Sunday, July 19, 2015

gingersnaps and vermouth


welcome my lazy Sunday afternoon... everyone is napping, I'm  camped out in the library listening to the Blind Boys of Alabama and  enjoying my new favourite "tea time" snack.   Vermouth on the rocks with a gingersnap cookie.  Before you jump to conclusions, this isn't just any vermouth - this is Carpano Antica Vermouth  enjoyed best on the rocks.  It's slightly sweet with a breath of bitterness ( which is what I love most about it).  I made these gingersnap cookies a few day ago, and they just get better with time. The almost spicy, but sweet cookie balances the almost bitter, and slightly dry vermouth.   Take a deep breath,  let it out slowly..... and appreciate the quiet moments.

(You can use my favourite app in the world +Delectable to have the Vermouth shipped to your door.)

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Falsled Kro

there are times during travel that one has to allow space for experience. some places give us too much to be described using only words and pictures. Falsled Kro is such a place...and so I'm going to put away my camera (phone). 

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Denmark !

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Nyhavn, Copenhagen
We're heading to Denmark in just a few hours... It's been over 2 years since Mr. Butter and I have seen our family and friends there, and we are so excited for this trip!  Follow me on Instagram @butterandfigs , and Twitter @butter_and_figs  as we eat (and drink) our way across the country!
Flying into Copenhagen, driving to the west coast, and then slowly making our way back...

Svinklov Badehotel - on the north west coast of Denmark

Fasled Kro, on the island of Odense 

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Strawberry Crumble from Anna Jones

Perfect timing by the Wall Street Journal this morning!  I couldn't decide what to make for my tennis team's annual shindig (tonight!), until I came across this recipe for Strawberry Crumble, by Anna Jones.  This is such a beautifully simple recipe, enhanced with elegant nuances from the vanilla bean and lemon zest. I can't wait to get my hands on her cookbook, A Modern Way to Eat.  


Of course,  since I have a strong tendency to play with food,  I added toasted pine nuts and goat cheese to the strawberry mix, and then drizzled it with a scant amount of balsamic syrup.  I also added orange water to the crumble topping because I didn't have any oranges in my fruit basket. I didn't have poppy seeds either, but thats ok. The orange blossom water adds a slightly exotic aroma to the recipe without interfering with the classic taste of baked strawberries and oats.

Friday, February 27, 2015

black truffle almonds...SERIOUSLY.

I'm always on the lookout for the perfect snack to serve with cocktails...something I can keep in the pantry, but tastes luxurious at a moments notice. My latest, and so far all time greatest, find comes from Starbucks of all places.  Squirrel Brand Italian Black Truffle Almonds are the best little snack I  could imagine.  They'll pair perfectly with a sip of lillet, champagne, or a full blown martini ( the latter of which I'm pouring in about 3hrs).  You can find them at your local Starbucks ( ridiculous, I know) or order them directly from the website.

Bon Cocktail!  
Salut! 

ps. rest assured, I conducted a thorough taste test....

Thursday, January 8, 2015

cauliflower "fried rice" from the folks at Goop

I feel as though I should be apologizing for this post on so many levels.  Two uber healthy recipes in a row..., the photos I took look pretty gross..., it's not even my recipe..., and YES, I subscribe to Gwyneth's Goop on a regular basis.  It is what it is, and frankly, this is good.  I made it for dinner last night, to pair oven roasted salmon, and it was absolutely delicious.  Mr. Butter loved it, and we both stuffed our faces without feeling too guilty.
Just to be clear - this recipe is taken directly from the folks at Goop.  I've come across several versions of "cauliflower rice" over the last few weeks as everyone scrambles to lose a few holiday pounds, and this one looked the best.  As per the usual, I added a few ingredients to suit my own taste - which is exactly what I suggest that you do as well.





Wednesday, January 7, 2015

detox with pancakes !

Happy New Year! I haven't posted anything since August... i know, i know, i know.  
Sooooo, in an effort to be a better blogger, and a healthier body in 2015 ( i know, i know, i know...) I'm starting the year with a recipe for truly healthy PANCAKES.  I don't know about you, but I find it  difficult to swallow a cold, green smoothie on a morning when the windchill factor is 21 BELOW zero.  I need something warm and comforting that pairs well with several cups of very hot (and very strong) coffee.
These pancakes are gluten-free, dairy free, and paleo (w/ the exception of the baking soda which you can omit if need be.)  I promise this recipe will fill your belly and warm your soul as you prepare to face these freezing cold winter days!