Despite my very best efforts, summer is leaving us and fall is moving in...
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Living within a refined clothing wardrobe makes shoe and accessory shopping feel extra important, as well as extra fun. Since you have to be more careful buying into trends with clothing, I find that footwear is what I'm in the market for...
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Tomato cream sauce is a comfort food of fairly high regard in my world...
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One thing I've learned about my style is that there isn't a huge change from day to night. I love a look that doesn't scream either, especially when a change in shoes or makeup can make all the difference if need be.
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Today's iteration of the In the market for series focuses on capsule pieces to transition us from the end of summer (tears) through fall...
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Contrary to popular belief, this is not an oxymoron...
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As I’ve discussed before, salmon is not my favorite food, and it’s certainly not my favorite fish for how often it tastes overly fishy. But when it's good, it's so good. Determined to make it a beloved part of my at-home repertoire, I’ve learned that cooking it low and slow in the oven is a really good way to produce an incredibly moist, flavorful filet that doesn’t taste overly fishy...
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Although I often associate fennel and apples with the colder months, this salad is so light and bright that it screams summer to me...
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Popovers are some kind of miracle. They’re what you might get if you crossed a pancake with a crescent roll, as strange as that sounds, but a better version of either, with crispy edges and a chewier texture. They’re an unfair version of “bread” with your meal because you won’t want to eat anything else on the table. And because of their otherworldly hybrid characteristics, they work just as well savory as they do sweet. I’ve made a gruyere version and I’ve made them with Parmesan and herbs, but I couldn’t help thinking how delicious these would be at brunch (Easter?!) with strawberry butter for sweeter vibes.
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Things I always (weirdly) have in my cupboard: chickpeas, 14 different kinds of rice, sweetened condensed milk, and lentils. This is a result of those grocery shopping trips in which I wander down each and every aisle and robotically throw things in my cart. My thought process is something like, "Think about those times you've wanted to bake something without leaving your house and the one thing you need is sweetened condensed milk." (Has that ever even happened??) And then there are all the recipes I've made that have called for various kinds of rice—jasmine, long-grain, arborio, the list goes on. And since it seems like 1 grain of rice uncooked magically turns into 35 grains when it's cooked….my supplies are never ever depleted. My digression is leading me to a discussion of lentils.
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Mushrooms are a somewhat nostalgic flavor and memory-inducing thing for me...
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This is one of those weekday lunches for which noon cannot come fast enough.
*Checks clock.* *Checks clock again.* *Checks clock and IT'S STILL ONLY 10:30.*
The worst.
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As I've said before, Sundays are my favorite day to cook, but I really prefer the recipes to be of the low-and-slow-comfort-food variety, so that cooking feels leisurely and low key, especially in the winter. I made this dish on a freezing cold Sunday at about noon, and it had my apartment smelling like absolute heaven by 2:00. There is nothing on earth that smells like a red wine braise, especially with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Oh my goodness.
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Kale is at it again. The dark leafy green has taken over my salads and my dinner sides. I’ve been tossing it raw in olive oil, I’ve been sauteeing it, and I’ve been making a gratin out of it—which just means baking it with a breadcrumb and parmesan cheese topping. Here’s why I love it: it retains texture even after it’s been cooked, unlike spinach which tends to become soft and mushy (a characteristic that works in some dishes when you don’t want to detect its texture, but not for greens and beans). For garlicy, oniony greens and beans, I want the stems to have a little crunch and the leaves to still be whole and leafy.
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Have you guys ever had lettuce wraps before? They are so tasty. And it seems strange to say, but the lettuce actually makes this meal, in my opinion. In contrast to all those recipes out there that sub lettuce for some kind of carb, this one isn’t making any substitutions. The lettuce is purposeful and right, and I promise you—you will not want to eat this dish any other way. It consists of ground turkey (or chicken, I've used both!) and sautéed onion and garlic with all the best Asian flavors: fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Sriracha. And water chestnuts! One of the most underrated ingredients—such great texture and flavor. The result is such a satisfying light lunch that just might rival the version you’ve had at that one Asian restaurant chain that I secretly love.
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I know there’s a place in the world for thick and fluffy diner-style pancakes, but in my little corner, I prefer these thinner, almost crepe like cakes. They stand up really well to the hot syrup and butter without becoming soggy or mushy, and they are always perfectly golden brown. Jon’s mom, Robin, makes the best ones, and they are a favorite and a staple to the entire family. We make these all the time and can always finish off a batch between the two of us (well, three, because they’re also a favorite to Kaya the French bulldog who subs peanut butter for syrup on her silver-dollar version).
PS if you’re ever struggling over what to make for dinner (aka most nights), this breakfast-for-dinner option is clear eyes, full hearts, can’t-lose status.
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Quinoa was last seen here in my post-Thanksgiving detox effort that lasted for about one day. I might be back on the wagon now that the holidays have finally wrapped up. Although, I say that, but I'm not actually sure if these are healthy. I think I could have a candy bar with quinoa in it and feel like I'm living right, when in reality we all know the truth. But seriously, these are healthy in comparison to most brunches or lunches or dinners, and this meal would satisfy for any one of those. In fact, the first time I ever made a version of these cakes was for dinner, and it was to prove to Jon that he could, in fact, actually like quinoa (pronounced kwi-noah in that stage of my life), and also be fulfilled by it in meal form. He's since become a convert! I mean topping things with fried eggs never hurts. And it's not bad on the eyes, either—I love a good yolky egg pic.
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In what feels like a constant “attempt” to eat healthier (using attempt lightly here because my efforts are limited, at best, most days), the one kind of lighter meal that never makes me feel like I’m skimping is soup. I love soup, and I love nearly every variety. But a spicy Mexican chicken soup with a la carte toppings? I’m in, every time.
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As much as I love cooking, I just as much love being cooked for. Why does it always taste better when someone else makes it?! Fact. And even if by ‘cooking’ I just mean being poured a bowl of cereal...it’s still the best! Whether it’s a hearty dinner or something simple and thrown together, it just always feels special. It sounds strange, but I so look forward to a day of having little munchkins running around my house who might one day decide to make me breakfast or something special for Mother’s Day—I think I’ll find it the absolute sweetest thing on earth.
Anyway, Jon makes a great lasagna, and it’s one of my very favorite home-cooked, indulgent comfort foods...
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