While thinking about what I wanted to write a post about (as I do with every post because I don’t just ‘wham bam thank you ma’am’ anything) it occurred to me at a random moment (as with most things) what the topic at hand would be: inspiration. On a sidenote: I find that most brilliant ideas come while doing the most monotonous things like sitting on a toilet. Imagine a toilet couch. Better yet, a toilet chaise. I’d be full of ideas! I’ve noticed that lately, especially, I’ve been surrounded by things that have been opening my eyes with even more wonder.

This particular apple tasted like an Asian pear, and supposedly has more vitamin C than an orange! There’s a little juicy plum to tag along.

It’s a very comforting and awakening recipe, as the ginger has a bold presence. Just pouring a cup of it makes me feel better, like wrapping up in a Swayter. Luckily, Balthazar’s spilled their secret for this precious recipe.

I’ve had instances recently that have shown me when someone is not a real friend, but the true golden hearts shined brightly . Those golden hearts help me stay hopeful and are reminders of the compassion that exists in this world.

 They each brought things that were incredibly addictive, and one of them brought some of her childhood favorite drinks.

The recipe is so incredibly simple–perfect for a picnic! After our indoor picnic we went around my neighborhood and strolled through the supermarkets around here: Zabar’s Citarella, Westside Market, and Fairway to name a few. Despite our full bellies we managed to make room for tastings.

I vouch that she move to New York after she graduates! You hear that, Natalie?

These two ladies came into my life in a very funny way, and I love how things like that have been happening. Honestly, I believe more in blessings than in luck. I already feel like we’re a little family.

Roasted vegetables and chickpeas, and grilled camembert and pumpkin butter sandwiches were on the menu that night.

She’s also a lover of food, and an incredibly talented fashion designer. Karen also loves food, and she wants to learn how to cook. I’m pretty sure that the kitchen is the main area where we all lounge around when we’re home.

After getting a little taste of it, I must say that she has that spark of culinary genius in her. I’m not sure what she’s calling this dish, but for right now I’ll call it… “Friendship Pasta”. It’s a very loose recipe, but I think you can figure it out by your own taste. Afterall, recipes aren’t meant to necessarily hold your hand the whole way.

Friendship Pasta

Ingredients

Grape tomatoes, halved

Baby peppers, diced

Garlic cloves, chopped

Spinach

Artichoke tapenade

Capers

Pasta, cooked

Goat’s milk gouda, sliced thinly

Truffle oil

Lemon pepper, salt

Directions

1. For the sauce: saute the grape tomatoes and baby peppers in olive oil with the garlic, salt, and lemon pepper. Throw in some spinach, artichoke tapenade, and capers.

2. After the veggies have been cooked slice up some thin pieces of goat’s milk gouda and mix it in till it melts.

3. Throw in the cooked pasta, and drizzle it with truffle oil. For an extra kick you can throw in some hot sauce!

Lastly, I recently went back to visit my family (and kidnap Matilda) for Thanksgiving.

They’re growing herbs, banana and pineapple trees, lemon trees, greens, sweet potatoes, an avocado tree, ginger, onions… the list goes on.

I followed a recipe from Brendan Brazier’s latest book: Thrive Foods. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing–the recipe is actually from Candle 79, which I haven’t been to yet.

Some cut up pieces of Lake Champlain Chocolates‘ Five Star Fruit and Nut bar, and a new twist on one of my favorite sweet treats. I pitted some medjool dates, spooned a bit of coconut butter in them, topped with sesame seeds, cracked black pepper, and sea salt. I love sweet and salty, but I’ve been curious about pepper since I’ve been seeing it in some chocolate bars.

Anyway, since graduating from school and going through various transitions since then, my appreciation for my parents has grown even deeper. Being back in their home… our home, felt so comforting this time around. Like never before. This past Thanksgiving our family friends had us go around and say something we were thankful for. Everyday I’m reminded of how wonderful it is that my mom and dad are so supportive of me. My dreams are not silly to them, and never have been. Looking back on when I was little I remember the imagination was indulged. Whether it was sitting down for breakfast with the Minnie and Mickey Mouse masks we made, or going on daily “Entdeckungsreisen“. I also know that no one will ever love me as much as they do, and feeling that kind of warmth is incredible. I know that they will read this, so this is one more way to show my thanks to you two. I love you.

p.s. Katharina’s Food Adventures has a Facebook Fan Page now so go ahead and check it out! I just want to thank all of my readers for being so wonderful, and I’ve got some exciting things in the works for the future of this blog–actually extending from this blog!