Home Made Chicken Vegetable Soup

I have been on a chicken vegetable soup craze. I have been swiping my debit card at least five times a week for soup. Consequently, I figured it was finally time to make my own and maybe save myself some money. I grabbed a quick and simple recipe from my mom. After gathering the ingredients I needed from the local grocery store I got to work. The recipe is as follows:


2 Quarts of Chicken Broth ( I am always in a time crunch so I bought fresh chicken broth from the store)
1 Small cooking onion
2 Medium carrots
2 Celery ribs
2 Cups cut pieces of chicken
8 Ounces whole wheat pasta

For this recipe I like to use whole wheat pasta. Any type of noodle works though! The first thing I do is get the pasta ready. Once the pasta is cooked and drained I set it aside. The easiest way to cook the chicken is to boil it in a pot on the stove. Once the chicken is boiled you can cut it apart in small pieces. If you end up having extra chicken you can keep it in the fridge (it will keep for about a week). Or you can freeze it! I usually like to make extra chicken just in case I want to make soup again the next week, or the week after that. Next, you want to cut up your carrots, celery, and onion. For me, I like my vegetables to be in bigger pieces than usual. However, you can cut the carrots, celery, and onion into any desirable size. Once these are cut I place them into a large pot and let them simmer for 4-5 minutes (the timing also depends on how tough you like your vegetables in your soup). I then like to sprinkle a little salt and pepper onto the vegetables. After stirring a couple times I add the chicken broth. Once the broth begins to boil I add the chicken pieces and that pasta. I wait another 4-5 five minutes and then the soup is done! It's super easy and you can eat the soup whenever you want depending on if you like your vegetables crunchy or soft. Once the soup is done (and I have had a few bowls) I like to let it cool down a bit before I store it. I like to store it in a big mason jar but any container works well!

Little Things and Window Sills

The other day on my walk to Washing Square Park I noticed some window sills are used as the perfect place to plant beautiful flowers. I've always wished I was born with a green thumb or knack for gardening. I was extremely envious of the people who were able to grow real plants in New York City. I began to wonder, "What's on my window sill?" It became clear to me that living in a high rise building prevents me from adding this unique charm to the outside of my window. However, I am beginning to find tons of inspiration to decorate my window sill and my new apartment. 

My Week As A "Nomad."

It's been a tough week. I have been living out of a suitcase and sleeping on friends couches. Not to mention, the list of places I have showered in the past week has hit an all time weird. My friend Elena and I were both obnoxiously displaced from hurricane Sandy. With all the stress and anxiety of finding a place to sleep, I still managed to have some fun in the city. For one, I went on a shopping spree and spent an entire paycheck on a dress. I'm beginning to think $8 an hour is not going to cut it. In addition, I drowned my woes in sweets (but that's not very out of the ordinary.) On Thursday night my friend Katherine and I went to this adorable Churreria on Mulberry Street. The churros were delicious and they came with an extremely yummy/necessary dipping chocolate. On Friday, me and a couple friends went to TAO. It was my first time there and I loved it. I am defiantly planning on taking a trip back. It took awhile for us to be seated but we were able to enjoy a few drinks at the bar. The Ruby Red Martinis are worth trying and the spring rolls were exceptionally good. I was almost unable to walk out of the restaurant because I was so full. The next night my friends and I ventured out to this adorable ice cream shop. Lulu's Apothecary is a small ice cream shop that specializes in dairy free ice cream. The staff was friendly and the ice cream was beyond delicious. All in all, despite having to travel around with a giant duffel bag, I had a pretty good weekend. 

New York City

It has been a crazy, hectic week. I have finally found time to sit down, relax, and actually enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Make that a soy latte with an extra shot of espresso. I've been cold, tired, and frustrated waiting for the power to return after superstorm Sandy roared through the east coast last Monday October 29. My life has come down to showering at the gym (for lack of hot water at my house) and calling every department store near by to see if they have received another shipment of generators. I've been staying with my parents in NJ and power restoration is moving at an alarmingly slow pace. 

School and classes have resumed at NYU this week. Luckily, I was able to make it into the city. The mere sight of civilization is refreshing. I can finally resume to what I do best: eating. I plan on spending the week brunching between classes and grabbing yummy treats and coffee on the go. 

My love for New York City is blossoming.  As the fall season slips away, I am beginning to anticipate the holiday activities looming around the corner. I am a sucker for all things holiday related. My favorites include layering outfits with oversized sweaters and going for long runs in the cold, brisk air. The city is my playground, and I intend on taking full advantage of the holiday festivities. For one, I am eagerly awaiting the opening of the ice rink in central park. Although I lack the proper skills needed to ice skate, I plan on watching those who do possess these skills with a cup of hot cocoa and a couple of friends. I am also hoping to brunch an indefinite amount of times. 

For now, I am hoping and wishing for power to be restored in NJ. 

Friday Inspiration

“When you experience uncertainty, you are on the right path – so don’t give it up. You don’t need to have a complete and rigid idea of what you’ll be doing next week or next year, because if you have a very clear idea of what’s going to happen and you get rigidly attached to it, then you shut out the whole range of possibilities.”

- Deepak Chopra

Source: Writing & Creative Inspiration | Free People Blog http://blog.freepeople.com/inspiration/#ixzz265F6rGDg

Weekday New Yorker

I love New York. All the people and noise are what make the city so unique. I was born and raised in New York City and I am defiantly one of those people who believes New York City is the greatest city on Earth. All of the hustle and bustle excites me. There is something for everyone and, because of that, there is always something to do.  Although my love for NYC is a love like no other the excitement overwhelms me at times. Usually, it's in the morning when I haven't had my triple shot of espresso latte and I am running out the door trying to get to class on time. Cabs are honking at me for crossing the street on their green light. Their horns hit a high note which is unbearable without a sip of coffee. People seem to be in my way just standing around as if they have nowhere important to be. The subway is late and I start to believe it isn't going to come at all. These are the times when my feelings for New York develop into a sick and twisted relationship where I love it so much I hate it. 

When I was eight years old my family and I moved to a small suburban town in New Jersey. With its new found reputation; it is a little embarrassing to say I am from "The Jersey Shore."  But the NJ I know is much different than that. We live in a little beach town called Rumson that is only five minutes from the shore. I went home this past weekend to spend some time with my parents. But, let's be real, my main reasons to visit were to go the beach and sleep in my own bed. I spent all day Sunday sun bathing and watching the surf. I have always loved where I live but this weekend trip made me realize how much I truly appreciate the town I grew up in. The beaches are warm and the people are friendly, what more could you ask for? I'm planning on making a trip home next weekend as well. Rumson is my little safe haven and I plan on going to the beach everyday until the sun starts setting earlier and the days get cooler. 

A Look Into Artisan Bread

I think I just died and went to heaven. 

Homemade artisan bread delivered to my door step once a month? I think yes. This past year my love for food has developed into a dedicated passion. Not only do I enjoy eating (mostly over-stuffing my face) I enjoy cooking as well. There is something about mixing together a list of fresh ingredients and creating a beautiful masterpiece with your two hands. Its the simple mincing of garlic or the warm, fresh smell of muffins in the oven that set my mind at ease. It's comparable to the sensation of a ten-mile run. And, trust me, even as a runner, I think I would rather be cooking and eating than running. 

I didn't grow up eating well. And, I certainly never cared to take an interest in my parent's cooking. I was disgusted by the idea of vegetables. When someone suggested I try something new my answer would always be the same, "No." My diet consisted mainly of chicken fingers and french fries, pizza and anything chocolate. It's amazing I am a real girl. 

Suddenly, my palette changed. I began to crave fruits and vegetables. It was like the moment in the movie Clueless when Cher finally realizes her love for Josh, "I love Josh." Whereas, just a few weeks ago, I found out my love for corn, "I LOVE corn!" I exclaimed to my parents. Along with my new love for fresh and healthy food, my mind began working is ways I didn't know existed. In my head I would think of ingredients mixing flavors together to form recipes. I had always had a great fondness for baking. Now the same appreciation was developing for cooking. I became obsessed with whole foods (the actual foods not the store) and now I try to eat as many as possible. I've switched from peanut butter to almond butter and from cow's milk to soy milk.I am infatuated with jams and honeys and my fiber intake is through the roof. My parent's may think I am a bit of a health nut but the foods I eat and the way I eat makes me happy. And, now, I want to share my happiness with you. 

Now, back to the bread. I have always had a fascination with beautifully hand crafted breads. From multi-grain to sour dough and now my favorite, cranberry walnut whole wheat. There is something about the crisp crunch of the outer layer and the warm doughiness of the inside. When I worked for Marie Jackson at The Flaky Tart I learned so many things about baking and life in general. Two summers ago she invited me to a bread making class with Ciril Hitz in Providence, Rhode Island. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  We made all types of bread. And, the best part was we were doing it with our own hands. Eventually, I want to take what I have learned and create something of my own. But, for now, I am just experimenting with other peopl's recipes. 

This blog was originally made with the intent of sharing my little thoughts, or "les petites pensées." Now, my little thoughts are always of food. So, I think it is a good idea to focus my blog on food. I am going to share my own recipes and cooking with you as well as the delicious meals from favorite restaurants in New York City (where I live). Enjoy!