Wow, New York, you really know how to have a good time.  Of course by have a good time I mean eat til you bust your pants.  If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you already know that this last week I was invited to New York City to enjoy The Ultimate Coffee Experience with Nespresso USA.  Today I am enjoying four extra pounds and tight pants-which is quite a feat considering the amount of walking we did in the wind and snow.  I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my very hungry family and we did our best to eat everything Manhattan offered up.

From St. Patrick’s Day in a Irish Pub (complete with over the top cover band), to my first macaron (followed quickly by a dozen more), everything bagels with smoked salmon, tricked-out hot dogs, Chelsea Market, and Momofuku, we packed our weekend with memorable food and experiences.  We even managed to make it to the Statue of Liberty and a few other must-see spots.  I also enjoyed more than few cups of coffee at the Nespresso Boutique in SoHo and I can’t wait to share all things coffee with you over the next few months.

We had such a memorable trip and I can’t wait to go back.  What’s your favorite can’t-miss NYC food experience?

This post includes elements in connection with my appointment as a Nespresso Club Blogger.

There is nothing better to carry away the day’s troubles than an excellent cocktail.  My favorite quote about cocktails is: “Keep it simple, make it stiff.”  It is attributed to my hero Mark Bittman but I think actually originated with the Kitchn.  The perfect cocktail is a careful balance of sweet, sour, and the nuances of a good spirit.  A truly Mad Men worthy cocktail is a sipper-one that allows you to slowly appreciate the subtleties of the drink.  One of our favorites is the classic Old Fashioned.  It is fragrant with fruit oils, sweet enough, and highlights the flavors and balance of the whiskey.  Because your cocktail is so simple, the best ingredients and the right balance are paramount. We particularly like Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark, with homemade simple syrup.  A blood orange or Cara Cara is a nice variation as well.  Click here for the recipe »

**Give away closed!  Congratulations Jeffery and Sarah S!  Please check your email for instructions.  Thanks for playing everybody!**

A chocolate giveaway just in time for Valentine’s Day!  American Heritage Chocolate is a new line of chocolate products that uses only ingredients available during the 17th century.  The chocolate has a dark chocolate bitterness and is redolent of new-world spices-cinnamon, orange, vanilla, and peppery annatto among others.  It comes in sticks, blocks, and as a hot cocoa mix.  You can sub it for baking chocolate or grate it for cocoa powder.  Although we enjoyed it most straight up as a semi-sweet treat with coffee.

The folks at American Heritage Chocolate sent me a sampler of their products and asked if I was interested in providing some to my readers.  Well, we were so impressed by the chocolates that I asked if I could give away two samplers.  Crazy enough, they obliged!  And since only about ten people and my mom read the blog (Hi, Mom!), you have a really great chance of winning some delicious chocolate.  To win, comment below with your favorite chocolate dessert by 12:01 am Friday, February 8th.  The random number generator will pick two winners to be contacted by email (so be sure you include your best working email so I can congratulate you and get your mailing address) on that day.  If you want a second entry you can pin your favorite chaos in the kitchen recipe and leave a comment about it.

I used my chocolate block to make an amazing S’mores pie.  With a graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, and a broiled marshmallow topping this is a fantastic way to share your S’mores sans bonfire.  While I used the sightly spicy American Heritage Chocolate in the pudding base, my chocolate pie recipe turns out perfectly with just cocoa powder as well.  Click here for the recipe »

I love this combination of lamb, spices, toasted pinenuts and feta.  I could eat it in any form.  Today, it’s in stuffed pepper form with some extra herbs and veggies for good measure.  This is not a super quick weeknight meal but it is definately a pleasant Sunday in the kitchen make and eat all week kind of meal.  Click here for the recipe »