Beans, Beans...

Sunday seemed like the perfect time to try this black bean pumpkin soup, October 31, the right night for a smokey, simmering (slightly mysterious?) pot on the stove. I found this in the archives at Smitten Kitchen and kept it up my sleeve until Brian announced he'd really like black bean soup, soon, please. He doesn't usually go for pumpkin stuff, at least not baked into bread or stuffed into cream puffs or in a cup like a pumpkin chai latte drizzled with caramel. This recipe promised to be naked pumpkin- no sugar, no spice, no cream base. It was so easy to make and turned out exactly like I expected. Exactly like the picture. Except I didn't serve it with the seeds because I was way too lazy to carve a Jack O Lantern this year. Booo.

With Cherries on Top

My mom made my brother's favorite birthday cake (back when he ate cake) out of (birthday) season on Sunday. I love her Black Forest recipe and it's even nicer when the layers aren't sliding in the summer heat.

Fun Size

Brian and I planned a road trip to White Castle in Tom's River on Saturday. Even though my whole life I hated that holey meat served on small wet buns, suddenly I had a craving... or I guess what is called "the crave".

You'll Be Smitten

Last night I made this cauliflower soup; it was really simple and delicious. Other than some chopping it just about made itself.

I also grilled us sandwiches: a rustic batard, aged sharp cheddar and ripe tomato.

Was too hungry to shoot my own photos, but they looked just like these on Smitten Kitchen, I promise.

Quick Wit

Oh wiz wit, I wouldn't want to live widdout you.

On Top of Spaghetti

I have been craving spaghetti and meatballs since my Aunt Maggie served her most amazing version recently.

It was like a big hug.

Seriously, I stare into space with a smile on my face just thinking about it.

(image via Runs With Spatulas)

You Are French, Aren't You?

Have you ever eaten a canele? It's a French pastry: fluted, caramelized, crunchy exterior, soft, moist vanilla bean speckled interior.

I bought a tube of six miniatures at the Farmer's Market. Bonus: sealed with a Sister sticker.

They are even better than I remember.

Versatile too: "...the canele accommodates itself equally well with champagne as with tea, and goes with all types of wines."

Shake It Up

Parc on Rittenhouse Square serves iced coffee drinks in ice cream float dishes.


It just tastes best.


And there is brunch.

Cool as a Cucumber

I made my own variation of this recipe last night; I swapped out the mint for cilantro, changed the sour cream to Greek yogurt, and was heavy handed on the cayenne pepper. Also forgot the vinegar, whoops. It was fun and easy (throw everything in a blender) to make. I think it tasted really nice as far as chilled cucumber soup goes... but it would be best as a dressing, or a drizzle on something.

Nut Job

Yesterday I stopped at the chocolate shop to stock up: dark cashew clusters, almond butter crunch, and dipped Brazil nuts. I have been ordering a pound of the same mix each week or two for at least a year but every time the cashier asks me if I want it wrapped. I always say no and then sheepishly, "It's for me." There always seems to be a silent moment of judgement but I might just be making that up. Anyway, I am instantly saner and happier with a box of chocolates in my hand.

Eat Dessert First

A chocolate root beer bundt cake smothered in the easiest chocolate frosting ever. My heart always skips a happy beat when a cooled cake plops out of its pan in perfect shape, and I had to stop myself from sculpting this dreamy topping, it was so delightful and pastry chef-ish.

An apple tart made on the fly. Note to self: arrange apples minus mania ("... in order to make the arrangement beautiful"- as Ina Garten intended).

And a plum cake, sad to say this recipe was a bit disastrous. But dunked in lemon curd the next day at breakfast it was quite nice.

Sorry for the garish photographs; I missed an entire afternoon of soft, natural light and snapped these with the flash late at night while everyone waited and salivated.

August Rush

Roadside stand, you are one of summer's simple pleasures.

That's Amore

When I spotted this pizza on for me, for you, I had to make and eat it pronto. A little garlic, some thinly sliced onions, a sneaky heat from red pepper flakes, caramelized zucchini and cheese, oh cheese, lots of cheese.

It was super delicious.

Photo by Kate.

Some Like It Hot

Hot sausage, peppers and onions on a sturdy roll is just the summer thing. I want to eat it three nights a week.

Cookie Monster

Cooooookies. All I want for snack lately is a crunchy, chocolaty cookie chock full of toasted nuts. Famous Fourth Street Deli sells the best. When I'm extra good or sort of sad, Brian brings me one.

Primo donna

Two feet of roast beef and cooper sharp on a sesame baguette, this is one of my favorite hoagies.

Patticake

This amateur snapshot does not do justice to my mom's knock-off-your-socks blueberry pancakes. Whenever I order them out I am bitterly disappointed because no one can duplicate the densely studded berries in a light, little bit sweet batter. Melt a pat of butter, sprinkle some powdered sugar, best summer breakfast ever.


Mmm, thanks Marmee.

Fiesta for One

Last night I made tacos for dinner even though I was eating alone. They were so worth the trouble.

Theme: Good Eats

Belgium beer, Orval and Kriek (cherry):

Confections at Grand Place:

A scone for the road:

Eten & drinken along Lange Leidsedwarsstraat, pork schnitzel and melted brie with crusty bread:

Pastel marshmallows when we pay the check:

Sarang Mas at Rokin 84, for Indisch rijsttafel:

My very favorite place we found, Melly's Cookie Bar:

This is the From Mirta with Love sandwich, made with olive tapenade, fresh vegetables from the oven, and olive oil:

Mam's Favorite is made with roast chicken, lettuce, avocado, and lemon mayonnaise:

Hot chocolate, whipped cream:

We ate more tosti's than anything else:

Pannenkoeken, a crepe-like pancake with sweet strawberrry:

Order a "coffee", get an espresso. Always served with a small cookie or slice of something nice.

Mussels in Brussels:

Pringles were weirdly popular:

Each morning Brian picked up lattes from Greendayz, they were delicious:

Stroopwafel!

More good things at Melly's:

Bottled Coke, frites, pretty cocktail napkin:

Cafe d'Oude Wester, on a busy corner of Prisengracht. Beer and fries, then Anne Frank:

Brian ordered a Broodje rookworst:

Sarah ran a one (wo)man show, taking orders, cooking, serving espresso, plating, running, and bussing:

A savory ham and cheese pannenkoeken:

Cheese and salami tosti, lovely:

Lunch along Nieuwe Doelenstraat, the "Street of Targets."
Meatballs with mustard:

Marinated goat cheese, olives, and fresh bread: