We've been eating out a lot lately, mostly at Chinese restaurants in Flushing, Queens. We try to balance it out though, with some good food at home. Oysters and carrots from the Meat Hook, home made bread, my dinner plate, the last of the lettuce from my patio garden, and almond tofu dessert.  

Dried roses for tea, some items for the store, and chocolate made by the Mast Brothers in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

Can't say it's been the most stress-free holiday season, but I really can't complain. I had a nice, quiet Christmas day with family and I'm thankful for that. Looking forward to watching a movie tonight and eating leftover treats. Happy holidays everyone!

Wonderbread

Neil's perfecting his bread-making skills and I think he's got it down. I don't care that it's not so great for you-- white bread tastes so good!

Photo from Esquire

I've been reading quite a lot of tributes to Christopher Hitchens, so now I'd like to take a moment to remember him on my own blog. I've never been able to even understand most of his pieces without a dictionary or Google nearby, let along keep up with everything he wrote. But I do agree that a great voice has fallen silent. From politics to literature to Mother Teresa... and even tea! He held such strong opinions about everything. So I just want to share a favorite of mine, a short and simple piece he wrote at the beginning of this year titled "How to make a decent cup of tea." Pour yourself a proper cup and enjoy!

Butternut Squash Cheesecake

This might be the best dessert we've ever made.

Chicken mobile and collecting eggs; a walk through the nature preserve in Hudson, NY.

Some recent photos: quinoa with pomegranates, sautéed cabbage with parsley, and mustard green salad; Charlie taking a nap; kale and butternut squash lasagna; Millie; gifts from Etsy; my friend Diana.

Baked almond cookies with the leftover egg whites from making ice cream. Really sweet, but still good!