Monthly Archives: November 2011

Berries and pie

Even though Thanksgiving was almost a week ago, I thought I’d share the recipe for this berry pie I made. The recipe is one from Ina Garten, and was simple to assemble (once I figured out how to zest an orange). The end result was decidedly tasteful. Next time though, I think I’ll leave out the orange.

This final picture doesn’t really do it justice, but for my first attempt at bringing something to our Thanksgiving meal, I think it was a success.

If you want to try it yourself, check out the recipe below:

12 oz fresh cranberries rinsed and stems removed (about 3 cups)
1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tbs grated orange zest (about 2 oranges)
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/8 tsp cinnamon
2 extra large eggs, room temperature
1 cup + 1 tbs sugar
1 stick butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325. Combine cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice and 1 tsp cinnamon in bowl. Set aside.
Beat eggs on medium high speed for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup granulated sugar, butter, sour cream and vanilla. Beat on medium until just combined. Slowly add flour and salt.
Pour fruit mixture evenly into 10″ glass pie plate. Pour batter over fruit, covering it completely. Combine remaining 1 tbs sugar and 1/8 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter.
Bake for 55-60 minutes until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean and fruit is bubbling around edges.

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24.

Today I turn 24. Scary. Despite having to work (!), the day was filled with birthday wishes, cards, treats and more.

Christmas tree lot on the EVE of my birthday.

Signs of the holidays at work!

Birthday flowers from Dad and Fray.

Snoopy card – my coworkers know me well. :)

Cake, courtesy of Sweet Seven Bakery on 63rd Street

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Pooch presents

With Black Friday long over and the holidays fast approaching, Christmas shopping is in full swing. I’m usually pretty bad about waiting until the last minute, but this year I’m hoping to at least plan out and have an idea of what I want to buy for everyone on my list, including my pups. I stumbled across this awesome gift list for the pet in your life this morning, and couldn’t wait to share. What do you think? Will you be buying a special treat for your pooch this year?

Photos via

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Lots to be thankful for

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it marks the start of the holiday season, my favorite time of year; even more so than the warm summer months. Today I feel thankful that my gram is still here, even though she rarely knows what’s going on, and that I am lucky enough to spend time with my mom, dad, aunts, uncles and cousins. With the day nearly over, I have a lot to be thankful for. Even when that which feels like it is against us, is actually for us.

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An old commute

Tonight seemed to be an exceptionally bad commute. The rain, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Kind of a recipe for disaster. But then I came across this photo. My commute could be a whole lot worse.

Biking to work? No thanks.

This would be awesome.

I can parallel park so I am now allowed to mock all those who cannot.

Images via

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