Grilled Cheese Party

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A couple weeks ago we threw our 2nd annual Grilled Cheese Party. It was so good last year that we just had to do it again! We were celebrating my friend Nicole’s and my birthday. In the house, we had a table made up with all the fixin’s: several different types of breads and cheeses (all labeled with washi tape), plus lots of spreads and toppings. We had garlic aioli, mayo, fig jam, several mustards, caramelized onions, and arugula, to name a few. Each person made up their sandwich then brought it outside to Jonathan, who was manning the grill, with our biggest skillet and a tub of butter. This way, we could all be outside together and no one was stuck in the kitchen! Coming hot off the grill they are absolutely delicious…I think food cooked outside always tastes better :) Plus, when entertaining outdoors in the winter (even in California) it helps to have a hot grill to stand around to keep warm.

For dessert we had a brownie cake and a pear pie, topped with the cutest bees wax birthday candles from Mohawk Valley Trading Company. I also decorated the deck outside with some of their other candles that they gifted me- I just love them. I have been trying to keep things more “all-natural” around the house, so I like that these candles don’t give off any toxic fumes when burned. Plus, they have a lovely subtle scent of honey.

As the sun went down, we put a big screen outside on the deck, bundled up with blankets and watched a movie around the fire pit. 

Make a wish!

xx, Erin

Blueberry Coffee Cake

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We recently had a house full of guests for a long weekend and I thought it would be fun to bake a coffee cake for a chilly, lazy Sunday morning. Coffee cake is great, because you can cut slices as people rouse and it’s perfect with a cozy cup of coffee or Hot Chaider. Makes me miss warmer days full of hikes and blueberry picking… I used this recipe, which was lovely and moist! The only difference is that I used half whole wheat flour, and I added sliced almonds to the crumble topping. Delicious.

Valentine's Day Menu

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Happy Valentine’s Day! In case you’re planning to spend a cozy night in cooking with your sweety (or with friends!), here is a menu idea:

To start: a Pomegranate Cocktail aperitif

First Course: Red Valentine Chopped Salad

2nd Course: Red Roasted Carrots

Main Course: Beet, Onion & Eggplant Stack with Pesto (which is great alongside any meat entree´ if you want something a little more filling!). It’s also good with big round slices of fresh bufala mozzarella mixed into the stack.

For Dessert: Spiced Apricots dipped in dark chocolate with chili powder

Cheers!

Israeli Salad with Feta

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A couple years ago we spent a month near the beach in Tel Aviv. Most mornings we would walk down to a little cafe and have a version of this salad for breakfast. Yes, breakfast! Sometimes with an egg. So delicious and fresh in the morning. I added the feta for an extra flavor kick.

Enjoy!

Hummus-Tomato Deviled Eggs

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Hello, cute Superbowl Party food! I’m going to make these little Hummus-Tomato Deviled Eggs for the big game on Sunday. It’s been unseasonably warm in Northern California (with a lot of early blooms!) and I’ve been sitting outside with these for lunch several times this past week… and I can’t get enough of them! Just mash together the yolks with hummus, mayonnaise, and (spicy) mustard until creamy and spoon the mixture into the egg whites. I top each with a half of a grape tomato (like cherry tomatoes, but oblong like a football!). Finish with a sprinkle of smoky paprika and (Maldon) sea salt. Enjoy!