This week's DELIGHT: Walnut Chocolate Cake

I still need to post about this year's Thanksgiving recipes (lots of delicious food, as usual!) but I'm already thinking about Christmas ;) And with the chilly and rainy weather around here, nothing better than a Walnut Chocolate Cake.

It's a delicious cake with a soft and moisty texture, however, as the nuts have a good amount of natural oil in them, it is not a very fluffy cake. I used semisweet chocolate chips, but if you like a sweeter cake, I suggest using milk chocolate (I liked it with semisweet).
You can also switch for macadamia or pecans, take out the chocolate chips (I don't recommend...) or even add a glaze or ganache. Merry Christmas!

Vacation - Part I: Interlaken, Switzerland

Hello there! I'm back and I'll write here the best moments of my delicious trip!
We arrived in Germany (Zwingelhausen), then we took a car and drove all the way to Switzerland (Interlaken). From there, the destination was Italy (Milan and the Lakes). On the way back to Germany (this time Edingen and Heidelberg), also by car, we could not not stop in France and we were lucky to choose a very charming small town (Colmar) which is worth another visit! Four countries in 15 days. Oh My! So many restaurants and places we visited...

Let's start with Interlaken, Switzerland. Certainly one of the highlights of the trip. As the name implies, is a region between lakes, with huge mountains covered with snow, busy ski resorts, delicious food, cold weather and very charming! Everyone should visit the Alps!

Wandering around Interlaken ...

An amazing stroll is the Jungfraujoch. The highest point that tram can get. A ride to the top is wonderful: an infinity of mountains, trees and houses covered with snow, we passed by ski resorts and, up there, with 3F, we were blown away (literally and metaphorically) with the breathtaking landscapes!

Also in Jungfraujoch, a nice stroll inside a castle made of ice!

Typical dinner: Raclette (simply a plate full of melted Swiss cheese!)

A proudly exposed collection of cow bells...

Speaking of cows, the milk is delicious! Especially warmed and with Swiss chocolate!
Cultural moment: rumor has it that Swiss and Dutch cows produce the best milk because they have plenty of space to walk and eat freely. So that's is the reason they have the best reputation of chocolate, milk and yogurt! (I was already a huge fan of Swiss chocolates, and after tasting the milk and yogurt I can say it is a well-deserved fame!)

Another exhilarating experience: sledding in Grindelwald.

That's what I call a White Xmas!!

My first and successful experience with the sled!

Goat on its doorstep ...

More wanderings around the city ...

I knew I would love Switzerland and I was not wrong. Everything is organized, quiet, charming, with good food and, of course, lots of snow and cold weather! And, in the luggage, tons of Swiss chocolate!

In love: Cashmere Kaftan

We have only one more post about NY to go, but I had to interrupt the "special" for a very good reason: the  amazing Cashmere Kaftan that I found this weekend!

LA is getting cooler and I already pictured myself wearing one of this, at home, watching a movie on the sofa with a glass of wine. Oh my...

It's not a steal, but I'm sure it's worth every penny...

This week's DELIGHT: Chili - Version I

I was thinking about posting a cake recipe, but since today is cold or raining in almost everywhere, I decided to go for a comforting Chili recipe. In fact, this recipe is adapted from the original, which is Mexican and basically made ​​of ground beef and pork (and, in some versions, with beans). Hubby and I are huge fans and we make a lot, so I don't follow any recipe and I'm always creating different - healthier, of course - versions depending on what I have in the fridge. So, I will call this recipe Chili - Version I, because, I already have other versions around!

It's a perfect dish for cold and rainy days. Since it's a complete meal (has grains, protein, vegetable etc), there is no need to serve anything else. It's very satisfying, warm and delicious!

New York, New York

I'm back after two weeks of trips, tourism, food and fun; and nothing better than starting with a post about one of the cities that I love most: New York!

With light, people, food and novelty, the city is amazing! I had the opportunity to visit it a few times, and each one of them I find a different NY.
This time I went with my mom, who was visiting the city for the first time, so I had to focus on touristic spots, but I had some amazing tips from "locals", so we got to visit different places as well.
Tourists or not tourists, NY remains very charming! Below are some photos taken during walks through the streets...

Lights at Rockefeller Center

NY' tradition: food carts

Colorful mini markets

Magnolia Bakery (yes, here I am again!)

Times Square

Brooklyn Bridge

Squirrel

Statue of Liberty

Central Park

NY at night

New construction at Ground Zero

Empire State

Streets of NY

Next posts I will talk about food (of course!), and give you tips of other places you should visit when in town!

Deeply in love: Faux Mink Throw

The cold weather is already hitting hard some states in the US and even living in "Sunny California" sometimes gets cold in here too. So last week I could not resist and bought something to keep hubby and I warm this winter: a faux mink throw.
Americans use throws a lot not only to wrap around the body and legs, but also for its original purpose which is to throw on the bed or sofa to decorate. They are available in stores all year long and in various fabrics and materials (cashmere, cotton, wool, fur etc.). Hubby used yesterday and loved it! It's super soft and really keeps you warm!

Bring it on, winter!

Sweet Moments: Sweet Quinoa

From now on I will include the category Sweet Moments here on the blog. Posts with quick recipes invented by me or found in books, or some snack bought at the store just to satisfy those craving moments during the day.
And as my weakness is sweet, I will begin with a Sweet Quinoa recipe.

I'm a fan of quinoa for quite some time and I prepare a lot of savory versions, but I found this sweet recipe today and made it for ​breakfast.
For those who like oatmeal (I love it!), it is almost the same but with two advantages: it has less carbohydrate and it is easier to digest. The texture is different, of course, but I can say that this healthier version is already on my list of options for breakfast, especially with the winter right in the corner.
I didn't make the original recipe (here), because I didn't have all the ingredients at home, but my version, simpler, was two thumbs up! Cook 1/2 cup of quinoa (with water and no seasoning). When it is cooked, place it in a small saucepan with 1 cup of milk, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, sugar (I used stevia) and a chopped banana. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat and when it is the way you like (more or less consistent), remove from heat and place it in a bowl with a drizzle of maple syrup (or honey). I cooked the banana together with the milk, because I like it almost disappearing in my mouth, but if you prefer it firmer, add it for last.

Keep your mind open and try it! (If you make this recipe, tell me the results here in comments!)

Porcelain - Part II (Reiko Kaneko)

Reiko Kaneko is a British ceramic designer who makes beautiful, simple and delicate pieces. However, she really got me with her work with these tea sets with lipstick marks in gold and platinum. Perfect for the colder seasons that are knocking on our door!
Apart from its "normal" use, it can also be a beautiful decorative piece in your kitchen if you place it in a open cabinet or shelf.

To learn more about the designer and where to buy her pieces, visit her website.

Keep you baby warm with Bundle Me

I know that winter is almost over in Brazil and here it has barely begun, but the news for the season are coming out. To my mom readers who live in cold places or want their babies ultra protected this winter, I found these cute Bundle Me by JJ Cole's.
Designed to be attached to the stroller and baby carrier, Bundle Me is much like a sleeping bag lined with plush or sheepskin and it is available in several colors (they also have a water resistant version, perfect for snowing places). With it, you no longer need to be carrying blankets, and it is machine-washable. Ideal for babies and children up to 3 years.

  

 

 Sure bet for bitter winters!