Putting out the Flames

Alas, comes a time in every fledgling cook's kitchen when a little mishap occurs.  For instance, I remember one winter I was cooking up a storm at my parent's house, when I heated up a skillet on high, forgot about it for several minutes, remembered it was on and I had to get some onions caramelized, and poured olive oil directly onto it.  WHOOSH.  That oil immediately lit up in flames.  In a complete panick, I managed to get the front door of the house open, grabbed hold of the skillet with a mit, and triumphantly threw the entire blazing mess outside into a snowstorm that was currently blanketing the driveway.

This evening came another "hands on" learning experience: broiling mushroom caps slathered in EVOO.  

My roommate and I were both making our respective dinners tonight when suddenly...smoke. LOTS of smoke.  She smartly turned off the oven because she was first to notice something was amiss, opened the oven door to see what was going on, and FIRE BABY, FIRE!  The oil on the sheet of tin foil that the mushroom caps were roasting on was entirely ablaze. Flames were licking the inside of the oven.  Smoke billowed out, the fire alarm was going off, the dog was running around barking like crazy, I was in the middle of eating some grapes, and we were both completely panicked because neither one of us knew exactly what to do.

After shrieking for a few moments, we got things under control.  And shortly thereafter, I Googled "How to put out an oven fire" (for future reference) and the very first link that popped up was information hailing from dummies.com.  Naturally.

Below is that information of what to do (and what not to do) in the event your baby quiches or roasted veggies take a turn for the worse.  Amusing thing is - my roommate said those mushroom caps still tasted great.  They were delicately smokey in flavor. 

How to Put Out Kitchen Fires. (From here).

When a fire starts in the kitchen, you need to act fast to keep the fire from getting out of control. But how you act depends on what kind of fire you have and where it is. Follow these instructions for putting out kitchen fires:

• If you have a fire in the oven or the microwave, close the door or keep it closed, and turn off the oven. Don’t open the door! The lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames.

• If your oven continues to smoke like a fire is still going on in there, call the fire department.

• If you have a fire in a cooking pan, use an oven mitt to clap on the lid, then move the pan off the burner, and turn off the stove. The lack of oxygen will stop the flames in a pot.

• If you can’t safely put the lid on a flaming pan or you don’t have a lid for the pan, use your fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire — not the flames.

Never use water to put out grease fires! Water repels grease and can spread the fire by splattering the grease. Instead, try one of these methods:

• If the fire is small, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner.

• Throw lots of baking soda or salt on it. NEVER use flour, which can explode or make the fire worse.

• Smother the fire with a wet towel or other large wet cloth.

• Use a fire extinguisher.

• Don’t swat at a fire with a towel, apron, or other clothing. You’re likely to fan the flames and spread the fire.

• If the fire is spreading and you can’t control it, get everyone out of the house and call 911! Make sure everybody in your family knows how to get out of the house safely in case of a fire. Practice your fire escape route.

Taintor Fun

New "Vintage Revisited" goodies from Anne Taintor. Love them! Wishing you a very happy Friday and an even more fabulous weekend (Mai Tai or no Mai Tai).

Edible Rose Petals

Look at these beauties I came across at Whole Foods today! Lovely rose cupcakes. Basking in all their buttery-creaminess glory. Dairy? You bet. Enough to make my stomach ache all week, so I had to walk away. Quickly. Before I gave into chocolate cupcake, dairy domination. But what a pretty way to create realistic looking petals!

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo

Westward Ho!

A new year, some big news! Come late May/early June, this New England girl, born and raised, is going to be packing up her bags (and shoes and bike) and moving out to Colorado. It was announced at work the first week back after the holidays that my entire company will be relocating 2,000 miles west and a mile above sea level! This means no sailing which makes me a little panicky, but, the Flatirons are a decent trade. I'll just have to take up mountain biking and make some coastal CA trips to get my ocean fix :)

I love my job and the people I work with, and I find myself so incredibly happy when I get to travel out west, that this was a fairly easy decision for me to commit to. Though a little bittersweet as all moves can be, I'm excited. Not that I particularly enjoy the moving process...I've moved every year since I was a Freshman in college, but along with all that packing and unpacking always comes the thrill of adjusting to new places and people. The adventure of exploring a new city. A fresh start. I'm a big believer that all experiences - especially adapting to a new living situation - help you learn, grow, and build self-confidence. And any move, whether that be physically or for a career change, teaches you how to become more self-reliant.

So, let the packing begin. It's amazing how much STUFF I've accumulated over 26 years of life, so the next couple of months are going to consist of sorting, selling, donating, tag sales, and apartment hunting. Does one rent or buy in this market? Sell all furniture and buy new or move it all to avoid buying new? Drive and tow a UHAUL or drive a UHAUL and tow? A lot to do and a lot to organize, but I'll keep you posted throughout the entire process. One thing is for certain - I'm starting early to make this adventure as efficient and stress free as possible. Have you ever made a big move? If so, any tips are much appreciated.

Cheers!

On this 31st day of December, 2011, it's the perfect time to reflect on the months gone by over this past year, to count our blessings and contemplate what brought us joy. As we think of all our family and friends, we can recall how both the happy - and not so happy - experiences enriched our lives.

As this fresh and bright new year arrives, may you look towards it with optimism for personal growth, excitement for new experiences and friends to be made, and perfect balance.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, prosperous, and sparkling 2012!

YouTube Grapefruit

Haha, aww. In case you haven't already seen this super-cute vid on YouTube called "Eating Grapefruit" - here it is! It makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it. Wishing you a happy day with lots of laughs!

Rockin' the Booties!

A new year most definitely calls for new shoes. And like any woman, I'm almost in as much love with shoes as I am with chocolate...waah, just can't help it. Anyway, these are my newest edition to the collection: ankle cowgirl booties! Paired with skinny jeans, a short skirt and tights, or boot cut pants, they're not only comfortable for miles of walking, but I love not having to wrangle tucking my pants into them as is the case sometimes with high boots. Dressed either up or down, the more worn in they get, the better. Added plus - I'm headed out to Colorado in a week and these will totally be suitcase/western-chic friendly! Technically the booties are from here, but (shhhh) I found them on sale at Marshalls.

Let it Snow!

Merry {belated} Christmas! Wow - that went by FAST. But hooray for 2011 just around the corner. I like clean "New Year" slates, and it'll be my motivation to get out of holiday hibernation mode. Curse you chocolate reindeer, holiday cookies, and apple pie! (Well no, not really. I still love you despite my yearning for elastic waist pants).

What does winter hibernation entail aside from unabashedly going for that second helping of yummy homemade treats? Lounging on the couch in my parents' house, sipping hot cider, a Snuggie thrown over my feet, all the while snowed in - a blizzard blanketing the world (or at least Southern CT) in crisp, sparkling white. The wood burning fireplace is also cranking on full blast, filling the house with a light rustic smell. This smokiness always lingers on our jackets for the next few months, but it's New Englandy and memorable and utterly delicious smelling.

Given the snow accumulation of about 5-6 inches outside at the moment, it may require digging the car out bright and early tomorrow a.m. and shoveling a good portion of the driveway tonight. You know what though? I'm super excited to tackle both because...NEW SNOWBOOTS!

I purchased these heavy duty babies at the local REI just in the nick of time before the commencement of holiday season craziness. They're seriously warm, 100% waterproof, and uber-functional - all the while looking just chic enough for a dinner out on the snowy town. The faux fur cuff at the top even helps keep snow from falling into the boot - brilliant! They run true to size when wearing a thick wool sock and can be purchased online here and here.

Given hibernation, boots, and blizzard this wonderful time of year, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season and 2011.

NYC Marathon - Race Day Recap!

Another year, another New York City Marathon. There's something incredibly inspiring about this particular stretch of 26.2: not only does this race attract over 40,000 runners from all over the globe, it unifies the Big Apple in a way no other sporting event can. Given it's THE event to attend on every second Sunday of November, the marathon connects the five boroughs by luring locals out of their high rise dwellings and onto city streets. By encouraging complete strangers to cheer in unity for a global community of determined runners (most of whom they will never cross paths with again), it creates a tight-knit sense of community in a city of 6 million+ people. Literally, for 26.2 miles, the sidewalks are packed with cheering spectators.

Undoubtedly, runners are thrilled by the outpouring of support and more often than not - become quite emotional. To be honest, I can't blame them. At the finish especially, the final stretch is flanked by approximately 3oo country flags. Making the final turn onto Central Park South, it's not uncommon to witness runners with tears of national pride and joy from personal accomplishment streaming down their faces. If that's not moving and inspriational, I don't know what is. Below are some photos I took from the day's event, stationed at Mile 17.

Inspiration pure and simple.

The elite female runners.

They were running at approx. a 5-6 minute-per-mile pace.

Elite male runners approaching mile 17.

They were running at a blazingly fast 4-5 minute-per-mile pace.

View down 1st Avenue.

Tea Time

Changing of the seasons; onslaught of The Cold. You know when you just start feeling the slightest hint of one coming? That's when it's time to drink this cold-buster tea by Traditional Medicinals. I'm a believer, and prefer steeping 2 tea bags in one mug just to make sure I get a good dose of immune-boosting echinacea before hitting the hay - especially if I'm feeling particularly icky. The taste? Slightly sweet, bitter, herbal lemony-perpermint with a hint of citrus. Add some honey and steep for 10-15 minutes for maximum benefits. See ya later, sniffles!

*Disclaimer: be sure to check the website/ingredient list to ensure this medicinal tea will be good for your tummy. Also, it is not intended or recommended for long-term use.

Weekend Sailing Fun

When there's wind...

It's time to go sailing! And what a stellar sailing weekend it was. Saturday, my Father and I went out for a day sail on the Sound on a family friend's 48ft boat, Dawnpiper. We happened to come across a regatta just as boats were rounding the downwind mark and flying their Spinnakers. Very colorful!

Here are some more snapshots of the day, along with a short video...hopefully it will work...(at the end of this post) of us cruising along at 6-7 knots.

Today was strictly a race-geared day out on the Sound sailing First Tracks; a 25ft Beneteau. The waves were on the rougher side, making for a fun ride through 4-5ft swells. The wind was blowing 20-25 knots and it was slightly overcast this afternoon, so foul-weather gear was donned and my camera stayed put in the dry bag below deck (hence lack of photo documentation). But here is one picture of First Tracks being rigged - a sleek nimble sailboat built for speed. The sails are made of Kevlar which is why they have a distinctive yellow tint to them.

Overall, the ideal sailing weekend. The very last race of the season is next weekend, so fingers crossed there's both wind and fair weather!

Back in Business!

Hello again, Internet. Oh, how I've missed you so!

What a wild ride the past several weeks have been. Exciting update: new job! I feel like Princess Ann must have felt zipping around on that moped. Which, unquestionably so, has been the main justification for my lack of posts - after all, transitional adaptation is top-priority stuff. Another reason posts were on hold though: lots and lots of traveling including many a weekend excursion. Summer, it's so sad to see you go. Is it just me, or did the Halloween candy hit the shelves extra early this year?

However, now that I'm comfortably settled into my new position, (though still semi-adjusting to the new commute), I'm rearin' to get going with some new Printed Thoughts. So, dear readers, merci beaucoup for your patience. Time again to give this little portion of the web some much needed TLC!

Food (and recipes) for Health

Until today, I did not know that cabbage is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, or, that half of a medium avocado has more potassium than a banana. And get this: artichokes are good for our eyes?

Recipes for Health, featured in the Fitness and Nutrition section of The New York Times, highlights an impressive list of tasty fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains always found on the perimeter of our grocery store aisles. There are some eye-opening and interesting nutritional factoids to be found in this article series, as well as delectable recipes that feature each food as the "hero" in their respective dishes.

Take a gander and read all about these super foods here. And cheers to a summer of healthy, fresh, and vibrant cooking!

A Word (or two) on Buckling Up

The very first Printed Thought blog post debuted in September of 2009. I delayed discussing the following subject because it occurred only a month previous, in early August of last year. At the time, it was a little too raw, (and to be honest - not the most uplifting topic for a first blog post), so I saved it and its important accompanying images for almost exactly one year later.

Just shy of a year ago, my younger sister was in an automobile accident on her way driving to work on a rainy summer morning. Thank the Heavens she didn't even have a scratch after a precautionary visit to the ER, just some resulting back and neck soreness from whiplash, but it was a profound first-hand reminder that seat belts, undoubtedly, save lives.

Seat belts help restrain both driver and passengers to their seats in the event of a collision. When worn correctly, the lap belt (which rests over the pelvis), and the shoulder belt (which extends over the chest), apply most of the stopping force to the rib cage and pelvis, relatively sturdy parts of the body. The power of inertia is humbling; if a car is hurtling down the road at 60 miles per hour, so is its driver...although he or she may just be sitting there seemingly motionless from an interior perspective, with one foot on the gas pedal. Which means, if the vehicle were to suddenly come to an abrupt stop, the contents inside the vehicle would still be moving at 60 mph. In that event, it would be quite noticeable that the inertia of the car's contents are absolutely independent of the car's inertia.

According to a research report from the National Highway and Transit Safety Administration, seatbelts save approximately 13,000 lives in the United States each year. Furthermore, the NHTSA estimates that 7,000 U.S. car accident fatalities would have been avoided if the victims had been wearing belts.

So as a courteous safety reminder, dear readers, please buckle up whenever you get into a moving vehicle (even if it's in a NYC taxi). Remind those around you to follow suit. If you're the driver, it's ultimately your responsibility that your passengers have their seat belts fastened. Not only is it the primary and/or secondary enforcement law in 50/51 states, it's also the simplest action you can take to help ensure that you and your loved ones arrive at any given destination, safely.

On the Ocean Blue

To me, summer in New England stands for the beach, ocean, sand, sun, and sailing. Lots and lots of sailing. Ok, and it also stands for delicious Summer-specific foods too, like grilled corn on the cob, pasta salads, and fixen's on the grill...but sailing is definitely right on up there with the quintessential American S'more.

Growing up in Connecticut only a mere 10-15 minute drive from the coast of Long Island Sound, my sister and I quite naturally turned into mermaids at the end of June, spending every conceivable moment in the water. We also went to sailing school religiously. Each and every day. And that's where we both learned how to sail.

Little kids start small by learning the basics of sailing in the pint-sized Optimist (they're really cute if you've ever seen them bobbing out on the water...photo below). Starboard here, Port there. That's the Bow, that's the Stern. Additional learned skills include understanding wind directionals, tacking, right of way, basic knot tying, and how to rig and care for a boat. Then, a few years later after one is old enough, weighs enough, and has mastered the necessary techniques, graduation is learning how to sail and race a Laser.




Needless to say, I never grew out of the Lasers-are-so-much-fun! phase. It's the perfect 1-2 person boat. Straightforward to rig, very fast. Very fun. Very portable. Three years ago after seeing a "For Sail" ad for a gently used 2002 race-ready Laser, my father and I jumped at the chance and went 50/50 on it. We christened her the Minnow II.


I find sailing both relaxing and challenging at the same time, which is why it's my #1 summertime outdoor indulgence. There's always a sense of adventure involved, and I've always loved exploring little uninhabited islands on the Sound, ones only accessible by boat. Talk about the ultimate picnic destination! I'm also humbled by the wind and waves; the sailor is always at the mercy of Mother Nature. Having the ability to harness wind power to make a boat go towards a desired destination can, at times, make a sailor really think and map out a mental plan of action. Above all though, I admire that the art of sailing is a lifelong learning process. Skills are most often learned and retained through hands-on experience, and one truly absorbs them best when adapting to ever changing wind patterns, weather, tides, and caring for a craft that demands constant attention.

The inaugural summer launching of the Minnow II was a couple weekends ago. Though, I'll admit it took a few extra hands to make sure all was sea-worthy before setting sail after a long winter hibernation, it was purely exhilarating to be out on the water again. I wish there had been a bit more wind, but luckily for us sailors, summer has only just begun.

Chia Pet, Apt. Garden

Oh, dear. Looks like this past month's recent warm and sunny it's finally Summer weather has succeeded in keeping me far from the confines of my apartment dwelling. Thus, my blog set-up here has, quite noticeably, been lacking many a Printed Thought.

On the bright side though, my Vitamin D levels are totally up! Taking advantage of fantastic weather has in turn, given my New Englander skin a much needed healthy glow (a glow btw, that is virtually undetectable 7 solid months out of the year).

In light of beautiful weather and today being the first OFFICIAL day of Summer where everything is green and in bloom, I thought I'd share with you a little side project of mine. An herb garden. No, I certainly don't have the luxury of an outside balcony, or for that matter, any room for large potted plants, but I DO have a multitude of cooking pots. Behold: the Chia Gourmet Herb Garden (thanks E!). Easy to care for, easy to grow. And thankfully, kinda fool-proof for someone whose scraggly apartment plants haven't fared too well in the past.

Though my kitchen is indeed the size of a closet, take a gander at some sprightly Cilantro and Basil! My Chives haven't poked through the Chia-Pet soil yet, (I'm afraid something went wrong and they're a lost cause at this point), but I do have some more Basil seeds to throw in there and plant. Can never go wrong with more basil. It is, after all, an essential summertime indulgence.

You might be wondering why these little sprouts are hanging out in a cooking pot? For sure, my roommates have inquisitive looks on their faces every time they reach for one to boil pasta. Well, as it turns out, these Chia Herb Pets demand A LOT of water. Everyday. And let's face it, I may have forgotten this essential ingredient once or twice...or especially after returning from a long weekend away, only to discover them wilted and pathetic looking. So, as a time-saving, plant-saving solution, I just water them all at once by keeping them in a cooking pot by the window. The Chia potting soil draws up water from the bottom of the pan and bingo - there you have it. In no time, it'll be time to harvest. Click HERE to learn more about the Chia Gourmet Herb Garden and to purchase one of your very own!

The MET and the American Woman

How exciting! Now on special exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity

May 5, 2010–August 15, 2010
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall, 2nd floor

According to the MET's website, the exhibit, (which will probably entice me to go dress shopping at Bloomingdales directly after), "...is the first Costume Institute exhibition drawn from the newly established Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Met. It will explore developing perceptions of the modern American woman from 1890 to 1940 and how they have affected the way American women are seen today. Focusing on archetypes of American femininity through dress, the exhibition will reveal how the American woman initiated style revolutions that mirrored her social, political, and sexual emancipation. "Gibson Girls," "Bohemians," and "Screen Sirens," among others, helped lay the foundation for today's American woman."

Pretty ball gowns, cocktail dresses, sparkly heels, chic clutches? I'm so there. But, if you won't be able to make it to the Big Apple in time, here's a fantastic virtual exhibit tour via YouTube. The mannequins kind of creep me out, but those dresses, oh the dresses! It's like learning American History by way of frocks, fabrics, patterns, embroidery, lace, sequins, and tulle. How very lovely and empowering!

Zebra Inspiration

The countdown is on: I promised myself I'd be hitting the hay and asleep tonight by 11:00 p.m. at the latest, so a super-quick blog post it must be. This being said, check out these gorgeous Zebra-print towels from pottery barn; on sale now! I'm so sad to see that this print has apparently been discontinued from their line, (hence the deeply discounted closeout prices), but after viewing the Bathroom Inspiration photo (below) in one of their catalogs, it immediately inspired me to hunt down zebra towel replicas at my local HomeGoods.

Indeed, dark-stained wood, a crisp white floor, baskets, zebra print, and a couple vibrant green plants added to the above vanity would quite possibly culminate into a bathroom filled with my favorite colors and patterns ever. While the renting-of-an-apartment (with outdated and tiny bathroom) forces that to stay in my design notebook for the time being, at least I can now relish in my very own stash of safari towels and therefore, bath time chic-ness.

Happy Mother's Day!

I was reading USA today the other morning and came across this sweet "Ode to Mothers" in a Procter and Gamble advertisement. Though it is indeed an ad, it's still a super cute Mother's Day poem of sorts; this being said, Happy Mother's Day to you, Mom! Thank you for everything you do, and being there for us each and every day. We love you. 

- Oven Zest & The Printed Thought.

Mom will ask you to wash

your hands and wipe your feet.

To mind your manners.

To cover your mouth when you cough.

Mom will ask you to not jump off a cliff,

even though everyone else is.

To stop making that face or it will freeze that way.

To stop fighting or she'll turn this car right around. 

Mom will ask that if you don't have

anything nice to say, to not say anything at all.

To remember that money doesn't grow on trees.

To do your homework, clean your room,

keep your elbows off the table and eat your vegetables.

To not forget your jacket. To brush your teeth,

wash behind your ears and wear clean underwear.

Mom will ask you what you want for breakfast,

when you need a ride home from practice

and if you have any clean socks.

Mom will ask you to be kind and patient.

To be a good person, call your grandparents,

work hard and pay your bills on time.

But there's one thing Mom never asks for:

thanks.

Thank you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Seasonal Gazpacho Craving

One of the tell-tale signs Spring and Summer are right around the corner is when the delicious, cold, tomato-based, raw vegetable soup called Gazpacho starts appearing on restaurants' "Soup du Jour" menus. Since Gazpacho is a seasonal soup that disappears over the cold winter months, Spring (and warmer weather) for me always initiate intense Gazpacho cravings. As in, if I see it listed on a menu, there's a 99.9% chance I'll be ordering it. But, let's be realistic. I'm on a city-girl budget here, so to stretch my dollar a little further, I like whipping up vats of it from scratch using my baby Cuisinart. Hello generous portions of Gazpacho for lunch and dinner all week!

There are many variations of how gazpacho can be made; the consistency, ingredients, toppings, etc. Having studied abroad for a semester in college in Spain's Southern region of Andalusia (Gazpacho's indigenous homeland), I prefer as basic as a gazpacho can get. Not too chunky and not too pureed or over-processed. Garnish with croutons, shaved cucumber, olive oil, avocado, and pour a glass of Rioja to accompany.

Gazpacho is very simple to make - win! And its also super healthy. Raw, dairy-free, and an excellent serving (or two) of nutritious veggies. Turning to culinary master Ina Garten and her to a T recipes of pure genius, this gazpacho recipe of hers is just that. Perfect. Delish. The quintessential melding of cold, sweet, and tangy flavors suitable for a sweltering day. Here is a photo of my homemade Gazpacho, though for a party - look how posh it looks presented in shot glasses!

Buen Salud!

GAZPACHO

Adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Copyright 1999

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, halved and seeded, but not peeled

2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded

4 ripe plum tomatoes

1 medium red onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups organic tomato juice

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 cup good olive oil - preferably Spanish

1/2 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste)

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Method:

1. Roughly chop the cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions into 1-inch cubes. Put each vegetable into the food processor separately and pulse until it is coarsely chopped; do NOT over-process!

2. After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer the gazpacho sits, the more the flavors develop.