revuesday - Wild Edibles

The other night, my mom stopped in for a visit, dinner and a movie.  Since my one job is right near Penn Station, we decided to catch a flick in Kipps Bay.  Only problem was, as soon as work lets out, I get the heck out of there.  I know nothing of that neighborhood other than the movie theater, my office and the train station.  A quick search of all the regular foodie blogs pulled up few options that weren’t a. ridiculously too expensive b. poorly reviewed or c. way too chain restaurant-y.  And to make matters worse, Lizzie B suggested seafood.  What?!  How was I supposed to find a decent seafood spot in Kipps Bay that was close enough to the theater that we’d catch our movie, not outrageously expensive, had space for us on a busy Friday evening, and served tasty food?  Well thank goodness for the magic of the internet because I found a gem on 3rd Avenue - Wild Edibles.

This tiny storefront may appear to just be a discreet fresh fish market, but their few tables suggest so much more!  We were quickly seated because of the early-bird hour, but if you go during normal supper times, prepare to wait as this place is itsy bitsy.  Though the fish is on ice right next to the bar, even on a hot summer evening, it never had the odor of a bait shop which was pleasant.  They only have a few beers on tap, but they’re local, quality brews.  Their wine list is quite extensive but there is no liquor so if you’re into cocktails, stop somewhere for happy hour and apertifs on your way in.

The food is incredible.  We started off with a warm seafood salad filled with clams, mussels, slice fennel, white beans, shrimp and calamari in a light and zesty white wine broth on a be of arugula.  Beside that were some of the freshest slams casino - giant half shells with applewood smoked bacon!  I’ve decided that the warm seafood salad was one of the most delicious treats I’ve ever had and am now completely determined to replicate it so look forward to a future posting when I do just that; just give me a little bit of time to save up some money.  I think it’s the perfect late summer nosh for a breezy and warm evening.  If only I had a beach and a bonfire and a few bottles of chilled white wine... something to work towards achieving I suppose.

lizzie b!

After a second round of drinks, we were met with our unbelievable delectable entree - the lobster roll!  Unlike other lobster rolls which are always delicious, but sometimes lack any flavor other than the lobster, this shellfish stuffed hot dog bun was flavored with just a hint of Old Bay which brought me longingly back to my days in Baltimore.  Huge lumps of lobster with just a touch of mayo and spice were paired with perfectly crispy fries seasoned with the same Old Bay flavor.  

Neither of us felt too full at the end of the meal, which can sometimes be problematic with the amount of butters and oils that tend to be loaded up on seafood.  And the market prices of each meal didn’t break the bank.  Wild Edibles is certainly a place I plan on revisiting and will continue to recommend to visitors, especially those who fear venturing outside of the Midtown area.  Also being recommended by me, Crazy Stupid Love.  Go see it.  It’s super funny but touching at the same time... plus Ryan Gossling is such a fox.

almond joyful

Since I had a relatively healthy day, walked all the way home from work and then topped it off with a run this evening, I wanted to blog about something not so good for you.  If you've read some of my previous posts, I'm sure you've come to notice that there are a few treats that I truly love and that one of those treats is candy, especially chocolate.  I also have a great taste for nuts.  Mix chocolate and nuts together and I'm a very happy lady.  How about another twist?  Make it tropical!  Yup, I'm talking about the always delicious Almond Joy.

But sometimes a candy bar just isn't enough.  That's when you need to take your favorite candy bar an turn it into a batch of delicious cupcakes!  And I did just that.  So here you are, my recipe for scrumptiously satisfying Almond Joy cupcakes.  Try to eat just one... it's impossible.

almond joy cupcakes
cupcakes
ingredients
2/3 c unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c milk
1/2 c almond meal
1 c flour, sifted
1/2 c dutch processed cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
directions
1. Preheat the oven to 300 and fill a cupcake tin with liners or grease the tin.  In a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely.
2. Add milk and almond meal, quickly blending on a medium speed.  
3. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour and baking powder.  Add to the wet mix 1/4 c at a time mixing well so that there are no clumps or dry spots.
4. Spoon mix into the cupcake tins, filling about 3/4 of the way.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Let completely cool on a rack before icing.
icing
ingredients
1/2 c butter, softened
3 c confectioners sugar
1 tsp coconut extract
1 c shredded coconut
2 tsp milk
directions
1. Mix all ingredients together in a mixer until smooth and creamy.

bon appetit & joyeux anniversaire!

Today should be declared an international holiday.  For today is Julia Child's birthday! 

So here's to the woman who could do it all.  She truly was an inspiration, taking on Le Cordon Bleu with a bunch of dudes who dominated the kitchen, mastering culinary skills with heart and determination, and redefining French cuisine for American and international audiences of at-home cooks.  But most importantly, she did it all with a smile on her face and a sense of humor that made her audience feel like they were friends, hanging out with her in the custom tall-countered kitchen.  I love watching old videos of The French Chef.  She totally cracks me up... and makes me giggle and think of Dan Aykroyd gushing blood all over the stage on Saturday Night Live (Save the liver!)

Though I've yet to truly master any of the recipes put forth in the groundbreaking book written by Julia Child, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, I did break out one of the volumes this morning to prepare special birthday crepes.  Unfortunately, mine were really just pancakes, especially since I don't have one of those fancy crepe pans.  They weren't the slightest bit french, just sloppy ole American flapjacks, but I tried.  And I think today we should all at least try to indulge in something slightly French in honor of that great gal!

thanks aunt patty!

Today, I plan on cracking open her final book, My Life in France.  I've read it in bits and pieces, but I think it's about darn time I sit down with a glass of wine and really dive into it.  In the memoir, Julia provides a marvelous little nugget of knowledge that is so perfectly true -

 "This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook - try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!" 

It's so simply perfect and applicable to just about everything in life, not just cooking.  I can't wait to read all about her adventures, her love of food and friends.  That's sure to be a fun novel nosh so get ready.

However you celebrate the day (a wine and cheese party, perhaps?), make sure you take Julia's advice and have fun.  Happy Birthday, Julia Child!  And thank you. 

putting the kitsch in kitchen

Sorry about the long hiatus kiddies.  It's been super hot and I've had the dreaded Summer cold that has pretty much kept me in the bed and resisting blogging because it tends to require too much thinking.  But it hasn't kept me out of the kitchen, so stick around for a few belated bloggings about my recent culinary creations.  While I was being lazy though, something interesting did happen.  After three years of living in the same apartment, I decided to sign a lease to make it four.  Wow!  I've been in the city for awhile and it feels kind of awesome that I haven't moved around too much.  Instead, I've created a cozy little home for myself in my own corner of Brooklyn.  With that in mind, I've decided to make it even more my own and redecorate the one room that has managed to escape the paint roller - my kitchen.  How I haven't already taken on the task is a bit of a mystery.  I suppose I spend so much time in there cooking and baking and experimenting that I haven't really had time to think about how it looked.  Or maybe all of the surfaces have been too covered in flour and sauces to see what's really underneath.  I must be nuts to have let this go on for so long.  The current kitchen is drab and messy and nothing matches! Yuck!

But I've found inspiration - in my KitchenAid mixer!  I was mixing up some pink icing awhile ago for a pink lemonade cake, when I had a vision of pistachios, sea foams, avocados and flamingos.  Images of 1950s Boca and Miami fluttered about in my head and an inspiration was born!  The tacky wood paneling, the black and white tiles, the abundance of daytime sunlight!  It was as though I had just stepped out of an old issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

it all starts with icing

So I searched around the internet for a bit and found some great pictures that captured exactly what I was envisioning.  Of course I got a little carried away with myself and started imagining floor plans and countertops, deep sinks, top-of-the-line appliances... my brain started filling with imaginary images of my dream kitchen.  Seriously, I started going a little Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors.

But it doesn't have to be completely imaginary.  My dream kitchen could be something I work towards, more of a goal kitchen with an update (or maybe a flashback) of my current kitchen being a trial run, or a baby step.  With that in mind, I got in touch with my gal LK of Elle Kay Interiors and enlisted her interior design genius to help me come up with some ideas that could help me fix up my current kitchen and some bigger ideas for fun and future planning!  While I keep dreaming, she's busy whipping up some images and ideas about kitchen design for me and you dear readers.  That's right, keep an eye out for another guest post!  Yay, we love guest posts.  But while LK is doing her homework, we should all enjoy these last few weeks of summer (nooooo!) and dabble in another sip & sweet recipe and enjoy the inspirational pinkness of this pink lemonade cake -

pink lemonade cake

ingredients

cake

2 1/2 c sifted flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick unsalted butter, room temp

2 tsp fresh lemon zest

1 1/4 c sugar

2 eggs

1/2 milk

1/2 c fresh lemon juice

neon pink food coloring

icing*

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temp

1/2 c pink lemonade powder (I used Country Time)

1/2 c confectioner's sugar

directions

cake

1. Preheat the oven to 375.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl.  In a mixer, beat butter and lemon zest until light and fluffy.  Slowly beat in the sugar until well blended.  One at a time, add the eggs and beat on a medium speed for about 2-3 minutes or until the mix looks fluffy.

2. Beat about a quarter of the dry ingredients in with the creamy mix, then add all of the milk and continue to beat until well combined.

3. Alternating between lemon juice and dry mix, add the remaining ingredients beginning and ending with the dry mix.  Blend well and add food coloring a drop at a time while continuing to mix, until you've reached the right pink.

4. Pour batter evenly into two greased and floured 8" cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.  Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, and cool completely before icing.

icing

1. Blend the ingredients together until light, fluffy and tasty.  Don't be afraid to add a little more lemonade powder or sugar until you get the right taste.  You can also add food coloring if the powder doesn't add enough color for your taste.

*A quick note on the icing: I was trying to make a combo meringue butter cream icing for this because I kind of wanted it to look cloud-like and dreamy, but I think the combination of extreme Summer heat in my kitchen and the lemonade mix messed it up because it wasn't staying stiff enough and I ended up making a regular old butter cream.  But don't fret, I'm going to keep trying and will definitely get it right and keep you posted.

I'm going to leave you with a reminder and a fun fact - Don't forget to keep an eye out for our upcoming guest post from Ms. LK of Elle Kay Interiors; check out her blog, too - she's got a heck of an eye!  parter with the finale being the final result of my kitchen redo!  And your fun fact - it is rumored that pink lemonade was invented by a circus concession man named Pete Conklin who sold peanuts and lemonade.  One day, he used water that had been dyed from one of the horse rider's red tights to mix with his lemons and the end result was a pretty and popular pink!  Gross or awesome?  A little of both?  I think I'll stick with my Country Time powder.

novel nosh - An Atlas of Impossible Longing (part two)

Just in case y'all aren't avid readers of Sarah O's blog, desirous of everything, you should head over that way and check it out because it's definitely an awesome blog that I was very honored to be a part of this week.  While you're over there, check out my guest post - part one of our most recent novel nosh for Anuradha Roy's debut novel, An Atlas of Impossible Longing. 

Let's recap - the novel tells the story of three generations of an Indian family living during the first half of the 20th century while India was under British rule in a small town, secluded from the hustle and bustle of nearby Calcutta.  Through love, loss, mental illness, education, natural disasters and real estate, the story sucks you in with the richness of India's natural landscapes, chaotic history and one family's trials and tribulations.  Go read it.  Seriously, go to the library right now, check it out and devour it.  It's an ideal summer read and it's also truly inspiring.  Inspiring enough to lead me to experiment with fresh fruit and Indian food leading to my very first chutney.

Let's fast forward a bit and pretend you've already read part one of novel nosh!  So you should be well-acquainted with the mango chutney that was inspired by An Atlas of Impossible Longing, maybe even made your own batch, and are now eagerly curious to see how it went when I brought it along on ladies night with a few tilapia fillets.  Well, here you go -

I really wanted to grill the tilapia and since it was Paula's turn to host and she has a grill AND a backyard, our plan was falling into place.  Then the rain came, monsoon style rain like the kind in the book.  Instead, we rubbed the fish with a little bit of sofrito and fresh lime juice before sauteing it in a hot pan with a drop of oil and lots of green onions.  We slathered the heck out of that fish with the cool mango chutney and it was the perfect combination of creamy, sweet and spicy.  Alongside some more of that squash slaw, some breaded pork chops (surf & turf,) and Paula's potato salad, the meal was complete and a success.  Isabelle, the doll she is, rode over with a couple bottles of Red Bicyclette and some funny lady movie action so we all stuffed our faces and busted our guts laughing!

marley helped clean up

After supper, Isabelle and I headed out for a nightcap that led to a raucous game of darts.  In all honesty, it was my first time playing darts so it was long and tedious but I did win!  Though I have a sneaking suspicion Isabelle let me win in order to keep me out past my bedtime... but it was super fun and now I have a weird pain in my arm from all that dart throwing which makes me feel like a total weenie who needs to do a few more push-ups every night!  Que sera, another successful ladies night!

Tonight, I have the pleasure of getting together with Sarah for a bite and a bit of a reunion.  She sent me this amazeballs bit of info earlier today - her guest post related tweet was picked up by the publisher of An Atlas of Impossible Longing who also tweeted (is that right, 'tweeted'?) it then sent the link on to the author!  If any more cool stuff like this happens, I might start getting a big head about it.

So, since it's Thursday night and it might rain and you're keeping quiet and prepping for the weekend, I suggest the following activities for your evening - follow Sarah O at desirous of everything and love it, whip up a quick batch of mango chutney to enjoy at this weekend's barbeque, check out this great video interview of Anuradha Roy and then start reading An Atlas of Impossible Longing.  Happy Thursday!