Archive for the ‘Chic Peas’ Category

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Banana Maple Nut Bread.

December 27th, 2010 by Ruth

In my home, nothing goes to waste. Day old veggies; my dog eats them. Extra cheese and crackers; I invite friends over. Extra fruit; bring those clementines to the offices. Egg yolks; I make homemade ice cream. Old bananas; I freeze them and make banana bread.

Behold, my latest banana creation! I adapted the below recipe from one I found on All Recipes.

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 cups white flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup apple sauce
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 2 tablespoons skim milk
  • 4 bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup whole walnuts

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add oil, syrup and egg yolks; stir well. Add milk and mashed bananas; stir well. Add chopped nuts and stir.
  3. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

Demolished.

December 12th, 2010 by Ruth

One of my favorite places to eat when visiting the MoMa, Brasserie Maison is sure to satiate your cravings. Upon entering the restaurant, the warmth of the restaurant cuts the chill from the nippy weather and an appreciation for the french decor takes a hold of you. While I usually get the mussels, my dear friend and I nibbled on warm hummus, fried calamari and crusty baguette bread. As you can tell from the pictures, we demolished our plates. Stop in for a great place for a chat and nibble.

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Warm Hummus

Bread

A night to remember.

November 23rd, 2010 by Ruth
Catherine wishing we'd stop singing "Happy Birthday"

Catherine wishing we'd stop singing "Happy Birthday"

The perfect font for Cafe 50 West's brand

The perfect font for Cafe 50 West's brand

The shelf

Obsessed with this antiqued mirror. The lighting creates an old-world feel.

Decor

Love the wooden piece to the left. Salt might be my favorite accoutrement, so loving the artwork.

Preferred beer.

Preferred beer.

This might be one of the best spinach and artichoke dips I've ever had. Seriously.

This might be one of the best spinach and artichoke dips I've ever had. Seriously.

Fresh produce: The Brooklyn GreenMarket

November 12th, 2010 by Ruth

I love to spend my Sundays at the Grand Army Plaza or at Bartel-Pritchard Circle GreenMarket in Brooklyn. The area is teeming with happiness and ease. While little kids sip on hot cider and snack on fresh donuts, parents pluck the freshest vegetables, fruits, cheeses, pastries, breads and flowers to bring home. During this time of year, I purchase my cheese, fresh-cut flowers and brussel sprouts from there. Looking to treat yourself? There’s a great Jersey vendor who makes fantastic no-sugar added pies. Perfect for the holidays!

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The wonder food.

November 9th, 2010 by Ruth

Revered as both food and medicine for thousands of years, garlic is a food that tastes great and has a number of healthful properties. Rich in antioxidants, garlic reduces damage from free radicals while keeping cancer, cardiovascular and the common cold at bay. I have a ritual of roasting a bulb of garlic every Sunday night to pepper throughout my meals. I toss it into pasta, steamed veggies, and add to soups. Perhaps this wonder food can make my “forever young” dreams, come true.

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“Love at first bite”

November 5th, 2010 by Ruth

A very special someone was kind enough to surprise me early on a Sunday morning with treats from Carlo’s Bakery. Beating the lines, he took it upon himself to pack up the dog and get to the bakery at an ungodly hour. Not only did he gift me with my beloved crumb cake, but he whipped out a canoli and coffee roll. Both were incredible, however, nothing can take the place of the CRUMB. It most certainly was “love at first bite”.

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Gemma.

November 2nd, 2010 by Ruth

I’ve been meaning to go to Gemma in The Bowery Hotel for quite some time now. After hearing mixed reviews, I’ve come to the conclusion that the food and ambiance is definitely worth the visit – repeated food experience, well that’s a different story.

While I dined on Truffle Scented Mushrooms, Truffled Polenta Fries (do you see a pattern here?), and Branzino al Forno, I engaged in conversation with my inspiring co-workers and laughed uncontrollably, thanks to the hysterical Eileen Dautruche of Miss Whoever You Are. The food was good, I’ve had better Branzino and Truffle Mushroom at a number of restaurants; perhaps I’ll try a pasta dish or pizza next time.

I loved the heavy wooden tables and chairs and the use of cast iron chandeliers and dimmed lights to set the mood. I adored the vintage-inspired plates used – I felt like I was in a small trattoria on the way down to Sorrento. Although I’m a pescetarian, I appreciate proscuitto legs hanging in any kitchen; it makes an Italian space feel authentic.

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Sunshiny day.

October 18th, 2010 by Ruth

Thanks to our fearless leader, we had took some time out of our day to celebrate Casey Carter’s (of Casey Culture) birthday with some sugar Sweet sunshine treats. My favorite cupcakes in town, the icing is perfectly sweet, fresh, and not too sugary while the cake is moist and balances the sweetness of the icing. Look at the fantastic job they did on the script and fun colors. I highly recommend bringing sunshine to any occasion with these morsels.

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Eat this: Avenue brunch

October 4th, 2010 by Ruth

I attended my dear friend’s bridal shower yesterday at Avenue “Le Club”. With a lovely ambiance and chic decor, I couldn’t help but take a million shots. My salad was light, crisp and fresh while my salmon might have been the best piece of fish I’ve had in quite some time. The crème brulée was perfectly done. This venue proved to be a perfect restaurant for a bridal shower or social event with the girls.

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Rich.

September 23rd, 2010 by Ruth

I’ve become obsessed with The Chocolate Room in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. From iced hot chocolate to the brownie sundae with fresh mint ice cream and fine port wines to complement the artisan chocolate, there is a delectable piece of chocolate waiting to satisfy your every chocolate craving. Not to mention, they always bring a glass of room temperature water and a small bite-size scoop of home made chocolate ice cream to wet your palate. 

Sit with a nice cup of chai tea and enjoy the peaceful view of quaint Brooklyn backyards. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon with your closest girlfriends.

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