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Pfeffernüsse
I have many fond memories of enjoying Pfeffernüsse cookies during the holiday season while living in Switzerland. Pronounced [fef-fur-noose], these delightful German cookies translate to “pepper nuts” and are truly one of my favorite holiday treats. These spicy cookies, full of cloves, nutmeg, ground black pepper, ginger and cardamom, are not for the faint of heart and best reserved for those who love these distinct spices (although I challenge the non-spicy folks to give them a try as well – they are delicious and so worth it!). In Germany (and its neighboring Switzerland), Pfeffernüsse is a very old, if not ancient, recipe that has been passed down for generations and enjoyed throughout many European countries. I recall picking up a box of Pfeffernüsse from my local bakery
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Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Last night I made a hearty Roasted Cauliflower Soup with homemade garlic croutons. If you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner packed with nutrients and good-for-you vegetables, look no further than this recipe. I decided to roast the cauliflower in the oven before I added it to the soup to bring out all of the flavors and it was totally worth the extra step. I also decided to forgo the cream and half-and-half usually used in cauiliflower soups because this soup is thick and creamy enough on its own (who needs the extra calories?). I made a few homemade garlic and thyme croutons for extra crunch to serve on top. Perfection!
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Lightened Up Italian Wedding Soup
Here is a recipe I created for a lightened up version of Italian Wedding Soup. Traditional Italian Wedding Soup consists of chicken broth, hearty greens and tasty homemade meatballs. Instead of using the higher-fat meats traditionally used to make meatballs (pork, veal or beef), I used lean ground turkey breast and the results were excellent.
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Dinner at Del Posto
This past weekend we finally made it back to one of the fanciest Italian restaurants in New York, Del Posto. The hotspot, run by celebrity Italian food personalities, Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Lidia Bastianich, occupies an opulent space in Chelsea, where live piano fills a bustling, warmly-lit dining room. Del Posto received a four-star rating from New York Times critic Sam Sifton a couple years back, much to the surprise of discerning editors and restaurant-goers alike who doubted it deserved a coveted spot next to the finest dining establishments in the city–Per Se, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Eleven Madison Park and Jean Georges.
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Haute Lobster “Rolls” at Le Bernardin
It’s a bit of a secret that many of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in New York offer a lounge menu in their bar area that serves a selection of the chef’s top dishes à la carte without having to
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No-Noodle Sweet Potato “Lasagna”
The other night I really wanted to make a hearty and comforting lasagna, but I usually avoid making it because it’s traditionally high in carbs and fat. So, I put together a noodle-less “lasagna” full of healthy vegetables and all of the taste everyone loves from this Italian favorite–creamy ricotta, marinara sauce and a crispy mozzarella topping. I called it Sweet Potato “Lasagna” because the sweet potatoes are really the “secret ingredient” in this dish that makes it so delicious. There are 3 important layers: (1) roasted thin slices of sweet potatoes, (2) roasted zucchini, and finally (3) kale, onions and broccoli. The best part about this recipe is you can swap in or out your favorite vegetables for each of the layers. I found that this combination works beautifully though. Check it out!
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Sandwiches from Mile End
This weekend we checked out Mile End Sandwich Shop, the Noho outpost of the Boerum Hill, Brooklyn favorite. Located on posh Bond Street between Lafayette and Bowery, this inventive and modern Jewish delicatessen is just what we needed in the neighborhood. The inside is sleek and minimalist, with a long communal table filling the room and dozens of hungry patrons lining up for take-out orders at all hours of the day and night. On the menu full of enticing combinations of meats, cheeses, vegetables and bread, there is truly something for everyone. Playful names such as “The Ruth Wilensky” (fried beef salami, mustard) and the “Chopped Liver” (gribenes, pickled shallots), make the whole experience exciting and fun.
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Saturday Morning at Russ & Daughters
It’s a Saturday morning tradition for us. We wake up, grab coffee at Think Coffee and then swing by Russ & Daughters for some of the best bagels and smoked fish in the city.
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King Cole Bar
It has been said by cocktail aficionados that the King Cole Bar in New York City was the first bar in the U.S. to serve a Bloody Mary after being originally invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. It’s this type of history that makes this bar, situated in the posh St. Regis Hotel, so special.
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First Snow Of The Year in NYC
{ a view of the intersection of Bowery & Houston Streets in downtown Manhattan }
Stay safe & warm!
xo Janelle
