Alli Talley

November 26, 2020

Food, Foodies

Bobby's First Time Baking an Apple Pie (And Using a Food Processor)

Alli Talley

November 26, 2020

Food, Foodies

The holidays are upon us! Being 2020, we figured that we’d need an extra helping of pie this year, so I (Bobby) decided to give baking an apple pie a go!

I thought starting at 7 PM (when we put Jude down), would be a great idea. Turns out making a pie takes MUCH longer than I realized. It was super fun though, and it definitely gives me a new appreciation for pie!

Simplifying the lengthy process was our new Vitamix Food Processor Attachment. Ironically, this was my first time using a food processor too… ha! Vitamix’s version is on brand with the rest of their products - designed perfectly and incredibly easy to use. It made the pie crust prep simple and quick, making time for the rest of the journey.

We used two recipes to put this beauty together, one for the crust and the other for the filling. Here are the links to the recipes:

Food Processor Pie Crust

Homemade Apple Pie

The following is our journey in photos! Thank you to our Vitamix for the easiest part of the process :) Happy Thanksgiving all!

Prepping our ingredients and Food Processor.

“Mise en place” if we’ve ever seen it. — *“Mise en place”* if we’ve ever seen it.

Adding a layer of butter to the pie crust mixture.

If only a photo could convey the smell or flavor!

If it tastes as good as it looks we’re in good shape.

And proud to be done… hehe. Happy Thanksgiving!

Alli Talley

May 9, 2020

Foodies

Bobby's Easy Flourless Banana Bread to Celebrate Mother's Day

Alli Talley

May 9, 2020

Foodies

Bobby here! For our first Mother’s Day, I figured the best way to celebrate Jude’s Mom was to do some baking. Being the brilliant baker that I am (hehe), I’m going to share my favorite banana bread recipe. My favorite because one, it’s delicious, and two, it can all be made in our trusty Vitamix (here’s the model we have - the Ascent Series A2500) . It's a banana bread so easy (and healthy!)... any dad can make it! It's the perfect Mother's Day treat! ;)

Flourless Vegan Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas
2 cups oats
1/2 cup applesauce (or 2 eggs)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp baking soda

Set oven to 350 degrees. Throw all ingredients into your Vitamix and blend until it makes a batter. Pour into a lightly greased 9x5 loaf pan, and bake for at least 35 minutes. (Check the middle with a knife to make sure it's cooked through. Because of the applesauce, the bread will have a very moist consistency.) Cool for 5 minutes and serve!

Mom enjoying watching Dad do the baking :)

After baking… Dad can take care of the kids while Mom enjoys breakfast :)

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

California, Weekenders, Foodies

WHERE TO EAT (AND DRINK) IN MORRO BAY IN 2020

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

California, Weekenders, Foodies

You know that “seafood diet” joke? The one you probably grew up hearing your dad say - that he’s on the seafood diet - he sees food, and he eats it? (Enter a laugh track here.) Well during our babymoon in Morro Bay, we were literally on a seafood diet - nearly all of our meals involved seafood… and it was AMAZING. You wouldn’t believe the amount of oysters Bobby consumed in a 72-hour period.

Anyway, this quaint seaside town is bursting with cozy restaurants and fabulous fresh fish, and if you’re on a “seafood diet” - it’s a definite must. (And even if you’re not a seafood fan, there’s plenty of spots for you too!)

Here’s our list of where you should eat (and drink) in Morro Bay:

BREAKFAST SPOTS:

BUTTERCUP BAKERY AND CAFE :: If a warm latte and a light breakfast is your jam in the morning, then Buttercup Bakery and Cafe is the spot for you. This homey and welcoming cafe has everything from breakfast bowls to avocado toast, and their baked goods are out-of-this-world delicious. It’s a casual, order-at-the-counter type place, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favorite among locals. We’d hands-down be regulars here if we lived in MB!

FRANKIE AND LOLA’S :: For a more hearty, full-service breakfast experience, there’s no place better in town than Frankie and Lola’s! From their specialty omelettes to their famous iron skillet potatoes, to their hearty breakfast burritos, this is the kind of place you come hungry. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, try one of their delectable brioche cinnamon rolls!

Delicious breakfast bowls at Buttercup Bakery!

Breakfast sandwich goals at Frankie & Lola’s

SEAFOOD SPOTS:

TOGNAZZINI’S DOCKSIDE TOO :: Ask any Morro Bay local where to get to go for lunch, and chances are they’ll send you to the family-owned Tognazzini’s Dockside Too! This fish market sells some of the freshest, most delicious fish in town, and their spacious patio nearly always has live music. AND, it’s dog-friendly… so bring your pooch!

THE GALLEY SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR :: We’re big fans of this cozy seafood restaurant for two reasons - the unparalleled ocean views, and their dedication to fresh, local seafood and ingredients! Most of their fish is supplied from local fishermen, and their produce comes directly from their head chef’s farm! Oh, and if that’s not enough, The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar has a really impressive wine list, too!

DUTCHMAN’S SEAFOOD HOUSE :: You can’t go to Morro Bay without popping into Dutchman’s Seafood House and having a bowl of their famous clam chowder. It’s absolutely delicious, as is the rest of their extensive and affordable menu. (If you’re looking for a break from all of the seafood options, try their burger!)

WINDOWS ON THE WATER :: Our pick for a classy date night, Windows On The Water serves some of the finest, highest quality seafood in town, and boasts picture-perfect views of Morro Rock! They also have some incredible steak and woodfired pizzas on the menu (we opted for those), and the ambiance couldn’t be more romantic. Make a reservation in advance!

Do you think we have enough food at Tognazzini’s?

Had to try the steak at Windows on the Water!

SPOTS TO HAVE A DRINK:

TOP DOG COFFEE BAR :: We love stumbling upon local spots, and this fun and welcoming coffee shop is definitely one of them. Top Dog Coffee Bar serves some of the best micro-roasted coffee in Morro Bay, and every purchase aids local dog shelters! Talk about a win/win! (They specialize in some pretty delicious hot dogs too, if you’re hungry!)

LIBERTINE BREWING COMPANY :: We knew we loved this bar from the moment we walked in and saw they were playing reruns of The Office on their TV’s. Known for their Double IPA’s, Barrel-Aged Stouts, and Belgian Sours, Libertine Brewing Company is a must-stop for beer drinkers. And Wednesdays-Saturdays they have live music!

And his favorite beer at Libertine Brewing

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

Nevada, USA, Foodies

WHY BENTLY RANCH AND DISTILLERY SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

Alli Talley

February 25, 2020

Nevada, USA, Foodies

Beneath the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a 50,000 acre ranch unlike any other. A ranch that’s full of thriving natural resources, innovation, technology, and promise. It’s a ranch that’s sure to put Carson Valley on the map, and we’re excited to say that you heard it here first.

Just a couple weeks ago we had the honor of touring Bently Ranch and Distillery, and we were completely blown away by what these folks are up to. Here’s what we discovered:

THE RANCH

Bently Ranch was founded in 1997 by Donald and Christopher Bently, a father-son duo with a passion for grass-fed beef and sustainable farming. Their love for the environment runs deep, and their commitment to running a business as green as possible, runs deeper. Christopher is now the president and director, and his goal of creating a fully organic ranching practice has truly come to life.

When it comes to cattle ranching, Bently Ranch excels. Their cattle are raised and cared for by ranchers that incorporate old traditions with new, and they take great pride in the legacy that they’re creating. We couldn’t have been more impressed as we toured and learned more about the ranch, the measures they take to be sustainable and eco-friendly, and the family environment they’ve fostered… It's beyond impressive. And for all you meat lovers out there, their beef is certified natural, Gap Step 4, hormone free, and GMO free.

And it’s downright delicious. (Order some here and see for yourself!)

THE DISTILLERY

For years Christopher Bently has been fascinated and inspired by the old world whisky distilleries of Scotland. Being the dreamer and entrepreneur that he is, it only made sense that they build their own… right in the heart of Carson Valley. Using only their grains - winter rye, wheat, oats, and barley (all grown on Bently ranch), their goal is to set a new standard for sustainable production. Besides the imported Oloroso sherry oak casks, everything is sourced and created from their land. Everything. How cool is that?!

The distillery itself is state-of-the-art, with the best equipment and an innovative team of expert distillers paving the way. They specialize in gin, vodka, and whisky (which is currently being aged). While the whisky won’t be ready for a few years, they’ve been making waves with their unique Source One Vodkas. Their Source One Vodka finished in the sherry casks is an absolute must-try. It’s the first vodka I (Bobby) have ever wanted to sip on like a whisky - it’s smooth, complex, and easy to drink. We of course bought a bottle and brought it home.

State of the art facilities at Bently Distillery. This is the malting room!

WHEN TO VISIT

Open to the public Thursdays-Sundays, the Bently Heritage Distillery Tour is not to be missed. Guests get an insider look into the incredible lengths they go to, to instill that their production is as sustainable as possible, and see the distillery in action! Tours are an hour long and end with a spirit tasting… our favorite part! ;)

The Bently Heritage “Public House”, or tasting room, is also open Thursdays-Sundays, for specialty cocktails and light bites. Set in a one-hundred-year-old historic flour mill (that once again is processing grains), the ambiance is as unique as it is mesmerizing. The entire cocktail menu does, of course, feature products solely made in-house, and features weekly drink specials. We’d be there weekly if we lived in Carson Valley!

Discovering Bently Ranch and Distillery was one of the highlights from our trip to Carson Valley - and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and set new standards for excellence in both cattle ranching and distilling.

We have a feeling this is just the beginning. And Bobby’s counting down the days their whisky becomes available.

Alli Talley

November 22, 2019

Foodies

Alli's Famous Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

Alli Talley

November 22, 2019

Foodies

A few weeks ago we posted something on Instagram that we’ve never posted before… a recipe! And not just any recipe, but Alli’s Famous Butternut Squash Soup Recipe!

The response was so great that we’ve decided to share it on here as well. It’s easy, it’s healthy (vegan and gluten free!), and it’s absolutely delicious. Plus, you can make it in your Vitamix! (If you don’t have one, you know what to ask for this Christmas. We have this model - and we’ve even taken it across the US with us!)

This recipe can easily be made in advance, and can easily be adjusted to please your taste buds. Some people like to add a little heavy cream to make it creamier, or lessen the amount of ginger so it doesn’t have as much of a kick. Play around with it!! (And let me know if you make any noteworthy adjustments!)

ALLI’S FAMOUS BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP RECIPE

Ingredients

Two baggies of cut squash from Trader Joe’s
1 medium sweet potato
A big handful of mini carrots
1 onion
1.5 quarts of veggie broth
2 teaspoons (or more for added spice) of fresh ginger
3-4 cloves of garlic
Salt, pepper, a pinch of chili powder, etc. for spice. You can also throw in a little ground cinnamon and nutmeg as well

Step 1: Roast veggies in the oven with a little olive oil at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes (or until cooked through

Step 2: Sauté onion in some olive oil in a big pot until translucent

Step 3: Once translucent, add the fresh ginger and garlic, broth, roasted veggies, and seasonings

Step 4: Let it all simmer for 20-30 minutes

Step 5: Throw it all into the Vitamix and blend until it’s the consistency you like - we like ours a little thicker, so not for too long

There it is! Serve with a fresh baguette, and boom! The PERFECT fall or winter meal. Make it and let us know what you think!