Happy New Year's Eve!

Here is my holiday card I sent my friends and family to start the New Year.  I am making The Honey Badger cocktail tonight.  Have a good one!

Lovey Dovey Herb Prints

My best friend got me this adorable herb print, who happens to be made by friend Abby!  If you know someone who loves to cook this could be the perfect gift.  Abby also makes these cute holiday prints, and has a fun blog called Lovey Dovey.  Click here to check out her Etsy shop.

Have a good holiday!

Peppermint Bark

This weekend I made Martha Stewart's peppermint bark.  I love how festive and pretty it came out, and it just takes three ingredients: white chocolate, peppermints, and puffed rice cereal (Rice Krispies - duh).  I was intrigued with the addition of Rice Krispies as I had never seen that in a peppermint bark recipe,  and I really think it adds something unexpected to the treat.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - Doughnut Plant Marzipan Doughnut

I know I write about the Doughnut Plant a lot, but come on, it is so good.  I love their creative flavors, and since it is fairly close to the new subway stop I take, I can't help but see what they frying up in there.  Because it is the holidays, they are serving up some very special holiday flavors.  I stopped in for their gingerbread doughnuts, and unfortunately they were out, but the counter girl assured me that the marzipan doughnut was the best and her personal favorite.  With her enthusiasm and the doughnut's adorable star-shape, it was hard to say no.  So I took it home, wolfed down a Chipotle burrito, and then dove into this.  And yes, it was delicious.  If you are in New York, go try one for yourself.

If you are thinking about some food-related gift ideas, click here and here.

And if you are looking for some stand-out cookie recipes for the season, click here.

Tater Tot Pizza

Last year, kind of as a joke, and kind of seriously, I decided to make a masterpiece known as Tater Tot Pizza.  I love tater tots, and so do my friends.  I can't believe it has taken me so long to actually share the recipe, but since it is winter and totally sports season, I thought why not now?  The thing with this pizza is that there are a lot of separate steps, but you can totally make the ingredients ahead of time and combine them all once you are ready to bake your pizza.

The Best Thing In My Mouth - Eataly's Pistachio Gelato

This past week has been the Week of Gluttony for me, and it's not even Christmas yet.  Having my best friend in town makes it an easy excuse for celebration, as we hit up all our favorite spots and then some.    Caracas, Murray's Cheese, The City Bakery, Milan Garden, and then Eataly for her first time.  After a few beers, we tried the pistachio gelato, and as a staunch ice cream fan I was surprised to find out how much I loved this flavor.  This gelato in particular was extra creamy, and packed full of nutty flavor.  We sampled a few others, and this stood out by far.

If you are looking for a gift for a tea-lover, try Kusmi! Or if you are in the mood for Cinnamon Ice Cream, try this recipe.

What Did You Make For Thanksgiving?

What did you make for Thanksgiving?  I made four pies the weekend before, so I was pied-out by the time Thanksgiving rolled around.  Is a pie-less Thanksgiving a crime?  I am not for sure, but I think the Salted-Caramel Six-Layer Chocolate Cake (Martha Stewart, duh) I baked made the cut.  After years of making the same turkey, we decided since it was a smaller Thanksgiving, we would try new recipe.  Here is what was on our menu:

-Salted-Caramel Six-Layer Chocolate Cake - Took three days to make, a little time each night, but was totally worth it.  It was so rich and decadent.
-Tuscan-Style Turkey Alla Porchetta - Whole Foods refused to bone the wings and legs of the bird, so I had to do that myself, which was a little hard, especially because I don't have a boning knife, but once that was over, it was so quick and easy to roast.
-Giblet Gravy - Whole Foods also forgot to include the neck and giblets with the bird, so we just made wing gravy, which was just alright.
-Simple Stuffing - This is so easy, and we make it every year.
-Creamed Corn with Parmesan - This was the surprise winner of the night.  Who knew?
-Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Sriracha and Cashews - So easy and yummy.
-Mashed Potatoes - My favorite side.
-Spicy Squash Salad with Lentils and Goat Cheese - Love, love, love this recipe, and you can make most of it ahead of time.
-Raw and Cooked Cranberry Relishes
-Zweiback
-Deviled Eggs
-Rosemary Jones - The perfect Thanksgiving cocktail, or anytime cocktail for that matter.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Hopefully I can get back to posting more often.

CSA Week Twenty-Three

My last week of my CSA - wow, that was fast.  Sorry, I have been so busy - just had a lot going on.  Here is what I got:

-Kale
-Butternut squash
-Collard greens
-Sweet potatoes
-Potatoes
-Garlic
-Lettuce
-Carrots
-Acorn Squash
-Pea shoots
-Red onion
-Apples

Looks like a lot of great things for Thanksgiving!

CSA Week Twenty-Two

Ugh...still so busy, but here is what I got in my CSA last:

-Acorn squash
-Braising greens
-Escarole
-Parsley
-Collard greens
-Potatoes
-Sweet potatoes
-Mesclun
-Apples
-Eggs

I did have a chance to make my favorite soup - hearty winter vegetable, which uses escarole, potatoes, and squash.  It is soooo good.

I am making several pies this weekend - and I think sweet potato might be one of them.  I'll keep you posted.

Thanksgiving Invitations

Sorry I have been MIA.  I have been pretty busy, but I thought I would quickly share my Thanksgiving invitations for this year.  Much more simple and modern than past years (here and here).

Thinking of going to an apple orchard before it becomes winter?  Click here and here to read about my trips.

CSA Week Twenty-One

The final weeks of my CSA have arrived.  Here is what I got this week:

-Mesclun
-Braising greens
-Dill
-Lettuce
-Acorn Squash
-Broccoli
-Carrots
-Collards
-Apples
-Eggs

This week I roasted the carrots, broccoli, and acorn squash.  I saved the squash seeds, and plan to toast them soon.  I might make this hearty winter vegetable soup with the dill too.

Sweet Potato Tacos

Last week I took my two monster sweet potatoes and recreated the sweet potato tacos I had at Santa Fe in Tivoli, New York.  This recipe is really warm and hearty, and consists of spicy roasted sweet potatoes, shelled pumpkin seeds, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and hot sauce.  You can make the components in advance to save you time on dinner night too.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - The Tippler's Booty Collins

Last Monday, I met a friend at the Tippler for an afterwork drink.  The Tippler is a new watering hole located under The Chelsea Market.  It is a large, dark space with brick archways and an industrial feel.  Besides their amazing drinks mixed by master mixologists (The Tippling Brothers), there is an Afro-Cuban jazz and salsa band (Conjuto Guantanamo) playing every Monday.

CSA Week Twenty

Wow, tons of greens this week!  Here is what I got:

-Turnips
-Monster sweet potatoes
-Monster fennel
-Mesclun
-Curly endive
-Daikon
-Bok choy
-Kale
-Broccoli
-Jalapenos
-Apples
-Eggs
-Mums

So Wednesday I finally made roasted broccoli, which my mom has been raving about for a year.  It was so good and easy.  You can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you want, but it is really tasty and quick to make.  I used this Alton Brown recipe, and skipped on the cheese and used crushed croutons instead of Panko bread crumbs.  It was good-od-od-od-od-od.  I also made apple chips: FAIL.  They were soggy the next day, so really I just have dehydrated apples (not that exciting).

Last night I made sweet potato tacos, which I hope to share soon.  Really tasty, and a nice change from the old routine.  Tonight I am thinking about a caramelized fennel and onion pizza, but we shall see.

If you are looking for another sweet potato recipe, try this sweet and spicy lentil soup.  You could even substitute the swiss chard for kale.  Or how about this baked spaghetti squash with tomatoes and basil?  I told you I was obsessed.

Vesta Trattoria and Wine Bar

Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels. 

I went out with friends last Friday night to this adorable little place called Vesta in Astoria, Queens.  It was such a fun night.  Vesta is pretty cozy, with enough space to fit about thirty people, give or take, and a little bar in the corner that can seat about ten more.  Besides the Italian food being really yummy and the perfect rustic feel, the wait staff was so friendly and chill.  I can't wait to go back and try them for brunch, their menu sounds amazing.  And did I mention they have a Sweet Baby Jesus Cake?  For real.

Spaghetti (Squash) and Marinara

I am kind of obsessed with spaghetti squash.  I mean what is more magical than a squash that literally has spaghetti-like strands when you scrape out its roasted flesh?  Well I am sure there a few things, like unicorns, rainbows, and Jersey Shore.  Here is a really simple way to get introduced to this squash.  Cut the squash in half, scrape out the seeds, and brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Place the squash on a baking sheet, cut-side down, and roast in a 400 degree F oven for about 45 minutes to an hour until tender.  This is when the fun begins, scrape out the squash, creating strands (use an oven mitt to hold the squash in place while doing this).  I like to top mine off with marinara, basil, toasted garlic slivers, and parmesan cheese, and homemade croutons.  For a whole array of recipes, check out Martha's lineup.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - Eataly's Golden Raisin & Caraway Seed Bread

Last week I met up with a friend for a drink at Eataly, and then wound up shopping for some ingredients for dinner.  I got butternut squash and amaretto ravioli, Mario Batali cherry tomato marinara (really fresh and bright tasting), and this golden raisin with caraway seeds bread.  All the food was great, but the bread was soooo good.  I loved the sweetness of the golden raisins with the licorice flavor of the caraway seeds.  It was great toasted a few days later too.  Definitely the best thing I had in my mouth all week.

CSA Week Nineteen

Here is what I got yesterday in my CSA:

-Kale
-Potatoes
-Radishes
-Carrots
-Broccoli
-Eggplant
-Mesclun
-Apples
-Bosc Pears
-Eggs
-Chrysanthemums

So I have big apple plans this weekend.  I am making caramel apples and an apple crisp or pie.  I have a ton of apples to use from my trip to the Hudson Valley.

I am so tempted to roast vegetables again and just put them on top of some farro or quinoa, but maybe I could get more creative.  We shall see.

Don't these Crostinis with Kale and Parmesan look tasty as an appetizer?  Or how about this carrot salad?

Can I just say I am in love with spaghetti squash?  You can literally eat it like spaghetti and not feel bad about all the carbs.  Genius.

Cider and Cheese Pairings

Cidre Bouche Brut Organic, Etienne Dupont and Le Chatelain Camembert.  Photos taken from the Astor Wines and Murray's Cheese

This past August my friends and I took a class at Murray's Cheese called Power Trio: Beer, Cider, and Cheese.  I am finally getting around to posting about it (after shuffling through a stack of papers I remembered I took this class), and I thought there really isn't a better time to have cider than now that it is finally feeling like fall around here.  So I am just going to highlight my three favorite pairings.  You can get the ciders at Astor Wines and the cheese at Murray's Cheese, but I am sure there are other places you can find both.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - El Paso Veggie Burrito

This past weekend I stopped by one of my favorite Mexican joints called El Paso Taqueria.  I love going to the El Paso Taqueria location on 104th and Lexington for lunch or dinner, but for a while there has been a smaller place called El Paso Deli Restaurant for take-out and delivery right across the street (which is actually their original location for the restaurant).  Kind of confusing, I know.  I like to go to the taqueria for a real sit-down feel, but the deli is great for a grab and go, or just a casual, cheaper experience.  I got the vegetariano burrito and fried-to-order chips and salsa.  Muy bueno!

Hudson Valley Mini Food Guide

Last weekend, I left NYC and took a drive up to the Hudson Valley.  It was such a dreamy, relaxing trip.   I actually couldn't believe how long it has taken me to commit to renting a car and exploring the area.  I thought I'd  share some food-related gems we found along the way.  Beware - this is a long post, but with a lot of pictures!

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - Concord Grapes

Last week I made it down to the Greenmarket for some concord grapes.  These beauties are in season right now, and I love them soooo much.  They are the types of grapes you see in old Baroque paintings.  They are a beautiful purply-blue color with a thin bloom that rubs off.  You don't find them in a lot of grocery stores, because they have large seeds.  They don't bother me too much though, because I love their flavor and jelly-ish texture.  I had fun buying a basket, sitting in the park, and spitting the seeds.  They looked quite picturesque in their wooden baskets with bees buzzing around them at the Stone Arch Farm's booth.  You should definitely stop by your farmers market and give them a try.

CSA Week Seventeen

This has been a busy week, so sorry for the late post, but here is what I got last week in my CSA:

-Kale
-Edamame
-Leeks
-Radishes
-Cabbage
-Potatoes
-Carrots
-Pears
-Apples
-Eggs
-Wildflowers

As soon as I saw potatoes and carrots, I knew I had to roast some vegetables again.  They were so good last time!  Click here to learn how.  We also sautéed some kale, and munched on radishes.

This may sound weird, but I truly love shredded cabbage with lemon juice and salt.  It is great for digestion.  Roasted cabbage with lemon sounds pretty good too, or even homemade sauerkraut in Martha Stewart Living this month (not online yet).

Unfortunately, I won't be able to pick up my CSA this week so their won't be a post.

Flarah's

While I was visiting my parents in Des Moines over Labor Day weekend, my mom took me to a little place called Flarah's.  Flarah's is famous for their bite-size cheesecakes, but we went for their yummy lunch.  With it's modern style (think Ikea furniture), it's perfect for sitting down for a well-balanced lunch.  They have a great "Pick 2" deal, half a sandwich, salad, or soup combo.  I chose the Vegetarian Delight, and Roasted Apple Salad.  It comes with crisp chips, and an unusual fruit salad.  The fruit salad was both our favorites, we loved that is almost like a fruit slushy, and really a perfect dessert (no need for the cheesecake).  All the food was well-made and tasty.  I left feeling satisfied, and it brought a little brightness to the rainy day.  If you live in the Des Moines area, you should definitely give it a try.

If you are looking for a simple plum dessert, try this Plum Crisp I made last year.

The Best Thing In My Mouth - ABC Kitchen Sundae

Last Thursday, I treated myself to a fancy lunch at ABC Kitchen.  I have been dying to go there after I heard about their salted caramel sundae with candied peanuts, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and popcorn.  Like really!?  As an ice cream freak I had to try it, and I glad I did, because it was the best thing I tasted all week.  Toffee popcorn is officially my new topper on ice cream (specifically Garrett's).  I also loved that the chocolate sauce was in the bottom of the bowl, like a swimming pool for my three mounds of salted caramel ice cream.  And yes I shared, so don't judge.

CSA Week Sixteen

This week in my CSA I received:

-One leek
-Parsley
-Collard Greens
-Beets
-Radishes
-Sweet potatoes
-Green bell peppers
-Apples
-Bosc pears
-Eggs
-Wildflowers

The night before, my friend roasted the beets for a tasty beet salad with toasted walnuts and goat cheese.  Last night, I still had a few things left over from the week before, so I made eggplant, caramelized onion, and tomato pasta, and sprinkled it with the parsley.

If you are looking for a hearty soup with sweet potatoes, try this Sweet and Spicy Lentil Soup.  Swap out the swiss chard for collards, and add the leek in with part of the onion, and you got yourself a meal.

Want to try a delicious dessert?  Try this Apple Cake.  I made it last weekend, and besides the peeling and chopping, the recipe is pretty simple.  Plus, you can sneak it in for breakfast and not feel too guilty.

And if you are feeling ambitious this weekend, try this Butternut Squash Ravioli.  Not going to lie - it is time-consuming, but you do feel kind of proud at the end: I made homemade ravioli - ta da!

Roasted Carrots and Potatoes

Sometimes I forget how freaking delicious simple roasted vegetables are.  On Sunday I finally got my act in gear and made something.  Granted, it was just roasted potatoes and carrots, but hey, there was peeling involved!  This recipe is from Jamie's Food Revolution, just minus the parsnips, and with his directions, it creates beautifully caramelized carrots and crispy-exterior potatoes with ultra-creamy insides.  It just doesn't really get any better.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - The Standard Biergarten Pretzel

This past weekend, after a leisurely walk across the High Line, we made a stop at The Standard Hotel Biergarten.  It was a perfect time to go.  It was an overcast, potentially rainy day, and it was unusually empty at the Biergarten, making it less scene-y and more chill.  What I love about this Biergarten is its location directly under the the old subway tracks of the High Line, the employees' t-shirts, and the ping pong tables (not that I really play).  We grabbed a tall table, played some ping pong, drank some German beer, and had a snack...er meal, as mine was a ginormous salty pretzel with mustard.  And yes, I ate most of it, I left a little and shared so I wouldn't look like the pig that I am when it comes to bread and mustard.  It was a great accompaniment with a beer.  Later I got home and took a nap, I can't imagine why.

If you are looking for a restaurant to try in Soho, check out Cafe Habana.  And if you are looking for a little detox (or a big one), check out my BluePrint Cleanse review.

CSA Week Fifteen

I have been such a lazy bum when it comes to cooking these days.  I have been pretty busy at work, etc., etc..  So hopefully I can get back on track with cooking this week.  Here is what I got from my CSA last week:

-Kohlrabi
-Kale
-Lettuce
-Carrots
-Potatoes
-Eggplant
-Jalapenos
-Onions
-Pears
-Plums
-Eggs
-Marigolds and one sunflower

On Wednesday I made tacos, story of my life.  And on Sunday I roasted a ton of veggies, and I might make a cannelloni bean and kale soup this week.

The best Thing I Had in My Mouth - Carrot-Ginger Muffin

You know what the best part about having a friend in pastry school is?  All her extra goodies.  My friend Shari loaded me up with ciabatta bread, olive focaccia, creme anglais, homemade marshmallows, and these carrot-ginger muffins.  These muffins were absolutely to-die-for.  They were so moist, and the texture and flavor were great.  I loved the combination of fresh shreds of carrot, chunks of ginger, and toppings of coconut, oats, and brown sugar.  Seriously, how can you go wrong?  I can't wait for her to graduate and start her own thing.

CSA Week Fourteen

Wow, it's finally fall, or at least it looks like it in this picture.  This week in my CSA I got:

-Eggplant
-Collard greens
-Beets
-Fennel
-Peppers
-Garlic
-Carrots
-Sweet potato leaves
-Spaghetti squash
-Apples
-Eggs

I have no idea what I will be making this week, but my CSA group emailed us a little about sweet potato leaves:

The sweet potato is one of the world's most cultivated crops, and is grown all over the world, but especially in Asia and the Pacific. The leaves are high in protein. Chinese herbalist lore says that the leaves can improve the respiratory and renal system function. Like spinach, chard and other greens, sweet potatoes leaves are highly versatile. Here is a recipe for stir-fried sweet potato leaves:
Ingredients: One bunch of sweet potato leaves; 1-2 hot dried red chilies (optional); 1-2 cloves of garlic
Salt, soy sauce, pepper to taste
Method

1. Fill a pot with water and put it on the stove over high heat. The pot should be large enough to hold the leaves, and there should be enough water to cover the leaves.
2. Strip the leaves from the branches. The thin stems that attach the leaves to the branch are tender enough to eat, so there is no need to remove only the leaves. Wash and drain the leaves.
3. Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic.
4. Chop the chilies fine, and combine with the garlic.
5. When the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and carefully add the sweet potato leaves. After 2 minutes, remove and rinse with cold water. Chop the leaves. (This step was recommended by the cookbook to remove traces of natural slime from the leaves.)
6. In a large skillet or wok, heat some vegetable oil over high heat. When it is hot, add the garlic and chilies. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring often.

Add the greens, then stir-fry the mixture until the greens are tender, about 2 or 3 minutes. Add salt, pepper, soy sauce, or other flavorings to taste.

If you are looking for a fall pasta dish, try this pasta with brocoli rabe, toasted garlic, and bread crumbs - soooo good.  Or how about chocolate ice cream for dessert?

In Honor of NYC Fashion Week...

Photographs by Amy Moss.  Check out her Eat Drink Chic blog here.

I present McFancy (McDonald's dressed up in Haute Couture), created by Amy Moss.  Doesn't it look way more appetizing?

Peach Skillet Upside-Down Cake

This weekend I whipped up Rick Bayless' Peach Skillet Upside-Down Cake for a little fiesta I threw.  I love how rustic the cake looked, and it is a great way to use some of the season's last stone fruit.  I recommend using a non-stick skillet, but not a cast iron.  Don't forget you are going to have to flip the cake, so the cast iron might be too heavy.  You can use other fruit besides peaches, such as pineapple, apple, pear, nectarines, mango, or fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or pitted cherries.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - Ortega Taco Kit

I love Ortega's crunchy tacos, and their seasoning mix, and their taco sauce.  I don't care that they aren't soft, corn tortillas from the local bodega.  Long live the Ortega crunchy taco kit.  Best thing in my mouth this weekend.

CSA Week Thirteen

Here is what I got in my CSA this week:

-Fennel
-Corn
-Potatoes
-Eggplant
-Tomato
-Red peppers
-Jalapenos
-Summer squash
-Red onion
-Peaches
-Plums
-Green beans
-Eggs

This week I made this eggplant, tomato, and caramelized onion pasta.  It makes for really great leftovers.  My friend froze some of the corn for soups this winter.  We made some Mexican rice with the peppers and onion.  I also made a peach upside-down cake too (more on that later).

The plums go great on top of vanilla ice cream.  And the green beans are perfect for Parmigiano Gremolata, but doesn't this green bean salad with fennel and fried almonds look good too?

The Best Thing I Had in My Mouth - Arby's Curly Fries

There is nothing like going back to the Midwest and finding treasures like Arby's awaiting you at the Minneapolis Airport.  AMAZING.  I couldn't help but stop and pick up some curly fries.  These are one of my favorite French fries in the world.  And they were piping hot too!  The best thing I had in my mouth the whole week!

Sorry about the lazing bum posting, but I have been tired.  Who knew a three-day weekend could actually exhaust someone more?

Oh Chipotle...

You get me every time!  Check out their Back to the Start video.

Loving This

I'm kinda loving this Irving Farm Coffee packaging.  Just saying.

CSA Week Twelve

I can't believe today is September 1st.  Where did the summer go?  Here is what I got in my CSA yesterday:

-Swiss chard
-Eggplant
-Green and red peppers
-Corn
-Cucumbers
-Summer squash
-Tomatoes
-Peaches
-Nectarines
-Eggs
-Marigolds

Last night I made penne with eggplant and tomato.  It was so good and easy, you should definitely try it.  I love most recipes on Alexandra's Kitchen!  Doesn't this tomato, ricotta, and grilled bread look good too?

Definitely making fajitas tonight with peppers, Swiss chard, maybe some squash, and with some Mexican corn on the cob.  These charred corn tacos look pretty good too.

Hope to share my peach ice cream recipe soon too!

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - Hurricane Irene Edition

It's weird what you do in emergencies.  On Thursday of last week, there was definitely rumblings of Hurricane Irene, by Friday my friend had informed me she was looking for a battery-powered radio.  What?  Like you are really that worried?  Then the news of the subways closing by noon on Saturday came, and it started to freak me out a bit.  It was more about the lack of cheap transportation than the fact that there could be some real damage.  I was feeling stuck.  So what did we get for the emergency?  Water (to make us look sane), Lay's potato chips, tortilla chips, mixed nuts, Pepperidge Farm Bordeaux cookies, and Pirate's Booty.  My friend stopped at Harlem Vintage and he they were pretty low on things (New Yorkers know what's important).  On Saturday, we spent a bit of time making salsa and a pitcher of margaritas to get us through the weekend.  The slim chance of death was just enough for me to go hog wild and not care that I  had two bowls of Pirate's Booty in a row while laying on the couch watching Friday Night Lights.  Thanks Hurricane Irene!

Please enjoy this Curb Your Enthusiasm clip, where Larry David proclaims his love of Pirate's Booty (we share the same passion):

Last year, I made this tomato salad - click here to check it out.

CSA Week Eleven

Okay, I am totally behind, blame it on Irene.  She really put a cramp in everyone's style this week.  Here what I got in my CSA this week:

-Red onion
-Hot peppers
-Green bell peppers
-Eggplant
-Carrots
-Corn
-Tomatoes
-Basil
-Watermelon
-Nectarines
-Peaches
-Eggs

Mondrian SoHo - Imperial No. Nine

My friend and I stopped by the Mondrian Soho Hotel, while wondering through Soho.  The outside had a rusted iron fence with ivy, and an archway beckoning us to come in.  So we did.  The lobby is something from I don't know where, and I actually would recommend you close your eyes (think a paint bucket of periwinkle blue has been throw all over the room, blue shiny vinyl seats, blue velvet, and a blue feather boa lamp - yuck), and make a u-turn to your left into the Imperial No. Nine restaurant.  It is like the Secret Garden/Alice In Wonderland, so pretty, whimsical, and a perfect place to get a drink with your girlfriends.  There was even a swing we sat in, which made drinking a little precarious, but didn't stop us.  If you are in the area, I would recommend checking it out.

The Best Thing I Had In My Mouth - Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This week has been a huge disappointment of mediocre food.  Accidentally added guac in my Chipotle burrito online order - FAIL.  Had Dominos Pizza - health FAIL.  Ate at Dos Toros - LivingSocial FAIL.  There were some successes - Roasted Tomato and Eggplant soup (which I also used as pizza sauce), homemade pizza, and this tomato grilled cheese sandwich.  Fresh CSA tomatoes with Consider Bardwell Farm Pawlet cheese.  Major SUCCESS and the best thing I had in my mouth all week.

If you are in the mood for some baking - try this chewy and crispy chocolate chip cookie recipe.

CSA Week Ten

Hooray!  Finally got real tomatoes!  Here is what else I got this week from my CSA:

-Basil
-Carrots
-Corn
-Eggplant
-Cucumber
-Summer squash
-Lettuce
-Peppers
-Cherry tomatoes
-Tomatoes
-Peaches
-Melon
-Eggs
-Wild Flowers

Last night I made tostadas with the lettuce and cherry tomatoes.

Sometimes my favorite thing to do with a tomato is just slice it up and put some salt on it.  I think I am going to save a few and make a margherita pizza, with my own tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, and basil.  A pepper pizza sounds pretty good too, and even this grilled-peach and proscuitto pizza sounds interesting.  Pizza party!

I am actually making tomato and eggplant soup tonight, and I desperately need to make some zucchini bread and freeze it for the later.  I still have a few zuccs hanging around in my fridge.

If you end up making tomato sauce, how about some homemade pasta to go with it?