I haven’t been cooking because I’ve been feasting.

My wonderful and generous husband treated me to a trip to New York City for my 30th birthday. I’ve been there for the past few weeks staying with family and having a grand ole time. I haven’t spent much time in the kitchen since I’ve been feasting on all things New York. Pizza, bagels and dessert.
For now, I leave you with this. It’s an oldie but a goodie. I promise.
My brother’s fantastically delicious (and easy!) pumpkin bread!

Here’s a preview of my trip:
The gorgeous sunset somewhere over middle America.

Delicious meals and restaurants around NYC:
My favorite meal of the trip was at Cotta. Awesome linguini and clams. Thank you Richard for bringing me there!
Pumpkin French Toast at Good Enough to Eat.

Meatball sliders at The Meatball Shop.
 
 Chocolate cake from The Best Chocolate Cake in the World.
Treats from Francois Payard Bakery.

Cannolis from Venieros.

Drinks and snackies at Stone Street Tavern.

Soup Dumplings from Joe Shanghais. My sister had been talking about these for years. My brother, who lives in the city, brought my sister to have soup dumplings a few years ago.
These. Are. So. Cool.
It’s a dumpling filled with soup. Here’s the link, check it out for yourself.

Pizza from Patsy’s Italian Restaurant.
Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery.
OMG. This isn’t pudding from a dry mix. This is like eating a cloud. It was so light and fluffy. I can’t even…it was soooo good.  We ordered a pumpkin cupcake as well to bring back to my brother’s apartment and snack on later, but we were given a Hummingbird cupcake. Not bad, but honestly, nothing to write home about.
This pudding, however…
I like to call this, “The Breakfast of Champions.”  That is all I am going to say about that.
Some fun views and other stuffs…
Outside of the Apple store in memory of Steve Jobs.
I couldn’t help but think how the homeless were going to feast on apples all night.
   Central Park
My sister Abigail goes to college in the city so we met up for some sibling gallivanting. I am so proud of you Ab.


That’s the view from my sister’s dorm. Well, not exactly, you have to walk down the street like 100 feet. She’s so lucky.
My super awesome and giggly bff from college, Elisha, met us for some fun as well. She’s a country bumpkin. Her words, not mine. Although if she didn’t say it, I would have. She’s from Western Massachusetts and had NEVER been to New York City. I’ll wait as you pick yourself up from the floor. Crazy, I know. We had to show her a good time. I think we did.
Her silliness will forever keep me sane. I love you Lish, you’re my best friend forever.

You can’t show someone NY and not go to the top of the Empire State Building, right?
The shadow cast from the Empire State Building.
Oh yeah, the view from my brother’s apartment.


Yup, that’s Central Park. He has a view of Central Park from his roof. It’s off the hook. I know I just said, “off the hook,” but it really is the only way to describe it.
My last night was probably one of the best. We were all together. My two sisters, my mom and my brother. I wanted to make sure we took a picture of all of us before we all went our separate ways. We never did. I’m pretty pissed. It’s not very often we’re all in the same place at the same time these days. I live 3,000 miles away now, Abigail is in college, Richard is either traveling the world or working and Rebecca is working her way through 11th grade, a part time job and hours and hours of texting.
It’s a little early for Thanksgiving, but it’s never too early to be thankful, so here goes:
I’m thankful my husband loves me so much he arranged the whole trip for me.
I’m thankful my brother was willing to have me and my bff stay at his apartment.
I’m thankful my sisters are doing so well in school and becoming beautiful young women.
I have such a wonderful and loving family. I am so thankful for all of them. They are each so special to me. I wouldn’t trade them in for anything.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, spend a few minutes reflecting on those things you’re thankful for. Sometimes it helps put things in perspective.
Don’t forget about the pumpkin bread. You need have this recipe on hand. It’s a keeper.