Man Meals-Part 2

I have never met a man that doesn't like pizza.

 If I did I would seriously question their manhood.

I HAVE met many men that don't know how to make pizza though.

And I am about to change that.

Making your own pizza is so simple and so much more impressive than just picking up the phone and dialing a number. (This is how you get a lady fellas!!)

Don't even worry that you won't be able to make this dough. If you can stir and turn on an oven you are all set to whip this up.

Easiest Pizza Dough...EVER!

2 tsp. yeast (I use just use one packet)

2 tbsp. sugar

1 c. water

2 tbsp. oil

1/2 tsp. of salt

2 1/2 c. flour

Mix water, yeast and sugar. The add oil, salt and flour. Pat into your pizza pan, making it as thin or as thick as you would like. Add your toppings. Then bake at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden.

*Topping Options*

-Meats:Ham,salami,pepperoni,prosciutto,caper cola,sausage,bacon

-BBQ: BBQ sauce, caramelized onions,chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese

-Pesto,sun dried tomatoes,goat cheese,artichoke hearts,olives

-Pizza loaf: After your dough is rolled out and toppings are on, roll up,place in a bread pan and bake for 40 minutes

-Buffalo chicken: ranch or blue cheese dressing mixed with cream cheese, chicken mixed with buffalo sauce, caramelized onions, olives, bacon

-Greek: Olives, sun dried tomatoes, red peppers, onions,mushrooms, chicken, oregano,feta

-Reuben: Russian dressing in place of sauce, corned beef, chopped pickles,sauerkraut,Swiss cheese

-Prosciutto,fig,goat cheese, caramelized onions,pesto

 

-Pizza monkey bread: Make small balls of pizza, stuff each with a piece of pepperoni and a cube of cheese,layer in a dish and bake for about 10 minutes longer.

Don't forget about dessert! Easy, easier (the ice-cream) and easiest!

How about a date?

To all my fellas out there both single and taken here are some date ideas that can either impress or add some spice back into the romance of a relationship. Now don’t worry I’m not going all Valentine’s Day on you guys nor am I one of those relationship doctors or the guy that knows the secret to get any girl he wants (I would like to think I do, but then you would have to pay for this kind of material). So bottom line, take from this what you want and the rest with a grain of salt.

So now that my disclaimers are out of the way let’s get down to business…

Rule #1, keep it simple... Rule #2, keep it simple… AND Rule #3, be creative and unique! Being that I reside in New York City options tend to be endless, but for you guys who live elsewhere here are a few ideas to keep to the rules and will have her saying ‘yes’ (to a second date that is).

I picnic I packed for the beach

Try something out-of-the-box. Maybe instead of taking her to a restaurant try a picnic or cooking yourself (shameless plug inserted…check out RunwayChef for some tasty ideas).  Or going to a museum or art gallery to switch it up. If you are considering a restaurant, no need to go for broke with an expensive restaurant, just pick something that you feel comfortable with but may have a bit of an edge or a unique twist to it. Fusion themed restaurants (i.e. Sushi Samba) are good place to start your search.

Don’t be one of those guys who falls into the routine of dinner and a movie. Though a date like that is good once in a while, you may limit your date to talking topics since you are eating which involves your mouth, and watching a movie which requires you to not.

Play into her interests, if she wants to dance….DANCE, if she wants to talk about Gossip Girl or how ridiculous Kim Kardashian is… LISTEN and ENGAGE in the conversation.

As said, I’m not a professional on this subject but I hope that these ideas come in handy when trying to plan that next special evening with her. Cheers.

Man Meals-Part 1

These recipes are so simple...even a man can do it :)

I know it's hard to believe,but trust me on this one guys. If you can turn on the stove, you are golden.

For the first 'Man Meals' I chose things that are classics and that absolutely everyone will love (or at least everyone better!).

These recipes are ones I turn to whenever I am in need of a quick meal. Nothing can beat the ease, the taste or the basic list of ingredients.

Chicken Nuggets and Mac n' Cheese remind me of being a kid, but somehow no matter how old I get these  dishes don't get old.

Chicken Nuggets
From my Mom


1/2 c. bread crumbs (I prefer the Italian seasoned ones)
1 tbsp. Parmesan
1 tbsp. parsley or thyme, chopped (Ok to use dried)
Salt and pepper
4 tbsp. butter, melted
4 chicken breasts, cut into cubes

Combine first four ingredients. Take the chicken cubes and dip them first in the butter then the bread crumb mixture. Lay the cubes on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Mac 'n Cheese
From Macaroni and Cheesecake

2 c. pasta
2 c. milk (I use fat free)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Dijon mustard (I prefer it w/o)

In a small saucepan, add pasta and milk.  Bring to simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, until pasta is soft, stirring frequently and ensuring milk does not boil.

Turn heat off, add cheese, salt (and mustard if you're using it) and stir to melt the cheese and combine. If not creamy enough, add milk a little at a time, and gently stir.

*This recipe can easily be doubled*

Let Man Week Commence

*Hello readers! This week I was feeling nice (haha!) && decided to dedicate the posts to all the men out there:) In honor of "Man Week", Mr. Runwaychef will be guest blogging (and modeling) several of the posts, starting with todays (so if it's bad don't blame me!).*

Pea Coat: Old Navy, Flannel & Pants: H&M, Thermal: Express, Shoes: Dockers

Alright ladies, let's put a brief hold on the female fashion and show some love for the guys. With the fall season in full swing keeping warm but also keeping from looking like an oversized cheese-puff is essential. Of course there are going to be those days that you will need to bundle up, but just basic layers will ensure that whatever cool weather may bring you will be prepared.

Let's start of with the upper body first...

Long sleeve thermal shirts are always a staple in my fall/winter wear for a few reasons, first they are warm (surprise, surprise) and secondly they tend to have less bulk when using them for layering.

Next up we have a flanel shirt (yes it is back in style) with an updated fit and style. So, for all you guys thinking that you can walk into your father's closet and take his, take this into consideration. Most retailers for the 30 and under crowd tend to offer a variety of colors and a more tailored fit opposed to what your father may have been rocking back in the 70's.

On to the lower body...

Jeans are always an easy way out for a choice in pants. Try to freshen up your legs with a slim pair of corduroys. Not only an alternative to and great pair of denim, but just as comfortable and versatile.

Last but not least onto the outerwear. Sure bubble-down has come back into the limelight, but a simple peacoat is timeless and will add shape to any fall outfit keeping that slim look alive.