Call me Betty Crocker

Congratulations we made it through the first two weeks of 2016. And more importantly, we made it to a long weekend. Raise the ROOF!!!!!!!

One of my goals for Q1 was to cook//bake//do something beyond use a microwave or toaster once a week. My sister recommended I try her Paleo Banana Bread recipe because 1) I am Celiac and 2) it is tough for me to find gluten free baked goods that do not taste dense or gummy. 

Lets just say this is a game changer. If you are into soft, spongy goodness RUN don't walk to your oven to give this a shot.

Paleo Banana Bread
Ingredients
-3/4 teaspoon baking soda
-3/4 teaspoon baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-3/4 cup almond flour
-1/14 cup coconut flour
-2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
-2 large eggs
-3 ripe medium bananas
-1/4 cup maple syrup
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
-Preheat oven 350 degrees and prepare 9x5 loaf pan
-In a medium bowl, whisk together baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and flours.
-In a separate bowl, mix coconut oil, eggs, banana, maple syrup, vanilla
-Mix bowls
-Pour batter into pan and bake 45-55 minutes

New Year, New Me

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe the holidays have come and gone and we are already in 2016.

I spent the last two weeks in Argentina with my family (more on that to come!) and we went around the table on NYE to say what accomplishment we were each most proud of in 2015 and what our ideal outcome is for 2016. When it was finally my turn, I found it really challenging to articulate (or even conceptualize) an ideal goal or outcome for 2016. The main reason being, a LOT can happen in a year!!!!

With that in mind, I have decided to make quarterly goals instead of year long resolutions for 2016. I have enlisted two friends to do the same and we plan to share our quarterly goals with each other and recap how we did at the end to hold each other accountable..... talk about #squadgoals.

Cheers to Q1!

Fa La La La

Can you BELIEVE Christmas is just four days away??!? Crazy. I have been decking the halls all month long for wedding, Christmas, birthday and engagement celebrations. Last night was my annual secret santa gift exchange and have included two fan favorite recipes below. #tistheseason

Jukes's Christmas Cocktail:
Directions:
-One cup Prosecco
-Add a splash of Ginger ale
-1/2 shot of Cointreau
-Mix together
-Garnish with frozen cranberries and a sprig of rosemary on top!

Taylor's Cheesy Pesto Pull-Apart Bread:
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette
-1/2 cup butter, melted
-1/2 cup pesto
-1 1/2 cups Italian five cheese blend, shredded

Directions:

1. Using a serrated knife, make 1" diagonal cuts across the baguette while leaving the bottom intact. Repeat by cutting it again in the opposite direction
2. Pour the melted butter in between the cuts of the bread and distribute evenly
3. Using a spoon of butter knife, spread the pesto along the cuts
4. Transfer to aluminum foil and generously stuff the cheese in between cuts
5. Wrap up completely in aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes
6. Open up the foil to expose the bread and bake for another 10 minutes to make it crunchy
7. Remove from oven and let it sit for 10 minutes
8. Dish and serve hot

Hostess with the Mostesss

Gooble gobble! Hope you had a great turkey day! I spent the long weekend out in Wisconsin visiting family, drinking cider and overdosing on cheese..... when in Rome. 

December 1st is this week which means its time to break out the twinkle lights, ugly sweaters and peppermint bark. 

We all know how crazy the month of December can be, so in the spirit of thinking ahead, below are some of my favorite hostess gifts for all of your upcoming holiday party needs. 

xo

Santa.

1. For the friend with a sweet tooth
2. For the cook
3. For the party boy
4. For the ugly sweater party
5. For your Martha Stewart friend
6. For the pumpkin spice latte girl
7. For the health nut
8. For your trendy friend
9. For the photographer
10. For the bartender

You Dainty Little Thing

When it comes to jewelry I am very minimalistic. I believe in investing in a few staple pieces and wearing them everyday. 

I have been wearing this Maya Brenner asymmetrical "M" necklace  and this Adina Reyter solid pave disc necklace in gold everyday for the last year. They are classic and can easily transition from day to night. I have also found that because I am very active I opt to keep them on when I work out, shower and sleep to save myself from what can be hours spent untangling the dainty chains.

When it comes to earrings I am a big fan of hoops. They bring an element of sass and fun to an everyday outfit, without looking like your trying too hard. The Paige Novick pave hoops are a personal favorite (and great gift!) as the diamonds dress them up for a night out. 

In terms of bracelets you can never go wrong with a cool metal cuff or set of cute stacked bangles. 

Remember less is more. Happy shopping!

xo

Hair of the Dog

I have always been a big bloody mary fan.

Yesterday my world was changed after hitting up one of my favorite NYC brunch spots Bubby's in Tribeca and trying out their "Good and Evil" cocktails which combine homemade cold pressed juices with booze. I know, I know, it sounds disgusting but trust me on this one. Not only are both cocktails delicious but the vegetable goodness seriously helps limit your chance of waking up with a hangover the next morning. Try it for yourself!

Green Giant:

• Vodka (Titos)
• Celery
• Kale
• Green Apple
• Lemon juice

Beet It:

• Gin
• Beet
• Carrot
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Ginger

I'm back, back in the New York Groove

Hey there stranger! 

I am going to apologize upfront for my two month posting hiatus. I know, I know poor form on my part. I promise to be better.

ANYWHO. After a pretty crazy two months of travel I was finally able to spend this past weekend enjoying fall in NYC and as always, it didn't disappoint. The highlights included trying a new gluten free restaurant By Chloe, posting up for the Giants game at Fools Gold and taking a cocktail making class at Havens Kitchen. This is the third class I have taken at Haven's Kitchen and highly recommend checking it out if you haven't been yet-- the classes also make for great wedding gifts :) Below is a step-by-step guide for making a Whiskey Sour. Enjoy!

WHISKEY SOUR

Ingredients:
1. Bourbon
2. Lemon
3. Simple Syrup
4. Egg White

Directions:

1. Crack an egg and pour in only the egg white
2. Pour in 3/4 of an ounce of simple syrup
3. Pour in 3/4 of an ounce of lemon juice
4. Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon
5. Shake with a shaker tin
6. Add ice cubes to the top of the cup
6. Shake with a shaker tin
7. Use a hawthorn strainer and pour into a rocks glass
8. Add orange slice and cherry garnish
9. Enjoy!