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!