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Month: April 2018

Chocolate Chip Cookies

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chocolate chip cookies

There are so many chocolate chip cookie recipes out there- how can you choose which one to use?! So the first step is to decide what kind of cookie you are looking to make. Chewy, soft, thick, thin, chunky, cakey, crispy, salty? Once you determine what kind of cookie it is you seek, you can narrow down your recipe search.

Now, if you are looking for a thin, salty, semi-crisp chocolate chip cookie- then look no further. I’ve got you covered.

My recipe is inspired by Ina Garten’s Chocolate Chunk recipe but with the changes that helped turn it into what I consider the best recipe for me! You should do the same to make it your own! For me, I’m not a fan of big chunks of chocolate so I like to use mini chocolate chips because they melt into the cookie and are sprinkled throughout. I also only include walnuts every so often. Remember… walnuts and raisins are always optional!

The salty sweetness of this cookies is a real crowd pleaser 🙂  

chocolate Chip Cookies
Print Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: cookie, sweets
Servings: 35 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound room temperature unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 room temperature extra-large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips feel free to add a nother handful if you like they super chocolatey
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts – optional (make sure they are fresh!)

Instructions

  • Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt
  • Using an electric mixer like a kitchen aid, fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter and two sugars for about 4 minutes until very light and fluffy
  • Add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time, and mix well.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing only until combined.
  • Use a spatula to mix in the chocolate chips by hand.
  • Scoop cookies onto a cookie sheets using a cookie scoop. Dampen your hands and flatten the dough slightly. Bake for 15 minutes (the cookies will seem underdone). place cookies on a cooling rack and serve warm or cool.
  • After cookies have cooled completely, store in an airtight container.

Barcelona, Stamford CT

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A vibrant and cozy bar scene in Stamford, CT, with a well-stocked bloody mary station complete with an array of condiments and garnishes, patrons enjoying the ambiance.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Where Feast & Merriment abounds” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_dropcaps style=”fancy-style” background_color=”#727272″]T[/mk_dropcaps][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1539276684447{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]apas is my favorite style of eating. Small plates of deliciousness of all kinds intended to share- what could be better? On any given Sunday, you can find me at Barcelona in Stamford, CT with a bottle of Rioja and surrounded by cured meats, cheeses and tapas. And I will stay there all-day-long.

barcelona-wineI actually love Barcelona on any day or night of the week, but Sundays is my personal favorite because their wine list is 50%. What makes this deal even sweeter is that Barcelona has the best wine list of any restaurant in the area. At most other restaurants the problem is which wine to choose because they are all mediocre and highly overpriced, even at 50% off! Here, the problem I run into is which one not to choose. The wine at Barcelona is well curated and it does not go unnoticed.

Okay, enough about wine. Lets talk about the food. The menu has a few consistent items that you can always count on like the manchego and jamon croquettes and the meatballs, but they change the menu frequently with the seasons and this keeps it interesting for us regulars. The food here has never disappointed me and I’ve eaten here well over 30 times.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1539809173864-68638fdc-f504-4″ include=”2809,2813″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1523045914292{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Barcelona is a great place to go with friends, on a date or even by yourself if you are like me and like to saddle up to the bar. It’s also a fantastic spot for Sunday brunch with unequivocally the best Bloody Mary bar in town.  (Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday.)

I recommend Barcelona for anyone who enjoys great Mediterranean inspired tapas food, mainly with origins from Spain, excellent wines and sherry’s, and a lively, yet rustic, ambiance. The only downside to Barcelona is the same as everywhere in Stamford- the parking isn’t great, but if you take an Uber your night just got better with door to door service![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Recommended for:” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_custom_list style=”mk-icon-ok”]

  • Bloody Mary Bar: You won’t find a better one around.
  • Sunday Wine Down: 50% off bottles all day on Sunday.
  • The Food: The food is fantastic.

[/mk_custom_list][mk_button dimension=”flat” corner_style=”rounded” size=”large” url=”https://www.barcelonawinebar.com/location/stamford/” target=”_blank” align=”center” bg_color=”#e69b10″ btn_hover_bg=”#4c4c4c” btn_hover_txt_color=”#ffffff”]Visit Barcelona’s Website[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1539809173866-c6f6b4c7-244e-3″ include=”2814,2817,2812,2813,2811,2818,2810,2807″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Crisfield’s Prime Meats, Rye NY

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Meat matters” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1544735085677{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]I have so much I want to say about why we should all be buying our meat from independently owned, professional butcher shops and not run of the mill, “B” grade grocery stores. But I’ll save my soap box speech for another post. But it relates to why I recommend Crisfield’s Prime Meats as one of Westchester’s best local butcher shops.

Family owned and operated for as long as I have been a Sound Shore resident, the meat here speaks for itself. They specialize in high quality meats and they butcher them expertly. John, the owner, is always happy to talk to you about recommendations on cuts or how to cook something. It’s not uncommon for me to walk in to buy a simple chicken and getting side tracked and walking out with something totally unplanned like Heritage pork chops or a crown roast.

One of my absolute favorite things at Crisfield’s are the house blended “Super Burgers.” After having one of these, it’s actually hard to have another burger anywhere. They don’t always have them so call first to ask.

Crisfield’s also has a good selection of speciality sandwiches and house made foods. Among my favorite prepared food item is their fresh baked ham. It is SO good. I’ll go ahead and say it’s the best ham I have ever had. Sometimes, I don’t even bother with a sandwich- I just order a few slices and it doesn’t even make it home. So good.

Conveniently, they also have your necessary produce, sauces and other supplies you need to pull off a delicious meat focused meal. And if they don’t have something you need to round out your meal, you can always pop over to June & Ho, just across the street, to get what you need. Doesn’t get better than that!

Although I believe there is nothing better than supporting family owned and operated local business, what makes Cristfield’s stand out is the thing I care about most- commitment to quality and customer service.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Recommended for:” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_custom_list style=”mk-icon-ok”]

  • All things Meat: Everything from fresh chicken breasts to speciality cuts that are hard to find
  • The Super Burger: Just trust me on this one
  • House cooked Ham: I don’t know how they do it, but they make the very best ham.

[/mk_custom_list][vc_custom_heading text=”Not recommended for:” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_custom_list style=”mk-icon-ok”]

  • A Bargain: You have to pay a premium to shop at Cristfield’s.

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Visit Crisfield’s at:

61 Purchase Street
Rye, NY 10580

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June & Ho, Rye NY

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”My Second Home!” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_dropcaps style=”fancy-style” background_color=”#727272″]I[/mk_dropcaps][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1544735477006{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]spend more time than I care to admit at June & Ho. The obsession started back in 2005 when I was living in downtown Rye, NY and could walk there. They have known me by name ever since and the obsession is still going strong in 2018. The place hasn’t changed in the least since the first time I walked through the doors. But that should tell you something- they have a good thing going.

June and Ho specializes in speciality sandwiches, homemade soups, and high quality, pre-made foods. The homemade dishes line almost the full length of the store offering everything from Beef Bourguignon to Edamame Salad and everything in between. Although I cook most of my food from scratch, I definitely take advantage of the prepared foods by June & Ho when I am in a pinch or on the run.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1546301279214-d8ce3061-9e97-9″ include=”2621,2620″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1544735768574{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]I shop here at a minimum once a week and my basket is typically full of fresh produce, fresh herbs, a container of ratatouille from behind the counter, fresh made English muffins, a few containers of soup, and whatever else looks good that day. They also serve great coffee, and I rarely leave without ordering one.

Above all else, what I love the most about June & Ho is that I can walk into this one place and get everything I need to turn around a simple, or a special occassion meal, in one stop. Yes, I pay for the convenience. But I’m okay with it because I know I can trust the food that I am buying and I am glad to be supporting a local small business that consistently delivers on quality. It’s hard to find any place that delivers as consistently as June & Ho.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Recommended for:” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_custom_list style=”mk-icon-ok”]

  • Fresh Produce & Herbs: The produce here is always fresh and the herbs are well packaged.
  • Fresh Fish: June & Ho has an impressive selection of fresh fish.
  • Prepared Foods: Great for homemade style foods when you can’t cook yourself.
  • Speciality Items: You can find delicious treats from all over the world that you can’t find in a traditional food store.  Everything from a selection of caviar and truffles to sauces and dips.
  • Fresh baked bread and bakery items: Baked on premises, you can pick up a fresh baguette and a homemade dessert.

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Visit June & Ho at:

70 Purchase Street
Rye, NY 10580

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Rustic Blueberry Crostata

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Blueberry Crostata

Indulge your senses in the rustic charm of a delightful blueberry crostata, a simple yet elegant pastry that captures the essence of homemade goodness. This blueberry crostata boasts a golden-brown, flaky crust that cradles a luscious filling of plump, juicy blueberries. The deep blue-purple hues of the berries peek through the folds of the handcrafted dough, creating a picturesque mosaic that beckons with the promise of sweet, summer flavors.

Blueberry Crostata
With only a few ingredients, this rustic tart is easy, delicious and impressive enough for any occasion!

There are two ingredients that take this crostata to the next level- the pie crust and the sugar. All good pie must have good pie crust. So you’ll need to make your own or use a really good pre-made crust. (I recommend Pre-made Pie crust from Immaculate Baking Co, which I buy at Whole Foods.) Sugar in the raw on the crust glistens after baking and adds that finishing touch that makes this crostata irresistible.

However, star of this culinary delight is undoubtedly the blueberry filling. Bursting with freshness and natural sweetness, the blueberries release their tantalizing juices during baking, creating a sumptuous, jam-like consistency. A hint of lemon adds a zesty brightness, complementing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Blueberry Crostata

Served warm or at room temperature, this rustic blueberry crostata is a sensory delight – the first bite revealing the flaky layers of the crust and the explosion of flavors from the bursting blueberries. A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can elevate the experience even more, adding a touch of decadence to this humble, yet irresistible dessert. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday afternoon or presented as the finale to a special meal, this rustic blueberry crostata embodies the heartwarming simplicity of homemade treats, inviting you to savor the beauty of uncomplicated, delicious indulgence.

Apple Crostata
apple crostata
Ina Garten’s Apple Crostata is a delightful and approachable dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in.
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5 from 1 vote

Rustic Blueberry Crostata

This recipe for blueberry crostata is “easy as pie” to make! Serve with vanilla bean ice cream and you won’t be disappointed! 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
resting time5 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pint fresh blueberries approx. 2 cups
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbs sugar in the raw (okay to use granulated sugar if you don’t have raw sugar)
  • 1- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon chilled butter cut into pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 home made or store bought refrigerated, rolled, 9 inch pie crust (recommended Immaculate Baking Pie Crust)

Instructions

  • Bring pie crust to room temperature according to package instructions. Then heat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Unroll pie crust and place on the baking sheet. (roll out crust slightly if needed to smooth out or shape.)
  • In a medium sized bowl, mix together the blueberries, cornstarch, sugar and lemon juice.
  • Spoon mixture into the middle of the crust leaving about 2″ around the edge.
  • Fold the edges over, crimping slightly as you work your way around the pie. 
  • Dice the chilled butter and dot on top of the blueberries.
  • Whisk the egg and water.  Brush egg mixture onto the crust and sprinkle with sugar.
  • Bake 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the blueberries have begun to bubble.
  • Cool and serve warm or at room temperature. 

Notes

This recipe can be made one day in advance. It reheats well, but be careful just to warm up and not recook.