tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14604094713231572132024-02-20T20:55:18.130-05:00country.girl.city.livingliving on a shoestring, in a shoe box, with entirely too many shoes...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-67645952198709842772008-06-13T10:31:00.003-04:002008-06-13T15:07:22.647-04:00Italian sans tomatoThis one is from the archives, as you can see it was taken on our $10 Ikea plastic table that doubled for dinning table at our old shoe box, ahem, place. <span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><br /></span></span>If you've been following the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN1231983120080612">news</a> you've surely seen the recent outbreak of salmonella due to---of all things holy---tomatoes. And in an ever unsurprising response to such news what do American tomato growers do? Why, they send them to <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iP1ajN2xOhYX28CQcl7mlxAVHQKgD91904EG1">Mexico</a>, of course. Sorry, I'm not going to get on my soapbox but I will say that if we were all able to eat locally grown food this kind of thing would not be such a big deal.<br /><br />Back to the task at hand. My favorite food, before the bizarro pregnant aversion to chicken set in around month 2, was stuffed chicken. I do a fake out stuffed chicken where I really just slice the breast in half, stuff in the selected fillings and use a toothpick to hide the evidence!<br /><br />So easy and so delicious, this is my version of <a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/05/chicken-saltimbocca-over-creamy-corn.html">Chicken Saltimbocca</a> over creamy corn risotto:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWn0w1pSO7RDsXvXehLiVTW3Z0XLBl2gDb4dyDBgmq3Jjl4EWsTx8lIwztPivCtCYzn042LcajK9cnfrUPNwbLGd5ZJkPKzoSZFUhkr2TDgNCCmxSusqPyIXz2ba760BxmLrM6bp7B-o/s1600-h/IMG_2034.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWn0w1pSO7RDsXvXehLiVTW3Z0XLBl2gDb4dyDBgmq3Jjl4EWsTx8lIwztPivCtCYzn042LcajK9cnfrUPNwbLGd5ZJkPKzoSZFUhkr2TDgNCCmxSusqPyIXz2ba760BxmLrM6bp7B-o/s320/IMG_2034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173538757038931954" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/05/chicken-saltimbocca-over-creamy-corn.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Saltimbocca over Creamy Corn Risotto</span></a><br /></div><br />My favorite little Italian restaurant in Soho was recently rendered obsolete. (e.g., like us they could no longer afford the rents in our fine city and were told to take a hike). This took such a shock on my palate that I think my heart missed a beat when in the window I read a handwritten sign proclaiming:<br /><br />"Thank you for your patronage for the past 25 years, it has been our pleasure to serve you"<br /><br />The end of an era, and my most beloved dish, the saltimbocca. That plate full of papardelle nooddles smothered in sliced mushrooms with sauteed proscuitto, sage, and chicken, swimming in a light marsala type sauce of pure heaven. My only hope is that they might open an outpost here in Brooklyn, fat chance, but a girl can dream.<br /><br />My version is much simpler than the amazing original. I don't dare replicate it for fear of utter failure. But this saltimbocca has all the key ingredients with a few small surprises and sits beautifully on a pile of creamy risotto when I haven't had time to roll out some homemade papardelle, HA!<br /><br />(Follow the link under the photo for the recipe if you are so inclined. And no, it's not kosher!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-55649836886582441982008-06-11T15:31:00.001-04:002008-06-12T10:07:34.635-04:00Watching the ships roll by, and thinking through seaweed...<div style="text-align: left;">This week in development Baby P has decided to give Becks a run for his money...on my bladder. Sorry if that's too much detail but since I have to deal with it I thought I would share the love with you too =)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWt75XDykTPxFwWhOVBuIGal2abiXq21VgglG2ebGPAgzezHDwIdyMPoJwDG-FrMDN63J3hbnaDYucLagd2sv-OTJZbk4km-HnkblNlQXHG5VH29h1dXx2YUBSxqZ-EwpJRlzODFfir8/s1600-h/little+boy+p.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWt75XDykTPxFwWhOVBuIGal2abiXq21VgglG2ebGPAgzezHDwIdyMPoJwDG-FrMDN63J3hbnaDYucLagd2sv-OTJZbk4km-HnkblNlQXHG5VH29h1dXx2YUBSxqZ-EwpJRlzODFfir8/s320/little+boy+p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210996126782778818" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Can you even deal with the cuteness of this mug? (Or how incredible technology has become?)<br /><br />We have been cooking up a storm in the new place and I would love to share photos if G and I weren't too busy trying to dig through 7 years of things to find our camera. I will try and be better but can't really make promises since right now my whole world seems upside down.<br /><br />Today's post will be a first for me...as it will be a post from the heart. I am much better at satire and recipes, if not more comfortable. But in honor of truly documenting this miraculous (and crazy) journey, I have to let my emotions out somewhere and this seems about as good a place as any.<br /><br />When I was little one of my favorite quotes was "there are big ships and little ships but the best ship is friendship." And then I grew up. Or rather life happened. I've been watching ships sail by for years now. People seem to have a way of disappointing you if you expect too much I suppose.<br /><br />But now I find myself in this precarious spot in my life. A crossroads where, yet again, we are the first couple to take the next step in this case to have a child. And I feel so alone. There is no one there who has taken this journey, no one who can tell me what to pack for this trip or share in this rollercoaster of emotions. Sure, there is enough information online to fill the Red Sea but where are those anecdotes that we aren't supposed to listen to but really come in handy when you are embarking on such scary and exciting adventures? Yes, we are taking a 'birth class' with a bunch of lovely tree hugging, anti-drug, amazingly strong and incredible people. But none of them are "friends".<br /><br />And that leads me to my first issue. The one of the ships sailing by.... Lots of ships. It happened when we were the first to get married. The supposed life long friends who fell off the earth when they had to share me with a husband and listen to more important issues than which pointy toe heels matched my seven jeans (And yes, I did wear jeans back in the day). It makes me sad that as the years go by the supposed friends I've chosen turn out to be more consumed by themselves then anything else. Maybe it's me who has changed and they've been the same all along...<br /><br />So there you go. The hormones are raging and I find myself sad and scared and feeling all the while a bit alienated in our cute new home, so very far from transportation and friends and almost too large to wobble down the street with Lola.<br /><br />But don't let me mislead you, whoever you are! The sight of the little face in that ultrasound makes it all worth while. Spoiled? Please. This little boy doesn't have a chance!<br /><br />And now for the seaweed portion of this post. If I haven't lost you thus far let me complain about my charmed life, and some more fun side effects of pregnancy, a bit more. It seems as if my once sharp mind has crumbled into oblivion. Oh sure, when it comes to researching the safest car seat, pram, and 5 point harness carrier I'm your gal. But writing a simple 30 page review on a topic of my choosing which was once a delicious and exciting adventure? Forget it. Seaweed. Pregnancy is like thinking through seaweed. And my mind is laden with the stuff. Swimming through the stuff in my mind is truly defeating. And fear of disappointing myself and my respected advisor (yes, I really like the guy) is the cherry on the sprinkles on the icing on the cake. Mmmmm, cake.<br /><br />I told you it was distracting!<br /><br />The evolutionary advantage of such distractions is that I'm sure to get everything done for Baby P before he arrives. Now if I could only guarantee that he'll help me write once he gets here...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-80233231438057277572008-05-27T18:20:00.007-04:002008-05-27T20:11:40.466-04:00T Minus 10...Time certainly flies when you're having fun, and the whole pregnant thing doesn't hurt either I suppose...<br /><br />This past week I realized, when speaking with a favorite relative who I hadn't seen in way too long, that I had been sorely neglecting this little blog. Now that I think I might have all the special side effects of this whole pregnant thing accounted for, I'm hoping that I can at least document the last little bit of this adventure so that little boy P will have a record that his mom was nuts well before he was born =)<br /><br />Since last I wrote we made the big decision NOT to move to the country and alienate ourselves from our city centered life and instead take the wimpy in-between, wife appeasing, husband appealing, jump and move to Brooklyn. Yes, I know. Technically it's still the city so the title is not a total lie. Although I still think we have moved to the burbs. This is a fight that I will not win today so I won't bore you with my idiocy.<br /><br />So here goes, I'll document the rest of this wild journey and share with you some fun recipes along the way. Unfortunately the move to the boonies (my BK friends are going to kill me for this one) meant the end of our quick walks to the farmers market. But hey, we now have doors. Multiple doors. Doors to open and close and to keep the boy away when I want to talk about surprise presents for birthdays....and for the little boy P to sleep soundly while mommy and daddy continue to be addicted to late night t.v. Oy. I'm weepy already. You see what this whole thing has done to me? Just the typing of the m or d word and I lose it.<br /><br />If I'm feeling real masochistic I might post a photo of my new beached whale self. It's kind of cute, really scary, and all around strange. While I look forward to being a single resident human yet again, I am also loving my little boy's kicks and that at least for now I can protect him in my cavernous mid section. Which, speaking of, has recently acquired some new friends. Perhaps they are little road signs for the doctors lest they get lost! Creepy crawly lines that if only they had an arrow might tell of the little secret I am no longer hiding in my mid-section... Thank goodness for G. He went running to L'Occitane as quickly as you can say "only 100% shea butter s'il vous plait!"<br /><br />That's all for now. The burrito we ordered for dinner is not only not photo worthy (in all it's authentically green gooped glory) but wasn't made by yours truly.<br /><br />So little boy P, this is for you. And for anyone else who cares to hear what it's like during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, of the last bit of tediously slow, exceptionally awkward life pre-little one, really it's just the last bit of life before the biggest and potentially best adventure really begins.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-31288223927489277632008-02-13T14:01:00.008-05:002008-02-13T14:32:01.344-05:00Whats been cooking? And sharing the love...It's been so long since last I've posted I'm nearly embarassed to take up again now, so let me begin by saying that the answer to the title of this post is....a whole heck of a lot! In fact, instead of trying to explain the hiatus in culinary creations I'll share with you a photo of what I have been cooking while not in the kitchen:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-ogmYsn9OfHjXKHhpGpeXndB6R5_EaJtfgjtuRQJU9-dnaEY8LVvlTSKtAdyehMlPbXnGWU244azvsbVCYjwQYANsL05y8ev0-7xxXqtCkHfoQpw-m08dVp60xAGp21ZOOn_FFG8BC0/s1600-h/flipper1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-ogmYsn9OfHjXKHhpGpeXndB6R5_EaJtfgjtuRQJU9-dnaEY8LVvlTSKtAdyehMlPbXnGWU244azvsbVCYjwQYANsL05y8ev0-7xxXqtCkHfoQpw-m08dVp60xAGp21ZOOn_FFG8BC0/s320/flipper1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166542649982360354" border="0" /></a><br />Flipper @ 12 weeks (and already pondering the meaning of life!)<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />When I first stopped posting it was out of excitement, nerves, enter adjective here. However, slowly over time the excitement turned to nausea and that nausea turned into an inability to sit in the kitchen for longer than it takes to pour a glass of water much less the time it takes to sautee an onion.<br /><br />I know, quit your kvetching! I'm merely one in a zillion women who have done this before me. Perhaps I should claim empathy instead of demand sympathy? Again, I digress... See! not much has really changed in the past month and a half.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtwZvjumFCEQF3u4kn6rZsQDCczp7bZZD6gE8T0R-hjAfNAbhiYdQsksjh85yvBXp1VLG1K5AAklO94Vjmij1eqYoUHe634riu2HHg5cm9UUnhrayImqot3JGct4cvudd16ST_yBniXk/s1600-h/nice.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtwZvjumFCEQF3u4kn6rZsQDCczp7bZZD6gE8T0R-hjAfNAbhiYdQsksjh85yvBXp1VLG1K5AAklO94Vjmij1eqYoUHe634riu2HHg5cm9UUnhrayImqot3JGct4cvudd16ST_yBniXk/s320/nice.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166544587012610866" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />So I have more news...not only have we created a whole new life in the past few months...but the adorable, lovely, and talented Val from <a href="http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com/">More Than Burnt Toast</a> has given me the most thoughtful and wonderful gift and inspired me to ditch the dramatic nausea complaints and re-enter the blogosphere, if only to show you pictures of the taco bell burrito I ate last night. I know, it's pretty disgusting!<br /><br />Val has bestowed upon me the nice matters award which is so exciting because I've never been awarded anything in blogland. In fact, come to think of it, I don't think I've won anything since battle of the bands circa 1998. Yikes!<br /><br />So thanks to Val for sharing her kindness with me. I am constantly inspired by her Mediterranean themed cuisine and think I might actually warm up a saucepan again soon to make her recent creation of chicken in avgolemeno sauce. It is the first normal thing to sound good to me in 2 months! Woo hoo!<br /><br />Now for the fun part, I get to pay it forward to 5 of my favorite fellow bloggers! What a nice way to tell someone you think they're swell. Here goes:<br /><br />The first recipient of the nice matters award was my first friend in the blogosphere. She became a fast friend and we were soon emailing recipes and craft ideas over the pipelines. She is an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with...and she is the lovely Amanda from <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>! <br /><br />Number two is another culinary genius whose passion for cooking is equal to her desire to help others, including saving many of my potential kitchen disasters. She's a maven and needs no introduction and is the brilliant Lisa of <a href="http://llcskitchen.blogspot.com/">La Mia Cucina</a>.<br /><br />Number three is another person who wins the award for perpetual niceness and gladly takes newbies (yes, I did just write that) under his wing to share words of wisdom and that is David from <a href="http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/">Authorblog</a>.<br /><br />Numero four is happily bestowed to my sister in law and fellow blogger who has taken it upon herself to single handedly save the world from imminent disaster. All joking aside, she is passionate about making this world a better place, especially for women, and Galina from <a href="http://feministgal.blogspot.com/">Oh, Your a Feminist!</a> is one of my all time favorite people.<br /><br />The final award, number five if your counting, goes to my favorite partner in crime who constantly inspires me with her menus (how do you do it!??!) and is a most warm and generous lady. My favorite American living abroad, the last one goes to the incredible Katie from <a href="http://thyme2.typepad.com/">A Thyme for Cooking</a>.<br /><br />If you've read this far, thanks! I hope you will take a look at the incredible blogs written by these wonderful warm folks. I'm grateful that you have let me join your community and look forward to sharing tasty treats again real soon...<br /><br />Until then, happy eating!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-46539848889724804672007-12-22T13:04:00.000-05:002007-12-24T22:10:04.428-05:00Seasoned Eatings Recap<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA228obnFMmeitPvRWXwDHtTpVnqaqQJ8MoA3ozEsJVBA6u30Dq9T3AxB6tqvVQeykZRd_5ckQlo1XfdsNM5bm1G5lXzWnIlgArDB24Ned9oXnWOoypJSe-V2hEPVzvF9K0xYe3-2HifY/s1600-h/seasonedeatings.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA228obnFMmeitPvRWXwDHtTpVnqaqQJ8MoA3ozEsJVBA6u30Dq9T3AxB6tqvVQeykZRd_5ckQlo1XfdsNM5bm1G5lXzWnIlgArDB24Ned9oXnWOoypJSe-V2hEPVzvF9K0xYe3-2HifY/s320/seasonedeatings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146863217202190658" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">When <a href="http://thyme2.typepad.com/">Katie (A Thyme for Cooking)</a> and I announced our Seasoned Eatings event this year I thought that maybe there would be about 5 or ten bloggers joining in to partake in the international gift giving. To my surprise, and surely due to Katie's brilliant and compelling blog, we had over 20 fabulous food bloggers join in the festivities!<br /><br />While I hope you enjoy reading about everyone's special gifts here, I also hope you will take a moment to visit each bloggers post to hear the details of receiving and cooking with these new spices. Thank you to everyone who participated... I'm already trying to cook up another reason for gift giving in the coming months so if you had fun this time or weren't able to participate in this event stay tuned...<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Let the round up begin!<br /></div><br />The ever creative <a href="http://dessert-lounge.blogspot.com/">Carla</a> from <a href="http://dessert-lounge.blogspot.com/">dessert-lounge</a> received handmade sheep cheese with Greek oregano (Handpicked in Greece!!!) from Laurie at Tastes Like Home (Med Cooking). With these delicious ingredients she made a delicious looking oregano chicken. I hope you saved us leftovers, this looks incredible!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y3xb8LR7_Yoo0uRvWnTmiQX0_ZJInjygBrXiJ4C1JmZefSf4-xmfNs8htw7Q5y56ikuP9mZW__MPjJ65QHJnmgWMPMEy5r1LWUEfV-UL0MA3u0lTrl2UoTERMQVW0Qee3fW-y-PViyM/s1600-h/Sheep+Cheese+&+Oregano.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y3xb8LR7_Yoo0uRvWnTmiQX0_ZJInjygBrXiJ4C1JmZefSf4-xmfNs8htw7Q5y56ikuP9mZW__MPjJ65QHJnmgWMPMEy5r1LWUEfV-UL0MA3u0lTrl2UoTERMQVW0Qee3fW-y-PViyM/s320/Sheep+Cheese+&+Oregano.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147597891223707490" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNww4EeBjWsamu5ptatwJip2wGE1V3dhGw0wHmup6jbzAB9mY_DxWOoXESfFI4xOEyCbqCBHjZl8SQNYMyo5CKNpZWd9PQNawAwsDrmpYGAtUOFI3SWSAIxvOvW7N4FOHbpjebzS7860k/s1600-h/Oregano+Chicken.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNww4EeBjWsamu5ptatwJip2wGE1V3dhGw0wHmup6jbzAB9mY_DxWOoXESfFI4xOEyCbqCBHjZl8SQNYMyo5CKNpZWd9PQNawAwsDrmpYGAtUOFI3SWSAIxvOvW7N4FOHbpjebzS7860k/s320/Oregano+Chicken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147597796734426962" border="0" /></a></div><br />Darling <a href="http://littlelisa.wordpress.com/">Lisa </a>from <a href="http://littlelisa.wordpress.com/">I've got Seoul</a> received her delicious seasonings from Carla at Dessert Lounge. While we haven't seen the culinary creation that will certainly result, I have no doubt that Lisa will do these seasonings proud! We will stay tuned until the results are posted.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnaxzptbxnhVn-9w-hluehSFhNi0F1QvEA2lmKkbIEBfnfdTypojSEafvBSBLamiqOH-J1XnHhXuEQUyL1Vujb9HV3AzCybLav8-rJ_o1fOLfN-DqG1iSyn5fqyRUCwEl3_X0VbX3hnw/s1600-h/lisa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnaxzptbxnhVn-9w-hluehSFhNi0F1QvEA2lmKkbIEBfnfdTypojSEafvBSBLamiqOH-J1XnHhXuEQUyL1Vujb9HV3AzCybLav8-rJ_o1fOLfN-DqG1iSyn5fqyRUCwEl3_X0VbX3hnw/s320/lisa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147598183281483634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The amazing <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mybitofearth.net">Meryl </a>from <a href="www.mybitofearth.net">My Bit of Earth</a> received Korean red spice from Lisa at I've got Seoul. She promises to make up a nice batch of pre-Christmas munchies real soon at which point I'm sure she will share the delicious results. (so stay tuned!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6unvzcTkqynEPDP4VWZv7h-EXRsHEOQMk50LbzAYJIbpgmQ8Q78PR2lbSWP9vsBAyMX8KgvKdEc6h0xYgFq2oXb66AM0oKovIOwIWeVbXbp4U9-v2MUTx4fnCe8X-IofBPIuwtqyvJBM/s1600-h/meryl.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6unvzcTkqynEPDP4VWZv7h-EXRsHEOQMk50LbzAYJIbpgmQ8Q78PR2lbSWP9vsBAyMX8KgvKdEc6h0xYgFq2oXb66AM0oKovIOwIWeVbXbp4U9-v2MUTx4fnCe8X-IofBPIuwtqyvJBM/s320/meryl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147598625663115138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The very lucky <a href="http://www.melecotte.blogspot.com/">Chris </a>from <a href="http://www.melecotte.blogspot.com/">Melecotte </a>received many amazing things from Gattina of GattinaMia including: peppercorns, green olives, oregano, Jamon potato chips AND crackilng corn kernels with a unique (and translated) recipe from a Spanish magazine. The resulting open-faced sandwich with Spanish anchovies and peppercorns is still making me drool! There's another recipe, too...but you have to check her post to see it ;)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK0tgoCit2q9TLeAY2E86Z5naql1azyO5_kirDunaG1i4VolmE7p6LvJWmv71xryvW3bkhy9afp-Ul4FuUodCqoryUJXk7_yeYcbL6mWmhP1notr2GM4NRVdpildoCutZ9V9VNogXdH4/s1600-h/MeleCotte.Seasons+EatingsPackage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK0tgoCit2q9TLeAY2E86Z5naql1azyO5_kirDunaG1i4VolmE7p6LvJWmv71xryvW3bkhy9afp-Ul4FuUodCqoryUJXk7_yeYcbL6mWmhP1notr2GM4NRVdpildoCutZ9V9VNogXdH4/s320/MeleCotte.Seasons+EatingsPackage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147599003620237202" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-UIAroA3gEyRU1XNIPVSEJMAMIlnGV30TTgqFsKIVUIhRIcm5RIHEUSdmILkk2tiC5K8aFBGVjmqZ0FiGNsEyTOdyY8elP_2ycnBI0ASRLJqFn7utHxI7cnsZEatUCtD7VUDZ2lNuH8/s1600-h/tosta+de+boquerones.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-UIAroA3gEyRU1XNIPVSEJMAMIlnGV30TTgqFsKIVUIhRIcm5RIHEUSdmILkk2tiC5K8aFBGVjmqZ0FiGNsEyTOdyY8elP_2ycnBI0ASRLJqFn7utHxI7cnsZEatUCtD7VUDZ2lNuH8/s320/tosta+de+boquerones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147599330037751714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cuisinequotidienne.blogspot.com/">Betty </a>from <a href="http://www.cuisinequotidienne.blogspot.com/">Cuisine Quotidian </a>received some authentic Old Bay Seasoning straight from Chris at Melecotte. I cannot wait to see the final results but first take a look at the exciting package that arrived:<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2aPBOzd3f3sxgbGsAR_hv-Mnd7YbbPVrhC8I-r8xBPFa8NP41KzNXGbcqRiLrh44uTI4gqNTD2c5ZdjKChtRoW9kIuuU1H-Spi8odaVfRvYeEILf6-qJcTET-VFsEisTOliTgQDN3ck/s1600-h/gift.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2aPBOzd3f3sxgbGsAR_hv-Mnd7YbbPVrhC8I-r8xBPFa8NP41KzNXGbcqRiLrh44uTI4gqNTD2c5ZdjKChtRoW9kIuuU1H-Spi8odaVfRvYeEILf6-qJcTET-VFsEisTOliTgQDN3ck/s320/gift.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147599699404939186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The lovely <a href="http://www.travelingfoodlady.blogspot.com/">Jann </a>from <a href="http://www.travelingfoodlady.blogspot.com/">Traveling Food Lady</a> received some beautiful spices from Betty of Cuisine Quotidian. She sauteed the lovely spices with some fresh winter squash which resulted in a unique new favorite!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-vmsnb4fefZdI-qPdWLuUvfLxgurlUQiHQ9S64Ojc0mWubQ2iFdER-uXMn3WpG-yYPS3-XEwcIQ65r9V91fd5jPI5rhqyeYXpoXeYh-xi-Zr_YdLRLTjTdbF5tCfU_K-I-1elFREfqU/s1600-h/jann.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-vmsnb4fefZdI-qPdWLuUvfLxgurlUQiHQ9S64Ojc0mWubQ2iFdER-uXMn3WpG-yYPS3-XEwcIQ65r9V91fd5jPI5rhqyeYXpoXeYh-xi-Zr_YdLRLTjTdbF5tCfU_K-I-1elFREfqU/s320/jann.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147599987167748034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The culinary genius <a href="http://www.medcookingalaska.blogspot.com/">Laurie </a>from <a href="http://www.medcookingalaska.blogspot.com/">Med Cooking</a> received gorgeous Italian sea salts seasoned with aromatic herbs from Jann of Traveling Food Lady which were promptly (and deliciously) turned into Ladenia (Olive oil bread with tomato-onion topping). YUM! Laurie was also kind enough to give us a bit of a lesson on Ladenia in her post, check it out!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H420AgglobCQW8sZiQmIBW7JzCF07wWvz363WgOSTsm5GlSO1S3ilarvL1KbdaPWTxtoJF2YetAmSQdLWU6oQusOJBC9Vn3S3Sfo5ziGDTqQ9P7fBMcpU1ZKCJhPFtSvP2T3V31xqnE/s1600-h/e-Italian-Salt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H420AgglobCQW8sZiQmIBW7JzCF07wWvz363WgOSTsm5GlSO1S3ilarvL1KbdaPWTxtoJF2YetAmSQdLWU6oQusOJBC9Vn3S3Sfo5ziGDTqQ9P7fBMcpU1ZKCJhPFtSvP2T3V31xqnE/s320/e-Italian-Salt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147600953535389650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UckXEfRhhl4vLSoQphJZgjN70jQWuKfXMaHA-nbZ__obrmQuvzH4TBCpU2Bq_bXKr5EBIuDMmEEwM6h2gzHT_C2CXe1T0Fu2wW2NQiQHfrFfUIjZj5zFUYis0gk2i80dpL_bPSfI3Mg/s1600-h/e-ladenia-slice.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UckXEfRhhl4vLSoQphJZgjN70jQWuKfXMaHA-nbZ__obrmQuvzH4TBCpU2Bq_bXKr5EBIuDMmEEwM6h2gzHT_C2CXe1T0Fu2wW2NQiQHfrFfUIjZj5zFUYis0gk2i80dpL_bPSfI3Mg/s320/e-ladenia-slice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147600996485062626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The lovely <a href="http://lannaelong.blogspot.com/">Lannae </a>from a <a href="http://lannaelong.blogspot.com/">Lannae's Food and Travel</a> received jerk seasoning from Deb of Debs Wine and Garden. Not only does this chicken LOOK amazing, but it sounds amazing too! Check out Lannae's adorable post for the full story of how she made this yummy dish.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVi5Wxvz4CAvk2bX6XD4he3WNfdUXQO1FyvnlK81kh3Yd6tDOFJ30ok03USPWxt8_ZutAr8D7kSYNHepTOeVzabc2w1wb-9AHpmBNw1hzMHhv-s5gVEexvws64N8KO9G02ZlbxL0T6Og/s1600-h/jerk+chicken.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVi5Wxvz4CAvk2bX6XD4he3WNfdUXQO1FyvnlK81kh3Yd6tDOFJ30ok03USPWxt8_ZutAr8D7kSYNHepTOeVzabc2w1wb-9AHpmBNw1hzMHhv-s5gVEexvws64N8KO9G02ZlbxL0T6Og/s320/jerk+chicken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147601314312642546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The talented <a href="http://www.zoomiestation.blogspot.com/">Pamela </a>from <a href="http://www.zoomiestation.blogspot.com/">Zoomie </a>Station received fermented black beans and asian style noodles from Lanne of Lannae's Food and Travel. Poor Pamela had quite a day and was thrilled to relax and enjoy this yummy looking (and surely tasting) dish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YqcMenHS_YETEcMV_XRuaWzJGf6XIb4O4uuEUcfPVhXr5awIQvL88vFPTmJz9mNgvNSK-wssYDMTjzKLf3e8iHK-tWy3Q30P0fX-C6uJd8HiKY1YcUs0fmPB825aZMu8ppIx3tVtJcg/s1600-h/Chinese+Black+Bean+Sauce+and+Chicken.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YqcMenHS_YETEcMV_XRuaWzJGf6XIb4O4uuEUcfPVhXr5awIQvL88vFPTmJz9mNgvNSK-wssYDMTjzKLf3e8iHK-tWy3Q30P0fX-C6uJd8HiKY1YcUs0fmPB825aZMu8ppIx3tVtJcg/s320/Chinese+Black+Bean+Sauce+and+Chicken.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147601610665385986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was lucky enough to have <a href="http://thyme2.typepad.com/">Katie </a>herself as a secret santa which meant I received a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Straight from France arrived a beautifully packaged container of Quatre Epices (four spices?) which from what I can tell is made of clove, nutmeg, ginger, and some kind of pepper, along with some other authentic and delicious accouterments! With this beautiful package came a recipe for a traditional Alsatian cake that was unique and thoroughly enjoyed by all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrREFfELQ31Acyg5T6BeUxQNbIq1rUsEo_cCvDa_r4O1mrNB-7x_UN13jDgA_x9Zu06zAAK7TBDr9u9w8wEPHfZbWgwEZy1DkjknARuv3mRLhn7sijQtLhsUWaK8CA8e1xuKLvq92E48/s1600-h/IMG_1924.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrREFfELQ31Acyg5T6BeUxQNbIq1rUsEo_cCvDa_r4O1mrNB-7x_UN13jDgA_x9Zu06zAAK7TBDr9u9w8wEPHfZbWgwEZy1DkjknARuv3mRLhn7sijQtLhsUWaK8CA8e1xuKLvq92E48/s320/IMG_1924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146871227316197714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thank you to everyone who played along. There are a few remaining bloggers whose entries will be added as I receive them. The other half of this roundup can be found on the amazing Katie's site: A Thyme for Cooking right <a href="http://thyme2.typepad.com/thyme_for_cooking_/2007/12/seasoned-eating.html">HERE</a>!<br /><br />Happy holidays and Seasoned Eatings to all.<br /></div> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-19597558776986796232007-12-22T12:42:00.000-05:002007-12-24T16:21:05.806-05:00Yule never believe what the daring bakers have done this time...What do you get when you stick 4 Jews in the kitchen and ask them to create a traditional Christmas recipe? Sounds like the beginning to a good joke, huh? Nope. Just this month's daring bakers challenge!<br /><br />I don't know what the best part of this months challenge was... It could have been the fact that it was a humongous hilarious disaster, or maybe because it was absolutely hysterical to cook with my sister in law and her boyfriend, or maybe because I learned that a sheet cake should cool completely before adding buttercream frosting and rolling it...<br /><br />Really, the list could go on forever.<br /><br />The moral of the story is this month's challenge will go down in Portnoy family history as the most entertaining cooking event thus far. Thanks daring bakers!<br /><br />The good news is, it looked good after it sat in the fridge to cool overnight, and it actually kind of tasted good, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WHd_nZiGopHkmMXv3AXvenWsISsJ8OXDiTOzg6ehynlsjuTtD67G6-xGJVbn86WpC14JVCmhaiyCjOVZ8kVWxT5lNN8w0Fh3Pmg-PwR3KYh65e_7JidvAm8wgJHJYO4k7qWElJORq6k/s1600-h/IMG_1951.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WHd_nZiGopHkmMXv3AXvenWsISsJ8OXDiTOzg6ehynlsjuTtD67G6-xGJVbn86WpC14JVCmhaiyCjOVZ8kVWxT5lNN8w0Fh3Pmg-PwR3KYh65e_7JidvAm8wgJHJYO4k7qWElJORq6k/s320/IMG_1951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146856976614709538" border="0" /></a></div><br />The best part was watching sis-in-law create an updated Mr. Bill and his girlfriend, representing multicultural diversity in true liberal fashion (Thank goodness for her *huge hugs*). And watching her boyfriend D make a nativity scene (can you find baby Jesus?) and a pitch fork carrying gnome, I mean really...does it get better?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTq0dktc8CrvDQQj6sWsb6e4Ml3OYeqyIbXFNplMr0e6eCfZ4KZeHlnww1B6vWqLhHnIWLDcvx4c3sJ2EkQcJuwLmWIPe6CUmw8midnKlEGuZ0b3h2Y3SS5UnxxuiAtaA1Wuf4iuXQ4I/s1600-h/IMG_1958.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTq0dktc8CrvDQQj6sWsb6e4Ml3OYeqyIbXFNplMr0e6eCfZ4KZeHlnww1B6vWqLhHnIWLDcvx4c3sJ2EkQcJuwLmWIPe6CUmw8midnKlEGuZ0b3h2Y3SS5UnxxuiAtaA1Wuf4iuXQ4I/s320/IMG_1958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146857539255425330" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Overall, it was an entertaining activity. I can honestly say a good time was had by all (caveat: in between my kitchen temper tantrums) and eating the final product was truly sweet success.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-67680540726407101582007-12-19T13:38:00.001-05:002007-12-19T13:50:39.237-05:00Theres always time for blondies....Could it be? Am I really posting twice in a day? Really now, I shouldn't set such high expectations for myself but I couldn't resist sharing photos of the delicious treat I whipped up this morning for one of my most favorite faculty members birthdays.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNU8wC-P6ueXTcWyomZNqpGWzbttB3Yza3gmB0QIOfRcAiebostILSn9QT5orNGXbBetXGTxlK9f-aGb2txaV1kJh3gYuybHXVxHnlnRmszWv59XL3s9YaP5htBG8rDgd1PR0hDPv7dQ/s1600-h/PC190061.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNU8wC-P6ueXTcWyomZNqpGWzbttB3Yza3gmB0QIOfRcAiebostILSn9QT5orNGXbBetXGTxlK9f-aGb2txaV1kJh3gYuybHXVxHnlnRmszWv59XL3s9YaP5htBG8rDgd1PR0hDPv7dQ/s320/PC190061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145755472122108146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dark, milk and peanut butter chip blondies</span><br /></div><br />After a brief online search for the perfect recipe, I decided to adapt a recipe I found several times and it was not only easy but fast, my favorite way to bake!<br /><br />In fact, I would say it's 2 easy. And here's why: if you have 2 cups of brown sugar, 2 sticks of butter, 2 eggs, , 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 cups of flour, and 2 cups (for a gluttonous result, use at your discretion!) of assorted chips (peanut butter, milk/dark chocolate) you are in business. <br /><br />Add ingredients in order (first blending sugar and butter then add other ingredients) until you get to the flour. Stir flour in by hand and then add accoutrement's (chips) and you are in business. Pop it the bakers edge or a buttered/sprayed 9x13 pan in the oven at 350 for about 25-30 minutes and enjoy. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaVmFyx0CsaObP6YUx4QLHSMvwkETXIZLGue2pNU2CIv6xvPL_fer_BAIPxZS6CzNkcgckBUj7AMvdRQw23pj54mzbo91GKQhHPQehbrm_LFFtph1LXKkZoGv6mWU3DH8aeL__CEcruE/s1600-h/PC190062.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaVmFyx0CsaObP6YUx4QLHSMvwkETXIZLGue2pNU2CIv6xvPL_fer_BAIPxZS6CzNkcgckBUj7AMvdRQw23pj54mzbo91GKQhHPQehbrm_LFFtph1LXKkZoGv6mWU3DH8aeL__CEcruE/s320/PC190062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145755678280538370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And just in case you beat me home, they are on the top shelf in the aluminum foil honey!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-60764603822251988732007-12-19T12:43:00.001-05:002007-12-19T12:57:00.486-05:00Family dinnersWe were blessed to have G's sister and sis's boyfriend as visitors this weekend and between window admiring up fifth avenue, shoving our way to the tree at Rockefeller Center and me trying to tie up lose ends from this semester at work/school, we found time to create some scrumptious culinary delights.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri5agqkeaISsq5GwqpL8j_AE96zoQBCRsaLidmUaLSt4Eos3X2DaH_ZtYwYyFnj4bCvLiJ1sGrzsZ5QrT2k4q746R1EjVAj9pxrnLql4Ez7zBuGL6fybJhv-JmVE9gFlQdHD_0ii3dLs/s1600-h/IMG_1937.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri5agqkeaISsq5GwqpL8j_AE96zoQBCRsaLidmUaLSt4Eos3X2DaH_ZtYwYyFnj4bCvLiJ1sGrzsZ5QrT2k4q746R1EjVAj9pxrnLql4Ez7zBuGL6fybJhv-JmVE9gFlQdHD_0ii3dLs/s320/IMG_1937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145741625147545826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pan seared pumpkin gnocchi and sage butternut squash with roasted rosemary and garlic lamb chops</span><br /></div><br />Because I know that our little <a href="http://feministgal.blogspot.com/">feminist </a>loves everything seasonal (especially squash) I adapted a favorite recipe by adding *pumpkin* gnocchi in lieu of the traditional type. It was beyond delicious, as evident by the speed at which we devoured it and the silence that accompanied!<br /><br />Forgive this short post but stay tuned for the big daring bakers reveal later this week. Our house guests this weekend were instrumental in creating this months challenge, especially in the entertainment department.<br /><br />Oh! Also, stay tuned for the big seasoned eatings reveal where my partner in crime and I show you all of the gifts that fellow bloggers sent around the globe and the resulting delicious creations. It's a big week =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-90748736092972058742007-12-10T11:09:00.000-05:002007-12-14T12:18:48.051-05:00Warm winter meals<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Just because the weather has turned and we are all bundled up in our poofy coats down to our ankles does not mean we have to skimp out on the remnants of healthy eating from a few short months ago, right? That's what I keep trying to tell myself! <br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROinYtbNECkskn-21Oi8_5vqhjhJ0hqB3pxDceHQvtzY0RxyXdqQbdL1M5dzEA5RfgDP_hSkPmH99OBkDsmsR3BPRGw0M61eQf9bk9zM1xgsfd_b6E6cyz7kmXbmOYWRC4v2j3dbqfwU/s1600-h/IMG_1915.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROinYtbNECkskn-21Oi8_5vqhjhJ0hqB3pxDceHQvtzY0RxyXdqQbdL1M5dzEA5RfgDP_hSkPmH99OBkDsmsR3BPRGw0M61eQf9bk9zM1xgsfd_b6E6cyz7kmXbmOYWRC4v2j3dbqfwU/s320/IMG_1915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142377336613534226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilted Spinach Salad with Caramelized Red Onions, Farmers Cheese, Adirondack Blue Potatoes and Salmon Glazed with Dijon and Dill</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Although the howling wind and my freezing fingertips tell me otherwise, I am determined to at least try to create comforting meals that have some semblance of healthful benefits! And that is precisely where this little concoction came from... I admit, this was our lunch on Sunday and I'm only just now getting to post about it, but it is much easier than it sounds and is a great way to keep some vitamins in your diet when the only thing that really sounds appetizing is mashed potatoes and soup! (Not that they too don't have a myriad of healthful benefits)<br /><br />We were lucky enough to find some fresh baby spinach at the farmers market last weekend. (Clearly they have a greenhouse!) and along with the usual root veggies the red onions hopped into my basket with the farmer's cheese and adirondack blues (i think they're purple!). It's the same recipe for the salad that I've shared before with the addition of garlic roasted potatoes (from last nights dinner, sliced and sauteed to make them crispy again) and salmon (I caved and went to Whole Foods, don't judge me!). The salmon is the best invention ever. Kosher salt, pepper, slather on some dijon, sprinkle some dill, broil for about 15 minutes et voila! Another creation worthy of a glass of pinot....or maybe just some hot chocolate!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-71486357998399823632007-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:002007-12-08T18:10:24.666-05:00What we've been up to is 1, 2, 3....1: Our first snow!!! <br /><br />How exciting for little Lola to romp around with her boyfriend Hudson and enjoy this wonderful treat:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH5UMNCvjneXAYXH0ffP5o-KjK0LxriJmrNkSvoef9c-s76Biy52QUNrfuy94vj_xChfnW2f1IMj-m5RLKA6mgUUQAbpr04TbFOSZHxdYCR5f21TTAQkexH0uJrgVf_rBetxYugDhq1w/s1600-h/IMG_1879.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH5UMNCvjneXAYXH0ffP5o-KjK0LxriJmrNkSvoef9c-s76Biy52QUNrfuy94vj_xChfnW2f1IMj-m5RLKA6mgUUQAbpr04TbFOSZHxdYCR5f21TTAQkexH0uJrgVf_rBetxYugDhq1w/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141741509655034354" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />2: The second night of the holiday of light<br /><br />Thanks to sister Stef for getting us this adorable Menorah as a wedding gift several years back. The tulips and lady bugs make me smile:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvTh5Jt-dXJrwh_FOAicB1bn5TkhPo-0Tbyf8OlL2ku72VS7R3ADFFt6x-42Cu0xnoMzCQTDj0Cv0xyCWozft18fxivP-XBcK_aSGNkD55nzzprn9NyWCjzUZUzHaelm_cr_iGyToFLU/s1600-h/IMG_1912.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvTh5Jt-dXJrwh_FOAicB1bn5TkhPo-0Tbyf8OlL2ku72VS7R3ADFFt6x-42Cu0xnoMzCQTDj0Cv0xyCWozft18fxivP-XBcK_aSGNkD55nzzprn9NyWCjzUZUzHaelm_cr_iGyToFLU/s320/IMG_1912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141741617029216770" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />3: Just three ingredients and 15 minutes to a homemade cookie (thank goodness for my amazing friend <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/">Amanda at CrazyMomQuilts/Cooks</a>)<br /><br />No, I did not stutter. These delicious cookies were in my mouth about 15 minutes after I decided to make them and yes, they were cooked!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRbk5ywL1-8vg5Cs7SL_UzkhWDLBTIvGQ3lFVll0jBizFvJtQ_9YqbD0zRNg8vNwbfCJzqP214BeyX8bSPrr-JV9-gikfaOu-JNMaxRDWCchvPv0YisGS6eY3H08mY-jtPYMFwg7g6pU/s1600-h/IMG_1842.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRbk5ywL1-8vg5Cs7SL_UzkhWDLBTIvGQ3lFVll0jBizFvJtQ_9YqbD0zRNg8vNwbfCJzqP214BeyX8bSPrr-JV9-gikfaOu-JNMaxRDWCchvPv0YisGS6eY3H08mY-jtPYMFwg7g6pU/s320/IMG_1842.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140875120262150546" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />So easy I think Lola might be able to make them:<br /><br />1 c. peanut butter (we use chunky)<br />1 c. sugar (i used 1/2 brown 1/2 reg.)<br />1 egg<br /><br />preheat oven to 350. mix ingredients. place on a cookie sheet. press down with fork to make cute grooves. bake for 10-12 minutes. eat!<br /><br />But of course we had to go a little nuts and add some dark chocolate because, really, isn't everything better with a bit of chocolate?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vBNdnRg4Conxi6p7j_hx6DK3e0YdD6uhoSnBgXd1mzWTPvNE2-p-ztRZKyck5ZeKXsNB3IZ9bVo2zzRRjSVrDu5-EQiWG2o58E78aSJDyty5tw4YK-80XpsmzvUbQl6n1J3V0ajVlWQ/s1600-h/IMG_1847.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vBNdnRg4Conxi6p7j_hx6DK3e0YdD6uhoSnBgXd1mzWTPvNE2-p-ztRZKyck5ZeKXsNB3IZ9bVo2zzRRjSVrDu5-EQiWG2o58E78aSJDyty5tw4YK-80XpsmzvUbQl6n1J3V0ajVlWQ/s320/IMG_1847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140875468154501538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a busy few weeks around our house, but please stay tuned for the big round up from our super successful and exciting Seasoned Eatings contest!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-51078674329157964192007-11-27T13:23:00.000-05:002007-11-27T13:24:43.969-05:00A Spicy StoryAbout how we are all connected, at least through food =)<br /><br />Check it out <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DC1339F93BA2575AC0A96E948260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-19553823215022358912007-11-26T06:03:00.000-05:002007-11-26T10:11:24.112-05:00Daring Bakers: Take Two<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e5C_rP4HjwTB5fcyilucOAlAP3Y6o5Kvhhg5Y0CJKvQRcaWqjqLYVCyWiclPIEaBVpsckj6uVE8qNpGCzXtKTDtasP0-3Hy5qW9n3j6h7ouPdldfzHTMSf6gfGXQio-h-1U7KpzCpQg/s1600-h/IMG_1805.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e5C_rP4HjwTB5fcyilucOAlAP3Y6o5Kvhhg5Y0CJKvQRcaWqjqLYVCyWiclPIEaBVpsckj6uVE8qNpGCzXtKTDtasP0-3Hy5qW9n3j6h7ouPdldfzHTMSf6gfGXQio-h-1U7KpzCpQg/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136921301941917810" border="0" /></a><br /></div>When the recipe of the month was introduced as potato bread my stomach turned. For some reason, the thought of working with live yeast has been a source of unwarranted yet persistent fear. Perhaps that is why the bread machine still lives on our floor and not in our kitchen.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3bQt6tD3GcYJZmVDS0As18kkMpngbQEkn_p9O74KYQ79kHftEWFalBhMsSTJ2r7V4wFmegPNnrxuO4NtTaqAwuDfkDyVKWQVZdqooPPd8OnSP7nyj87G1l7E8h-H8xIYfD98FTCxYjA/s1600-h/IMG_1832.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3bQt6tD3GcYJZmVDS0As18kkMpngbQEkn_p9O74KYQ79kHftEWFalBhMsSTJ2r7V4wFmegPNnrxuO4NtTaqAwuDfkDyVKWQVZdqooPPd8OnSP7nyj87G1l7E8h-H8xIYfD98FTCxYjA/s320/IMG_1832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136921671309105314" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is my dad. I hope he is okay with his mug floating around on international waters but I really wanted to call attention to his apron for turkey carving. It reads: I'm still a hot babe, it just comes in flashes.</span><br /><br /></div>But I digress, yet again! For this is the very reason I joined this group of culinary dare devils...to face my fears come flopped flan or deflated soufflé!<br /><br />So in honor of national turkey day, and the fact that I was now in my parents glorious kitchen, which as a side note is likely larger than our ENTIRE home, I decided to face my fears head on.<br /><br />The recipe called for potatoes, active yeast, salt, lots of flour, and water. Easy enough, right? Um, ok. The dough was sticky. Not bubble gum sticky but more of a newly poured cement meets oatmeal. Needless to say, it was an adventure.<br /><br />However, as luck would have it, this sticky lump of scariness was eventually turned into something rather edible. In fact, you might call it delicious. I know darling hubby sure did!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4R5fOj2YCAIFf3ZzxUwHpI6vYmBXtm7PKZfoTHxKtzP96ZsTxKgwGZzwq-dLoZV5QeQKV-F7k7Y1FplRX-JD9YPS1rNQLEq9HcEDiDbvI6lMqekrZSZRDuG2WDiBCQVDWvsX5oelGQc/s1600-h/IMG_1819.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4R5fOj2YCAIFf3ZzxUwHpI6vYmBXtm7PKZfoTHxKtzP96ZsTxKgwGZzwq-dLoZV5QeQKV-F7k7Y1FplRX-JD9YPS1rNQLEq9HcEDiDbvI6lMqekrZSZRDuG2WDiBCQVDWvsX5oelGQc/s320/IMG_1819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136921551050021010" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />The outcome? One medium sized rosemary and red onion foccacia...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Vm1lYjrawxZo7JPqTNltGV0qph5Mff1gsuEdW8aRkgIOrO-Jpm-baVrkCLyfrVKzW-AmP_m8b9cCILQKfYX_uCHCvEVyAO5ACLQkzOBwIDKTELdJpgxG5CNw2jqyur02kKjBcfKPcg/s1600-h/IMG_1795.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Vm1lYjrawxZo7JPqTNltGV0qph5Mff1gsuEdW8aRkgIOrO-Jpm-baVrkCLyfrVKzW-AmP_m8b9cCILQKfYX_uCHCvEVyAO5ACLQkzOBwIDKTELdJpgxG5CNw2jqyur02kKjBcfKPcg/s320/IMG_1795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136921164502964322" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rosemary and Red Onion Foccaccia (taking a nod from the bakery window!)</span><br /></div><br />...and a single, perfect loaf of doughy potato-y cheddar cheese bread.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oFYxRCKwCSuPCzocYpdxb3ZCzlRwhe325XCfw_fSfuDvL7ERh8u9eGC8s3Es6YdPI6kifCAyqoS7r-T8lIVEhBi6QW76BIsKu6RMOkQszMJU3N14InmT3uIBTrKMatwRwVfLcd6ipWc/s1600-h/IMG_1810.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oFYxRCKwCSuPCzocYpdxb3ZCzlRwhe325XCfw_fSfuDvL7ERh8u9eGC8s3Es6YdPI6kifCAyqoS7r-T8lIVEhBi6QW76BIsKu6RMOkQszMJU3N14InmT3uIBTrKMatwRwVfLcd6ipWc/s320/IMG_1810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136921443675838594" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gooey Potato Cheddar Bread (giving a nod to darling hubby who will eat anything I make with the addition of cheese)<br /><br /></span></div>Et voila! This last minute addition to our thanksgiving table was a welcomed one. And ironically enough, one that I would like to make again!<br /><br />p.s. Potato cheddar cheese bread made for some spectacular turkey sandwiches the next day, highly recommended!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-57707730044512709782007-11-14T23:33:00.000-05:002007-11-17T11:11:42.140-05:00Are you spicy enough?It's about that time of year... The time we reconvene with our couch, our loved ones, and our stove. The summer heat is but a distant memory and we are left with the excitement of the holidays on the horizon.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS9GP_ZFArfcOh0msLYPGZiO0vJmBpw2jfaK0ToQw7EEQ780yYRaAr3Sy3cnerXAylwFx-AeDBTT9JEp7rZRswFX4SRFrEOjLQ-TlojDRL_0bpzDZKKrVMPPBpGa_e2BMIhpuXG0Sfi8/s1600-h/seasonedeatings.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS9GP_ZFArfcOh0msLYPGZiO0vJmBpw2jfaK0ToQw7EEQ780yYRaAr3Sy3cnerXAylwFx-AeDBTT9JEp7rZRswFX4SRFrEOjLQ-TlojDRL_0bpzDZKKrVMPPBpGa_e2BMIhpuXG0Sfi8/s320/seasonedeatings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132886162987456594" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat your heart out parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme...<br /><br /></span></div>As a novice blogger and baker, I thought that a neat way to celebrate the holiday with my new friends would be a kind of global sharing of local flavors with an added element of gifting and surprise. I mean, what's better than sharing good food with good friends and a surprise present to boot?<br /><br />So after many conversations with the lovely <a href="http://thyme2.typepad.com/">Katie from a Thyme for Cooking</a>, we are going to try a new adventure in blogland with the help of YOU, called "Seasoned Eatings."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/29949508_28591869c5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 163px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/29949508_28591869c5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Turkish viagra and other delights (If only I were kidding)</span><br /></div><br />Cute name, but what the heck does it mean?<br /><br />1) Your task is to find one spice, that is either local to your area or is representative of your cooking style.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/29949477_5558f47baf.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 192px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/29949477_5558f47baf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Spice Market in Istanbul (Summer 2005)<br /><br /></span></div>2) Then you package it up and send it off to the blogger you are assigned to (this is how we will maintain the element of surprise). With the package you send to your secret recipient you will add a recipe for the spice you are including.<br /><br />3) Then, when you receive your package in the mail you get to post a picture of the package and your reaction to the mystery ingredient.<br /><br />4) The second post (or the first if you are uber-motivated) will be the picture of the recipe you made with your ingredient.<br /><br />Easy? Kind of. Fun? Heck yeah!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/29951745_c346f7d3d1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 207px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/29951745_c346f7d3d1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So come on! Join us in our international culinary gift-a-thon. Leave a message in the comments section if you are willing to play!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now who's in for some </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">seasoned eatings</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-9651787634054790422007-11-13T09:14:00.000-05:002007-11-13T09:56:36.437-05:00When store bought won't do. Or, How to embarass yourself at dinner.We enjoyed dinner with our friends at Mexicana Mama Centro just the other night and I think I slightly embarrassed hubby when I buried my head in their bowl of special salsa before my food even arrived. Thank goodness, because it just so happens the salsa was truly the star of the meal. Roasted smoky poblano peppers were blended into creamy goodness, honestly a salsa like no other...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1zv9sdHPnYRsI8SxfK84VXbSlAe073x2Ya51dxddjoqFOEytERdxOlNYRnU2xhGZoBoQZ7vqoqcAPHAj3YIyNnqTes0-i5fQl7c1rmuVYWw8qRZCWMSMNC6-6wPw45Eb7y7rFw4rzCc/s1600-h/IMG_1775.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1zv9sdHPnYRsI8SxfK84VXbSlAe073x2Ya51dxddjoqFOEytERdxOlNYRnU2xhGZoBoQZ7vqoqcAPHAj3YIyNnqTes0-i5fQl7c1rmuVYWw8qRZCWMSMNC6-6wPw45Eb7y7rFw4rzCc/s320/IMG_1775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131323461768843074" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Almost Mexicana Mama's Secret Salsa</span><br /></div>So what's a girl to do if she can't afford the price tag of a daily dose of this goodness? Why make some herself, of course!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4KDh4GK8i5J-oLd2Jys7xX_Iw6yRAGsbYtWe8_Hyj_0r-h7-Jlf5jbHrWUgzOdcdIzMKCfxYgu7clgHcyFpY6urWIJY-fBJF_Fk-QBBaOEiy0i8RiHBrJBEaPK9DMGSxBFDoyYnrYjs/s1600-h/IMG_1764.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4KDh4GK8i5J-oLd2Jys7xX_Iw6yRAGsbYtWe8_Hyj_0r-h7-Jlf5jbHrWUgzOdcdIzMKCfxYgu7clgHcyFpY6urWIJY-fBJF_Fk-QBBaOEiy0i8RiHBrJBEaPK9DMGSxBFDoyYnrYjs/s320/IMG_1764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131323371574529842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Poblano peppers are roasted with the seasons final heirloom tomatoes and a head of rocambole garlic. Then the whole gang heads to an immersion blender to get further acquainted with the help of some delphino cilantro and hello secret salsa revealed! (Whole recipe coming soon!)<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-17406681470717991812007-11-10T16:16:00.001-05:002007-11-10T16:41:25.954-05:00Faux fried chicken and pan seared harvest gnocchi, I mean c'mon... does it get any better?Hubby was away on business for a bit this week, which gave me time to catch up on some much needed girl time and to recreate a culinary favorite from years passed. Ever since Bouchon opened in NYC, I have been obsessed with the menu's local features while maintaining a very international feel.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIukhvcJL16tr7hPYljpdB6QE5qv_r3ub14MvrOy94V-FjWOkyXOtLFl8XFQ_ED6l_9oqZ3UaljvQOByJjfmqXvAGMm9lKJL5KsAuKCpEUK-On4ZHVRs1xmQwK0NCwgNt84T9PE1sZH8/s1600-h/IMG_1787.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIukhvcJL16tr7hPYljpdB6QE5qv_r3ub14MvrOy94V-FjWOkyXOtLFl8XFQ_ED6l_9oqZ3UaljvQOByJjfmqXvAGMm9lKJL5KsAuKCpEUK-On4ZHVRs1xmQwK0NCwgNt84T9PE1sZH8/s320/IMG_1787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131323878380670818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/faux-fried-chicken-and-pan-seared.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faux Fried Chicken with Harvest Gnocchi</span></a><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/231343">This gnocchi recipe</a>, adapted from my hero Thomas Keller at Bouchon, was a crowd favorite. The addition of my faux fried chicken sealed the deal for a delicious dinner that was enjoyed by all!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJygjfG9I3SqT_Q169U6ptceM6EU_UZjfV9BtGLK8CAqccopAQwnNCVpTfulOnh4mMFDLA0iZv3Mpkj2s5wx9XlReq9R2NtMrRjr_lVquEuUHzrp0CNLEe2OBxFnuBZQaSXsLGLPYl-Q/s1600-h/IMG_1786.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJygjfG9I3SqT_Q169U6ptceM6EU_UZjfV9BtGLK8CAqccopAQwnNCVpTfulOnh4mMFDLA0iZv3Mpkj2s5wx9XlReq9R2NtMrRjr_lVquEuUHzrp0CNLEe2OBxFnuBZQaSXsLGLPYl-Q/s320/IMG_1786.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131323758121586514" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Since there were plenty of leftovers (that's what happens when you cook for 10 and serve 4!) I recreated this dish for hubby's return and added some homemade cream sauce and it was even better the second day around.<br /><br />The secret for second night success is reheating the gnocchi in a nonstick pan until it starts to get crunchy around the outside again and heating the chicken in the oven at a high enough heat that the crunch remains.<br /><br />At any rate, it was a successful family favorite that will surely be revisited again soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-46554559867750007902007-11-06T10:19:00.000-05:002007-11-06T13:39:59.821-05:00Color me lucky<div style="text-align: left;">After the week we've had (and yes, it's only Tuesday), there is something rewarding about coming home to a dinner that looks like this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gY6I-q476gJiekdIg18t2Ey4BpxdHfKOGpeg9seCgZwVLtonu2cSCT12oUWMvGXxOe_NdqRXRsIlbM4xxWY5TPpm6kpn9TqR5SVYO1h27ctEzLA1NSu6rwa_Tz6j6Tysr5MzfOcL_Tg/s1600-h/IMG_1673.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gY6I-q476gJiekdIg18t2Ey4BpxdHfKOGpeg9seCgZwVLtonu2cSCT12oUWMvGXxOe_NdqRXRsIlbM4xxWY5TPpm6kpn9TqR5SVYO1h27ctEzLA1NSu6rwa_Tz6j6Tysr5MzfOcL_Tg/s320/IMG_1673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129748205712403602" border="0" /></a></div>Yes mom, you see? We are eating our veggies! Those beautiful purple cauliflower maintain their color when roasted. They are a bit more mild and softer than their white counterparts and are truly delicious roasted at 350 with some good olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD1vQ20-I2j5nJeK0VBCfpdC508NuaMnTCPRPqouY0mK_t7G8MhiMyztXwKRR89xbdmAqTbuflMb1EY7I5WzZWmnejEY_FT7evQxeSnR3pF6hT2CY0vjAMfyKrKwBkildVD-F_7bubYE/s1600-h/IMG_1678.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD1vQ20-I2j5nJeK0VBCfpdC508NuaMnTCPRPqouY0mK_t7G8MhiMyztXwKRR89xbdmAqTbuflMb1EY7I5WzZWmnejEY_FT7evQxeSnR3pF6hT2CY0vjAMfyKrKwBkildVD-F_7bubYE/s320/IMG_1678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129747999553973378" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Doesn't this just make the most delicious side dish to some roasted leg of lamb? I'm drooling from memory :)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wz0eYxEFx-5mmxd8GqbsqXiCiSB_wmlcPJCQ4hS27TmrjJmb6QIGDkfkMO8Hg7jfkslHYyMRCd7ib9c7J7ETQq7T694aycBs35PIzieYf2gmZJKU9L1zCkVmOOdNzhpm0ckTz_OCDus/s1600-h/IMG_1674.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wz0eYxEFx-5mmxd8GqbsqXiCiSB_wmlcPJCQ4hS27TmrjJmb6QIGDkfkMO8Hg7jfkslHYyMRCd7ib9c7J7ETQq7T694aycBs35PIzieYf2gmZJKU9L1zCkVmOOdNzhpm0ckTz_OCDus/s320/IMG_1674.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129747857820052594" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Out of the oven, these guys maintain their vibrant color and get tossed with a bit more seasoning and some fresh parsley or cilantro and viola! Dinner is served.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-81534684630349239002007-11-05T10:28:00.001-05:002007-11-05T10:59:43.412-05:00GoodbyeEarly this morning the world lost a very special woman. If you never had the chance to meet her, you are surely missing one of the worlds most brilliant smiles, one of the warmest hearts and one of the most genuine friends to have graced our earth. And this morning, she lost a long and hard battle with the most evil form of cancer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHQNxaC8-5Ati3a3gV-vmLC_JBl9BbynWJsLTazBIngliD5XyL6OLc2MO5xTWbVD4Uec5Q5qJ-AqTFO-5j3TI6j9wCZeoAq3O-DyvQvqhnQD9dqQTB5JmfCyLydQKEftFGgmAQ8V8-M0/s1600-h/mom+%26+sherry.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHQNxaC8-5Ati3a3gV-vmLC_JBl9BbynWJsLTazBIngliD5XyL6OLc2MO5xTWbVD4Uec5Q5qJ-AqTFO-5j3TI6j9wCZeoAq3O-DyvQvqhnQD9dqQTB5JmfCyLydQKEftFGgmAQ8V8-M0/s320/mom+%26+sherry.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129379929446640738" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Mom & Sherry<br /><br /></div>I'm sure I knew Sherry in utero. She and my mom were best friends, sisters even, from the age of 13. However, one of my first and fondest memories of our Sherry is from one of her visits from Canada where she would arrive laden with Smarties and after drenching us with hugs and kisses would ask us to relive the past few months so she knew every detail of our lives.<br /><br />She was the only one who could take a splinter out of my finger without me flinching and the only one with whom my mom ever smiled so much.<br /><br />She was an angel, and the way her and my mom could light up a room when they were together is the single biggest tragedy of our losing Sherry.<br /><br />Everyone deals with losing someone differently. And although you cannot see the tears in their hearts, it does not mean that they aren't in terrible pain.<br /><br />The reason for this post is to memorialize Sherry in the only way I know how, with words. I only ask that in her honor we take a step back and value the individual way in which each person mourns to respect what we all must do when we lose such a beloved friend.<br /><br />To my mom I wish strength and love to guide her through these awful days and take solace in knowing that my wonderful dad is there to support her. I only wish I could send a hug across the country...<br /><br />I pray that we all remember to cherish what is near and dear while we have it, because at the end of the day our memories are how we keep loved ones alive.<br /><br />She was entirely too young, with entirely too much life to live, and will be remembered by friends and family as the brilliant light that shines so brightly in our hearts.<br /><br />Goodbye Sherry. I know that you are in a better place now with no more pain and I know that when I see you again we will dance and smile and talk as if no time had passed at all. I love you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-55920578214524266092007-10-31T10:59:00.000-04:002007-10-31T11:26:14.663-04:00Howl-oween*Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a, er...wrong super hero...<br /><br />I thought I would share with you a photo of our little Lola dressed up as batgirl (ahem, grrrl) for Halloween this year. There is an annual parade at Washington Square Park every year where all the dogs don their favorite costumes (sheah right, it's really us nutso owners!) and strut their stuff. There are many other photos to share, perhaps I'll post them in the days to come.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q6GZJlHXSyFPwrG0uOLAWvPvzeBU_7M3B5AtIeVtC8ET6jrNeetc_WwDTry4oRSBDBlo7ymV3LqnQwg23g2R2dKvpIETLRcjf6hWq6pEGHhMOS_zEEYeTnJFd43SnSyf-u7f5sqgTnM/s1600-h/IMG_1685.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q6GZJlHXSyFPwrG0uOLAWvPvzeBU_7M3B5AtIeVtC8ET6jrNeetc_WwDTry4oRSBDBlo7ymV3LqnQwg23g2R2dKvpIETLRcjf6hWq6pEGHhMOS_zEEYeTnJFd43SnSyf-u7f5sqgTnM/s320/IMG_1685.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127516446216121362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This superdog is on the lookout for new seasonal recipes. In fact, inspired by the colors of the season we are sharing with you our favorite new concoction, sweet potato chips.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqfDUkt50ZVCgaaHxr5Z0XismfMVa4QySZTdjEwjcVHuLl_JYAj-t4lad-Jrc7v_cdXNZ8YHfMPNpRP9HJeTnH4cc6Z_W_Ok9Be1o2aORpw1whRaVecwE54l97wx1ZphYNvWDWdpHB24/s1600-h/IMG_1670.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqfDUkt50ZVCgaaHxr5Z0XismfMVa4QySZTdjEwjcVHuLl_JYAj-t4lad-Jrc7v_cdXNZ8YHfMPNpRP9HJeTnH4cc6Z_W_Ok9Be1o2aORpw1whRaVecwE54l97wx1ZphYNvWDWdpHB24/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127518739728657442" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/seared-atlantic-yellowfin-tuna-sweet.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Super seasonal sweet potato chips</span></a><br /></div><br />Crunchy, sweet, salty and smokey. These <a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/seared-atlantic-yellowfin-tuna-sweet.html">sweet potato chips</a> take a nod from their fry cousins and are sliced thinner and in circles to ensure maximum surface area for the smoky cumin to rest and guarantees a slight crisp on both sides.<br /><br />There's no <span style="font-style: italic;">trick</span> to this recipe and I guarantee it becomes a beloved <span style="font-style: italic;">treat</span> in no time!<br /><br />Happy Halloween, happy seasonal eating, and don't forget to save a 3 musketeers for me!<br /><br />*Thanks to super hubby for the creative title, and the most delicious roasted chicken in the world last night for dinner.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-63127564102393742172007-10-29T09:53:00.000-04:002007-10-29T10:45:23.741-04:00The little kitchen that could: Daring Bakers, take one!If you had told me a year ago that I would be writing a blog I would have looked at you like you had 17 heads and then asked you for a definition of a blog...<br /><br />And again, if you had added that I might be using my oven to make sweet things as part of a baking club I would have really thought you had fallen off your rocker.<br /><br />Well my friend, the times they are a changin'.<br /><br />This month I had my first foray as a daring baker. What is a daring baker, you ask? Is this merely a ploy to get out of grading papers and writing up research? (How dare you!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMPw61goil6piDZ4wl5IOPSBOw5xavPV2o4ABcZAnkOPmYRFOJUFJPt383gRQd9PZ6RYSMuyR9P5TsaHqxzUY8SBbsqCKR1Ew48zV9z-NmduOkGYHF8d6LsEbWJV7KkL9_hbi-PmK3Rc/s1600-h/IMG_1633.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMPw61goil6piDZ4wl5IOPSBOw5xavPV2o4ABcZAnkOPmYRFOJUFJPt383gRQd9PZ6RYSMuyR9P5TsaHqxzUY8SBbsqCKR1Ew48zV9z-NmduOkGYHF8d6LsEbWJV7KkL9_hbi-PmK3Rc/s320/IMG_1633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125845605153729506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pumpkin Bostini Goodness</span><br /></div><br />The daring bakers is a lovely group of folks started by one of my favorite blog friends <a href="http://llcskitchen.blogspot.com/">Lis of La Mia Cucina </a>and her adorable parter in crime <a href="http://www.creampuffsinvenice.ca/">Ivonne of Cream Puffs in Venice</a>. These lovely ladies became friends through the pages (that's web pages to you) and guided each other through their first daring bake off, pretzels, waaaay back when. And the rest, as they say, is history.<br /><br />So now, once a month the group gets together to make one (seemingly complex) recipe at the same time. I never knew I could look forward to a virtual bake-off and yet...here I am!<br /><br />The recipe this month is a take on Boston Cream Pie and calls for homemade custard(don't ask me how many eggs, just eat it!), a slice of orange chiffon cake, and a drizzle of chocolate glaze.<br /><br />Well, we aren't supposed to *change* the recipe, but I cannot entirely follow the rules so.... mine became a pumpkin chiffon cake with salted pumpkin seeds. A puree of pumpkin was made from fresh farmers' markets pumpkins and the seeds were toasted and salty, super delicious with the creamy sweet custard.<br /><br />In this final picture you can see I even used a pumpkin cookie cutter for the chiffon cake. Or maybe you can't? Either way, this recipe was over the top and such fun to make. Stay tuned for next months endeavor!<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1jAbJ3VSd_uhFlm5cDUBZgKzEJdQxeQMvMXakoIcCM_BLrIgHYgmSu3Bfvvxbn8zY5qkQNpwSkqGSRslbN50h2CcS3iPWB-DkCFJhJWDye8AnmbWp3IatJdWZmOENWziM2SYE8foH-0/s1600-h/IMG_1629.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1jAbJ3VSd_uhFlm5cDUBZgKzEJdQxeQMvMXakoIcCM_BLrIgHYgmSu3Bfvvxbn8zY5qkQNpwSkqGSRslbN50h2CcS3iPWB-DkCFJhJWDye8AnmbWp3IatJdWZmOENWziM2SYE8foH-0/s320/IMG_1629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125845776952421362" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">For the recipe, click here!<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />...And I almost forgot! Please check out the rest of the gorgeous takes on this classic dessert at the <a href="http://daringbakersblogroll.blogspot.com/">daring bakers blogroll </a>:) <br />Happy salivating!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-48522115040280993342007-10-26T21:56:00.000-04:002007-10-26T09:51:30.207-04:00A new twist on an old favorite<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It has been a while since I last posted, and for that I apologize. It seems as if the title of this post would have been appropriate if it were instead called "The Perfect Storm." Maybe I'll repost under that heading a bit later. <br /><br />Meanwhile, I wanted to share with you a weekend favorite at our house before the weekend gets started. My hope is that maybe someone will want to make this yummy breakfast this weekend and with a proper heads up, you will have time to stop at the (farmers'??) market on the way home and be prepared for tomorrow's breakfast.<br /><br />This may not be the prettiest of photos, but this breakfast was a knock your socks off kind of creation. (And not the way the Yanks feel about their arch nemesis.)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtA0Z5945WB-H7wHhur9tJ9TadpYsYnHEeaYWrD8DZ5zkC36RuImq-K897oSXJN6OcdOe5EmhTlaFsED1VGqZCR_UGAJ9rqzR4ikxXMJc-TR44qxkYOCRVYHRL21p1e3ECRwYQ7-OKyg/s1600-h/IMG_1617.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtA0Z5945WB-H7wHhur9tJ9TadpYsYnHEeaYWrD8DZ5zkC36RuImq-K897oSXJN6OcdOe5EmhTlaFsED1VGqZCR_UGAJ9rqzR4ikxXMJc-TR44qxkYOCRVYHRL21p1e3ECRwYQ7-OKyg/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376623246541330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Huevos Rancheros a la Port-ment</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">First, some clarification:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Port=us. Huevos rancheros=just plain happiness on a plate, or if you want to get technical it means ranch eggs. And we live in an apartment, thus port-ment. Capesh?<br /><br />Now we often stumble into a place like chat'n'chew where they plate their huevos on a bed of nacho chips, or sometimes we are all fancy-like and visit the culinary genius Flay at Mesa Grill where they have all sorts of renditions of this goody. <br /><br />However, in our house, we can make it however we please...which means we can use the spicy fresh chorizo from the farmers market fried up with some onions, garlic and a fresh heirloom tomato, make the eggs with dill, squash and garlic, and then pile it all on a thick slice of grain bread to scoop up all the liquid from it's upstairs neighbors. Grate some fresh smoked gouda on top and you are in business. A pile of goodness, if you ask me!<br /><br />So there's a fun weekend breakfast for you. I hope someone enjoys it, because we sure do! <br /><br />In other news, we are going on a field trip (i.e., a gaggle of my favorite friends are using this as an excuse not to write up much overdo research) to see Emeril today and although he isn't my favorite chef I am excited to see a BAM! in person. If I happen to snap a photo with my phone I'll post it for anyone who is interested. <br /><br />Otherwise, happy Friday and in honor of our southern breakfast...ya'll come back now, ya hear?<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-13639175425008408552007-10-20T12:44:00.000-04:002007-10-20T13:04:53.876-04:00Candy Corn Inspired<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqmGqDDOKgvPfUWUaIUUGBYdaL0iyIRjs61tg2rWcyz1S53Q9ULEAZRNftmjYID105GATO2qkcSzuTEy2GzNTn_H3Ner3oXBDSs4emjYNWJaGTpndjglWZXAoCKRnq5KrtsvTBU3unK4/s1600-h/IMG_1642.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqmGqDDOKgvPfUWUaIUUGBYdaL0iyIRjs61tg2rWcyz1S53Q9ULEAZRNftmjYID105GATO2qkcSzuTEy2GzNTn_H3Ner3oXBDSs4emjYNWJaGTpndjglWZXAoCKRnq5KrtsvTBU3unK4/s320/IMG_1642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123461284407902818" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Candy-Corn-a-Brownie</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />When I stopped into the local Walgreens a few weeks ago I was greeted with an onslaught of Halloween treats. Whereas usually I would seize this excuse to stock up on mini-snickers and three musketeers to freeze and eat slovenly over the next month--the stockpile in my freezer reminded me that there really was no vacancy!<br /><br />Alas! What's a girl to do? Improvise I suppose.<br /><br />And so as I payed for my greeting card or toilet paper, or whatever it was that I was buying, those little devilish candy corn winked at me and I knew what I must do.<br /><br />(Caveat: I actually don't like candy corn. I think it's like eating sweetened lipstick. And no, I have never tried eating lipstick, much less the sweetened variety!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-ZM0eivI9S8muODUzeXpuH5uZDTSfJoLQkCzPpari8rfwj-Ud8awmNsk-utvYGtLu2SN0KMePmOq6RrKgkE4kpqW_WEIlqzX3XGTRnf20QEpzdkWIyed2wh5oX_WDurlzBur4KAlK-0/s1600-h/IMG_1639.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-ZM0eivI9S8muODUzeXpuH5uZDTSfJoLQkCzPpari8rfwj-Ud8awmNsk-utvYGtLu2SN0KMePmOq6RrKgkE4kpqW_WEIlqzX3XGTRnf20QEpzdkWIyed2wh5oX_WDurlzBur4KAlK-0/s320/IMG_1639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123465536425525890" border="0" /></a></div><br />And so here you have it. Another recipe for my beloved <a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/search/label/bakers%20edge%20pan">bakers edge pan</a><a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/search/label/bakers%20edge%20pan"> </a>and a great <a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/search/label/seasonal%20eating">seasonal treat</a>. It's a pumpkin tart like bottom with a chewy brownie like middle and gooey toasted marshmallows on top. Sounds terrible, right? Well as good as it was the first day, it was even better the next.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GDZAjpimlZSCW3gyAe-w2Wrz-Qgi5BntOpx3g-1SfsLpwW7zfcijL10hlzAULxt98O5SOtAOXA7rD0kzY69JuHWyc-TtOtWhxU6hK2HRTF52hgOpcMvrbnVya3913Q2MYY9DTwHZUio/s1600-h/IMG_1648.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GDZAjpimlZSCW3gyAe-w2Wrz-Qgi5BntOpx3g-1SfsLpwW7zfcijL10hlzAULxt98O5SOtAOXA7rD0kzY69JuHWyc-TtOtWhxU6hK2HRTF52hgOpcMvrbnVya3913Q2MYY9DTwHZUio/s320/IMG_1648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123465867138007698" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Stay tuned for the recipe. In the mean time go enjoy this lovely day for me please...the weather is be-au-ti-ful and the farmer's market is bustling with all kinds of goodness!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-41808537198151979492007-10-19T14:57:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:43:12.662-04:00Colors the way mother nature intended them to beWrite presentation for my students, check.<br />Grade responses and create rubrics, check.<br />Finish midterms, check.<br />Finalize paper for psychometric theory, check.<br />Write up research...check, kind of.<br />Post about something fun we have made/eaten as of late to remind my mom that I am, in fact, getting some sort of nourishment while I work 12 hours a day, OOPS!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It is rather easy to get bogged down with life, but it is more important (in my humble opinion, of course) to remember to take time to enjoy a meal with those you love, namely the darling hubby.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/roasted-butternut-squash-soup.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUh5j8kClAktqFLwEFYLSkvEl4feS8OwFzcgkNj0Fr1mUFcvhNxDfBqUPFFQWb6XnQIPKYPnESoVA0Olt7d8YVcFe8P89wjMcdsghvEiqip-A_edN7UctOjLu7n6No6nAQ8pfSsd5i-c/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376893829481010" border="0" /></a><a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/roasted-butternut-squash-soup.html"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/roasted-butternut-squash-soup.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roasted Butternut Squash Soup* </span></a><br />(I like mine with a ripe cherry tomato for a contrasting sweet, fresh burst of flavor)<br /><br /></div>Last week a near perfect butternut squash jumped into my hands while I strolled the farmers market, only to be neglected on our kitchen table for the coming week. Thankfully they stay fresh, unlike the countless tomatoes I have had to turn into sauce after certain neglect.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://countrygirlcityliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/roasted-butternut-squash-soup.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtOnk-ZxhAaTQ859rBLH1ChyZ92sFSxRXB2OzjumIOjC9av0fDM0-TtODnenSjm6yr1fNXtOkdWV09J2AjJRDPxAoXyO4NupZBwL8u8d12bRBG_kRRYx4_6xNvONAxTlr8c5RUL5aY7U/s320/IMG_1560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376816520069666" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Hubsband is more old fashioned. i.e., if it ain't broke, don't fix it!)<br /><br /></div>Last weekend was it's time to shine as we created a thick and creamy butternut squash soup. It was originally going to be used in a fun gnocchi recipe that we will share later in the season, but this soup was really outstanding. If you don't trust me, ask my sister in law who nearly swooned after trying some. And the best part? It's so very simple.<br /><br />*Follow the bold title for the recipe =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-42642473418538225202007-10-17T21:52:00.000-04:002007-10-17T09:24:13.279-04:00Farmers Market Finds<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It's still life at the farmers market! I couldn't wait to share with you the myriad of fall colors...including PURPLE that have made their appearance as of late.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1epB3bQ0CIgL87W9kgOxeJmbFaIlPXzZ8QgjPn7DbDJjncgAKLFZxJTm5RNJ0rm65L6o_jCzIYhaS7QttHisLK_0KXy9Z0rXUQCJuC9hlsmG69urEwhLj6DCBVoMAKcL9EfiOaETuIxQ/s1600-h/IMG_1602.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1epB3bQ0CIgL87W9kgOxeJmbFaIlPXzZ8QgjPn7DbDJjncgAKLFZxJTm5RNJ0rm65L6o_jCzIYhaS7QttHisLK_0KXy9Z0rXUQCJuC9hlsmG69urEwhLj6DCBVoMAKcL9EfiOaETuIxQ/s320/IMG_1602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376309713928690" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />We were lucky to walk away with some beautiful burgundy dahlia's and brussels sprouts still on the stalk (bottom left). Not to be left out, there were sugar pumpkins, purple cauliflower, broccoli, yellow squash, fresh herbs (dill, basil, and rosemary to be exact), and a beautiful selection of peppers:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FGr5R6UVK0uuU0hcO6U53OLknkhwwEBFVDFYKR8vf9AUMMSYUHMtwdELbmcaxA8qFhaHJJIgzHeDygbfQbiSQu2T7JW-gnHDOezKZdcQp8GsSwSPMU6Su6bCU_RLR36ZprTIWv_wgZU/s1600-h/IMG_1599.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FGr5R6UVK0uuU0hcO6U53OLknkhwwEBFVDFYKR8vf9AUMMSYUHMtwdELbmcaxA8qFhaHJJIgzHeDygbfQbiSQu2T7JW-gnHDOezKZdcQp8GsSwSPMU6Su6bCU_RLR36ZprTIWv_wgZU/s320/IMG_1599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376228109550050" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Now tell me this isn't the epitome of hot:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCriaKrPbR-aOpiqvHbvlfSUAMMlBrPn1ckLPqZO62XI5mWZuTlFltEZDvVA4FK6rDa5RNJhD6X4Fdhxs4oy8-FRlVEGUDPG5-WR5nmkjOUOKWJLgD6BtyPl0WCsxKJUDtq5UJBq6U7q8/s1600-h/IMG_1594.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCriaKrPbR-aOpiqvHbvlfSUAMMlBrPn1ckLPqZO62XI5mWZuTlFltEZDvVA4FK6rDa5RNJhD6X4Fdhxs4oy8-FRlVEGUDPG5-WR5nmkjOUOKWJLgD6BtyPl0WCsxKJUDtq5UJBq6U7q8/s320/IMG_1594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376112145433042" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />What about this spice mecca:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl70sau-Ar4_-wZWiGPGIyyhgelJ6UZkQBU87yABL3qgoAIBjcc9ZJhIgTgi8GKt74WwjLsJpXY6OWS3sOwvN1JiWu45nlFLEGAUaGEdQ03trreOPu3MUT6eBi0R6JdJzZpsLROr43aA/s1600-h/IMG_1590.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl70sau-Ar4_-wZWiGPGIyyhgelJ6UZkQBU87yABL3qgoAIBjcc9ZJhIgTgi8GKt74WwjLsJpXY6OWS3sOwvN1JiWu45nlFLEGAUaGEdQ03trreOPu3MUT6eBi0R6JdJzZpsLROr43aA/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121376009066217922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How many peppers would you pick?<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-41876272309125864902007-10-15T21:50:00.000-04:002007-10-16T09:47:39.630-04:00Drumroll please...<div style="text-align: center;">A long, long time ago....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once upon a time, before fairy tales started with similar beginnings, there lived a family in the foot hills of the Carpathian mountain range.<br /><br />There was the industrious father, Alexander, the loving housewife, Anna, and eight beautiful children: Olga, Michael, Arnold, Bela, Herman, Margaret, Louis and George. And while they lived amidst a modest group, the father was a successful entrepreneur and a good provider for the family.<br /><br />Growing up their children knew the meaning of a dollar(or maybe it was a crony), the importance of being a decent citizen, and the value of family. This family knew of the outside world, even visited the big city Budapest on occasion. But they were much happier at home, in their tiny little enclave called (don't laugh, it's the truth) Butyan (yes, it is pronounced butt shine, and no, I kid you not!).<br /><br />The days were long and lazy, although the children worked hard keeping the house and milking the cows. The oldest boy was a local scholar and was the first in his family to get a degree in teaching and begin honing his skills at the local school. The girls were quickly becoming great cooks in their mothers footsteps, and the boys often helped in the kitchen when they had finished their studies.<br /><br />The entire family had a solid work ethic that transcended any clock that they might consult. And at the end of a week there was nothing more special that sitting down for the Sabbath meal, relaxing among family and enjoying the fruits of their labor.<br /><br />Friday dinner was always a special one. Anna and her daughters would create feasts of stuffed cabbage, cholent, and the family favorite chicken paprikash. Her dumplings were the talk of the town and the pride of her family.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUTsAjr0J_qAAcTQoeTRpL42klwk0er2zgli0DI98Pg7VRvUmyc99akNytE6L6RDJucIEJb-jWvDFn-QR6HvnzFq7-9iWrVac_tboP2OSa9xCNatAFHdWtV2oxxyDX7q4IY_o75XLRf0/s1600-h/IMG_1623.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUTsAjr0J_qAAcTQoeTRpL42klwk0er2zgli0DI98Pg7VRvUmyc99akNytE6L6RDJucIEJb-jWvDFn-QR6HvnzFq7-9iWrVac_tboP2OSa9xCNatAFHdWtV2oxxyDX7q4IY_o75XLRf0/s320/IMG_1623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121375480785240498" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />It was on these peaceful Friday nights the Kleins believed that all was well with the world. For a while at least.<br /><br />Anna became ill and the oldest daughter Olga was called on to take care of the family while her mother was on bed rest. Business remained steady for Alexander but the daily talk around town was of imminent danger from the west, Germany.<br /><br />I could write on and on for hours, detailing the way Olga might have sewn buttons from rose colored silk brought home from her fathers business trip, or the way she might have come to perfect the most delicious Cacoash. But the truth is, we will never know.<br /><br />In 1944, Olga along with the rest of her family (except her mother who had since passed) were boarded onto a train and taken to the place that would disband her family forever. She was first sent to Bergen Belsen and finally to Auschwitz. Michael, Bela, Herman and her dear father Alexander were taken from her, no one knows exactly how or when they passed. But she never forgot where she came from and the magical dinners that used to pull her family together once a week.<br /><br />Years later a blessed woman emerged from an international travesty stronger and more brave than anyone could imagine. Bedridden and frail, Olga cheated death and recovered in Sweden. Luck wouldn't begin to describe the fate that brought her back in touch with her brother and led to her subsequent move to the United States.<br /><br />Olga brought many things with her on that trip to the United States in her little suitcase on that rocky boat. She brought courage enough to last a lifetime, passion enough to burn a hundred fires, love and gratitude for her family that would stand the test of time, and she brought culinary skill beyond belief.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I know this story because she is my Olga, she is my grandmother, and it is because of her that I love to cook. She has healed with her soup, cured with her kugels and given us comfort with her paprikash. She is my secret treasure, revealed to you...the world. And it is for her that I will forever bless the food that is set in front of me, and the loved ones that I am blessed to share it with.<br /><br />And there you have it. The tool whose real name will remain unknown has been used through the years, passed down through our family, now living in our tiny apartment in the middle of New York City, and is responsible for the most delicious, authentic and heartwarming dumplings that have ever graced a chicken paprikash.<br /><br />So congratulations all! Most of you guessed it correct. One lucky winner may find something else gracing their inbox, but anyone who guessed dumplings (in whatever language) was correct and is the lucky recipient of the most delicious chicken paprikash known to man.<br /><br />Happy eating!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1460409471323157213.post-4718769099353522252007-10-13T13:44:00.000-04:002007-10-15T12:47:51.599-04:00100 posts and a prize to boot!<div style="text-align: center;">What the @#$%?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGz5HF04cerJDXKfJqBUZAH9w62XbMOC_-zfV7Nh462_R4wQ8G5g7_oPFuhpFHUBtbaUOJT3w_DDtnuaPQzX9OZbqF5uyfMqz9CJ0IG2e35Od-r5S5Unxt-7ZMw6IYeh0Yb9LlPcU4k0/s1600-h/IMG_0918.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGz5HF04cerJDXKfJqBUZAH9w62XbMOC_-zfV7Nh462_R4wQ8G5g7_oPFuhpFHUBtbaUOJT3w_DDtnuaPQzX9OZbqF5uyfMqz9CJ0IG2e35Od-r5S5Unxt-7ZMw6IYeh0Yb9LlPcU4k0/s320/IMG_0918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120554149894259090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We aren't the kind of family whose long history in this country comes with a multitude of heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. In fact, when my grandmother came to the U.S. it was after recovering from the Holocaust which means she was lucky to have survived with her life, personal belongings were the last thing on her mind.<br /><br />This is a bittersweet point to me. While I prize my pink star sapphire ring that was once my mothers 16th birthday gift, there is nothing that was once worn by my great grandmother that reminds me of where I come from.<br /><br />What we do have in our family is a legacy of interesting Eastern European recipes. And the interesting tool above is part and parcel of our rich history. One of the few pieces of our families past, this kitchen accessory was brought from the old country (most likely Hungary) by my grandfather and used for many years to create one of his (our) signature dishes.<br /><br />In honor of my 100th post, I wanted to give something back to those of you who have encouraged me along the way. It's nothing huge, a trifle really!<br /><br />Your task is to name that funky tool, and tell me what it's used for. Now it's not really fair for family members to answer this so, please, let the other kids try first ;)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">(**please leave your email in the comments part, no one but me sees. and who knows? you may end up with a little treat in the mail, a secret ingredient from the old country!)</span><br /><br />The person who guesses the correct use and/or gives it the funkiest name, wins the top secret recipe for which this tool was made. Because really, can we let this poor tool that has been used and abused for so many years continue to live without a proper name?<br /><br />Easy enough? Good.<br /><br />This is my way to thank you for sticking around and to encourage you lurkers to speak up! I may have some other goodies looking for a new home that may arise during this contest so check back. In the meantime....guess away!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16