Pick-Me-Up

A little mid-week energy boost to combat the dreary weather and allergy sniffles:

Ultimate Irresistible Granola*

6 cups rolled oats

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup sesame seeds

1 cup wheat germ

2 cups shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)

1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds

1/2 cup canola oil

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 cup honey

4 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup golden raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut and sunflower seeds. In a small pan over medium heat, stir together the oil, syrup, honey, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cook and stir until blended. Pour over the oat mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on two cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the oats and nuts are toasted. Immediately after it comes out of the oven, stir in the raisins and dried cranberries. Let stand until cooled, and stir again to break up any large clusters.

*I made modifications to the original recipe based on others' reviews.

Remember the Bon Appétit recipe I made not too long ago, (fettuccine with peas, asparagus and pancetta)? I received some surprise mail regarding that post:

"Hi, Anna.

We loved seeing your blog post on cooking our May cover recipe.

We've added your blog link to our website and look forward to seeing more from you!"

Yep, it's there. Check out the original post and you'll see the link to yours truly, right on the Bon Appétit website!! I've been discovered, by the industry's top notch publication, mind you!! [insert delightful squealing here] I haven't quit my day job yet, but I've got my sights set on a future in magazines. My Little Sweet Nest = my ticket to the big time!

Stormy Weather

This past weekend brought with it some crazy wind. We're talking 60+ mph wind. Frances and I were planning to attend the annual Rochester Dachshund Parade, but fortunately it was cancelled, otherwise there could have been hundreds of airborne doxies!! Instead we ventured up to Lake Ontario, to one of our favorite spots, known as The Secret Sidewalk. But not before taking a picture of what was happening in our neighbor's backyard.

See the big crack? And the power lines? A recipe for disaster.

The Secret Sidewalk is not really a secret, but rather a public sidewalk tucked in between Lake Ontario and some pretty nice lakefront properties.

I was hoping to see some huge waves, but aside from the occasional gust, it wasn't too windy up on the lakeshore.

Most residents not only have gorgeous, sprawling lawns, but they also have these sweet little gardens growing between the sidewalk and the beach.

Or just a great "room with a view." Seriously, imagine those summer nights.

Frances stayed put on the ground, and thankfully we enjoyed our stroll. When we got home, it was a different scene.

That's my fence, so you can see how closely my yard avoided the destruction caused by the fallen tree. My neighbor lost a garage, and all I lost was my power. For roughly 36 hours. Yikes! But I'm back in business now, and still counting my lucky stars that the tree didn't fall on my garage.

Lilacs

Nothing screams, "Hello, spring!" quite like the lilacs do here in The Flower City. The official start date of the Lilac Festival is May 14, but the lilacs were eager to strut their stuff early this year. Frances and I headed to Highland Park to get a good look before the crowds descended upon the loveliness.

The thing I love most about lilacs is their scent.

My next favorite thing are the color variations. I can never decide which color I like the best, but right now I'm leaning towards the light, light lavender. The ones that look almost pink.

The park was awash in color, made more brilliant by the grey sky.

Look closely. Did you spot the peonies? My most favorite flower of all!

Hello, pretties!

"Above all, have a good time!"

And have a good time we did, my mom and I on her surprise birthday trip to Washington, D.C. It all started with this movie, which led to this book, which ultimately brought us to our nation's capital for a Julia Child -themed day, (it is safe to assume that I am mildly obsessed with this fascinating woman!). And what better way to celebrate another fascinating woman's birthday?

Beginning at the National Museum of American History, we meandered through Julia's Cambridge kitchen, completely unchanged since it was last in her house.

I was in awe, not only because Julia is a major idol of mine, but also because of that cookware. There was some major kitchen envy going on!

A few things I love about Julia Child: 1) she loved food, and could recall every little detail about all of the special meals she ate; 2) she led a completely full, albeit, childless life; and 3) she admittedly didn't hit on her passion until she was thirty-two.

"I was practically in hysterics from the time we landed... I was a late bloomer who was still growing up. I didn't get started on life until I was about thirty-two, which was good because I was old enough to appreciate it. I had it all ahead of me."

Well, Julia, I can only hope I've got it all ahead of me, too!

Later on, it was off to Georgetown to get a glimpse of Julia and Paul Child's home. Yes, I walked down the same sidewalk that Julia must have walked down hundreds of times.

Then it was off to dinner, a French restaurant, no less. Had it been around when Julia lived in Georgetown, I am certain she and Paul would have eaten there.

I had the trout.

My mom had the duck. And we were both thrilled with our choices, and the day. It was so much fun to follow in Julia's footsteps, and try to be half as adventuresome as she was.

[happy birthday, mom!]

It Must Be Getting Warmer

On a recent trip down to the Elmwood Village in Buffalo, I saw signs of life all around. Trust me, I couldn't be happier about the return of warm(er) weather, and I'm not the only one. Lots of people were out, enjoying the beautiful sunshine.

I know that, for me, having such long winters really makes me appreciate the non-winter months. I get spring fever so bad every year, and this year has been especially great. Spring came early and has stuck around, bringing lots of sunshine with it.

It's not often you can ride with your top down in Buffalo in April!

And we won't be needing fleece and outerwear for much longer!

One of the things that makes spring my favorite season is just getting outdoors again. The sunshine and fresh air, combined with flowering trees and early bulbs, makes me feel refreshed, hopeful and energized. Everything is so pretty again and I can do the things I love to do: take Frances for long walks, dig in the garden, go jogging without worrying about ice, cut bouquets to bring in the house, sit outside and read in my backyard... and simply, just soak up the sun. Such a sweet feeling.

Bon Appétit

On a trip to the store, my mom bought me the latest issue of Bon Appétit magazine, so I thought it only fitting that I make one of the recipes for us to try.

And with a cover photo as enticing as that, I decided to try the cover recipe. No substitutions except light cream instead of heavy cream. My dad thought it could have been creamier, so maybe the switch wasn't a good idea. Or perhaps I just should have added more cream. Either way, it was an excellent way to use the early spring vegetables that are just starting to show up at the market. Other recipes that I've had luck with lately are this, and this one, too. Do you see a pattern? Creamy goodness... tasty peas and asparagus... Italian meats.

I am filled with excitement, knowing that the growing season is finally beginning. Although we have a shorter growing season in Western New York, it is always bountiful, and fresh, and delicious. My kitchen is going to be a busy place, so keep those recipes coming.

Just A Perfect Day

We take it when we can get it in Western New York, and today was simply that. A perfect day. The kind that makes you want to get outdoors and smile, smile, smile as the sun beats down on your face.

Spring is my most favorite time of the year.

Luckily for me, this year has been splendid.

I took a break from yard work and went out in search of pretty.

And wasn't the only one enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Oh such a perfect day.

I don't think it gets much better than this.