country.girl.city.living

Italian sans tomato

2008-06-13T10:31:00.003-04:00

This 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.
If you've been following the news 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 Mexico, 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.

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!

So easy and so delicious, this is my version of Chicken Saltimbocca over creamy corn risotto:

Chicken Saltimbocca over Creamy Corn Risotto

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:

"Thank you for your patronage for the past 25 years, it has been our pleasure to serve you"

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.

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!

(Follow the link under the photo for the recipe if you are so inclined. And no, it's not kosher!)

Watching the ships roll by, and thinking through seaweed...

2008-06-11T15:31:00.001-04:00

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 =)

Can you even deal with the cuteness of this mug? (Or how incredible technology has become?)

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.

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.

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.

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".

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...

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.

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!

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.

I told you it was distracting!

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...

T Minus 10...

2008-05-27T18:20:00.007-04:00

Time certainly flies when you're having fun, and the whole pregnant thing doesn't hurt either I suppose...

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 =)

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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.

Whats been cooking? And sharing the love...

2008-02-13T14:01:00.008-05:00

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:

Flipper @ 12 weeks (and already pondering the meaning of life!)

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.

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.

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 More Than Burnt Toast 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!

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!

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!

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:

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 Crazy Mom Quilts!

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 La Mia Cucina.

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 Authorblog.

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 Oh, Your a Feminist! is one of my all time favorite people.

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 Thyme for Cooking.

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...

Until then, happy eating!

Seasoned Eatings Recap

2007-12-22T13:04:00.000-05:00

When Katie (A Thyme for Cooking) 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!

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...

Let the round up begin!

The ever creative Carla from dessert-lounge 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!

Darling Lisa from I've got Seoul 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.

The amazing Meryl from My Bit of Earth 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!)

The very lucky Chris from Melecotte 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 ;)

Betty from Cuisine Quotidian 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:

The lovely Jann from Traveling Food Lady 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!

The culinary genius Laurie from Med Cooking 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!

The lovely Lannae from a Lannae's Food and Travel 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.

The talented Pamela from Zoomie 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.

I was lucky enough to have Katie 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.

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 HERE!

Happy holidays and Seasoned Eatings to all.

Yule never believe what the daring bakers have done this time...

2007-12-22T12:42:00.000-05:00

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!

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...

Really, the list could go on forever.

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!

The good news is, it looked good after it sat in the fridge to cool overnight, and it actually kind of tasted good, too.

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?

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.

Theres always time for blondies....

2007-12-19T13:38:00.001-05:00

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.

Dark, milk and peanut butter chip blondies

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!

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.

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.

And just in case you beat me home, they are on the top shelf in the aluminum foil honey!

Family dinners

2007-12-19T12:43:00.001-05:00

We 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.

Pan seared pumpkin gnocchi and sage butternut squash with roasted rosemary and garlic lamb chops

Because I know that our little feminist 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!

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.

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 =)

Warm winter meals

2007-12-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

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!

Wilted Spinach Salad with Caramelized Red Onions, Farmers Cheese, Adirondack Blue Potatoes and Salmon Glazed with Dijon and Dill

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)

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!

What we've been up to is 1, 2, 3....

2007-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

1: Our first snow!!!

How exciting for little Lola to romp around with her boyfriend Hudson and enjoy this wonderful treat:

2: The second night of the holiday of light

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:

3: Just three ingredients and 15 minutes to a homemade cookie (thank goodness for my amazing friend Amanda at CrazyMomQuilts/Cooks)

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!

So easy I think Lola might be able to make them:

1 c. peanut butter (we use chunky)
1 c. sugar (i used 1/2 brown 1/2 reg.)
1 egg

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!

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?

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!

A Spicy Story

2007-11-27T13:23:00.000-05:00

About how we are all connected, at least through food =)

Check it out here.

Daring Bakers: Take Two

2007-11-26T06:03:00.000-05:00

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

The outcome? One medium sized rosemary and red onion foccacia...

Rosemary and Red Onion Foccaccia (taking a nod from the bakery window!)

...and a single, perfect loaf of doughy potato-y cheddar cheese bread.

Gooey Potato Cheddar Bread (giving a nod to darling hubby who will eat anything I make with the addition of cheese)

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!

p.s. Potato cheddar cheese bread made for some spectacular turkey sandwiches the next day, highly recommended!

Are you spicy enough?

2007-11-14T23:33:00.000-05:00

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.

Eat your heart out parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme...

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?

So after many conversations with the lovely Katie from a Thyme for Cooking, we are going to try a new adventure in blogland with the help of YOU, called "Seasoned Eatings."

Turkish viagra and other delights (If only I were kidding)

Cute name, but what the heck does it mean?

1) Your task is to find one spice, that is either local to your area or is representative of your cooking style.

The Spice Market in Istanbul (Summer 2005)

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.

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.

4) The second post (or the first if you are uber-motivated) will be the picture of the recipe you made with your ingredient.

Easy? Kind of. Fun? Heck yeah!

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!

Now who's in for some seasoned eatings?

When store bought won't do. Or, How to embarass yourself at dinner.

2007-11-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

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...

Almost Mexicana Mama's Secret Salsa

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!

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!)

Faux fried chicken and pan seared harvest gnocchi, I mean c'mon... does it get any better?

2007-11-10T16:16:00.001-05:00

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.

Faux Fried Chicken with Harvest Gnocchi

This gnocchi recipe, 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!

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.

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.

At any rate, it was a successful family favorite that will surely be revisited again soon.

Color me lucky

2007-11-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

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:

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...

Doesn't this just make the most delicious side dish to some roasted leg of lamb? I'm drooling from memory :)

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.

Goodbye

2007-11-05T10:28:00.001-05:00

Early 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.

From left to right: Mom & Sherry

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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!

Howl-oween*

2007-10-31T10:59:00.000-04:00

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a, er...wrong super hero...

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.

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.

Super seasonal sweet potato chips

Crunchy, sweet, salty and smokey. These sweet potato chips 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.

There's no trick to this recipe and I guarantee it becomes a beloved treat in no time!

Happy Halloween, happy seasonal eating, and don't forget to save a 3 musketeers for me!

*Thanks to super hubby for the creative title, and the most delicious roasted chicken in the world last night for dinner.

The little kitchen that could: Daring Bakers, take one!

2007-10-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

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...

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.

Well my friend, the times they are a changin'.

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!)

Pumpkin Bostini Goodness

The daring bakers is a lovely group of folks started by one of my favorite blog friends Lis of La Mia Cucina and her adorable parter in crime Ivonne of Cream Puffs in Venice. 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

For the recipe, click here!

...And I almost forgot! Please check out the rest of the gorgeous takes on this classic dessert at the daring bakers blogroll :)
Happy salivating!

A new twist on an old favorite

2007-10-26T21:56:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

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.)

Huevos Rancheros a la Port-ment

First, some clarification:

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?

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.

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!

So there's a fun weekend breakfast for you. I hope someone enjoys it, because we sure do!

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.

Otherwise, happy Friday and in honor of our southern breakfast...ya'll come back now, ya hear?

Candy Corn Inspired

2007-10-20T12:44:00.000-04:00

Candy-Corn-a-Brownie

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!

Alas! What's a girl to do? Improvise I suppose.

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.

(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!)

And so here you have it. Another recipe for my beloved bakers edge pan and a great seasonal treat. 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.

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!

Colors the way mother nature intended them to be

2007-10-19T14:57:00.000-04:00

Write presentation for my students, check.
Grade responses and create rubrics, check.
Finish midterms, check.
Finalize paper for psychometric theory, check.
Write up research...check, kind of.
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!

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.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup*
(I like mine with a ripe cherry tomato for a contrasting sweet, fresh burst of flavor)

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.

(Hubsband is more old fashioned. i.e., if it ain't broke, don't fix it!)

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.

*Follow the bold title for the recipe =)

Farmers Market Finds

2007-10-17T21:52:00.000-04:00

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.

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:

Now tell me this isn't the epitome of hot:

What about this spice mecca:

How many peppers would you pick?

Drumroll please...

2007-10-15T21:50:00.000-04:00

A long, long time ago....

Once upon a time, before fairy tales started with similar beginnings, there lived a family in the foot hills of the Carpathian mountain range.

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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

It was on these peaceful Friday nights the Kleins believed that all was well with the world. For a while at least.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Happy eating!

100 posts and a prize to boot!

2007-10-13T13:44:00.000-04:00

What the @#$%?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 ;)

(**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!)

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?

Easy enough? Good.

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!

Bakers edge, bakers edge, bake me a dish!

2007-10-11T08:17:00.000-04:00

The days of fall are officially upon us. Instead of waking up and tossing on sandals, it is boots and closed toe shoes for us here in NYC. And with this, my favorite season, come all sorts of good things. Football games take over lazy Saturday afternoons. Leaves begin their magical transformation, turning central park into a jewel toned shop window for all her visitors. The lights for the holidays are not yet out, but there is something magical lurking in the air....

The smell of hot cider simmering with cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the farmers markets. Vendors put away their vibrant greens and introduce to us their deep yellows, oranges, and reds.

And so I came to invent a new fall treat, the apple identity crisis. Appropriately named due to my inability to decide whether it would be part tart or part crumble. Et voila! It is both:

Apple Identity Crisis

A chewy yet crisp tart bottom, then a layer of fresh sliced opalescent apples tossed in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then topped with a crumble of oats, brown sugar, flour and a bit of cold butter.

Mmmmm.....
Who's having seconds?

Nothing but Noodular Perfection

2007-10-08T21:38:00.001-04:00

If you've been riding along with us on our little culinary journey you might recall a certain obsession that was recently quenched with the acquisition of some new kitchen gear. You know the one...the culprit of the worlds most delicious brownies?

Well my friends, I'm here to share more success from our tiny kitchen and the result of this new acquisition. Behold! The perfect piece of lasagna:

No sunken center or too gummy edges, just plain noodle-y goodness all around. And straight from the pan this bad boy was perfectly browned on top and along all the edges (from the gobs of cheese of course!) and maintained its shape like a pro to boot!

So there you have it, yet another reason to invest in your kitchen. Besides, the results are more than worth the investment!

p.s. we're coming up on our 100th post and are so excited to celebrate. stay tuned for a fun contest to celebrate this milestone and the realization that i can, in fact, blabber for 100 days!

Why we love weekends with the family...

2007-10-08T21:10:00.001-04:00

This weekend found us traveling north to spend time with darling hubby's family. Two birthdays in one weekend meant a lot of running around. But our mom (mom-in-law for me!) always makes us feel relaxed and at home.

We were greeted first thing in the morning by this delicious homemade bread/cake/amazingness. It's called zapikanka(please forgive me while I totally slaughter that Russian word.) All you need to know is that it's a dense cake like treat filled with sweetened cranberries and baked with ricotta cheese.

Add in the fact that we were able to eat it on the back deck overlooking a small forest of jewel toned trees and it's pretty magical. In fact, I just call it yum.

Oh, and we met our new nephew (and Lola's cousin) Beans. Yes, I think he is Beans with an S and gets extra points for cuteness with that added consonant. He is just about the cutest little thing ever with his brindled coat and his big beagle ears. What a darling boy!

Our big girl was able to go hiking in the woods and then proceeded to find the nearest lake where she decided to get as dirty.....

...and as happy as I've seen her in a while! The shaking off of lake water on mom's legs wasn't my favorite thing. But seeing how happy it made her certainly made it all worth it for us!

All and all it was a pretty tiring day for this little guy and us! We ate and drank and then ate some more.... (photo below is of the absolutely delish salad made with fresh sheeps milk feta, basil, pink ping pong tomatoes, and kerby cukes tossed with some good olive oil, balsamic, kosher salt and black pepper)

And when it was time to go home we all wondered where the weekend went!

Except for little Beans. He was too busy getting ready for another day :)

Warming up to fall.

2007-10-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wilted spinach salad with caramelized red onions, pink ping pong tomatoes, and chevre

This salad was introduced to us about a year ago by my adorable sister-in-law and her brilliant chef of a boyfriend. We were at Thanksgiving dinner and I remember smelling the onions slowly caramelizing in their pan as we began appetizers. Fairly familiar with my mother-in-law's culinary repertoire I was curious to see what new creations were cooking up in her kitchen. And being the nosy daughter-in-law I stuck my nose in the kitchen to see what was cooking :) Shocker, right?

To tell you about the magic of this introduction is pointless... let's just say it has quickly made it into our culinary repertoire on a regular basis.

Anyway, the caramelized onions are gently poured over a base of spinach (in this case the baby variety) that has been lightly salted and peppered and speckled with pink ping pongs. The big finale is the crumbling --okay so it's more like force cut pieces-- of chevre cheese (that's just goat cheese rolled in herbs). The salad is then tossed together and viola! you have a hearty main dish, a delicious and savory starter....or a great fall lunch.

I can't wait to make this salad more often as the weather turns, with the addition of other seasonal goodies like seared butternut squash, roasted carrots, or just some good ole bacon!

Roof with a view, part 2

2007-10-05T13:02:00.000-04:00

When I finally get home in time to enjoy the lingering daylight (if only from my roof), it sure is nice to have views like these:

With the sun setting to our west you might almost call the view of Jersey in the distance idyllic...almost

Looking south down Broadway we have an unobstructed view of this famed street as it makes its way to the end of the city. If you look close enough you can see where the water (i.e. hudson meets east river) ends and Brooklyn begins.

Perhaps my favorite underdog, the Con Ed building stands proud amidst her shorter neighbors. Our own little empire state, this buildings colors change much like our friends below but with more variety! Often we are blessed with a 5 color night...

The undisputed landmark of the city. Looking north we are graced with the former Met Life building basking in the glory of her hero, the Empire State Building.

And just a little friendly reminder to all that while I may not have an hour to sit and mess around in the kitchen I can still take 10 minutes to put together a healthy, home made lunch. (sliced yellow peppers, kerby cukes, grape tomatoes, and a half sandwich of turkey on whole wheat.)

Happy Friday!

Who eats local? We do, we do!

2007-10-04T10:07:00.001-04:00

Seared Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna with Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Alright, I know what you are saying, wasn't I just complaining that I was coming home at 10 p.m. and here I am cooking dinner darn near midnight?

Well before you begin to really think twice about my sanity, I will tell you that after many times watching me prepare this meal, hubby stepped in, prepared this meal, and really 'kicked it up a notch.' ( I hate myself a little bit for writing that but I couldn't think of a better way to tell you that he really did an incredible job!)

If you have never experienced the flavor of fresh caught fish I urge you to get off your computer immediately and head to the local fish monger (even if this means at a whole foods) and buy yourself whatever was brought in that morning. I pinky promise you will not believe the difference. This entirely local meal (except the spices, I admit!) needed very few adornments to be truly sensational. (Click on the title above for the secrets, ahem, recipes for both!)

Any other local eaters out there? Give a shout out and share your favorite local eats....

Happy eating!

Roof with a view.

2007-10-02T08:43:00.000-04:00

Just like this photo of the ESB, I've been a bit cockeyed lately! School, work, and life in general has consumed my time/energy and I just wanted to say hello and promise to be back very soon...like Friday when my life calms down a bit and I can get home before 10 p.m. to actually use our tiny kitchen.

Until then, please peruse the other more interesting posts :)

(And yes, this was taken from our roof!)

2007-09-28T22:43:00.001-04:00

A azing

Have you have ever been the receiver of that perfect corner piece of ooey gooey brownie, the one with the perfectly crisp edges and the melted center? Well, my friends, the invention of this marvelous piece of baking gold is here to guaranteed that you will never long after the 4 sole corner pieces again.

Behold, the edgiest brownie maker on the planet (and I'm pretty sure it'll make a mean lasagna in a couple of months):

Not only is this the only device for the perfect edge, it is also great for the myriad of taste buds in your house. This little number was dark chocolate with peanut butter chips throughout and an extra bonus of roasted pecans on half, for the hubby of course, leaving the other half pristine.

But don't thank me, talk to the folks at Baker's Edge for bringing us this glorious tool. And the recipe in the package isn't too bad either!

You say potato, I say poh-tah-toh CHIPS!

2007-09-28T08:49:00.000-04:00

Mediterannean Cod with Pink & Purple Poh-tah-toh Chips

The fish is a take off on my traditional halibut, cod, flounder standby where I saute ribbons of onions and garlic with some fresh pepper, usually the small hot variety, then add chunks of tomato that become smashed and turn it into a "stewpy" sauce. This time I added thick slices of a fresh, sweet, red pepper that was begging to be eaten. (It was also yummy while fresh dipped in hummus while we waited for our starchy friends to finish cooking)

Close up of the Pink and Purple Potato Chips in all their crispy, crunchy goodness!

These guys were an impromptu delight. Usually the hubsband (yes I did mean to spell it that way, it's better than when we were engaged and I called him my financier!) likes the smashed variety with a bit of sauteed garlic and dill in olive oil.

This time I sliced them to boil them a bit faster, we were starving, and when they were about done (read: we had already snacked on everything not nailed down and weren't as ravenous) I transfered them into a nonstick skillet with olive oil then seasoned them with kosher salt and pepper.

And voila! An impromptu dish becomes a standby. Oh yes, my starchy friends, your days are numbered :)

Standing Room Only

2007-09-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

My original intention when starting this post, was to share with you the tight quarters from which we create meals. But a funny thing happened on the way to the dog park/farmers market yesterday morning and somehow these small digs are hardly worth mentioning.

Many of my new blogging friends have chatted with me *offline* about their beautiful kitchens, their lack of space, or have commiserated with me in a familiar dream-like trance about their "one day kitchen." That is in fact what motivated me to take this photo in the first place. However, my gripes and sarcasm about this lonely 25 inches of counter space (if that!) are hardly relevant now....

Yesterday morning was average. I followed my usual routine on market days, leaving a bit earlier for the run so that little Lola could get some exercise before we proceed to gather goodies from the farmers.

We arrived unceremoniously enough and while she did her stuff I took a seat next to a fellow pup owner. I commented on his darling dog.

"Surely she was a pit mix with that gorgeous broad jaw and stunning speckled face. What a doll! What's her name?"

"Funny thing" says the guy, "she doesn't have one yet."

We got to talking and it turns out he found her in Jersey City just two nights ago. As he tells it, she was being badly beaten by a group of kids at around 4 a.m. Between looks of disgust and despair I wondered what this man was doing out at such an hour, especially if he lives in the city. Which surely he must as he is at a dog park here at an early hour.

If you know me you probably know I like to talk. So I asked him what he was doing in such a bad neighborhood at such an un-g-dly hour. He shuddered and mumbled something I took to mean, "don't ask."

"All I know is she saved my life" he said, slowly nodding his head and looking at his cute new friend in awe.

Trying to make conversation I asked where he lived which prompted yet another heartbreaking comment, "right now? In cardboard."

Sh*t, there I go again opening my mouth. Can't leave well enough alone.

"My wife died August 10th and I lost it...." he mumbled something else and it was at that time that I could see that he was really hurting. There was something in his eyes that looked like the dampness of death had taken over his once happy heart.

He stared into the distance.

I could only speculate as to what he meant when he said that she saved his life. But it's not my business to speculate.

When he again turned back my way I quickly changed the topic. I learned that he was a well traveled and published photographer in addition to holding an impressive education with advanced degrees.

Here was this seemingly average man. Clean shaven, well dressed, sitting among other dog owners on an average morning at a neighborhood spot. Everything seemed average.

I told him I didn't want to be condescending but it would be an honor for me to give him some money for a good breakfast and a treat for his new pal which he promptly declined.

"I'm not working my dog at the run. Let's be dog run friends."

Ouch. I get it. I said goodbye and that I hope to see him tomorrow (today), and I bound towards the market with Lola.

My eyes were a bit wet as I realized that

....I had a wallet with some (trust me not lots!) of money,

....I was going to gather more (not that we need for anything) food to make for our family,

....I would take that food to our home (not too big but certainly a fine place to rest our heads),

....I would speak to my Mom on the phone, my sister over IM and my dad through email, and hubby about a zillion times...just to say I love you.

....later tonight I would make dinner (or as luck would have it, have dinner made for me) with my darling husband.

It is so easy to get caught up in the 'woe is me' syndrome which most likely results from our feeble attempts to keep up with the joneses (or in our case multiple gazillionairres living next door!). I know we all know this, and probably talk about it all the time, but I just had to write this down if only to remind myself. If only so that the next time I complain about something in my life I could look back(or someone out there could kindly refer me to this post) and remember to be thankful.

So who am I to complain about my small kitchen when it overflows with enough fresh and frozen produce to support a small army if ever Armageddon should come?

I'm thankful for my tiny apartment that is under 600 square feet and the kitchen that only one person can walk into at a time. I'm not thrilled that our only source of light (5 small windows) faces 4 walls and a public restroom, but it could be worse. It could really always be worse.

All I know is that now I will always carry a $20 with me in a little envelope with his name on it. Just in case.

Sensuous Home

2007-09-26T08:07:00.001-04:00

As luck would have it, I married a pretty talented guy. He not only puts out all sorts of fires each day at work, but he's pretty handy at home too!

This semester will find me at the university until 9 each night, which means starting dinner when I get home at 10 is not an option. Unless...

You have yourself a miracle husband.

In this case I have found one, and no ladies, he is not for sale. You might hear me gripe about him on occasion, but that is truly a result of his unfortunate membership to the genus of male. Again, not relevant here.

The irony of this story being the phone conversations we share while I either prepare to teach or begin my journey home which usually include the playful "sensuous home, why don't you see what we have in the fridge that could turn into an edible dish." So there you have it. My titles are usually relevant, if not overtly so!

The highlight of this meal was his creative interpretation of one of my all time favorite side dishes. Well, there are two here, but I'm focusing on the israeli couscous because I'm sure you've had it up to here (too bad you can't see me gesture to the sadly short top of my small 5'3' frame) with zucchini and eggplant.

If you have never experienced this savory side dish, do yourself a favor and run to your local food mart of choice and demand that they begin carrying it. Niceties aside, this stuff is quite spectacular! Although I do endorse kindness to strangers. Again, another post.

Israeli couscous is simply larger sized couscous. But the addition of size gives way to richer, more pasta-ish consistency, and man does it pick up flavor. We treat it like orzo or arborio, cooking it in stock.

But the thing that makes these guys sensational is if you sautee some garlic and onions in olive oil and then add the israeli (sometimes called middle eastern) couscous to the mixture and toast them before adding liquid.

It literally seals the deal that you will find yourself with an incredible dish. I have tossed in shitake mushrooms, bits of pancetta, whatever is on hand.

So there you have it. Tip of the day: Run out and find yourself some israeli* (middle eastern, mediterranean, whatever!) couscous and try it tonight. And if you're really nice, share your results!

Happy eating :)

*if you care. the reason i so staunchly stand behind the title of israeli couscous is because this supposedly 're-branded' invention by israeli's originated from sephardic jews and frankly, i didn't feel like calling it sephardic jew or heeb-couscous.

We've gone cake crazy!

2007-09-25T10:53:00.001-04:00

note the dense milk chocolate, gooey brown sugar, toasted pecan bits and dried cherries as they take this simple zucchini cake to the next galaxy of goodness...

Toasted Pecan, Cherry and Milk Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Ever since the advent of our zucchini bread creation, we have been adapting, modifying and just plain loving the heck out of the combination of moist zucchini, brown sugar, and all the accoutrement's that take this treat from a bread to a cake.

This weekend found us in dire need of a sweet treat to break our fast, and this little number came in handy as it helped empty the fridge and satisfy our sweet tooth, and was concocted in under an hour.... kind of!

So here is one more reason not to fret over the abundance of zucchini this time of year. Firstly, because they freeze beautifully after being grated which secures this number in seasons to come. Secondly, this is an ideal way to incorporate veggies into your diet. (Okay so maybe that's cheating a bit with all the added sugar.) And last but not least, it's a fun way to empty your cupboards of leftover bits of walnuts, pecans, almonds, dried fruit, fresh fruit, caramel bits, or chocolate in any form.

I would offer to share a slice of this heaven but it disappeared before it had time to cool.

Maybe next time?

Happy eating!

Simple end of summer side dish....

2007-09-24T10:58:00.001-04:00

Okay, so clearly you weren't intrigued by my poetry. I get the point, stick to the food lady!

In case you haven't noticed, fresh corn is at it's peak about now and it's really reasonable to buy by the boatload. But what to do with all that creamy sweet cobbed corn? Why create many mini meals and side dishes and PLEASE don't forget to freeze some for later, you will thank me I promise :)

Roasted Garlicky Corn Risotto

Once off the cob, this corn turns golden brown and begins smiling with the addition of some fresh rocambole garlic and olive oil. You can either remove it from the pan to make the risotto, adding it in later, or you can just make it all at once which gives the corn a velvety texture.

Either way, this is a simple and satisfying side dish. But top it with some grilled shrimp, tuna or a piece of roasted chicken and you will hear crickets at dinner!

Sweet days are made of these:

2007-09-23T21:24:00.000-04:00

This is a day in the life of us.

Wandering through the city streets you might think natures' gone,
But if you look closely you just might see that really it's all 'round.

The city delights even the cynics with authentic treats abound,
Making even the most civil animals nothing if not spellbound.

Slowly soaking up the sights you just might find a treat,
Even though we're city folks we still enjoy fresh eats.

We might not have your typical parks with trees and grass a plenty,
But our pups enjoy a dip in the pool and it doesn't cost us a penny!

Nature is truly alive and kicking in our metropolis,
You just have to keep your eyes alert and surely you'll see our bliss!

Have you ever?

2007-09-22T20:44:00.001-04:00

Today was perhaps the highest holy day of the year for us. Being quasi-observant, we decided to fast and so spent the whole day wandering the city, including the farmers market, somewhat masochistic of us if you ask me, with a few minutes towards the end of our day at a makeshift temple filled with other famished followers.

Again I digress! You aren't surprised, are you :)

The reason for this pithy post may seem futile, but I just HAD to share with you the mind blowing taste of food after a day of not eating. Perhaps it was the particular fresh pink ping pong tomatoes (if you can find these locally stock up...they are seriously like crack!!!), crunchy kirby's, sweet bi-colored corn, salty sheep's milk feta or any of the other goodies gathered from today's market. What I do know, is not only are fresh, local ingredients better tasting, but after a day of longing they are absolutely sublime.

Maybe if we all took a day to pause and appreciate what is on our plate before we scarf it down we would be better able to taste the countless hours of effort that contribute to each tiny morsel.

So come on, jump on the john deere, er..., band wagon. Shop locally once a week and tell me if it doesn't make all the difference.

Inspired by Alice: The greenmarket challenge

2007-09-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

This mornings walk through the farmers market was both ordinary and extraordinary. After watching Alice Waters' video on the NYT this a.m. (thanks Em for keeping me in the know!) I noticed my own peculiar shopping pattern as I wander through stalls smelling, tasting and generally relishing each mornings finds.

In honor of Alice, and the fact that going green is good for so many things, including your health, wallet and your altruistic tendencies, I present you with a challenge: How far can you stretch your green by going green?

This mornings shopping trip found me full to the brim with heart healthy eats! My shopping bag (imported from our trip to Paris) is full of seasonal treats that won't break the bank:

So not only are you supporting actual people whose lives are dedicated to providing quality nourishment to you and your family, you are saving green when you shop green.

My challenge to you is how far can you stretch a budget? For starters I will share with you my food finds from today. I spent $34.60 and came home with everything on this table:

See! You can save green while shopping green.

I don't know about you, but if I were to walk into a Whole Foods or even a shoddy Food Emporium, there is no way I would walk out with: a dozen organic brown eggs, a pint of yellow cherry tomatoes, an avocado squash, 5 ears of corn (FIVE for $2),a bag of mixed organic lettuce, two cousa squash, three red bell peppers, 1 lb. of lima beans in their shell, 3/4 lb. organic yellow wax beans, a 3 lb. butternut squash, and two freshly baked round challah's for tomorrow's break fast.

So what do you say? Can you make it a point to go to one farmers market in the next week and see how far you can stretch, say, $30?

I'll leave you with a simple summer/fall lunch menu that is as comforting to eat as it is to look at and hope that some of you will join my challenge to save green, shop green and join the locavore club:

Homemade bread topped with miniature red heirloom tomatoes (remember this post?), organic mesclun, asian tofu, cherry tomatoes and a sliced pippin apple. Not too many instructions, slice and place...and enjoy!

Welcome home!

2007-09-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

If anyone out there has been reading my ramblings and would like to see what I mean when I talk about our 'little' farmers market here in the center of the universe, I urge you to take a look at this clip of Alice Waters as she greets many of our favorite producers and takes you on a beautiful journey of the Union Square Greenmarket.

You can find the permalink here.

Enjoy!

color me lucky.

2007-09-20T10:10:00.000-04:00

Just realizing that although I haven't posted in a few days and although the posts from our recent Europe adventure fall towards the bottom of the page I have started carrying my camera with me around the city.

Truth is, while this culinary twist has certainly proven to be a super hobby, we are still planning on leaving this beautiful metropolis affectionately called the big apple and frankly, I want as many memories as possible. If I can't have my 'dream-come-true-raise-my-kids-in-a-brownstone-on-west-11th-street' life I sure has heck wanna have some great stories, photos, and thoughts to share with our kidlets one day about our wacky life in downtown Manhattan.

In honor of our beautiful city, which in my humble opinion gives Paris a run for it's money, I will share with you not only our kitchen creations but also shots from around and about the place we currently call home.

This will be my living memoir to the city I love, and it will keep me honest by guaranteeing that I post regularly about all things beautiful about NYC.

I hope you enjoy the ride.

*this shot was taken last Sunday walking north on Lafayette @ Bleecker. we were coming home from the Apple store where I bought my new macbook. hooray for apple :)

You say cannonball, I say Kugel

2007-09-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

Not Your Mama's Noodle Kugel

When it comes to the literal translation of Kugel the jury is out. Some say it's germanic for square, while others say think it comes from a word meaning cannonball or ball.

What I do know is that apparently the Kugel, a traditional Jewish dish seen at nearly every celebration from Rosh Hashana to Passover, has enjoyed a long and mystical history.

So what looks like a less than perfect concoction of noodles, sweet cheeses and dried fruit was actually once the hallmark of the holy sabbath meal, the pinnacle of the eating experience. In fact, it is said that the presentation of the Kugel during the meal is when the Rebbe had the power to bestow health, wealth, and even conception. Who knew?

It looks like this less than photogenic yet tasty dish is further proof that you can't judge a book by it's cover!

Still Life with Eggplant

2007-09-16T13:44:00.001-04:00

Yesterday's farmers market journey was more of a relaxing stroll then a mere conquering of a 'to do' list. I thought I would share with you some organic delights from my favorite farmer.

She is not the most pleasant, in fact, some might say she borders on rude. But, what her courtesy lacks in kind, and her produce lack in size they surely make up for in taste. I know her only as the 'organic-veggie-lady-next-to-the-amazing-fish-mongers" but to our taste buds she is queen. You may recall our Gulliver's Salad from a few posts back? Well that delicious purple cabbage was her doing and boy was it delicious! The 'bowl' from the salad was perhaps my favorite part!

Tonight may find me making a lovely babaganoush, courtesy of this veggie queen. Something to slather on thick slices of grainy bread to add depth to roast turkey and fresh greens. But for now I will just sit back and admire the still life, with eggplant!

Challah back*

2007-09-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

So sometimes the darling hubby is not interested in inviting over a gaggle of our favorite friends to entertain and feed. Not because he doesn't love them but more because he ends up doing dishes due to our lack of modern day appliances.

But I digress... I do have a secret weapon to guarantee a 'yes dear' every time and it generally involves parading possible leftover concoctions darling dearest might enjoy if said party were to take place!

Et voila! A dinner party is created and leftovers like this delicious challah french toast is created.

The beauty of most celebrations is that they include that slightly sweet, soft and chewy delight called challah. The french have their brioche, others may call it egg bread, but it is really only authentic in my eyes if it is challah! Hey, a girl can have an opinion, right?!

This leftover loaf affectionately called 'waves of goodness' by the photographer (that would be the darling husband):

....made an outstanding matinee this afternoon as brunch:

Unfortunately I forgot to photograph it once the cinnamon powdered sugar was added. We literally inhaled it tout suite! I assure you it was as delightful to look at as it was to consume.

Happy eating!

*I cannot take credit for this adorable post title. When I was working at a non-profit several years back they had a challah making workshop that was adorably labelled 'challah back' and so I credit an old friend "A" for her creative naming of the workshop and her unknown contribution to this post!

Jack-O-Lantern Soup!

2007-09-14T19:19:00.000-04:00

If you are feeling extra adventurous this turkey day, may I suggest taking a nod from BK and making your own creamy, luscious, local, pumpkin soup in it's own shell?

Jack-O-Lantern Soup

Scared? Don't be! Follow a few simple steps when making this lovely dish and your taste buds and dinner guests will fight over who gets to thank you first!

In order to get all of the pulpy goodness from this sugar pumpkin (yes, there is a difference. a sugar pumpkin has more flesh, is sweeter, and makes a lovely presentation piece) you should probably find a glass dish that fits the base of the pumpkin, for when you are scraping out the goodness from inside after it has been roasting for a while. That way you can finish the soup in a pot on the stove and then place it back in the pumpkin for serving. Totally not a fake out...it's as authentic as the fresh sage you use to garnish!

We served this for our big dinner last night and the complete silence was all the feedback I needed to know I had a winner. So go ahead, go pumpkin picking for a purpose this year! I promise you will thank me.

Now please excuse me while I lick my bowl...

A Bone to Pick

2007-09-14T12:24:00.000-04:00

Forgive me as I drag my soap box out from hiding...

Before I post about our culinary feat last night, I had to share my disdain at todays news. If any of you are die hard patriots, read no further. For those of us who think that our president has severely abused his power, take note.

Apparently this is not news as this is the 50+ time this has happened since we have engaged in this senseless war, but I was thoroughly disgusted at our government to find out that a soldier who recently died in Iraq was awarded citizenship posthumously. I am constantly disappointed in our country and it's sloppy policies, but come on! How could we allow someone to go to war for us without awarding him his rightful citizenship BEFORE his death?

What kind of a country are we that we will use and abuse our citizens without granting them their rightful position as Americans? This is not the America I signed up for...

Over the top

2007-09-13T12:29:00.000-04:00

This time of year is all about seasonal eating, and that means apples and honey in our household about now! In honor of the festivities I have decided to make a caramel apple tart for our guests who will be arriving in exactly 7 hours (mental note: get off the computer and get into the kitchen!).

The highlight of todays post is prominently featured above. In all it's glory, in all it's natural beauty....behold, homemade caramel. Mmmmm.....

The tart? That's another story. Hardly food porn, but quite tasty (hey, that apple was already falling up, ahem, out!).

Still in the pan:And a close up in case that wasn't drool worthy:

More posts to come of our fabulous fall meal. The menu is as follows:

Sweet pumpkin soup, served in the pumpkin (fingers crossed on this one!)
Thyme, rosemary and sage roasted chicken
Braised brisket with red wine reduction and onion glaze
Couscous stuffed white bush marrow squash infused with coriander & cumin
Roasted, grilled garlicky corn
Mom's famous kugel, the remake with dried cherries, apricots and cranberries
And for dessert...well you can guess what that will be :)

Easy as cheese

2007-09-12T08:06:00.000-04:00

Have you ever made something so easy, so simple, and yet so delicious, that you were almost embarrassed about how wonderful it turns out for the amount or work put in?

Greek Caprese: Grilled Haloumi and Cherry Tomatoes

Well this little duo over here is a new twist on the caprese salad that is sure to delight any lucky consumer. We like to make this for guests as it is an easy finger food and it's always the first to go at any dinner party/picnic. And since the summer is drawing to a close and those tomatoes are so delicious right now I just had to share.

The simple ingredients are haloumi cheese (I was sold at first bit) and tomatoes of your choice. Yes, you can substitute cuke, peppers, sauteed eggplant, whatever! Really there is no way to mess this one up.

If you are not yet familiar with this cheese, it comes in a lopsided chunk somewhere between feta and mozzarella in your dairy section. It's called 'the grilling cheese' because it holds up to the hot pan and does something magical...it is able to sear the soft cheese on the inside while creating a nice brownish crunch on the outside.

This one is so simple it doesn't get it's own recipe page.

Greek Caprese Salad, or something like that

1 package haloumi cheese
1 container grape tomatoes (sub veggies in here)

Slice cheese into .5 inch slices and place in a hot pan over medium high heat for 2 minutes per side, or until it turns golden brown on each side. Do not remove it early, be brave, it will be so worth it.

Remove cheese from pan, slice into smaller pieces if you are toothpicking it, as seen here, pick up a rinsed cherry tomato with a toothpick, then this incredible cheese, and reward your efforts by being the first to try!

It is also lovely with a nice heirloom tomato slice if you keep the haloumi in whole slices a la caprese.

Enjoy.

Irony doesn't even begin to describe...

2007-09-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

If ever there was an example of full circle, today would be the day to exemplify it.

I have been writing this post in my head and my heart for 6 years. I am writing from my heart which means I want the world to read it, but I want no one to read it. I'm scared to share with you who I am, but I'm proud to tell you of who I have become.

Six years ago today I was one month unemployed. One month prior I had a high paying job in the advertising world and was only moderately concerned about the dot combustion that was going on in the world around me. I was living with a significant other who was nice, but far from perfect. I dreamed of being a professor, teaching people, learning, growing. But my friends were all industrious, money making, too smart to go back to school and waste their time thinking instead of making a million before 30.

Six years ago today I was silently watching the days go by, enjoying the 405 club, in no rush to find an new gig or a new me.

Six years ago today I woke up to my boyfriends mom screaming on the answering machine, "LINDSAY, WAKE UP!!!" I always liked his mom but today I was starting to rethink that.
Cuddling in bed with little Smokey, I groaned and grabbed the phone.

Thank goodness, because that was the last human contact I would have for 8 hours.

Forgive me if I drone, but typing this is therapy. I digress...

Six years ago I sat on the phone with a hysterical mother, not mine, who was worried about her son, who took the train to work each morning to what used to be the tallest buildings in New York City.

Still groggy from the pitcher at Malachy's the night before, I reached for the remote and was quickly bound into an Armageddon not conceivable by the likes of Stephen King or Jerry Bruckheimer.

Did I mention that she was the last voice I heard for 8 hours?

I did speak to her for long enough to find out that her son, my boyfriend at the time, was alright. I heard that he had found a land line as all the cell service in the city was out, and that he was trying to make his way out of the mess downtown. I said goodbye so that I might call my parents, but when I went to pick up the phone again it was dead.

No dial tone, no busy signal, nothing. Air.

It was me, Smokey, and two plumes of smoke drifting high above the city. It was a heck of a first day for Paula Zahn. I remember thinking that over and over again, with my head stuck out the window watching the smoke rise and wondering if he would ever make it home.

I must have paced that block over a hundred times that day. At one point I turned off the t.v. but was so afraid of the silence I had to put it back on.

I stood on the roof to see the plumes of smoke, at this point the towers had collapsed.

Was I really awake? Please pinch me. Is this really happening? Please g-d tell me it was all a bad dream, that I had fallen asleep in a staff meeting and would wake up gainfully employed in a healthy, happy city.

No such luck.

To tell you of the horrific sight would be reliving something I don't think any of us want to think about. I will tell you instead of the sight that no one in the outside world was privy to. I will tell you about the droves of zombies that started making their way uptown that morning, or maybe it was afternoon.

At one point as I paced the block I noticed two people walking north, standing next to each other, covered in dust, wearing suits, wearing silence. Marching in step, in silence, in company, alone.

Soon there were more. Men and women walking strangely, silently, north. Away from the debris, from the Armageddon, from this dream that would surely be over as soon as someone might pinch me.

The moments that follow blend into one another although they felt like eons as I awaited his return home. He did return home, hours later. Unscathed, unharmed, untouched. Perhaps it was then I knew that he was certainly not the one for me.

I digress...

The days and weeks that followed found me at the Armory instead of the unemployment office. Instead of interviews I was serving bagels for breakfast and pasta for supper to the national guard and the relatives of the 'missing.'

Maybe this is really where it all started. Not maybe, definitely.

Standing in the kitchen at the Armory I was cooking along side the sous chef from 11 Madison and Tabla. By the hour the trucks appeared. City buses were filled with hungry men in fatigues, vans pulled up with the most notable chefs in the city. The chefs from One if by Land brought their famous lobster bisque just as the local Domino's sent in another 50 pizzas.

I climbed over barriers to bring bowls of warm soup to the police at the barricades, dropped off pies to the men in fatigues gathered at the door, got yet another pot of coffee for the mother sitting defiant of the fatigues and police, certain that her son was going to turn up.

Perhaps I first fell in love with food then, when I found a way to nourish these broken people the only way anyone could. Food and conversation.

No one was going to bring back their sons or daughters. No one could bring back their father or sister. But someone could nourish them while they sat, and mourned, and hoped. I wanted to be that someone.

It was also around this time that I decided to do something different with my life. Something with meaning. Something so great that if it were me who was stuck in that terrible place I would be able to leave this earth knowing that I did something that was important, if only to me.

I took a job in real estate to pay the bills. It was disastrous, but it helped me move out of the bad living situation, get a place of my own, and begin to pave the path to my future.

That fall I applied and was accepted as a NYC Teaching fellow. Funded by the Americorps grant, teaching fellows are pulled from all walks of life to teach in the most needy schools, in the most dangerous neighborhoods, and do the unforgiving job of teaching the youth who have otherwise been left to their own vices.

I was lucky to be placed in one of the more charming schools, but man were there some bad places to be...

I remember my first year teaching, the two year anniversary of the day my life really began.

While the kids stood to say the pledge of allegiance I turned my back to them and cried.

I cried for the people who senselessly lost their life. I cried for the stupid government who were taking even more lives so senselessly. I cried for the people who I served bagels to for breakfast and the police who looked at me strangely when I tried to explain how great it was that they were having world famous lobster bisque from One if by Land. I cried for my broken relationship.

I cried in thanks to g-d for giving me a chance to do something good. Something important, if only to me.

To digress... It was the summer before this first year of teaching that I took my first of several trips to Israel. The trip that introduced me to my besheret, my one. The summer when I came to find the real important things in life. The summer when I came to know that the only things worth living for are not really things at all, but people.

In the years I was blessed with my teaching job I saw more ways in which I could be useful. I had always dreamed of going to school for a doctorate but never thought myself capable, smart enough, good enough.

I mentioned the man I met in Israel? He thought I was capable of this highest distinction. He lent me the support I needed and held my hand while I trembled through the entrance exams, personal statements, rejections, and acceptances.

It has now been a while since things first transpired. Nearly finished with the doctorate I am more full than I could have imagined. I have found friends and soul mates. I have found inspiration and gratitude. I have overcome the biggest hurdle that ever held me back, me.

So today I sit in front of my computer. Typing for you, for me.

Six years ago today I thought all I had were pipe dreams.

Six years ago today I thought I would never actualize these fantasies.

This afternoon I teach my first Master's course after many years of hoping, and dreaming, and working, and crying, and learning.

Today, six years later, I have come full circle.

We have all had personal journeys that bring us to who we are today and I am so very proud of mine. If I had several days I could tell a deeper tale, but this is enough therapy for one day.

I cannot wait to see where I am six years from today. But for now, I am just so darned grateful to be where I am.

Feels like fall

2007-09-09T20:27:00.001-04:00

Remember these little guys from a few weeks ago?

Well tonight they made their big debut as part of a very fall friendly side dish of sauteed delicata squash, cranberry beans, rosemary and sage.

Delicata Squash and Cranberry Beans with Sage and Rosemary Olive Oil

This was our first experience with both delicata squash and cranberry beans and what a marvelous introduction it was! Too bad I destroyed the tenderloin in the process of babysitting them. Oh well, no one is perfect, especially not yours truly.

The squash was sweet and tender, almost like a combination of sweet potatoes and gnocchi, while the cranberry beans were very starchy and nutty. The sage and rosemary were added to some garlic and sauteed in olive oil for the base of the squash and cranberry beans. The sage compliments squash so beautifully and the rosemary adds great depth.

All and all a great first attempt at both of these fall treats and a promising beginning for our fall cooking.

I couldn't figure out which picture best portrayed this evenings creation, I personally like the one below, but G likes the others. What do you think?

Now off to a puppy playdate before the VMA's. Happy Sunday and may you have a wonderful week!

Breakfast of Champions

2007-09-08T11:53:00.000-04:00

$20 Omelet, or how to make your friends and family feel special while getting your fridge ready for a weeks worth of groceries!

When I'm feeling under the weather the last thing I want to do is make a healthy breakfast, but that would be so inconsiderate of dear hubby who has been working hard all week.

In honor of him and his hard work I like to create an empty-the-fridge, filling-to-the-soul, chock-full-of-vitamins breakfast creation that incorporates all of his favorite flavors and helps me to get rid of the bits and pieces I have accumulated throughout the week.

Et voila! The $20 omelet is created. He calls it the $20 omelet because I like to add a dollup of salmon caviar to the top to make it extra special.

Click here or on the the bold label for recipe.

Eye Spy...

2007-09-07T11:57:00.000-04:00

With my little eye.

Something that gave me the need for these:

I woke up Wednesday with the chills and other fun accompaniments to the friendly first week of work, really need my energy, have so much to do, but i will take you down anyway cold :(

Take note: this is what happens when you feign illness Mr. Silverstein!!

p.s. this photo is courtesy of my talented hubby. nice work darling.

Where's the beef?

2007-09-05T22:06:00.000-04:00

Defeat! I admit it. Day one of late class and not a post to be found around here...

No new news of the creative concoction as a result of the delicata squash I uncovered at the farmers market this morning...

No photos or words to describe the comforting aroma of spicy turkey stuffed cabbage I plan to make for dinner one night this week...

No description of the almost certain fiasco that will ensue when I decide to try my hand at canning (probably this weekends activity and PLEASE feel free to shed pearls of wisdom before I infect anyone with ill packaged cans of tomato sauce!)...

Nope, just me asking nicely that anyone who drops by take a look at my more interesting posts like those about our recent trip to London, Paris, Dublin or Galway.

Or perhaps you would like to see how colorful your dinner could be by taking a look at my interpretation of Gulliver's salad. Or perhaps you need some inspiration to spark a culinary fire, in which case may I suggest you take a look at our adventures in homemade cheese?

Either way, there are certainly posts more interesting than this where I'm doing something other than wishing for the scratchy throat, throbbing head and cabbie strike to subside.

Maybe you really didn't mean to stop by anyway and would rather visit my friend David who always has something new to report, or maybe you want to be inspired to really create something in which case I recommend you see the fabulous AmandaJean. Or you could do what I always do and just drool over the creations of the talented Tartelette.

That should keep you entertained for a while, or at least until I can post something more inspiring!

Until then...

Paris: How do I love thee? Let me count thy ways. Part II

2007-09-05T08:39:00.000-04:00

Ever since our return from this great city, it has become apparent that I could honestly create an entire new blog dedicated exclusively to this magical place.

If the theme to my first post was the grandiose, then the extraordinary in the ordinary seems to be a common theme here.

So without further ado, I leave you with the last installment of our travels through Paris. I can't wait to return and add to this thread. Until then...

I love the colors in which you dream:
And the beauty in your everyday:

The colorful storefronts:

...and the mouthwatering:

The cozy cobblestone street:

Your rich history:

Your cast of characters:
The feeling that I've somehow been here:

The classy way you get around:

The simple beauty around every corner:

Your delicious street food:

And your inviting local produce (oh what a menu I could make):
And the hidden charm behind every doorway:

This is Paris, and this is surely why the world continues to have it's greatest love affair with her.

Do I have to?

2007-09-04T10:18:00.000-04:00

I cannot go to school today,"

Said little Peggy Ann McKay,

"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash, and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.

My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?

My leg is cut, my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.

My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.

My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.

My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.

My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.

My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.

I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?

What's that? What's that you say?

You say today is---Saturday?

G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

-Shel Silverstein

It's not Saturday, it's a real deal school/work/wake up early day and I wish you the very best dealing with it.

I sure need all the encouragement I can muster about now, apparently so does little Lola :)

It is easy being green!

2007-09-03T20:26:00.000-04:00

Atlantic Flounder simmered and served with new potato dill frittata

Ever since my friend Em bought me THAT book, I have been highly concerned with creating meals with fresh, local, organic, ingredients.

Now I've not gone off the deep end to swear off flours, grains, rice, essentially the carbs we need that aren't always ground nearby. And I'm not entirely dedicated to eating potatoes all winter.

However, what I am concerned with is supporting local farmers and eating as much local produce when it is at it's freshest. Which is precisely where this delicious, hearty and healthy dinner fits in.

Every bit of food on this plate was caught or raised within a 75 mile radius of our home and it includes fresh veggies (tomatoes, red pepper, onions, garlic, thyme, new potatoes, dill) and protein (fresh Atlantic flounder, local eggs).

Even if you can't buy everything from a farmer, eating foods when they are in season brings a whole new meaning to fresh. In fact, it might find you enjoying a veggie previously sworn off, probably from childhood, and probably because you attempted to eat something like asparagus in the middle of December.

Again, I'm not proselytizing here because we will HAVE to eat veggies this winter and we don't exactly have a root cellar in our 3rd floor apartment in the the middle of NYC. You see, the neighbors below might have complained. But with a head towards being more environmentally conscious we will savor healthier foods when they were meant to be enjoyed and that means better eating!

I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing...

2007-09-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

When I first read about the La Festa al Fresco patio party I was excited to stretch my creative wings, sharpen my knives, and send in a recipe that might be worthy of these culinary mavens. The rules were to create a dish, appetizer to dessert, that was made of a seasonal ingredient. Little did I know how much I would struggle to create just the right dish, but I think I might have found it!

The end of summer is bountiful enough in these parts for me to find just about any delicious vegetable I might desire, with the exception of asparagus unfortunately. The colors are vibrant and the varieties are many, so I decided what better to prepare than a dish (or two) made up of all the seasons veggies.

Gulliver's Salad

The primary dish that I am sending along to this virtual patio party is a lovely amuse bouche that literally jumped into my hands while walking through the farmers market this Saturday morning. I'm calling it Gulliver's Salad as each of the items are miniatures and the hubby insisted that he felt like Gulliver while enjoying the tiny morsels!

While we walked through the market the pea shoots and miniature lemon cucumbers were too adorable (and also incredibly tasty) to pass up, as were the purple and green cabbage from our favorite organic farmer. The end of summer staples of corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic were already waiting at home in the fridge and viola! a meal is made. Using the cabbage as a bowl and a bit of pesto for the dressing this dish literally assembled itself.

Roasted eggplant stuffed with free range beef and seasonal veggies

The second dish was a culinary feat for me, as it was a take on a dish that my mother-in-law has perfected which automatically makes it nerve wrecking for me! Who wants to compete with a beloved recipe, right! I knew I had my work cut out for me....

This dish was inspired by her 'poor man's caviar' recipe which is essentially a roasted eggplant's flesh with roasted garlic blended and used as a dip. Only this time I used the beautiful purple shell to hold the vegetable medley that would become our dinner. This dish began by slicing an eggplant lengthwise and drizzling it with olive oil, kosher salt and pepper. Then I placed a head of garlic in foil next to the eggplant and placed it in the oven to roast at around 350 for about 25 minutes. I then got to work on the stuffing....

The stuffing was a series of dishes made in one pan. First fresh corn on the cob and red peppers were gently sauteed in olive oil with some onions and garlic. Once removed from the pan, free range beef was added and seasoned with cumin, chili peppers, salt and pepper and was quickly sauteed as well. (Using the remainder of the olive oil from the corn mixture)

When the beef was almost done I added some fresh spinach and covered the pan to wilt the spinach. Finally I tossed all of the veggies to warm them through. Each half of eggplant received a generous dollup of 'poor man's caviar' and was then filled with this healthy mixture.

For an entirely invented meal it was quite yummy and very well received. I hope my friends at the patio party like it!

Paris: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Part I

2007-09-02T07:29:00.000-04:00

I love the fact that a luminous full moon is crushed by the sheer brilliance of your Tower Eiffel:
I am mad about your statues so elegantly posing around your great city:

I love your people, especially those who bring us delicacies like fois gras and canard confit from their wifes famous family recipe:

And your chocolate makers who delight us with their buttery caramels and dark chocolate confections, don't forget their contagious laughter and overwhelming love of life:

I love your farmers markets, in all their unassuming perfection:

Your tomatoes and courgettes:
Your monumental flying buttresses:

Your majestic rose windows:
And again, your pastries. May the pope bless this Kayser man for creating the most mouthwatering concoctions, most certainly crafted with magical flour and butter, that have ever graced this earth. I didn't have time to snap a shot of the contents, they were so quickly gobbled up:

In sum, I am a forever fan. I will take a break from Paris posting to bring you news of our latest kitchen conquests, but the best is yet to come from our Parisian adventure.

Thanks for reading!

London Calling

2007-08-31T14:16:00.001-04:00

Perhaps the reason for my travel writing procrastination has something to do with my desire to prolong the vacation mode I have been in for some time. Although the weather was bleak and the weather men should surely be fired, our adventure in London was very special.

The first two days found me venturing off on my own, always under the watchful "Eye" that seemed to pop up everywhere, even at Buckingham Palace where this beautiful statue was photographed:

I am always fascinated by statues, something about this lion's confident resolve to protect the palace in addition to the British flag waving so beautifully in the background made me really take notice:

The palace was a beautiful place, but more impressive were the gardens and the impeccable landscaping that set a fantastic backdrop for these swans to enjoy a little rainy swim. Oh, and there's that 'eye' again:

Not being one for spending a fortune to be herded with masses of tourists, I took in the sights from a far most of the time. This shot of Westminster Abbey was taken from the small church just across the yard from this magnificent structure. I thought it looked appropriately mysterious from afar:

This girl was a newcomer to London, but not to the historic site of this guy here:

Highlights of this trip were our dinners at 2Veneti and Ozer, the former being photographed here. They offered a lovely aperitif that was followed by a scrumptious dinner. Ozer (not pictured) was a surprisingly reasonable and extremely delicious mediterannean restaurant right off Regent Street.

The perfect end to our adventure in London was our trip to see The Merchant of Venice at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Liked London, but adored Paris. And I'll tell you why soon!

The little mixer that could

2007-08-31T10:56:00.000-04:00

and did...After much ado last night, I rested my nouveau eggs on the counter overnight and was rewarded this morning with lovely soft peaks. Okay, so maybe I over mixed a bit. I was a bit overzealous that it was working!

Needless to say my macaroons turned out mighty tasty, if not super gorgeous to look at, and hey, it's just a first try from a novice baker so cut me some slack!

Here are the cute little guys as they rested in the kitchen. It's not the prettiest picture, but you get the point.

Cocoa Macaroons with Dark Chocolate Ganache (Not nearly as delicious as Laduree, but an excuse to go back to try them again!)

I now know why everyone started coloring them, they look like little hamburgers when you just use cocoa and chocolate ganache.

In any case they are mighty tasty and there are plenty to go around.

When shall we expect you?

Your advice, s'il vous plait!

2007-08-30T23:55:00.001-04:00

I am thoroughly embarrassed and hope that some kind soul reading this post will shed some light on my recent catastrophe.

You see, I would have photos to share with you had I not thrown all of the evidence promptly in the garbage (except for the yolks which I made into a lovely dill mayonnaise).

Here's the rub. I wanted to duplicate those luscious macaroons from Laduree and went about using a recipe I found here and was met with some sad news. Yes folks, while I find it tough to admit defeat, my whites simply would not come to a soft nor anything resembling a stiff peak.

Yes, I added sugar after first breaking the whites. Yes I used a proper mixer. Yes I beat them for ample time (30 minutes and all I had to show was a lovely looking creamy mix of egg whites and sugar).

My only ideas are that either the whites were still too cold or they were too fresh. I bought them from the farmer only 2 days ago which might mean they are relatively new to this earth.

Can anyone please help this baker in training? I already tread lightly around measuring cups or anything requiring an oven timer. I don't want this to be my last expedition in adventurous baking...

Hope to hear from you!

Creature Comforts

2007-08-30T11:00:00.001-04:00

Looks like we weren't the only ones happy to be home this week! Little Lola was perfectly content to take a snooze on the couch once she was sure that we were all finally back in one place.

Herb roasted turkey breast with pink and purple smashed potatoes and sauteed summer squash

I was eager to return to the farmers market and was grateful to be rewarded with this home cooked dinner. This is an old standby that is so pretty to look at and warming to the soul to enjoy. It might not be food porn but when served to guests they feel like family!

I like to buy boneless turkey breast from Dipaola's and sprinkling fresh rosemary, sage, thyme and tons of garlic both under and above the skin with a quick sprinkle of sea salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil to guarantee a crispy skin.

Pink and purple (is anyone sensing a theme here?) smashed potatoes are made with sauteed garlic, olive oil, and a generous bit of dill. This meal was rounded off by some quickly roasted zucchini and summer squash in simple olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

Thank goodness for small things!

My London and Paris posts are coming...I promise! Stay tuned :)

Playing Catch Up

2007-08-29T14:50:00.000-04:00

When last we left I teased you with memories of my day trip to Howth sans photos. So without further ado, I bring you this lovely little village by the sea. A serious must for any visitor to Dublin.
While I will not bore you with the details, I will share with you some of the magnificent sites including the boats gently bobbing in the waves:
...the picturesque lighthouse and my ideal home:...the fishing boats returning home after a good day:
...the many visitors that the fisherman had to look forward to on the way home:
...my little sea friends arrived at feeding time, too! Quite the impromptu zoo, I also realized that my friend likes to blow raspberries at the fisherman:(and YES he really was that close and NO this is not a zoomed in picture!)
...taking this trail:
I got a nice look at Howth from up above:
Someone gets to live in one of these pretty houses on the hillside:
While all I have are memories of wishing you were here:Won't you please forward my mail here:

What a long strange trip it's been! (And a video of the Eiffel Tower at night)

2007-08-28T18:28:00.000-04:00

So maybe strange isn't the right word to describe it but it was awfully funny sitting at a cafe in Paris this morning for breakfast then being home to eat dinner in our little place in NYC.

While the stories are too long for this jet-lagged girl to bear, I will share with you this little jewel of a video shot last night as the Eiffel Tower put on its spectacular light show.

Every hour on the hour the lights glitter and shine as a million little diamonds light up the sky. My warning to you is that the video is for some reason sideways but you can still see it in all it's glory.

More tomorrow with new pictures from London and Paris and a new adventure into the Farmers Market and back to the kitchen. I can't wait to share all the details.

For now I leave you with this:

country girl no more?

2007-08-26T09:18:00.000-04:00

As I type we are sitting on a bench at the jardin du luxoumberg on a stunning fall day. I cannot wait until we arrive home so that I can share with you the details of our journey but I just can't bare the ideah of spending nearly thirty dollars to get online. Just wanted to let you know that I'm here and there is much to look forward to when I can again sign on and share tales of this magical city with you on wednesdau.

A perfect day for a spot of tea

2007-08-22T15:42:00.000-04:00

(pictures to follow)

We touched down at Heathrow around half past 8 Wednesday morning. Instead of arriving at our hotel and resting a moment, we found our way to the tube at Oxford Circus and parted ways. Hubby to work, me to explore a new city…

Despite the bitter winds and chilling rain (isn't it supposed to be summer in these parts too or did we leave all the sun in NYC?) I was able to find my way to Buckingham Palace just in time for the cancelling of the changing of the guards. Apparently the Brits aren't fond of venturing out in the rain!

No worries, like a good tourist I set off towards Westminster and Big Ben, taking note of how grand the structures actually look in person! (*footnote: pictures to be posted as soon as we get out of this nutty hotel and to a place where internet is included in exorbitant nightly rates :) I promise)

After a 4 hour trek through the city from Hyde Park along the Thames and up through SOHO, Picadilly Circus and back again to Oxford Circus it was time to give into the rain and head to the comfort of our hotel room. Dinner at Les Portes des Indes was quite nice, although I'm still choking on the bill. Hopefully there will be more fun to report tomorrow. Stay tuned if you dare!

Dubliners no more

2007-08-21T17:27:00.000-04:00

For my last day flying solo in Dublin I decided to try my luck at a little adventure and was greatly rewarded for my efforts.

Following the footsteps of the two gallants in Joyce's "Dubliners" I wandered along the north side of Stephens Green to Kildare, up around Trinity College and found my way to the Pearse DART stop. Little did I know this was the route of Joyce's characters until I sat on the train on my way to Howth to read their tale. Needless to say I had a nice laugh to myself as I made the 30 minute commute.

I digress…

I arrived in Howth and was blown away by this quaint fishing town. Walking along the main street there were countless pubs to my right and to the left the majestic Irish Sea. The waters were dotted with sailboats and buoys happily bopping in the breeze. I found my way to a proper pub and had a sambo and a pint of Smithwicks, enjoying the crisp air and the vibrant blue-green surroundings.

After lunch I took a small hike towards the Summit of Howth village (highly recommended for the spectacular view). Heading back towards the great bay I followed one of the piers out into the sea and had some great views of the crashing waves, the southern peninsula of Howth and the gorgeous lighthouse at the end of the pier.

The day was made even more special as I made my way back towards the train station. I noticed the gulls becoming even more noisy above as the fishing boats began arriving at port. Just then I noticed a little nose sticking out of the water…wait…two noses. Now there were about a half dozen noses and beady eyes popping out of the sea which upon closer look appeared to be seals looking to score some of the fishermans loot. What a spectacular day, I wish you had been there!

On my return trip I met up with my darling hubby and found our way to Mulligans (his colleagues local pub of choice) where we had one last Guiness and a few nice laughs before hitting Market for dinner (cute tapas place that was also a joint of choice for the locals), stocking up on some last minute candies and heading home.

So now we are Dubliners no longer, but the memory of this magnificent city will not be forgotten.

*pictures to follow when we arrive in Paris, I promise. This hotel wants 20 pounds to get online…what am I a money tree??!?!?!

ob-la-di!

2007-08-20T16:26:00.000-04:00

Today was my first day sans hubby. He had to work... not that I'm complaining, it's how we arrived in this glorious city in the first place.

In honor of my first solo day in Dublin I decided to do all things me, which means seeking out the local farmers markets, making friends with locals, enjoying a nice sambo (their word for sandwich?) for lunch and then wandering through the stores I wish we had at home. (I think i will start a petition for Top Shop to come to NYC immediately!)
So this morning, despite the downpours and chilly winds, I found the Moore Street market and bought the first fresh fruit I have eaten in days. Yes they had stickers on them and were surely shipped from someplace not local...but it was fruit!
This pedestrian street is off limits to vehicles which is where this adorable (and friendly) horse came in the picture, to pull the fruit cart of course!

Crossing the O'connell bridge south of the Liffey I headed back towards Trinity College where I stole a shot of the famous Molly Malone statue across from Trinity College.

Then I took a brief walk through Trinity College. I missed the Book of Kells as the line was too long and I didn't feel like shelling out 10 Euro to walk through a library with every other vacationer when there was a whole city to explore. I might have felt differently if they had the Old Testament on hand, but they didn't! It was a nice campus but it has nothing on Fordham's promenade :)

Then it was off to Top Shop (again), Marks and Spencer (as directed by so many of my friends), and every other shoppe on Stephens Green and Grafton Street.

When the hubby was through for the day we took the advice of locals and foodie travellers alike and headed to L'Gueuleton where we were beyond thrilled with dinner of french onion soup followed by mussels in a creamy saffron butter sauce and crispy, still in tact mire poix:

followed by organic chicken (i think it was really cornish hen, but who's counting) atop a pearl onion tatin:All and all it was a lovely meal. If I were a food critic I would share with you the nuances of the dishes, but since this is merely a journal I will leave it as an enjoyable meal and bid you adieu until tomorrow!

(don't you just feel like you're here too?!?)

one is the loneliest number

2007-08-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

Today I received a personal email from a fellow blogger asking if I missed cooking while traveling far from home.

Don't gasp but the resounding answer is yes!

I don't mean to get on a soap box here, but since I have taken to eating the products of someone else, someone who doesn't quite care whether I am nurished with healthy nutrients or just fillers, I find myself feeling quite gross! Although I must admit that they pull a mean pint in this town.

That said, and I hope I don't offend anyone here, but we are in Ireland, hardly the gastronomic capital. Further, we have not yet made our way to Paris where I'm sure I will be greeted with a cornucopia of local and delicious food.

For now I am stuck staring at this, my last blueberry carrot bundt cake. And yes, I do travel with homemade goodies. I like to be reminded of where I come from...because I like where that puts me.

More pictures tomorrow of this glorious town if you are still with me!

From the east to the west, and everywhere in between

2007-08-18T18:48:00.000-04:00

This mornings adventure was one of splendor. We woke at an un-g-dly hour to catch a train out from the eastern seaboard of Dublin towards the western parts of Galway and finally the cliffs of moher.

Ironically, the transportation was the most remarkable part of the journey. Travelling through the expansive and bucolic flatlands of central Ireland, we were greeted with a myriad of grazers dotting the countryside. Sheep, horses, cows and any combination there of were found in great quantity enjoying the lush green landscape. (forgive the photos taken out the window of our train at 50 kph in the rain)
Upon arriving to Galway we quickly found our bus to the cliffs of moher

En route we were greeted with the breathtaking hills common to the Burren, sprawling with their legendary stone walls to keep livestock safe while to the east the waves were breaking along the coast.
As if the trip itself were not worthy of several postcards home, we arrived and found ourselves here:

and here:

Where my words will fail to describe natures blessing of such a place.

Of course when we returned to Galway we were in desperate need of nourishment so we stumbled here:
to have some lovely Galway chowder and of course, a pint! After a brief stop in the loo,

We wandered around the city and were thrilled that these couch potatoes (meaning us and our Irish counterparts):

had ventured to a far land and met like minded city dwellers purchasing good from their local fish mongers:
Returning to Dublin found us in a fog of delight. If our trip ended now, we would be perfectly thrilled.

And another day is gone, with another day to look forward to tomorrow.

Thank goodness for a good nights rest.

On solid ground

2007-08-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

We landed in Dublin early this morning and quickly became acquainted with this marvelous city.

Forgive any gibberish that may follow as I still have not slept!

This morning found us wandering around Grafton Street and over towards Dublin Castle.

Not being one for sitting in exhibits when there is a city to see, G and I stayed outdoors where we were quickly taken with these sand sculptures highlighing the 'seasons' of Dublin through the myriad of authors who hail from this fine city.

These fleeting sculptures represent the best of literary Dublin including Jonathan Swift as Gulliver, and a tribute to the greats of Dublin including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde (my hero) and the list goes on...

Then we found our way to the famous Guiness brewery where we met a man about a horse (yes we really did befriend this man and yes, his horse wanted to come home with us, please honey?!?)....

before enjoying the 7 floors of hoppy heaven and the grand finale of a real deal pint poured from the holy source...

There are so many more photos to share but I must get to bed or we will miss our train to Galway tomorrow! Until then...

Caprese Salad

2007-08-16T15:03:00.000-04:00

Caprese Salad

Just wanted to share a photo from our adventures in cheese that were somehow left out of the other photos.

We are leaving now, I promise!

Waste not want not, or how we aren't very normal.

2007-08-16T14:51:00.001-04:00

Before a trip, normal people pack...

Clothes that is!

Apparently we aren't so normal. After cleaning the house, getting my hair cut, packing two ginormous suitcases and every travel book on Dublin, London, and Paris known to man, we decided to clean out the fridge. That is where the fun began...

Since I have taken it upon myself to not waste food (thus the myriad of invented meals we have enjoyed as of late) I could not merely dump the precious ears of corn still in their silky coats, the purple pepper, purple (yes they too come in my favorite color) string beans, last of the plump blueberries and the few remaining strawberries.

No ma'am (or sir if you will), I could not just put these treasures into a garbage bag.

So instead of a leisurely afternoon preparing for our overnight journey, I was chopping and peeling and seeding and bagging and tagging and... yes, I was freezing more fruits and veggies.

Hey, when I say I'm doing something, I do it!

So now we are off, leaving on a jet plane. Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, warnings or love letters below and I will do my best to post when our feet are on Irish soil.

All the best, and wish us luck, because away we go...

Moving to the country, going to eat a lot of tomatoes

2007-08-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

(I know it's peaches, just making sure you were with me!)

There has been much talk as of late regarding our imminent move out to the burbs. Driving the excitement towards this adventure has been darling husbands' reassurance that while I will be leaving my precious city life, I will be rewarded with kitchen-aids (ice-cream AND pasta additions, please) and additions to my all clad collection to my hearts content.

OK, I bite. Let's move.

Only now, EVERYONE knows about our plan (dun, dun, dun)... Which is both excellent and problematic.

Let me rephrase, it's excellent for me that I can now create the "Camp P" I have dreamed of and have friends and family visit for long weekends, which will also allow me to make ridiculous amounts of stuff (jams, muffins, compound butters, you name it) for sending as gifts and will make entertaining just that much easier.

It becomes problematic to hubby as events like this mornings transpire....

Favorite dog run friend: Hey L, I finally decided to get rid of my bread maker that I have been hanging on to for years and thought you might appreciate it.

Me: (moment of awe inspired silence by this thoughtful and exciting proposition) Um, yes please!

FDRF: Great, then I'll drop it off when you are back from vacation.

Me: (thinking holy crap G is going to kill me) You are amazing! I'm perfectly thrilled. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Hey! Now we will never have to go to the grocery store, bread making was the last frontier.

Me & FDRF continue to discuss our pups, projects and lifes pandemonium... but I won't bore you with the details!

So that's the imminent danger of which I speak. Since there are very few readers I will admit that I'm using this forum to gently let my darling husband know of our almost acquisition. (Aren't you excited honey!)

I'm also hoping that this might rouse him from his silence and that he might comment on our exciting news. A girl can hope, right?

In other news...

Tomorrow will find us embarking on a long and lovely journey through Dublin, London, and Paris. I will attempt to post pictures and write notes as I go.

I am most excited to try local cuisines and hope that I do not return 20 pounds heavier after eating at all the recommended places like Bertillion and L’As du Fallafel, and enjoying as many crepes as one girl can handle.

Your opinions, advice, and travel knowledge are greatly appreciated so don't be stingy...please share!

Danger is lurking...

2007-08-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

A few neat sites to tide you over until I discuss this imminent danger (sites courtesy of my adorable detective hubby):

http://www.seeqpod.com/
http://hypem.com/

I've always believed in music as the cure all. Try listening to a new artist and tell me if you too don't feel the rush of excitement at discovering new talent, or turn on your ipod and tell me that you don't feel the comfort of hearing an old friend...

Adventures in homemade cheese...

2007-08-14T13:18:00.000-04:00

Saturdays are always eventful in our household but this Saturday was exceptionally exciting.

After reading and becoming extremely inspired by the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle , I decided to try my hand at homemade cheese making.

(This was also the inspiration behind filling our entire freezer with seasonal veggies and fruits that we will eat throughout the year, thank you Em!)

All I can say is, wow. The whole process was so exciting and equally rewarding as the end product was the creamiest and most delicious mozzarella I have had in ages.

(disclosure: this does NOT include buffalo mozzarella which certainly take the tomato!)

The best part is that we had made an entire ball of fresh mozzarella and bocconcini in under an hour. Plus, it was a delicious appetizer to serve to our friends and cost a fraction of the store bought equivalent.

If you are culinarily creative you should definitely visit the Cheese Queen. I highly recommend this adventure to anyone who appreciates the value of making food with your own two hands!

vacancy in china.

2007-08-14T12:52:00.000-04:00

So apparently there is a vacancy to fill in China, since the Dali Lama has decided not to be reincarnated in Tibet.

These Chinese folks are very interesting. Far be it for me to decide who can be reincarnated where, but I hardly think that banning something like reincarnation is a step on the right direction for any developed country. But then again, maybe I am giving them too much credit.

Check out this interesting story: here .

you can't buy happiness, or can you?

2007-08-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

So if I have this right, money=success and success=happiness so according to the transitive property money=happiness?

Uh oh...

Now why was I getting that PhD again?

Perfect Paella

2007-08-13T22:20:00.000-04:00

You might have noticed that this weekend was full of exciting culinary productions for us, and this one was arguably the fan favorite as I watched it disappear before my very eyes.

I'm going to make a sweeping generalization by saying that paella is the type of dinner that most people would order in a restaurant in Barcelona, but not make in their kitchen in Manhattan. To that I say: Shame on you!!!

This is one of the most rewarding meals to prepare and easiest to serve and the final product always receives high marks before the first bite has been taken...and again when the whole dish disappears.

Always Perfect Paella

Imagine making a meal in one huge pan that can be transfered AS IS directly to the table(in this case we cheat and use a wok instead of a traditional paella pan-this is where the kitchens in Barcelona have a leg up on our limited storage space).

Traditional paella's are made with snails and rabbit, but we like to use fresh local seafood, chicken thighs and any spicy sausage we can find (bison, cow, goat, whatever).

Saffron gives this dish it's signature flavor but adding cumin and spicy pepper flakes gives it a secret smoky punch.

Go ahead, try it once. I promise you will be entertaining with this dish again in no time!

So many blueberries, so little time!

2007-08-12T11:28:00.001-04:00

Last night we invited for dinner one of G's oldest and dearest friends with his adorable and charming French girlfriend. And since each time we have dinner at their house she whips up something delicious and memorable, I knew my menu would have to be extra special. I also knew that those juicy blueberries sitting on my counter would need to be eaten or frozen toute suite lest I find a pile of goop on my hands!

This is just to whet your palate before the next few posts about the extremely culinary day we had Saturday (hint: homemade mozzarella, bocconcini, and the big tada: a perfect paella!) and to hopefully get someone motivated to enjoy even more of the seasonal goodie that this recipe calls for...

Macerated Blueberries over Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Cinnamon Sugar

The easiest and tastiest desserts I have created in a while and it's perfect for those warm summer evenings when baking is not an option, nor is missing dessert! Macerating these berries brings out their natural sweetness and kicks it up a bit for a really great, and well received dessert.

So I married a meat and potatoes guy...

2007-08-10T23:14:00.000-04:00

Pan seared sirloin with a red wine reduction and baby bellas, lambs quarter in roasted garlic and smashed peruvian purple potatoes with garlic and dill

At the end of each week I like to prepare something a bit more extraordinary, a bit more exciting and a bit more...worthy of a Friday. So in honor of the plunging thermometer (as I write it is a mere 58 degrees), I thought I would make a nice hearty meal fit for a king. Call me old fashioned but after a long week of work there is nothing more rewarding than preparing a festive meal to share with those who mean the most to me, and in this case an intimate dinner with my husband was celebration enough.

While I cannot share the details of my secret steak marinade, the brown bits were mopped up with a lovely reduction that was used to cook the baby bella mushrooms with some fresh thyme.

The peruvian purple/blues are incredible after they are boiled for 15 minutes and then drained and tossed with dill and roasted garlic.

The lambs quarter was a lucky find from the farmers' market. With triple the health benefits of spinach and an even heartier taste, these guys will surely replace spinach at the table this winter. They also freeze exceptionally well and are laden with a ridiculous amount of anti-oxidents and beta-carotene, you can see for yourself if you are interested.

The next time you decide to indulge in a nice cut of steak, I highly recommend this Franciscan Cabernet (ours was 2002, it's incredible if you can find it) for a nice splurge. The depth of the berry and oak did a nice job standing up to the meatiness of the sirloin, picking up part of the worchester in the reduction (there's a hint for you!).

Enough reading and writing for now, it's time to enjoy Friday night with a glass of vino and the man I love... We will be back tomorrow.

Bean there, done that

2007-08-08T14:44:00.001-04:00

Every morning that I set off to explore the farmers market is truly an adventure.

However, there have been some days when (gasp!) I am less than awed with the produce, finding myself velocitized by the whirlwind of seasonal eating.

Shame on me, right?

Well I'm proud to admit that today was no such day.

During my usual routine selecting squash, thyme, rocambole, blueberries, etc... I ran into these cute little guys. I admit to being superficially drawn to them initially, hey they've got one heck of a cute ride(What's cuter than pink pods?) I'm a sucker for packaging! But upon popping open these slender beauties I was surprised with an equally playful pod of yumminess.

Cranberry beans, or so they are called by the professionals, are perfect for soups, salads, dips, steaming or just eating out of the pod. At least that's what I thought as I happily sauntered away.

I hear they lose their cute pink specks upon cooking but their taste more than makes up for it and they freeze like troopers which means this girl will get her fill of fresh (kind of) cranberry beans year round.

Talk about having your pod and shelling it too!

(and yes, friends, I am taking these photos myself....sheesh, what's a girl to do to get some credit around here!)

Little Shrimp You Will Roux the Day!

2007-08-07T23:04:00.000-04:00

Has this ever happened to you:

You look up from a busy day and suddenly it's 6 p.m., the husband arrives home, and just as you both profess starvation you realize that you have no idea what to make for dinner?

Fear no more, this scrumptious meal is here to save your day and reclaim your title as hero of all things! (Not to mention the fact that it was created in about 15 minutes and was a perfectly balanced meal.) Beginning your sauces with a simple variation on a roux will thicken soups, sauces and make you forget about the magic of chinese food takeout.

Spicy Shrimp and Soyccotash over Whole Wheat Pesto Couscous (click here for recipe)

What is roux you ask? According to wikipedia, it's any mixture of flour and fat. And since we know that wikipedia has the answer to all things we don't ask questions. (Sarcasm people!)

Depending on what you are making you may want to add stock to the flour (this makes a lovely pan gravy if you use drippings from a roasted bird or formerly living creature as there is no need to add additional fat), olive oil to the flour (in the case of this quick stir fry and for extra rich sauces), or just stick with the traditional butter. Either way, starting a dish with roux adds depth and makes your family think you spent an extra long time preparing that meal.

The only secret to creating a good roux is to make sure you keep it on the heat long enough for a paste to come together a bit a few times, adding the fat slowly to make it a thick mixture (think elmers glue) and then to cook it long enough to get the raw flour taste to cook out and the nutty richness to set in.

You might even roux the day you learned to make roux...for your family might never call for take out again. Here's to hoping!

Things I think about on our morning walk to the dog run:

2007-08-07T10:04:00.001-04:00

1) How can I freeze that 5 pound bag of zucchini so I can have fresh (local) veggies this winter?

2) I wonder how many feet were added to the side of that building due to layers upon layers of repainting Crunch ads?

3) What if all this proselytizing about city living is all muck...could the fumes we breathe in be worse for us than all the good of walking everywhere and eating non-pesticide foods from local farmers?

4) How will I (or is there a remote possibility at all to) get an academic position in two years if I also choose to have a family and a life? (If anyone is reading this in blogland please leave comments HERE!!!)

5) Wow, that girl looks hungry, I should feed her. Wait, she is going to the gym? That doesn't seem safe.

6) I hope that truck doesn't, oops, it rear ended the Nantucket nectar guy...

7) What am I doing with my life again? Validation please, someone?

8) How does one freeze heirloom tomatoes without first making them into a sauce?

Did anyone else realize that these are all questions? Anyway, I shared and now all I need is some collective advice. Bueller, Bueller, Frye, Frye.....

Shhh... The NOT Carrot, Carrot Cake

2007-08-06T03:41:00.001-04:00

Not Carrot, Carrot Cake

In our house it's something of a joke. Not just the fact that I'm quickly becoming the bundt cake queen (I would much rather share the title 'Goodie Bag Queen' with my mother!), but more the fact that G has told me time and again over the past 4+ years how much he really does not *like* carrot cake. Funny, since it is his cake of choice time and again, blind to the 'secret spices' as he goes for seconds at each Viennese table.

This weekends appearance of mini purple carrot bundt (or is it bunt?) cakes were short lived, performing a magical disappearing act almost instantly, which is why you are stuck with a picture of their second cousins.

Baked Friday afternoon, three dozen of these little guys were all but a memory on Sunday morning. I guess they are the perfect treat for the unexpected guest, neighbor, and doorman. Not as imposing as slicing a piece of cake or bread, darling in all their cute bundt(bunt)-ness, and almost healthy in their inclusion of, ahem, not carrots of course!

This is a recipe adapted from my bible of sorts, the Joy of Cooking. My secret to a soft, almost sponge like cake is in the addition of vanilla yogurt in lieu of half of the oil. The other secret that leaves eaters guessing about the extra yummy 'je ne sais quoi' flavor is a heaping teaspoon of ground ginger in addition to the other spicy goodies!

I think my hubby was the culprit of at least 4 mini-bundt cake burglaries over the weekend guessing by the Hansel and Gretel trail of crumbs. Apparently he doesn't like carrot cake after all .... ;)
Purple Carrots! Like I said, if it's purple, I'm cookin' it...

creative leftovers

2007-08-04T14:47:00.000-04:00

Friday night found me roasting (for the first time ever) an entire turkey breast, bone and all. Despite being very large and quite intimidating I think I can claim a mild success. However, I will note that the trepidation with which I approached this whole thing is quite entertaining. I was so frightened of the ever feared 'dry turkey' that I checked the temp on this bird literally every 10 minutes.

Enough of that. This is called creative leftovers because the entire ensemble of Friday nights meal performed a matinée the following afternoon to create this magnificent lunch.

Leftover ciabatta was sliced and serve with remnants of last nights salad including: fresh basil and roasted garlic dressing, carmelized onions, bibb lettuce and chioggia beets (they are so pretty, see them in this photo courtesy of seedsofchange.com?) Sliced roasted turkey was then layered followed by some fresh farmers cheese.

This sandwich served with juicy cherry tomatoes, haricot verts and a fresh kirby was a mouthwatering lunch (and dinner!) and a true celebration of the summer harvest. Thank you Union Square Greenmarket!

why education is in the toilet:

2007-08-03T16:25:00.001-04:00

or how we devalue teachers and ignore 'standards' to meet 'standards', ironic isn't it?:
click here for the story.

in all fairness i don't know this guy and while he might very well be the the devil incarnate, i highly doubt that the school did all they could to support this educator who had seemingly high marks from his superiors on all accounts.

thank you to my darling husband for sharing the news.

On Living

2007-08-03T08:17:00.001-04:00

Please forgive me while I wax poetic.

Every morning, when the first rays of sun find their way into my window, I am grateful to greet the day. The haphazardly thrown on clothes join the quickly tossed up hair before I reach for a leash, a bag, and a dog, and head into the outside world.

Our town has a homey feel. Waiting in the lobby is the doorman whose daughter is expecting her second child. Our friend from three floors above is walking her young daughter and small dog and we stop to discuss the weekend weather.

Outside the maintenance guys smile and say good morning as they turn off their hose momentarily and postpone the morning ritual of cleaning up our little street. These charmingly familiar sounds of life surround me and I smile in thanks.

We will soon get to the mud truck where I will order my coffee. Yes, I spoke correctly, it is a truck. And we will make our way to the dog park where we will meet our friends and neighbors to discuss the new construction going on in the square and transportation prices while we watch our dogs enjoy the few hours before the sun makes it difficult for anyone to move!

After the park we stroll through the market, greeting the vendors and taking our breakfast in samples. Someone just brought their first heirloom tomatoes, while another farmer is proudly showcasing the first mutsu apples of the season. We chat, we sample, we stroll, we buy. Not in any particular order.

What I want to know is why are we, the people sitting in the midst of one of the largest metropolises in America, living the life of our grandparents, while the majority run off to the burbs to rely on gas guzzlers and produce that is more well traveled than many of its very consumers?

When G & I talk about moving I think about these things. Our quaint town of nearly 9 million people seems to be doing something right. We get plenty of exercise just doing daily routines, we have access to low cost quality produce, and we use public transportation (okay so sometimes we take cabs).

What do I think of the suburbs? Don't ask. If it ain't country, I'm not interested.

Just some early morning thoughts.

my kind of town

2007-08-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

This weekend found us in the windy city and me wondering why the heck I hadn't moved there after undergrad... All the amenities of NY (without the quirkiness that I so love) and so much more affordable. Is that a faux pas to talk about money on a family site?!?! Well who's judging!

While I adore the comforts of home, the farmers market, the neighbors, the quaint neighborhoods that are unreplicable elsewhere--at least in the states, I was glad to see that the old city full of charm and mid-western hospitality was still kicking. And who knows, if I'm lucky I might be a resident again one day.

G & I took the architectural tour that I hadn't taken in at least 10 years and learned all about the old and new faces of the city. Seriously a magnificent place, and Chicagoans have unparalleled pride, that's indisputable, which certainly helps maintain a spectacular city. In fact, I would go as far as to say that there is no better place to be in the summer months than Chicago. There, I said it!

Enough about our travels and down to business!

We returned home in time for my favorite market day, Wednesday. While our fish monger isn't there on Wednesday, a bevy of other choices are available and the market seems to burst with vendors. Plus there is the added bonus of being a weekday which means the market is much more walk-able then Saturday.

I stocked up on newly plucked pears, sweet cherries, strawberries, peaches, and nectarines, and we are not talking about the gigantic pesticide pumped Schwarzenegger's found at most grocery stores! Then I added some summer squash, corn, chard, peas, peppers, and heirloom tomatoes. That should last us a few days!

Tonight I decided to use the remainders of my loot and add some new ones. Dinner was mahi mahi seared and simmered in a warm summer salsa. The salsa truly showcases the colors of summer. The mahi mahi sat atop whole wheat couscous tossed with some additional summer veggies.

If you are interested, read on for how it's done... if not, stay tuned for another post soon about this remarkable new book I received as a gift that I hope you will join me in reading, discussing and living!

First was a salsa of sorts with all the odds and ends:
corn off the cob,
red pepper,
yellow heirloom tomato (forgive me, I don't know the genus!),
onion,
garlic scapes and
avocado squash (if i haven't yet RAVED about this marvelously nutty and rich squash let me tell you now that you must try and find yourself one before the season has passed, a remarkable veggie!).

Saute onions and garlic, then add squash. After about 2-3 minutes add the rest, saving the tomato for last. Toss in some good sea salt, pepper and a few hot pepper flakes for good measure! Then saute for another 5 minutes and move the salsa to the outside of the pan to make room for the fillets.

I also used a bit of the sautéed onion, garlic, red pepper and corn in the whole wheat couscous that sat under the mahi mahi fillets.

Season the fillets with whatever you like. I use a little cayenne and old bay. It's a cop out but it's mighty tasty! Put the fillets in the 'hole' (see photo above left) and sear/simmer on each side for about 3 minutes. Plate the fillets atop a bed of whole wheat couscous and surround with your beautiful warm salsa.

This was another surprise winner and will certainly be revisited later in the season. Stay tuned for purple carrot bundt cakes. Yes folks, you heard it here first. If it's purple, I'm cookin it.

2007-07-27T12:23:00.001-04:00

Seared Tuna Steaks with (first of the season) Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Wild Mushroom Risotto

On my way home last night (after a long day at the office, he he!) I decided to surprise my hubby with his favorite dinner. Since my favorite fish monger was not at the farmers market I caved and headed to Whole Foods to pick up this sashimi grade tuna steak which I lightly seasoned and seared. Look out Blue Water Grill... When searing fish try to use a nonstick pan and DONT TOUCH IT until it's ready to turn, about 4 minutes each side for a medium sized filet.

The brussels sprouts were small, tender and a bit crisp as I made them with some sauteed garlic scapes (you must try these if you can find them somewhere, they are the tops of the garlic plant).

The wild mushroom risotto was made by sauteeing oyster, shitake, and crimini mushrooms and fresh thyme in olive oil then adding the traditional orzo rice to pan to coat all the rice. (Don't forget not to add salt until the mushrooms begin to give off some water) After about 2 minutes of toasting the orzo and infusing the mushroomy goodness you begin adding chicken or veggie broth, about a cup at a time letting most of the liquid become absorbed before adding more. G is a pro at helping with this part!

There you have it. This is a simple and quick meal. You can make a few large filets of tuna and slice them over the risotto to serve at a dinner party. It's a nice way to make your guests feel special and doesn't require an entire filet for each person.

We're off to Chi-town for the weekend and will post photos when we return. Happy Friday :)

i must own this immediately....

2007-07-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

this was just too cute to keep to myself.

let's see which wonderful person in my life (ahem) will be first to join me in the adventure of finding this new kitchen gadget somewhere in downtown nyc tomorrow....

the prize for this wonderful person will be a giant home made birthday cupcake. i might even share my special red velvet recipe, if you are nice.

i'm taking bidders starting,...now! what do you say em???

p.s. if you don't have sur la table next door, you can order yours here.

the hunter and the hunted

2007-07-25T20:37:00.001-04:00

It's only fitting that todays post be dedicated to the other furry creature in my world, to whom the world is a stage and I will act whatever play she deems fit. The truth is, we are absolutely nuts over these guys (Lola & Smokey) and I can't imagine how silly we must look to the outside world. Oh well... they're happy, which means we're happy, and if you ask me, that's all that matters!

Double Salmon Dip with Fresh Dill

Just to make sure that I maintain a culinary spin, I have added a shot of a fantastic and easy summer recipe to make as a spread for company or to serve as an appetizer before dinner.

Either way, you cannot go wrong with this recipe. That is, of course, unless you don't like caviar or fresh fish. In which case you don't belong on this site so move along... Just kidding.

Anyway, it is my double salmon and dill dip served with fresh pita and pita chips. The recipe was adapted from epicurious and goes a little something like this:

Double Salmon Dip with Fresh Dill

(Hint: you can always just click on the underlined title to view the whole recipe)

there's always room for chocolate

2007-07-24T21:11:00.000-04:00

This is my adaptation of the chocolate zucchini cake made famous by Clotilde Dusoulier. Mine are made as miniature bundt cakes and are as cute as they are practical. (And the only way G will eat vegetables, just kidding!)

I really can't claim much other than following a recipe, dumping in a bit extra in the chocolate department (it's second nature). Oh, and adding some yogurt boosts the creaminess factor.

All and all, it's a great way to deliciously ensure portion control :)

In other news, the weather is now beyond fantastic in the city which is a double edged sword...while it makes writing papers extremely unbearable, sunsets from the roof overlooking the city are magnificent, as is a nice glass of cote du rhone. Speaking of...

Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cakes (with a little extra chocolate, cause hey...who's going to eat the rest of the bag if you just leave it?)

it's in the bag...

2007-07-23T23:05:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wish I were as content with our small digs as my little boy Smokey. I couldn't
resist posting a photo of him relaxing on a recently unpacked suitcase.

No new dishes tonight, it was the chef's night off :) I did try a new recipe for chocolate zucchini cake, courtesy of the ever adorable Clotilde Dusoulier, that was fan-tastic. I made them in baby bundt pans, perfect for a nighttime snack for the hubby and I. Perhaps I'll post a photo of them tomorrow.

For now, it's back to shnoozing for me and this little one...

fancy that, a recipe request

2007-07-22T21:02:00.001-04:00

By popular demand, okay so it was only one request--but from whom i am so flattered that i must promptly respond-below you will find the recipe for the clafouti from several days ago. If there are other recipe requests please let me know, if I had known anyone really wanted to make this stuff I would have posted them from the get go!

The flapjacks that I promised to post about while great tasting, didn't photograph so well. I have become as paranoid about food-tography (can i copyright that?) as my cute little hubby. Buckwheat is a little camera shy, I guess....

Instead I will share with you a photo of our monkfish tacos from last night. The monkfish was fresh from the Atlantic, picked up from our favorite fish monger at the farmers market yesterday. What a pleasure to buy from the guys who reeled in this beauty but a day ago. I digress...

I served these fish tacos with a homemade relish (roasted corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, black beans, diced chiles), fresh baby cabbage marinaded in a splash of oil & vinegar and then finished off with a homemade tzaziki of sorts (fage, dill & garlic). What a surprising treat, we will certainly be enjoying this healthy meal again soon. Perfect for the warm weather and what a way to enjoy the flavors of summer!

and without further ado...

Clafouti

i do not like green eggs and ham, but i do like green comma eggs and ham!

2007-07-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

So we were left with some prociutto and pesto from last nights meal (I know, such a shame) and after our visit to the green market we decided to use fresh eggs to make a meal that would tickle even the picky palate of a man named Sam! A lovely and simple breakfast of toasted whole grain bread, two eggs over easy, basil pesto, prociutto and bianca cheese. Stay tuned for tomorrows breakfast of buckwheat flapjacks with juicy sugar plums.

Thanks to G for the cute title!

the secret to my success: a farmers life for me

2007-07-20T22:56:00.000-04:00

Okay, so there is no real secret... at least not one that every home cook hasn't already figured out. The key to incredible meals is fresh ingredients.

you can't tell but these were HUGE squash; currants ; currants, gooseberries and sugarplums

Living in Union Square we are blessed with a phenomenal green market market bursting with an abundance of delicacies from veggies and eggs to flowers and cheese, four days a week. How dare I speak of moving to the burbs when this paradise is but a five minute walk from my front door?

sugarplums; peaches

This morning I thought I would share with you some photos the hubby took while wrangling the dog, holding a dozen bags and keeping track of a wandering wife. Told you he was amazing...

fresh herbs from Keith's; sweet and sour cherries; raspberries

in vino veritas

2007-07-19T19:37:00.000-04:00

I think my favorite part of the day is first thing in the morning, sitting with my little pup in the dog run, talking to the locals in the dog run. It's about this time of day that my darling hubby calls to check in and I get to ask him what he wants for dinner. It usually goes something like this:

Me: Good morning love! I'm about ready to hit the farmers market, what shall I create for you this evening?
Cute Hubby: How about a twist on saltimbocca, how Dolce Vita makes it?
Me: Perfect! String beans look good and I'll get some fresh cheese from Bobolink if they have something gratable.

And voila! Dinner is created.

In honor of my darling hubby and his favorite dish (and mine!), I created saltimbocca with a twist by rolling some pounded thin chicken breast with freshly made basil pesto, grated gruyere and prosciutto, seared all the sides to brown and then simmered in chicken stock. This was fantastic with some whole wheat gnocchi from trader's that I sauteed in olive oil and fresh thyme until it was browned, yum! And the addition of some fresh string beans quickly cooked with keith's organic garlic on the stovetop rounded out a perfect meal.

OH! And the best part was the Chateauneuf Des Papes (2002) that was sitting on our wine rack begging to be drank. This bad boy had certainly calmed since we popped the last bottle a little less than a year ago and the flavors were in perfect harmony. It was absolutely delicious with the saltimbocca, crispy gnocchi and garlic string beans! Wish we had more...

After a few bites.