Tuesday, December 18, 2012
.jpg?e0c879 "Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich from A Thought For Food - www.athoughtforfood.net")
Our weekend was full of some much needed distractions, starting with a dinner to celebrate the 7th anniversary of our first date. I had thought about canceling our reservation, but when it came down to it, it felt like the wrong response to this tragedy. Instead of shutting down, I believe that the least we can do is fill our time with as many happy moments as possible and to never forget how quickly it can all be taken away.
The night was marvelous. We drank glasses (ok, it was a bottle) of champagne, ate a ton, and then ended the evening sipping on bourbon in front of the restaurant’s fireplace. Following our dinner on Friday, we spent the rest of the weekend with family. First, with Eric’s mom, who had just finished renovations on her house. It’s exciting to see it all done and to see her and Ron, her partner, start this new stage of their lives together.
.jpg?e0c879 "Homemade Gravlax from A Thought For Food - www.athoughtforfood.net")
The weekend wrapped up with a party for my niece, Jordan, who turned three. Being surrounded by family, especially the little ones, was a joy. There were platters of bagels and gravlax to consume, bountiful piles of presents to open, and lots of games to play.
Once the guests had left, Eric and I stayed for a bit, mainly to get some snuggle time with our two month old nephew. Looking down at him, I wondered just what the future had in store for him and his sister. What kind of world will they grow up in? Will things change and, if they do, will they be for the better? I certainly hope so.
.jpg?e0c879 "Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich from A Thought For Food - www.athoughtforfood.net")
Thursday, December 13, 2012
We got the most wonderful gift. Following my trip to visit Harry and David in October, I received an e-mail from their marketing team informing me that I’d be getting 6 months of their Fruit of the Month club. And here’s the thing… I so rarely buy fruit at the store. I like it enough, but I rarely cook with it. We’ll pick up some lemons and limes and maybe an orange or two for cocktail-makings, but to actually eat, no. It’s not that we don’t enjoy fruit, it’s just never on our shopping list.
So these boxes we’ve been getting from H&D have been a treat. This month, we were graced with their Riviera Pears. Really, they’re perfect. I mean, look at them in these pictures. Have you seen finer pears?
You really don’t have to do anything to them, but if you are going to cook them, I suggest poaching them. And if you’re going to that, well, red wine makes for a fabulous poaching liquid. While you’re at it, you might as well top it with some lightly sweetened whipped cream or creme fraîche. Does anything sound better? I don’t think so.
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Monday, December 10, 2012
Yes, I’m obsessed with Brussels sprouts. I know that some people are still on the fence about them, but they happen to be my absolute favorite vegetable… at least in the cruciferous family. I can’t take them boiled though. That’s where I draw the line. The only time when they should be boiled is if they’re headed for the fryolator. But that’s it!
I pulled out our fryer the other day to make this recipe in celebration of the start of Chanukah. One of my favorite snacks at our local bar are their fried Brussels sprouts. And, lucky us, we got a bag of these beauties (as well as loads of sweet potatoes and carrots) in our CSA box. It may not be a traditional dish to serve in honor of the holiday, but it certainly does the trick.
Happy Chanukah to all who are celebrating!
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
I’d call this dish a happy accident. Here’s the short version of a long story. There were plans to roast a whole eight pound fish at our Friendsgiving dinner a few weeks ago. Why? Well, I don’t know. I wanted to… it sounded like fun. Do I need a reason? I’m crazy! We were very close to actually doing it and then someone (cough, cough — Eric — cough) decided they’d be practical and bring up that maybe we didn’t have enough space in our oven to roast a whole fish. Now, I was under a lot of stress at the time and I COULD have freaked out (I’ve been known to throw tantrums in the midst of party planning). But I didn’t. I kept my cool and said, “Ok, darling husband, now I need to think of something to make for those that don’t eat meat.” I took a deep breath, looked at the ingredients on hand, and came up with this quinoa dish.
So, I guess I have Eric to thank for this creation…. thanks for poopooing on on my dreams of roasting a whole fish. Without you, I wouldn’t have created this fabulous recipe.
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I’m in denial that November has ended. Where did it go? What did I do? Did Thanksgiving actually happen? It all feels like one big blur! And now here we are… December. I’m hoping things slow down a bit this month, but somehow I don’t think that’s going to happen.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012
I do my best not to stress out… I really do. I plan ahead, tell myself to keep calm… I’ll even sip on some wine to take my mind off of things. But hosting a party, no matter how small, makes me freak a little.
It doesn’t help that this is the season for holding and attending parties… actually, it’s out of control how many we have. There was “Friendsgiving,” followed by Thanksgiving… then a Day After Thanksgiving brunch, and a “Leftoversgiving” party (I’m so thankful I don’t eat meat because I’d be really tired of turkey at this point). Now we’re gearing up for Chanukah and Christmas parties… which will bring us to New Year’s. I’m exhausted thinking about it.
In preparing for this busy holiday season, it’s important to have a list of recipes that are easy to make for a party. Since whipping up these sweet and spicy candied nuts a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to share it with all of you. It really doesn’t get much easier than this and people go nuts over them (oh dear.. I can’t believe I just typed that.)
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These pears look amazing! the perfect dessert.
These sound heavenly!
Sounds wonderful!
The sandwich looks wonderful.
I certainly hope it does too and I know exactly how you feel. I have also been savoring these moments a little more these last few days. My heart aches for those families. I love your egg sandwich and wouldn’t mind one now for breakfast. xx
Can this bey breakfast this morning? You have me intrigued, I want to make gravlax now. Smoked salmon & bagels is our New Years morning tradition, this would be a huge treat for my family.
And I understand completely how you’re feeling. We can only surround ourselves with love during times like this..,and hope.
If anything at all comes from all of this it’s to hold onto our loved ones that much tighter. Smudge has slept with us all weekend, and just that small sense of closeness somehow soothes me. XO to you.
Oh Brian,
That is one lovely sandwich… What time is brunch today??
Mmm, yes please! I walked into a smoked salmon specialty store the other day and I was so overwhelmed by all the amazing options that I ended up leaving empty-handed. Now I wish I had gotten something!
I keep meaning to try your gravlax recipe. I adore smoked salmon!
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaawdy Lou I’ll take like 25 of these.
what a gorgeous sandwich!
my goodness!
and happy anniversary!
That bagel looks like just my kind of breakfast, and I completely agree with you about filling our lives with as much joy as possible – life is so precious, and you never know what is around the corner.
And happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary! 7 years! As I’m about to give birth to a little girl, I too, wonder what the world has in store for her, but I can only hope that good will always persevere. OMG how I miss lox – I can’t wait to eat this when I’m no longer pregnant! x
This looks delicious and I love the combination of salmon and cream cheese.
i pinned this earlier today! Yes please!
Happy anniversary, this looks perfect, your photography is gorgeous as ever.
I’m liking the new style of photography. So moody! This sandwich looks delicious and Happy Anniversary! Recent tragic events have also caused me to do some serious life contemplation. It really puts things into perspective.
I want this for breakfast every morning. Simply amazing. And stunning photography!
That sandwich looks so delicious!
Sounds like a charmed weekend. Happy Anniversary Bri.
Happy Ani, Brian! This is definitely my kind of sammy. Breakfast, lunch, whenever. Lox makes everything better, no? I hope the world tomorrow is a better place than today. For the sake of all the little kids out there.
I’m glad you were able to have an amazing and happy weekend. Honestly, the idea of the future for the kids today scares me and I think about it all of the time… but on a lighter note, I’m totally craving a bagel now.
Oh Brian – what a gorgeous breakfast bagel! A poignant post, and sentiments I agree with. The living owe it to the dead not to shy away from life – and as you say, none of us have any idea when our time will come, so do it now. I often look at my nephews and wonder how and in what sort of future they will grow up – being a parent must be unimaginably nerve-wracking. Happy anniversary!
I’m so glad you made time to celebrate and spend time with family this weekend, Brian. That really seems like the only good response to what has happened.
And I’m loving these sandwiches. Smoked salmon is one of the few non-veg items I still eat.
It’s important to shut some of the noise out. Sounds like you had a lovely time. This is such a fantastic meal. I love bagels, cream cheese and salmon. Have not made gravlax in a few months … will have to get Tom to bring some salmon from Stockholm this weekend. Merry Xmas Brian!
Brian, I don’t know if you remember me but I am friends with your grandparents and your parents. I just wanted to let you know how great “A thought For Food” is. I have used several of the recipes and found that the photography is fantastic and worth the waiting for each post. I have followed what you and Becca have been doing since your births and can’t wait to meet the next addition to the Samuel’s family. Keep up the great work and happy anniversary to you.
Hi Renee! So great to hear from you! Of course I remember… and thank you so much for following my site! Hope you and your family have a happy and healthy new year!
Thank you Kasey… As soon as she’s out, I think you need to try your hand at making gravlax. It will change your life.
Glad you had a great weekend. Love the bagel and egg!
This looks delicious! Coming from a Jewish family, smoked salmon and bagels is a Sunday tradition! Yum!
This looks delicious! Coming from a Jewish family, smoked salmon and bagels is a Sunday tradition! Yum!
these photos are stunning!
Okay, what is funny is that I saw the top photo on pinterest, thought it was stunning and repinned it and I had no idea it was yours! Beautiful! And how I love (and heartily miss) good bagels and smoked salmon. And the way you make your sandwich is a feast! Celebrate indeed. We need this in these troubled times. Enjoy the little babies…
Mmmmnnn. . . I LOVES me some gravlax, especially without gravy.
Sea como los salmones, y siempre regrese.
This is the most beautiful bagel I have ever seen. Want.
Loving the creativity here… smoked salmon for breakfast? Yes please!
what a great way to spend time with loved ones. its always such a joy. I havent had bagel in so long and now paired with salmon and egg- i am totally craving it.
I just stumbled upon your blog via joanne-eatswellwithothers. I am already a fan! beautiful photos, and this breakfast sandwich sounds amazing!
What wonderful photos of a perfect looking breakfast!
Congratulations & Happy Anniversary! Brian..
Joy is in the little things and hope is what let’s us move on, isn’t it?
Happy Holidays!
Btw, Nice new layout (or is it just me?)