mint lemonade

In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups water + 3/4 cup sugar + 1-1/2 cups fresh mint leaves (basil is also fantastic). Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. Remove the leaves, and let cool. Then add to 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 8 large lemons worth) + 1-1/2 cups water. Serve over ice, and garnish with fresh mint leaves & lemon zest. 

For a great cocktail, start with about 2/3 of a glass of the lemonade, add gin, and top off with Citron Perrier.

100th post!

I've been doing this for almost 2 years now, with 100 posts and nearly 300 photos.

Hope you guys have enjoyed it as much as I have!

pumpkin chocolate chip muffin strip tease

(cue the burlesque music)

Muffins made by Bonnie's Baked Goods. They are crazy delicious. 

You can order them here.

big apple bbq block party

(an annual event in and around NYC's Madison Square Park)

watermelon salad & skirt steak

Seedless watermelon, cut into cubes + chopped kalamata olives + crumbled feta + fresh oregano leaves + touch of black pepper. Makes a really lovely summer salad. The steak is simply seasoned with salt & pepper, and seared in a hot pan.