My First Dinner Party :)

I always plan an extended vacation back to Wisconsin for Christmas and I was also home for New Year's this year.  When I came back I wanted to do something fun for some of my closest friends because I'm thankful for these wonderful people in my life. 

This beautiful Wedge Salad courtesy of Kristina!

I had frozen a Burgandy Spoon Roast the day before I left Wisconsin and also picked up a bunch of my favorite Wisconsin cheeses.  I found the recipe for my Mom's Cheesy Potatoes and with Kristina staying with me, she was helping prep everything as well.  We had an amazing Wedge Salad with all the fixings including a Blue Cheese dressing from scratch, thanks to Kristina.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Adam brought an appetizer and Specialty Beer, Aimee & Andy brought Champagne and Wine, Giana brought a side dish, and Rachel brought a Chicken Salad.  My Spoon Roast turned out great although my gravy wasn't my best, I did do my Cilantro Pesto from scratch (having leftovers for weeks) and also made rolls.  We were all full by the time we were done! 

We had a full on feast from beginning to end and I even popped a Dessert Wine I had bought in Solvang on my last trip with my Family.  It only came once we made it through all the Champagne, White & Red Wine and Beer.  No Dinner Party at my place would be complete without a Game Night!  Loaded Questions was a great game to play with all my friends and have some laughs.

Flowers, Cheese & Crackers, and Glasses prepped for the Party!

To make things even more special, I was able to use the Silverware my Mom had bought me years ago.  I had never needed to have service for eight so it was the perfect time to put them to use.  My first Dinner Party was a success thanks to my friends, and I can't wait to throw another one :)

Why you should try Blue Apron!

Over the past year I've been doing Blue Apron on a fairly regular basis. I love to cook and create my own recipes but there's something about having the food and recipes delivered to your door that's so convenient and it gets me more excited to cook.  The step-by-step instructions with photos make it easy to follow along and the food is usually quite impressive!  I make sure to invite friends over for at least one shipment to share in the joy!

Seared Barramundi with Fregola Sarda, Collard
Greens, and a Shallot Agrodolce that I will make
again and again.  It was just that lovely!

Since I was getting these recipes coming from Fall into Winter, there were some fresh corn dishes, some seared Salmon & Barramundi, a Steak meal (which I made when Dad was visiting at Thanksgiving) and plenty of vegetarian options.  One of them was a Squash Curry with Jasmine Rice (not pictured here) that turned out beautifully and was spicy to boot!  And the Steak meal was good but I preferred the tenderloin cut I got a few months back to the NY Strip Dad and I had this past time.

In the group of four photos below, starting from the top left was a Sweet Corn & Ditali Pasta with Ricotta Cheese.  It was one of the easiest recipes and packed a kick thanks to the Jalapeño.  I love getting a little spice in a meal.  Going clockwise is the Seared Salmon on top of Saffron Yukon Gold Potatoes and Cumin/Orange Glazed Carrots. I loved all the spices in this dish, including Saffron which I've never worked with before but was very excited about. The Salmon was incredible and the Carrots reminded me of my Mom's Glazed Carrot recipe (I'm going to try to re-create hers thanks to this one) that was always so yummy.  The next Dinner was a Chicken dish with a Caper Salsa Verde, extra Corn & Tomatoes, and Fregola Sarda.  I love capers and this salsa was the bomb!  Rounding it out was another vegetarian recipe of Neapolitan-Style Stewed Vegetables and Farro.  This recipe actually made it through three helpings!  The Gremolata of Parsley, Lemon, Garlic and Shallots on top really finished it off strong in addition to the fresh mozzarella.

Ditali Pasta & Ricotta, Seared Salmon & Saffron Yukon Gold Potatoes, Chicken
with Salsa Verde and Neopolitan-Style Stewed Vegetables with Farro.

Blue Apron can be tried on an affordable basis especially with the promotions they put out there for first-time users.  Or you can even find deals on Groupon!  Once you start cooking with Blue Apron, you'll have Free Meals to send to friends or family members (perhaps even someone else in your household).  Most of the recipes I feel like $60 is totally worth it based on the convenience-factor, ingredients, and portion-size.  Other times I feel like I could have found the ingredients for cheaper at Trader Joe's or another grocery store.  They usually do a good job of making sure the recipes are varied and that it's worth the price you're paying!

If you want to see all of my Blue Apron adventures, you can find them on my Instagram at: Lyndsey on Instagram.  I'd love to hear about your culinary adventures too!  I'm looking forward to making some of the recipes I've received in the past year a second time around now :)

January Karaoke

I got back to LA just in time for the first week of Karaoke at Gabe's after my extended vacation in Wisconsin for Christmas and New Year's.  I may have left all the snow but I came back to LA for all the rain, which we needed so badly.  Now it's back to the grind and back to Karaoke!

Dolly Parton - 'Jolene'

Elle King - 'Ex's & Oh's'

Pat Benatar - 'Promises In The Dark'

Fuel - 'Falls On Me'

Norah Jones - 'Don't Know Why'

Whitney Houston - 'Saving All My Love For You'

Britney Spears - 'Everytime'

Sixpence None The Richer - 'Kiss Me'

Nickelback - 'How You Remind Me'

Fiona Apple - 'Limp'

Pat Benatar - 'Invinceable'

Whitesnake - 'Is This Love'

Patrick Swayze - 'She's Like The Wind'

Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley - 'I've Had The Time Of My Life'

Gretchen Wilson - 'Redneck Woman'

Toto - 'Hold The Line'

Alanis Morissette - 'You Learn'

Heart - 'Alone'

Def Leppard - 'Photograph'

Gwyneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis - 'Cruisin''

Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole - 'Unforgettable'

Eminem - 'The Real Slim Shady'

Concrete Blonde - 'Joey'

Rascal Flatts - 'Bless The Broken Road'

"Les Miserables" - 'I Dreamed A Dream'

Kenni & I at Karaoke last week and the Ladies and I visited Gabe's on a Friday for a little Karaoke fun!

In that first week I was excited to have my fresh Wisconsin voice (no smog, limited smoke, fresh clean air from back home) where I can hit all the notes my LA voice has to work for.  My new song was Elle King's 'Ex's & Oh's' which I thought I knew, but even with Sam's help, didn't get the chorus right until the third time around.  We had a good laugh and that's what Karaoke is all about.  I also got to do some Pat Benatar and Whitney Houston that week!  The next week I opened with my new song, 'Kiss Me,' by Sixpence None the Richer.  You know you know it, and I can't help but think of "She's All That" with Freddie Prinze Jr & Rachel Leigh Cook every time I hear it. I threw in a different Pat Benatar song that week too.  We had a little "Dirty Dancing" Super-Set to kick off Karaoke the following week.  I far prefer singing the duet of 'I've Had the Time of my Life' to Patrick Swazye's song, but it did start the trend.  Since Kristina was at Karaoke, she gave me some requests including 'Alone' and 'You Learn' and we even got a song out of her too!  My new song was Def Leppard's 'Photograph' which was a blast to sing!  Why haven't I done that sooner?!  I had a surprise visit from Kenni last week at Karaoke and I had skipped my turn to sing a few times because I was doing duets with friends.  I did two of my favorites and it's been forever since I've sang 'Unforgettable.'  I'm pretty sure I've never done 'The Real Slim Shady' by Eminem because I feel like I would have been far better at it; his raps are so quick and he really is a talented artist.  We closed out the night with a musical round which made it fun!

Here's to 2017; a year of new music, themes, friends, and fun!  That's what Karaoke is all about :)

Friday the 13th Improv Show

On Friday the 13th we had our first Aces of Improv Show of the year!  We finally had a Friday performance which meant I was able to be involved.  It was a small cast with a bunch of games and we ended up with a really great and supportive audience.  We did a bunch of short-form games and all of us had a blast! 

Before the Improv Show 'Album Cover'

Emily and I got to work together on the first scene where I became Abu from 'Aladdin.'  We were searching for treasure in Agrabah, and monkey poop (I know) became the theme of the game for all the groups in Three Couple Switch.  It was a really fun scene.  I'm always nervous about playing Opera but it usually ends up being a great time, and this was no different.  As Wayne and Nathan started the scene, they called for a bear, so I had to pull out another animal, and decided being Yogi Bear in the cave would be the best choice, while we all searched for picnic baskets.  Oh the places you will go!  Our audience member shared a very vague 'Day in the Life' which is actually helpful because we, as the performers, are able to add to the scene.  The male audience member chose Rachel to play him in the scene, and I ended up being a girlfriend he never talks about.  Everyone was able to jump in and keep the scene moving along in a fun and exciting way.  Next up was the Dating Game, with myself, Emily, and Katie as the Daters and Nathan figuring out who we were all assigned to play by the audience.  I got Beyonce and I became a bootylicious performer, who talked about my child, Blue Ivy, and when asked what I feared, I responded with "Nothing."  Nathan was able to figure all of us out and I think we all love playing games like this or Party Quirks because it really gets the audience involved.  I was also a part of Cue Word and New Choice, which is one of my favorite games.  We usually close the show with Park Bench and then sometimes a group Improv Song.  Our Park Bench was set in Uzbekistan and while Nathan's accent was spot on, I had no idea what to do as a character choice.  When Wayne went in with his falafel cart, I figured Rachel and I could be Sorority Cheerleaders from California who scored 1600 on our SATs.  While Rachel raided the falafel cart, Emily and I chatted up Nathan, and the other guys came in to scare off all of us tourists.  It was an awesome end to our show!

After the Improv Show for Cocktails at Bar Lubitsch!

I understand that this may not make much sense to those reading it but that just means find an Improv show in your town and go!  If you're in LA, you're in luck, because they are everywhere and on a night you're sure to be free.  We follow the format of 'Whose Line Is It Anyway,' and it's pure comedy for all ages.  Just make sure you're 'yes-anding' and not asking any questions and we'll see you at our next show :)

Resolutions & Goals for 2017

As we've gotten settled into January and the new year, I took some time to figure out what I wanted for myself this year.  With the life-changing year of 2016, I am really excited to welcome 2017.  Out with the old and in with the new, and here's to a fresh new start with stronger relationships, more creativity, positivity, yummy food, and work!

Last year I took a Master Class at the Ruskin School, working with Chris Mulkie, Paul Sand, Billy DaMota, Paul Ruddy, Bruce Davisson, and more.  I learned so much over the weeks and certainly grew as an Actor.  These Actors & Coaches (including John Ruskin) pulled so much out of me and brought new ideas and intentions for me to work on.  I'm always striving to learn new techniques that make me stronger in my choices.  I started producing some of my Aftershows at Afterbuzz TV as well, and brought in a ton of guests to talk about 'Supernatural.'  This show continues to pick up steam and just got renewed for Season 13...woo!  We had a few Improv Shows and I've been actively involved in our weekly Improv classes.  CAC Studios had also re-opened 'Thenardier's Inn' and I got to do some Princess Shows on top of our adult shows.  I even stretched my range by working with some talented actors for 'One Night Stands,' which was a blast and challenge.  I can't wait to get involved with some new projects this year, film with my friends, creating our own work, and get myself out more often!

'No day but today!' ~ Rent (Photo by Angel Romero)

I grew in the kitchen too, thanks to Blue Apron.  The girls from Lubitsch gifted me a couple weeks at Christmas time, and I actually kept up with it because I love to cook.  It makes it so much easier when the ingredients and recipes are delivered right to your door and all you have to do is cook it up.  I'm looking forward to making some of these recipes on my own now!  I Hosted my first Dinner Party last week and can't wait to have another one.  Health and fitness-wise, I've been working really hard and thankfully can still enjoy my favorite foods but need to make sure to keep up with my work-outs because it's definitely harder to stay in shape in your 30's.  Water has been a huge part of the last year, as I've made sure to drink a minimum of eight glasses a day and I can truly say I've seen a difference in my skin (it looks clearer and brighter), I very rarely have a headache, hangovers are far less regular, and I don't crave sweets or sugary drinks like I used to.  I always have a bottle of water with me, wherever I go, so that makes it super easy to keep up with my water intake.

My circle of friends has grown and become tighter and I've gotten so much closer with my family as well.  Everyone has come together during some hard times and I couldn't be more grateful for my wonderful family and friends.  I also gained a new family member; Rutherford B Hayes, has come into my life, stolen my heart, and I love that little man more than words can express.  He has helped me get through some of the toughest times in the past year.  It's insane to realize how much he has impacted my life.  And it was an honor to become a God-Mother to my cousins little girl, Alina!  We got to see our whole Jacoby side of the family for Monica & Tyler's Wedding this past Summer in Newport Beach.  As we all make transitions into our lives without my Mom, I know that my relationships with those that are important will flourish.  Thank you to those incredible people.

The gals and I made a couple trips to Vegas in the past year, I went back to Wisconsin a few times, and was able to check out some new restaurants here in LA, have more Girl's Nights and Game Nights, and also saw some wonderful theater and shows.  I was inspired and even started writing my own sitcom and am very excited to make progress on that this year.  That is one of my driving forces right now to keep me in LA.  I don't know exactly where I want to go next but I know that I need to give my all in order to feel fulfilled in what I've done here in LA if I do want to move somewhere else.  But I've got at least one more year here in LA and know that it'll only bring more success because I've got dreams, and I'm going to make them happen!

I'm charging into 2017 with a passion and drive that won't be stopped!  Here we go...

What's for Dinner? Part 16.

After I made this Corn Succotash recipe for Thanksgiving and my Dad actually ate his vegetables, I knew I had a hit on my hands.  Whenever we go to Cheesecake Factory his usual go-to is this Meatloaf with their Corn Succotash.  In fact, when we went the last time before I came back to LA, he ate all the Succotash, not pushing the peppers or zucchini out of it!  That means that when I made it at Thanksgiving and he watched me prep the recipe he actually didn't mind eating those random veggies he would normally avoid...SCORE!  I made the Corn Succotash again at Christmas for our big family dinner and everyone enjoyed it.  So here I am back, with a new recipe to share!

Corn Succotash

3 to 4 Cups Corn (I like to over-power with corn)

1.5 Cups Bell Peppers (diced, preferably Red or one whole Pepper)

1.5 Cups Zucchini (quartered or one whole zucchini)

1 Cup Onion (chopped)

4-6 Cloves of Garlic

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 Tbsp Butter or Margarine

1/2 Cup to 1 Cup of Chicken or Vegetable Stock

Salt & Pepper

1 Tsp Cinnamon

1 Tsp Ginger Powder 

1/4 Cup Chopped Cilantro (optional)
Any other seasonings you may like, Garlic or Onion Powder, Cumin, Nutmeg, 21 Seasoning Salute (I like Onion Powder and the 21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe's)

Succotash getting it's cook on!

Start by heating the olive oil in a big frying pan and once it's hot add in your corn and chopped onion.  While that's blackening over medium high heat, chop up your peppers and zucchini.  Make sure to frequently stir the corn and onion and season with salt and pepper.  When that has turned golden or slightly blackened, add in your butter, peppers and zucchini.  I love garlic and I use a garlic press for my six cloves for a more subtle hint but you could chop which would bring more of the garlic out. Once again season with salt and pepper.  You're going to add in your other seasonings at this point, and that's where the hint of sweetness will come in thanks to your Cinnamon and Ginger.  Let that cook for about five minutes and let the veggies you just added in, soften.  After that, add in your Stock of choice; I prefer Chicken for more flavor but you could use Vegetable to make the dish vegetarian.  You cold also skip the Butter and make the dish Vegan; there's plenty of options!  You want to let your succotash simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are cooked through and soft.  You don't want them macerated, but you also don't want a crunch when you're taking a bite.  After that you'll season one more time with salt and pepper and before serving stir in your chopped cilantro.  I love the brightness of cilantro but know it's not for everyone, so if you prefer Basil, that would be great as well, or you can skip it all together.  Trust me, your succotash will not be lacking in flavor!

Thanksgiving Dinner with my Corn Succotash

My Dad has been my sous chef both times I've made this recipe and is surprisingly a big help in the kitchen.  I love the way this recipe turned out!  Because it was Fall when I first made the Succotash, fresh Corn wasn't in season, but I can just imagine how wonderful it would be straight from the cob and into this dish.  I love the idea of the sweet seasonings to bring in more flavors and it felt very hearty and warm especially during the Holidays!  This recipe makes a good ten servings (we had leftovers too).  While it's easy to just do a single vegetable, I really wanted to try something different and I knew if I could make a dish my Dad would eat, everyone else would enjoy it as well.  Two thumbs up from Dad makes me a happy girl :)  

December Karaoke

With only two weeks in December of Karaoke for me I wanted to take it easy during that first week since I knew the following week would be a big one since we'd be doing Christmas and Holiday Karaoke!

Fleetwood Mac - 'Landslide'
Adele - 'To Make You Feel My Love'

Peggy Lee - 'Rocking Around The Christmas Tree'
Garbage - 'I'm Only Happy When It Rains'
Bon Jovi - 'Please Come Home (For Christmas)'
Helen Cornelius - 'Mary Did You Know'
Whitney Houston - 'Do You Hear What I Hear'
Journey - 'Lights'

That first week I did 'Landslide' by Fleetwood Mac as my new song of the night.  That Adele song I did next was an easy go-to for me so I closed out my night with that.  For Holiday Karaoke it was a lot quieter than normal but usually I'm there for one more week before Christmas so it made sense.  I was able to do a bunch of my favorite Christmas songs while throwing in some other stuff as well.  My new song was 'Please Come Home (For Christmas)' by Bon Jovi which was great!  We all know I love Bon Jovi, so I was glad to sing this song as my new one and it will be a Holiday staple from now on.  'Mary Did You Know' is probably my favorite Christmas song so I needed to do that one before the night was over.  We all closed with a Journey song, Carolyn, Adam, Marty and myself, so it was a nice long Journey Super-Set!

Cheers to the Holidays!  Fireball, Fernet & Black Sambuca!

Here's to a Happy New Year filled with new music, lots of fun, friends singing, and excitement the whole year through :)