Flash Back to Summer 2014

School has started again but I keep reminiscing about this past summer, from riding Vespas through the streets of Rome, to boating around Capri, or one of the many nights of walking the streets of Budapest. It truly was a memorable summer.

Our first stop on this trip was The Eternal City-- Rome. We had a driver waiting for us to take us to the hotel. Italian drivers might seem like they don't know what they are doing, like running through stop signs or almost hitting pedestrians on the cross-walk, but they do. They know exactly what they are doing. As this was going on, I was struck by the beauty of the city, I was getting so excited to be back in Italy.  We haven't been in Europe for 3 years so there was a big void in my heart and I knew it was going to be filled this trip. From the inside of the van I could see glimpses of beautiful architecture, Vespa drivers everywhere, and all the hustle and bustle, each getting me more and more excited.

 

During our 3 day stay, we went on a  private Vespa tour, we rode with local Italians and visited less traveled areas around Rome. On the other days we walked around and ate great food. 

 

 Overlooking Piazza Del Poppolo

Piazza Navona

 

After Rome, we drove to Sorrento, where we stayed for another few days.  

There's Mt. Vesuvius in the distance.

 Lunch by the beach

At our favorite restaurant in Sorrento, La Lanterna

We rented a boat and cruised around the Amalfi coast and Capri

 

We went through the Faraglioni

 We took a day to drive along windy, but scenic Amalfi coast. Where we stopped at Ravello and Positano.

Villa Cimbrone

 

Amazing seafood spaghetti

We flew from Naples to Budapest and spent the rest of the month there. I had such a great time spending time with family, exploring the city, and eating great food.

  

The New York Cafe

Szimpla

I had such a good time this summer, I didn't want it to end. At least I can always look back on the pictures and think of all the good memories. Until next time, Europe.

Choco Coco Milk Recipe

I haven't posted in months due to the fact I was busy with school and moving into our new house. With that being said, I just finished my freshman year of college! Woo! Except I'm taking summer classes which start in a week...

I was also preoccupied with moving in to our house that has been building for 8 months. The move-in date coincidentally ended up being the week right before my finals, so that was fun. We're settled in for the most part now and am enjoying having my own room again and cooking and baking in our new beautiful kitchen, with more recipes coming soon!

I love cooking and baking and thought I would come back with a recipe perfect for spring and summer. We recently got a new blender, the Ninja Ultima Blender, and have been on a kick making all types of blended drinks from healthy veggie smoothies to iced chocolate milk. I have all these yummy concoctions in my head I want to try out. 

This recipe came about when I asked my sister, Sophie, what kind of drink I should make for us that included chocolate. She suggested chocolate and coconut milk, so I whipped up something quick and it turned out to be super tasty and she's been requesting it nonstop, even at 10 pm. 

This drink includes hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, three kinds of milk, and ice. I suggest including a small, ripe banana into the recipe to make a thicker and richer drink (though I don't include one in the pictures).

       Blend together the milks, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder on high. Add banana, if  

      using and blend for a few seconds. Then, add the ice and blend on medium-high until 

      desired consistency is reached

              Add more ice and pulse in the blender if you want more of a frappe texture

                                                                        Voila! The Choco Coco Milk

 

Choco Coco Milk

Only has a handful of ingredients and can easily be altered. A frothy, chocolate-y, and coconut-y drink.
  

Makes approximately 3 servings

Ingredients  

·      1 Cup Dairy Milk*

·      1 Cup Almond Milk

·      ¾ Cup Coconut Milk

·      2 TBSP Hot Chocolate Mix*

·      1 TBSP Cocoa Powder

·      1 Banana

·      2 Cups Ice

Instructions 

1.     Pour the milks and the cocoa powder into the blender. Blend on medium-high (I     
        blended on power 7) for 30 seconds. Afterwards, add the banana and blend  
        again for a few seconds.
2.     Add the ice, pulse a couple times, then blend on medium (I blended between power  
        4 and 5) for 10-20 seconds, depending on your preference of texture.
3.     Pour into a decorative serving glass and enjoy!


Notes

*You can substitute any milk for the dairy and almond milk.
*If you don't have got chocolate mix, mix 1 TBSP cocoa powder with 2 TSP sugar.