Showing posts with label Tasty Related Not Beauty Related. Show all posts

3/18/2025

Irish I had a Shamrock Shake right now!

Did you know the delectable minty vanilla beverage made its debut back in 1967 by McDonald's franchisee Harold Rosen? Since then, it’s become a March/St. Patrick’s Day staple for all to enjoy.

This year, I’ve decided to try to recreate the magic at home and make my version of a Shamrock Shake.

After perusing several homemade recipes online, here’s my tweaked version:

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla ice cream
¾ cup whole milk
¼ to ½ teaspoon mint extract (not peppermint extract!)
4–5 drops green food coloring (or to your color preference)
Whipped cream and a cherry for topping
Green sparkling sugar (for extra celebratory fun)

Instructions:

Blend the ice cream, milk, mint extract, and food coloring until smooth.
Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and a cherry.
Enjoy immediately!

The shake was very easy to make, delicious, and definitely satisfied my craving. While it’s not exactly the same as McDonald’s version, it came pretty close, and after a few more attempts, I think I can perfect it.

11/06/2018

Just Bleu Drinking You...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Can you believe it's been almost two years since the last "Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related?" I know I can't.

A blue tea infused with Autumn fruits (pomegranate, litchi, quince), Automne Bleu is meant to "envoke the blue and gold skies and the generous sweetness of sun-kissed fruits of an Indian Summer with its intense, luxuriant, and unforgettable taste."

Supposedly, the tea's color blue. Instead, the tea is a diluted chartreuse. A mixture of fruity-floral, and green tea, the flavor wasn't terrible, per se. I'm sure it's drinkable for some. However, for me, it was a hard tea to swallow. After two separate occasions of not being able to finish a single cup, I'll be ridding myself of the big ol' canister of a disappointment that is, Automne Bleu.

11/22/2016

'Cause I'm The Duke Of Earl Grey...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Life just keeps getting better and better; my life in Earl Grey, that is. Guys, I have to share with you this recent Earl Grey foodie find.

Twice a week, I make it a point to pop into the Kaldi (a coffee and imported foods shop) that's in one of the stations on my commute home. Kaldi is the only shop in Japan where I have been able to find Swiss cheese. Last week, as I was combing the jams and perserves aisle, my eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing, "Is that Earl Grey? No. Wait, it is! It is Earl Grey!"

L'EPICURIEN'S Earl Grey confit has a sweeten Earl Grey flavor with jelly-like consistency, and it is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Although not an artificial flavoring, the confit is sweet. However, the sweetness doesn't overpower the prominent Earl Grey taste. I've had it on toast or on an English muffin by itself, over butter, cream cheese, with yogurt, cream of wheat, oatmeal, and in my tea as a sugar or honey substitute; I've even had it in small spoonfuls, and all of these ways have been delish! I wish we had ovens in Japan, because I would love to make jam-filled butter cookies with it.

I think everyone I know is going to get a jar of L'EPICURIEN'S Earl Grey confit for Christmas, because it's that good!

10/31/2016

The Pumpkin Eater...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Going over the Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related posts, I can't believe I haven't posted on one of the seasonal, tasty treats (and Haagen Dazs flavors) I always have a hankering for, Pumpkin.

A velvety, almost pureed consistency with smooth bits of pumpkin, Pumpkin has a rich, creamy pumpkin flavor; not a pumpkin spice nor pumpkin pie flavor (though pumpkin pie would be nice), but pumpkin.

For those who love pumpkin as much as I do, you'll love this ice cream flavor.

10/16/2016

Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related...Haagen-Dazs Lavender & Blueberry

Last Spring, when Haagen-Dazs released the seasonal, limited edition flavor Lavender & Blueberry, I hit the ice cream section of every convini and grocer near me. Being that we're halfway through October, I was bewildered to find it at 7-Eleven.

I really like the coupling of lavender and blueberry and, putting aside my concerns of shelf-life freshness, I bought it. I mean, you can't get food poisoning from ice cream right...or can you?! Yes, after doing a google search (i.e. Blue Bell and Listeria), you most certainly can get food poisoning from ice cream. Thank you Google for making me a little wiser.

fear not! All was well, creamy, and flavorful in rich lavender and blueberry.

What limited edition Haagen-dazs flavors have you tried?

10/01/2016

When Life Gives You Lemons, Don't Make Rose Lemonade...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

I'm not a fan of rose scented or flavored things (there are a few rare exceptions). But, I do enjoy a tall, cold glass of lemonade.

After several weeks of seeing Fentimans' Rose Lemonade at Several 7-11's, it was time to try this blush pink-colored beverage.

Fentimans's description of Rose Lemonade:

"Complete with complex notes of lemon and the signature addition of ginger spice, our Rose Lemonade gets both its name, falvour, and unique blush pink colour from pure rose extract infusions from the world famous Rose Valley in Kazanlak, Bulgaria."

Poppycock, this repulsive concoction is an assault to the taste buds. The drink taste like a carbonated vinegar with rose flavoring; nothing tasty or refreshing. And, at 398yen, it's down right offensive!

I'm almost compelled to ask the 7-11's manager, "do you know what's on your shelves (finger wagging angrily in the direction of Fentimans' Rose Lemonade)? Do you know how horrible this tastes?!"

Have you tried Rose Lemonade, or any other drinks from Fentimans?

9/23/2016

How To Get To Black Sesame Street...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Today, I share with you my recent foodie obsession (from my local grocer): kuro goma purin (black sesame pudding).

From the soft served black sesame ice cream at Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa, to the delectable array of sesame desserts from my favorite Chinese restaurant in Akihabara (I've been going to this restaurant for over eleven years, and I still don't know its name :P), black sesame desserts are AMAZING! If you've never had anything black sesame before, finish reading this post, and go find you some...you'll thank me for it.

I was shopping for some Greek yogurt, when I spotted the kuro goma purin on the second self to my right. I purchased all of these delicious treats they had, and I have seven cups in my fridge to prove it. Thankfully, Aki doesn't care for black sesame. So, I don't have to worry about sharing...because I wouldn't.

This pudding as a smooth, creamy texture (similar to annindofu, another one of my many loves), and a sweet, delectable nutty, toasted, black sesame flavor.

Have you every tried any black sesame desserts?

3/28/2016

Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl Grey...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Earl Grey is my all-time favorite tea (with Violet a close second), and one of my preferred blends is from Fortnum & Mason.

I love reaching for the Fortnum & Mason tin caddy; its beautiful colors and printed design, enhances the enjoyment of my earl grey experience.

The loose-leaf tea has a deliciously fresh, and bold, aroma of black tea and bergamot, which makes me want to eat it raw...I'm such a savage (crunch, crunch, crunch)!

I've yet to replace my glass tea pot that broke a few weeks ago. This Kyusu (a traditional Japanese ceramic tea pot) I've had for over eight years will have to suffice.

Depending on my mood, I like my earl grey two ways: with a slice of lemon, or with milk and (tea aficionados prepare to gasp) sugar.

After brewing, the tea has a delightful fragrance, and an exceptionally palatable flavor of earl grey, that I'm crazy for. I wish I had those Moulin Rouge Earl Grey cookies I love so much to enjoy with my cup of tea.

The Fortnum & Mason website does ship internationally, but I usually purchase mine at Isetan Shinjuku (my home away from home) The loose-leaf caddies come in two sizes: 125g (2,160 yen) and 250g (3,240 yen), but the 250g eludes me, as it's always sold out.

What's are your favorite flavor of tea?

7/30/2015

Always Coca-Cola...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related!

I'm a Pepsi girl, btw, and can I tell you how hard it is to find regular Pepsi in Japan?! And, I'm not talking about Pepsi Next Zero or whatever it's called (gosh, I can't handle diet soft drinks; they give me migraines).

Anyhow, I wanted to show you the neat packaging of this Coca-Cola tin bottle. I'm nor sure if this is new, or not...for all I know, it's been around for years, and I just got around to finally noticing it.

Have you seen this tin Coco-Cola bottle in your hemisphere?

6/29/2015

The Pound Cake Of Earl Grey...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

For all my fellow Earl Grey aficionados, here's a tasty post to get you salivating.

I had to do a double-take when I spotted this wondrous creation in the bread section of my local grocer. I've purchased this brand's pound cake before, but was gobsmacked to find they offered it in Earl Grey.

The texture and flavor of this Earl Grey pound cake is AMAZING! I like eating it plain, but my favorite way to devour this pound cake is with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream.

The only downside to this Earl Grey pound cake is, the unease I get, fearing the day when it disappears from the shelf.

5/17/2015

How Do You Like Them Apples! Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

For someone who NEVER drank Fanta when they lived in the states, I surely drink enough of it living in Japan.

There are three new flavors floating around, and first up is Fanta Apple. Fanta Apple taste just like apple juice with a carbonated punch. I feared this soda would be excessively sweet with a fake, chemically-artificial- cancer-inducing type of flavor, but it's not; Fanta Apple is actually very tasty and refreshing.

Here's a compilation of some kooky Japanese Fanta commercials, enjoy!

Is Fanta Apple available in your neck of the woods?

4/12/2015

Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related...Sakura Edition

These Sakura flavored Dacquoise cookies are absolutely divine!

Besides the beautiful cherry blossom scenery that comes with Spring, I also look forward to all the Sakura-flavored treats that come with the season.

Sakura flavored (and shaped) marshmallows.

Not sakura flavored, but these Strawberry jam filled marshmallows are yummy.

Nori with cutout sakura petals. Who knew onigiri could be so fashionable.

A sakura flavored gelatin with azuki beans and cream. I've never had this before, but I'm excited to try it.

Sakura flavored Jelly beans!

I like all three flavored, but I think the black tea with cherry blossom is my favorite.

A little taste of wonderfulness in a jar. Loving adding a spoonful (or two) of this to my yogurt.

What Spring treats do you enjoy?

3/13/2015

Eat The Rich, Drink The Rich Brown...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Canada Dry has a new flavor on the block, and it's called Rich Brown. Rich Brown is described as having a more "mature" ginger taste. The color is cloudy and darker than the regular ginger ale; and, I'm not sure about the "mature" taste, but the smell and flavor of ginger is stronger, yet mellow...maybe that's the "mature" element. Also, the carbonation isn't as strong was the original.

I like both flavors, but I think I prefer the regular ginger ale a little more.

3/02/2015

Lovely Laduree Afternoon...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

I love Laduree's black box with the gold detailing; it remains me of a 19th century black Friesian horse drawn hearse.

I also love that the inside of the box is lined with match black tissue paper.

Enjoying my afternoon tea with Chocolate Banana, Red Fruits, and Orange Blossom (one of my favorites) macarons.

What are some of your favorite Macaron flavors?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

11/16/2014

When Paired With Oranges...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related!

Another refreshment find from the convenient store is Orange Coca-Cola. I'm not sure if this is a new flavor pr not, but it's the first time I've seen it in Japan. Orange Coke tastes like a carbonated, orange-flavored Otter Pop (if you know what an Otter Pop is, give yourself two stars).

I don't know if Orange Coca-Cola is limited edition or here to stay (pending its sales), but it's a flavor that I enjoy.

Have you tried Orange Coca-Cola?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/22/2014

An Execrable Mango...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related!

Mango Fanta is a noxious creation; seriously, I almost gagged at first sip. Admittedly, I don't like mangoes. However, during the Summer of 2012, Starbucks had this delicious Mango Passion Tea Frappuccino with Mango Pudding that was absolutely scrumptious (I wonder if I have a picture of it?); thus, flavor preferences aside, I can still be objective.

Mango Fanta has this offensive artificial mango scent and flavor; it tastes just like those "kiddie" flavored liquid medicines (that actually tastes like sweetened poison), my mom would give me as a child.

Taste test verdict: pored it directly down the drain.

Have you tried Fanta's mango flavor?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/14/2014

Goin' Coconuts...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related!

Seijo Ishii Supermarket is a grocery chain, throughout Japan, that offers a wide array of domestic and international foods and drinks.

My recent love is Seijo Ishii's Coconut Jam. My goodness, this jam is so delicious that I fear for my waist line. I've had it every which way, including straight out of the jar. However, my favorite way to have the jam is over one or two spoons of cream cheese. If you can get coconut jam...try it...it's awesome!

Have you tried Coconut Jam?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/01/2014

The Art Of Cute Pasta...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related!

I spotted this Hello Kitty-shaped pasta in the pasta section of my local grocery, and squeed with girlish glee.

Pasta doesn't get any cuter than Hello Kitty-shaped Pasta.

By the way, if you receive a package from me in the near future, don't be surprised to find a bag, or two, of Hello Kitty pasta.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/27/2014

Fruit Of Happiness...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

With every season, I look forward to all the new seasonal tasties, and this Summer I've acquired an unquenchable thirst for Fanta's Pineapple flavored soft drink. Pineapple Fanta tastes just like a Pina Colada, but carbonated. My favorite mixed drink is a virgin Pina Colada (That's because I don't drink), and when I lived back in Miami, I would drink them like water. A perfect drink for Summer, pineapple Fanta is really helping me to cool down and survive this Summer...I'm even contemplating pouring this soft drink into the ice tray and making ice cubes out of it.

If you can find Fanta's Pineapple soda, buy it and drink it!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/01/2014

Eat Your Vegetable...Ice Cream? Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Yup, that's right, Haagen-Dazs Japan has released two vegetable flavored ice creams: Carrot Orange and Tomato Cherry (and yes, tomatoes are fruit). I love Haagen-dazs's seasonal Pumpkin Ice cream, and wanted to give these flavors a try.

Carrot Orange and Tomato Cherry are an abomination of all things tasty. I love trying new things, but my curious taste buds couldn't handle the vile assault of these pungent ice creams. Carrot Orange tastes like a soured orange creamsicle that has been sitting in the fridge for 30 years. I couldn't even finish one spoonful of the Carrot orange...just putrid! Tomato Cherry was the most edible of the two, tasting like a mix of strawberry jam with cream cheese on toast. However, after a few moments, it had this disgusting artifical tomato cherry (and who knows what else) aftertaste. I had to stop eating Tomato cherry after feeling nauseated from a few tastes.

Final verdict: Only recommend to your enemies :P

What veggie flavored ice cream would you like to try?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.