Chocolate Heaven

When I turned 10, my mom and grandmother took me and a friend to a...wait for it....chocolate dessert buffet. I still remember to this day helping myself to more than several cups of chocolate mousse, among other treats. Pastry chef already in the making! As if I'm not around desserts enough, I joined a friend on a recent Saturday afternoon at the Langham Hotel in Boston to basically re-live my 10th birthday. Cafe Fleuri features an exclusive dessert bar that has everything from chocolate treats, cotton candy, a chocolate fondue bar, and crepes made to order. The room was a disappointment (we felt like we were sitting down to a continental breakfast at a courtyard Marriot). But for all-you can-eat desserts, you can't complain. The marjolaine was especially impressive, as I  fully appreciate how time-consuming it is to make. And the orange pot de cremes were so decadent! It's not too late to try the desserts-the chocolate bar is open from September to June every Saturday. It's really the perfect way to spend a day with girlfriends.

Go: Cafe Fleuri, Langham Hotel, Boston, MA

When: Saturdays, From September to June,  11-3 pm

Perfect for: Girlfriend outings, birthday parties, bridal parties

Dinner Party Dessert

To celebrate the new spring season (even if the weather is still a bit chilly) I helped host a casual dinner party. Nothing fancy, but I was asked to make a  chocolate dessert. I decided on a classic Viennese cake, famously known as Sachertorte.

For the cake:
110 grams (3 3/4 ounces unsweetened chopped chocolate
110 grams unsalted butter, room temp.
55 grams confectioners sugar
6 egg yolks (save the whites for the meringue)
110 grams cake flour
110 grams granulated sugar

For the filling:
Apricot jam

For the chocolate ganache glaze:
8 ounces semisweet chopped chocolate
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp light corn syrup

1. Preheat oven to 350. Prepare two 6 in. cake pans by spraying and lining with parchment rounds.

2. Fill a pan with water over high heat and place a bowl that fits over pan without touching the water. Place the unsweetened chocolate i the bowl and stir until completley melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a standing mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg whites on low. When the whites start to look frothy, slowly add granulated sugar, little by little. Raise the speed to high and beat until soft peaks form. Empty meringue into bowl to set aside. Clean mixer bowl and add the butter.

4. Soften butter in mixer with paddle attachment. Add confectioners sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add egg yolks 1 by 1, scraping bowl down after each addition.

6. With motor on low, add melted chocolate all at once. If you don't do this all at once, the chocolate may set up and become too hard to fully incorporate.

7. Once chocolate is fully incorporated, remover bowl from mixer and by hand fold in the meringue. Leave the mixture slightly streaky, then carefully fold in the cake flour.

8. Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 30 min.

9. Remove cakes from pans when done and cool on racks. When ready, use a serrated knife and slice each cake in half so you have four cake layers. With offset spatula, spread desired amount of apricot jam on each layer and assemble. I wrapped the cake at this point and chilled for about an hour before glazing.

10. Prepare glaze by placing in heavy cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan and just when it comes to a boil remove from heat and pour over chocolate. Whisk until it is shiny and smooth.

11. Pour glaze over the cake starting in the middle then down the sides, using an offset spatula to smooth over evenly. Allow to set before serving.

Special Tip: For a dramatic finish, I added caramel-dipped hazelnuts. To make the caramel, simply combine 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and cover with just enough water so it has a wet-sand consistency. Cook over medium high heat until caramel is a light amber color. Thread hazelnuts on any kind of skewer you have and dip.

Flower Power

 

 

 We can all agree that this winter was long and lousy, to say the least. I am SO READY for spring. Making my own simple flower arrangments is something I'm starting to do more of this season. I like using various vases and sticking to a color palette but choosing a nice variety of flowers.


More flower ideas.....

Martha Stewart

 Martha Stewart

 

 Martha Stewart

 

 











Weekend in Connecticut

Working in the city is something I've always been fond of. I love the energy of the city and walking every morning by my favorite shops and sights. I'm a city girl and always will be. But- a weekend in the country is greatly needed every so often. It recharges me and helps remind me that it's OK to slow down! My very dear grandmother lives in Connecticut so I'm lucky I can visit whenever. But if you ever have a weekend or even time for a day trip, Litchfield, CT, is lovely to visit. It's a picturesque New England town surronded by rolling hills and farms. I stopped by my favorite boutiques, flower shop, and even had time to pay a special visit to a dairy farm for some ice cream!

Flowers outside the flower shop. Inside you can find other plants and even unique terrariums.

Remembering to stop and smell the flowers. Something I seldom do in my busy work week.

 Inside the Arethusa Farm Dairy store in nearby Bantam, CT. Clean and simple display. The all-white interior makes the perfect statement for a dairy shop that sells the freshest, simplest products!

Simple menus are always the best menus.

Fresh Cheese and Ice Cream to take home! I'm loving the pink cartons!

 

 

 My favorite boutique in CT. Oliphant is a great place to find colorful jewelery, unique gifts, textiles, and furniture.

 

 I love this modern living look! A little quirky, yet still sophisticated.

 Those antlers, from Africa, are on my wish-list for home decor. They lay perfect on a table, but I'm thinking of getting some to hang on a large empty wall.

 

 

 

 

GO: Litchfield, CT

 

SHOP:  White Flower Farm

             

             Lawrence Jeffret Estate Jewelers

             

             Oliphant

 

EAT:    At The Corner for lunch

             

             Arethusa Farm Dairy for homemade ice cream. I suggest the coconut with dark chocolate chunks!

               

 

 

 

 



 



Cupcake Decoration Idea for St. Pattys Day

 

 

Tiny Meringue Kisses!

 

 

You will need:

 

150 grams egg whites

300 grams sugar

green food coloring

Double-boiler

Stand Mixer with whisk attachment

Piping Bag

Sprayed Parchment Paper

 

Preheat oven to 200.

 

1. Place egg whites and sugar in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

 

2. Fill a large pot with water over medium-high heat. Place bowl of whites and sugar on pot so you have a double-boiler.

 

3. Keep a close eye on the whites, whisking ocassionaly. The eggs should not cook but should be hot to the touch and the sugar should be completly dissolved. When this happens, carefully remove bowl off pot and pour into mixing bowl with whisk, on the highest speed.

 

4. The meringue is ready when shiny and it holds a very stiff peak. Add desired amount of food coloring. Fill pastry bag with meringue and pipe small kisses onto sprayed parchment paper. Bake until meringues are firm to the touch, almost 1-2 hours. 

 



 

 

St. Patty's Day is tomorrow! This year I will most likely avoid the crowded pubs filled with college students and green beer. But there's no reason to stop tradition. Every year growing up, my mom would make a wonderful loaf of Irish Soda Bread a week or so before the holiday, and every morning for breakfast I would toast a piece and slather it with butter. It bakes beautifully, has a wonderful combination of flavors, and is perfect with a cup of tea.

 I never realized until now that Irish Soda Bread has somewhat of a bad rep. Traditionally, it's made with caraway seeds, which certainly have a distinct flavor that takes some getting used to. And I guess it's a bread that is often associated with being too dry. But it doesn't have to be! And perhaps it's just not what people are expecting after taking a first bite. There is no yeast in Irish Soda Bread (baking soda is the leavener), hence the name. It's almost like a scone. Buttermilk will keep this bread moist and lend a nice tangy flavor. My recipe is really fool-proof. Just make sure to cut an "X" across each loaf before baking! This will yield a nice top.

 Irish Soda Bread (makes 2 small rounds)
You will need:

4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup canola oil
2 cups golden raisins
 Caraway seeds (optional) *I used about 1 1/2 teaspoons*


1. Preheat the oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In mixing bowl combine first 4 ingredients and with a whisk mix everything to incorporate evenly.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the dry mix and with paddle attachment (or wooden spoon if doing by hand) mix just until everything comes together. The dough will be very sticky.

4. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough until its smooth. Shape into 2 rounds and with a knife mark a large X on the top of each. Set on the baking sheet and bake for about 45 min.

5. The rounds should be golden brown when done. Tap on the bottom and if it sounds hollow this is also a good indicator they are ready. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

 *Special Tip* Serve with whipped honey butter



-Neighborhood Spot-
 The Blue Ox
 for Upscale American Comfort

 

 

Want classy sophistication without heading into Boston? Also want an incredible burger with an inventive cocktail? Blue Ox, located in Lynn on the Northshore, has just that. Blue Ox is a gem! It's cozy, yet modern and sophisticated, with award-winning entrees and a unique list of cocktails. The award-winning Blue Ox Burgers are perfectly sized 1/4 lb. burgers on golden brioche buns. Aside from the applewood smoked bacon, the best part about this burger is when you take that first bite and the gorgonzola dolce slowly oozes out from the center. It's really a beautiful thing. I suggest trying one of the cocktails (I had the Old Meets New Fashioned)which reminded me of Mad Men. But that house-infused bacon bourbon with maple bitters may have to happen next time!  

SB *Restaurant Picks*

The Blue Ox

191 Oxford St., Lynn, MA 01901

 Drink: The Old meets New Fashioned (whiskey, muddled orange & cherry, maraschino liqueur)

 Eat: Baked Stuffed Brie, Chop Salad, The Blue Ox Burgers, Herb Roasted Chicken 

 Perfect for: Date night, special occasion, cozy & intimate dining.

 

 

 Sunday Brunch: Scratch Kitchen

 

I almost forgot how nice Sundays can be-sleeping in after a late-night, lazily lounging around the table with the paper spread out, coffee brewing. Then going out for Brunch. I adore brunch. I could do brunch every day.

 The thing about brunch is that it really shouldn't be complicated. It should just happen. No one wants to wait in a long line with a hangover. You shouldn't have to travel more than 30 minutes away from home. And the food has to be hearty and plentiful because this really can be THE meal of the day.

Last Sunday, with family and boyfriend, I picked Scratch Kitchen in Salem for my long overdue Sunday Brunch. Scratch is a great new find that focuses on local, farm-fresh ingredients. The house- cured bacon (which I tried and loved!) is featured in several dishes and they make their own condiments. The eclectic menu features dishes such as baked beans on bacon-scented cornbread  and herb pesto scrambled eggs. The service was friendly, hospitable, and kept the coffee coming. Small neighborhood feel with a serious take on sunday's favorite meal of the day.

SB *Restaurant Picks*

Go: Scratch Kitchen (Salem, MA)

Try: The Bacon Benedict, Breakfast pizza (not on the menu) and Green eggs and ham w/ some Goat.

Perfect for: family, friends, and bacon lovers.

 

 

Eggs Benedict

Oscars Night!

The Oscars are tomorrow! Every year for as long as I can remember, the Oscars were a special event I never missed. My eyes would be glued to the TV, scanning the red carpet for all my favorite Hollywood stars. Of course, Oscars night was another reason in my house to eat! We usually had Chinese take-out. But this year, I'm dressing up some classic treats we can always count on during any Blockbuster hit: Popcorn and Candy!

 

Truffled popcorn

 

1/2 cup popcorn kernels, popped

1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup truffle oil

1 cup grated parmesean cheese

sea salt and freshly ground pepper

pinch of sugar

1. Place popcorn in a bowl, add butter and oil, and toss to coat. Add parm and sugar and season with salt and pepper.

Candy Bar

"Twix bar"- 3 layers of shortbread, caramel, and dark chocolate, sprinkled with maldon sea salt.

 

For the Shortbread:

2 cups of flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup unsalted butter, room temp.

1/2 cup of sugar

 

For the caramel:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 cans sweetened condensed milk

4 tbsp light corn syrup

 

For chocolate layer:

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 tsp. light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter

optional- sea salt for sprinkling

1. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.Set aside.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour mix and just mix until dough comes together. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray. Press dough evenly into dish and bake at 325 for about 18 min or until shortbread is golden. allow to cool.

3. For the caramel, combine butter, sugar, corn syrup and condensed milk in a saucepan and stir on medium heat until it cooks to an amber cool. Pour evenly over shortbread and allow to cool in the fridge so it sets before pouring the chocolate layer over.

4. Melt the chocolate, butter, and corn syrup over a double boiler. When completly melted and hot to the touch, pour over the caramel layer and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to cool and set completly, then cut into desired shapes.

 

 

Valentines Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. Some think its cheesy, and in many cases it can be, but I just see it as another reason to celebrate! I love all things heart-shaped, glittery, and sweet (no surprise there). Since I was a little girl, I always loved crafting my own Valentines cards and baking for the people I love in my life.

I often work with a local company around the holidays for their marketing purposes and I thought these classic sugar cookies decorated with royal icing make a lovely statement.  

SPRINKLED WITH LOVE

Polka dot ribbons for polka dot cookies. Every little detail counts!

I love the delicate, decorative edges!

CABIN   FEVER

 
survival Guide for a snow Day
 

 

Keep your Tootsies warm with vintage booties and boyfriend socks from J. Crew

       

I've been using this Aveda moisturizer all winter-it is so creamy and luxurious!

 

 

 

Cabin Fever got you feeling rather itchy? Make an ultra-moisturizing body scrub with ingredients you already have!

 

                                             

           Brown Sugar                Olive Oil                                            Honey

 

 

 

A cassoulet turns this blustery blizzard into a cozy night in.

 

 

You will need wine. Doesn't matter how cheap or fancy, just lots of it.

 

 

 

Light a candle and dive into a new book. I'm reading Pippa Middleton's Celebrate for some new party ideas! 

 

 

 

 

I wish shoveling translated to frolicking in the snow in luxurious furs. A girl can dream, right?

 

 

So, the blizzard has started making its way towards the Northeast, and Boston has declared a state of emergency. I've been inside all day but all is good because I decided to pass the time by re-creating a grilled cheese sandwich I recently sampled from a food truck in Boston. Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese  delivers an outstanding product. Why? Beacause they take a classic American favorite and update it with a twist, using fresh ingredients like carmelized onions and guacamole, without losing sight of what matters most: the perfect amount of gooey cheese between the most perfect two slices of buttery toasted bread.

You will need:(for 2 sandwiches)

 Fresh Guacamole (I made a quick version using half of a tomato, 1 avocado, clove of garlic chopped, splash of lime juice, and salt and pepper.

4 slices of white bread
5 slices of Applewood Bacon, cooked and roughly chopped.
Cheddar Cheese
Muenster Cheese
Butter

Melt about 2 Tbsp of butter in a large saute pan on medium heat and toast bread until golden brown on each side.

Cheese. Bacon. Guac. More Cheese. Top with bread. Place another skillet on sandwiches to press firmly, for a few minutes.

Done.

I've been loving ginger in all forms this season. It is warm and soothing on a cold day, and the health benefits aren't so bad either. Ginger helps aid digestion, curbs nausea, improves circulation, and is a great overall cleansing agent.There are some great chewy ginger candies available at the store, but I love it so much I just had to make a big batch at home.

 

  

Candied Ginger

You will need:

1 lb. ginger, peeled and sliced thin

4 cups of sugar (plus more for coating)

4 cups of water

pinch of salt

Candy Thermometer

(If you don't own a thermometer, you can still do this. Just keep an eye on the pot and when the liquid is the consistency of thin honey, its ready!)But if you plan on making other candies, working with chocolate, etc, a  digital thermometer will really be useful.

 

 

Just Ginger, sugar, and water. This is so easy! Seriously, you probably have ginger somewhere buried deep in your produce drawer in the fridge. And I would hope you have some sugar. If you don't have water, I suggest you find another kitchen?

 



























Peel the ginger with a spoon (like this^) instead of a veggie peeler. You will have a much easier time getting in all those nooks.

Slice the ginger very thinly and place in a large pot, add enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 min. Drain and repeat process one more time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mix the sugar and 4 cups of water in the pot, a pinch of salt and the ginger. Cook until the temp reaches 225 F. Remove from the heat and drain. You can save the syrup to make a fancy cocktail. If you want to coat in sugar, do so while the sugar is still hot. The candied ginger can be stored at room temp in a sealed container for a few months.

 

 

 TA -DAAA!