maple old fashioned
Bartenders in NYC are a bit of a celebrity. They take their craft very seriously, and there is nothing more enjoyable than having a meal – at the bar – watching the bartender make drinks for the dining room and listening to the chatter around you. Some of my most memorable dining experiences have been at a “fancy” restaurant, starting at the bar, having a … Continue reading maple old fashioned
i’m here for the frosting
This frosting reminds me of the insides of a swiss roll (“Yodel” / “Ho Ho”) my favorite junk-food sweet. Fluffy, light, marshmallowy goodness. It only takes SEVEN minutes to make this magical frosting, and is tastes best when you make it and use it same day. Every year for my birthday my Macelleria boss, Violetta, would surprise me a with a giant swiss roll, yule … Continue reading i’m here for the frosting
weeknight bolognese
Pasta sauce should smell and taste like it’s been simmering on the stove all day long, huge wafts of garlic and red wine, woof, it’s everything a soft pants Sunday should be. Please don’t get me wrong, if you have the time to REALLY luxuriate over a pot of bolognese, please go for it, but this 45 minute “weeknight” version will give you all the … Continue reading weeknight bolognese
popovers
My first time dining at BLT Steak in New York City (2006) was extremely memorable – and this may cause some ruffled feathers, because sadly, I don’t remember whom I had dinner with – which cocktail I tried – or what I ate for dinner, and that’s pretty bonkers for me. What I do remember was the popover. The smell, the feel, the taste. Fluffy, … Continue reading popovers
gravel roads, covered bridges, lite fm radio & adventure sandwiches
“First you must have the images, then come the words.” – Robert James Waller | Bridges of Madison County I know that we went to the Bridges of Madison County as a kid. I mean, I’m from Iowa…..but there is something about a random Monday afternoon with a packed lunch, great music and perfect company that made this little adventure memorable. Summer 1995, I auditioned … Continue reading gravel roads, covered bridges, lite fm radio & adventure sandwiches
farm to table
A crispy, fall October evening in rural Iowa was the perfect setting for the 2nd Annual The Harvest Gathering, farm to table dinner in Earlham, Iowa. Beautiful reclaimed long and round tables set (spatially) down Chestnut Avenue. Mismatched wine and water glasses, heirloom and velvet pumpkins, beautiful milk jug vases with tall pampas grass and vintage table settings. Having hosted a farm to table dinner … Continue reading farm to table
get figgy with it
I love fresh figs – and they are not easy to find in Iowa. So why choose a dish with an impossible to find ingredient you ask? Yeah, I know…rude. But trust me, fresh figs are a beautiful thing. Can you use dried figs? NO. I would rather you use a warm fig jam than dried figs. Dried figs have a purpose- I’m not sure … Continue reading get figgy with it
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eat pasta run fasta
It’s no secret that I love pasta – LOVE PASTA. I did not get this girly figure NOT loving pasta. It’s not complicated or fussy and very rarely talks back, and it turns out perfect every time! Too thin- add more butter or cook longer. Too thick – add pasta water – too salty – add another can of tomatoes. You can fix pasta sauce…. Continue reading eat pasta run fasta
bestie
More, much more with this fool and our ULTIMATE shenanigans. #afairyinperry Continue reading bestie
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