exploring: mass ave

Ever since I moved out here the one place I was told to visit was Massachusetts Ave.  From food to shopping Mass Ave was said to have it all.  I had wanted to check it out but constantly made excuses to not venture out there.  This past weekend I was visited by a few friends from back home and it seemed like the perfect chance to explore a new place.  

Mass ave didn't let us down.

exploring: long's bakery

After I moved to Indianapolis there was one place everyone told me I had to visit: Long's Bakery.  Everyone praised their donuts and any list for "Best Bakery" had Long's in the #1 spot.

This morning I went out to pick up some art supplies and on my way I happened to pass it.  On my way back I decided to stop.  The location was small but you could smell the warm, sweet, smell of baked goods while standing in the parking lot.

food: easter m&m cookies

This past week several family members have sent us some festive candies for the Easter holiday.  Feeling the urge to bake, but not really wanting to just add more to the "need to eat" pile, I decided to try and use some of the candy in a cookie.  M&M cookies have always been a favorite of mine, and I now had a large bag to use so that one seemed perfect.

exploring + funfetti

It has officially been over a week since my move.  While I feel like not much has been done in that time, other than packing, I still feel pretty accomplished.  I have been using the spare time I get to explore the local area and getting to know where everything is.  I have already found a dentist I like as well as figured out the best ways to get to the shopping centers I am interested in.  I figure these are the little victories of independence and adulthood.

Next weekend I am hoping to venture North to the small town of Zionsville.  It seems small and quaint, the kind of cute place I love to explore.  In the meantime I am focusing on finding a job, getting to know the places closer to me, and cooking new things.

Since I am in the apartment most of the day it seems like the perfect time to practice new recipes.  Veggie soup, chicken noodle soup, and roasted chicken are all on the menu for the near future.  However, today I made something a little sweeter, Funfetti Cake Truffles.  I found the recipe through Pinterest and instantly knew I had to try it. I did end up making well over two-dozen so I would probably recommend it more for a party or gathering situation, not sure how just the two of us will eat them all but we will try. 

welcome, spring.

 

I haven't really done much since the move, mostly just job hunting.  I haven't even finished unpacking yet, not having a dresser to put the remainder of my clothes in.  

However, today being the first official day of Spring, I felt the need to celebrate a little.  I knew I wanted to bake something and it, somehow, had to be light and fun.  French macarons were the perfect option.  I have only made them two other times on my own so I knew it would be a challenge.  I used this recipe for the shells (very detailed and easy to follow directions for any beginners) and then just made a simple raspberry butter cream for the filling.  The final result was probably my most successful attempt yet.  The texture and look all turned out near-perfect.

I look forward to enjoying them after dinner with Josh, who has never had French macarons before.  I hope mine are a good first impression.