London & Paris await!

I finally get the chance to go to London & Paris here shortly and I am soooo excited I can barely contain myself! Just to see the streetside cafes and food markets will be amazing. I have been mapping out places I want to visit in both places, like La Duree in Paris for their macaroons (pictured).

Honestly, I am just going to wing it and see what happens, but I will be posting what I find when I get back. If you have any suggestions on places to eat or go in London or Paris please share!

Dutch Pancake

This is truly so easy to make, and has a big wow factor to it as well! I did not come up with this recipe, but I just wanted to show it to you to inspire you to make it too. A dutch pancake is like a thick crepe. It turns out best in a cast iron skillet (dutch oven).  Heres how you make it: (BTW: Makes 2-4 servings)

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and put an iron skillet in the oven
• In a medium bowl beat 3 eggs until they are frothy
• Fold in 1/2 cup milk, 1/8 tsp vanilla, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup flour (sifted)
• Mix until smooth (will be thin, but it will puff up in the oven like you wouldn't believe!) . Put 7tsp of butter into the pan and coat it
• Pour the batter into the Pan and and bake for 20-25 minutes
• Once out of the oven it will slowly deflate so eat it right away
• You can add powdered sugar, blueberries, strawberries, cinnamon, or I even like to sprinkle a little bit of turbinado sugar on top!

It is so goooooood! I made this for breakfast, but you could also make it dessert.

The Gristmill in Gruene, TX

This is one of those gems that you will never forget! I have been going there since I was little and it surprises me every time I go back. Tucked away in the town of Gruene, TX in between Austin and San Antonio on I-35, the Gristmill sits above and overlooks the Guadalupe River. The atmosphere alone is amazing and relaxing in a casual kind of way. Go in the daytime to eat by the river and go at night to see the live music. The food is great to match the atmosphere! Homecooking with a twist is what I would have to call the menu. I always remember getting the Chicken Fried Chicken when I was younger, and it is yummy! The burgers are great...and big too! Last time I tried the Ribs and they were so amazingly tender and juicy and flavorful! That is one of my favorites now. They make homemade salad dressings that taste fresh. I think everything is good! The strawberry shortcake and the cheesecake with fresh strawberries are addictive! If you haven't been here before, it is definitely a place to visit and if you have been here then you know what I'm talking about : ) By the way...the whole town of Gruene is historic and interesting and lovely.