Birthday Shenanigans, Part Two!

The best kinds of birthdays are spent with a full heart, and a full stomach.

For the latest celebration of my year around the sun, I was fortunate enough to have both.

What matters most to me on my birthday is spending time with my family. I get very sentimental about it, actually; I am an emotional gal, what can I say. This year—for the first time in many moons—I got to celebrate with the whole gang, new nephew and all. When I was in college, my sister and brother-in-law moved to Chicago as my sister pursued her doctorate. My brother Christian, for the past several years, has lived on the Central Coast/Norcal reporting the news. To have them all there with me was pretty special.

And the delicious food-filled day that followed? A double dose of special. The day kicked off how all birthdays should kick off, with bottomless booze.

[Cheers!]

Mimosas flowed as we honored my favorite meal o' the day: breakie. God I love breakfast. I could eat cereal and syrup-soaked breakfast goodies for all meals of the day. There have been days where this has indeed happened.

Our birthday breakfast was overflowing with delicious alcoholic beverages and good food, including my grandmother's famous quiche, usually reserved for Easter brunch. I always feel a little sad when I've finished the last bite I can possibly stomach, and know I have to wait another year for more (which is why I usually go for seconds... and thirds). Matthew pulled out a family favorite of his own, the glorious concoction known as peach crumble. The delicious breakfast delicacy is a mouthwatering combination of fresh sliced peaches, brown sugar, butter, flour, and oats. I ate so much of it. So much. And now I shall share so you can eat so much of it too. Recipe below!

[Lox&Bagels, lots o' peaches, and boozy drinks, oh my!]

[Plus oconut whipped cream for the win]

Other highlights of the day included some good ole fashioned dancing to La Bamba, courtesty of Nathan's record-wielding skills, and—of course—more eating. My dad is something of a cooking genius. And the dinner he created was nothing short of spectacular with roasted pork for tacos complete with all the fixings, including homemade guacamole. The guac is so good that even Matthew, who doesn't like guacamole usually (blasphemy!) indulges.

I was completely spoiled by friends and family. I felt, and continue to feel, so loved. I still am in shock over one of the day's biggest, and most cherished, surprises. After the god-awful events of August 13, 2015 (see "He Lox My Sox Off" post for more details), I can say that I am officially in the saddle again: my friends and family pitched in to get me a new bike!! It truly floored me. I never thought I would ride my beautiful yellow bike again and yet, there it was, in its full sunshine-colored glory. It's a dream come true.

[Pure joy]

First thing I did was to make sure to register the bike through the National Bike Registry. If you have a bike at home you should too, and encourage others to do the same! My parents also helped buy me a U-Lock, the only kind of lock you should be purchasing. I speak from experience on this one.

Now off my bike soapbox and on to something important—peach crumble! It's delicious, simple to make, and the perfect way to enjoy one last taste of those summer fruits so hop to it!

[Here's your food porn for inspiration]

Ingredients*

• Fresh sliced peaches (about three cups worth)

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1 to 1 ½ cups brown sugar

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal

• ¼ teaspoon each: baking powder, baking soda, salt

*Note—ingredients for 8x8 inch dish. If cooking in a 9x13, double the ingredients.

Getting it done, and it’s this simple:

1. Place sliced peaches in dish

2. Mix remaining ingredients together

3. Scatter mix over fruit

4. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly

5. Eat entire dish with spoon

Happy eating!