Thirsty Thursdays: Hot Cocoa Martini

So Thanksgiving is over.  You've feasted and indulged and slept it off.  And chances are you have some leftovers in the fridge to last throughout the long weekend.  Back to reality, sort of, but not yet. Perhaps just a bit more indulgence before heading back to real life on Monday.

Gratitude, Tears and Reflection

Autumn beauty in the city.

No recipe today, my friends.  Those of you cooking tomorrow’s feast already know what you’re making.  But before we break for the long weekend, I wanted to say a few personal words about life and love and this past year.

Savory Butternut Squash Bread Pudding

When it comes to Thanksgiving foods, I tend to favor tradition. There's comfort in the familiar and expected. However, what exactly constitutes traditional and familiar is different in every family and culture. In my house, we prefer butternut squash over the better known sweet potato side dish and so that is the flavor we expect.

Thirsty Thursdays: The Rummy Pumpkin

The Rummy Pumpkin

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for our favorite Thanksgiving cocktail!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Apple pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in my house. And Thanksgiving foods are, after all, about tradition. So while I'm not willing to forgo this familiar treat, I've been known to mess with it a little over the years. Last year I did away with the top crust altogether in favor of a peanut butter crumb topping.  And I don't recall hearing any complaints about it, either.

Buttery Breakfast Quick Bread

Lately I've been thinking a lot about breakfast. And that's pretty unusual for me since it's never been a meal I gave much thought to. It always seems like, no matter how early I get up, I have so much to do before the day "officially" starts and I'm always running behind. So breakfast ends up being a bowl of cold cereal. And I'll admit that I've been known to skip the milk and just eat the cereal bits like little snack bites in between other morning chores. So not inspiring.

Thirsty Thursdays: The Maple Leaf

The Maple Leaf

Per Serving:
2 1/2 oz. Bourbon
1 oz. Maple syrup
1 oz. Lemon juice
1 Dash of Angostura Bitters
2 Sprigs fresh Thyme

Combine the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, bitters and the leaves from the thyme sprigs in a cocktail shaker.  Muddle the thyme a bit, fill with ice and shake well.  You can serve this straight up or on the rocks to tame down the strength a bit.

Homemade Za'atar Pita Chips and Quick Labneh Dip

If you follow me on Instagram (and if you're not, why aren't you??) then you know that my tag line says "currently sprinkling za'atar on everything."  I'm obsessed with it and with labneh (strained Greek yogurt cheese) too.

Roasted Autumn Vegetable Pot Pie

What are your cold weather comfort foods?  I have a few but pot pies are high on the list because they're fully enclosed comfort.  I don't have to make side dishes for a roast or add bread or croutons to a hot soup. Here the hot, creamy, comforting filling is wrapped with delicious pastry dough and served in my own individual portion. Just tuck me into bed with a good movie and this is cold night dinner heaven.

Thirsty Thursdays: Chocolate Chip Cookie Martini

Chocolate Chip Cookie Martini

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this decadent treat!

Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

Cookie Week is in full swing and I'm back today with another of my favorite cookie treats. Despite my love of chocolate and my obsession with peanut butter, my all time favorite type of cookie is shortbread. Thick, crumbly, buttery and not overly sweet. Just pour me a cup of tea alongside a good stack of them and I'm a happy woman.

Want Some Cookies?

Little Red Kitchen Bakeshop Cookie Flavors

All week long, several of my fellow bloggers and I are celebrating Cookie Week with great recipes and an awesome giveaway.  But today I have an extra special giveaway for you. My friend Susan of The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen now has an online bakeshop and her cookies put mine to shame.

Dark and Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies

Welcome to Cookie Week.  Several of my fellow food bloggers and I have some great recipes for you and an awesome giveaway.  Scroll down past the recipe for prize and entry information. And, as a bonus, I'll have an additional, extra special giveaway (hint: it involves free cookies) for you tomorrow.

Cookie Week Sponsor and Giveaway Information

Welcome to the second annual Cookie Week, hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Susan of The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen! We've teamed together with 10 other talented bloggers to bring you 5 fantastic days of cookie recipes to get you in to the holiday spirits.  Now is the time to break out the flour, butter, sugar and eggs.  Bring your friends and family together for cookie exchanges or a giant baking party, we have got you covered!

Thirsty Thursdays: Caramel Apple Martini

Caramel Apple Martini

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this autumn drink that's sure to wow holiday guests!

The Month in Review - October 2014

It's finally chilly in New York and the leaves are turning fast. Actually the whole month was fast and I'm not sure how it can already be almost November. The food around here has definitely taken a turn toward autumn fruits and warming comfort. It also seems to have been fixated on caramel, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Apple Pie Crumb Bread with Cinnamon Caramel

Have you all noticed how popular coconut oil has become? Everywhere I look I see recipes with it and articles talking about the health benefits. I confess that I'm not the biggest fan of coconut flavor and I mostly just like it in my pina coladas.  Still, this merited some research.

Thirsty Thursdays: Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

Per Serving:
1 1/2 oz. Bourbon
1 oz. Unsweetened pumpkin puree
2 oz. Vanilla ice cream
2 oz. Milk
2 Teaspoons maple syrup
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Add the bourbon, pumpkin puree, ice cream, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt to a cocktail shaker.  Fill with ice, shake well to break up the pumpkin and ice cream and pour into a cocktail glass.

Tender Slow Cooked Roast in Red Wine Reduction

Sundays in the chilly autumn make me want to cook something low and slow. Something mouthwatering that will make my whole house smell delicious and dinner will be an eagerly awaited event. Something like a Sunday roast

Apple and Gorgonzola Biscuit Tarts

My good friend Renee and I are bonded over our mutual love of food, cocktails, photography and doggies. Not necessarily in that order, of course. She's also the creator of the Magnolia Days blog where she shows off her talents. But today she's on vacation, eating and drinking her way through Germany, and she asked me to keep her readers entertained with a good recipe. My pleasure, Renee! And I expect you to bring me back a strudel.

Farmer's Market Deconstructed Apple Pie

I'm a big fan of our city's green markets so it was a huge honor to be invited to do a cooking demo at one of them this past Saturday. I spent the week before going over everything with the market director and wandering around the various stalls, with their dizzying array of options, trying to decide what to make. For all the possibilities, though, my eyes kept coming back to the glorious display of apples.

Thirsty Thursdays: Pear and Bourbon Ginger Snap

Pear and Bourbon Ginger Snap

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this sweet and spicy delight!

Ginger Poached Pears with Gorgonzola and Walnuts

When summer fruit season ends, I usually mourn until I hit the market and discover the autumn bounty of figs, apples and pears.  Especially the pears. For out of hand, sweet juice dripping down your chin, eating, I'm partial to Bartletts.  But for any cooking or baking, I turn to the slightly firmer Boscs. I also happen to think they're the prettiest.  What? You don't think pears are pretty?  Pfft.

Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Caramel

I don't understand how it's nearly the middle of October already.  And I certainly don't understand why this is my first pumpkin bread of the season.  I normally like to greet the first nip in the air with the aroma of fresh baked pumpkin bread.  Oh, well, still not to late.

Thirsty Thursdays: Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this boozy dessert treat!

Per Serving:
3 oz. Half & half or milk
2 Tablespoons cream cheese
1 1/2 oz. Vanilla vodka
1 1/2 oz. Unsweetened pumpkin puree
1 oz. Simple syrup
1/2 oz. Buttershots liqueur
Pinch of cinnamon
Tiny pinch of salt
Crushed graham cracker for the rim

Place the crushed graham cracker in a shallow bowl.  Rub a tiny bit of pumpkin puree along the rim of your cocktail glass and dip it into the cracker bowl. Refrigerate for a few minutes to set.

In a blender or small food processor, puree the milk, cream cheese, vodka, pumpkin, simple syrup, buttershots, cinnamon and salt.  Pour into the prepared glass and keep in the refrigerator for approx. 15 minutes to cool and thicken.

Nutty Peanut Buttery Caramel Apples

My fellow holiday food bloggers and I are cooking up Halloween treats today.  Mine aren't spooky but they're totally holiday ready!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Hey, was that a nip I just felt in the air?  Is that quiet from the fact that the constant hum of the air conditioner has been turned off and the windows opened?  This weekend was the first time this season that I wore a jacket and enjoyed warming up under my down comforter.  I love summer and I tell myself I will hold onto it as long as possible but every year, the first chilly day, a leaf falling at my feet and a display of pumpkins sends me into a daze of autumn happiness.  I love autumn!

Thirsty Thursdays: Sparkling Lemon Pear-tini

Sparkling Lemon Pear-tini

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this sweet, tart and bubbly treat!

The Month in Review - September 2014

I was just looking back at last month's review and saw that I promised there wouldn't be an onslaught of pumpkin recipes here until October.  I said I'd stick to apples and pears and figs but, OK, so one slipped in. I just had an overwhelming urge to see if pumpkin and soda bread go well together and do they ever!

Salisbury Steak

Can you even hear Salisbury steak mentioned without thinking of childhood?  For me it represents the quintessential frozen dinner, that special treat that my mother rarely allowed.  But when she did finally give in and I had a choice, it was usually this one that I'd pick.

Thirsty Thursdays: Maple Daiquiri

Maple Daiquiri

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this autumn twist on a classic cocktail!

Easy Pulled Chicken Chili

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I thought I'd share my weekly meal plan with you:

Weekends - Farmer's market and grocery shopping.  Elaborate homemade meals and desserts both days.
Monday - Leftovers (we love 'em!)

Tuesday - Possible small amount of remaining leftovers supplemented by veggies and beans.

Wednesday - Eggs

Thursday - Desperate pantry scrounge

Friday - Help!

Labneh Cheesecake with Honeyed Figs

Those of you familiar with labneh are now racing to the bottom of this article to find where you can get your hands on it.  For the uninitiated, I shall explain.  Lebnah is a Middle Eastern yogurt cheese.  Basically, think Greek style yogurt but even more strained.  Thick, almost a cream cheese consistency, rich and tart and heavenly tasting.  It's usually drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with za'atar (more on this wonderful spice soon) and served as a dip with pita bread.  It was many years since I'd had it but I never forgot.

Thirsty Thursdays: Apple Pie Martini

Apple Pie Martini

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this perfect, seasonal drink!

Pumpkin Soda Bread

I was trying to hold off on the pumpkin recipes until October, I really was! But I was walking past my favorite gourmet food and produce store and there they were. Not all markets have them yet but this place did. A big display of pumpkins and squash and those little gourds that I love so much. Oh, all right, I give in. I really do love pumpkin.

Not Lazy Meatloaf

Hi, my name is Anita and I'm a recovering lazy meatloaf maker. Maybe you can relate, maybe not, but this is my story. I grew up eating and liking meatloaf. My mother made it and taught me to make it. We were a meatloaf eating family. When I grew up and began my own life, I continued to make meatloaf but that life got a little busy. Shortcuts began to creep in.

Thirsty Thursdays: The Fig and Bourbon

The Fig and Bourbon

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this delightful autumn pairing!

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Marbled Sandwich Cookies

I think you all know that I'm a big fan of OXO kitchen products and use them daily.  I've had the pleasure of getting to know some members of the OXO team and gotten the opportunity to test many of their products.  So far my only complaint is that I don't have a large enough kitchen to have all their tools because I certainly want them. And so it was my pleasure to lend them a hand in baking to raise money for a great cause.

Sweet Spiced Pear Bread

My pear obsession is getting out of control.  First there was Spiced Pear Hand Pies then came Pear Cosmos and now we have pear bread.  Actually, what we had was a couple of leftover pears and I couldn't resist putting them to good use.

Thirsty Thursdays: Pear Cosmo

Pear Cosmo

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this lovely and fragrant cocktail!

Spiced Pear Hand Pies

I was out shopping recently, minding my own business, not really looking for anything in particular, when I saw a big 4 1/2" copper pear shaped cookie cutter.  I had to have it.  It's possible I may have had a need for an apple shaped one, too.  And now I had to do something with it.

The Month in Review - August 2014

Happy Labor Day!  It's a long weekend for most of us and the unofficial end of summer.  Here in New York, kids go back to school tomorrow, weekend beach house shares are over and we're starting to think about fall.  We've actually been having a little mini heat wave for the last few days but I know it won't be long now before I start pulling out the jackets and sweaters.  I may have...um...already bought a new pair of Aldo boots because...Aldo! And boots!  OK, I'm guilty, I love fall.

Thirsty Thursdays: Bourbon and Thyme Peach Smash

Bourbon and Thyme Peach Smash

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this perfect late summer sipper!

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

What do you do when you like thick, crunchy, crumbly cookies but someone you care about likes soft, thin, chewy ones?  Well, OK, I guess you could make both.  But I think this time we'll just make him what he wants.  Of course, that's not necessarily easy since what he wants is basically a homemade Entenmann's chocolate chip cookie.

Goat Cheese Mousse with Blueberry Compote

Name a cheese and I'm likely to tell you that it's one of my favorites.  In fact, except for a couple of the extra stinky ones, I've rarely met a cheese I didn't love.  Nevertheless, there are a few that make more frequent appearances around here than others and goat cheese is definitely one.  I love the slight tang it has and it's such a great addition to the many salads I make.

Thirsty Thursdays: Blueberry Lemon Drop

For the last few years, late August has meant vacation heaven on the coast of Maine.  We know where to stay, where to eat and definitely where to drink.  There are always at least a few meals at One Dock and we can't wait to see what specialty cocktail they've added to their menu.

Last year their new blueberry cocktail immediately caught our eye and captured our taste buds.  Leaving Maine is always so sad but we take the cocktail inspirations with us.  Only they know their exact recipe but I think this comes pretty close.  Definitely close enough to inspire beautiful memories and plans to return.  Cheers!

Per Serving:1 1/2 oz. Vodka1 oz. Blueberry sauce (recipe follows)1/2 oz. Triple sec1/2 oz. Elderflower liqueur1/2 oz. Lemon juice1 Teaspoon simple syrup (optional)

Blueberry Sauce:1 Pint blueberries1/2 Cup water

To make the sauce, add the blueberries and water to a pot and cook on medium heat for about five minutes.  Stir often and crush the blueberries with the back of your spoon.  Pass through a fine mesh strainer and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

To make the drink, add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.  Shake well and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with a slice of lemon and blueberries, if desired.

Portable Cherry Crumb Pie Jars

Today you can read my article on Hoosier Homemade where I discuss the very serious problem of crumb theft.  Yes, the rampant crime spree that occurs in my kitchen whenever I've baked a crumb topped dessert has left me desperate to find a solution.  And since it does seem to be all about the filling and the crumb topping, I've solved the problem by eliminating the pie crust altogether and just handing everybody their own personal crumb filled dessert jars.

Head on over to Hoosier Homemade to see the recipe!

Chicken Milanese Topped with Crunchy Salad

When I have a great meal in a restaurant, I usually try to recreate it at home.  I don't usually wait four years to share it with you, though.  Then again, we waited practically a lifetime in between visits to this amazing place so I'll have to chalk both things up to 'life got in the way' and not try too hard to figure it out.  The restaurant in question was the Union Square Cafe, practically a New York institution and a temple to farmer's market freshness.  The vibe is casual, though expensive, and the food is fresh, simple and perfect.  Exactly like this dish.