ToppSalad Qualities {preview}

Topp Salad is now open in Danvers, MA! You can check out their website here. 

CoverGirl Status

I don't know anyone who smiles and laughs as much as my roommate Nicole. She has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen and her laugh is absolutely contagious. Everything about her is radiant and joyful. 100% CoverGirl status.

Additional reasons why Nicole is awesome: 

• She will drop everything for a three-hour marathon of HIMYM. 
• She loves card and board games and introduced us to a new one called, Spot It. 
• She takes ballet classes. 
• Her New Years Resolution is to eat a different flavor of ice cream each week in 2015. Naturally, I get to reap the benefits of this venture :)
• She is faithful, kind-hearted and loving. 
• Basically, I love her.

Makeup by the talented Kailen Hodge. 

Topp Salad

 I just want to say a quick "Hello" and share with you a few images from one of my favorite food shoots thus far...

Topp Salad will open soon in Danvers, MA. You can check out their website here :)

Portland, Maine.

A few photos from our Saturday trip to Maine. My roommate, Kate is from Saco, so we were able to spend the day in Portland with her sister. It was a day of coffee, good company and photography lessons. And of course, New England winter weather.

Seriously, how adorable is she?

A Bloggy Baker

My roommate and pro baking friend, Kate has FINALLY started a blog! These delicious macarons were made by her (of course). You can find the {recipe} here!

p.s. They're gluten free ;)

Mediterranean Baked Zucchini

The roommates and I were missing Greece today, so our mid-afternoon snack turned into full on mediterranean-style zucchini. Fresh lemon, fresh oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper and zucchini. And of course we went on to make roasted potatoes and chicken as well. A very happy Saturday indeed.

Snow Day #2

Snow day #2 and working from home has been much more productive. I even took a real lunch break and made a real meal! Feeling on top :)

Snow Days are for Cinnamon Buns

Thanks a lot to Oh Miss Kate for killing my wedding diet and also distracting me from my work! AH!

Classic Almond Biscotti

I woke up Saturday morning to these fresh treats, made by the lovely Kate. I think it's time I get back into my running routine...starting Monday.

Classic Almond Biscotti

Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

makes 3 dozen biscotti

3 eggs

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 Tbsp. milk

1/2 Tbsp. almond extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 tsp. baking powder

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Add the oil, milk, and almond extract, and mix for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until completely combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing only until just combined. Give the mixture a final stir with a rubber spatula, and fold in the walnuts.

Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape each into a log about 9 inches long by 3 inches wide. Place two on each sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Remove the oven and place the pans on cooling racks for 10 to 15 minutes, or until you can handle the biscotti easily.

Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.

Using a sharp knife, slice each log on a diagonal into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange the slices cute side-up on the baking sheets and return to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping them halfway through. Allow the biscotti to cool on the baking sheets, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Baker Baker

I've had a professional baker living in my apartment this week. She calls herself, Kate. Every morning it's fresh macarons, biscotti, donuts, or bread. It's been magical.

p.s. You can find Kate's recipe for boule over here!

Cardamom Apple Cake

I randomly tried this recipe a month ago and posted a half-eaten picture of it on Instagram. For all of you who asked for this recipe, here you are! If you love cardamom as much as I do, you will love this cake! It's a little on the dense side, subtly sweet with the perfect amount of spice and lemon flavor. My roommates and I ate this for breakfast with tea and coffee all week long.

On another note, I wish I could be paid to try recipes. How amazing would that be? 

 Cardamom Apple Cake

Adapted From Tartelette

1 large apple 

1 cup yogurt

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup olive oil

zest & juice of 1 lemon

2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour (or regular flour)

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease one 9-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.

Starting from the bottom of the apple, slice the apple into medallions. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar and eggs until pale (about 2 minutes). Add the oil and lemon juice. Mix until well blended. Add the flour mix, baking powder, cardamom and cinnamon and whisk until batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Partially drain the apples and assemble the slices on top of the batter. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes until a knife inserted in the middle comes free of raw batter. Enjoy :)

(P.S. Thanks to my fiancé for the beautiful flowers :)