Can you fix this thing on my head?”

Researching recipes to make for my “Mad Men” cocktail party has been a trip. People in the 60′s REALLY liked jello molds and things with toothpicks in them. (and cigarettes, and girdles, and day drinking) They also LOVED wrapping vegetables in meat. Since my husband really likes meat, I figured this would be a win. However, it seems that era was littered in honeyed ham slices, but the cop likes pastrami, so sweet pig is out! The pastrami wrapped asparagus is so good, you’ll never miss the ham. (you’ll have that other Hamm to keep you warm) I will warn you, these are delicious, and pretty healthy, but if you eat them, YOU WILL need to brush your teeth afterward. You will stink.

I used light cream cheese and laughing cow cheese to drive down the calories and intensify the flavor with the sharpness of the swiss laughing cow cheese. The rest of the recipe is a recipe I saw A LOT in my research. Creamy sauces were as ubiquitous then as cheese trays are now. Yum.

pastrami wrapped asparagus

by Cat Tan

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Keywords: steam appetizer side snack

Ingredients

1 lb asparagus
10 slices pastrami or turkey pastrami
2 oz softened cream cheese (I used light)
2 wedges softened swiss laughing cow cheese
1 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tbsp dijon mustard
4 roasted garlic cloves, roasted (or gently sauteed and pureed)
salt and pepper

Instructions

combine all ingredients save for asparagus and pastrami, set aside

clean and steam asparagus gently-about 3 minutes at a rolling boil,

shock in ice water

dry asparagus

set two slices of pastrami down on a flat surface, edges slightly overlapping,

smear about 2 tbsp of cream cheese spread onto pastrami

place about 7 asparagus spears on top of the cream cheese asparagus in a bundle about 3/4 of the way down the spear,

wrap the bundle around itself tightly

refrigerate and serve.

What’s your favorite retro snack?

I like pigs in a blanket-with tofu dogs

Favorite thing in your grandparents house growing up?

my grandmother had the coolest kitchenette set. I used to sit there while she cooked.

One Part Harvey Wallbanger, One Part Nick Nolte

By breakfasttobed | March 13, 2012 - 9:49 AM | family fitness, fitness, healthy eating, Recipes, television

6 Comments

I’m confused. Yesterday I went for a run. This isn’t unusual, I run quite frequently. Around mile 3, I started sweating like I just got caught eating the last thin mint. This is also not unusual, as running makes you sweat. What is unusual is that I was sweating while running OUTDOORS in MARCH. I am fairly certain this isn’t normal. It also concerns me that this summer is going to be hotter than hell. I don’t love sub 20 degree weather, but I HATE 90+ weather a whole lot more. It’s sticky. It’s humid. It makes NYC smell like the business end of sweaty cow.

Hot weather turns me into a hermit. I put on my fuzzy socks and turn up the air conditioner until I can see my own breath. It’s only a little bit pathetic. I am not certain, but I am pretty sure if I was left outdoors in 90+ degree heat for any length of time, I would melt–or turn into Nick Nolte– whichever comes first. *fingers crossed* for this.

He just looks like a shining vision of summer, no?

Last night, however, I was channeling my inner Betty Draper. First, I put on my best Perry Ellis, spritzed on some “Evening in Paris” cologne, knocked back a few Harvey Wallbangers, and made a delicious appetizer/side dish, completely appropriate in 1960s America. (lightened up so that I can still fit into my girdle while carrying the heavy load of my shame and regret.)

Light Pierogis. Delicious, fast, healthy, a real crowd pleaser.

lighter pierogis

by Cat Tan

Prep Time: 25-30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Keywords: steam saute appetizer side vegetarian

Ingredients (25 pierogi)

20-25 wonton skins
4 yukon gold potatoes
1 individually sized chobani plain 0% yogurt
10 roasted garlic cloves
2 or 3 wedges of laughing cow swiss cheese
chopped dill (or any herb of your preference)
one medium onion
egg for egg wash
1/2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper

Instructions

peel and steam the potatoes until just fork tender

place in a potato ricer and mill through or mash

add in yogurt,

laughing cow cheese,

roasted garlic,

chopped dill-to taste, it can overpower so be gentle.

salt and pepper,

and stir.

beat the egg and set aside

bring a pot of water on to boil and add salt to the water

heat butter and oil in a large skillet

add in sliced onion and brown

turn off heat or turn down to very low

place approximately 2 tsp of the mixture on the center of each wonton skin,

place a little egg wash on two adjoining edges of the skin,

fold over into a triangle

pinch to seal

place in rapidly boiling, salted water and cook pierogis until they float

using a strainer or slotted spoon, pull out the pierogis and put them in the pan with the onions, saute until just browned.

Do you prefer hot or cold weather?

Have you ever had pierogis?

Category Archives: television

Merry Drapermas!

A Bourbon Nooner

Getting In Bed With Don Draper

Tonight, We Are All Obsessed

One Part Harvey Wallbanger, One Part Nick Nolte

Follow Me On The Web!

Archives

My Pins!! Follow Me!