Friday Finds

May 29, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

As is evidence in the lack of recent posts, the last few weeks have been utterly hectic - a cold that finally reared it's ugly head after weeks of vitamin-C-binges, late calls and a rotating (somewhat unpredictable) social calendar - exhaustion had set in. But at last, I'm blissfully back to writing, and here are the 5 things that I'm obsessed with this week.

- Ever since reading about it in the NY Post, I've been utterly captivated, and I am itching to get my hands on a copy of this book.

- My love for picnics is well documented (here) and this article sums up its appeal perfectly!

- Watermelon has already become our desert of choice. Apparently we're not the only ones.

- While I love to cook, on especially warm evenings, it's nice to have a no-oven-necessary meal. These wraps look incredible!

- Maybe it was the Vogue cover or maybe the idea of a period film, but this movie looks so sweet.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Friday Finds

May 1, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Happy Friday! This week has been a busy one (when is it not, really?) but these are worth taking pause for:

- Can't stop thinking about this dress. It may have to happen.

- Harper's broke down style icons by city. I think NYC needs a recount. Dallas is spot on.

- This book is currently on my nightstand. It's fun any breezy and makes me long for 1950's NYC.

- Martha knows best. Check out her breakdown of pantry must-haves to always have stocked. Do you have anything you need?

- This week's mask was pushed back until Wednesday, but this one made it worth the wait!

Happy weekend!

-MC-

Delectable: Migliaccio (Lemon-Ricotta Cake)

April 27, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

This past weekend was the first time in forever that we got to indulge in a few blissful lazy days at home. We slept late, went for a run along the waterfront and watched movies. It was incredible. In honor of our Godfather binge-fest, I made Miglicaccio, ricotta-lemon cake.

What you need:

-3 tbsp unsalted butter

-1 qt whole milk

-1 3/4 c semolina flour

- 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 3/4 c sugar (I used a hair less since I'm trying to cut down on how much sugar we eat)

-4 large eggs

-1 lb fresh ricotta cheese, strained

-Confectioner's sugar

Start by pre-heating the oven to 325. Butter a 11-inch round cake pan. (I only have a 9 inch pain so mine was slightly thicker.)

Heat milk in saucepan until simmering, and then whisk in flour and salt. Boil stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in button and sugar. (By this time the kitchen smells heavenly.) Transfer the batter to a bowl to cool. Make sure to stir every so often to prevent a skin from forming.

Zest lemons and stir into the batter. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Beat in ricotta.

Pour batter into baking pan, and bake until golden brown, approximately 1 hour. (Since mine was a bit fuller, I baked mine for 1:25. I also took some of the excess to avoid an overflow situation and bake them in mini corning-ware.)

After removing the cake from the over, sprinkle a tiny bit of confectioner's sugar. Enjoy immediately!

*Recipe tweaked from this one.

-MC-

Friday Finds

April 3, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

This week has positively flown by! It's starting to actually feel like spring, and I'm thrilled to finally put away (for real this time!) my winter coat. Here is what I've been obsessed with this week:

- Pound Cakes are arguably the little black dress of the cake world. Dress them up with strawberries and heavy cream or go purist and plain. Ether way they are delicious every-single-time. Check this out for more ways to style this culinary classic. I'm drooling over this one!

- One of my good friends recently purchased her first home, and I'm dying to see it! I love the idea of giving more than just a standard bottle of wine or flowers. This housewarming gift is perfection.

- T Magazine is always a pleasure to read, and this recent story from the Men's Fashion issue by Andrew O'Hagan was so well-written, so on-point, so everything, I had to read it aloud to Mr. C., who wholeheartedly concurred. Everything Mr. O'Hagan writes is pure pleasure.

- I've always appreciated a good hat, but thus far, my wear has been limited to the beach and the slopes. I'm lusting after this one and dreaming of all the places I could wear it.

-Just discovered this gorgeous instagram account, and it's making me want all grey everything.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Spring Showers

March 14, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

Every once in a while I love a nice rainy day. It forces you inside and under the covers and is the perfect excuse get cozy and lazy. Today's soft drizzle is effectively removing the last bits of snow and has me dreaming of spring. Each season Mr. C and I create a list of sights we'd like to see, date spots we'd like to try, and things we'd like to do. Here are just a few things that I'm looking forward to once spring officially gets going:

- Picnics. I'm slightly obsessed with picnics, and this past Christmas I got the best picnic basket ever! (Similar one here) I'm so excited to head to Central Park or upstate with this beauty in tote.

- Baking inspiration. I'm always on the hunt for a new recipe, and I try to create a few "Food Goals" for things I might be intimidated to try. Currently topping the list - croissants, these biscuits, and soft pretzels. Bring on the gluten!

- Tennis - I haven't played, or even attempted to play, in years, but I'd love to pick up a racket again.

-Polo Match - I've been dying to go to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic forever. Hopefully we can get tickets this year. I have my hat all ready to go.

-Spring Sites - Living in an apartment, I'm a bit starved for flowers. I'd love to get my floral fix at The Orchid Show.

What's on your Spring to-do list?

-MC-

Friday Finds

March 6, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

This last week has truly been a whirlwind of events, crazy weather and travel. After a super speedy trip to the West coast (more on that later), I'm dreaming of sunny days ahead. Here are a few finds to tide us over until Spring officially arrives.

- March means Irish Soda Bread. Check this out to see if your favorite version is a true classic.

- One my favorite childhood movies, The Sound of Music, just celebrated its 50th anniversary. While, of course, the singing is the star of the show, I always loved the incredible homes and grounds where the movie takes place, and the rolling hills surrounded by the Austrian Alps, feels very spring-y to me. Check this out for a glimpse into the movie's incredible filming location. This one is my favorite, and this is a close second!

- I can't wait to host an Easter Brunch for the table top decor alone. Swooning over this tablescape, ok, and these sweet guys too.

- Nothing says warm weather like a cold glass of iced tea. Today we're taking advantage of a few hours of sunshine to make sun tea. This step-by-step makes nailing the proportions super easy.

- I couldn't be more excited about the Spring Suede movement. Need some inspiration? Check this out.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Friday Finds

February 27, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

TGIF! Here is what I've been loving this week:

- This is probably the most gorgeous dessert. It's basically Spring in sugar-citrus form.

-I've loved Jamie King since forever, and after reading this, the girl crush is stronger than ever.

-This spread was total eye candy.

- Michael Kors ads are always dreamy, but these might be the best to-date. You can view the complete Spring Collection here; I want basically everything.

- I begrudgingly watched this show and am now entirely addicted. The before and afters are incredible!

-MC-

Kitchen Essentials

February 19, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

I was recently reading this and it got me thinking, what are my favorite kitchen accessories? Here are 10 kitchen accessories I can't live without:

KitchenAid Mixer - Honestly, how do people bake without this? Available in a rainbow of colors with an array of attachments these mixers can do anything.

KitchenAid Pasta Attachment - I love fresh pasta, but the idea of making it was a little overwhelming. Enter this wonder! The three attachments let you effortlessly create angel hair, fettuccine, and sheets for lasagna, ravioli and more. Obsessed.

Marble Rolling Pin - Another baking must-have. The cool marble keeps dough from sticking too much, and the handles rotate on their own for easy use. Plus I love how beautiful the natural marble is on the counter top.

Cuisinart Food Processor - A serious game-changer. Sure, I don't mind chopping an onion from time to time, but this does the job more precise and about a million times faster. Plus you can use it to grate cheese (hate that job!), make dough and even pull together quick dips and sauces. (I use it for pesto constantly.)

OXO Food Containers - I'm a bit obsessed with these. I put everything in theme - rice, pasta, cereal, coffee, sugar, flour, the list goes on. The pop tops lock in moisture and are easy to stack inside the cabinet.

Krups Coffee & Espresso Maker - As dedicated espresso drinkers, we use this gem daily, and I love the coffee pot option for company.

Nutrabullet - I was hot on the juicing-trend for a while, but then I read mixed messages about the real health benefits, not to mention the clean up. We opted for the Nutrabullet since it's the best of both worlds - you're creating smoothies rather than just juices so you get the essential fiber, but the consistency is smooth and easy to drink.

Mini Food Grater - I use this cute little gadget all the time. It's perfect for zesting, and I'm a huge zesting advocate. I'd also imagine it would be great for creating perfect curls for chocolate...

Pizza Stone - We really like to make homemade pizza (this week was all about pepperoni and artichoke hearts with fra diavolo sauce), and pizza stones really do make a difference. Since we can't seem to master the perfectly round pie, rectangular ones are a better fit.

Immersion Blender - This winter, we've been on a serious soup kick. Oftentimes a recipe will ask that you blend a portion to give texture. An immersion blender does the job of a traditional blender without the mess or the fear or spilling piping hot liquid - win-win.

What are your favorites?

-MC-

Friday Finds

February 6, 2015 Morgan Cafaro

This week has been jam-packed with work, birthday celebrations and travel; these are the things that have caught my eye and will make you want to take pause:

- Having grown up with these guys, this made my week! And honestly all I can think of is how their skin looks so great.

-Maybe this is a little crazy, but I read cookbooks like novels - in bed, over coffee - I just love them! I recently ordered this one, and it came this week. Needless to say, I can't wait to make everything, and I'm probably going to need a biscuit cutter. Bring on brunch!

- Staten Island Chuck has me geared up for Spring, and obviously that makes we want these and these.

- Home decor + obsessive zillow stalking = some of my favorite things. This house is off-the-charts amazing!

-I've really trying to be good about washing all my makeup off at night (yes, even eye makeup). I've rediscovered this gem and have fallen in love all over again.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-