Summer In Books

I like to read year round but quieter summer days mean I have few more spare moments to catch on my reading.
You can usually find me reading novels, but every now and again I try to spice in a little non fiction. I've noticed that when I do it's usually food related. Shocking right?
Anyways, I thought it might be fun to share a few books I've read recently, all of which will keep you happy and none of which will embarrass you if someone asks, “What’re you reading?”
All are available for Kindle, tablet, and should be out in paperback by now. They are in no particular order beyond the way I found them on my Kindle.

Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that people have strong opinions about the combination of fruit and chocolate.
I don’t judge, I mean, I have strong opinions about pretty much everything, such as the combination of chocolate and cayenne pepper (sometimes), whitefish salad sandwich (no thanks), pillow fight in Union Square (once is more than enough), and how many rounds of Candy Crush it is acceptable to play back-to-back (non-stop, what kind of question is that?)
What I’m saying here, is that pretty much the only thing I don’t have uncompromising views on is the combo of fruit and chocolate.

Cranberry Pistachio Light Chicken Salad

One of the many things that make my life worthwhile is shelling pistachios.
Seriously. It’s totally therapeutic for me.
Especially when I encounter one of those pesky ones that have only opened a tiny bit.
It’s like a challenge for me: ‘Stubborn pistachio’ v ‘Mike’.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze

As I told you yesterday, I’m pretty pumped to visit the great city of Berlin.
What I’m not excited about, is packing.
I’m actually really bad at packing. I'm not a light packer to begin with; on top of that I bring things I don’t need, and I forget things I do need.
The one mistake I often make is bringing too many tees, shirts, and sweaters and not enough socks and boxers.
And I always forget about outerwear. As a result I have a humongous collection of fleece jackets and umbrellas I bought around the world.
For some reason, I’m persuaded that while I’m on holidays it won’t rain — not even when I went to India during the Monsoon. My mind is weird, I know.

I'm Going To Berlin!

Aw, man, I'm so pumped about this!

In seven days I'll be landing in Berlin.
I’ve never been to Berlin before but I’ve heard nothing but good things about this city. I’m very very VERY excited to go and explore for myself.
Couz Dan moved there two years ago, and I’ll be staying at his place (thanks dude for the hospitality and for the picture!) He lives in Friedrichshain, a supposedly very trendy neighborhood I’m so stoked to explore.

Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts

What are your favorite workout songs that you secretly jam to?
You know, those songs that you get super pumped to, but that if by accident someone hears what you’re listening to, you have a backup line ready to justify why you’re listening to it.
Something like “I usually don’t listen to this crap but this is my roommate’s iPod. I picked it up by mistake this morning!"
Personally speaking, I have quite a few songs on my iPod I know for a fact I would get laughed at by my friends.
I call them my “power songs” (I know, I’m such a nerd!)
When I’m running and need that extra push, I crank ‘em up and BAM I immediately feel like Road Runner going “Meep meep!”
Well, I’ve grown sick and tired of hiding my shame playlists (or shamelists if you will) in the shadows. I want to come out into the light and share the music that I so secretly love.

Rosemary-Peach Iced Tea

I’m going to state the obvious: there is nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day.
I know it, you know it, even my 6-year old niece knows it.
Iced tea quenches your thirst and satisfies your desire for flavor. It’s one of those delicious flavors that just makes the summertime seem worth while. That and BBQs, doing things outdoors, Central Park Summer Stage, MoMA PS1, Water Fight NYC, and long walks on the beach. Just to name a few.

Zoodles Cacio e Pepe

I like to think of myself as a smart person, but I guess we all make bonehead errors from time to time.
Yesterday despite a heat advisory, I went for a run.
We were well into the red zone where heat exhaustion and heat stroke could occur.
You know, one of those summer days when the thermometer reads 92º, but it feels like standing in the pits of hell — thanks a lot humidity!
The news advised people to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities, warning that “if you have to be outside, be sure to schedule frequent rest breaks in an air conditioned or shaded place!”

Ginger and Vanilla Bean Apricot Compote

Do you know the difference between jams, jellies, preserves, conserves, marmalades, fruit butter, and compotes?
If you don’t, let me walk you through it.
Let’s start from jams.
Jams are made from fruit that is chopped or crushed and cooked with sugar until the pieces of fruit are soft and lose their shape.
Jellies instead are made from juice, or better yet fruits are crushed and cooked to extract their juice. The mixture is strained through a fine mesh fabric to remove fruit solids. As a result jellies have a bright, crystal-clear consistency.

Moroccan Potato Salad

I always thought most people do like potato salad to a degree, but is rarely somebody’s favorite thing.
More just something you accept.
“Oh, potato salad’s here. Guess I’ll have some before those ribs to get cooked!”
This past weekend I was proven wrong.
I showed up to a BBQ with a big bowl of potato salad and not only was I welcomed, but adored too.