Easter from the Vatican

...well, sort of. No, I'm not actually in the Vatican City (I am on my gross couch in Lincoln, Nebraska, actually), but since it's Easter I thought I'd share some memories of going there several years ago. Although it's been eight years (yikes, already?!) since I went to the Vatican, I still remember how awestruck I felt by the entire...

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Amore Mio...it's Bacon!

In a complete break from the norm, I prepared a dish with bacon. Yes, bacon. Deal with it; you can always go to the health and fitness Pinterest board later. But for now, bow down to the bacon. I used to be one of those people who absolutely abhorred anything with fat. Sugar-free? Diet? Light? Yes, yes, and yes! But now, I'm the complete...

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Living on Gelato

I'm not even kidding. I lived on gelato for two straight weeks while in Italy, not because I was unable to get actual food, but because I think I became somewhat addicted to the delectable frozen treat. Don't ask me how much weight I gained. Don't you dare. Italy was my very first trip abroad. I went there as a scrawny 15-year-old, naïve...

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French dish o' the day: Provençal Chicken

I hope you're all ready for me to divulge one of my greatest kitchen secrets. Listening closely? Okay, here it is: French food doesn't have to be pretentious, and not only is this dish one of my favorites to eat, it's also one of the easiest to make. Don't tell anyone, especially Matt. He seems to think I'm some sort of master chef whenever...

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Photos from France

Hi all! Since I shared with you in my last post that I had studied photography in Provence, France, I thought it would be neat to pull out some of my photos and relive the trip again. :) Don't get used to any sort of photography blog, because once I had to give back my school-issued Canon Rebel (the camera I have since been pining for...

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J'aime vraiment les Français! (I truly love the French people!)

We're finally back home in Lincoln after our trip to the Land of Lincoln (small world, huh?), so now it's time to get back to the food and travel and revisit my very favorite place: France! The light of the sinking sun over the fields of Provence. I studied photography in Provence, France in the summer of 2008, and it was, by far, the...

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St. Patty's in the Land of Lincoln

Hi all! I'm coming at you today from Springfield, Illinois, where Matt and I are spending few days visiting our soon-to-be hometown. Matt was accepted in to the University of Illinois-Springfield political science graduate program, and we're on a mission to get to know the town. Admittedly, from Lincoln, it's a pretty dull seven hour drive...

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Paella Party

Last night, we had a paella party, and it was wonderful. Assembling the ingredients took some time, and even required a trip to Trader Joe's, who carries saffron. (Shout-out to my mother-in-law for the TJ's gift card! Today's blog post is for you!) For those who don't know, saffron is a very interesting member of the spice cabinet family....

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We're on Pinterest!

Hi all! I'm pleased to announce that Wanderlust and Second Helpings is now on Pinterest! The Pinterest board is full of pictures, recipes, tips, and other tidbits to help you explore the world without even having to leave the comfort of your couch. Heck, you could even do it in your PJ's, although if you do travel the world, I would suggest leaving your footie PJ's at home. :) Check it out and please follow the Wanderlust and...

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Remembering Barcelona

I know it sounds strange, but in all of my travels the place I've connected with best is Barcelona. I first visited the city as a high schooler, and immediately fell in love with its vibrant, fast-paced culture and its old-world charm. It's a modern city nestled up against Spain's dynamic past. And both times I've been there, I've ended...

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Kitchen Emergencies...and Chorizo

Yesterday evening was quite the adventure. On the menu was chorizo con huevos (or, in 'Merican terms, "sausage and eggs"). But chorizo isn't just any pork sausage. It has a spicy, savory, magical quality to it that makes you want to eat pounds of it and never, ever look at the fat content. Seriously, never do that. It's a bad idea. But...

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¡Bienvenidos a Mexico!

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I've been looking forward to exploring the cuisine of Mexico (does going to our favorite Mexican restaurant count?) for a while, since I was just there over Christmas break. My husband, myself, and the in-laws (it sounds so strange to say that, since the phrase "in-laws" is usually accompanied by negativity...but...

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A Kitchen Fail - Sao Paulo Style

In my last post, I promised you Pão de Queijo, a Brazilian cheesy roll that is often eaten for breakfast or for snacks. What I got was an ingredient wild goose chase and little puck-like, salty biscuits. If it sounds like there's a story here, it's because there totally is. At first glance, the recipe looks rather simple: From About.com: Ingredients: 2...

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