only in new york

This past weekend was my last in New York--at least until June at which time I'll be running from my sister's high school graduation (already? I know!) to my friend's wedding (already?! I know, ha.)

To make sure I enjoyed it to the fullest, I first cooked. My Parisian kitchen is rather limited a.k.a. stove-less so preparing a dish for the potluck dinner was a real treat. I peeled and sliced 6 parsnips and added them to a buttered dish with sliced onions, gruyere, shredded kale, and sprigs of thyme.

Then I poured over a heated mixture of heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, nutmeg, white pepper, flour and more thyme. I topped with gruyere and a pinch of nutmeg before covering the dish and placing it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 50 minutes. Later, at Leslie's, I baked it for another 20 minutes uncovered.

Behold, parsnip gratin. It was delicious. You can get the full recipe at feasting at home by clicking on the link.

Once prepared, I carefully placed it in the car and drove to Brooklyn for, as I've said, another potluck.

There, I enjoyed three kinds of homemade hummus (plain, sun-dried tomato, and pesto), along with a yogurt dip, kale salad, glazed carrots, and my parsnip gratin. Five other even-lovelier-than-the-tasty-food-they-brought ladies were present. And for dessert, we were all about the red wine chocolate fudge brownies.

Later that night, I subway-ed over to Manhattan to crash my grand little's birthday party. What fun!

I awoke Saturday morning, exhausted, and drove home; making sure to stop in Queens along the way.

Why? Well, to see Miss Katie, of course! And brunch at a charming Greek restaurant that serves omelettes with fries, and toast, and salad, and a complimentary mimosa for only $12. 'Twas a busy wonderful 24 hours.

So as soon as I arrived at my parents' quiet house, I relaxed, and then slept "forever". All I did on this lazy Sunday was see a fantastic movie with my Mom, and only now am about run out to meet friends for a glass of wine. I cannot wait to be back in Paris next weekend, but gosh, there is nothing like being home in New York.