I see the points in both arguments, but I agree with Jenny. Especially being in New York, when those “chic pantry items” are an even prettier penny.

I applaud your efforts! Making bread takes practice and I am too chicken to try. Latkes take quite a while as well (I made 2 different kinds this year), so you obviously enjoy the cooking process. Bravo!!

This sounds AMAZING and I just bought Concord grapes from the produce huts in Brighton Beach!!! I am SOOOO making this. GREAT ideas ... can’t wait to taste these flavors together. Thanks!!!

Pizza con Patate? How Roman! Hmmm...they might have had it. They had so many “specialty” pizzas, I cannot remember now, but call them and check. Have fun making it at home!!! And pizza con patate is SO good. Happy cooking!

This sounds like the perfect afternoon. Never had a huckleberry, but reading this makes me want to try one so bad!

I have a big bunch of chard in my fridge and I look at it every day with a sigh. Though tasty, I say to myself: “I’m so bored with the chard, oil, and garlic combo. And I don’t want to make ANOTHER frittata”. Thank you, Maria, for guiding me in the right direction! I love the idea of this recipe, I cannot wait to make it, and am so thankful it’s vegetarian! Thanks!!

Jenny, please re-write your post. Those bars were not delicious. They were the AMAZING and possibly the BEST thing to have come from “The Counter Space”.

I’m all about the fruit. As a New Yorker, I’m always on the go, and relate to this post a little TOO well. Excellent blog. Instant healthy food: Navel oranges, Apples, a bag of baby carrots. All easy to eat while walking on the way to practice and / or a game. And these are so easy to eat and you don’t have to cook them. NO more sad produce in the fridge.

Hey Anu! One of my favs is Vinho Verde. It’s super light on alcohol and perfect for NYC in August!

I was there, and John, you are correct, it was SUPER crowded. And, like yourself, I had a ton of fun. A people watcher’s paradise. I bought my favorite from this stand outside of Tabla: Corn with Cotija and Cayenne. Being a vegetarian, it’s the only thing I could have, but all my friends had the best time. And who could pass up free Snapple? Cheers!

Sweet post, Jenny! HOT DOG those cookies were good! And you know what? I need to borrow that book when you’re done! Dare I propose you make blondies (my fav) and invent a one-of-a-kind cookie with the recycled blondie leftovers (if there are any)?

Brava for working under pressure and coming out with such gorgeous results! I’m glad you didn’t get the cheese plate option only because those at the party would be deprived of such a beautiful plate! Will look out for a jar of piquillo peppers ... I haven’t tried `em and everyone loves a stuffed pepper. I feel a craving now. Great post!

Anything with Papaya is a good thing in my book. But no coffee? Woo hoo, do I envy your persistence. Congrats on getting to this point so far!!!!

Woo Hoo! I adore Aperol and the Botticelli is a mix I haven’t had yet. I can’t WAIT to go home and try it!! Thanks for sneaking out this recipe!!

a beautiful tribute to someone special. I agree: great post.

I love this posting. This is coming from someone who also adores their food processor. I cannot imagine a day without her. See? I didn’t realize there was a sex to my Cuisinart until I started this comment. Maybe your “Spike” will one day have other processor friends, like my “Ingrid”. Happy cooking!

I often cook alone. It’s a form of relaxation for me. Usually, I cook lunches all in one shot for the week. I do feel sorry for my neighbors, as I like to sing while cooking, and my windows are usually open. (I’m so sorry, folks. It’s NYC, I live on the top floor, and it’s HOT.) My one cooking alone indulgence has (and alway will be) dipping fresh slices of apple in Peanut Butter. Oooo ... and nobody is there to tell you how much is TOO much peanut butter! HA!

This was a great article! I must try that Rose, as I’ve seen that label in my local store. Prosecco is the ultimate outdoor cooler! It’s even better topped off with Aperol (a liquor) to make, what the Italians call, a “spritz”. (Unfortunetely, it’s kind of hard to find in the U.S.) I’m also a fan of almost any bottle of Torrontes from Mendoza. Santa Julia “Organica” makes a stellar organic bottle. Here’s to cooling off with some great wine!

What an inspiring 10 year old! I’m so impressed with his determination on making large, life-style changes at such a young age. I turned vegetarian when I was 15. Like Trista, I’m curious. What inspired him to become a veggie?

Sounds like a warm, cozy time. I find myself in a similar situation with my family... there is a lot of food. And good food at that. (It’s kind of hard to stop eating.) I always bring my running shoes to try to work off Mama’s culinary skills in the downtime. Enjoy your trip and happy eating! Here’s to baguettes and cheese!