Please Sir, May I have some More-occan?

The answer is yes, you can definitely have some Moroccan food...and lots of it!

Moroccan food is a cuisine that I always enjoy to order at a restaurant, but rarely cook on my own. Typical Moroccan spices, such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and saffron, are some of my favorites out there. These spices all have such distinct, deep flavors and beautiful colors that they make any meal feel special and exotic. Well last night, my friend Elana and I took a culinary trip to the exotics in her own Manhattan kitchen...

In anticipation for Glee's "Brittany vs. Britney" episode, which I have been waiting for since early spring, we wanted to celebrate with a delicious, homemade meal. I had a recipe for Moroccan Grilled Salmon saved on my computer that I've always wanted to try, but never got around to it. So with Elana and I both being adventurous cooks and eaters, this was the perfect opportunity to try it. Also being 2 girls with insatiable appetites, we knew salmon would not be enough to satisfy us; so Elana found a recipe for Moroccon Couscous from the Barefoot

Contessa. Parfait!

Elana started by making the marinade and sauce for the salmon--yogurt, garlic, olive oil, coriander, and cumin. I was in charge of all the chopping and cutting--smashing the garlic, slicing the lemon wedges, chopping the cilantro, etc. The kitchen filled with such wonderful smells. From the freshness of the cilantro, to the warmth of the cumin, it was like we were in an authentic Moroccan kitchen (well, almost).

After covering the salmon in the marinade and sticking it under the broiler, it was onto the couscous. The couscous was also very simple. We first sautéed some shallots in butter, then added chicken stock and the couscous and allowed that to cook for 10 minutes. One little mishap, however, was my failure to realize how HOT Elana's burners get...Luckily the majority of the couscous was in good condition, but there was a nice crusty layer of burnt couscous on the bottom of her pot. I feel terrible that I ruined a perfectly good pot (I'm buying you a new one!), but I think we were both relieved that we could still eat the couscous.

In the end, it was a very successful, simple, and tasteful meal. The salmon was cooked perfectly; and the sauce had such a distinct Moroccan taste from those spices--the best way to find out what Moroccan food tastes like is just to try it yourself! Despite my little cooking faux-pas, the couscous was great too--the pine nuts added great creamy, heartiness, and the raisins added a sweet touch.

Not that I'm an expert on international cuisines, but I'd say we came pretty close to makin' Moroccan in Manhattan.

Recipe for Moroccan Grilled Salmon

Recipe for Moroccan Couscous

Down Home Eatin'

With cuisines from all over the world on every corner in New York City, the possibilities are endless. Thai, Ethiopian, French, Argentinian. There isn’t a country not represented on the food scene in New York. But with so many international options, it can be easy to forget about good ol’ American cooking. Whatever happened to mom’s homemade mashed potatoes and meatloaf? After a recent dining experience at Peter’s Since 1969 in Brooklyn, I made a nostalgic and delicious journey back to some real, down-home American comfort food.

Located on Bedford Ave. in Brooklyn, Behind the Burner sent me to Peter's to do a "media meal". Media meals are no doubt the coolest and yummiest jobs I've ever been able to do at an internship. Tons of restaurants contact Behind the Burner offering us a free meal if we write something about them on our website. Free PR for them, free food for us. It is an ideal win-win situation. So I was lucky enough not only to get a free dinner, but also to enjoy a wonderful evening at Peter's Since 1969.

The meal started off with a bit of a blip. My friend Elana and I arrived at the restaurant in Brooklyn. I introduced myself as from Behind the Burner, but the Irish girl working behind the counter had no idea what I was talking about. Tara (we became quite friendly with her by the end of the night) called Arnon, the owner, who was at the other location in Manhattan (Peter's just recently opened another restaurant on 9th Ave.). Arnon graciously offered to meet us in Brooklyn and instructed Tara to make us comfortable. While we waited we enjoyed some top-notch sangria and corn muffins. The corn muffins were the real deal--super moist and flaky, with actual corn kernels inside.

Nibbling on our muffins gave us ample time to admire the scene of the restaurant. Set in an old butcher shop, the tiled walls, metal racks, and hardwood floors are all authentic. The enamel door to the once-refrigerator still remains and forms the entrance to the kitchen. At Peter's, guests order from a standard menu (1 main dish and 2 sides), receive their food, and seat themselves. It is very casual, but also very cozy. Red Le Creuset pots warm all of the food, so it feels as if your own mother is dishing out dinner from the stovetop. Beer is served in mason jars, and sangria in copper tin mugs. All these little accents created a unique dining atmosphere. Unlike fast food places with no personality, Peter's manages to serve up great food in a casual yet characteristic way.

Once Arnon arrived, he ordered us a sample of everything on the menu...literally EVERYTHING! So our feast consisted of...

Rotisserie chicken, short ribs, meatloaf, slow cooked pork, kielbasa AND mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, collards greens, sauteed okra AND bread. Phew! I wish I brought some stretchy pants to get through this meal! (à la Joey's maternity pants at Thanksgiving in and episode of "Friends")

Each and every food that we tried was so undeniably good that I kept going back and forth between which was my favorite. I would take a bite of the short ribs and think to myself "Mmm, this is it". But then I'd follow that with a bite of meatloaf and was convinced that was my new favorite. Then I'd have some pork or chicken, and the same pattern continued until I'd eaten so much I didn't think I could fit another bite of food into my body.

But this feeling of fullness only lasted until it was time for dessert: chocolate fudge cake, apple pie, and coconut flan. It was much easier to pick a favorite for dessert; and of course that was the chocolate cake. It was very simple, no frosting or anything, just a lone slice of chocolate cake; but it surely did not need anything to add to its decadence. So fudgy and moist, it was almost like a brownie cake.

On my train ride back to Hastings, I had to fight not to pass out in a food coma and miss my stop. So when I finally got home and into bed, I was lulled to sleep by calming thoughts of comfort food, home, and family meals. For me, a successful meal isn't just about taste and flavors; it's about creating a whole experience that can evoke emotions and memories. For me, food isn't just sustenance; food is love. So any meal that makes me feel like I'm home, sharing a meal with loved ones is a sure success. And the authentic atmosphere and comforting food of Peter's Since 1969 managed to do just that.

Photo credits: Bayer Public Relations

Foodie Freebies

Although my unpaid internships are actually costing me money by commuting into the city, they also come with some pretty cool perks. Especially when these perks involve food. Last weekend with Behind the Burner, I was invited to help at 2 video shoots. The first was at El Porron, and the second was at Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel. At El Porron I got to taste some tortilla espanola (see earlier post). At Upstairs, I had a few sips of a pear-sandalwood-vanilla vodka infused cocktail, the "Rum Service", and more than a few bites of grilled calamari with a tarragon emulsion. With free gourmet food and cocktails, you could get me to work anytime on a weekend.

On behalf of Behind the Burner I will also dine (for free!) at Peter's Since 1969 in Brooklyn tomorrow night. Review to come on that soon...

But last night, I was in tasting heaven. As an intern for Regan Communications, I was invited to help at the 9th annual Cuisine of Queens event hosted by Dish du Jour Magazine. After assisting with media check-ins, I was allowed to roam free at the event. Once inside, I become the epitome of a kid in a candy store. With over 50 food and beverage vendors, I didn't know the best way to begin but to sample everything (well, almost everything).

As I rode the 7 train back to Grand Central, I attempted to recount all that I tasted by taking notes on my Blackberry. The following list is comprehensive, but I'm sure I forgot a few things...

-Pumpkin tortellini

-Pumpkin tart

-Apple crumble tart from Astor Bake Shop

-Spiced cookie with dried fruit from Art-0-Polis

-Vanilla chai, hot chocolate, and pumpkin mini cupcakes and a mini fudge brownie from Kisscake (can't find a link for this one!)

-Chocolate covered pumpkin cheesecake from Lulu's Italian Bakery

-Vegetable Samosa and naan

-Mini burger with caramelized onions from 5 Napkin Burger

-Various sushi from Central Sushi Lounge

-Chicken egg roll from Bourbon Street Cafe

-Ostrich, veal, and boar meatball from Trattoria L'Incontro

-Baked escargot from 718 Restaurant

For the few that I did not mention the restaurant's name that's because I could not remember the name of the restaurant, which ultimately means I wasn't too impressed with the food. As a huge fan of all things pumpkin, I was very excited to try the pumpkin tortellini. It may sound good in theory, but pumpkin is better off in my pie, not my pasta.

But after trying so many different foods, how could I determine a favorite? With my excitement still bubbling and the flavors still mixing in my mouth, I definitely needed some time to ponder. Twenty four hours later, with a fresh head and a clean palate, my judging factors are these 3 questions: Which food first comes to mind? Of which food do the flavors still ring clear in my memory? And most importantly, which food would I want to eat again?

There were a few close contenders, but the food I've been thinking about (and wanting more of) since last night is.....drumroll please....

Trattoria L'incontro's ostrich, veal and boar meatballs! Owned by acclaimed Italian chef, Rocco Sacramone, I was skeptical of my own decision at first. Did I perceive his meatballs to be the best just because of his name, or were they actually the best at the whole event? Well the taste buds don't lie. If something tastes good, it tastes good regardless of any bias or reputation. These meatballs had such a unique, complex flavor profile, yet still reminded me of my Ga-ga's traditional meatballs. The mixture of meats had a very moist and smooth consistency, with a luxurious, buttery taste. The mushroom sauce also added a unique twist to the expected red sauce. I'm always a fan of taking a traditional recipe and reinventing it in new and unexpected ways. Trattoria L'incontro's meatballs did just that.

Even though Trattoria L'incontro was the winner in my book, any event that involves (free!) food tastings is a grand success.

Do you come here a latte?

I've already discussed in a previous post coffee's integral role to my daily survival. But perhaps second best to coffee's superpowers is the concept of the coffee shop. I have always sought out unique coffee houses that serve up a delicious cup of joe and a whole lot of character. Don't get me wrong, Starbucks certainly does the trick when you need a quick caffeine fix. But as Starbucks has become the international prototype for the cool coffee shop, it has simultaneously become the antithesis of what an authentic coffee shop is meant to be. So whenever I discover a distinctive joint you can be sure it is quite a feat.

Enter JJ Beans in Dobbs Ferry, NY. After performing a Google search for coffee shops near Hastings, NY with wireless internet, JJ Beans was one of the first to pop up. I'm always a little apprehensive to trust the reviews on Google, but this place lived up to its ratings.

Set on Cedar Street, JJ Beans fits in perfectly with the other local spots that take their home here (such as Piccola Trattoria, a delicious hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant).

With a few tables inside and a few on the sidewalk, this is a great place to get some work done indoors or people-watch outside. Serving up a varied menu--make your own salads, hot panini, canolis, gelato, and breakfast pastries--JJ Beans is much more than a basic coffee shop. I had a rainbow-sprinkled sugar cookie, which reminded me of the cookies my mom used to by from the bakery when I was a kid.

But as good as the cookie was or as tempting as the gelato looked, JJ Beans really is all about the coffee. My latte had just the right amount of steamed milk, and the espresso was nice and bold. This is how a latte should taste; not like the espresso-flavored hot milk they try to pass for a latte at Starbucks.

After spending a couple hours doing some internship work, the afternoon was a success. Not only did I get some work done, but more importantly, I found my new coffee haven. I will definitely frequent JJ Beans a latte.

Photo Credits: Rivertowns Patch, http://rivertowns.patch.com/listings/jj-beans#photo-428267

Tortilla for Me-a

Another weekend in NYC, another weekend filled with food. But this wasn't your typical "dining-out-on-the-weekend" weekend. No, my food-filled weekend was much more hands on. Last night, my friend Hayley and I made homemade pizzas for dinner. We bought the dough from a close-by pizza shop, and topped our creation with artichokes, mushrooms, onion, and mozzarella cheese. Not only was this cheaper than going out for dinner, but so much more fun, and just (if not more) delicious!

But this alternative food experience began early Saturday afternoon at El Porron restaurant on the Upper East Side. With a humble sign out front, I actually walked by the restaurant before I realized I already passed it. Myself and a few others from Behindtheburner.com set out to shoot a cooking demo at this quaint spot amongst the hustle and bustle of 1st Ave. Decorated with goofy pictures of the chef/owner Mr. G, an interesting elephant structure made of corks, and a sophisticated wine room, El Porron was a unique mix of familial comfort and New York class.

Yesterday's demo featured Mr. G preparing a traditional Tortilla Espanole. I was surprised at how simple it is. Tortillas are one of my favorite dishes to order at a tapas restaurant, but I always imagined they would be so labor intensive to make. Not only are they relatively simple, but also very inexpensive. A traditional tortilla only calls for potatoes, onion, eggs, and olive oil--all ingredients I usually have on hand, or can buy at a cheap price. The tortilla is also extremely versatile: it can be eaten hot or cold, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a great dish to make for a group of people to serve at a dinner party, or to eat for breakfast and/or dinner throughout the week.

Helping out at the video shoot was a really cool experience, but the best part was obviously the free tortilla tasting! Mr. G's tortilla was light and fluffy from the eggs, but also warming and hearty from the potatoes. Hopefully I can get my tortilla to be just as moist and flavorful when I attempt to make it on my own. Not only did I get to learn a little bit about Spanish cuisine, but also got another recipe to add my collection. Tortillas are not just for tapas anymore!

Dining out is one of my most favorite things to do. But sometimes, nothing can beat the unique experience of getting your hands dirty and learning something new in the kitchen.

Tortilla Espanole by Mr. G

4 Idaho potatoes

4 eggs

1/2 Spanish or white onion

extra-virgin olive oil

salt

1. Wash and peel the potatoes. Place the potatoes in bowl with cold water to prevent from browning.

2. Cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

3. Cut half of the Spanish onion into a medium-small dice.

4. Sprinkle the potatoes and onion with a pinch of salt.

5. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. When the oil is very hot (almost smoking), turn off the heat, add the potatoes and onion to the pan, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

6. Put the pan with the potatoes and onion in a 500° oven. Remove pan from the oven and stir mixture every 5 minutes to prevent potatoes from burning. Repeat this for 30 minutes.

7. Once the potatoes and onions have cooked in the oven for 30 minutes, drain out the oil in a strainer or colander.

8. Crack the eggs and beat them with a whisk until a pale, yellow color.

9. Add the strained potato mixture to the eggs and stir to incorporate everything to a consistent texture. Taste the mixture for seasoning. Add salt if needed. (Be careful when eating raw eggs!)

10. Add a generous amount of olive oil to another sauté pan and heat until smoking. When the oil is hot, add the eggs, potatoes and onion.

11. Flip and stir the mixture in the pan to prevent the eggs from burning. Use a rubber spatula to separate the mixture from the sides of the pan and to smooth the top.

12. Put the pan back into a 500° oven for about 5 minutes, or until the surface is firm to the touch.

Hidden Gems

On the day off from my internship today, I experienced some local treasures in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Until I find a full-time, paid position (PLEAAASE!), I'm staying with my grandma, or Ga-ga as she is fondly called in my family. This is the house my mom grew up in. I've visited Hastings hundreds of time before, but have not ventured far from the confines of Ga-ga's house. So today's taste of Hastings with Ga-ga as my tour guide was full of pleasant surprises.

Our first stop was Antoinette's Patisserie. Set on not the nicest part of Warburton Ave.,

Antointette's was like a diamond in the rough. Cracked paint on the walls give it an antique-y, lived-in feel. Small, round tables and fresh flowers create a cozy, intimate setting. The cafe is owned by Antoinette (we saw her, so she really does exist!), and her two children work there as well. They must be a happy family, because everyone was cheery and friendly.

Antoinette's is known for its pastries and cakes, but they have quite a sophisticated lunch menu as well. Croque-monsieurs, lasagna, and Moroccan stuffed peppers were a few stand-outs on the menu.

Ga-ga and I both had the curried chicken salad. This was no ordinary salad. There were so many components beyond the chicken, each bite was like tasting something new. Besides the chicken salad,which had a wonderful curry flavor and beautiful yellow color, the salad was also topped with strawberries, cucumbers, and avocado. A delicious treat was a piece of panko-crusted zucchini, which added a nice crunch to the dish.

There was also a mixture of currants and some nutty grain (I thought maybe it was lentils or quinoa, but don't think it was either). The whole salad was topped off with a drizzle of intense, syrupy balsamic vinegar. And on the side was some perfectly crusty and chewy homemade bread. It sounds like a lot to fit on one plate, and it was, but everything went together so well, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I also had a chai latte, which was one of the best I've ever had. (Sorry, Starbucks!) I definitely plan to visit Antoinette's again, if not for their wonderful

espresso and chai, then certainly to try a pastry or two!

Next up was the Cropsey Museum of Hastings. Jasper Francis Cropsey was an American painter from the mid-19th century. Painting in the romantic tradition, his works feature beautiful

landscapes, many of Hastings and nearby settings. The entire museum is a work of art in itself. From the delicate landscaping, to the ornate gallery, and Cropsey's storybook-ish cottage, it is amazing to think that such beauty stands only a couple hundred feet from the train station.

Ga-ga and I did not visit Cropsey's collection, for which you need to schedule an appointment, but we did view the special exhibit, Triad: Three American Painters. Stephen Gjertson's paintings varied from religious subjects, to landscapes, to portraits. I especially liked his portraits, which were so lifelike. Many of his portraits featured children, some his own, and it was hard not to love these.

The second artist, Kirk Richards, had still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. I was most struck by his use of color. The way his paintings capture light or a sunrise, I swear it's as if you are seeing it out of your own window.

Steve Armes, the third artist, had mostly landscapes. He had several paintings of Tuscan villages and the Amalfi coast, which Ga-ga and I appreciated.

I have to admit that I don't always have the patience for art museums. If I don't like the art, I easily get bored and lose interest. But I truly did enjoy the three artists featured in the special exhibit. Even more so, I loved the entire feel and history of the Cropsey museum, and hope to return to view the entire collection sometime soon!

With New York City only 30 minutes away, it is easy to get caught up in the scene of trendy restaurants, bars, and museums. But my day in the burbs, reminded me that sometimes the most charming and unique places are just around the corner.

Candy Corn Confession

In my "Fall Flavors" post the other day I forgot to mention one of my all-time favorite things about fall: candy corn. Although a chocoholic at heart, candy corn has always held a special place within me. These cherished novelties begin to appear in the middle of August, when stores are already setting up for Halloween. Their lifespan only lasts until a few days after Halloween, when they are thrown into the 50% off bin, and chocolate turkeys take their place. So when candy corn season begins each year, I know how crucial it is to stock up on this limited treasure.

Just this morning I bought a bag of Brach's (definitely the best) candy corn, and now it's already halfway empty! As much as candy corn brightens my soul, it certainly is not good for my waistline. Similar to my addiction with peanut butter M&M's, I cannot control myself when candy corn is within reach. With each handful I take I promise myself it will be the last one; until 5 minutes later when I find myself wanting more and grabbing another handful without even thinking. It's impulsive, instinctual. Like somehow these tiny, sugary morsels fulfill some biological need of mine.

Perhaps the addiction occurs because I know it is so limited. Candy corn only comes around a few months each year, so eat as much now while you still can! Or maybe it's because of the whole "forbidden fruit" concept. I know it's bad for me and I shouldn't eat it, but the more naughty it is, the more I want it! Candy corn always reminds me of Halloween and trick-or-treating--maybe my obsession stems from some subconscious desire to relive childhood innocence and carelessness? Or maybe it's just that candy corn is so darn good, it really is that addictive.

Whatever the biological or psychological reasoning behind my addiction, I know I won't be going cold turkey anytime soon. Time for one more handful...

Cooking Solo

Cooking for one can be both liberating and depressing. Because there is no one else to impress but yourself, the pressure is less than when cooking for a large group. Also, with only your taste buds to satisfy, you don't have to worry about catering to picky eaters or special diets. But at the same time, cooking for one can be lonely. One of the main reasons I love to cook is to nourish and (hopefully) bring joy to others. Personally, I never find a meal as exciting when you have no one else to share or express it with.

Going solo in the kitchen has always been a challenge for me. I can never seem to get the portions right when cooking from a recipe. I like to use fresh vegetables and herbs, but these often go to waste when a recipe only calls for a tablespoon of chopped basil, and you don't need a whole head of broccoli to feed yourself. By the time dinner rolls around I usually think, "What's the point in putting so much time into a nice dinner if it's only for me?"; and I wind up making something boringly simple: stirfry, an omelette, or worse, a frozen dinner.

But now that I have devoted myself to this food blog and moved to New York in hopes to pursue a career in food, I figured it is time to stop making excuses. For someone who claims to love food and cooking as much as I do, one would think I'd jump at the chance to cook anything, whether it be for a Thanksgiving feast or my solo self.

To prepare myself for this cooking challenge I invested in a new cookbook: "Table for One: Perfectly Portioned Meals for the Single Cook" by Camille Funk. The attractive photos, organized layout, and helpful planning tools won me over on this title. In each recipe Funk highlights the perishable ingredients, and in the back of the book, lists all of the recipes that contain each perishable item, so that you can plan your meals for the week accordingly. For example, if you want to make a meal that contains asparagas, but you only need a few spears, you can look up what other recipes need asparagas and cook those later in the week--extra asparagas saved!

Before food shopping this week, I chose 3 recipes from this book, which I plan to make for dinner this week, and then did my shopping as needed. My choices for the week are:

1. Chicken Curry--this recipe uses mostly pantry items, such as curry powder, nutmeg, honey, and dijon mustard. So the only fresh ingredient I had to buy was the chicken.

2. Tomato-Basil Chicken--I can use the extra tomato, mozzerella cheese, and fresh basil to make a caprese sandwich or salad for lunch.

3. Mushroom Fettucine--this also used many ingredients that I already had on hand. The extra mushrooms and asparagas I can saute to have with the curry chicken or tomato-basil chicken on another night.

After coming home from my internship in the pouring rain, I decided I was in the mood for something hearty and comforting...the mushroom fettucine it was!

The dish was very easy to make; it took only about 25 minutes from start to finish. I was surprised at how luxurious the meal tasted for something so simple. The sauce was rich and creamy, without being too heavy; and the dijon mustard gave it a nice kick and depth of flavor. The mushrooms added a good meatiness, while the asparagas served for a little refreshing crunch. Overall I was pleased not only with how delicious the meal tasted, but also with my efforts to rise up against my solo-cooking phobia. Afterwards, I felt accomplished and satisfied. Already, I'm starting to realize that making the extra effort to cook yourself a nice meal can be just as exciting as cooking for others.

Mushroom Fettucine (recipe courtesy of Camille Funk, author of "Table for One")

-4-6 oz. fettucine (I used whole wheat)

-1 tbsp flour

-1/2 cup milk

-1 tbsp heavy whipping cream (I substituted light cream)

-pinch salt and pepper

-1 tbsp dijon mustard

-2 tbsp butter

-1 tsp garlic, minced (I just minced a 1 small clove)

-1 tsp. fresh thyme (I substituted a dash of dried thyme)

-1 cup sliced mushrooms (I used cremini mushrooms. They have more flavor than plain button mushrooms)

-3-4 asparagas spears

1. Fill medium saucepan with water. Bring to boil. Add fettucine and cook until al dente. Drain and return to pot.

2. Melt 1 tbsp butter in saucepan. Add flour, milk, cream, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir for about 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in the dijon mustard.

3. Heat remaining tbsp butter in another skillet. Add garlic, mushrooms, asparagas, and thyme. Saute over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Toss together with sauce and pasta.

Fall Flavors

As much as I don't want the summer to end, I look forward to fall every year. I have always loved the smells, tastes, and colors of fall. For me, the fall brings feelings of comfort and beloved traditions. Foliage, pumpkins, and football (even though I could really care less about the game) bring back such fond memories of my childhood: jumping in the leaves, carving pumpkins, wearing a boy's jersey to the high school football game. These memories have grown even more dear to me over the years as they remind me of such strong feelings of comfort, security, and love. Crisp fall mornings and the smell of pumpkin pie bring me back to that childhood innocence, when I didn't have a care or worry in the world.

One of my favorite autumn traditions is apple picking. I remember going to the apple orchard in my town, bundling up in sweaters even though it was probably still 60 degrees outside, and picking what seemed like hundreds of apples. After our return, my mom would always make apple pie. Even though my mom doesn't like to cook, this is one of my favorite things she makes (along with a mean tollhouse pie and banana cream torte). And yesterday I had the chance to take a step back into my childhood...

A couple weeks ago my friend invited me to go apple picking with some of her friends from work. As soon as I heard the words "apple picking" I had to accept. So I had been looking forward to this fall activity for a couple weeks now. Everyone woke up early so that we could meet at Grand Central at 10:30--but the day was well worth the loss of sleep. After a train ride to Croton Falls that seemed to take forever (it was actually about an hour and 15 minutes) and short cab ride from the station, we finally arrived at Outhouse Orchards. Our cab driver probably thought we were a bunch of ditzes as we oohed and awed at how adorable the orchard was. The sweet, pungent smell of apples hit me the second I stepped outside of the cab. Set in the lush, rolling hills of northern Westchester County, it stood as quite the contrast to New York City. As we waited for eveyrone else to arrive, we browsed through the cozy, country shop. But this was more than just a gift shop; they sold everything from corn on the cob, to fudge and pies, to pancake mix. Everything looked and smelled so good, I wanted to buy (and eat) it all.

Since it is still relatively early in the apple picking season, only the McIntosh apples were ready for picking. McIntosh aren't my favorite for snacking, but these were quite tasty. They were more tart than other McIntosh apples I've had in the past, which I liked. I also think the fun of picking an apple right off the tree would make any apple taste better. We quickly filled up our bushel so that we could return to the country store and indulge in other fall treats.

There were samples of pumpkin cheesecake, which I obviously loved. I also sampled pumpkin pie ice cream and wished I could have brought home a whole quart if not for the hour-long train ride. But the star of the sweets had to be the cider donuts. Surprisingly, I never had a cider donut until last fall when I went apple picking with my brother and sister; and I have been waiting for fall ever since just so I could eat another! If you have never tried a cider donut, get yourself to an orchard ASAP to try one. They are such perfect little pillows of cinnamon-y, doughy, fried goodness.

After a fun-filled day of fall activities and fall treats, the only logical thing to do was to make an apple dessert with all my newly picked apples! Now that I'm at my grandma's house and don't have all my cooking tools from home, I decided to make an apple crisp instead of an apple pie. I found a very simple recipe on Martha Stewart's website--the most difficult part was just peeling all of the apples--it only took about 25 minutes to assemble the ingredients. The best part of making an apple pie or apple crisp is always how amazing the entire house smells as it bakes. On this gray, dreary Sunday, there was nothing more comforting and warming than the smells of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house. But the one thing that is better than the smell of apple crisp is the taste! Just add some vanilla ice cream on top, and you've got the perfect recipe for stirring up some beloved autumn memories.

Martha Stewart's Apple Crisp Recipe

Reunited And It Feels (and tastes) So Good

Being back in New York City sure does feel good! The past few days have been filled with all sorts of reunions: from meeting up with old friends, to eating my most beloved cupcakes. This celebration of sorts began on Thursday night with dinner at Caracas--an arepas bar on East 7th Street. My friend Elana and I were in love withthe place before we even stepped inside. The joint is a quaint, hole in the wall donned in sexy red paint, with kitschy Spanish paintings on the walls. The tables are packed closely together, but it only adds to the intimate, energetic vibe of the place. Our waitress was so sweet and she had such a beautiful accent. We both started with a glass of Tinto de Verana--a sparkling wine cocktail, similar to sangria. Very refreshing and fun-tasting.
Elana and I have always been big on sharing food when dining out. In Europe, we would each order a seperate entree, and then switch plates halfway through the meal so that we could try as much food as possible. (In a recent issue of Bon Appetit, Andrew Knowlton chastised those who switch plates in a restaurant. I have to agree that it can be a little obnoxious and rude to eat off someone else's plate in a nice restaurant, but I think it is totally appropriate at casual places or when trying new cuisines). So being that this was both our first arepas experince, it was the perfect occasion to share and taste as much as possible!
We first split La del Gato (quayenes cheese, sweet fried plantains, and avocado) and De Pabellon (shredded beef, black beans, white salty cheese, and fried plantains). Both were delicious, but the La del Gato was definitely my favorite--the cheese was soft and milky, similar to mozzarella; avocado tastes good on just about anything; and I go CRAZY for fried plantains whenever I see them on a menu. Next up was the De Pollo (grilled chicken, carmelized onions, and cheddar cheese) and La Jardinera (sundried tomatoes, grilled eggplant, carmelized onions, and guaynese cheese). De Pollo was good, but definitely the least exciting of the four arepas we tried. La Jardinera was deeee-lish! The warm, sweet sundried tomatoes melted the cheese so that it dripped off my chin, but it was well worth the mess! And the arepa itself--made of corn flour, but more cakey than a tortilla--was such a delight! Moist and slighty sweet, they made the perfect encasing for all the yummy goodness inside.
Elana and I planned to go to Caracas not only because we wanted to try arepas, but also because of its prime location: 2 doors down from Butter Lane. Butter Lane was one of the stops on my cupcake list I didn't get to try last summer, so my anticipation for these cupcakes had been building up for over year. Something unique about Butter Lane is that you get to customize your own cupcake. There are 3 several different cake flavors (that night it was chocolate, vanilla, and banana) and several frostings from which you can choose to make your own cupcake combination. I went for vanilla cake and maple pecan frosting, and I really cannot express how HEAVENLY it was!! The frosting was so luscious and smooth, with the perfect amount of maple flavor and sweetness. The cake was equally delicious--moist, light, and flavorful. Some cupcakes can lack on the cake part, relying heavily on the frosting to carry the taste. Vanilla cake can sometimes taste more like sugary air than actual vanilla flavor; but this cake was so good, it could have stood on it's own. While in Butter Lane, Elana noticed a sign that offered a free "frosting shot" if you become a fan of Butter Lane on Facebook. So we of course whipped out our Blackberries to friend Butter Lane while still in the bakery to get out free frosting. Being a huge fan of all things pumpkin flavored, I chose the pumpkin frosting. What a treat! Again, light, creamy, sweet, and pumpkin-y without being too overpowering or sugary. For me, an indicator to a great cupcake is when the cake is so light and the frosting so fluffy that you don't even feel like you're eating something unhealthy. Butter Lane's cupcakes had the perfect balance of sweetness and lightness that I could have eaten 10 and still not felt full.
Elana made the bold claim that Butter Lane's cupcakes are a smidge better than Sugar Sweet Sunshine's--my all-time favorite cupcakes. It was hard for me to agree, being such a loyal cupcake eater and not having had a Sugar Sweet cupcake in over year. But there is only one way to find out: return to Sugar Sweet Sunshine and have a cupcake! And now that I'm reunited with some of my favorite things--New York, friends, and food--that will not be a problem!

To-Food List

Day 1 of my new internship and I am feeling both content and tired. Today was my first day at Regan Communications, and already I'm learning about our clients and the day-to-day duties in a PR firm. I'm particularly excited to work more with Regan's food and restaurant clients. We have an event coming up on September 21st called Cuisine of Queens. Queens-based food magazine Dish du Jour will host the 9th annual food and wine tasting event, featuring special guests Rocco Sacromone of Trattoria L'incontro and Andrea Beaman, natural foods chef and contender from Top Chef Season 1. I'm already looking forward to working at the event and hopefully tasting some of the food!

After a busy day of interning and commuting, I was too tired and hungry to make myself anything when I got home, so I resorted to a frozen dinner. Although, it was an Amy's organic broccoli pot pie, and I must admit, it was pretty tasty!

My not-so-exciting dinner and tonight's episode of Top Chef left me craving some goooood food (although I always crave food no matter how hungry or satisfied I am). Now that I'm in New York, there are ENDLESS options when it comes to goooood food. A New York foodie friend of mine has been sending me restaurant recommendations in anticipation of my arrival back in the Big Apple. These emails have been piling up in my inbox for weeks, so now that I'm here, it is time to get organized! So as I sat in bed, craving a yummy meal, I put together a spreadsheet of all the restaurants I hope to try in NY. Sounds obsessive, I know, but I want to try as many new places as possible! Now if only I could get a paying job to fund my eating excursions...

Here are a couple places I hope to try soon...

-Caracas--arepas (bread made of corn, similar to a tortilla, often filled with yummy things) in the East Village. I'm actually going here tomorrow night for dinner and cannot wait! Will give my reviews soon thereafter.

-Luke's Lobsters--I don't go crazy for lobstah like some people, but I've heard rave reviews from several people on this one.

-Motorino's Pizza--my friend recommended this one to me, and then I saw Rachael Ray raving about it on "Best Thing I Ever Ate". Rachael Ray is not my favorite, but the footage of Motorino's pizza had me sold!

-Cienfuegos--Cuban in the East Village. The decor is so charming and chic, and the menu looks even better.

-Txiktio-Basque food in Chelsa. I have to admit I didn't even know of the Basque Country (region in northeastern Spain and southwestern France) until I heard of this restaurant. The menu is a bit indecipherable, but I'm willing to try anything new!

Big Girls Don't Cry

For someone who loves variety and spontaneity in my food, I sure do not enjoy change in the rest of my life. Transitions have never come easily to me. They stress me out and make me anxious. I hate the feeling of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. I like to have a schedule and feel settled in my environment. I seek comfort and security in the little routines of everyday life. So when these routines are upset, my mind goes into a whirlwind of panic and distress. This may sound dramatic, and it probably is, but it literally feels like my head is spinning out of control as I worry about every minute detail of my new setting.

Going away to college never got easier for me. As much as I looked forward to seeing my friends, nothing could top the comfort of home. I was usually fine once I got back into the swing of things, but that initial transition between home and school was always difficult.

Here I am, graduated from college, and finding myself in another transition period. Not going back to school for the first time in 20 years is a transition in itself; but this weekend I also moved to New York to start an internship in the city. I am staying with family outside the city, so I don't have to worry about rent and bills yet. But already I am stressing about where to park my car, not knowing how long my commute will be, not knowing my general surroundings. Not having internet was also driving me crazy, until after a $30, 30 minute phone conversation I finally had working internet on my computer!

You see, it's all these little things that get under my skin in times of transition. I'm a big girl now and should be able to figure these things out without it being such a big deal. I know that everything always works out eventually. The world isn't going to end if I don't have a set routine for a little while. So on top of this transition being an opportunity to pursue my job search, it's also a chance for me to work through my transition phobia. Time for me to suck it up and grow up. New York, here I come!

God's Love

My summer of indulgence continues. On this sweltering hot day, my mom and I savored some of nature's fruits in liquid form. Wine. With only a few days left at home until I move to New York, we wanted to do something fun and different. My mom suggested a trip to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, MA. She had been for dinner before, but neither of us have done their wine tasting. Unfortunately, tours of the winery are only offered on the weekends, so we had our own little "tour" by eating the food and sampling the wines.

We first dined in J's Restaurant, which is set in a restored rustic farmhouse. The dark wood and unique light fixtures creates a homey, cozy atmosphere that looks across the 52 acres of vineyards and orchards. For lunch I had seared rainbow trout with a garlic herb crust, brown rice, and cucumber creme fraiche. The fish was light and flaky, and the cucumber creme fraiche was so refreshing on such a hot day. My mom had a roasted turkey sandwich with sun-dried tomato mayo. I didn't try hers, but she said the mayonnaise was especially delicious! Although each item on the menu is also listed with a suggested wine pairing, my mom and I both stuck to our favorites: Riesling for me and Pinot Grigio for my mom. Both of the wines were from the Nashoba winery. My Riesling was perfect--crisp and fruity--just the way I like it!

Then it was off to more fun for the wine tasting! The wine shoppe is set in a barn-like building with quirky sayings on chalkboards, such as "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!" and a

quote from Ben Franklin: "Beer is God's proof that He loves us and wants us to be happy". The inside is cool and calm, with beautiful bottles of wine, beer, and spirits everywhere.

The sampling was only $4 per person, which included 5 samples and a complimentary wine glass. What a deal! My mom and I started with the Dry Pear--a dry, white wine that has won the winery several awards. It had a surprisingly strong aroma, which my mom was not too fond of, but the taste was much softer and more delicate. This was not my favorite, but I imagine it would be good with some cheese.

Next we tried the Blueberry Merlot. We both tend to go for white wines, so the server suggested we try this merlot for its milder taste. This wine smelled strongly of alcohol.

As my mom said, "I don't like to smell the alcohol when I'm drinking it". And I would have to agree. This was probably my least favorite that we sampled. Guess I'll be sticking to white wines for now...

Third up was Maiden's Blush, a semi-sweet wine. Ding, ding, ding! We found a winner! Maiden's Blush was definitely my favorite wine that we tasted. This wine has also won several awards for its clean, refreshing, and fruity flavor. Our little wine guidebook informed us that the Maiden's Blush is a great comparison with a variety of cuisines, which is a good thing because I bought a bottle of it!

Fourth on the list was my mom's choice--Upland White--another semi sweet wine. This was also very good. Not as fruity and sweet as the Maiden's Blush, but very light with a tart flavor, like fresh apples.

Last, but certainly not least, I tried the winery's seasonal beer: Blackberry Ale. I told the woman I like fruity beers, such as Blue Moon, so she suggested this one. After finishing my entire sample, I think Blue Moon has met its match! The Blackberry Ale had a subtle berry flavor, without being too fruity or overpowering, but still tasted like beer.

I also bought a six-pack of this one. (Don't worry, I won't drink the bottle of wine and the beer in one sitting. Although they were both so good, it is tempting!)

Instead of the beer, my mom tried the raspberry dessert wine. This had a very intense, sweet flavor. The woman said this wine is delicious poured over some vanilla ice cream. Of course, this had both of us sold, so also bought a bottle.

After leaving with an assortment of wines and beer fit for any meal or dessert, we now can indulge in the charm of the Nashoba Valley Winery in our own home!

Click here for more info on the winery: Nashoba Valley Winery