Weekend in Photos

Thanks to brunch at a French restaurant, a little shopping in Brooklyn, and weather above freezing, it was a pretty good weekend. A few eggs and some sunshine can go a long way. 

Thoughts of the Week

Best quote from a doorknob ever. 

A shy peacock is still a pretty one.

I think I'm going to start collecting bottles.

Peach cake? Yes, please.

Lemon bread? Don't mind if I do.

If happy were a color, it would be this one.

A garden wedding with macarons, teacups and a poofy dress -- my little heart can't take it.

I never really thought about the fact that pancake contains the word cake.

I'll be enjoying the weekend with the above Mast Brothers chocolate, some pizza and the Oscars. What are your plans?

Bread and Butter

This beautiful Valentine's photo shoot by Easy Dreamer Photography is full of sweet, little details, not to mention two of my favorite things, bread and chocolate. The concept was inspired by what Paul Child once told his famous wife Julia, "You are the butter to my bread, the breath to my life." I like their love and I like these photos.

[photos by Easy Dreamer Photography; spotted on Love and Lavender]

Playing Dress-up

MXM Jewelry creates such sweet and playful pieces. I love the simple, clean look of the sterling silver combined with the fun, quirky designs. And a girl who adorns herself in pinwheels and paper airplanes is someone I'd want to be friends with.

Just Like the Movies

Isn't this save the date awesome? The bride-to-be is a friend of mine who happens to be a talented artist so she drew herself and her future husband for their save the dates. I mean their names are Nick and Nora, so they're kind of required to do something cinematic. I just love how unconventional and fun it is. She drew inspiration from the album cover below, but decided to make it, in her words, a little more tasteful.

Goes Down Smooth

I've never been much of a smoothie girl, especially those of the green variety. But after hearing how the spinach taste pretty much disappears and how drinkable a green smoothie can be, I decided to give it a try. This recipe containing coconut milk and grapes covered the spinach taste completely and though, it may not be pretty to look at, it was actually really good. I'll be keeping the blender out of the pantry for the rest of the week, and I'm excited to try a few more concoctions.

Spinach, Grape, and Coconut Smoothie
Recipe courtesy of Real Simple

1 cup seedless green grapes
1 cup packed baby spinach
1/2 cup ice
1/4 cup coconut milk

Place the grapes, spinach, ice, and coconut milk in a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy.

Two of a Kind

New York Magazine recently showcased two identically laid-out apartments in the same building in Brooklyn. They're both so uniquely charming that I can't choose a favorite. I could happily live in either.

[courtesy of nymag.com]

The Civil Wars

 

I'm so glad I have friends who tell me about good music so I don't have to find it myself. This duo is called The Civil Wars, and they're all kinds of southern-inspired, folky, perfect harmonizing, haunting melody goodness. I saw them in concert two nights ago here in New York and was completely blown away by their beautifully written songs and their vocal chemistry. She has quirky, adorable style, and in a certain light, he looks like Johnny Depp. I'm smitten.

Souffles Are Our Friends

I've always felt intimidated by the idea of making souffle. It's right up there with macarons for me, but this recipe was simple and unscary, and the results turned out light and delicious. Gently folding egg whites into chocolate is actually kind of fun, and while the finished versions do deflate fairly quickly, they're still pretty adorable. So yes, I've decided souffle is my friend.

I halved the below recipe, made two over the weekend and stuck two unbaked souffles in the refrigerator (all baked up beautifully) to save as an impressive, romantic Valentine's dessert. And when I say impressive, I mean I definitely made an impression on my husband as he watched me wolf down a souffle after finishing my steak. And when I say romantic, I mean sweatpants were definitely being worn.

Chocolate Soufflés
Recipe courtesy of Bon Appétit

12 ounces high-quality milk chocolate (I used semi-sweet and I liked it), chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt
6 large egg whites, room temperature
2 tablespoons sugar

Butter eight 3/4-cup soufflé dishes; sprinkle with sugar, tilting cups to coat completely and tapping out any excess. Arrange prepared soufflé dishes on large baking sheet. Combine chocolate and cream in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Stir egg yolks and salt into chocolate mixture. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in another large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, beating until semi-firm peaks form. Using rubber spatula, fold 1/4 of beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold remaining egg whites into chocolate mixture in 2 additions.

Divide chocolate mixture among prepared soufflé dishes, filling dishes completely. Can be made 2 days ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Bake soufflés on baking sheet until puffed and tops feel firm, about 16 minutes if at room temperature and about 18 minutes if chilled.

We've Got Chemistry

I'm liking CB2's latest collection of vases and votives. Everything is under $10, and it all has that chemistry set look of beakers and test tubes. Or maybe I've been watching too much Breaking Bad.

Weekend in Photos

Lunch at Bubby's in Tribeca where way too many french fries were consumed, fresh flowers in the window sill, a craving for stove-top mac and cheese (hey, at least it's organic), and my first time making chocolate souffles...more on those later this week. What did your weekend look like?

Also, we have two giveaway winners! Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

I Heart Food

What good is Valentine's Day without adorable, inspired dishes and over-the-top desserts? It's the only part of the holiday that interests me. Maybe it's because I'll take a good meal over jewelry, flowers and poetry any day. 

Appropriately enough, I wrote a guest post about food and love (and their powers combined) over at Love Everyday Life today. 

Also, I finally joined Twitter. I'm ashamed that I'm so tardy for the party, but check it out and be my special Twitter friend if you're so inclined. Wishing you all lovely, delicious weekends!

[photos courtesy of martha stewart]