Peeps of Spring: Blues and Greens

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Apparently the apple rises far above the tree... (ok it was a nice try;).
U.S. Apple stores need to step it up a bit...

Paris je t'aime!

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And ohmigod check out Elie Saab's Spring 2012 Couture Show...

Where's a map when you need one?

I have such a fascination with ancient civilizations and their "lost" cities buried under years and years of development's rubble -- so much history! Imagine that some of these fantastic structures were so well designed and constructed that they have lasted to today (and not to mention the fact that they have outlived some of our seemingly modern structures without a blink!).  I came across this Lost Cities Gallery from National Geographic that offered some unique perspectives to the generic "textbook" ones. 

Palenque, Mexico (Mayans)

Great Enclosure, Zimbabwe (Shonas)

Palmyra, Syria (famous trade spot between Mesopotamia and Persia

and later under Roman control)

Tanis, Egypt (former capital of Egypt)

Mesa Verde, Colorado (Anasazis)

Petra, Jordan (Nabataeans)

... [notice the person in the "doorway"]

Persepolis, Iran (Persian Empire)

Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan (Indus River Valley)

Ancient Troy

Taking "Farm and Fleet" to a Whole New Level

Although it may be snowing outside today, these pictures about Truck Farm are making me want to start my vegetable garden extremely early this year (as in tomorrow!)... am I crazy? 

When Ian Cheney moved to NYC, he realized that there was very limited space for a garden. The solution? Plant a vegetable garden in the back of his 1986 Chevy, of course! Since then, a movement has been afoot and is sparking more "truck farms" all over the US. According to the site's map, there seems to be a large fleet concentration in the Great Lakes area -- looks like I've got to go hunting for one of these things (or start my own...). I wonder how creative I can make my garden's location this year! 

Stay tuned!

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New Fondue

I absolutely love chocolate fondue! Fondue parties, fondue cafes, etc.! But sometimes I think it's fun to mix up the "recipes" and try some new pairings. So without further "a-due," I give you...

Dark chocolate fondue with...

Vanilla Bean Mochis  

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (egg-free, of course ;)

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Nutella-Chocolate fondue with...

Mini Banana-Nut Muffins

Mini Peanut Butter Cookies

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Chocolate mocha fondue with...

Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti

Scones (you pick the flavor!)

Bon appétit!

Snoopin'

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Bubble -> [M.E.] Burble

Aren't these hilarious? I want to try one!

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Oh and who cannot waiiit for Downton Abbey tonight?!

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Glimpses

Well Rooted

Cue the reign of root vegetables and squash [in the winter]! 

Parsnip Muffins

Warm Root Vegetable Mix 

(I highly recommend adding rutabagas and turnips as well) 

(Another tip: puree the leftovers into a wonderful, thick soup! ...mmm)

Speaking of which...

Butternut Squash Soup

Buttercup Squash - regular baked squash prep

This is rivaling my obsession with butternut -- it has this wonderfully creamy texture and is just sweet enough! Alas, I cannot seem to find it anywhere but the farmers market (which is sadly gone until May). Perhaps a field trip to Whole Foods is in order for a final search?!

And what to do with all of that pumpkin puree left from the holiday season?

Well make Pumpkin Spice Biscotti, of course!

I highly recommend this recipe! I added a bit of cardamom, opted for spelt flour and brown sugar, and garnished the top with a sprinkle of shaved almonds and pumpkin spice seasoning. When you take them out of the oven the first time to slice them, the heels (while still warm and slightly spongy...) taste sensational with some beginning-to-melt butter.... mmmm!!  

Also, once these delectable wonders are nice and stale, pair them with a freshly-foamed latte, lightly drizzle them with honey, and savour them in bliss!

(Clearly my sister and I ate them all before I had the chance to take some pictures!)