Should we talk about empowerment? Why not. It is Saturday after all, and the sun is shining. You could go out and do whatever you want in the world right now. You could be cheerful and hopeful in the face of widespread global anxiety. You could make other people feel a little bit more at ease (because, let’s be honest, no one can fully predict what comes next so a little hope and positivity can’t hurt). You could check something off your to-do list, or send someone a handwritten postcard, or make a funny bracelet that reads “#1 goddess” for your best friend using sparkly plastic beads from a nearby toy store. [I did not do this for anyone, but feel free to make me one and mail it to me. I also accept woven friendship bracelets and my favorite colors are blue and pale green!]
Read moreBLUEBERRY CRUMB CAKE
Look, I know. You’re confused. Did you accidentally stumble upon the archives of my website? Inadvertently hit a link from last July? Have I decamped from the chill of New York City to some verdant oasis in South America, where fat, juicy berries are growing feverishly through February?
No. I have not. I am here, and I am cold, and I am making blueberry cake if I want it, gosh darn it! Let me explain. I do believe in eating seasonally, for the most part. I’m not wildly obsessive about it, but I’m lucky to live in a place with truly exceptional farmers’ markets, so tailoring my produce consumption to actual growing seasons is pretty easy to do. But does that mean I won't touch a blueberry until June? It does not. In fact, in the spirit of full disclosure, I ate a handful this morning alongside a few spoonfuls of creamy ginger sheep’s milk yogurt.
Read moreBRAZILIAN CHEESE BREAD (PAO DE QUEIJO)
If you’ve ever seen the movie Love Actually, you’ll recall the famous first few lines—the ones that Hugh Grant’s character speaks in voiceover while you’re watching a scene unfold at Heathrow Airport. He says that whenever he feels gloomy about the state of world, he pictures the arrival gate at Heathrow, and points out that rather than scenes of hate, there is love everywhere—people hugging, kissing, running into each other’s arms and laughing.
Read moreSOURDOUGH BISCUITS
I’ve been meaning to write about these sourdough biscuits for over two weeks now, ever since I put my first batch in the oven, walked back into the kitchen ten minutes later, sniffed the air, and nearly fell over from the sheer deliciousness of the scent alone.
And I’m sorry it’s taken me so long. If you’ve seen me post some snapshots of them over the past two weeks and you’ve been waiting for the recipe, hopefully it’s something you’ve been able to look forward to rather than wring your hands in desperation over the delay. Hopefully reading these words is a small pleasure that anticipation has only heightened.
Read moreSOURDOUGH PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP LOAF
I was walking through the West Village yesterday. The sun was shining and the day was one of those brilliant, made-for-a-postcard ones—the sky a fierce cobalt blue and the sidewalk cafes and restaurants crowded with people drinking and laughing. A shiny, polished, new penny sort of fall day.
Read more