From A to Zoë

It's the Little Things

2012-01-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I've been a huge fan of dessert. As a little girl, conversations around the dinner table would go something like this:

Parent: "Zoë, please finish your broccoli."
Zoë: "But I'm so full! (whine, whine, grumble, grumble, finishes broccoli) Can I have ice cream?!"
Parent: "I thought you were so full?"
Zoë: "My breakfast stomach is full, my lunch stomach is full, my snack stomach is full, my dinner stomach is full, but my dessert stomach is completely empty!"

I was one precocious kid. While I've gotten older and wiser since those days (I now love broccoli!), one thing that hasn't changed is my appreciation for that special last meal of the day, the opportunity to fill my "dessert stomach." I don't discriminate - cookies, cake, ice cream, pie, candy - I love sugar and I've been known to eat whatever I can get my hands on. My palate has matured over the years and I've grown to favor certain sweets in particular, with lemon curd and chocolate mousse topping the list. For the most part, I love to eat nutritiously, enjoy coming up with healthy alternatives to my favorite comfort foods, and feel great when I eat well. However, nothing can compete with a decadent, rich treat and I believe that it's practically a requirement to allow oneself to indulge now and then. After all, they say everything in moderation, right?

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first."
Ernestine Ulmer

Source: cafefernando.com via Zoë on Pinterest

Source: heyladygrey.com via Zoë on Pinterest

Source: dishingthedivine.com via Zoë on Pinterest

Source: evilshenanigans.com via Zoë on Pinterest

Closet Envy

2012-01-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Since moving into the freshman dorms, I have had a complicated relationship with my closet. That first closet consisted of one door and a couple drawers; it looked like a room for dolls, not the only option for my growing wardrobe. After that, it was really hit or miss. Sophomore through senior year, I had sizable closets that I stuffed with my many Forever 21 purchases, Oregon t-shirts, and costumes for dress up parties. When I moved to New York City, I first lived with my dad and step mom, which meant being spoiled by a walk-in fit for a queen. From there, I endured two years with my closet in the hallway. That wasn't always pretty, especially the first year when my entire wardrobe was destined to fit inside something that was intended for the broom. My second hallway closet experience was much more lovely - double doors with built in shelves - so you can imagine my surprise when, in moving to Boise, my clothes were forced back into confinement. While we have plenty of space in general, our closet situation is a little bleak, just one single door space in each of the two bedrooms. I'm used to it by now, and proud of myself for finding resourceful places for my goodies, using lots of hooks and baskets, and learning how to fold a perfectly creaseless sweater. Still, I dream of the day when I don't have to rotate my summer and winter wardrobes, when I can see all of my items without having to reach into the depths for something stashed away, when my clothes can take deep breaths and live a wrinkle-free existence. Until that happy day arrives, I will spend my free time admiring the most enviable of closets.

Mine...

Theirs...

(via 1, 2, 3)

Pasta Made Amazing

2012-01-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

I was recently browsing one of my favorite blogs, Posie Gets Cozy, and came across this recipe for risotto-style pasta. I'm a big fan of pasta, and everything Posie photographs looks like gold to me, so I couldn't wait to give it a whirl. My only issue was that I wanted to use gluten-free rice pasta and wasn't sure if it would work the same way as regular pasta. In my searching, I found that risotto-style pasta is a hot topic and was even written about in the New York Times, a true sign of arrival. I also came across a blog with a recipe for risotto-style pasta using the gluten-free stuff, so off I went.

I found this method of cooking pasta to be very interesting, fun, and a whole lot more flavorful. The pasta absorbs all the chicken broth, cooking along the way, and the end result is a creamy, cheesy, one pot meal that doesn't waste a drop of water. This is on my highly recommend list!

Risotto-Style Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas

Recipe, adapted from Fine Cooking and the NY Times:
(makes 6 servings)

1 red onion, finely diced
2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms
1 cup water or white wine
2-1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 lb. dried elbow macaroni or rice elbow noodles
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup plus a few tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
12 fresh basil leaves, torn into large pieces

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent and mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
Add pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is glossy and coated with oil, 2 to 3 minutes. Add water or white wine. Stir and let liquid bubble away.
Ladle stock into skillet 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition and every minute or so. When liquid is just about evaporated, add more.
After the third addition is absorbed, toss in the peas and continue adding broth and stirring until the pasta is just tender. Turn the heat down to simmer and check pasta consistency. When the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.

It's the Little Things

2012-01-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been one of those whirlwinds of early morning meetings, after work plans, and the feeling of never being completely awake. I'll attribute the latter to the blanket of snow that fell over the Treasure Valley yesterday, covering us with inches of beautiful powder. For many, especially those in the snow industry, the anticipation has been intense as slopes can't open, rentals aren't being made, and businesses are suffering. Despite the added time it takes to get anywhere and the necessary layers and boots, this snow was welcomed with open arms by all. Now, it has turned into rain, the sky is a light, sleepy gray, and drops are pitter pattering on my windows. I'm happy that such simple moments of life can bring so much warmth and contentment. It's wonderful to live in a place that embraces going outside, taking in the sweet smelling air, and truly enjoying what's around you. I feel very lucky - and ready to have a snowball fight!

(via)

Best in the Globe

2012-01-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

I have many favorite times of year - summer, the holidays, the first signs of fall, and of course, awards season. As I've mentioned before, the Golden Globes are easily the most fun of the shows - TV and movies come together, the champagne flows, and it seems like all the best celebrities are having a genuinely good time socializing together. And to round it out, there's the fashion. My favorite looks are usually the ones that step outside the box, maintain femininity, and include pops of color. This year, I loved layers, Grecian cuts, tulle, and unique textures. Here are a few must sees rocking the red carpet:

Jenna Dewan, all other images via InStyle

Charlize showing off those gams in her cocktail dress meets gown (plus a perfect headband), Julianne wearing anything but basic black, Madeleine working color and tiers, Emma and Jenna keeping sheer and cutouts classy, and Julie having a princess moment. Can't wait to see how they top these looks at the Oscars! Bring it on.

Smorgasbord Soup

2012-01-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

After my butternut squash success, I was riding the soup train and couldn't wait to make another batch. This time, I decided that a thick and hearty bean and vegetable soup would be perfect for the cold, dark nights we become accustomed to this time of year. To create this masterpiece, I took the majority of the contents of my fridge and pantry and got to cooking. The end result was a velvety, savory, textured soup that had us practically licking our bowls.

White Bean and Vegetable Soup with Pesto

Recipe:
(Makes 6 servings)

3 cans reduced sodium white beans, drained
1 can no sodium diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup carrot, chopped
1 cup spinach
1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
4 tablespoons pesto
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (less if you don't like it spicy!)
Pepper to taste
Olive oil

In a large pot, heat oil and cook carrots until softened, remove from pot
Add garlic and onion to pot and saute until soft
On medium heat, add to pot 1 1/2 cans white beans, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup spinach, and 1 can diced tomatoes
Put remaining 1 1/2 cans white beans, 1 cup chicken broth, and carrots to blender and puree until smooth, add to pot
Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to pot, stir, and bring contents to boil
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
When ready to serve, ladle portion into bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese add 1 tablespoon pesto

It's the Little Things

2012-01-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

Last night on the phone, my mom and I got to chatting about blogging. This has been a trend lately - she shares her thoughts about blogging in general, my blog, and the blogs of others. It should be known that my mother is a very wise woman, and often conversations with her turn into revelations for me to ponder for hours to come. Most recently, she reminded me that when I started this blog (living alone in Portland after be wretched from everything wonderful in New York City and needing a personal space to put my musings, more or less for my eyes only), my intention was to post only about life's most joyful things. I remember saying this - I would never write about anything negative and would post the beautiful and lovely things I came across that day. Of course over time, this has evolved. I think that my blog has become more cohesive and useful since then, as I've grown and had different experiences to share with my loved ones and new friends. No matter what, I will always love beautiful things, and will always love to post about them here. I decided to start a site series - It's the Little Things - the pictures, quotes, poems, and more that I happen upon throughout my week that make me think, make me smile, and fill me with joy. Think of it as my personal opportunity to stop and smell the roses.

“Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now.

So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.”

From the archives - my mom and me on Prince Edward Island, 1988

African Inspiration

2012-01-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

My dad is a very skilled photographer whose own home is filled with pictures that he's taken throughout his adult life (the little Zoë shots above as a few examples). When I was moving into my first place, I knew that the best house warming gift I could ask for would be the start to my own collection. The three I received, black and whites of ice and water, have hung in my bedroom for the last three years. This past summer, he and my stepmom went on a South African safari, and as soon as I saw the photographs he'd taken, I knew they would be perfect additions to my small collection. We recently received a few prints of our favorite selections, as seen below, inspiring me to explore more safari-themed decor. I would love for our next living room to transport us on a foreign adventure, filled with eclectic, artisan pieces to accompany these beautiful images.

Impala Bull

Cheetah

Zebra

My daydreams lately have been of animal print pillows, intricate vases, woven baskets, and lots of chotchkies.
Here are a few of my favorite things...

Treasure Chest, Printed Throw, Animal Adornment,
Mosaic Vessel, Woven Wicker, Elephant Bank

Saint Phanourios's Cake

2012-01-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I came across a post on a friend's blog about Saint Phanourios's Cake. As a Greek girl with lots of long standing family traditions, I was surprised that I had never heard of such a cake. I was intrigued by the story - Saint Phanourios is the patron saint of lost things, and while making this cake, the baker is supposed to conjure up a lost thing and pray to Saint Phanourios for clarity and assistance to find what has been lost. Not a religious person, I was still struck by the meaning behind a baked good and imagined that for Greek Orthodox women, this may be a very important cake. I was looking for something to make as a Christmas gift to Jeff's parents and figured that a recipe that pertained to my heritage and love of food would be perfect.

Saint Phanourios's Cake

Recipe, adapted from Leite's Culinaria:

1 cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup red wine (it calls for brandy - I didn't have any and saw that other bakers had tried wine)
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan. Dust the pan with flour, tap out any excess, and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, orange juice, wine, and sugar until thoroughly combined. Mix in the chopped walnuts.

Sift together into a medium bowl the 4 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves. In small batches, add the flour mixture to the brandy mixture, whisking vigorously as you go. Continue whisking until completely combined. The batter will be very thick and slightly gummy..

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Before putting the cake into the oven, pause to say whatever kind of prayer you feel comfortable with as you focus on the thing you hope to find.

Bake the cake until the top looks hard and golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Sift powdered sugar on top. Traditionally, the cake is now given away whole or cut into nine pieces and shared with others. Wrap leftovers well as the cake dries out easily.

------------

Baking this cake was a rather moving experience. I rarely think about anything while baking aside from reminding myself to wait for things to cool before I try them, so to actually have a genuine thought in my head was refreshing. My lost thing was not literal or tangible - in light of recent events, I was asking to find my courage and bravery, maturity and understanding, which sometimes get lost in the shuffle. While I don't know if I've found it completely, I do feel more in tune with my thoughts. Baking this cake helped me find a little piece of myself.

When we sliced into it a few days before Christmas, I had no idea what to expect. It was extremely aromatic, dense but light, and full of interesting flavors. I had used a 9-inch baking pan and the outside was dry while the middle was slightly undercooked. All in all, I found it to be a strange cake, but not one that I wouldn't try again.

While home for the holidays, my mom and I were planning the menu for a large family dinner. I wanted to contribute dessert, and hadn't stopped thinking about this cake. What better group of diners to share it with than my own Greek family? I gave it another shot. This time I baked it in a Bundt pan to cook more evenly, used brandy, olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and added currants in addition to walnuts. We also served it with ice cream - vanilla, coffee, and caramel.

St. Phanourios's Cake, round two

This cake came out much better, probably because I followed the recipe! To be creative is not always to be right. The Bundt pan also made a huge difference, as the cake was evenly cooked and not quite as thick. The ice cream also added a special something - similar to what I would assume icing could do for the cake. I would also categorize this cake as more of a bread, something one could enjoy with coffee or for breakfast. I'm glad I tried it again, and that I shared it with my family, introducing us to a new Greek recipe with a great story behind it.

Versatile Blogger Award

2012-01-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my sweet friend Jhani of your new favorite blog, A Girl Called Jhani, nominated me for the Versatile Blogger award. Speaking of versatile, Jhani shares on her blog stories of life in New York City, the journey to becoming a teacher, musings about life and family, and exciting adventures with her man.We've been friends since our freshman year of high school, and bloggers since a few years after that, and there isn't anyone I'd rather share this award with. Lots of love and thanks for the nomination, J!

Now, here are seven fun facts about me, in no particular order:

I was named after Zoe Caldwell, a Broadway great born in the 1930's. While doing a research project in the eighth grade, I learned that Miss Caldwell and I share a birthday, news to me and my parents!
I have broken almost all of my toes thanks to one ballet mishap or another.
I jumped off a 70 foot cliff during a trip to Portugal.
I hated being a redhead until I was about 15, and attempted to dye my hair brown in middle school. It wasn't until I realized that being different is wonderful that I accepted my unique coloring.
I'm 1/4 Greek and a master at making my family's tiropita recipe.
I wasn't given a middle name.
I have visited eight countries and cannot wait to travel more. My goal is to take a big trip at least every other year for as long as I can!

And to pass along the blogger love, I would like to nominate:

It's just one workout - Chicagoan and my study abroad bud, Tatiana, takes us on a wild ride as she works her butt off to get in shape. While most of her posts are about fitness, nutrition, and the battle to a bikini body, Tatiana is hilarious, entertaining, and hopeful, qualities that will carry her no matter what the content of her blog.

tea & crumpets - I went to college with Vanessa, the cutie behind the blog, and have fallen in love with her site. She blogs about food, family, life in beautiful San Francisco, style, and more. She is a great writer and has a lovely aesthetic.

Simply Aunie - Simply Aunie is just one of the four blogs that my co-worker, Annelise, maintains, making her the definition of versatile. She blogs about hair, nails, make-up, and daily doses of Aunieisms.

Soup, Soup, Glorious Soup

2012-01-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, Jeff's parents gave us a blender and huge cast iron pot, both of which I wanted to christen with a big batch of soup. I've never made any soups besides chili and was craving hearty, winter flavors. I decided to create a butternut squash soup and jazz it up with lots of extras.

After enjoying my first bowl, this is without a doubt one of my new favorite meals. Roasting the squash gave the soup had so much natural flavor that it barely needed any spices. The cayenne pepper gave it an extra kick and the milk and yogurt gave it the velvety texture that would otherwise come from cream. It felt healthy yet totally filling, rich, and flavorful. I'm already dreaming up other blended soups as well as thinking about the next time that I can make this recipe!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Spinach, Bacon, and Yogurt

Roasted veggies

Perfectly crisp bacon

Into the blender!

From blender to pot to reheat

Beautiful little grilled cheeses

With all the fixings

Yum!

Recipe:
(Makes 4 large servings)

1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium, fat free chicken broth
1 cup fat free milk
10-12 slices low sodium bacon
1 cup fat free Greek yogurt
2 cups cooked spinach
1/4 cup olive oil
Cayenne pepper and black pepper to taste

For grilled cheese:
4 slices Udi's whole grain gluten-free bread
4 slices cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange butternut squash and onion on a large cookie sheet, cover with olive oil, toss, and roast in oven for approximately 40 minutes.

Heat large skillet on medium heat. Add slices of bacon, approximately 4 at a time, and cook on both sides for 3-4 minutes or until crispy. Remove to plate and blot with paper towels. When bacon is cooled, cut into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

When squash and onion are finished roasting, add half of each to the blender with 1/2 can chicken broth and 1/2 cup milk. Blend until desired smoothness (I did it on the soup or puree setting until creamy). Pour soup into large pot and simmer. Repeat blending with remaining squash, onion, broth, and milk. Season soup with cayenne pepper and black pepper to taste.

While the soup was heating, I cooked up two gluten-free grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping!

To serve, add 1/2 cup spinach to the bottom of a soup bowl. Ladle soup on top, add a 1/4 cup of yogurt and a handful (approximately 2 slices) of bacon pieces.

Twenty Twelve

2011-12-31T12:05:00.001-07:00

As usual, I'm spending this morning thinking about 2011 and all that the past year has brought. Since I've been writing this blog, this is the fourth New Year's Eve to come and go, and with it plenty of reflection and resolution. I'm sure life will slow down and pick up, but I must say that the past four years have been filled with some of life's most enormous changes, making way for lots to consider on New Year's Eve. 2011 was one of the most exciting, and crazy, years so far. We survived and thrived through a year of long distance; I made the decision to move to Boise; I packed up my New York life and said goodbye to friends, family, a job, an apartment; Jeff and I moved in together; I started a new job; I'm making a new life for myself. When I think about 2012 and the wonderful joys of another year, I say bring it on. I love my life, and I know that this coming year will be extraordinary on many levels. There is still a lot of settling down and settling in to do, but I'm thrilled to be where I am, with love and happiness to spare, looking forward to what's to come.

Resolutions for 2012:

Exercise! I started taking hot yoga at Sumit's Yoga over a month ago and am loving it. Except for dance, this has been the best kind of exercise that I've tried so far. I see how fit, healthy, and happy this kind of yoga can make people, and it's inspiring to go to class and watch Boise's yogis kicking butt. I want to push myself to get stronger and work harder.

Make new friends! For anyone who's spoken to me in the last few months, this is clearly on my mind. I love my home, my job, my new city, and the icing on the cake will be a great group of girlfriends. This is the one piece of the puzzle that I can't control, but I strive to take the bull by the horns and put myself out there.

Try new things! I probably say this every year, but that's because it's important to me. I love the feeling of succeeding at a new achievement, and I want to give myself more time to do so. I've taken stabs at DIY projects and have been cooking and baking up a storm this year, trying new recipes and techniques. I'm proud of what I've created and I want to become more confident to take on new ideas.

Live in the moment! I mentioned this the other day, and there's a personal story behind it. A few weeks ago while attending a sporting event, my first impulse was to ask someone to take a picture of us. He who shall not be named turned to me and said something along the lines of "Let's just enjoy ourselves, in the moment." As rudimentary as that may seem, a light bulb went off in my mind. Sometimes, I want so badly for days, events, meals to go well that I spend more time trying to make them perfect than I do actually enjoying whatever messy, delightful, chaotic moment is in front of me. I have a great life - right here, right now - and it is up to me to take it all in, one moment at a time.

Love! This practically goes without saying - to be a loving, caring person who shares that infectious positivity with everyone around me. Life is yours to love and to celebrate.

Happy New Year and lots of love!

(via)

Dress Me Up

2011-12-30T15:27:00.002-07:00

When it comes to New Year's Eve, my first thought is always what to wear. I love a good party dress and my favorite night to don a new look is certainly when I'm ringing in a new year. I love sparkle and shine, shimmer and sequins, and anything that resembles a disco ball. This year, I've been most taken with the subdued but dramatic looks I've seen on racks and online. Here are a few of my festive favorites:

LBD With A Twist, Pump it Up, Disco Fever,
Golden Girl, Geometric Glamour*, Glittering Gams

* I'm rocking this gorgeous black and gold number, and adding my Zoë twist with a black bow around the waist, fun pumps, and big hair. Can't wait to see ya, 2012!

Back in the Saddle

2011-12-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, I returned to Boise from a whirlwind week in Marin filled with eating, laughing, sleeping, sunning, playing, and relaxing. I enjoyed long mornings in my pajamas, lunches and glasses of wine with my closest friends, and festive dinners with family, all under a blanket of sunshine and warm temperatures. Going home as an adult is always a bit odd - you have a home that you've created for yourself, yet you're sleeping in your childhood bedroom, surrounded by a hodgepodge of memories; your time is limited so you pack in all the fun and excitement of family and friends that used to be everyday life; on some level, you look forward to returning "home," to the normal place that you spend your days, with your possibly newer friends and family. In an effort to live in the moment (it's like a baby New Year's resolution trying to creep its way into my mind), I just took it as it came. I was stressed by family overload, so I breathed deep breaths and took moments to myself. I was sad to leave my people, but treasured each moment as a memory to keep with me. When yesterday arrived, I couldn't wait to come back to Boise, to my house, my man, my dog, my job, though, probably for the hundredth time, I wished my mom could be in multiple places at once. But I learned yet again that this is the life - to have so much love and goodness around me that I wish for more time to enjoy it.

California palm tree as seen through my window

Thursday 13

2011-12-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

My co-worker and fellow blogger Annelise started a new series today called Thursday 13. Each Thursday, we'll get to learn a little something about what she's doing, where she's going, and what Simply Aunie thoughts she's having that day. See below as I take a stab at my first Thursday 13:

1. Wearing: Grey cardigan with faux diamond buttons, black lace eyelet pencil skirt, black flats, and my newest addition - Bonnie & Clyde glasses. Call it geek chic ;)
2. Doing: Working, eating all of the chocolate in the office, enjoying the sunshine through my windows.
3. Drinking: Martinelli's Sparkling Cider from our staff meeting, cheers!
4. Music in the background: The Christmas tunes from the next office over, fa la la la la la la la la.
5. Plans for the evening: Pack and fly to California! Home for the holidays commences.
6. Hairstyle of the day: Flat iron curled waves
7. Nail design: Forever 21 Safari Elephant polish
8. Eating for lunch: Whatever speaks to me at the hospital cafeteria, which usually translates into a salad and iced tea.
9. Positive for the day: No work tomorrow, which means today is Friday!
10. Negative for the day: My flight home is delayed :(
11. Lusting after: Every coat on the Tulle website.
12. Looking forward to: Seeing my family and spending Christmas with my niece and nephew. The holidays are so much fun with a couple rug rats around the tree.
13. Thinking: About my favorite pair of weekend and after work shoes at the moment. Can't wait to wear these with skinnies all vacation long.

Gifting Gingerbread

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you haven't noticed, but it's been a long time since I did a foodie post! Trust me that it's not because I haven't been eating great things, it's more that I have been devouring them before I have the notion to record and publish. Last night, I got back on track. I'd been thinking for a while about what I wanted to bake for my co-workers as holiday gifts. My original thought was whoopie pies - ginger cookies with lemon filling and pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling, to be exact. I did my research, found my recipes, and then realized that I have 10 co-workers, to whom I would want to give three whoopie pies apiece, meaning that I'd be making 60 cookies and filling. Achieving this after work one night the week before I leave town seemed like a recipe for disaster, so back to the drawing board I went. I was committed to something gingerbread and when I stumbled upon Martha's Chewy Chocolate-Gingerbread Cookies, I knew it would be love at first bite. Blessed with a free night and leftovers for dinner, I set to work to make a double batch.

Batter and chocolate madness

Sugary dough balls with ginger garnish

Sampling the first batch

Gifts for the office

Recipe, *adapted from Martha:
(Single batch, as seen below, makes 30 cookies)

7 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar
30 pieces of crystallized ginger

- Grease two baking sheets. Chop chocolate into 1/4-inch chunks; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.
- Beat butter until soft. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Add molasses; beat until combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 1 1/2 teaspoons boiling water. Beat half of flour mixture into butter mixture. Beat in baking-soda mixture, then remaining half of flour mixture. Mix in chocolate; turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap.
- Pat dough out to about 1 inch thick; seal with wrap; refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or more.
- Heat oven to 325 degrees. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten, roll in granulated sugar, add crystallized ginger pieces, place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake until the surfaces crack slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

*I omitted the fresh grated ginger and cocoa that the original recipe calls for, and added crystallized ginger pieces to the top of each cookie before baking.

When I first looked at this recipe and its accompanying comments, I was a little intimidated. Being a novice myself, the idea of experienced bakers considering this to be a difficult recipe made me think that it would be a circus for me. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by how manageable the recipe was, and how delicious the cookies turned out. You can quote me on this - they were some of the best cookies I've ever had. Insanely sweet and ridiculously chocolaty, I would probably cut down on the sugar and even some of the chocolate to let the ginger sing a little more. That being said, chocolate chunks are far superior to chocolate chips, and despite the extra effort in chopping them up, I would choose them again and again. In other words, get out your supplies and make these cookies! Your taste buds and tummy with thank you.

P.S. Remember how I was trying to avoid making 60 cookies by skipping the whoopie pies? I made 59 chewy chocolate-gingerbread cookies last night. I guess it was meant to be.

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-20T09:45:00.001-07:00

Driving north on the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands on the left

When I was four, my parents made the extraordinary wise decision to move from Montclair, New Jersey to Mill Valley, California. I will always love NJ and my family who lives there, but I believe that I was born to be a Bay Area girl. I feel so lucky to have grown up around the most liberal, loving, open minded, intelligent community in the world, not to mention that every angle looks like a postcard. This place has completely shaped the person I am and the beliefs I have and I couldn't be more pleased. On Thursday, I'll be heading home to the suburbs of the City by the Bay to envelope myself in family, friends, food, and sunshine. See you soon, California!

Fill in the Blank Friday: Today

2011-12-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about writing some sort of weekly post, and then I stumbled upon the little things we do and Fill in the Blank Friday. Yet another reason to just love Fridays!

1. My most favorite "little thing" is morning coffee. Whatever beans are on sale, a generous splash of nonfat milk, and I'm happy as a clam. Aside from omitting sugar a few years ago, I've been enjoying this ritual since I was about 13.

2. I give anything to be curled up on the couch simultaneously sleeping, finishing my book, and watching Bravo marathons.

3. I can't believe that I'm going home to Marin for Christmas in a week! It's been too, too long and I cannot wait.

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is to be fully invested in each moment as it comes, to not focus on the future, but to enjoy the present.

5. The last thing I want to do today is lay around knowing that the weekend has arrived!

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say My favorite Friday indulgence is...

7. My favorite candle scent is anything ocean or linen, nice and clean.

Sun Valley is for Lovers

2011-12-15T18:56:00.002-07:00

As aforementioned, Jeff and I had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend nestled among the mountains of the Wood River Valley, eating, drinking, and enjoying all that Sun Valley and Ketchum had to offer. Like many getaway destinations, this one was like a breath of fresh air that forced us to relax, unplug, and take in our surroundings. It never ceases to amaze me how easily I can transition from the hectic life of busy work weeks and errand packed weekends to being completely at peace with rest and rejuvenation. Of course, it is always fleeting - as soon as I get my dose of calm, I'm ready to get back to the routine and schedule of an on-the-go gal. No matter what, the opportunity to escape with my favorite boys is one I'll never pass up. Just thinking about it gets me excited for our next mini vacation. Here are a few highlights from our wonderful weekend:

Ice Ice Baby

2011-12-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Aside from the cinematic triumph, The Mighty Ducks, I have very little experience with ice hockey. So when my hospital gift shop advertised discounted tickets to the Idaho Steelheads, Boise's minor league hockey team, I jumped at the chance to try something new. I picked out seats near the ice so we could take in the whole experience, but definitely didn't know just what I was signing up for. We arrived partway through the first period after a delicious dinner at Mai Thai, grabbed a couple beers, and found our seats in the first row on the glass, right behind one of the goals. About 30 seconds passed before a league of enormous, padded men on skates came racing down the ice towards us. In the fight for the puck, they collided with each other and the glass, causing me to literally leap out of my seat. I knew I was protected, but man, you can't help your instincts! Over the course of the game, we saw three fights, countless collisions and pucks flying in the air, and heard from some die hard fans. My next seat neighbor has been a season ticket holder since the team's fruition in 1997, and from the way he talked to the rest of the people in our section, it was clear that he wasn't alone in his dedication. It felt great to be surrounded by so many intense fans who have been with this team through its ups and downs, and it's nice to know that being a spectator of the Steelheads is accessible for everyone. Tickets, drinks, and food are inexpensive, and the games are conveniently located in the heart of Boise. Not to mention, this is an incredibly exciting sport to watch! The Steelheads have certainly found their next fan.

Our view for the evening

Fa La La

2011-12-11T20:42:00.001-07:00

O, Christmas Tree! O, Christmas Tree! We picked up these lovely branches, along with some delicious apple cider, from a local farm stand today. We spotted the little guy right when we walked onto the lot - just perfect for our first Christmas with lots of room to grow. Bear is a bit unsure of the shimmery foliage taking up roaming space in the living room, but I think he'll come around with a little more sniffing and inspection. The ornaments are a mixed bag of something old, something new, something borrowed, and a whole lot of glitter, collected from Jeff's parents' house and stores in town. I can't wait to build our own collection over the years, as well as bring my favorites back from my mom's house in Marin. The tree is the icing on the holiday cake, and I'm excited to enjoy its quirky glow every evening for the next few weeks.

In the Holiday Spirit

2011-12-07T13:21:00.001-07:00

Little by little, our house is filling up with festive bits and pieces of holiday cheer. There are some things that will forever remind me of this time of year - delicious treats to share with family and friends, Christmas music in every store, the shrinking numbers on the thermometer - and I am always happy when the familiar sights, smells, and sounds begin to tell us that the season has arrived and Christmas is right around the corner. Here's what I'm loving right now, as captured by my iPhone:

Yummy, and flattering, citrus

Pre-loved decorations from the thrift store

Dressing up bouquets with holiday flair

The cutest pup with his new plaything

Deck the Doors

2011-12-04T21:11:00.001-07:00

To celebrate life in a house with doors, I couldn't wait to make wreaths for the holidays. I set out to Michael's with no plan other than the hope to be inspired and was greeted with the most festive display of red, green, and sparkle. I wandered the aisles, scooping up sleigh bells, pine cones, and ornaments to adorn my greenery. Having never made a wreath before, I didn't know how much loot I needed, but it's better to be safe than sorry so I brought home quite the collection.

This was a really fun project, one that I recommend to anyone with a creative bone but without a real green thumb. You can't really make a mistake and nothing's permanent. Even better? All of the supplies cost only $30, a steal compared to the less personal wreaths you can find at department and grocery stores. Now our doors are decorated, with sleigh bells giving a little jingle every time they open and close. I would say that the holiday season has officially arrived in our house. Next up - Christmas tree!

Supplies:
2 faux wreaths
2 big bows
1 package of small multi colored ornaments
1 package of small gold sleigh bells
1 package of small gold pine cones
1 branch of gold leaf
1 branch of faux cranberries
1 branch of gold baubles
1 branch of red fabric flowers
2 wooden letters
1 container of gold shimmer spray paint

Wreaths and decorations

A little glitter gold spray paint for our letters

I used green wire to attach the goodies to the wreaths

Wrapped for extra strength

I started with my big red bow

And added pieces as evenly and somewhat strategically as possible

Finished product #1!

Decorating the front door

And a little guy for the back door

Welcome to our home :)

A December to Remember

2011-11-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

With December right around the corner and a snowy weekend behind me, I am definitely getting into the holiday spirit. This weekend, Jeff and I are entering decoration mode (or at least I am, and he will assume the role of brawny man who helps carry the tree), and I'm planning to get quite crafty around the house. I've made my list and checked it twice, and can't wait to start shopping for gifts for my family, work Secret Santa, and more. I love this time of year, of gift giving and being with loved ones, and I'm excited to shop, bake, and create.

December always reminds me of the many holiday seasons past - when I've been out of school, with the fire roaring, something baking in the oven, and favorite tunes blasting from the stereo. While it never gets too cold in Marin, December is a wonderful occasion to be wrapped in a chunky sweater, lounging by the hearth with a good book, a delicious beverage, and a great family cat to snuggle with. I will be home for only a few days, the shortest "winter break" I've ever had, but I'm planning to make the very most of it. I have a new niece to fall in love with, lots of friends in town for the holidays, and great spreads of home cooking to look forward to.

December is even more special to me because four years ago today, Jeff and I got together, and a week later, went our separate ways for a month of winter break. It was during that time that I got to know this wonderful guy, through texting, phone calls, and Gmail chat conversations, and I believe that the month apart solidified the relationship that we would go on to have - one of great communication, mutual appreciation, and understanding of where we came from and who we are, both independently and together. While we won't be spending Christmas together this year, we'll be with our own families and missing each other, which we got way too good at last year, but which will make for a very happy New Year.

(via)

Thanksgiving, Sun Valley Style

2011-11-28T19:42:00.001-07:00

Over Thanksgiving, Jeff and I escaped to Sun Valley, ID for a long, luxurious weekend. We had an absolute blast, and I can promise that the full report will be coming to you in multiple posts. First up? Food, of course! We ate and drank like royalty, taking the word "indulgence" to a new level. Sometimes, it feels so good to just let yourself enjoy exactly what you want, especially when it's the holiday season and you've got fine dining on the menu.

A delicious bottle of red • Butternut squash soup with creme fraiche and pancetta • crunchy red grapes

Gotta have my pumpkin pie • My beautiful Thanksgiving plate • Baked oatmeal

Baked Oatmeal Recipe, adapted from Tasty Kitchen:
(Makes 6 servings)

2 cups peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup non fat milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups oats
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Cinnamon to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Arrange peaches in a 9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon
In a medium bowl, mix butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, and brown sugar
In a large bowl, mix oats, baking powder, and baking soda
Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients
Pour over peaches and spread evenly
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until top is brown and crunchy