Winter Carb Hoarding

Ziti w. Prosciutto & Chicken

The winter seriously puts my carb craving into hyper drive. That's all I want to eat and I devour it. Winter brings winds cold enough to make you vulnerable, to want to crawl back into bed with a bowl of hot noodle soup. I wouldn't really eat in my bedroom though I was making a lame attempt at being dramatic in order to forget how lazy I've just become during these cold days.

After the Holidays with its "happiness and warmth" faded, the reality of winter sunk in. I think I like my job but the 10 minute walk to the subway while wearing 5 layers of clothing and still my face feels like it's going to rip off into the wind makes me suddenly feel the need to want to call in sick everyday. Since then I've sought the comfort of mom's home cooking, C's family's home cooking, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Super Kew Chinese Take Out, and at work, bagels with cream cheese for breakfast, followed by a Sicilian slice for lunch. Seriously gross looking back. When I muster up the motivation to finally cook dinner it's either been noodle soup or pasta. Is it wrong that I don't feel guilty?

Beef Noodle Soup



Campanelle w. Leftover Roast Chicken from Chinese New Year Dinner, Bacon, White Bean & Kale

Orla Kiely for Target

No food porn tonight but something related to the kitchen & home.. Is anyone else excited about the Orla Kiely collection for Target?? I'm normally into very simple settings and colors however one would think a bright lively kitchen would help motivate the chef. It's hard to work with horridly painted burnt orange cabinets, faux granite countertops and fluorescent ceiling lighting but I attemped to brighten it up a bit with colorful tea towels. Unfortunately it stopped there about 2 years ago and I'm looking to update the kitchen. Something about those pops of colors and patterns make me happy. I need a few of these pieces to brighten up my dungeon apartment.

Images courtesy of Apartment Therapy







Speaking of goodies for the kitchen I'm proud to introduce you to my new lovelies in the kitchen.. Christmas presents from C and my brother. C is also paying for my knife skills class so he can finally be at ease not worrying if my finger will end up in his supper.

Global Prep Knife Set



Index Chopping Boards



Knife Stand by Eva Solo

I Didn't Forget You

Egg Salad on Biscuits



Roast Pork Ribs in Dry Rub



Roast Salmon in Lemon Butter Sauce



Watercress Sauteed in Garlic Oil



Potatoes w. Saffron Butter & Parsley

Christmas Day Breakfast - Bacon Corn Frittata w. Parmesan Cheese

I love the Holiday season - spending time with friends and my favorite sin of all time - gluttony. I admit the Holidays do become truly exhausting... after days of eating out or eating at others' homes and hearing mom dictate what to do in her kitchen I started missing cooking in my own kitchen. Some of the few dishes made during the month of December.

Galbi Jim - Korean Braised Short Ribs over Rice



Pork & Watercress Soup



Chinese Steamed Fish - The best part if pouring the hot fragrant oil over the fish.





Appetizer Experiment - Chicken Drumette Lollipops. I wish I remembered what I marinated the chicken in, so I could change up the combination. Flavor was only eh.



Weeknight Dinner - Three Cheese Tortellini from BJs w. Home Made Tomato Sauce (yes, from that batch of CSA tomatoes purchased over the summer) w. a side of Garlic Spinach.



Will post photos of the Holiday meals later..