Savvy Eats

I learned something on Friday morning. If your pancake batter has too many chunks from nuts or fruit in it, the pancakes will be very difficult to flip. And will stick to the pan. And will fall apart.

On Saturday, I learned my lesson again. Because apparently once wasn’t enough.

On Sunday, I finally nailed the recipe. These pancakes are wonderfully hearty, with just a touch of crunch from the almonds. We enjoyed them with blood orange marmalade, which we fell in love with in Italy. I highly recommend you do the same.

2 Steve Carrell Netflix rentals: Dinner for Schmucks and Despicable Me (I’d recommend the second over the first, hands down). Dinner out at Za Za’s Cucina for our 5 Year Dating Anniversary. (Dan & I circa 2006) HOUSE HUNTING (more details to come!) Finally perfected my almond oat pancakes…recipe will be up this afternoon! Fun [...]

I’ve developed an affection for crockpot soup this winter. Shocker, right?

What can I say? They are just so hearty and warming, not to mention incredibly easy to make and versatile. I threw this one together earlier this week, and it was just as good as the last few.

Navy Quinoa Crockpot Soup

Yesterday, I attempted to replica the amazing rosemary salt bagels from the bakery down the street. I even broke out my latest obsession, rosemary salt from the Filling Station in NYC. I didn’t have any bread flour, so I used regular flour with some vital wheat gluten thrown in. I think this was ultimately my downfall. Not enough gluten = softer, less chewy bagels. But the kneading was fun…

Sarah says,

Remember when I said that one of Max’s favorite things to do is sit by the window?

Apparently, he so wanted to look out the window while I was baking this morning, he was wiling to sit underneath our kitchen cart.

My dog is crazy.

Amy says,

Lately, I’ve been hit with a walloping case of “winter blahs” (… it’s been cold & gray here, so no surprise, really…) One of my favorite tricks to warm my heart on days like this has always been to crawl back in bed with a good book (flannel sheets not mandatory, but highly encouraged!) With my fuzzy foot-warmer, Gracie, this activity becomes all the more enjoyable.

This is the gift I made this holiday season that I wanted to keep for myself. But that wouldn’t be fair for the originally intended recipient, now would it?

So I may be making a second one someday. Until then, I will share with you.

Because you can’t go wrong with this gift to your favorite blogger or cook. It is useful and practical while still being personal and hand-crafted.

How-To Make a Personalized Recipe Book…