(City) Springscapes in The Hunt For A Black and White Cookie

With the positive changes in the weather in NYC comes a desire to explore the world beyond your apartment walls. For me, it has led to short walks around my neighborhood with no particular destination in mind. It's just nice to enjoy the colorful variations of well-planted tulips that are scattered about town. last weekend I decided I wanted to try a neighborhood bakery that came highly recommended from a long-time New Yorker. Before setting out on my journey with a prupose, I had to know what I was going to encounter when I reached my destination (sometimes you just don't want the element of surprise.) William Greenberg Desserts is the full name of this bakery but you may also know it as Greenberg and they are known especially for a New York original -the black and white cookie. If you lived in New York for any period of time and you like sweet treats, you've likely had a few of these cookies. From the beginning, I always liked the idea of the cookie. Why sacrifice when you can have it all? Some other favorite pairings, neopolitan ice cream and pancakes and eggs. Greed is not really the idea..just harmless to have a little flavor variety when available.

I read reviews that described their version of the cookie as the best. A cake-like cookie with the split icing top. Each time I taste one there's a slight bit of improvement but Greenberg's was really the most like cake that I've had. It was dense and fresh but not particularly special looking so I forgot to take a picture! Overall- I say it's worth trying again so..time for another stroll!

A Little Southern Comfort

I think I'm one of the few people under the age of 65 living in Manhattan that actually goes to the grocery regularly (almost weekly.) I headed to the grocery this week with my little list of random items. I was in search of a few things to create a good mix of meals for the week until I was distracted in the cereal aisle. A craving for grits hit me. Without delay, I grabbed a box (not the instant stuff) checked out and went straight home to make pot of warm, lumpy grits. Yes- I love the lumps, the lumps, the lumps!! Of course, a little butter and salt are always welcome in my pot. (Sugar and syrup stay far, far away!)

Not the most beautiful food to photograph but check out my pot o' grits. There's a special lump shot for you!

(If I might suggest a great side item, one or two eggs over easy. I'm not sure breakfast can get much better.)

Just a simple pictoral tribute to a delicious meal and family fun...

Taking it to the Streets

Weekends can bring a sense of excitement and joy for many reasons- the end of the work week, special plans, or just a little time to relax all can bring a little happiness to a Friday evening. This past weekend the arrival of family and plans for a feast were highly anticipated events. Not to mention NYC was emerging from a rainy, windy weather week that gave few hints that Spring was on the way. The weekend forecast was looking good and I had a double-sided list of things to do and see -just looking at the list got me a little exhausted. A little tip came late in the day Friday from New Orleans that called for revisions. That event was a New Orleans second line in NYC across the Brooklyn Bridge. Well, I hadn't heard of such a great blending of cultures with one of the most amazing backdrops and structures in the U.S. Thanks Elizabeth for keeping me in the know from N.O.

Relax and enjoy.....