Tag Archives: Delicious

Places

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I’m not quite sure about you but I seem to always find myself thinking “where was I a year ago today?” And you know what, a year ago today I was in Istanbul. Yes, you read that right, Istanbul. 4,827 miles away from this little island. Constantinople. East meets West. Old versus new. No wonder it’s the 5th most popular city to visit in Europe. In one word, Istanbul is magical.

One of my favorite past times is perusing travel magazines. Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar… I can’t get enough. Over the years, I have collected my travel stories of places I dream of traveling to in a binder and thus when planning my next adventure, I always have a go-to source. In a collected little piece from Travel & Leisure I was introduced to this amazing bakery Gram and immediately put it on the top of my list of places to visit. If you read my little blog regularly, you know I have a thing for bakeries.

365 days ago today I parted ways with my traveling mate, who was in the city for business, and ventured in a cab (with a non-English speaking driver) to Gram. Much to my dismay, the address I shared with the driver was not where I was dropped off. I got out of the cab with not a single idea of where I was. My heart raced. My palms started to sweat and for a minute I was quite worried. But then, I realized, these are exactly the moments I need. To not know my path or where I am. And one must remember that the worst thing to do while traveling alone is to look like you’re lost. So, off I ventured. I walked the city street for a good half hour until a kind gentleman inquired if I was looking for something (guess I stuck out a little more than I had thought). Thank god… someone spoke English! I let him know that I was looking for a bakery called Gram and he was shocked that I had even heard of this place. The good news was, I was right around the corner.

And what a lucky girl I was since I was becoming quite famished and needed some nourishment. When I saw the facade, I knew I found home. The picture above is just a peek into this little piece of heaven. The baked goods were breathtaking to look at and I loved the owners collection of cook books on display. It almost felt like you had walked into her kitchen. After much deliberation, I decided on a piece of banana cake and a latte. Simply divine. I have since tried to recreate this delicious cake but haven’t perfected it just yet. When I do, I promise to share.

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If you are planning a trip to this magical city, do let me know. And I wonder… where will I be a year from now? Time will only tell!

Places

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Maine. The way life should be. Couldn’t agree more. Not only is this wonderful state home to my brother, his new wife, my little nephew O and one of my nearest and dearest friends, but it is also filled with wonderful towns, with delicious food and great shopping. Two of my favorite things for sure!

Today I will keep it simple and speak of Portland. A booming city on the water. A mere 70 or so miles from Boston and known as the “Foodiest Small Town in America” by Bon Appétit. While in Portland, I always make a stop to Flatbread Pizza. I really am a simple girl and nothing makes me happier than yummy pizza and cold beer. And with local brews on tap and a wood burning pizza oven, Flatbread never disappoints. My pick, Jay’s Heart and an Allagash.
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Right across the street is the perfect spot to get a sweet treat. The Standard Baking Co. Bakeries make me oh so happy and the madelines at Standard may just be some of my favorites.
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And speaking of sweet treats, you must take the 10 minute drive from downtown Portland to South Portland and check out Scratch Bakery. The best bagels I have had (they even beat NYC’s in my opinion) and an apricot kissed ganache cake that will blow your mind.
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The Old Port of Portland has some of the cutest shops this girl has seen. I have been a fan of Helene M for quite some time but on this most recent trip, I was introduced to a few new spots that should not be missed.

K. Colette. What a gem. Hand-selected home decor sourced locally and globally for the mindful consumer who searches for beauty, quality, and integrity. John Robshaw. John Derian. Lostine. Seriously, all of my favorites under one roof. Go. Now. I promise, it will instantly become one of your favorite stores too.
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Blanche & Mimi. Part vintage finds. Part beautiful selection of unique gifts. Blanche & Mimi is what I dream my home will one day be. On this recent trip I picked up a pair of vintage silver candlesticks and a lovely piece of pottery that now holds my kitchen utensils. I can never leave this store empty-handed.
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A few other spots not to miss: Folly 101, Abacus, and LeRoux Kitchen for shopping and Fore Street, Bintliff’s, and Hugo’s for dining.

Portland. The way Maine does a city and how lucky we are that they do. Love!

Road Trip

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Road Trip
In my opinion, there really is nothing better than hitting the open road with the wind in your hair. Last week, I made a much needed escape from my little island and headed south to then head north and thus fulfilled another item on my Fall Bucket List. My first destination was Riverton, New Jersey, better known as the new hometown to my sweet little H and her wonderful family. On the drive down, I decided to make a quick detour to have lunch at Terrain in Westport, CT. Terrain is just one of those places where everything in life seems to be right. After devouring a delicious fall salad of quinoa and farro and sipping on a blood orange spritzer, I decided to do a little browsing for Christmas gift inspiration. But instead, I was more inspired by their kitchen displays. Isn’t this just breathtaking?
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My time in Riverton, a mere 20 minutes from Philly was exactly what my soul needed. My girlfriend Sharla is just one of those people in my life who truly gets me. Sitting on her porch looking out at the golf course with the sun on my face, I realized that I am so blessed. We spent a great deal of time talking about what’s next for me. An excellent question indeed. I won’t get into this too much at this time but will just say, I think I am getting closer and closer, which excites me!

I always love exploring a city through its food and Sharla always knows exactly where to take me. The first stop was a breathtaking coffee shop/gourmet food store (right up my alley) called Talula’s. For our last lunch together, we ventured over to the Navy Shipyard to the Urban Outfitters world headquarters. A fun little fact, there is a beautiful cafe there that is open to the public and serves the most delicious food. We enjoyed a vegetarian chili served on a slice of grilled polenta, potato leek soup and a chocolate chip cookie. Yummy! And the coolest part, we were surrounded by all these creative and hip types who work for one of the coolest companies, in my book. Made me realize I want to be part of something grand. I mean, wouldn’t you want to come to work here everyday!
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Having to end my visit a bit too soon to head north to Maine, I decided to make a lunch stop at a place that has been on my bucket list for years, Blue Farm at Stone Barn. And how happy am I that I did. Have you heard of this place? Simply breathtaking. An agricultural center with a working farm, a renowned restaurant, a killer cafe and a gift shop that is the most beautiful collection of gifts I have seen in quite some time. For lunch, I decided on the tomato soup (there was a bit of a chill in the air) and their newly released beet yogurt. Yes, you read that right. Beet yogurt. And let me tell you, delicious!
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With a quick visit to my home state of good old Massachusetts for the final World Series Game (Go Sox) I headed up to one of my favorite, Portland Maine for my big brother’s wedding. I will share all my Portland picks in a later post but let me just say, what a road trip it was. Until next time, stay warm!

In the Kitchen

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Apples. One of my all-time favorite fall foods. But want to know something a bit weird, I’m not an apple pie kind of gal. Instead, I like me an apple cake. While scouring Pinterest (my addiction) for inspiration for my sister’s 30th birthday dessert bar, I came across the below recipe. And aren’t I glad I did. The simplicity of this recipe coupled with the rave reviews have made this a staple in my fall recipe repertoire. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Apple Cake
– 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 3/4 sticks of butter (7/8 cups), melted
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I use 2.5% greek yogurt)
– 2 apples (peeled, cored and thinly sliced) *I prefer Braeburn apples
– zest of 1 lemon
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar for topping

Yield – 1 8-inch cake

Directions
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Butter 8-inch circular cake pan.
2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle, beat the 1/2 cup of sugar with the melted butter until it has lightened.
4. Add in one egg at a time and combine completely.
5. Reduce the speed and add in flour and yogurt in alternate batches, beginning and ending with the flour.
6. Fold in by hand the apples and lemon zest and pour into 8-inch round cake pan.
7. Sprinkle over top the 1/3 cup of sugar.
8. Bake cake for 50-60 minutes, until tester comes out clean.
9. Let cool completely before devouring!

Island Cocktails

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Not quite sure how but my little brother is 21 today. And since I am quite certain he hasn’t taken to the island nightlife quite like his older sister(s) (wink, wink), I thought I would share with him, and all of you, some of my favorite island spirits.

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The Goombay Smash – One of the finest rum punches at one of the best, Straight Wharf. But a word to the wise, these things go down a bit too easy so take caution.

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The Crucomber
My summer pick! I suggest one slight modification… ask the bartenders at Cru to use Hendrick’s gin instead of the Zubrowka vodka.

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Mudslide
The Gazebo’s dessert in a glass with a little kick… love it!

Last summer’s cocktail of choice was Ivy’s Poison at Dune. Sadly, I don’t have a photo to show you just how beautiful this cocktail is but let me describe it for you… muddled strawberries and mint, rose and St. Germain. Heaven in a glass is exactly right!

Just a few more contenders include The Proprietor’s Number 4; Slip 14’s The Berry SEXY, and the Madaket Mystery at Millie’s.

I am a firm believer that every home needs a house cocktail. Mine is quite simple: Izzy’s sparking grapefruit mixed in equal parts with Cisco’s Triple Eight blueberry vodka. My favorite party trick is to get the glass bottles of Izzy, empty out half of the grapefruit deliciousness into a pitcher (easy to refill later) and pour the blueberry vodka right into the glass bottle. Top it with a straw and you will impress your guests upon arrival. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

In the Kitchen

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Philadelphia is not only home to the cheese steak, the Liberty Bell and my sweet god-daughter H but also the location of one of my favorite bakeries, Metropolitan. After college, my dear friend C moved to Philly to attend vet school at Penn and lived across the street from Metropolitan in Rittenhouse Square. After nearly ten years, our love affair has stood the test of time.

During a recent overnight to the city of brotherly love, I was introduced to their chocolate stout cake. As soon as I returned to the island, I checked their cookbook that sweet H’s mom gave me as a birthday gift (love you, S) but to my disappointment they decided not to share their secret. Thus began my search for the perfect recipe. Lucky for me, the food enthusiasts at Smitten Kitchen are always willing to share!

Chocolate Stout Cake
– 1 cup stout (Guinness)
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
– 3/4 tsp. salt
– 2 lg. eggs (room temperature)
– 2/3 cup sour cream

Ganache
– 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 6 Tbs. heavy cream
– 3/4 tsp. instant coffee/espresso

Directions
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease bundt pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. Add in 1 egg at a time.
3. In separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In a liquid measuring cup, combine 1 cup of stout and sour cream and gently whisk.
5. Slowly combine flour mixture and stout mixture to butter mixture, starting and ending with flour mixture.
6. Pour batter into bundt pan and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, until a cake knife comes out clean.
7. Let cake cool completely.
8. For ganache, use a double broiler and slowly whisk chocolate chips, cream and instant coffee until chocolate has completely melted. The ganache should be smooth and have a beautiful sheen to it. Spoon over cooled cake.

This cake rivals my Mom’s devil food’s chocolate cake, which she has made for the last twenty years; not too sweet, not too dense, an absolute perfect harmony of flavors. If you are craving a little chocolate, please make this cake. It’s perfection in my book!

In the Kitchen

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You know summer has arrived when you see the Bartlett’s Farm truck parked on the corner of Main and Federal Street. A welcome sight indeed!

This past weekend I stocked up on some baby kale (my newest obsession), cucumbers (gosh those dark under eye circles) and some beautiful yellow and green zucchini. I just love tea breads so Monday afternoon I thought I would experiment with a new zucchini bread recipe. Several recipes call for at least a cup of vegetable oil, which I knew wouldn’t help my get-into-a-bathing-suit cause. I did a little research and to my surprise learned that I could substitute apple sauce for oil. Genius!

Here’s the recipe I settled on.

May’s Healthy Zucchini Bread
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup apple sauce (natural/unsweetened)
– 2 cups grated zucchini
– 2 tsp vanilla
– 3 cups flour
– 3 tsp cinnamon
– 1/8 tsp nutmeg
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking power
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup yellow raisins/dried cranberries (optional)
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees; grease and flour two bread pans.
2. Grate zucchini.
3. Whisk together eggs, applesauce, and sugar. Add in zucchini.
4. In second bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add flour mixture to egg mixture.
6. In a small bowl, mix together raisins, cranberries and chocolate chips with a 1/2 tsp. of flour*.
7. Evenly divide batter between two pans and bake for 50 minutes.
8. Let cool at least 30 minutes and enjoy!

*The flour helps this mixture from sinking to the bottom of the batter.

The recipe I used for inspiration called for 2 cups of zucchini. Since I substituted out the oil, I think I will use 3 cups next time. Also, I grate my own nutmeg so I think I could increase the amount to about 1/4 tsp. But overall, my house guests were quite pleased. Give it a try too and let me know what you think!

Confession

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As I have already confessed… I have a slight shopping problem and perhaps an affinity towards over-thinking things but my absolute downfall concerns all things sweet. I love bakeries. I travel for bakeries. I live for bakeries (you get the point). And the place that began my love affair was Flour Bakery.

I was first introduced to Flour during a 2002 Chronicle show, I think, when their brownie was featured. I begged my boyfriend at the time to venture with me to Washington Street in the South End, before Washington Street was the place to be, to partake in this sweet treat. And what a treat. I don’t think there was a week that went by while living in Boston that I didn’t make at least one trip to Flour.

Saying goodbye to Boston was hard but saving goodbye to Flour was heartbreaking. Last week, I was able to spend some quality time at their Fort Point location. A good soul feeding. And the best part, their second cookbook was available to purchase. Yeah! This thing of beauty has found a home in my rather large collection. Can’t wait to start baking.

You may be wondering what my sweet of choice is. I will gladly share. While I still love their brownie, I have moved on to their vegan chocolate cupcakes (no icing… just cake… exactly how I like it). If you haven’t been to Flour, I beg you, go. There are now four locations in Boston so you have no excuse. Report back too. Love hearing what people love!

Oh and Joanne Chang, owner and baker extraordinaire, even beat out Bobby Flay with her sticky buns. Check it out here.

In the Kitchen

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Cookies
Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, right? A dear friend’s wife shared this recipe with me a few years back and it has been a staple in my kitchen since. What I love most about this recipe is that the cookies are both chewy and crispy. Perfection in my opinion!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature)
3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cups sugar
1 egg (room temperature)
1 egg yoke (room temperature)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (I prefer Ghirardelli®)

Directions
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
3. In a stand mixer (gosh, I love mine), cream together butter and sugar. Add the egg and egg yoke and incorporate well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients. Once well incorporated, remove bowl from mixer and add chips by hand.
5. Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with a silpat.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes (with my oven, these are usually perfect at the 13 minute mark).

Now pour yourself a tall glass of milk and enjoy!

In the Kitchen

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I love to cook but making meals for one I find to be a bit tricky. In Boston, I was known for my dinner parties but my little winter rental sadly doesn’t have the space for entertaining and thus I have felt a bit of a void. Good news is that I am moving in just a few shorts weeks… into an actual house… with a real kitchen (it’s the little things, really)! In preparation for the move, I thought now would be the perfect time to experiment with some new recipes. Today’s attempt is a simple spring salad, which I fondly call what looked good at Bartlett’s Farm. Here’s what you’ll need:

– arugula (about 1 1/2 cups)
– ripe avocado (1/2 avocado, sliced)
– blueberries (1/3 cup)
– goat cheese (2 Tbs. crumbled.. use a fork to help the process)
– Brianna’s blush wine vinaigrette (2 tsp.)
*Quantities are for a single serving*

Mix it all together and let me tell you, delicious. You could add grilled chicken on top and substitute fresh strawberries for the blueberries too.

One little side note: I tend to make my own salad dressings because I think it is one of the easiest things in the world to do but Brianna’s blush wine vinaigrette is one I haven’t been able to make at home. This stuff is amazing.