Kirsten | WhyDid.com

About Kirsten

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Kirsten has created 1387 blog entries.

Why Did You Eat That: How Do You Like Them Apples?

By Kirsten|November 22nd, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

It seems like during this time of year pumpkins get all the attention. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cupcakes… the list goes on and on and on. Now, let’s be serious, I love pumpkins as much as the next gal, but sometimes you (and your sweet tooth) crave something a little different for dessert. Boy, do I have a treat (literally) for you. I stumbled upon a super easy, super delicious recipe for baked apples that will blow your mind. Now, I am no pastry chef, but I can read directions. At first, this recipe may seem daunting, but I promise it’s easier than pie (did you catch that one?). It takes a bit of attention, so you are gonna have to get up during commercial breaks of Real Housewives of ______, but it will be well worth it.

Ingredients:

For Baked Apples

8 sweet apples, Gala or Fuji
Butter
1/2 cup pecan pieces
8 ounces mascarpone
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 orange, zest only
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup brandy

For Crumble Top

1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 ounces butter, cold

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Generously spread butter on a 9″ x 13″ baking tray.
Slice top and bottoms of each apple to make level. Hollow apple with a core to remove stems and seeds. Cut skin in vertical or horizontal stripes to give a decorative look, if desired.
Make crumble by combining flour, brown sugar, salt, and sugar in a mixer bowl. Cut butter into smaller pieces. Combine butter and dry ingredients until crumbly and sandy. Keep in refrigerator until needed.
For the filling, mix mascarpone, brown sugar, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon and orange zest until combined.
Fill apples tightly with filling and place in buttered pan.
Top with crumble. Pack it well on top, cut portion of apple.
Pour apple cider and brandy around the apples.
Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Baste apples with juice every 20 minutes.
Allow to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Drizzle with cider and brandy baking liquid.

Served with vanilla bean ice cream and perhaps a drizzle of caramel… Mind. Blowing. So, seriously, how do you like them apples?

xx,
WhyDid

Monday Mashup: All That Glitters…

By Kirsten|November 21st, 2011|Monday Mashup, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

Hey Nicki? Johnny 5 called… he wants his look back. I should have figured the opening performance would set the tone for this year’s American Music Awards. The tone being one big hot shiny mess. I should have changed the channel… I should have looked away, but alas, I could not. I’ve had about enough of Nicki’s wacky get ups. I’m on team Johnny 5. What about you?

The AMA’s weren’t all bad though. Here are five lovely ladies sporting what was most certainly the trend of the evening- metallics. Sadly, this is about where the “good” ends and the eye gouging begins.

Watching the AMA’s only confirmed the fact that I might need to relocate to a tropical island– or at least place where it takes a lot more talent and several fewer sparkly bra tops to get ahead.

Exhibits A, B, and B 1/2. It pains me to see Christina Aguilera look like… well, that. What happened to that little Genie in a Bottle of yore? It also pains me to see the mother of two wearing a sequin covered costume that may or may not have belonged to Britney Spears circa 1999. Those jewel encrusted bra cups have got to be a breast feeding safety hazard. Am I right? Let’s not even get into the incestuousness of Pitbull’s pelvic grinding performance with J. Lo followed up by another performance with her ex-hubby Marc Anthony and sequin braziered fly girls. Ew. And as for Adam Lambert, well, I really just wanted to throw him in so I could coin his new nickname, “Glambert.” You’re welcome.

Let’s get it together, America. We’re better than this. All that glitters is not gold.

xx,

WhyDid

P.S. Ending the show with Hasselhoff in his manties? Classy touch.

Look for Less: Sweater Weather

By Kirsten|November 20th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

Have we come to terms with this weather yet? Or are you one of those folks who wears a parka with flip flops? C’mon. Don’t do that to me. Put away your cut off shorts, and let’s get those sweaters out of their Space Bags. You should not be hanging your sweaters, after all. Once upon a time, I had a pretty sweet gig working on product development for private label knitwear, so I know my yarns. Whether you opt for merino or cashmere, it’s cold out there and the best way to bundle up is in a cozy sweater. Check out how some of Hollywood’s cutest stars are wearing the warm and fuzzies:

1. Wyatt Heather Grey Thermal Cashmere Sweater, $159, 2. Madewell Utility Zip Pants, $19.99, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Aviators, $98, 4. Berge Mistral Hobo, $320, 5. Nine West Transport Motorcycle Boots, $129

1. Splendid Chunky Ombre Stitch Poncho, $248, 2. 7 for All Mankind A Pocket Flare, $113, 3. Kate Spade This Is the Year Idiom Bangle, $58, 4. Milly Allie Tote, $465, 5. Sam Edelman Wilma Wedge Bootie, $130

1. J. Crew Fisherman Cableknit Sweater, $98, 2.7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Skinny Jeans, $198, 3. Ray-Ban Rounded Wayfarer, $116, 4. Treesje Warhol Messenger Bag, $568, 5. Steven by Steve Madden Deziary Boots, $199.99

xx,

WhyDid

Weekend Playlist: Heartbreak Hotel

By Kirsten|November 19th, 2011|Weekend Playlist|

It has come to my attention that there are two very distinct times of year when a lot of hearts are broken and left shattered. One of those times would be late spring, heading into summer- which is quite self explanatory (um, bikini clad beach babes?). The other is right around this time of year during the holidays. One would think that as the temperatures drop, you’d want a warm body to keep you company, but when you think about it, the holidays put quite a bit of pressure on relationships. There are presents to be bought, families to be met, and trips to be taken. During the make or break time in fledgling relationships, some will flourish while others will fail. Don’t count your tears though… count the dollars you’ll be saving by not buying that bum a gift!

While some studies suggest a good cry isn’t healthy, I like to wallow in my pain. So if you’re an emotional cutter like me, here’s a playlist that will help you do just that.

Check out time is noon.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Thankful for Sweater Dresses

By Kirsten|November 18th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Alright, so we are gearing up for a big week next week. Big in terms of family, cooking, and our stomachs. That’s right, Thanksgiving is right around the corner (ahem- next Thursday). This holiday means many things- one of which is failing miserably at portion control. Aunt Mimi’s pie is just too good. While I’d rather just wear something from tent and awning, it is possible that you’ll be spending this special day with a special someone’s family… So, you’ll have to look (somewhat) presentable. Next best thing to wrapping yourself in a duvet? The oh so effortless sweater dress. It’s cozy, it’s cute, and it allows for an extra piece of pie. Wear yours with textured tights (or sweater leggings) and flat boots for a pulled together, yet totally relaxed look.