Thinking Thoughts

Been stewing in this idea... As someone whose curiosity has them constantly pulling in different directions, I'm slowly trying to streamline + focus. It's a struggle, but I think it'll only help me in the long run. For now, I hope this new office signage steers me in the right direction.

Waffle Quest

Just one more food post! I swear I'm eating carrots for the next month straight.

I've openly declared my love for pancakes, well I'm also partial to it's close cousin the waffle. With my parents in town, I took the opportunity to go on a glorified waffle expedition, AKA a trip to Belgium.

Together we embarked on a search for the elusive (not so much, I ate 4 of em') liege waffle. Before leaving, a dear friend sat me down and schooled me about what to look out for - Forget those square traditional waffles - head straight towards the irregular shaped ones + make sure they're FRESH! So we made our way through Bruges and Brussels, seeing the sights, filling our bellies and washing it all down with some Kriek.

Well with a limited time schedule, but careful consideration - I can say hands down most delicious + freshest liege waffle I tasted during my stay came from vitalgaufre.

Before + After

Went on back to London Town with my parents. Being their first trip, we made a mandatory fish + chips stop at Geales. Yes it's big + yes it's fried + yes you need a nap after, but it's worth the trip.

Two Feet on the Ground

Cookin' Time

I think I have openly declared my love for all food...Recently I got the chance to test out my french food skills! My mama is visiting Paris - so we decided to try a cooking class. If you ever pop over to Paris - check out cookn' with class, which I can't recommend enough.

The morning started off with Market visit where we were schooled in everything from stinky cheese to Israeli artichokes(yum). We got to pick a custom menu + continued to cook up a storm with our fantastic guide - chef Pino. Full belly, great day.

Thinking of Haiti...

Living in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina was a slap of perspective. My stomach turns at the thought of all the hurt + devastation in Haiti right this moment. Sending good thoughts that direction.

Pancake-less in Paris

Well the Sunday hunt for freshly cooked pancakes is serious work. For the late-risers the few precious locations that dish out this American delicacy are overtaken by long lines, which when combined with the freezing temperatures results in a breakfast white flag...

So we opted for falafel, yummy, but definitely not a pancake. I'm so sentimental for breakfast, it's my favorite meal of the day, the thought of skipping straight to lunch always upsets me just a bit. But today I took one for the team (aka my husband who loves lunch-time). This fight is not over though - I'm setting my alarm at an absurd hour next Sunday - I'll let you know how it works.

In the meantime if your looking for the best breakfast in Paris - here's my picks:

The Kitchen fresh, delicious berry-filled pancakes
Breakfast in America good ol' steady breakfast
Le Loir dans La Theiere quintessential parisian brunch
Cafe Charlot yummy fixed brunch with lovely atmosphere




breakfast @ the kitchen

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Thankfulness

Thanksgiving went off with out a hitch - great company + even greater host, full bellies were achieved. I'm a thankful girl who loves her family and friends (+ fresh baguettes).

Let the holidays begin!

When I grow up...

My mind has been swirling lately... living in Paris is overwhelming inspiring and having the opportunity to push myself at school has been eye opening. With that in mind - I'm anticipating the next steps, wherever the wind blows me... I just want to make + share beautiful things.

Fingers crossed - we shall see...in the meantime, perhaps I can climb into the suitcase of this lucky man. What an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G gig!

Güten tag Vienna

There is something magical about Europe in the summer time. The open squares, grand architecture, museums and sipping wine at open cafes - it's a bit dreamy. We're taking full advantage of our geographical location + going on some adventures. Austria is the first stop, I was here many years ago and was very eager to return.

In addition to the deep history, I have to be honest the other major plus (and potential danger) is the foooood! I'm a girl who carefully plots the next meal - I live to eat. Being a super-duper foodie , this is a tempting place to be....they have cafes dedicated to selling just perfect little sacher torts and mozartkugeln everywhere you turn. I've also been having my fill of the grand Austrian schnitzel!! I think I just gained weight writing this....

Lost in Translation

Since crossing the pond - I've been working my way through some new vocabulary. I've spent many trips to the grocery looking for cilantro - only to leave in confused, frustrated and cilantro-less.

This went on + on until I finally figured out that cilantro is coriander (a truly Finkle is Einhorn kind of moment). Since I'm so entertained by these little differences in vernacular - I've been compiling lists of all my new vocabulary. I wanted to start sharing + have been working on some illustrations - we can start with some veg.

SUGAR + EGGS

I love to cook. I love to watch shows about cooking. Love to read about cooking. Love to eat what I cook. I think you get it.

Since moving to England I've become hooked on the show Come Dine with Me (careful when you click on the link - you might get stuck there for a couple hours). The idea is five strangers cook for one another each night for a week + score. Simple, but with the addition of clever commentary, heavy alcohol consumption and the occasional tussle, the outcome is highly entertaining.

I've been thinking I don't really have a competitive dinner menu. I have been working through this + one happy husband later - I think I've got a winner for the dessert (or pudding as it's called here)...Homemade Meringue stuffed with whip cream + fresh berries. YUM.



My devastatingly handsome husband has been studying so very hard - took some time out to sample my creation...

Homemade Meringue Stuffed with Whip Cream + Fresh Berries
2 egg whites (make sure there are NO egg yolks or won't thicken)
1/2 cup sugar
non-stick oven paper

berry whipped cream
1 cup double cream
handful of fresh chopped berries

Heat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit - crack egg white into large mixing bowl - add half of the sugar - start whipping (I don't have an electric mixer - unless you want a frustratingly intense 45 min. whipping work-out - I highly recommend an electric mixer (lucky you). Whip the egg white + sugar - gradually add in the rest of the sugar. The mixture will get nice and thick (should be shiny too). You can stop mixing when the mixture sticks to the bowl when turn upside down.

Drop teaspoons of the mixture onto baking sheet with a non-stick piece of paper. The mixture should make about 12-14 meringue. Pop in the heated oven for 45 min. Turn off the oven at the end of that time + leave in the oven for another hour.

Meanwhile I whip double cream(I do this by hand - will pay with killer wrist cramps!). Cut up fresh berries - I use black berries + strawberries. Mix into whipped cream.

Take the fresh Meringue out of the oven - stuff em' + then eat em'!

One Man's Opinion...