Perfect Summer Salad

The past couple of weeks have brough quite the heat wave to New York.  The kind of oppressive heat that makes the air so thick that even a short walk becomes an chore-- you start sweating before you have a chance to even move.  Every conversation you have or overhear has something to do with the weather; complaining, yes, but mostly just commenting on how unbelievably hot it is.  I had a craving for something light, fresh, summery, and completely no-cook the other night, which lead to this creation of this salad.  Paper-thin slices of zucchini, fresh raw corn, and sweet tomatoes make the best of summer's produce. I've made this salad many times since as it is colorful, healthy, and just about all I can handle in a blazing hot apartment.

Summer Salad
serves 1
1/4 cup lemon juice, about 1 lemon
2 tbls olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

2-3 handfuls of arugula
1/2 large (or 1 small) zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ribbons with vegetable peeler or mandoline
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 large tomato, chopped
1 ear of corn, kernels cut off cob
1/4 avocado, diced
1-2 tbls pumpkin seeds
5 basil leaves, thinly sliced into a chiffonade

1. Whisk lemon juice and olive oil together in a small bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper.
2.  Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl and pour dressing over.  Toss well to combine.

Reason #5,543,765,234,654,001 why I love her...

Every tabloid/news station/celebrity site has been plastered with photos and news about Prince William and Kate Middleton's visit to America (not that I'm complaining...)  And yes, while I do love Kate and think she is stunningly beautiful, poised, and fashionable, there is someone who takes the cake.

Of course.  When William and Kate (can we call them that anymore?  The Duke and Duchess?  Let's just say the Royals) went to LA to watch a polo match, none other than my girl Giada was asked to prepare a meal for them and the other guests.  I could not have been more thrilled to hear it and was so excited to see what the menu would look like .  And even better was to see she made one of my all-time favorite recipes of hers-- Pea Pesto Crostini.

I've made these crostini countless times and they are always a hit.  If I have it on hand, I like to throw in a handful of basil to the food processor while pureeing the ingredients.  Since it calls for frozen peas, this truly is a versatile recipe, which would be equally at home at a summertime bbq or a Christmas party-- the red tomatoes and sweet green peas are a nod to the season but not over the top cheesy.  Served with crusty bread (or even as a pasta sauce?) the Pea Pesto Crostini never disappoint.  Thank you, Giada.

over the top Christmas

Pitting Olives

So many recipes call for pitted black olives, and it usually isn't an issue to find pitted Kalamata olives at the antipasto bar of most grocery stores.  But what about when they ONLY have black olives with pits in them?  You either have to suck it up and "fillet" the tiny olives by slicing around the pit... or pick a new recipe.  I wouldn't think of using canned black olives.

However, there's a trick to pitting olives which will make the tedious task infinitely easier.  Taking one olive at a time, position the heel of your hand over the flat edge of a wide knife and gently press down on the olive (be careful as they can splash!).  This will break the olive and create an opening around the pit, which you can then easily tear out.

It's not the most important cooking technique to know, I'll admit, but it's one I've used countless times.

Slacker

I know, I have been SERIOUSLY slacking on writing posts.  I've been swamped at work and with the weather being so nice... the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer any more than I have to.  But I do miss writing and still think I have some mildly relevant things to say, so I am going to get back into the swing of things.

With the past month being as crazy as it has been, work-wise, I've had very little time to cook; most meals have been consumed at my little cubicle.  On the few nights that I was able to come home at a decent (ok, semi-decent) hour, I opted to throw together something for dinner since the thought of another takeout box was enough to turn my stomach.

When you are having one of those late nights, it's nice to have a couple staples in your pantry and recipes in your repertoire.  For me, this usually means some sort of quick salad with random veggies, nuts, quick-cooking or leftover grains, or (my favorite!) beans.  I absolutely love all types of beans, and since I don't eat much meat, I am constantly incorporating them into my diet.  Chickpeas, cannellini beans, black beans, navy beans, edamame, string beans... I'll take them all.

I was so excited when I saw this article in the New York Times a few weeks ago.  Not only is there a delicious recipe listed-- thinly shaved asparagus, radishes, and fennel-- but also multiple suggestions as to how this salad can be adapted to different seasons and cravings.  Behold the cannellini bean salad-- a healthy, delicious, affordable, and wonderfully simple way of highlighting the lowly bean.  

Casablanca

A few weeks ago I went over to a friend’s apartment for dinner and a movie—the first of (hopefully many) themed dinner and movie nights.  Same idea as a book club, picking out a movie and making a dinner that somehow ties into the location.  Somehow I had never seen Casablanca before, so we ordered it from Netflix and made a Moroccan dish to have while watching the movie.  The end result was a riff on a chicken tagine which was both healthy and delicious.  We decided not to follow a recipe and just used a general cooking method with whatever vegetables looked good at the grocery store.  That’s the beauty of this recipe; it’s so adaptable to your tastes and would be good with any combination of spices and vegetables.  Start by chopping your vegetables—here, we chose zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, leeks, new potatoes, and chickpeas.  Then, take chicken legs, thighs, and breasts, heavily coated them with a spice mixture of salt, pepper, cumin, curry, turmeric, and cayenne, and browned them in olive oil.  Remove the chicken, add one chopped onion and a couple garlic cloves, sautee vegetables, add the chicken back in with some broth, cover and simmer until done.  Once the initial chopping is done, it’s a very hands-off dinner, allowing for a glass of wine as everything cooks.  It is perfect when served over a bed of couscous or warm pita.

Casablanca was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.  Granted I haven’t seen a movie in a while, but I loved it nonetheless.  The WWII-era expats living in Morocco, the corrupt Nazis, the drinking, the music, the clothes, the iconic quotes (“Here’s looking at you, kid”), the striking beauty of Ingrid Bergman… I guess there is a reason it’s always on those “best moves of all time” lists.  It made me realize that there are so many classic old films I haven’t seen and need to add to my list; Roman Holiday, Citizen Kane, The African Queen, La Dolce Vita… looks like I have a lot of move-watching to do.  And I’m sure I can come up with some food to go along with them.

Salmon with Fennel-Orange Salad

Though I love cooking, there are times that I feel uninspired and at a loss of what I want to cook-- or even what I want to eat.  This mostly happens mid-week, when I'm so exhausted and pre-occupied that I can't think of anything fun, new, or exciting to make.  

There are others times, however, when I do have inspiration...whether by a recipe I've seen in a cookbook or blog, or a restaurant dish I want to re-create, or by a craving so specific that I know exactly what I want to make and how to make it. 

Today I had a fennel bulb in my fridge, which is an ingredient I absolutely love but haven't had in a while-- which meant I couldn't wait to create a meal around it.  The resulting dish is very reminiscent of something my mom used to make a lot during the summer.  The gorgeous stretch of weather we've had in New York called for something crisp, light, and with minimal cooking.  This recipe is easily adaptable and would be great with some substitutions here are there-- grapefruit or even mango for the orange, scallions for the red onion, or swordfish or tuna for the salmon.

Salmon with Fennel-Orange Salad

serves 1

for the salmon

1 6-oz filet of salmon

1 tbls. white wine

1 tbls lemon juice

lemon zest

salt and pepper, to taste

for the salad

1/4 fennel bulb, very thinly sliced

1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced

1 navel orange, zested and segmented

6 cherry tomatoes, halved

1 handful arugula

1/4 avocado, diced

4 basil leaves, sliced into chiffonade

for the dressing

1 tsp. dijon mustard

1 tbls. lemon juice

1 tbls. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tbls. olive oil 

salt and pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 375.  Combine the fennel, red onion, orange segments, orange zest, tomatoes, and arugula in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.  Slowly add in olive oil while whisking constantly, until dressing is fully combined.  Pour over salad, toss to combine.  Gently fold in avocado and basil so they do not bruise; set aside to let flavors come together.

2. Line a baking sheet with foil.  Place salmon in center of the foil square and season with salt and pepper.  Fold up sides of foil to create a packet around salmon.  Top with lemon juice and wine, and seal foil packet tightly.  Cook for 20-23 minutes, until salmon is just opaque in the center.

3. Assemble by putting a little a heaping mound of salad in the center of your plate.  Top with the salmon still hot from the oven, so arugula and fennel begin to slightly wilt.  Pour over any dressing remaining in the mixing bowl.

New Song Obsession

Short post today-- but I CANNOT stop listening to this song.  It's been on repeat since I bought it on iTunes, and I just hit my monthly limit on Pandora about 10 minutes ago since "Adele Radio" has been on non-stop for the past, oh...40 hours.  She's so unbelievably talented in both her singing and song-writing.  Hard to believe she's only 21 years old.

Fiber!

Not the sexiest title, I admit, but I do love me some fiber.  It just so happens to be found in one of my absolute favorite food groups (beans!), so I usually don't struggle to incorporate it into my diet.  However, I am sure that I can always use more-- not only does it keep you fuller longer, but has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and certain cancers.  I'm sold.

While in the health food store a few weeks ago, I picked up a package of GG Bran Crispbreads.  They looked...interesting.  Kind of like sheet of pressed cardboard.  One of the workers said they were great and recommended by Dr. Oz (my mom loves him, so I figured that was good enough for me).

Now I do realize these are probably also very high on the Atkins/low-carb diet charts, which I have little to no interest in.  But these really are great!  They are fat- and preservative-free, and one cracker provides 20% of the daily recommended fiber.  Just don't be expecting Wheat Thins here.  And it may be the last time you're allowed to bring appetizers to a cocktail party if these become your idea of "party crackers".  They're extremely dry, as any 100% bran product is, but with a little help and a glass of water, these really become a snack which holds your over for much longer than your typical cracker.  I usually spread on some almond butter and raspberry jam, and they are also great with a little cream cheese and cinnamon.  I could also see these going a more savory route, topped with hummus and a slice of turkey or cheese.  They might even be elevated from the realm of "fiber cracker" to "actually something you crave" if topped with Nutella... but maybe that would defeat the purpose?

First Date

At long last, there was a plan for the aforementioned date.  After going back and forth via text without a ever making a plan, he finally suggested we meet around 9 at a restaurant downtown.  I agreed, slightly annoyed, since I could have much better planned my day (outfit) around a later meeting time, but figured it wasn't the worst thing in the world.  I may be uptight at times, but wouldn't hold it against the guy.

I realized immediately that it the lack of plan and last-minute decisions were not an excuse to play games-- he is just completely free-spirited and relaxed.  It didn't seem to phase him that I showed up 30 minutes latte (traffic, I swear), whereas that would have driven me crazy.

He picked a really cute restaurant called Esperanto, on 9th and Avenue C.  I've never been as far east as C, and it was surprisingly quaint and very quiet.  The restaurant was on a corner and had two blocks of outdoor seating, so we grabbed a table right by one of the windows-- from there, we could faintly hear the Latin music that was playing from the live band inside.

photo courtesy of NubiaMag

The food was Brazilian-inspired; to start, we split potato and cod croquettes and roasted mussels.  The mussels were wonderfully crispy and garlicky-- perfect with a squeeze of lime on top.  The croquettes were to salty for my taste, and they tasted more like salty fried hush puppies.  Something I would definitely skip next time... though I can see their appeal after a few drinks.  As an entree, I had seared tuna, topped with a roasted pepper and avocado salsa.  Overall it was good, the flavors didn't pop, but the fish was cooked perfectly.  And the caipirinhas were amazing.  We then went for a drink next door to this tiny cocktail lounge called Louis 649 which was really cool-- dark lighting, old jazz music, and great cocktails.

He was certainly very different than anyone I've been out with before.  He was interesting, interested, considerate, very into New York, optimistic, artsy, free-spirited...if nothing else, it was a bit of a reality check.  Not only are there so many different types of (single!) people on this island, I could learn a lot from each of them.  I'm not sure if there will be a second date, but if nothing else, I could probably relax a little... it'll take a while, but maybe not making a plan three days in advance isn't the worst thing someone can do.  Though I'll keep hoping for it.

Is it too much to ask for a plan?

I met someone at a happy hour this past Friday.  Though we only spoke for a short amount of time, he seemed smart, cute, nice enough... basically he was completely unoffensive which, considering the past few I've dated, is grounds for consideration.  We exchanged numbers and went about our separate plans for the night, with the notion that we would touch base later in case our paths crossed.  They didn't, of course, but he did send a text saying how nice it was to meet me and that he would like to buy me dinner or drinks sometime soon.  +1, happy hour man.

He texted me a few more times, and then asked on Monday to let him know if I were free this week and wanted to hang out; an approach which still leaves me in a state of wonder.  It's not as if we are close enough that "let me know when you're free" qualifies as making a date.  Why wouldn't he just ask if I were free on a certain day and actually make a plan?  Or better yet-- call?

But he's cute and I want to give it a chance, so I responded with a definitive "I'm free Thursday".  He said great, that's what he was thinking as well (then why didn't he suggest it?), and he will think of a plan.  So here we are, one night before our first date, and there's no plan. 

Moving forward, I am trying to keep an open mind in my dating career.  But this is one thing that I'm not really interested in compromising.  In my book, "we'll hang out" does not a plan make.  Why is it so hard to commit to a time and a place?  Is the nonchalance an indication that things are too casual, or is it a means of protection?  Is it a way to play games-- and if so, do I leave my entire night open, waiting to see if this "date" materializes, or tell him something came up since he didn't make plans?  I don't know this guy, but I have the sense he's not trying to play games-- and I'm holding out hope that he will pull through tonight and make a plan before I write it off.  I have to draw the line somewhere.  Stay tuned...

Lambrusco

It seems that each season I get on a kick and have a new drink that I have to have...all the time.  Last summer is was rose wine.  A couple winters ago it was mulled wine.  Prosecco and sea breezes... well, I suppose those are year-round.

My wine du jour is Lambrusco wine, which is a perfect red for the spring and summer.  White wine is fine, but I'm generally much more interested in red.  Lambrusco, from the Emiglia-Romagna region in Italy, is a crisp red with a gentle effervescence-- much less than that of Prosecco-- and fruity but not sweet. 

I first tried this in Italy with pizza, served chilled and in a juice glass.  I can imagine it working well with anything from grilled chicken to pizza to a summer panzanella.  Lambrusco had a bad reputation in the US after the 1970's, but the true Lambrusco wine is nothing like the overly sweet wine which was super trendy back then.  (or so I've heard...)  It's showing up more and more in restaurants-- or better yet, look out for it at your wine store, since it will be at least 300% cheaper there.

Labrusca Lambrusco, retails for about $15

Selling New York

While watching an episode of HGTV's fabulous show, "Selling New York" last night, I realized how fascinating this city really is.  Yes, the restaurants are great.  So is the shopping.  And the history.  And the culture.  And the fact that you can get anything delivered at any time.  But the most fascinating-- bordering on absurd-- are the people.

One of the brokers was trying to sell a $7.45 million apartment in the gorgeous Apthorp apartment building on the Upper West Side.  I can't imagine anyone spending that much money on an apartment... a home that doesn't include a car, parking, or any land.  But that's an argument for another day. 



photo courtesy of NY Magazine

Of course, the condo had horrendous energy and had to be re-staged by a feng-shui master.  She clearly makes enough money spraying her positive spray mist (air freshener?), because she has more plastic surgery in her face than Joan Rivers.

A young couple came into look at the apartment.  How would someone that young be able to actually afford an appartment like that, you might ask?  Well, because their name is Cris Dovich.  And apparently in New York you can make a FORTUNE doing this.  I need a new job.

24 Truths

My mom sent me this forward of "24 Adult Truths"... I found myself nodding in agreement with just about every one.  I took the liberty of putting the ones that resonated with me the most in bold...


24 Adult Truths:
 1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear
 your computer history if you die.
 2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you
 realize you're wrong.
 3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was
 younger.
 4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
 5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
 6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
 7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm
 pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
 8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how
 the person died.
 9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
 10. Bad decisions make good stories.
 11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at
 work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything
 productive for the rest of the day.
 12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I
 don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
 13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks
 me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that
 I swear I did not make any changes to.
 14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not
 to answer when they call.
 15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
 16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or
 Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
 17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
 18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and
 hunger.
 19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just
 nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word
 they said?
 20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team
 up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong,
 brothers and sisters!
 21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get
 dirty, and you can wear them forever.
 22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and
 still not know what time it is.
 23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their
 car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail
on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze
 button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first
 time, every time.
 24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874
 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100
 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Something Fishy

One of my absolute favorite things to eat is whole fish-- fins, head, and eyeballs included.  Aside from the interesting and gorgeous presentation, the fish is more likely to stay moist and succulent.  When I saw whole rainbow trout at the market, I immediately picked two up to make for dinner.  Though it may seem intimidating at first, whole fish is surprisingly easy to prepare at home-- impressive, fool-proof, and doesn't leave your kitchen smelling like fish.



I used this recipe from Bon Appetit, slightly altering it here and there... swapped trout for branzino, thyme and rosemary for the marjoram, used new potatoes instead of russet, omitted the pine nuts, and used way more tomatoes and olives than suggested.  I served it with a side of garlic-sauteed escarole, it was a quick and easy enough for a weeknight, but could definitely work for guests.





  


  

    gather all ingredients

 



stuffed with lemon, thyme, and rosemary





looks kind of like the recipe...right?



Just Relax

I know I've alluded to the fact that I have a hard time relaxing.  The more I think about it, I realize it actually is a pretty dominant theme in my personality... though I may say otherwise, I'm really not that easy-going.  I have a routine and I like to stick to it.  I have certain classes at the gym I like to take every week, I eat the same two things for breakfast every weekday, I walk to work so that I know exactly how long it will take me, when cooking, I want things chopped a certain way, I like ordering sushi from only one place...  It's not so much that I won't change.  I just prefer not to.  And now I sound crazy.

A few months ago, I purchased a massage/fitness class package at Exhale Spa through Urban Daddy.  The deal was a 60-minute massage and 3 of their Core Fusion classes for $130-- considering that a massage alone is that much, it was an offer too good to pass up. 

When booking, the first question they asked was "male or female"?  Umm..male!  Not that I'm sexist...I'm sure that a female would be great.  I just.. have a lot of tension in my back and needed someone huge to get out the knots.  I went to the Exhale Spa on Madison Avenue.  It was really nice, but not as big, spacious, or serene as I expected.  I was left waiting in the "zen room" for about 10 minutes and I started to worry my massage would now be only 50 minutes.. thankfully my masseuse, Justin, still took me for the full hour.  We were just beginning and he asked when my last massage was-- I instantly said "ohh, about a year ago".  Which is a total lie.  It just came out.  I've had one massage before in my life, when I was in high school.  And I think he knew it was a total lie after about 7 minutes. "Breathe...Lisa, you need to breathe...relax.  You're pushing back against me.  Breathe in through your nose.  It's ok to make noise".  And I'm sweating.  And there are waves crashing.  And in my head I'm thinking: "Ok.  Yoga breathing.  In. Out.  Relax.  Stop holding your arms up.  Wait a minute...am I seriously BAD at getting a massage??"

It took me a good 40 or so minutes to actually get the hang of it, which on one hand I could think of as kind of a waste... but instead I'm looking at it as something I just need to practice.  I need to learn that although life, work, and the city can become stressful and all-consuming, it's so important to take some time to completely focus on yourself.  A massage is not something we normally think of buying for ourselves, but I want to start budgeting it in to treat myself every couple of months.  I think it's something I can get used to...

photo courtesy of Exhale Spa

Seeing Red

Red lipstick is one of those things that has so many different meanings.  Worn correctly, it can be trendy, classic, confident, sexy, and powerful.  Worn incorrectly... well, you run the risk of looking a little like Courtney Love.

I've been wanting to try red lipstick for a while now, and have been talking about it and googling pictures of Cameron Diaz and Kate Bostworth with red lipstick juuuust to see what it might look like on me if I somehow morphed into a tall thin blonde gorgeous movie star.

Now I love me some makeup (always have, always will), but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the red lipstick.  But this past weekend, after 30 minutes, countless shades, and one very patient friend's opinion (thanks!), I finally walked out of Sephora with what what was the closest-to-perfect shade of red we could find.  It's red enough to still be considered "red lipstick", but has enough of a coral/orange undertone to still be fresh and trendy. 

I hesitantly debuted it to brunch this weekend.  I didn't want to look like I was trying to hard, but I kept touching and pursing my lips since I was hyper-conscious of them (and the apply-blot-apply method looks great but completely dries out your lips.  Must figure that out).  After an entire brunch (including one re-application!)... my friends didn't even mention my lipstick.  That means one of three things: 1. it looked so natural they didn't even realize it was new 2. it looked so terrible they were embarrassed to say anything 3. wearing lipstick isn't as big a deal as I thought. 

It definitely is more of an effort than the usual "sheer lipbalm", but I'm going to try to start incorporating it into my makeup routine.  As long as it looks like I'm not trying too hard.



NARS lipstick in Jungle Red, $22



Impromptu Dinner Party

I'm a huge fan of the Sunday Night Dinner, and I would like to bring it back into my life.  Growing up, Sunday night dinner was pretty much non-negotiable--it happened (and still happens) every week with the same menu: macaroni and gravy.  Or pasta and red sauce, for the non-Italians.  Sometimes with meat, sometimes without-- I think it depended on whatever my mom found in the freezer that morning.

I didn't have much going on this past Sunday afternoon, so I invited a couple of friends over for dinner.  I had visions of an impressive Sunday supper dance through my head... until I realized I only had two hours, no groceries, and not enough seating.  After running to Bed Bath and Beyond to pick up a folding chair, I tried to thnk of something fresh, spring-y, filling enough for two large men, and impressive enough for guests.  I remembered a recent episode of "Everyday Italian" on which Giada made herb-roasted chicken breasts with spring vegetables-- I based my menu off a version of that recipe, and made a delicious spring salad which I had just seen (and had been dreaming about) from the April issue of Bon Appetit, filled with some of my all-time favorite things (peas! goat cheese! edamame!).  Coupled with a side of quinoa with scallions and pine nuts and a quick chocolate-ricotta dessert, I was pretty pleased with what came together in a couple of hours.  More importantly, it was such a nice way to spend Sunday night--squeezing out the last few precious minutes of the weekend.  My apartment, next Sunday?  I have a feeling macaroni and gravy might be on the menu...


Herb-Roasted Chicken Breasts with Spring Vegetables
Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis
Serves 6

Marinade
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tbls. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbls. fennel seeds
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Chicken and Vegetables
6 bone-in skinless chicken breasts
1 bunch asparagus
5-6 carrots
1 cup cippolini onions (or 1 large red onion)
1 tbls. fennel seeds
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup white wine

1. Combine all ingredients for marinade in a resealable plastic bag.  Mix to combine and add chicken breasts, marinating for at least 30 minutes.
2. Wash and prepare vegetables: chop asparagus into 2- inch pieces, peel carrots and cut into 2- inch matchsticks, and peel cippolini onions.  If using red onion, peel and cut into wedges, keeping root intact.
3. Preheat oven to 400.  Heat a skillet on the stove with a drop of olive oil until it shimmers.  Working in batches, brown chicken on both sides until a golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Scatter vegetables in a large roasting pan, toss with a touch of olive oil, fennel seeds, herbs, salt, and pepper.  Nestle chicken in vegetables and add white wine.
5.  Cook on lower rack of oven until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear, about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness.  Remove chicken and allow to rest, covered with foil.
6.  Return vegetables to oven, bumping up temperature to 425.  Roast 10 minutes longer, until onions have spots of golden brown and asparagus tips are just turning crispy.

I wish I had taken a picture to post but was in such a rush that I couldn't take a minute to stop... Giada's picture is above (courtesy of cookingchanneltv.com)

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

The weather this morning was of a quintessentially perfect spring day.  After plans to see a visiting friend were ruined by the monsoon which hit NYC last night, we decided to do brunch this morning.  The catch: she was heading out of the city this afternoon, so it had to be early.  Luckily the rain prevented any of us from going out last night, so waking up was not a problem...but brunch at 10am?  I wondered if they even served brunch at 10.  No one goes to Sunday brunch until noon at the earliest.  But then I realized there are benefits to starting your day that early-- such as being able to get into any restaurant you want.

This opened up more options than I knew what to do with, since there is usually at least an hour wait for all the "good" places.  I decided we should go to Friend of a Farmer on Irving Place.  The restaurant has a very kitschy yet rustic feel, with a huge stone fireplace and heavy floral wallpaper not unlike an old grandmother's house.  There are baskets of fresh produce which line the stairs, and you are immediately welcomed by a sign which reads "BE NICE".  How cute is that?

Photo courtesy of nycsunflower

We were early enough that we grabbed a table outside in the sun.  Each of us ordered a different egg dish-- I went with the Healthy Farmer's Omelette-- an egg white omelette filled with fresh spinach and feta cheese, served in a small cast-iron skillet.  It was supposed to include tomatoes as well, which they unfortunately forgot.  It was good nonetheless, and came with a heaping side of their homefries-- cute into tiny cubes so they are wonderfully crispy.  The dish was a little heavy for my taste, but I always feel that way when I order eggs in a restaurant.  I should remember that for next time...  Every other dish which came out looked equally as delicious-- from the pancakes bursting with blueberries to the creamy yogurt topped with fresh fruit and granola-- it is definitely a place I would like to come back to and try something new.

photo courtesy of Forget me Not

Oh, and about heading to brunch early?  I think we're onto something here.  There was about a two hour wait once we left.

Friend of a Farmer

77 Irving Place (between 18th and 19th)

212-477-2188

www.friendofafarmerny.com

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

I try to bring lunch to work every day.  It takes a little more planning and effort than going out to buy something, but I think it is worth it.  Not only is it a huge money-saver, but it will most likely mean that your lunch will be much healthier, sanitary, and enjoyable-- hopefully something to look forward to, as opposed to the same sandwich you grab from the deli downstairs because there is nothing better around.

I've found one of two tactics that work best for me when making lunch: either make an extra portion at dinner, or cook enough of something on Sunday night that will stay throughout the week.  The possibilities of this are truly endless-- soups, stews, grain salads-- even prepping vegetables at the beginning of the week will make this so much easier.

A few nights ago I made a big Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad that I have been able to bring for lunch.  I didn't follow a recipe, and mostly based the ingredients on what I had in the fridge.  The recipe below can be tweaked based on your preference and season-- for example, it would be delicious with roasted carrots, beets, and butternut squash in the winter, or fresh tomatoes, corn, and zucchini in the summer.  Or a Greek-inspired version with red onion, tomato, crisp cucumber, and feta would be delicious.  If possible, try to seek out French Lentils de Puy; they do not break down as easily as brown lentils and are perfect for salads.   


Photo courtesy of Food Network



Mediterranean Lentil Salad

serves 3-4

salad

1 cup dry French Lentils de Puy

1 whole peeled garlic clove

1 bunch asparagus

2 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 eggplant, cubed

1 large red onion, sliced into wedges

1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1/2 cup basil, thinly sliced

dressing

1 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard

3-4 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 425.

2. Heat 3 cups of water and garlic clove on the stovetop; add lentils once boiling and stir occasionally.  Cook until done but not falling apart, about 25-30 minutes.  Drain, reserving the softened garlic clove, and transfer to a large bowl.  Let cool slightly.

3. Place asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, and red onion onto a baking sheet.  Toss with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake approximately 25 minutes, until eggplant has browned and onions have started to soften and carmelize.  Remove from oven and chop asparagus and onion into bite-size pieces.

4. Meanwhile, whisk together mustard, lemon juice, salt and peper.  Mince the reserved garlic clove and add to lemon juice.  Slowly whisk in olive oil until the lemon juice and oil have completely emulsified.

5.  Pour the dressing over the warm lentils and add all vegetables, roasted peppers, and basil; toss until combined.



Houdini

I have to warn you ahead of time that this will not be the last time I'll post about this topic.  I almost don't even know where to start.  But what is it makes that so many twenty-something guys (I'm hesitant to say "men"...) feel so entitled?  In their so-called version of dating, the "relationship" ultimately is defined by what they want.  I just heard about a mutual friend of mine who was dating someone for almost two years.  They were very close, happy, had a great relationship; a few weeks ago he was talking about how someday he would propose and convert to Judaism for her.  Then, out of the blue, he started to distance himself from her, until he finally told her he decided he wasn't really into her or the relationship anymore and didn't feel like dating.  That was it.  She called him a couple days later to get some sort of explanation as to why he just went dark (good for her!), but he never called back.  And that was the end of that.

I've found that so many of the guys I've dated have acted in a frighteningly similar way (don't worry...stories to come).  To me, it shows an immaturity and sense of entitlement that is hard for me to comprehend.  Since when did it become acceptable to just disappear?  Is it that they are too immature to have an adult conversation, or are they too immature to care?  Perhaps at this age they feel as if they are finally making money and have enough power to do whatever they feel like.  Or maybe they feel that once things start to become boring or difficult, they lose interest...and disappear.  Or do they act like this because we allow them to?  Many of us attempt to be kind, fun, breezy, and accomodating-- especially when in the beginning-- but can it be too much?  Should we be more demanding and no-nonsense at the start so they know we deserve at least the respect of a breakup?

Queen Bee

No, not Beyonce.  I saw this segment on the Today Show this morning and it got me to thinking about some of the people I've worked for.  I realized, more often than not, my female bosses haven't been the most supportive of the women that work under them.  I worked at a coffee shop when I was 15, and after taking a few days off to drop my sister off at college, she conveniently "forgot" to put me back on the work schedule...forever.  And then when I was lifeguarding, there was a horrible Miss Trunchbull-esque woman who forced us to swim laps every day, do in-sevice training when it was freezing rain, and scrub the pool deck with pure chlorine.  Ok, so in hindsight, the laps made sense, but pure chlorine?  We reported her to OSHA. 



Miss Trunchbull

I've worked for various other women who have not been supportive of me or the people under them, who have tried to find ways to make me feel inadequate, and who have put on an air that they are better than me.  the article says that 95% of women have felt undermined at some point by another woman in the workplace.  Why is it that women are so competitive with each other?  Is it the only way they feel they can keep their place once they're higher up on the ladder?  Do they feel so threatened that they need to discourage younger women?  I would think you would want to mentor and support someone-- especially another woman-- to follow in your footsteps. 

The way I've learned--and am still learning-- to deal with it is to try to not take things as personally.  It's too exhausting to constantly compare and compete with one another.  I try to remind myself that someday there will be someone under me, and to take these experiences as a chance to learn how not to act in a similar situation.  I have many things I aspire to accomplish... becoming Miss Trunchbull is not one of them.

The Big Cheese

It was my roommate's birthday this weekend, so I threw a little party for her and some of our closest friends before we went downtown for the night.  I must have been a housewife in a previous/current/former life because hosting and cooking for others is one of my absolute favorite things to do.  To keep the feel of a casual cocktail party, I decided on making an antipasti spread so that everyone could just do their own thing.  It was absolutely gorgeous out on Saturday so I wanted to keep it light, fresh, and summery.  I had a few of my favorite things set out-- roasted red and yellow peppers, grilled egglpant and zucchini, fresh tomatoes, and lemon-oregano roasted chicken-- all covered with a generous sprinking of basil.*

I didn't even make the best thing I was serving (how's that for a blow to my cuinary confidence?)-- bread and cheese.  Not just any bread and cheese.  Olive bread and mozzarella.  And not just ANY olive bread and mozzarella.  Homemade black olive bread from Madonia Brother's Bakery (what whaaaaat) and fresh mozzarella from Casa della Mozzarella on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.  This is the stuff that dreams are made out of.  I am almost hesitatnt to publish these little gems (because I feel like they're my secret) but they will actually change your life.  Aside from the fact that the bread is from my family's bakery...it's hand-crafted and baked in-house as it has been for the past hundred or so years; so deliciously salty, crusty, and filled with more olives than you can imagine.  The only thing better than being baked inside a loaf of this and eating your way out is topping a slice with Casa's fresh mozzarella, which is still warm when you buy it because they make it throughout the day in the back of the tiny shop on 187th street.  HOLY YUM.

It's more than worth the trip out of Manhattan.  You can thank me later.

*My family is strangely obsessed with basil.  I think I was the only college student growing basil in my dorm room...and have some growing out on my fire escape now.

I Love New York

I've been feeling a bit restless lately.  I talked about it in my previous post-- the post college "itch" (I hate that word and will think of a new term... you're welcome)-- and I've started to think that now might be a great time for a change.  I'm not married, I don't have a house, or a mortgage, or a serious boyfriend, or a dog, or really anything that would require me to stay in New York.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE New York.  I feel so lucky to live in such a wonderful city that is so full of excitement, friends, activity, and amazing food.  I really never even considered living anywhere else.

But New York can be hard on you at times.  It's easy to feel  lonely, even though you're surrounded by people.  Sometimes there actually are too many choices-- What's the best new restaurant?  Hottest wine bar?  Best park?  Greatest neighborbood?  Cheapest rent?  I've been having a seemingly inescapable feeling that I am running around and around on a hamster wheel and I am not sure what for.  Work-stress-anxiety-phones ringing-crowded streets-subway-gym-treadmill-spinning-make money-go out-spend money-buy-return...and start again.   I ran out of work last night to go to a yoga class (sprinted and got there late, of course), so it took me a good 15 sun saltuations to get my zen on.  Hour class, we say our Namaste, I roll up my mat, feeling good... and have to wait on a freaking LINE to put my blanket away.  I huffed, and I puffed, and I cut the line and threw mine on top of the pile, completely disregarding whatever folding rule everyone else was following.

Seriously?  In a yoga class?   Chicago is starting to look pretty good.  Or Portland.  Denver!  Everyone is so happy out there!

So I left, only slightly less stressed than when I started...but them something amazing happened.  That nagging feeling melted away and it turned into one of those perfect New York nights.  I met a dear friend for amazing cocktails in the East Village, had an absolutely delicious dinner, and went to the coolest, most secluded speakeasy I've ever been to.  We sat in the corner of this bar with wonderful drinks, having a great time, and some guy came over completely out of nowhere and said "you are beautiful".  To my friend, of course.  And then he actually ran away.  But in my Campari-induced fog, I couldn't stop smiling.  (ok, that was probably the drinks).  Even still, isn't that the nicest thing??  For a complete stranger to so genuinely and honestly say that someone is beautiful?  And then run away so you aren't stuck talking to them after?  Doesn't get any better than that.

Nights like that make it so hard for me to seriously consider ever leaving New York.  As long as there is a grungy back alley in alphabet city serving custom-made drinks, I'll be here too. 

Dreaming of blogging

I've been having the most vivid dreams lately-- and last nights?  That I was a blogger.  A great blogger.  So good that I quit my job and my head was bursting with blog posts and ideas and I walked around with a note pad and big camera slung across my shoulder to take high-tech pictures and I posted three times a day and I had followers and fans... but until then, I won't quit my day job.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about what I actually want to do "when I grow up".  It's about that time, I think, the mid-twenties "itch" (quarter-life crisis?)  You've been out of college long enough to realize that just having a job is good but not great, and you've somewhat of a skill set that you feel like it should be put to better use than it is now-- but for the LIFE of me don't know how some people "figured it out" and are making small fortunes doing something they actually like.  Kate Spade?  Figured it out.  Chelsea Handler? Figured it out.  Kate Middleton? helloooo...seriously figured it out.  But, in my humble opinion, the person who fulfulls all my dreams and aspirations:

She can do no wrong.  If I figure out how to be her, I'll let you know.

Lisa, party of one

So considering the fact that perhaps no one will be reading this (except for maybe my sister and my two delusional friends who agreed this is a great idea), I probably should not be as stressed out as I am about this first post.  But honestly, starting a blog is pretty stressful.  First of all, it's putting yourself on the internet-- and lord knows what kind of crazies are out there.  Actually, I do know, because that one time I did a 30-day free trial of match.com... too much too soon?  You have to think about what your blog "portrays".  Pink is girly, and I'm kind of girly, but not Mariah Carey butterfly girly... so then I went with the navy font to counteract that.  I think I'm the only one who noticed that one.  Then there's the stigma of being a "blogger".  Really cool if you're good and have a huge following-- not so cool if you suck.  Don't let me suck.  Follow me.  Re-reading those sentences makes me realize that having half a bottle of wine before I write may or may not be the best idea-- though most of this will be done after a half bottle of wine.  I am who I am.

Who am I?  Other than a oenophile who may or may not dabble in online dating, I'm a sucker whose roommate thinks that me blogging is the best thing since pasta.  I'm a twenty-something Manhattanite who is a little late to the blogging party but knows its never too late to join a party... who realizes that my everyday existence of work-friends-gym-cooking-dating (when I'm lucky)-going out-sleeping is probably just like everyone else's... but being relatable and shameless is a good thing, right?