Haman Pancakes

I love hamantaschen, and today is Purim, the Jewish holiday from which they originate, so I decided to make them. They're supposed to be tri-cornered, like the hat that Haman wore when he was hanged. But, like Smitten Kitchen's, when my hamans "hit the heat, they just sigh and sprawl out like a cat taking a nap in the sunniest spot of the living room rug." Thus, haman-pancakes. How I will transport these is yet to be determined. Fail. Which is disappointing, because I was super excited about making them.

I also made this quinoa casserole, with spinach and onions. It's slightly dry, but still good. And last I made an Indian inspired eggplant dish from Dana Treat, which is great! Super spicy, with peas and tomatoes.

Bright Star

This movie is sad, but beautiful. I think films from this period can lean a bit heavy on romance, I guess because of the period. But what sets Bright Star apart for me is the look and feel of the film - the colors, costumes and environments are very rich. The cinematography elicits another layer of feeling that adds to the story, rather than just telling it.

Conan on Twitter

Haha, "I had a show. Then I had a different show. Now I have a Twitter account."

Book Cover Tees

Out of Print Clothing sells these classic book tees with famous cover illustrations. I ordered this Moby Dick, and also Of Mice and Men in men's small. I love this idea and can't wait to get them.

Studies

My view this week, school is ramping up!  

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung's Fall 2010 Madewell line was revealed this week in NY and it looks relaxed, comfortable and chic. I don't know if I could pull off tights with jean shorts, but I'm totally inspired by the collection.

Parks and Recreation

I love this show, and I want everyone else to love it too. It seems like few people are watching it, and if you're not one of those few, you are missing out. I know the first season wasn't that great, but I promise friends, the second season is so much funnier.

Weekend Cooking

I never take my own food pics because, well, it's hard! (see left visual). Don't go by the picture, because this spelt salad with tuna and artichokes is so good, I promise! I've been eating it with avocado (in wraps) this week.

And this spinach gratin is also surprisingly good, made with olives, toasted almonds, and gruyere..and tofu, shh. I really didn't have any expectations going in, but I've been loving both dishes.

Prime Meats

Gayle and I trekked out to borderline Park Slope on Friday and waited an hour to eat here so that I could stop dreaming about their food. The Frankie's are semi-celebrity food chefs right now, and while I'm not sure I buy into it, I really wanted to try their foray into German food. Overall, I wish we got a little more bang for our buck, but their homemade pretzels are awesome. And so are all their meats. I would suggest sitting at the bar, drinking some of their great German beer, and snacking on some pretzels, sausage and spaetzle, (on a Monday).

Crazy Heart and Benjamin Button

Jeff Bridges did an excellent job in this, great movie all around. It takes place in the southwest, and it's warm and laid back and pretty, and you just find yourself going along for the ride. Next I hope they can apply the "aging story" format (The Wrestler, About Schmidt) to a female perspective, and not turn it into a ridiculous romantic comedy.

Really loved this! For starters, the style and cinematography are so rich, every frame is lovely to look at. And the story is unique, emotional, and wise. I loved him as a little old man, and when they finally meet in the middle, he and Cate Blanchett are so beautiful together.

A Smitten Kitchen Sunday

For brunch at Sarah's yesterday I made this spinach and cheese strata, and it was yummy. I definitely recommend, and it's not super heavy, I used 2% milk and just 4 tablespoons of butter. But, plenty of cheese!

I also made this buttermilk cake, but with blueberries instead of raspberries. And actually, I subbed out the buttermilk for plain lowfat yogurt (I like Stonyfield Farms), so mine was more of a blueberry yogurt cake. However, still delicious, recommend!

Feeling blessed

Lately I've been reflecting on how many amazing people I have in my life, and it truly makes me immensely grateful. My three jobs have introduced me to many wonderful/fascinating/interesting/great people thus far; some I've learned from, some are close friends, and some I've moved away from, but all have had an impact on my life. It's really made me realize how powerful being open to people and new experiences can be. Alongside of this, I have an amazing family. I can't even begin to imagine what I would do without them, and I feel lucky every day to have them in my life and heart.

Our relationships play such a large role in our lives, and I'm so happy to say that because of these relationships, my life continues to grow richer. Happy love day tomorrow, all.

Ten Ren's

Ten Ren's tea store is one of my favorite stops in Chinatown. Their teas range from $3 a box to hundreds of dollars, which is fascinating to me. For those who can't get down to the store, you can order from their website here.

Tina Fey

She's so great. I would see her around when I interned at NBC because we were on the same floor as SNL, and once I rode the elevator alone with her and wanted to profess my love, but ended up just giving her awkward sideways google-y eyes.

Oatmeal Cookies

This is another food pic that I actually took, not the most glamorous but you get the idea. I love these (recipe here) because the recipe is pretty healthy, and I really dislike baking a big batch of fat and sugar for myself and to share with others. I've changed it a bit though, I cut down on the oats a little and added whole wheat flour, and I also cut down on the oil and sugar. They're similar to granola in cookie form, but I was told they're better, great for breakfast and you could probably even make them vegan by subbing out the egg for ground flaxseed. Next I want to try adding peanut butter.

Snowball on a snowday

A seasonal treat (based on the classic) from Dean and Deluca that I've been waiting and searching for. Found! And eaten. Well, shared.

oh man.

Reminding me of Otis in the summertime on this cold February morning, via lakeview.

Molasses Brown Bread

I also made this yesterday, but honestly I wasn't that psyched about it. I think I overcooked it a bit, but I think its dense-ness also came from the ingredients. It's slightly sweet, but mostly savory, and a little heavy on the molasses. I froze it in slices so that I can toast them individually with peanut butter, because peanut butter makes everything better. Not a wash, but close.

Chickpea Salad and Palak Daal

I promised a post about these dishes to give my mom and sister a better idea of what I was making yesterday. The chickpeas came out great, again I put them into a wrap for lunch, and was really happy and full at 12:35 today. I always do well with Smitten Kitchen's recipes, here's the link.

The Palak Daal recipe consists of lentils, spinach, tomatoes and spices. Really good, although I used red lentils which cooked faster and so mine came out soupy-er than hers look here. I'll saute tofu to throw in and eat it over quinoa for dinner this week.

Rahm Emanuel steps it up

Hilarious, "go back to the tundra".

Technicolor cake!

via snippet & ink.

Kale slaw with peanut dressing

The dressing on this salad is really good. You throw oil, cider vinegar, brown sugar, peanuts, salt and hot pepper flakes into a food processor, and that food processor gives you some liquid love. I put the salad into wraps this week for lunch, recipe here.

The Losers

 Could go either way, BUT Stringer Bell is in it (yesss), AND they're taking scenes straight out of the book which is fun (the fake shooting with his hand when the guy is shooting from across the street).

Views from my new offices in Soho

Click to see large, they're prettier.

Adelle Davis

Ms. Davis was a leading nutritionist in the early part of last century who advocated whole foods before it was fashionable to do so. I love this picture and hope this is how I look in forty years! I am eating my whole foods!

A Takeaway Show

Ra Ra Riot - Oh la - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.
Click for more pretty, impromptu performances by Phoenix, Bloc Party, etc.

Balloon heads

 

From Paul Graves.

Devendra Banhart

Really liking this album!!