Friday Food Favorites

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” ~ Guy Fieri

Friday Favorites

While I still consider myself a newbie to Friday favorites I could not resist putting a twist on it and doing a food edition. My brain is obsessed with the endless alliterations of  Friday Food Favorites.

Yes I am a word nerd and I have no shame.

Past Life

For those who have just joined me, in my past life, I was a pastry chef. Past life being seven years ago.

And now I feel old admitting that.

When I moved to New York, I packed away my Kitchen-Aid mixer and proceeded to put my culinary expertise to bed. It was a transitional and albeit bittersweet time. It had been a career that really allowed me to flex my creativity, but ended on an incredibly sour note emotionally and physically as among other things I finally came to terms with the fact I needed help for an eating disorder.

For a time I honestly, didn’t think I would ever enjoy food again nor that I would ever bake. Slowly but surely I came to rediscover my love for food and there was no better place then the foodie mecca of the world, New York. It is a hot bed of delicious eats which thanks to apps like Seamless, is literally delivered with a click of a button.

There is a comfort level with food, especially as the months get colder. In the last month not only have I gotten my bake on, thanks to apple picking and literally baking all the apples (seriously there is nothing better then this homemade applesauce recipe!), but I have also enjoyed some delicious food out.

The Sweet Shop’s Pumpkin Ice Cream

The Sweet Shop, which is a New York staple has some of the BEST ice cream in the city. Located in a hole in the wall, (literally) they serve their ice cream in Chinese take-out containers. Which if I am being honest, is what sold me!

They offer a variety of flavors, some unusual. While the salted caramel is my favorite, I had to try the pumpkin when I was there a couple weeks ago. It was beckoning to me.

I am a picky pumpkin person. (sorry I had too…) Not all pumpkin is created equally.

While I do like pumpkin pie, I do not like pumpkin coffee, (sorry PSLers) and depending on what else it is, I have to be in the mood. Not only was I in the mood, but guys it was divine! It was smooth and sweet without being overpowering. It also shockingly did not have an abundance of spices which sometimes over powers instead of enhances the taste of pumpkin. It definitely enhanced it and might give the salted caramel a run for its money!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese

Speaking of pumpkin, this cream cheese is amazing! Made by the king of pumpkin retailers, the one and only Trader Joes, this is a home run! It is smooth and creamy, with just the right hint of pumpkin and spice. It goes great on breads or bagels.

Macarons

Their is something about the Fall that makes me Fall (pun intended) in love with macarons. The French kind, NOT the american bastardized coconut variety that is not fit for consumption.

While Macaron Cafe is my favorite place to buy these sweet treats, Bouchon is a close second. After an afternoon of skating at Rock Center, not only did I need a cup o’joe pick me up, I was craving one of their gigantic macarons! I settled on the PB and J which has the perfect balance of sweetness without being sickening. I really could eat a dozen!

Honey Lattes

I first tried a honey latte when I was in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Despite not being a honey fan, I fell in love with the subtle sweetness that only enhanced the coffee flavor. Since then, I have been on the hunt to find a place that not only makes this type of latte, but does it justice. I needed to look no further then my home away from home, Cafe Jax. I should have known they would hit it out of the park balancing the coffee with local honey.

Katz Gluten Free Cinnamon Donuts

My Mom was sweet enough to send me these in a Halloween care package and I am SO happy she did! It was a Halloween tradition growing up to carve pumpkins, drink cider, and eat donuts. As someone who is GF, finding donuts has always been a challenge. My go to kinnikinick were sold out, so my mom found these. They are a great, if not better, substitute! They are much bigger then Kinnikinicks, and also fluffier. They have a hefty dose of cinnamon sugar and are delicious warmed or eaten as is. Food heaven!

BareBurger Milkshakes

It is no secret I am obsessed with anything dairy and while I usually stick with water and/or an adult beverage, I can not resist the milkshakes at Bareburger. Made from all local ingredients, (So it must be healthy right?) these shakes are not only the perfect consistency, but have unusual concoctions like s’more and banana flame. My favorite is the hazelnut, which is a blend of hazelnut spread and vanilla ice cream. So yummy!

Honorable Mention 

It may not be food, but let’s face it presentation is two thirds of the appeal. I could not help but become giddy when I went to Starbucks this past Monday and they had these festive cups (a few days early!)! I even had to splurge and order a peppermint white mocha. ‘Tis the season!

What are some of your Friday Food Favorites?