jessica rose

Holiday Cooking

2012-01-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

2012! Hopefully the year where I get really close to finishing my MBA, while also really expanding on my efforts in the kitchen. We brought in 2012 with friends and a successful dinner party, which was a really great start.

I made a New Year's ham, inspired by food52, however I wasn't clear on what to buy at the store so I ended up with a pre-cooked ham instead of the fresh cut the recipe calls for. Not a huge deal as it was still delicious, and I still rubbed it with roasted garlic, herbs, and doused it with orange juice. After three hours it was crackling, dark, and juicy.

Sides were a sweet potato and sage gratin, with cream and caramelized onions (yes, make this now), and a simple kale salad with ricotta salata (also an easy winner).

I also made roasted garlic beer bread, from Women's Health, which actually has some great recipes that are consistently healthy. This one is made with all whole wheat pastry flour, and uses olive oil for the fat.

To use up ham leftovers I made a split pea soup today, using thekitchn as a starting point and adding in pinto beans, napa cabbage, and parsley at the end.

Lastly, I tried a ricotta cheesecake for Christmas at my parent's, and while it was good overall, I cooked it a bit long so it ended up a little dry. Please note that after 1 hour and 15 minutes, the cake will not be set. You should take it out anyway. I also could not find plain matzo, which the recipe says adds some lightness. I would be interested to taste the difference.

Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-12-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

Yeah yeah, another recipe from 101cookbooks. They're just so good!

Peruvian Style Roast Chicken

2011-12-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

I made this chicken a while back, and the recipe just reappeared in my inbox from Whole Foods so I thought I'd share. It's chicken, sliced lemons, peppers and onions roasted with cumin. Easy and delicious!

Recipes!

2011-12-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

This old-fashioned oatmeal cake with coconut/pecan topping has become a quick favorite.

Baked beans with bacon, sage and tomato sauce. I only used four slices of bacon, enough to get the flavor with less fatty fat.

Meatloaf is not the most photogenic, but this turkey recipe from the kitchn is super yummy. I ran out of barbecue sauce and made it up a bit and this still came out great.

Lastly, all three of my holiday cookie recipes have come from Heidi this year, she just has such lovely ideas. Below are her sparkling ginger chip (aka "crack cookies"), and limoncello macaroons. Um yes, yum.

Making me insanely happyyy

2011-12-06T17:53:00.001-08:00

Chicken Parm

2011-12-06T08:53:00.001-08:00

I free-styled some chicken parm on Sunday night, and it really came out great so I wanted to share. Part of it's success was the sauce, I always use this recipe as a starting point, and this week I sauted the onions first in some butter, garlic, fennel seeds, chili pepper flakes, oregano and red wine. Then added the San Marzanos, cooked down for about an hour, and pureed to a thick sauce consistency. I'm telling you, this is the easiest way to make sauce/please don't ever buy a jar again.

For the chicken, I used Tyler as a starting point because his Italian always inspires, and subbed in panko for bread crumbs. I also added lemon zest, fresh thyme, oregano, salt/pepp to the panko. Easy to make, and delicious to eat.

Cookies!

2011-12-06T08:45:00.001-08:00

The holidays have officially started - our tree is up, home is decorated, amaryllis is in full bloom, and I kicked off the 2011 holiday cookie extravaganza with these (actually a very similar recipe from Heidi's book that adds peanuts and popcorn). I know holiday cookies are not supposed to be healthy, and I will progress to more unhealthy recipes in the coming weeks. But I needed to start slow people, I cannot handle a month of unhealthy cookies in my house. Anywho, these are good, but the dough is pretty loose, and we found that they fall apart easily. Not great for traveling, but still great for eating.

Some Things

2011-11-28T19:45:00.001-08:00

Upstate after the holiday, Gramercy Tavern's gingerbread (with Guinness), Mark Bittman pickles, and the start of holiday decorating. I love this time of year.

Thanksgiving Pies

2011-11-27T15:01:00.001-08:00

Came out great despite my obsesssing. I made a bourbon sweet potato, with graham cracker pecan ginger crust (laying out ingredients to emphasize yumminess), and star anise infused maple pecan rum pie (yes another Melissa Clark recipe). Now the countdown begins to my December plan of 1 cookie recipe per weekend, can't wait!

Totally trying this

2011-11-26T19:08:00.001-08:00

How to Be a Girl: Cat Eyes By Magic! from The Hairpin on Vimeo.

Pie Crust Basics

2011-11-23T08:33:00.001-08:00

I really like this video from Melissa Clark, she makes pie crust straightforward and manageable. Do not hesitate to make your own tomorrow, it will come together I promise!

Maple Buttermilk Pie

2011-11-21T12:14:00.001-08:00

Made this as a dry run for Thursday's pie extravaganza, and it was great. Even better when chilled in the fridge over night. Kind of like a lemony, maple custard.

Lucy Chadwick and the Selby

2011-11-16T13:48:00.001-08:00

Simple and lovely

Lemony Olive Oil Banana Bread

2011-11-16T10:11:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to make this, it's also from Melissa Clark's new book but Heidi added a lemon twist that was totally intriguing so I used her recipe (and photography) instead. I definitely recommend this one! No butter, made with yogurt, and still super moist. The one thing I would add is walnuts, which I debated and then regretted not tossing them in. Make it and love it!

Ham bone soup, pickles, and an injury

2011-11-14T17:32:00.001-08:00

I made this soup from Melissa Clark's new book (after hunting down a ham bone Saturday morning), and let me tell you that it is easy and delicious.

Early Sunday, we went to the New Amsterdam Market Pickle Festival (where Fulton Fish used to be), to sample some pickles - again, an easy and delicious activity. I bought some dense, chewy nordic breads, more than one kimchi dog, and got inspired to get a little crazier with flavors during pickle making.

Lastly, I had an accident. A really un fun accident. While attempting to make these pumpkin coriander falafels. I was using a hand blender to smooth the chickpeas, and when they mucked up the blender end, without thinking I used my thumb to scoop it clean..then pushed the button by accident. Um, ouch. Nine stitches and a fracture later, here I am in the emergency room doped up and novocained out. Please remember to use your brain when you use the hand blender!! And a chopstick for un-mucking.

Sesame Coconut Bars

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

I really got into cookie bases and crumbles towards the end of the summer, trying to find a healthy recipe with not too much butter. These "healthy" bars from Mark Bittman still use a whole stick, and in my opinion were a bit rich. However. The other member of my household would not let me bring these to work because he proceeded to eat the entire thing over the course of the following week. Soo, apparently they are good. Also, mine did not look like this..

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Color, Nebulas

2011-11-08T08:33:00.001-08:00

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Hilarious

2011-11-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

Date cake and a visit home

2011-11-07T07:57:00.001-08:00

I had a really nice visit home this weekend, seeing my family and spending time in various wooded areas. Their town is still reeling from the freak snow storm last week, and just got power back as I was leaving. Inspired many grateful moments - for my family, talks by the fire, yummy food and wine, sleeping dogs, and beautiful electricity. Then I came home and made this date cake. It's similar to the bean brownies - flowerless, healthy, and delicious. These are my favorite types of desserts, and my favorites types of weekends.

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Cheesy music but crazy birds

2011-11-04T09:05:00.001-07:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Lynda Barry

2011-11-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Outside comic circles I think Lynda Barry is relatively unknown, which is a pretty big tragedy. As a side note, I am no longer in "comic circles" and only was slightly for a brief period where I learned about this whole world of indie comics that are beautiful and smart and funny. And so, Lynda Barry, is hilarious. I gave this book to my mom, and another to my sister, and for years I had a little photocopied strip from the book pinned to my bulletin board. She dated Ira Glass like a hundred years ago and makes fun of him in this book for being a basic egomaniac. So if you're looking for a beautiful, smart and funny read, pick this little guy up.

New Album Coming!

2011-11-02T13:52:00.001-07:00

Super psyched! And check out those moves!

Riikka Sormunen

2011-11-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Really into these, click through for more interesting and slightly grotesque works

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Mindy Kaling love

2011-11-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

I just bought her new book and can't wait to read it, she's so hilarious.

And look at this pic of her as a child, "People think I'm exaggerating when I say that I was a happy child who you could not tell was male or female", amazing.

J Crew Nailing it (per usual)

2011-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Loving these color combos! And those pants are gasp worthy.

Black Bean Brownies

2011-10-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

Soo, I've been experimenting a little more in the kitchen lately. What's interesting to me about cooking is the creativity involved in making something both healthy and delicious for yourself and those around you. It's easy to throw a stick of butter and a cup of sugar into some flour and make it taste delicious. But when you get creative with textures and flavors, you can use healthy ingredients to both satisfy and nourish. Thus, these brownies! They use avocado, black beans, dates and pecans, etc and while they're not sturdy enough to bring to work, they didn't last long enough to sprinkle cocoa on the top. Mmm.

September Photo Making

2011-10-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

My pal the raven outside of Edgar Allen Poe's place. After this photo he whispered "nevermore" in my ear.

Snowy Fall Weekend

2011-10-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Cumin salted pumpkin seeds

Apple pie inspired by this rye flour galette

Brown rice crust quiche, with filling from here

Improvised lasagne with homemade ricotta from Mark Bittman, and sauce from here (this was actually two weeks ago)

New Cookbook

2011-10-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Just got this in the mail and can't wait to cook all recipes now!!

Skincare

2011-10-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a more diy approach to skincare lately, initially inspired by oil cleansing. Oil is a better solvent for the oil and dirt on your skin than water is, so cleansing oils are actually more effective than traditional water based solutions. And since the oils I'm using are high in antioxidants I feel like my skin is getting the vitamins it needs. AND, no chemicals - later parabens. I mixed 2/3 parts extra virgin cold pressed olive oil with a little less than 1/3 castor oil, some sweet almond oil, rosemary and lavender. I'm also planning to make the scrub below for winter showers. Yay for healthy, easy and cheap solutions for caring for your body!

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Article here

Bean Cookies

2011-10-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. Try them, they're delicious!

Some things I have made and liked lately

2011-10-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Fresh Applesauce

Ginger Applesauce Cake

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

Norwegian Apple Cake

Green Curry Chicken Potpie

Apple, Oatmeal, Gouda Cookies

Karen Walker

2011-10-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

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Bill Carman

2011-10-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

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Oh Parks & Rec

2011-10-17T11:36:00.001-07:00

You slay me

Food Revolution Success!

2011-10-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

Gilt Taste did an updated post on the effectiveness of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution 2009 series in Huntington, West Virginia. As skeptical as residents were at the time, it seems the show's principles took hold and things have really changed for the better. Lunch is prepared mostly from scratch everyday with great results, and the program has expanded to surrounding counties. Read the whole article, and start a food revolution! I love it.

Jill Stuart Colors, Spring 2012

2011-10-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

I know I am late here, but this has been sitting on my desktop for a couple weeks and I am still enjoying the colors.

Views of NY

2011-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

From above

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More More

2011-10-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

So few hours in the day to see through all of the things I want to explore, like my little blog here. However, I try to keep this in mind:

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And then this..

2011-09-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

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Yes thank you, Olivia Palermo

2011-09-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

You have further affirmed my fall inspiration.

DIY beauty

2011-09-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Go here to make

So 90's, So good

2011-09-01T12:08:00.001-07:00

Holy Cow.

2011-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Selby's latest is pretty, pretty amazing.

One, this dog:

Two, this moose in the garden:

Three, these helpful hands:

Also, this:

This magical home is in London, friends. And my dreams.

Fall Inspiration

2011-08-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

So into Emerson's fall collection, I am determined to take a classier approach to fall dressing. Stocking up on blazers, well fitted button downs, and skirts. Also ordered the booties below to compliment some boot cut jeans. Now I just need oxfords and Hepburn style flats..

I am back.

2011-08-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Took a little hiatus, but it's time to post some photos. Our neighborhood below, following less than epic Irene.

Remember crazy Celine Dion?

2011-07-25T07:18:00.001-07:00

So hilarious, from Jezebel

Marriage in NY

2011-07-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

"Phyllis Siegel, 76, left, and Connie Kopelov, 84, both of New York, embrace after becoming the first same-sex couple to get married at the Manhattan City Clerk's office." via

Ugh so beautiful

2011-07-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

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Want

2011-07-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

From Etsy shop Urban Cheese Craft!

Speaking to me

2011-07-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

From Tomboy Style

HAHA, amazing

2011-07-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

This monkey stole the photographer's camera and "the thief ended up taking hundreds of photographs, including several amazingly in-focus self portraits and one of Slater himself attempting to regain possession of his property." via

Independence!

2011-07-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

I went to Alaska

2011-07-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

With my family, it was amazing.

Learning to swim - on land

2011-06-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

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Weekend Cooking

2011-06-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

I was a cooking fool again this weekend - pizza, two bean recipes, tomato sauce, pecan butter cake, and ricotta stuffed chicken! Phew. The lemon-y, ricotta stuffed chicken recipe can be found here, and includes a fennel, lemon and garlic confit - really nice, we'll be smearing it on chicken all week.

The pecan, cornmeal butter cake is here, I've been wanting to make it for a while now and it did not disappoint. I covered it with macerated blackberries and lemon juice, which was a really nice balance with the buttery richness. Definitely recommend this one! Stay tuned for pizza making pics.

Blue Cheese at Whitman's

2011-06-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

We made a repeat visit to Whitman's on Friday night, looking for some high quality burgers and kale chips. I definitely recommend this place, we ended up spending a little too much but mostly because we ordered bottle beers. I asked for my burger with blue cheese on it and let me tell you that it was as awesome as you might imagine.

Also. I love parks! And warm weather! And weekend times!!

More Beans

2011-06-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

A three bean salad with edamame, pintos and black beans from Gourmet, the celery adds a nice crunch. Easy and yummy salad for summer lunches!

I also made this cornbread for a second time last night and while I over-baked it a bit, I have to plug the recipe again because of the ricotta. It adds a richness without feeling heavy, and the blackberries are such a nice addition at the beginning of summer. We added some of the ricotta to pancakes over the weekend - another great trick!

Pancakes

2011-06-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

I know the better buttermilk approach is to make it, rather than buy a carton, use maybe 1 cup, and then let it slowly expire in your fridge. However the latter approach is where I found myself last week, so I started looking for buttermilk recipes to use it up. Pancakes! My dad has always made them from scratch and I know they're super easy, but when I went to buy flour I saw this mix and decided to try it - yum! Great company that regularly offers whole grain options, and they do not disappoint with this one. Easy breakfast and less buttermilk guilt!

Some Cooking

2011-06-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Made this last night for a couple days of eating, but we ended up inhaling half in one sitting. I used brown rice and just cooked it in the pot and then in the oven a little longer, really good. Lucky for us our new neighborhood has plenty of queso fresco on hand.

I also made this lentil and beet salad but I need to be better about tracking where I grab these recipes from, because I'm again unable to credit. The salad is great, I added olives forgetting there were already capers so mine is a bit salty. But, I'll take it.

French Lentil, Golden Beet Salad
serves 4-6
1 1/2 cup French Puy Lentils, rinsed and picked over (removing any teeny rocks or debris)
3 cups water
4 beets, roughly chopped
1 head raddichio, roughly chopped
handful of fresh herbs (I used Italian parsley and basil), chopped
1 generous glug olive oil
juice of one lemon
1/4 cup capers
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons nice, potent mustard
1 tablespoon honey
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. In a large roasting pan, spread the beets evenly and toss in a little olive oil. Cook for about 15 minutes. Add lentils and 3 cups of water, cover with foil and return to the oven for another 30 minutes, or until lentils are done. In the meantime, make the vinaigrette. In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon, capers, shallots, mustard, honey, salt and pepper and fresh herbs. Set aside.

When lentils are done, dress with vinaigrette, sprinkle herbs and radicchio, and stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting acid and oils to your taste.

This salad is better the next day, when flavors have fully melded, but is delicious eaten straight away. Serve with crackers, great bread or another green salad. Enjoy.

Blueberry Maple Coffee Cake

2011-05-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's hot outside. And we don't have an AC in our new living room yet. However, the idea of this cake was enough to propel me out a nap, bare the heat, turn on the oven, and bake away. I'm also feeling a little compulsive about baking lately so I think that helped. What also helped was how amazing this cake turned out to be. Please make this! We ate half in five minutes. And don't forget the thyme, because it adds a nice dimension.

McSweeney's does it too

2011-05-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Food journals are really peaking my interest these days, this new publication from McSweeney's features Ruth Reichl, David Chang and Anthony Bourdain among others. Yes please!

Love this

2011-05-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

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Photo of French sailor Florence Arthaud, winner of the 1990 Route du Rhum (transatlantic single-handed yacht race), by Jean Guichard, 1982.

Daniel Egeneus

2011-05-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Apparently it's art Sunday..

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Guy Sargent

2011-05-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

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Diner Journal

2011-05-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Really want this subscription, it's a three hole punched, ad free journal of stories, recipes and food from the owner's of Marlow & Sons, Diner and Roman's in Brooklyn.

Color

2011-05-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

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Jon Klassen

2011-05-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Really lovely, we're thinking of buying some prints here

A cake, a move and a camera app

2011-05-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

I moved! To a new living location, in Harlem, with my honey. Our place is so great and spacious, with new floors, new paint, and new kitchen appliances. Um hell yeah, hallelujah.

In honor of my new seemingly giant oven, I made this cake last night - cranberry, walnut, upside down. I over-cooked it per usual so it came out slightly dry, but the buttermilk adds a bit of sour which is a nice contrast to the sweet/sour crans. Sort of tastes like a biscuit with jam topping. Unfortunately I have no idea where I grabbed this recipe to credit the lovely blogger, but I'm pasting it below.

Lastly, I downloaded a "retro camera" app from Amazon's free app of the day (also recommend) and it's super fun, emulates the toy cameras we've been looking at in specialty shops.

Cranberry Walnut Upside Down Cake

makes 8 servings

topping

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries(7oz. do not thaw if frozen)

3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted

cake

1 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup well shaken buttermilk

For the topping, melt butter in cast iron skillet over moderate heat, then swirl to coat bottom and side of skillet and stir in brown sugar. Simmer, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes, then sprinkle cranberries and walnuts evenly over butter mixture and remove from heat.

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 6 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture alternately in batches with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Heat topping in skillet over moderately high heat until it starts to bubble, then gently spoon batter over topping and spread evenly. Quickly transfer to oven; bake until cake is golden brown and a wooden skewer comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool cake in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Run a thin knife around inside edge of pan, then invert a serving plate over pan and invert cake onto plate. Cool completely on plate on rack, 1 hour. Serve cake warm or at room temperature.

Pumpkin Seed Butter

2011-05-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Made this for my mama last weekend and was surprised by how easy it was. Nut and seed butters are generally pricey in the store, and all it takes to make them at home is a big bag and a food processor. I didn't use this recipe but it sounds good, I took a simpler approach and just processed a bunch for around 5mins with a little added oil. I did make the mistake of buying salted pumpkin seeds which lead to salty butter - I'll buy only roasted next time.

A Smarter Sammie

2011-05-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

What a great solution to lunchtime soggy sammies, adding to my wants list of kitchen gadgets. Oh how it grows.

Perfect Sandwich demonstration from Simon Darby on Vimeo.

Really funny to me

2011-05-13T09:42:00.001-07:00

Unimpressed with the MoMa

2011-05-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

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Weekend Cooking

2011-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had an impromptu potluck dinner with friends on Saturday night, which gave me a chance to try a pistachio crusted salmon recipe. So easy, so good. Really recommend this one, it literally takes 5 minutes to put together and 15 minutes to bake.

I also made hummus and want to post the recipe here because again, so easy, so good. From Terry Walter's Clean Food:

1 garlic clove
2 cups cooked chickpeas
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tahini (which you can also make)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
water as needed

With food processor on, drop in garlic clove and process until minced. Turn off processor, scape down sides and add chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, cumin, lemon juice, and salt. Restart processor and slowly add water to achieve desired consistency. Make hummus slightly thinner than desired as it will thicken when refrigerated. Chill to combine flavors and serve. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Fisher Price!

2011-05-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

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This image brings back so many memories I can't even tell you. I would slam that little door open and shut all day long. Doubtful that I ever used this for educational purposes though..

Page One - NYTimes

2011-05-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Seems like an interesting look at how the institution continues to be affected by digital media.

JerrySeinfeld.com

2011-05-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

Seinfeld is launching his own repository for televised appearances throughout his career, going live on Friday. For publicity this spot of appearance numero uno was posted, cheese city!

Easy Chocolate Mousse

2011-05-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Mousse with two ingredients, can't wait to try this! Definitely thinking I'll make mine with Early Grey and lavender.

Harissa & Eggs

2011-05-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Do you know about this?? Apparently it's originally an African sauce, typically made from garlic, spices and hot peppers. After several recipes calling it out as a nice addition, I bought some this weekend and let me tell you, impressive. I've been sauteing spinach, white beans, and slivered almonds, throwing in a hard boiled egg and topping with harissa for lunch this week. Pretty pretty nice. I cannot take credit for this concoction (Super Natural Everyday). Looks like you can also make your own.

Also a note about hard boiling eggs. I never realized that most end up rubbery and not great until I read over this post from thekitchn. Since then I've been following their approach and have lite fluffy eggs and yokes every time. I definitely recommend this! It makes a difference, I promise.

Bossypants, as promised

2011-05-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Before I was born, my mother took my brother to Greece for the whole summer to visit family. When they were finally coming back, my dad washed and waxed his Chevy convertible, put on his best sharkskin suit, and drove all the way from Philadelphia to New York International Airport to pick them up.

Their flight was due to arrive early in the morning, so Don Fey, who is never late for anything, got to the airport just before dawn. As he popped on his sweet lid and walked across the deserted parking lot toward the terminal, he saw two black gentlemen approaching from far away. He played it cool to hide his apprehension. He was in New York, after all, one of the world’s most dangerous cities if you’re from any other city, and from far away in the dark he couldn’t tell if the guys were airport employees or loiterers.

As they got closer, he noticed they were staring him down, he continued to play it cool. Don Fey had grown up in West Philly, where he lived comfortably as a Caucasian minority. Of course these guys didn’t know that. His heart was beating a little faster as they came within ten feet of each other.

The guys looked at him intently, then one turned to the other and said, “That is one boss, bold, bladed motherfucker.”

Dads are the Original Hipsters

2011-05-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hilarious tumblr, found via

"Your dad drank cheap beer before you did."

"Your dad was shooting shit before you were."

"Your dad wore flannel before you did."

"Your dad didn't give a fuck before you did."

Weekend Highlights

2011-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

On our way to a standard diner for brunch this morning, we happened to pass Indus Valley, which I think you'll agree, looks pretty unassuming. Then however, we noticed in the window an Indian buffet of "breakfast" foods including daal, paneer, chicken masala, samosas, etc etc and dessert. Oh and for $14. After some serious debating (because not good Indian is never a fun time), we decided to gamble our brunch on Indus. And, we won, as I'm sure you've now guessed. So random! But we really liked it, and it was nice to do something other than omelets. Maybe you'll bet on Indus and win too, if you're on the UWS.

I also found popsicle molds!! I know this excitement seems a little extreme, but I have not been able to find these babies anywhere. And Martha's recipes have been taunting me for three hot summers now. No more! Also including alcohol for a good time.

Lastly I bought Bossypants - hilarious as expected, favorite excerpts to come.

Easter Basket

2011-04-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yes I still get one, yes my mom is the best. Thanks Mom!

For the royal wedding

2011-04-28T07:25:00.001-07:00

This is as interested as I'll get

Cookbooks!

2011-04-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

I spent a good hour going through the cookbook offerings at Barnes & Noble over the weekend, and was pretty surprised by how little inspiration I found. And, it's so strange to me that Diet/Lifestyle books would be in an entirely different section. Points to the less than holistic approach we tend to take these days to feeding ourselves. However, I did decide on these two gems - unsurprisingly Heidi delivers with a lovely book full of interesting and healthy recipes. I was also excited to find that the recipes are mostly unduplicated with what's on her site.

And this one seems a bit random, it was totally hidden on the shelves. But the recipes look so great to me, I had to get it. When deciding on a meal, I look for interesting flavors, lite fare, and ease. This book seems to deliver all three and I can't wait to try it.

Want

2011-04-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

via

Heh, prom.

2011-04-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

via

Simple Italian Beans

2011-04-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

I had to post about these babies because they were insanely simple and surprisingly good. My red onion was rotten when I cut into it, so I used shallots instead and two cloves of garlic. Because I cooked my beans yesterday this literally took twenty minutes to make, and the rosemary/garlic/shallot mixture smelled up my whole apartment with deliciousness. If you're in need of a lite, easy, vegetarian supper, look no further!

Rose on the New Museum

2011-04-26T12:34:00.001-07:00

For spring maybe? Not sure but I love it!

Surreal Botanical Spaces

2011-04-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

From Flavorwire

Zarcero, Costa Rica

Bomarzo, Italy

Vezac, France - Actually a system of labyrinths carved from 150,000 boxwood trees, amazing

Easter Weekend - Renewal & FOOD

2011-04-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

This past week was spring break, then Easter, and some warmer weather sprinkled in. To celebrate I chose to eat out instead of in!

For starters, I paid too much money to try Momoya late last week - a highly recommended sushi place on the uws. I too highly recommend this place, and there is one in Chelsea. However, try not to go when you are in charge of the check.

I hit Bar Breton on Saturday with the ladies, and it was cute and tasty but again, pricey. Especially for brunch, and the amount of food we got. I can't say I would recommend this one..

Last was Low Country, yummm, yes, go, recommend. And get the chicken biscuit!

"Sometimes you have to tiptoe into the kitchen for late night snacks"

2011-04-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

Via

UMMM, holy cow

2011-04-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have literally been living under a rock! What is this video! I am obsessed! Judas is blowing my mind simultaneously. Literally restraining myself from having a spontaneous dance party/workout session in the middle of the office right now.

Tomboy Blogspot

2011-04-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

Huge fan of this site, includes such gems as:

First daughter Susan Ford washing her car outside the White House in 1975

And general menswear style ala Stella

Dogtown and Z Boys

2011-04-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Remember this doc? Before the lame fictional film. These skaters epitomized cool for me when I first saw it.

Via

"Some of the girls didn't like the fact that I skated like a guy, so they protested me to the judges and one of the judges said I skated better than some of the guys." - Peggy Oki

Oldie/Goodie

2011-04-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Weekend Highlights

2011-04-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hanna! Go see it, so great!

First bike ride of the season

And Heidi from 101cookbooks has been everywhere lately promoting Super Natural Everyday, including my inbox with this yellow split pea salad. If I can muster the energy I may attempt this evening!

Friends on Etsy

2011-04-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

My lovely and talented friend Hayley has been making yoga wear for all occasions over at Purusha People. My favorites include these mermaid straight leg pants and the malbec skinnies, but peep her shop because she has a wide selection! And also check out her blog, not only are her poses super inspiring, but she takes a loving approach to everyday life.

Also wanted to mention my friend Katy's new shop, her bead and wire work is so impressive, and I'm not exaggerating from biased opinion!! I've seen these pieces in person, and they're just as intricate and detailed as they look.

I love these crafting ladies!

Willow

2011-04-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Springing Forward, a little too fast

2011-04-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

My life has been flying this year, like I go to bed and wake up two months later fast. BUT, I have now finished spring semester of school, I'm signing a new lease tomorrow and moving into a new home very soooon, AND it's getting warm out! I hope to take the next couple weeks to get back to myself - pump the breaks, do some yoga, breath, and be present! Here are some things I almost forgot happened..

A special dinner because I was promoted!

The Allman Bros with my mom and dad. My dad saw them four times in March, the kind of dedication jam bands like to see.

A familiar balloon..

Lunch at Rubirosa, which I highly highly highly recommend

And this guy, growing in my kitchen, reminding me that despite how important I think all of my stress is, life goes on. Even for lumpy old potatoes.