Last Minute Mini-Thanksgiving Pantry Check

No matter how different this year's Thanksgiving celebrations are it is a good idea to double-check your pantry and kitchen supplies so that you are not left unprepared.

Arguably, given the imminence of future shutdowns and stricter distancing measures an inventory of your kitchen materials maybe even more important this year. 

Here is a list of items to get you started on your own checklists: 

Aluminum Foil: Aluminum Foil is the Swiss Army Knife of my kitchen. Not only can it tent your turkey, but it protects pie crusts from burning, helps to scrub dishes if your steel wool is no longer doing the trick, helps to move heavy furniture to make space for games (nope not kidding, look it up), and in lieu of a chisel or hammer, soften up that brick of sugar that's been hiding out in your pantry since last Thanksgiving.* 

Garbage Bags: Check your supplies. Aside from the obvious, I've also used garbage bags as a tarp for easy crafts cleanup. Consider adding to your Thanksgiving traditions with some crafting activities.

Kitchen Timers: That's right timerS plural! If you're cooking different parts of your meal at the same time, it is even MORE important to keep track of your individual components. As the self-proclaimed queen of "crispy not charred" dinners I declare it absolutely essential that you invest in at least two kitchen timers. 

Paper Towels: Because sometimes spills are guaranteed... 

Meat Thermometer: Helps to make sure that you cook your turkey thoroughly while keeping it juicy and not dry. 

Food Processor: Chop. Slice. Mix. Blend. This machine is your best friend and secret weapon to speeding up your meal prep. 

Placecards: Accent your table with personalized place cards. For fun you can write one thing you are thankful for/that you admire about the person assigned the card on the inside fold. 

Oven Mitts: I'm often tempted to just use a dish towel, but I am tired of getting burn marks on the back of my hands. 

Spirits: Make sure your cabinet is well stocked with spirits, mixers, and whatever you may need to fix a festive quarantini. Some ideas: 

*Orange Bitters for Old Fashions 

* Harney's Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea  one of my FAVORITE teas, I use this as the base of my hot toddy's

* Simple Syrup a staple in many cocktails, it is fairly easy to make your own. A premade simple syrup is nice to have but not need to have.

*  Fever Tree Light Tonic Water: as someone who likes a G&T I find other tonic waters a bit heavy, Fever Tree's Light Tonic Water is much more pleasant. They also have it in cans which you can finde here. 

*  Fresh Lime Juice : I use this in pretty much everything. You can't beat fresh squeezed lime juice. 

Bar Tools: Specifically, a zester/channel knife helps to dress up your holiday spirits. 

Candles: Recently I've really been into beeswax candles--there is something so calming about the flickering of the candlelight. 

Hopefully, this list helps you think about your own holiday checklist and reminds you to order anything that you may need in time for the holiday. 

*Sweet Tip: Take the brick of sugar, wrap in aluminum foil and toss it in the oven (set at 350 degrees F) for 3-5 minutes. 

Wishlist Wednesday

President's Week has me thinking about how quickly spring and summer are creeping up on us and I have to tell you, I can not wait. 

Last year I saw all the different fashion bloggers I follow carrying this AWESOME  architectural bag that looked like a combination of a basket, bird cage, and watermelon slice. Intriguing description? Don't quite believe that it's accurate? 

Judge for yourself because I finally found it! 

 I found this bag by Cult Gaia along with a myriad of variations of it on this website I'd never heard of before "Moda Operandi."

The brands it carries are outside of my frame of reference and super pricey. 

But, there is no harm in looking :) 

So take a peek at the other things I thought were inspiring for summer: 

Jonathan Simkhai Top

Jonathan Simkhai was the only designer name that I was vaguely familiar with. I had previously heard of JS from the lovely Lydia Elise Millen's blog/youtube channel.  I've never met Lydia but she has impeccable style and you should absolutely check her out.  

Cult Gaia, Small Acrylic Bag

Woven watermelon slice basket has me feeling all sorts of ways... 

Monse, Football Floral Off the Shoulder Dress

I just love this dress. 

It has a comma in the price, 

and I have issues about purchasing clothing with commas, so it's not meant to be but

this is absolutely darling. 

I love the off the shoulder draping and the asymmetrical hemline. 

It's such a feminine dress that the juxtaposition of the football print tickles me immensely. 

Jacquemus, Side Tie Short Sleeve Top

Love the draping on this top. Super simple, super chic. 

Ulla Johnson, Tautou basket

This basket-bag is made of wicker, with an optional shoulder strap so it can be worn multiple ways. 

Malone Souliers, Maureen Metallic Leather Flats

Chic and easy, these rose gold flats are so tempting. I love rose gold, it's flattering to most skin tones and is a softer option to other metallics. I love how the silver straps give this a pop of contrast. 

Malone Souliers, Maureen Leather Pumps

These too... 

Malone Souliers, Zada Silk & Leather Stiletto Mules

Malone Souliers, Zeida Leather Trimmed Silk Satin Point-Toe Flats

Bally, Lottie Linen & Cotton Slippers

Tell me these shoes don't scream Amalfi Coast, styled with a cute little eyelet crop top, a "Gloria hat"  and some light jeans or pencil pants? You can't.

Bye lovelies

xox G 

Jet Lag: sleepytime shop with me

After traveling last week I've been battling a lingering case of jet lag and since I'm up at 3:00 what else is there to do but dream browse the internet and try to get additional inspiration for my apartment.

Right now I'm almost completely happy with how everything looks and aside from some finishing touches and some major reorganization, I'm almost completely done decorating.

The real problem is that when I browse I come up with ideas for almost every item I see. I create a whole little narrative for each piece in my head, "Oh and I could do this with it..." meanwhile the next morning I wake up and I'm abruptly met with my new reality and the plastic giraffe I've bought myself in a sleep-deprived stupor.

I'm kidding of course, well mostly kidding,
so I've given myself a new rule that I have to go back to the item over three times to purchase it.

So to give life to my dreams stay tuned to see all the fabulous items I'm loving at the moment:

CB2's Liquid Metal Basket

I mean, I want about ten of these, everywhere, at all times.
Who doesn't want a little extra gold glow in their lives?


Tulip White Marble Table

Yeahhhh I'm not allowed to get this because my very, very, clumsy self would knock it over in a matter of minutes,
but that doesn't stop me from lusting after it...



Ayda Bed

I am obsessed with the clean lines of this bed.

So out of everything on this list, a bed is probably going to be the next large home decor item I purchase.

I've had my current bed since the third grade, a few mattresses and MANY coats of spray paint later its' little wire frame has valiantly traveled from bedroom to bedroom and I'm finally ready to buy one.

I was originally looking to get something with some built-in storage but I love the simplicity of this particular bed.

It may be worthy of a repeat visit- we shall see...



Emmaline Gold Teapot

I've been reading more and more about metallic accents being used as a neutral and this teapot I feel is versatile enough to be used in pretty much any table setting.

The temptation is growing...

Boat Hobe

Wooly Hobe

Instagram has been presenting me with maybe a thousand ads for flats in the past month and Hobes have caught my eye especially these little wooly darlings because they just look super comfy.

More realistically I think that I would purchase the Boat Hobe just because spring/summer are just around the corner and I don't believe that I would get enough use out of them before the end of the winter.




Sia Studs

Aside from the fact that these remind me of pizza and Pac-Man at the same time, which obviously is HUGE points in their favor, these earrings are super chic and look amazing on.

The 'infinity' wrap illusion is awesome and I feel like I'll be making my way back to these guys soon.




Chanel Flap Bag

Sweet dreams are made of these... 

I'm surprised by how much I like the contrasting leather trim and have finally tuckered myself out. 

'Night my lovelies

xox G

Inside a Christmas Tree - Rolf's NYC

I love Christmas time. 

It's magic. 

If you love Christmas, you need to go to Rolf's now. 

My friend and I have been talking about going to Rolf's for years. 

So, thanks to her excellent planning skills, we were able to snag a table for dinner with a reservation made in October. 

That's right, October. 

Be warned, if you decide to risk coming sans reservation, the earlier you get there the better. The line is easily 40 people deep at all times. 

Holiday 'spirits' flow readily, naughty and nice are indistinguishable, mistletoe all around, what's not to love? 

 Rolf's keeps the decorations up well into the spring, so if you find yourself a little too frozen to wait out the line, I'll see you there in 2017 to explore with a little more elbow room.

P.S. Let's be honest Santa, I really did try this year... 

could my coal at least come a little, I don't know, sparkly? 

Turkey Day Tablescape

 Thanksgiving this year was a little smaller than normal... kidding, kinda.  

In order to give the table a dynamic look without over cluttering it, the decision was made to alternate china patterns, and keep any additional adornments fairly simple. 

Once the food was on the table- photos were definitely not top of mind. 

Yum.

Even dogs take turkey naps

Home is where the hearth is... see what I did there ;-) 

I am exceptionally thankful to be surrounded by such amazing, brave, and loving family and friends. Knowing you has changed me for the better and I am proud to know each and every one of you.  

xoxox

Netflix + Chocolate = Chill

My recent documentary binge has lead me to Netflix foodie heaven. If you haven't you need  to check out Chef's Table, Cooked, Somm, and Crafting a Nation. 


 "Chef's Table" hooked me within the first 20 seconds, needless to say, I powered through the six episodes in a way that only Dexter Morgan has been able to compel me to do before.

Each episode profiles a single chef [ Season 1: Massimo Bottura, Dan Barber, Francis Mallmann, Niki Nakayama, Ben Shewry, and Magnus Nilsson]. The show does a masterful job at making the viewer feel that they understand the chef, and their philosophy in a very personal way. Each of the chefs that were featured were so incredibly different from the others, each of them made a unique impression and at the conclusion of each episode I was forced to consider a different issue. Bottura challenged the norms that have been so often associated with Italian cuisine.  Barber posed the question of our own agency when it comes to our consumption of food and the responsibilities that poses. Mallmann in particular made an indelible impression on me. I've never seen a person so free, and so committed to the romanticism of their life. Mallmann says, and I'm paraphrasing here; "you don't grow on a secure path... growth requires work and risk.. in order to grow you need to be at the edge of uncertainty." Mallman emphasized the concomitant need for change and uncertainty in order to create growth. Nakayama presented with an incredible strength and showcased how important relationships are. Shrewry's narrative created a juxtaposition between the idea of success and what it actually takes and both he and Nilsson shared a sense of coming home at last. when they stopped trying to cook or force cuisine to be something other than it was supposed to be.  

I highly recommend it.

The final episode focuses on Magnus Nilsson and his restaurant Fäviken. Nilsson has created a restaurant with Fäviken that thrives on an intense Nordic authenticity using primarily local ingredients. 

The idea of seasonal cooking and the utilization of better produce was echoed by each of the chefs and has made me more conscientious about trying to source my produce as locally as possible.  
As Nilsson says, "a dish will never be better than your produce."

 I was excited to see Nilsson's name pop up in Saveur's Instagram feed along with the chocolate cake recipe listed here:

Ingredients

10 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing

¹⁄₄ cup plain bread crumbs

1 cup sugar

7 tbsp. natural cocoa powder

2 tsp. vanilla extract

^1⁄₄ tsp. kosher salt

2 large eggs

1 cup cake flour, sifted

Heat the oven to 400°.

Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and coat the bottom and sides with the bread crumbs, discarding any excess.

In a medium bowl, whisk the 10 tablespoons melted butter with the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until well combined.

Add the eggs one at a time and whisk until smooth.

Fold the flour into the batter until just combined, and then scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Bake until the cake forms a thin skin on top but the batter is still loose in the center, about 10 minutes.

Transfer the pan to a rack, let cool completely, and then chill for 1 hour. Unmold the cake and serve.

I decided to make this cake to celebrate my brother's birthday, needless to say, the cake got rave reviews. The only additional feedback the boys had was that this cake should always be served with a glass of cold milk. 

 I also didn't have unseasoned breadcrumbs available so I used Panko bread crumbs which gave a pretty nice crunch. 

If I were to make this recipe again, with the same pan, I would double the recipe. 

Reach Out

This evening I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Cooking Live NYC fundraiser for Family Reach.

-A very, very, big thank you to Auntie M and Mr. E for inviting me this evening -

Family Reach assists families who have a loved ones living with cancer.  

Among the services they provide, Family Reach provides financial assistance helping families to manage their mortgage or rent payments, utilities, and uncovered medical expenses. Family Reach also provides additional support through education or outreach to these families during their time of need.

I was incredibly moved this evening. 

As each of the speakers told their story about what Family Reach means to them, the love in the room was palpable. 

It truly was a privilege to be there tonight.

Cancer is something that we don’t understand, and though we are learning more about it every day, it is still something that requires the energy not only of the person battling it, but also the energy and support of the entire family.

 Family Reach CEO Carla Tardiff said something in particular that captures the spirit of Family Reach so perfectly that I have to share it with you, “This isn’t charity, this is humanity.”

If you can give a little bit of your time, energy, or would like to make a donation to Family Reach to help a family in need, or simply would like to learn more about Family Reach please click here.

If you or someone you know is living with cancer, or has a loved one battling cancer and could use a helping hand, please click here.

Now, about the party…

Tonight’s dinner had four courses prepared by incredible chefs; Chef Ming Tsai,  Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Shaun Hergatt,  and Chef Todd English.  

This was one of the most incredible meals of my life. 

The first course, prepared by Chef Ming Tsai, comprised of a Caramelized Shallot Poached Norwegian Salmon served with Thai Basil-Cauliflower Fried Rice and a Patron Ginger-Yuzu Rita that was prepared by Bryant Gumbel. 

The second course, prepared by Chef Masaharu Morimoto was  Laksa Tan Tan Noodles, served with TYKU  Black  Junmai Ginjo Sake.

The third course, prepared by Chef Shaun Hergatt, comprised of a slow braised oxtail served with hazelnut and black truffle. This was paired with a 2011 Chateau Greysac Medoc,  from Bordeaux France.

The fourth course, prepared by Chef Todd English, comprised of a seared New York Club Steak, braised short rib polpettina plated with a squash- taleggio polenta and charred Broccoli-Parmesan Salad. This course was paired with a 2011 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino,  from Tuscany, Italy.

At this point, I was almost ready to call “uncle!” I couldn’t pick a favorite course even if I tried. BUT Just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore, they served dessert.

 Dessert was a marvelous spectacle prepared by Chef Philip Medora and Chef Alan Dancyger.

I meant to photograph it… but, I ate it too fast. 

With the holiday season fast approaching, please keep Family Reach in mind.