Vegetarian Grilling

Dear YOU + ME*,

I'm having some friends over this weekend for an end of summer grill fest. Although my husband and I are decidedly carnivorous, some of our close friends are vegetarians. Our grill staples are hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken, so I'm not really sure what to grill for our non-meat eating friends. Are veggie burgers the way to go? Do people grill tofu? Any menu help would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
L.

Dear L.,

You've come to the right place! Miya and I are both vegetarians and California natives (where it's grilling season all year long), so we've had lots of experience with grilling sans meat. First off, your veggie friends are going to appreciate that you're putting so much thought into what they can eat at your end of summer get together. It's so easy to pull that box of veggie burgers from the freezer, chip off the layer of ice, and call it vegetarian dinner or to assume that a hamburger bun and a piece of watermelon will suffice. While I'm sure your friends would be perfectly happy with both those scenarios since they care first and foremost about your company, they'll be blown away that you put some extra energy into grilling something they can enjoy too.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Heidi Swanson's Favorite Grilled Kabob Recipe
This is one of my all time favorite grilled meals. I often don't even deal with making kabobs. Instead, I grill a variety of veggies and tofu using grill plans so they don't fall through the slats and then pile on the Muhammara, an amazing red pepper and walnut spread. You could easily serve this with grilled flatbread, a cold salad or two, and some kind of grilled meat to make an amazing feast for everyone. Actually, I've served this without any meat to plenty of carnivores and I haven't heard any complaints in between the mmmmms and yums.

Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi is a mildly salty and firm cheese traditionally made with a blend of sheep and goat's milk. It can be found in specialty grocery stores (I usually buy it at Whole Foods and I think I've seen it at Trader Joe's). To prepare, cut into slices of your desired thickness. We usually cut our hunk of cheese into three slabs, which makes them about 1/4 inch thick--much thicker and you lose the contrast in texture between the grilled, crunchy part and the melty middle. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown with grill marks. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon. We often serve Halloumi with the kabobs above.

Grilled Tofu. If your whole menu is basically planned and you just want to add a vegetarian protein, you can definitely grill tofu. The beauty of tofu (and also its downfall) is that it doesn't have a whole lot of flavor on its own; instead it takes on the flavors of its topping or marinade. This recipe suggests grilling tofu and then topping it with pesto. An alternative approach would be to marinate the tofu like this prior to grilling. Either way is just fine--you'll just want to make sure you do one or the other. Tofu without a topping or marinade isn't going to tempt anyone's taste buds. If you're seeking an extra firm and chewy texture, you can press the water out, freeze it overnight, thaw, and then marinate/grill. Your friends will be super impressed. 

Oh, one more grilled option to serve people with diverse dietary preferences is grilled pizza, which we wrote about last month. Letting everyone top their own pizza, means everyone gets their perfect pie. 

These suggestions should be a good start for this weekend's menu or for any future grill sessions with your vegetarian friends. You may also consider asking your friends to bring their favorite vegetarian items for the grill. I'm sure they would be happy to contribute to the meal and it might give you additional ideas for next time. Do tell us how your party goes!

xo,
ME*

Giveaway Winner #2

Due to some unexpected travel, our original giveaway winner won't be in town for the photo shoot with Brookelyn Photography.  But her loss is a gain for Aron from Hither and Thither.

Aron, please confirm that you're available between the 4th and 9th of October within the next 72 hours.  We look forward to working with you (and hope we get the opportunity to work with the rest of you another time)!

Giveaway Winner!

Yay, congrats to It Rained on a Friday! Thanks to everyone for entering, and we can't wait to see more of all of you around here soon. xo!

Happy Birthday, Elisabeth!

Hello, friends! I hope you all had weekends that were equally restful and exciting. Today is Elisabeth's birthday (and I bet she's sitting at home right now cursing me for telling you this). She's not too fond of getting super personal on the blog, so I'll keep the gushing minimal-ish.

When I first met Elisabeth four years ago in grad school, we became fast friends, bonding quickly over our love of all things Northern California, our quirky dogs, and our eerily similar husbands. Since then, our friendship has become one of my most valued relationships. Elisabeth is kind, generous to a fault, and one of the most loyal and solid friends that I've ever had. Plus, she's the best cook ever. 

Elisabeth, I hope you have a hot cup of coffee made for you when you get up,

Left: Central Park Mug, Fishs Eddy; Happy Birthday, Coffeestencil

Plenty of nautical-themed goodness throughout your day,

Left: Happy Birthday Matey, Egg Press ; Right: Carrick No. 2, Fort
 

And something sweet after each meal (and hopefully in-between).

Left: 4 Layer Cake, Paul Ferney; Right: a bundle of cake flags!, Herriott Grace
 

You're an amazing friend and an inspiring person. Happy, happy birthday, and many happy returns.
xo

Treat Yourself

Yesterday was a lovely little day. Miya and I ate the most delicious lunch (sans babies) at one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, Peacefood Cafe, and concluded our meal by purchasing an abundance of baked treats to enjoy by ourselves share with our husbands and girls. Then, after feeding little Claire a well-balanced dinner and putting her to bed, I may have convinced my husband that carrot cake constitutes a meal. This was the bonus points section of the day since it meant that not only did I happily savor my entire humongous piece of carroty goodness instead of the more appropriate half I had planned to eat, but I also had an extra waking hour to lounge on the couch reading fall magazines.

Maybe I was getting in the spirit for my upcoming birthday or maybe I wanted to treat myself after a few weeks of feeling a bit tired and run down, but in any case, I went to bed last night feeling pretty darn cheerful. That's when I realized that gifts to oneself are a totally unappreciated and yet utterly essential ingredient for a happy life. So the next time you arrive at the subway just in time to watch the doors close in your face, you get caught in a rainstorm in a white shirt with no umbrella, or you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed, take it as a sign from the universe that you're supposed to bring a little joy into your life. Here are some little things that never fail to make me smile:

Freya Art. Although we have a number of Freya's prints hanging in Claire's play area, sometimes I just have to browse to her shop to get my fill of her whimsical drawings and thoughtful words. I think I'm going to stock up on some of her cards soon, so I can share the good cheer.

Lucky bamboo. How could you go wrong with something that actually has the word lucky in its name? You can't, which is why this should be in everyone's house. Like just about everything these days, you can order stalks of lucky bamboo online, but I think it's more satisfying to pick some up when you feel like your luck needs a boost. The stalks range in price from $5-$20 depending on their length and type, but they last forever with pretty minimal care. My husband and I bought five stalks (which is supposed to bring happiness and good and balanced luck in all aspects of life) when we first moved in together about five years ago. Other than changing the water when we think of it, which admittedly isn't very often, we've done nothing to care for them. Since then we've gotten married, found the perfect apartment in the same building as our first one, and brought an amazing little person into the world. I'm pretty sure it was the lucky bamboo.

Jonathan Adler. Visiting a Jonathan Adler store is the equivalent of your parents saying "don't smile" until you crack, even though you were intent on making your poutiest face forever. I know, I know, you're not really into animals or pop art, and his stuff really would not complement your decor in any way. Visit anyway; you don't actually have to buy anything (although you might be tempted once you're there). I dare you not to crack a grin.

Waffles. This one may seem particularly random, but then ask yourself, have you ever seen someone unhappy while eating waffles? I haven't. I think it may be impossible. Waffles make the best gift to yourself when eaten for dinner . . . on a weeknight . . . with mimosas. Just you wait, you'll be thanking me for this one. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Watercress Soup

Good morning! I hope you all are ready for us to knock your epicurean socks off, because this soup is ridiculously good. The watercress shines in this recipe; its peppery, fresh flavor is highlighted by the lemon juice, and substantiated by the potatoes and leeks. You can blend it or choose not to, you can serve it hot or cold, and you can top it with all sorts of goodies. I first tried cooking it at Jordy's family's house in NH this summer, and while folks were a little skeptical at first (not everyone is super stoked about watercress, I guess), everyone ended up cleaning their bowls. Last night, I made this and chose to only blend it a little and serve it hot with a hot, crusty loaf of bread (since it was super cold here yesterday). It was just as good, if not better. I served Jordy's with a poached egg floated on top, and he loved it. If you can't find watercress where you are, you can always use arugula. High quality, fresh produce is paramount here, since you are really highlighting one flavor.

Ingredients:
1T butter
1T olive oil
2 bunches watercress, (about 3-4 cups) washed & lightly chopped
2 medium leeks, white parts only, split lengthwise and sliced thinly
2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
32oz vegetable broth
32oz water
1T salt
1/4 c lemon juice

Directions:
In large pot (soup-sized pot, not a saucepan), melt butter and add olive oil. Sautee leeks until semi-transparent, about 4-5 minutes, and then add potatoes and salt. Sautee for another 3 minutes or so, just until the potatoes are starting to soften, then add vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil, and boil until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the watercress, and continue to boil for 1-2 minutes, until it has softened. Add lemon juice.

From here, it's your choice what to do. Chill it or leave it hot, blend it or leave it chunky, top it or eat it plain.

Optional toppings:
-chopped hard boiled eggs
-a float of high-quality flavorful olive oil
-creme fraiche
-rustic croutons (roughly tear up about 2c worth of bread, toss with 2T olive oil & salt & pepper, bake @400 for 15 mins)
-a dollop of yogurt
-fresh watercress

Enjoy!

60th birthday celebration

Hello, hello. I just returned from from our annual vacation with my husband's family to a lake deep in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Going on this trip always feels a little bit like stepping back in time since the same families have been meeting at this group of cabins for generations. There are freezing early morning lake swims, dinner bells, a daily rest hour (which is always the most difficult thing to lose upon returning home), theme cocktail parties, and sleeping porches, not to mention that the cabins are in such a remote location that internet access is intermittent at best and the cabins actually share a phone located in the ice house. It truly is a rustic retreat. 

August is a big month of celebrations for my family with loads of birthdays, anniversaries, and other festive occasions. Since we're often scattered about the country, our trip to Wisconsin tends to be the perfect time to celebrate together. This year was no exception since our trip just about coincided with my father-in-law's 60th birthday. To mark the occasion, we surprised him with a little party in the woods. In keeping with the spirit of our location, it was nothing fancy, but it was full of items meant to evoke memories of his youth.

 

I hope all of you get your own version of a retreat before the summer comes to its official end. Whether you're floating on a lake, digging your toes in the sand while watching waves break, or just eating an especially drippy ice cream cone in your backyard, you definitely deserve at least one more lazy day of summer.

Dog Essentials

Dear You + ME*,

I am adopting a dog (Ben) from our local shelter, and while I couldn't be more excited about his arrival, the items (collars, beds, leashes, bowls, etc.) that come along with dogs often leave something to be desired. Plus, there are is so much stuff out there that I am confused as to what I'll actually need and use. I feel like the dog supplies out there haven't found a happy medium between utilitarian and dog-as-dressup-doll, and I'm wondering if you have. Can you please help me with some suggestions for necessities that will make both Ben and me happy?

Thanks, T.

Dear T.,
Adopting a dog is one of the best things ever, provided you're ready to commit to one. We both get so much joy from our dogs; like kids, it's hard to remember life without them. We agree, though, that many dog supplies can be either way too over-the-top cutesy or seem to come from the rubbermaid home decor catalog. And, like almost anything else, your options for what to buy are limitless.

Here are a few must-have items that we think hit a happy medium:
You'll need a good set of bowls that won't skid around, but you also want them to be a) heavy enough that Ben can't tip them, and b) pretty enough so you won't be sad about them being in your kitchen. Our dogs, Dexter and Tahoe, both eat and drink out of a pair of utilitarian stainless steel bowls because we dig their unassuming presence in our kitchens. If you're not going for Petco chic, though, here are two more options:

Left: Stick Bowl, George; Right, Personalized Dog Bowl, Sunshine Ceramics

You'll also need a sturdy collar and leash, and some toys with which Ben can occupy himself while you are gone or busy. The collar and leash should be sturdy and look like they can withstand a good amount of pulling, chewing, rolling in the mud, and dragging. If you haven't been tipped off yet about the Kong, consider this your tip. It's one of the best dog toys out there. That said, it's not attractive at all. So here's an adorable moose instead. It features 5(!) squeakers, and each limb is knotted, which will hopefully be more attractive to chew on to Ben than your favorite pair of shoes.

Left: Star of Honor Collar & Lead, Trixie + Peanut; Right: Knotties Moose, Best in Show

Depending on your stance on pets on the furniture, you'll want a bed or 2 so Ben knows his place. Having a bed around is also good for training; you can teach him to go lie down in his bed when you need him out of the way. This has been a lifesaver for us when we've broken a glass, for example, or if we have visitors come over who don't like dogs. This bed is actually a duvet--you can stuff it with old t-shirts, blankets, pillows, etc. Dex has one right by our bed, and I ordered a second today for our dining room. You also may want a place to conceal all of the bags of treats that you will inevitably acquire. This vintage cookie jar is whimsical enough to let folks know that there might not be edible (to humans) things inside, but cute enough to sit on your counter.

Left: Pictures of You Duvet, Molly Mutt; Right, Antique Cookie Jar, Zen Hen

Lastly (I almost forgot, silly me), get Ben some tags with his name and your phone number. If he happens to go astray (and almost all dogs do at some point), you'll feel better knowing that whoever finds him will be able to get in touch with you. Remember to check every few months that your number is still legible. If you're traveling with him, you may want to consider getting him a tag for the place where you're traveling. George also sells these plastic travel tags that you can personalize with a Sharpie or other permanent marker.

Copper Pet Tag, jmanigrossi

Travel I.D. Tags, George

Have a great time with Ben; we hope he brings as much happiness to you as Dex and Tahoe have brought to me and Elisabeth.

(That's Dexie on the left and Tahoe on the right.)
xo,
ME*

Gathering Experiences

Hi there, we hope you had a lovely weekend. Elisabeth is recovering from a long journey home from a week of family fun with Dod and Claire (we can't wait to hear about her trip), and I'm revving back up after a restful (but productive) weekend at home with Jordy and Emi. I've been thinking a lot lately about money (haven't we all, right?)--how we spend it, what we choose to spend it on, and what those choices have to do with our overall happiness. Part of it is this article from the Times that I know sparked a few discussions in the blog world, part of it is this post on decor8 about the gorgeous print below by Lizzy Janssen, and part of it is Jordy and I trying to manage on his resident income with me having abandoned my safe trajectory to take a stab at making a living being creative (and to raise a baby, but that's a story for another day).

The other day, Emi and I were in the East Village running some errands, when I remembered that there is a photobooth in the basement of The Smith. I spent $6 on two strips of photos that I easily could have spent on something else, but the satisfaction that I got from this particular purchase couldn't have been topped by anything else, $6 or $600. So for this week's gathering column, here are some ideas for inexpensive experiences that will hopefully leave you feeling like you spent your money well.

Hop into a photobooth (obviously one of my favorites, since that's what sparked this post)!

{taken in the photobooth at The Smith}
Find one near you on this neat-o website, which is seriously one of the best online resources out there. Feel free to bring props, but don't feel compelled to.

Take a(n extended) trip to the greenmarket.

{Image by my dear friend Meg}
I know, I know, you do this anyway. But this time, make a commitment to stay after you've gotten your run-of-the mill stuff. Listen to music, pick up an extra nectarine to eat on a park bench, seek out the most exotic produce you can find, and resolve to cook it exactly the way the person at the booth tells you to. I always think that I won't find something new, but I do almost every time if I'm looking. Or put yourself completely at the whims of the purveyor. My mom always does this and comes home with amazing produce every time. You can come home with super delicious stuff if you ask "What's good this week and how would you make it?"

Attend the opening reception for a show that you'd like to see.

{Image by Stina Persson, whose other work is also amazing, amazing, amazing}
Many of these are free, and you can find them pretty easily if you stay connected with your local galleries. You'll meet new and interesting people, and see artwork that you might not see otherwise. I myself am itching to go to this one. How gorgeous is this work by Stina Persson (you should go look at her work right this very second--it's seriously beautiful)?

Take a class or workshop.

{image by Michelle, taken during a Lomo workshop}
Obviously, some classes are way more expensive than others. Michelle from It Rained on a Friday gave me the heads-up on this one: Lomography offers workshops that are around $10 and you get a loaner camera and a roll of film. If you're lucky enough to live by one of their stores, you can look for listings here.

Clearly, these are just a few ideas; I hope they are off-the-beaten-path enough to be helpful. Though we post lots of things you can buy on this blog, we are big proponents of the idea that things don't make you as happy as relationships and experiences. What about you--what relationships and/or experiences have made you happy? Have any things managed to make you happy (cough*my ice cream maker*cough...although I would argue that that's because it provides an experience)?

Have a happy Monday, everyone, and don't forget to enter our giveaway with Brookelyn Photography!

xo!

Happy Friday!

These are a few pictures that I took last weekend; I couldn't resist sharing them with you. This was one of the warmest and most joyful weddings I have ever been to. I hope you are as loved as these two are. Have a happy weekend!