Simple, but sweet

My week has been pretty uneventful, but also really pleasant.  With so much time on my hands, I've gone a tiny bit stir crazy, but I always tend to find a way to keep occupied.  I find happiness in simple pleasures, which to me basically means cooking, reading and watching Netflix (with a few hikes sprinkled in).

In cooking news, I made gnocchi (nee-o-kee) for the very first time and it was delicious!  Gnocchi is a potato/flour dough that's boiled in water and eaten like pasta with either marinara, alfredo or olive oil.  It's kind of weird if you're not used to it (it can be kinda gummy and bland), but my version was not only healthier, but seriously tasty.  Instead of potatoes, I used sweet potatoes and mixed some spinach in for added nutrition.  Now, be forewarned, gnocchi isn't the healthiest dish on the planet, so don't go crazy!  Sorry, I didn't do a step-by-step with pictures (I honestly didn't think it would turn out so good), but here's my finished product:

After I boiled them, I sauteed them with butter and garlic and then added mozzarella and parmesan.  OMG insanely good!  In case you want the recipe, here it is (see, I DO have a heart):

So, the way I copy recipes is by finding one I like on Pinterest (or a blog) and then taking screenshots.  I know it's kinda dumb, but it works for me.  Keep in mind, gnocchi isn't hard to make, but it's kinda finicky, so take your time and have fun (yes, cooking should be fun!). 

The other awesome thing I made this week was a chocolate banana cake that was so moist I couldn't even take it!  While it was relatively healthy (the recipe called for bananas and applesauce instead of adding butter and tons of sugar), it still isn't considered "diet food" by any means.  I again didn't do a step-by-step (I totally checked out this week, sorry guys!), but here's a pic of the finished product (after we scarfed down a few pieces):

It was the best thing I've ever put in my mouth EVER (and yes, I have had bacon in my mouth).  Here's the recipe (shout-out to screenshots!):

Again, sorry I'm so lame this week with no pictures, but this recipe was seriously easy and I had all the ingredients on hand, so it came together in a snap!  The only thing is that I had to bake mine for almost 10 minutes longer than the recipe called for (so be patient).  You will seriously be a GOD if you make this for your next party (or binge night with your honey).  

In Netflix news, I watched a truly great British Cold War spy movie called Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.   I thoroughly enjoyed it (although I'm embarrassed to admit it was hard for me to understand everything they were saying, so I had to rewind A LOT!  I don't speak fluent British).  If you have some time and are in a quiet place with the ability to rewind at the speed of lightning, then go for it!

SInce I was on a smart, intriguing spy movie kick, I decided to watch The American with George Clooney.  It was so boring, I fell asleep almost instantly.  Then I woke up mid-movie and got so re-bored I started watching YouTube videos on my phone with the movie continuing in the background.  Then I finally turned it off (my TV yawning was the final straw).  I usually love George Clooney movies, but this was NOT the business.  Not even his shirtless bod working out could make up for the sheer BLAH that is this movie.  My only saving grace was eating ice cream with my homemade chocolate shell (if you haven't made it yet, get on it!  SOOOOOO incredible!):

Not only is this the best comfort food, but it's seriously like magic how it hardens before your eyes (that's what she said! (you're welcome CPLB)).  

As you all know (except men because they're stupid), Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  With that in mind, Aaron sent this to me (not for Valentine's Day, as I'm positive he has no idea when it is, and once I remind him, he will definitely go on a rant about how it's the dumbest holiday in existence) and I thought it I'd share because it's adorable!  

Feel free to copy and send it to the Harry Potter fanatic of your choosing!  

I in turn, sent this to Aaron and he loved it:

Another perfect example of the difference between men and women.  I like the cute, fluff Valentine and he likes the ironic, gross NON-Valentine.  However, to be fair, I also think the pillow is hysterical and we've already decided to get one for each of our guest rooms (sorry, mom).  

That's all she wrote folks!  I hope everyone is having as great a weekend as my Kanie!

Try to stay dry!!