Happy (Day After) Halloween

Halloween in NYC= an excuse for people to walk around without pants on.
I didn't wear a costume because was too lazy. Plus, I have to wear costumes for work (never as fun as some of the ones we saw tonight, however). This was Daryl's costume:


You probably don't know what he is supposed to be, huh?

Well, if you look carefully, you'll see that he has a small and strange looking mustache. According to him, this, along with the v-neck t-shirt, skinny jeans and converse high-tops makes him a hipster guy.

For those of you that are not aware of what means, here is description in a nutshell:

Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter. The greatest concentrations of hipsters can be found living in the Williamsburg, Wicker Park, and Mission District neighborhoods of major cosmopolitan centers such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco respectively. Although "hipsterism" is really a state of mind,it is also often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses.

So basically, Daryl walked around last night looking like 25% of the dudes in NYC (minus the thick rimmed glasses).

We didn't really participate in any festivities. We went downtown, watched a play that Daryl had designed and ate a sundae. Yes, we are exciting.

Pumpkin

This is a blog dedicated to one of my all-time favorite flavors and scents. I'm all about the "fall" lines of candles, soaps, room fragrances, etc because they smell so yummy. In addition to pumpkin pie, I'll eat anything that's made with with the mushy orange stuff; Lattes, bread, cakes, milkshakes/ice cream and soup are some of my favorite pumpkin infused treats. Several companies offer pumpkin ale this time of year, as well. I've never tried it because I typically don't like beer. Maybe someone else can try it and give me a report. The other day, I passed a street sign in front of Jamba Juice (smoothie chain) that read: "The Pumpkin Smash is Back". I couldn't believe that I missed its debut- this was the first time I was aware of such a concoction. At 5+ bucks it's a pricey treat, and I have a feeling it's not very good for you (I forgot to look up the nutritional facts) but it is so worth it. It's like pumpkin pie in a cup.

Who's made pumpkin cupcakes?
We made a batch the other night. When my pants don't fit, I'll know why.







Pumpkin House
Madison Square Park

A Little Bit of TX: Cowboys

Okay, so I'll be honest here. I'm not a football fan, period. My uncle tried to teach me the rules of the game with a Nerf I was 12. Friends have tried to explain the game while watching high school games, college games and countless games on tv. I'm just not into it. On football Sundays, we go upstate to watch the game at our friends' house and it's fun because I get to see friends and eat Zac's salsa. However, I've never actually watched the game. I usually read magazines, talk to Leah or take naps. Daryl says he doesn't care, but it's hard to believe that it doesn't make him a tiny bit sad because he is a hard-core fan. Hard core. I suppose you could say that I am a fan by association. I definitely want this team to win. In fact, I love my husband and friends and care so much for their happiness and well-being that I need the Cowboys to win. As much as possible.

It's hard to be a Cowboys fan in NYC. It's hard to find team merchandise here and even harder to find a place that's airing the game if it's not airing on a major network. If Daryl doesn't go upstate, he'll look for a bar that has it on. They showed it at Hill Country BBQ this past Sunday (if you haven't read about it yet, it's in the next entry) so that's where we watched. The Boys won. I got to hang out with awesome people. I had some really great corn pudding and mashed sweet potatoes. It was a good day.

He wears this jersey on game days because his dad thinks it's good luck. I have my doubts. He enjoys wearing clothes, however, and does not protest.

A Little Bit of TX: Barbecue

I grew up (partially) in Texas, so I have a fondness for the Lone Star State. Whenever I tell people up here that I'm from Texas, they usually respond one of a couple of ways:
a) Me too! (there a tons of Texans here)
b) you don't have an accent
c) you don't seem like a "Texas Girl" (I guess the prototype is Jessica Simpson?)
d) So, are you like, a Republican!?

I usually answer accordingly:
a) Don't you miss Taco Bueno, Chik-fil-A, Jason's Deli, Jack in the Box, Steak and Shake, Spring Creek Barbecue, Pei Wei, Pappasitos, Cheddars, Black Eyed Pea, etc, etc, the list goes on...
b) As a matter of fact, many people in Texas do not speak with Texas accents.
c) Umm...I lived in North Dakota until I was ten? I also like being pale.
d) No

Back to Answer A. I really miss some good Texas Barbecue! While NYC isn't short on food options, bbq restaurants included, it's hard to find anything that comes close to the real thing. For one thing, I don't want my bbq joint to feel upscale. It should also be affordable. It should also taste like comfort. We found a place in Queens that was suitable but it's a trek to get to now that we don't live there anymore. This past weekend, we were introduced to Hill Country, a spacious place in the Flatiron district that airs Cowboys games...more on that later. I have to say that I'm a fan. When you walk in, you get a ticket and then you order everything cafeteria style at the counters in the back. The food is served family style and it was delicious. I can't really weigh in on the meat, as I didn't have any pulled pork (which is my quality ruler). However, the sides were fantastic.

Here is a blurry photo (three of some of my favorite people: husband, mom-in-law, Vincent) at Hill Country. Check out that star. Texans like decorating with stars. A lot. I think I'll write a separate blog about that sometime because it sort of disturbs me.

Larry + Throw Pillow= Adorable

Theft-Proof Soap

Apparently, soap is popular among thieves in my neighborhood because it's under lock and key at my local Walgreens. I've never regarded body wash as an item worthy of heightened protection. Pharmaceuticals-yeah. Razorblades? Sure. Cosmetics- seen it. It's not like my neighborhood is shady, either. I guess I won't be buying my suds here. It's too much work to flag down an employee to unlock my soap so that can do sniff/scent comparisons. Check out this nonsense:

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I love fall

This is why:
1) Leaves changing colors=pretty
2) Pumpkin Lattes. Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin anything...
3) Apple Cider
4) Crisp air
5) Butternut squash soup
6) Thanksgiving

Hmmm. I intended on creating a longer list but it seems that this blog would have been more aptly titled: "I Love Fall Foods"

This is one of my all-time favorite cupcake recipes (thank you Martha Stewart). I've made several batches and they have been amazing each time. If you don't have all of the spices, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cupcakes (makes 18)

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon course salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (16 oz) pumpkin puree

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pans with paper liners, set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices, set aside

2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter and eggs. Add dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Whisk in pumpkin puree.

3. Divide batter evenly among liners (fill each one about halfway). Bake until tops spring back when touched/toothpick comes out clean- 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed. Let cool completely, then frost with favorite cream cheese icing.

Here is a simple cream cheese icing recipe:

Makes about 2 cups

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Place cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula, soften cream cheese. Gradually add butter, and continue beating until smooth and well blended. Sift in confectioners' sugar, and continue beating until smooth. Add vanilla, and stir to combine.

I hope you love them as much as I do. I feel inspired to make some right now.