Five Under Five: Breakfast

Stuck in a breakfast rut? Here are five easy (and healthy!) ideas to shake up your routine, each with five ingredients (plus freebies like salt and pepper) or less...

Hummus and Sprouts = 1. whole-grain bread + 2. hummus + 3. alfalfa sprouts + 4. Swiss cheese + 5. avocado slices (or substitute tomato slices when in season) + salt and pepper
Toast the bread, slather it with hummus, top with sprouts and a slice of cheese and pop in the toaster oven or under the broiler until cheese starts to bubble. Top with avocado slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Egg & Grits = 1. quick-cooking polenta or grits + 2. chicken stock + 3. baby spinach 4. minced shallot + 5. poached egg + salt and pepper
Prepare polenta or grits according to package instructions, substituting an equal amount of chicken stock for the water called for in the recipe. Sauté spinach and shallots in a bit of olive oil. Top polenta or grits with sautéed spinach and poached egg then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Super Smoothie = 1. 1/2 cup frozen blueberries + 2. 2/3 cup low-fat raspberry or strawberry kefir + 3. 1/4 cup pomegranate juice + 4. 1 Tbsp. flax oil + 5. dash of honey or agave nectar (if needed)
Combine all ingredients in a blender and let it whir away until thick and luscious.

PB&B Waffle = 1. whole-grain waffle + 2. organic peanut butter + 3. banana slices (buy fair-trade bananas whenever possible!) + 4. honey or agave nectar + 5. chopped walnuts
Toast waffle, spread with peanut butter, and top with banana slices. Drizzle with a bit of honey or agave nectar and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Breakfast Fried Rice = 1. 1 or 2 eggs + 2. minced ginger + 3. cooked brown rice + 4. thinly sliced scallions + 5. tamari or soy sauce
Heat a few drops of vegetable oil in a skillet and add ginger. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds and then add rice. Cook for a minute then crack eggs into the pan. Scramble eggs with a spatula, mixing in the rice and ginger. Remove from heat, top with scallions, and sprinkle with tamari.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

"Whatever's in the Fridge" Pasta for One

As the name suggests, I threw this pasta together last night with whatever I could find in the fridge and pantry. It actually turned out pretty tasty and satisfying (plus it's quick and nutritious) so I thought I would share it here with you. Happy weekend!

Ingredients:

-2 oz. dry organic whole wheat rigatoni (or short pasta of your choice)
-1/3 cup canned Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
-1/2 cup of broccoli and cauliflower, cut into florets
-1 clove of garlic, minced
-pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
-1 Tbsp. olive oil
-salt and pepper
-grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and then the pasta. Stir occasionally.

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add the crushed red pepper and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring. Add the beans and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the beans hang out and cook for a few minutes.

When the pasta is about half done, add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Continue cooking until both pasta and veggies are al dente. Drain pasta and veggies (but not too thoroughly, you want a little bit of the cooking water) and add to the skillet with the beans, stirring until combined. Season with more salt and pepper if desired, add a splash more olive oil if the pasta seems dry, and serve with grated Parmesan.

Buon appetito!

Chocolate Cloud Cake

Nigella's picture-perfect cake (photo by Francesca Yorke)

Back in January, I vowed that this year I would get more use out of my many, many cookbooks. So far...I have not made good on this promise. The truth is, it's very difficult for me to get excited about cooking when I don't have my own kitchen. I'm trying to work on this, though, and the housewarming party that one of my friend's had last night was a perfect excuse to dust off the cookbooks and get in the kitchen. You can never go wrong with bringing something sweet to a party, so I headed straight for Nigella Lawson's How to be a Domestic Goddess, which is chock full of luscious dessert recipes. I considered the Chocolate Coffee Volcano (p. 181) and the Chocolate Mousse Cake (p. 176), both of which look insanely delicious, but in the end I could not resist a recipe from another one of Nigella's books, Nigella Bites. Unfortunately, I don't actually own Nigella Bites...I found the recipe online. Oh well, so I'm not cooking from one of my own cookbooks. At least I'm getting back in the cooking and baking saddle! And the results were pretty delicious.

CHOCOLATE CLOUD CAKE

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate - minimum 70 percent cocoa solids (I used 64%)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 eggs, 2 whole, 4 separated (room temperature)
1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoons Cointreau - optional (I left this out)
grated zest of 1 orange - optional (left this out, too)
9-inch springform cake pan (I used a 10-inch, because that is all I have)

For the Cream Topping:
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used about 2 teaspoons)
(I added about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of powdered sugar)
1 tablespoon Cointreau - optional (I left this out)
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for sprinkling (I used dark chocolate shavings instead)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line the bottom of the cake pan with baking parchment. Melt the chocolate either in a double boiler or a microwave, and then let the butter melt in the warm chocolate. (I microwaved it on a low setting, checking it every 20 seconds or so to make sure it didn't burn.)

Beat the 2 whole eggs and 4 egg yolks with 1/3 cup of the sugar, then gently add the chocolate mixture, the Cointreau and the orange zest (if using).

In another bowl, whisk the 4 egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the remaining sugar and whisk until the whites hold their shape but are not too stiff. Lighten the chocolate mixture with a dollop of egg whites, and then fold in the rest of the whites. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cake is risen and cracked and the center is no longer wobbly. (Mine was done at about 30 minutes. If I make it again, I might take it out even earlier, because I like a fudgier cake.)

Cool the cake in its pan on a wire rack; the middle will sink as it cools.

When you are ready to eat, place the still pan-bound cake on a cake stand or plate for serving and carefully remove the cake from its pan. Don't worry about cracks or rough edges: it's the crater look we're going for here.

Whip the cream until it's soft and then add the vanilla, sugar, and Cointreau (if using) and continue whisking the cream is firm but not stiff. (It's best to add the vanilla and sugar a bit at a time and keep tasting it until it tastes right to you.) Fill the crater of the cake with the whipped cream, easing it out gently toward the edges of the cake, and dust the top lightly with cocoa powder pushed through a tea strainer (or shave some dark chocolate on top, as I did).

My cake--not as pretty as Nigella's, but still tasty

Jamie's Food Revolution

Has anyone seen the promos for Jamie Oliver's new TV series, Jamie's Food Revolution? The show takes its name from Jamie's most recent and very popular cookbook, which was published in October (and which, interestingly, is called Jamie's Ministry of Food in the UK). I love any show that revolves around making over people's diets and helping them to live healthier lifestyles (and I have been known to preach that gospel myself), so I will definitely be tuning in! If you want to check it out, it premieres March 26th at 9 PM on ABC.

(Photo via Jamieoliver.com)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

I'm trying out a new blog header...whaddya think? I guess I'm feeling the desire to revamp everything these days. Also, totally randomly...how delicious do these cream biscuits look? (Spotted on The Kitchn. Photo by Sarah Rae Trover.)

Finally

During a short stay in Rome several years ago, I fell in love with the amazing crispy-crust pizza that could be found on just about every street corner. It's baked in huge rectangles with fresh toppings like eggplant, artichokes, tomatoes, and potatoes (my favorite) and then slices are cut to order and sold by weight. After a blast in a super-hot brick oven, your slice is cut in half, folded, and wrapped in paper for easy portability (just peel back the paper as you eat). I have never come across Roman-style pizza in the States, but thanks to the New York Times, I think I know where to head the next time I'm in the city. Numero 28, here I come.

(Photo by Evan Abramson, via the New York Times)

Lucky Peach

I received my Momofuku (which is Japanese for "lucky peach") cookbook in the mail today, and I am pretty excited about it. I admit that there are many complicated dishes in the book that I am unlikely to ever attempt, but I could not resist the packaging (I love the feel of a jacket-less cookbook) and the originality of the recipes. I have already bookmarked some of the easier-sounding recipes that I hope to try my hand at soon, including the ginger-scallion noodles (p. 57), the fried chicken (p. 89), and the shrimp and grits (p. 110). And if I'm really lucky, maybe I'll have a chance to eat at one of the Momofuku restaurants sometime in the near future...

Off to a Good Start

Behold: The Arista sandwich from Paesano's in Philadelphia. Juicy, tender roasted pork, sharp and salty provolone, crunchy broccoli rabe, and Italian long hot peppers stuffed inside of a fresh, crusty sesame seed roll. Have mercy. Zach declared it to be most likely the best sandwich he has ever eaten, and I tend to agree. It certainly beats the pants off of the traditional Philly cheesesteak, à la Pat's and Geno's. If you live near Philly or will be passing through anytime soon (or are the type of person that makes long-distance food pilgrimages), get thee to 152 W. Girard Ave. between 11 AM and 7 PM on any day but Sunday or Monday. You will not regret it.

(This sandwich + live jazz at Chris' = a very good start to my new year. Hurray for 2010!)

Makin' Whoopie

Those of you who did not grow up near Pennsylvania Dutch country or in Maine may not be familiar with a staple of my childhood known as the whoopie pie. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that whoopie pies were "having a moment" on the national culinary scene, but if these delectable goodies have not yet migrated to your neck of the woods, don't fret--they are as easy to make as they are fun to eat! I made my first-ever batch over the weekend, and they were surprisingly simple and tasted just like the ones I buy from the Amish produce stands back home. Though the most common whoopie pies are chocolate, I opted for a popular seasonal variation--pumpkin! Enjoy.

(Adapted from this recipe.)

Makes about one dozen large whoopie pies or two dozen mini pies.

For the cookies:
2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
2 eggs
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 extra teaspoon cinnamon

For the filling:
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 - 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (sifted to remove any clumps)
2 tablespoons cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg white*

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

2. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil and brown sugar. Stir in the pumpkin, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture in thirds, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

3. Using either a large (for large pies) or small (for mini pies) spring-loaded cookie dough scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes (or until lightly pressing the tops of the cookies does not leave an indentation). Carefully remove cookies to a cooking rack or parchment paper and allow to cool completely.

4. While the cookies cool, make the filling. Beat the shortening until creamy, then add one cup of confectioners sugar and beat until well combined. Stir in the milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white (if using) until stiff peaks just start to form. Gently fold the egg white into the shortening and sugar mixture. Add the remaining cup to cup and a half of sugar (depending on desired consistency and sweetness) and beat until light and fluffy.

5. To make the pies, place a dollop (about a heaping tablespoon) of filling on the flat side of one the cooled cookies and place another cookie (flat side down) on top. Pies should be individually wrapped in plastic or parchment paper and will last about a day at room temperature, 3 days in the refrigerator, or about a week in the freezer. If freezing, loosely pack the individually-wrapped pies in an airtight container. They are great for gifts, party favors, or breakfast :)

*The raw egg white can be omitted if desired. It just adds extra lightness and fluffiness to the filling.

Tasty Indianapolis

Zach and I took a little day trip to Indianapolis on Sunday, and, as usual, our visit mainly revolved around food. First, we had lunch at Maxine's Chicken & Waffles, which was kind of awesome. I had been wanting to try chicken and waffles ever since I learned that such a thing existed, and Maxine's did not disappoint. The waffle could have been crispier, but other than that, it was a great lunch. After a walk along the central canal (I bet you didn't know Indianapolis had canals...neither did I!) and a drive through Old Northside to gawk at all of the lovely historic homes, we were ready for another snack. Our next stop was The Flying Cupcake in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. The bakery is cute as a button, and our Here Comes the Bride cupcake (almond cake with almond buttercream and tiny edible pearls) was moist and delectable. We ended the day by strolling through the Broad Ripple area and dining at Brugge Brasserie. Our French bread sandwiches (or mitraillettes as they call them) were nothing to write home about, but the frites were divine and Zach was impressed with the restaurant's home-brewed beer. All in all, Indianapolis is a very tasty city full of surprises.

(P.S. I've decided to scrap Tasty Thursdays after today...one day a week to dedicate to food just isn't enough!)

Hot Off the (Panini) Press

Over the past couple of years, I have become obsessed with buying cookbooks. I love books of all kinds, but cookbooks have a special place in my heart because...well, you know. They're about FOOD! And they usually have photographs depicting delicious foodstuffs that I can salivate over when I'm hungry or bored or eating lunch (yes, I like to look at pictures of food while I'm eating...it's an illness). As I do with my non-cookbook books, I keep a Word document list of my cookbooks as well as those I would like to purchase (again...illness), so even though all of my cookbooks are currently in boxes in my mom's attic, I can tell you that I own 18 cookbooks and have 28 more titles on my wish list. Every month or so, I troll Amazon for new cookbook releases, and my wish list grows and grows. These are the books that have most recently made it onto my must-have list:

1. My Bread by Jim Lahey - Jim Lahey became a household name (well, not really) when the New York Times published his recipe for no-knead bread in 2006. Three years later, he has published 224 pages of no-knead bread wizardry...I can't wait to try it!

2. Simple Fresh Southern by Matt and Ted Lee - Simple Fresh Southern is the much-anticipated follow-up to the Lee brothers' highly successful debut cookbook, The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook. Their second effort promises updated takes on classic Southern flavors and techniques and is sure to be just as big of a hit as their first.

3. Rose's Heavenly Cakes by Rose Levy Beranbaum - Rose Levy Beranbaum is the undisputed queen of cakes. According to Amazon.com, her Cake Bible is one of the best-selling cookbooks of all time. Her latest contribution to the world of baking offers her most decadent and jaw-dropping recipes yet, sure to make your dinner guests swoon (and rush out to buy their own copies of Heavenly Cakes).

4. Nigella Christmas by Nigella Lawson - I own two of Nigella's other cookbooks (How to Eat and How to be a Domestic Goddess), and it seems to me that where Nigella really shines is in creating festive yet simple holiday menus. This book would surely be useful for anyone who enjoys entertaining.

Man, I really need to have my own kitchen again!

An Ode to Gourmet

(A sampling of Gourmet's lovely photography)

I received my very last issue of Gourmet in the mail yesterday. I know I have already told all of you how heartbroken I am that the plug was pulled on such a wonderful magazine, but I am not quite ready to let go just yet. Browsing through the November issue (the annual Thanksgiving issue no less...thanks for nothing, Condé Nast!) was bittersweet. As always, the photos were gorgeous, the narratives inspiring, and the recipes mouthwatering. There was even a holiday menu featuring Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired dishes, which, as a born-and-raised Pennsylvania girl, made me proud. The recipe that I was most excited to see was for my all-time favorite holiday dish--corn pudding made with Cope's dried sweet corn (click here for the recipe). While I was in college and later in law school, I would call my mom every year in mid-November to make sure she had a box of Cope's in the cupboard. I simply could not imagine coming home for Thanksgiving and not having that sweet, creamy pudding on the table. It is a simple dish, made with just six ingredients: dried corn, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and flour. The end result, however, is incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying--which is exactly what I want from a Thanksgiving meal. It also happens to be what I want from a food magazine. Gourmet, thank you for making me feel grateful to flip through your pages every month. You will be missed.

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Martyn Thompson, Romulo Yanes, Sang An, Henrik Knudsen, Marcus Nilsson, Romulo Yanes

Remembrances of Meals Past

I have been meaning to get into the kitchen and do some cooking for a while now, but the motivation just is not there (not feeling motivated to do much at all lately...I blame the weather, the economy, and post-Europe blues). Luckily, I have obsessively photographed the most delicious things I have eaten over the past couple of years, so I don't have to leave you empty-handed today. This picture was taken in Sausalito, California in October 2007, and man...it makes my mouth water every time I look at it.

For about three or four years leading up to the taking of this photograph, I was on the hunt for the perfect fish taco. I tried a few specimens before this one, but these experiments usually ended in tears. There are three common ways that restaurants get fish tacos all wrong: 1) they bread the fish instead of battering it (or, worse still, they grill it instead of frying it); 2) they use flour tortillas, which are too thick and chewy for the delicate fish, instead of corn tortillas; 3) they top them with crazy things like lettuce, guacamole, or chipotle cream sauce.

My hunt for fish taco perfection finally ended the day I walked into the Sausalito Taco Shop. Their fish is batter-dipped and fried to light golden perfection, nestled inside of two warm, fresh corn tortillas, and topped with a mound of finely shredded cabbage. To prevent the fish from getting soggy, they bring the condiments (hot sauce and a squeeze bottle of crema) to your table and let you dress it up yourself. East Coasters take note--this is what a fish taco should look like.

littlebits Guide to Paris

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Last week I shared some of my favorite spots in London, and now it's time to let you in on some great hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems in the City of Light. This was not my first time to Paris (and it certainly will not be the last), so I got to re-visit some old favorites as well as discover a whole crop of new ones.

1. 2. 3.

1. Fromagerie Véron - Located on the Rue Mouffetard (home of the popular Mouffetard Market), this shop is the perfect place to pick up a couple of cheeses for a picnic in one of the nearby parks. The best part of this fromagerie, though, is the owner, who was sweet and adorable and patient with my attempts at speaking French.

2. Cimitière Père Lachaise - The resting place of the likes of Colette, Chopin, Edith Piaf (and, most famously, Jim Morrison), this well-manicured cemetery on the eastern edge of the city is a peaceful setting for a leisurely, contemplative stroll on a cloudy day.

3. Le Comptoir des Archives - A nice spot in the Marais for a tasty, affordable weekend lunch and a bit of people-watching. I had the duck confit with fried potatoes and green salad, which at €11 was practically a bargain.

4. 5. 6.

4. Hôtel Biron Garden - For just €1 (it costs an additional €5 to enter the museum itself), you can stroll through the beautiful garden at the Rodin Museum. It is full of sculpture, including bronze casts of some of Rodin's most famous works (The Thinker, Gates of Hell, The Burghers of Calais).

5. La Grande Épicerie - If you are a foodie, plan on spending no less than two hours in this epicurean paradise. From chocolate to caviar, truffles to champagne and everything in between, this place literally has it all. I left with a kilo of hand-gathered grey sea salt, a bag of herbes de Provence, some Valrhona cocoa powder, and a small jar of intoxicatingly-scented truffle salt.

6. L'As du Fallafel - There are no less than five (and quite possibly more) places to get falafel on the Rue des Rosiers in the Old Jewish Quarter, but L'As du Fallafel is widely considered the best of the bunch (even Lenny Kravitz is a fan!). For €5 you get a fresh, soft pita stuffed to the brim with crunchy falafel, pickled cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, tahini, and a garlicky tzatziki sauce. So good.

7. 8. 9.

7. Arnaud Delmontel - Okay, I have to admit that I didn't actually eat anything from this bakery in Montmartre, but only because I already had my heart set on a cone of ice cream from the shop down the street (see number 10 below). I did scope out the goods, however, and they all looked absolutely amazing. Think whole-grain baguettes, jewel-like tarts, and the always popular French macarons.

8. Berko - I already let you in on the best cupcakes in Paris (even if they were the only ones I tried), but I couldn't leave Berko off of this list. I am still dreaming about the creamy coffee-flavored filling of the tiramisu cupcake...yum. Waiting until the last day of my trip to visit this place is NOT a mistake I will make twice.

9. Pont des Arts - Right around sunset, this pedestrian bridge in the heart of Paris turns into a meeting place for friends and lovers. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and someone you love and watch the sun go down behind the Eiffel Tower. Ahhh...perfection.

And a few more for good measure...

10. Caramella - A great little ice cream shop on the Rue des Martyrs in Montmartre. The hours are a bit unpredictable (we happened to walk by around 2:00 when it was supposed to open, but it didn't actually open until about 2:45), but the light and delicately-flavored (think speculoos, coffee, and pear with cinnamon) ice cream is worth waiting around for.

11. Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves - Paris is lousy with flea markets, but the one at Porte de Vanves is generally considered to be the best. There is plenty to see here, from books to art to household items, but don't expect bargain prices. I picked up a few old black and white photographs, a rubber stamp from the 60s, and a couple of chipped café au lait bowls (the ones in better shape were way out of my price range).

12. Luxembourg Gardens - This popular park certainly isn't a hidden gem, but I never get tired of it. The flowers, the fountains, the sculpture, the palace...it's all gorgeous. I cannot imagine visiting Paris without spending at least one entire day here, just eating, drinking, reading, and taking in the beautiful surroundings for hours. This is Paris at its most beguiling.

(All photos by me.)

Chickpea Soup for the Soul

For those of you who feel the way I do right now, here are a few soup recipes from my archives that might help soothe your scratchy throats and ease your aches and pains. Even if you're not feeling under the weather, each of these soups makes a light, delicious dinner on a chilly evening.

Stracciatella (from Mark Bittman) - A Roman classic that is as simple to make as it is soothing to eat. You can add cooked chicken and chopped fresh spinach, as the recipe headnote suggests, and even some tiny pasta such as orzo or acini di pepe.

Mexican Chicken Stew (from Dave Lieberman) - Quick, hearty, and with just enough spice to help open up those sinuses. The leftovers are even better, especially when topped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Ultimate Chickpea Noodle Soup (from Heidi Swanson) - A delicious Italian-inspired recipe for the vegetarians out there. I like to garnish it with grated Parmesan and chopped Italian parsley.

(Pictured above is a simple chicken soup I made several months ago with egg crepes and lots of chopped fresh parsley, dill, and tarragon.)

littlebits Guide to London

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It's Tasty Thursday, and this week I've got some of the edible highlights (and a few other favorite spots) from my recent trip to London. London is a city with a lot to offer--world-class restaurants, museums, theater, shopping, you name it. This was my first time in the city, so I wanted to do and see as much as possible, but I was also on a tight budget. This is not an exhaustive guide by any means, but these are some of the (inexpensive) places that made me smile during my week-long visit.

1. 2. 3.

1) Victoria & Albert Museum - The V&A's collection is extensive, and there is something (from jewelry to fashion to antiquities) for everyone. They also have a lovely courtyard with a small café and a wonderful gift shop with beautifully-designed (and surprisingly affordable) items for the home. Plus, free admission!

2) Covent Garden Market - Shops and restaurants galore. Go on a Monday for the weekly antiques market in Jubilee Hall and grab a cupcake from Ella's Bakehouse or a cup of tangy frozen yogurt from Yuforia (pictured) for a little pick-me-up after you're done shopping.

3) Culture Grub - Place an order of pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings for take-away from this popular Chinese spot and do like the locals and head to nearby Waterloo Millenium Green for an alfresco lunch.

4. 5. 6.

4) Spitalfields - A renovated market space that is home to lots of cute shops and inexpensive restaurants (including Square Pie!), plus an antiques market on Thursdays and a general market on Fridays and Saturdays.

5) The Golden Hind - Perfect fish and chips in a cozy, charming shop in Marylebone. After lunch, wander through the cobblestone streets and do a little window shopping.

6) Tate Britain - Located along the Thames in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood, the Tate Britain is a nice place to while away a rainy afternoon. Highlights of the collection include Elizabethan portraiture, paintings by Pre-Raphaelite masters Millais and Rossetti, and a huge collection of works by JMW Turner. Admission is free.

7. 8. 9.

7) South Bank Book Market - A daily used book market tucked right under Waterloo Bridge. Its location on the Jubilee Walkway makes it a great starting point for a late-morning stroll along the Thames.

8) VitaOrganic - I stumbled upon this place by chance on a rainy day. My feet were soaked, and their cozy atmosphere and tasty-looking buffet beckoned to me through the window. Though raw and vegan food is not really my thing, all of the dishes I sampled were very tasty. And at just under £5 for the buffet, it is one of the better deals in London.

9) Hyde Park - In my opinion, this is the best of the centrally-located parks in London. An oasis of peace and quiet in a hectic city, it is great for an afternoon walk or even a nap. My favorite spot in the park was the rose garden, which is bordered on all sides by tall hedges, making it feel like your own little secret garden.

*****

Coming next week, the littlebits guide to Paris!

Tasty Paris, Part Trois

The apartment I stayed at in Paris was located just a couple of doors down from a bakery called Berko that had amazing cupcakes in the window, and somehow I managed to resist going inside until the day before I left. When I finally made it into the shop, I was met with a dazzling array of both mini and regular-sized cupcakes in flavors from red velvet to speculoos to salted caramel. An assortment of six minis cost a whopping 9,60 euros (or roughly $14)...and I have to say that it was worth every centime. I only got a chance to try the tiramisu (upper and lower left) and the chocolate mousse (upper middle) varieties, but they were both insanely delicious. Perfectly moist, dense cake, wonderful flavors, and creamy, dreamy fillings. I only wish I had discovered them sooner. (Or maybe not. $14 a day would have been an expensive cupcake habit!)

Tasty Paris, Part Deux

Got home last night, but I'm not quite in full-fledged blogging mode yet (more like napping and unpacking mode). For now, here is a picture of a picnic I had last week with my friend in Luxembourg Gardens. Simple. Delicious. France. Le sigh.

Tasty Paris

Though I was a budding gourmande when I first came to Paris four years ago, my passion for food has at least quadrupled since then. Sampling as much of the local food as possible, therefore, is one of my main goals for this visit. Up until today, I have been satisfied with typical street food-type fare (crêpes, falafel, etc.), but after an uninspiring rillettes (pork pâté) sandwich yesterday, I was determined to sample some real French cooking today.

I got my fix at Le Rubis (which I discovered via David Lebovitz), a little wine bar near the Tuileries gardens that offers a small menu of classic dishes that any French home cook worth her salt would surely have in her repertoire. I had the boeuf bourguignon (pictured above), which was everything I hoped it would be. With hardly a tap of the fork, the meat fell into perfect pink shreds, and the wine-tinged sauce was so lovely that I was thankful for the otherwise mediocre bread that came with the meal--perfect for sopping! With a bottle of côtes du rhône, it was a wonderful lunch.

Le Rubis

10 rue Marché Saint-Honoré

75001 Paris

Tasty Amsterdam

In keeping with the tradition of the past few weeks, I give you Tasty Thursdays on Friday. This week, I want to share with you a traditional Dutch treat...a pancake! But not just any pancake. A pancake so big that I couldn't fit the whole thing in the picture. Dutch pancakes are thin and crispy on the outside, creamy and a bit chewy on the inside. You can order them with all sorts of fillings, both sweet and savory (and in such odd combinations as bacon and raisins). I opted for the classic ham and cheese, which was very delicious :)