A Trip to Boston Public Market

 Zucchini and eggplant and squash, oh my! While there may be just a few more weeks left of summer, there is plenty of late summer produce left to be enjoyed before September ends! Before we left for Boston two weeks ago, our family garden was abounding with squash and tomatoes, and while it is unfortunately not practical for our dad to ship us garden fresh produce each week, New England happens to be full of fresh summer crops as well!

After a long first week of sophomore year, Hannah and I were very excited to venture into the city for a trip to one of Boston’s newest culinary destinations, Boston Public Market. BPM, which opened at the end of July, is a one of a kind spot for foodies of all types, from sustainability-supporters to chocoholics to pasta lovers. It is an indoor farmers market, operating year round, where over 35 local vendors showcase their locally-produced items ranging from handmade cheeses, organic produce, artisan donuts, local honey, Mexican stone-ground chocolate, spiced nuts and so much more.  

Produce from Siena Farms, Sudbury, MA

As we pulled open the door to the market, a whiff of homemade apple cider donuts lured us inside, where a local orchard was selling several varieties of apples along with homemade spiced cider. The warm scent of fall excited us for the months to come, though we are enjoying summer while it’s still here!

We sampled these "ground cherries," little tomatoes with a surprisingly sweet taste!

Browsing through the different aisles of the market, each lined with vendors offering samples of their unique creations, we couldn’t believe what amazing items the market had to offer. We visited several farm stands, where long tables teemed with rich purple Black Beauty eggplants, vibrant red tomatoes and bright orange carrots. Though it was all so tempting, Hannah and I decided to pick up a pint of fresh blueberries, lettuce from a local greenhouse farm, plenty of eggplant and summer squash, and a few ripe peaches (which we sampled and were incredibly sweet and juicy). Our friend, who had invited us along to the market, bought a pint of raspberries, a dozen eggs from an organic farm, and a grilled cheese for lunch made with a blend of cheeses from Jasper Hill Farm, which she noted was the best grilled cheese she had ever tasted. 

Fresh pasta from Nella Pasta

Though it has only been a little over a month since its opening, Boston Public Market has already become a favorite spot for locals and tourists of all ages. We are excited to watch it continue to grow, as well as to check out some of the programs it offers, which include free cooking classes and seminars, cookbook exchanges and other monthly events.  

Beautiful Fairy Tale eggplants!

While we miss our friends, family, and fresh produce back at home, selecting some local New England fruits and vegetables from the market was almost like picking them from our own backyard! Take advantage of the last few weeks of summer, and make sure to stock up on the last of summer’s produce while you can! I will be testing out a new Eggplant Parmesan recipe using the eggplant we picked up at the market, and I am excited to share it with you soon!

Enjoy,

Restaurant Review: Buttermilk

It's hard to believe that summer is nearly over! Since Mary and I will be heading back to Boston this Sunday, we have tried to make the most of our remaining summer days and enjoy the time saying our "see you later's" to friends and family. Of course our favorite gatherings involve both good friends and great food, so we have also had the chance to visit some of our favorite restaurants and even try some new places! One of the restaurants we have recently heard friends rave about is Buttermilk, a breakfast and lunch spot in Geneva, so yesterday I (Hannah) took our two "little sisters" out for a fun back-to-school breakfast celebration.

Cutest coffee counter inside Buttermilk  

The decor and atmosphere inside Buttermilk is what I would call "modern farmhouse," as the classic white walls and farm inspired fixtures are complemented by modern accents, giving the place an inviting and cozy feel. We waited about ten minutes before being seated, and enjoyed taking fun pictures while we waited.

Love the fun fixtures!

Buttermilk has a large menu with something for everyone! If you enjoy a sweet breakfast, they have a wide selection of pancakes, waffles, french toast, and crepes–including lemon blueberry pancakes, banana nutella crepes, and tres leches french toast, just to name a few! If you're more of the eggs and bacon type, they also have many different types of omelets, skillets, benedicts, and breakfast sandwiches. 

Scrambled eggs, beautifully seasoned potatoes, and delicious chicken sausage!

One thing I quickly realized is how generous the portion sizes are! An order of two eggs comes with a large helping of delicious breakfast potatoes and a choice between toast, an english muffin, or a stack of two large buttermilk pancakes! For a little extra, you can even opt for one of their specialty pancakes, and I couldn't resist trying the lemon blueberry pancakes topped with a fresh blueberry 

compote. Though they were quite delicious, you also can't go wrong with their classic buttermilk cakes. Their signature buttermilk pancakes are fluffy, light, and just perfectly sweet. 

Anna, one of my "little sisters," tried the "Penelope omelet" with spinach, tomatoes, feta, and onions. From the few remains left on her plate, I could tell she really enjoyed it–she even said it was the best omelet she's ever had!  

Anna enjoying her spinach, feta, tomato omelet! 

Thanks to my other "little sis" Emme for taking most of these pictures! We've got a budding photographer on our hands! (she's only 8 years old!)

Emme and I 

 If you're looking for a great breakfast spot in the Chicago suburbs, Buttermilk is a definite place to check out! You can't beat the great food, darling decor, and prime location right near the Fox River downtown Geneva! 

Enjoy, 

Flour Bakery's Famous Banana Bread

When Mary and I decided on attending college in Boston, we were both excited to explore the many amazing things Boston has to offer. Of course, high up on our list of things to do was to explore the Boston food scene, from trying fresh New England seafood to visiting unique cafés and bakeries.

One of the first places on our must-visit list was Flour Bakery, a bakery/cafe known for their famous baked goods. Prior to visiting, we had seen Flour featured in many different magazines, food blogs, and even on the Food Network. Ever since we saw Flour Bakery featured on the show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," (featured for chef Bobby Flay's favorite Sticky Buns) we have wanted to visit the famous Boston bakery and sample some of their delicious treats. Owner and Harvard graduate Joanne Chang knows how to build a successful business from the ground up, as she changed paths after pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Economics to enter the culinary world. Flour currently has four locations and is continuing to expand in the Boston area. 

Made with a few key ingredients, including creme fraiche and of course very ripe bananas, Flour’s Famous Banana Bread has become one of our very favorites. We have sampled it several times from the bakery itself, and if you follow this recipe, you can re-create that same delicious flavor of the dense, yet moist bread in your own kitchen. 

We own two great Flour Bakery cookbooks which feature many of their delicious recipes!

After spending a year in Boston, we have come to love Flour bakery for much more than their delicious banana bread. Nothing on their diverse menu will disappoint, from their artisan salads, sandwiches on freshly baked bread, breakfast options, and of course baked goods. Over the course of the year in Boston, we visited three out of the four Flour locations, and made sure to stop at Flour each time a friend or relative came to visit. Mary even attended a special cookbook signing event (for the book Baking with Less Sugar) where she met Joanne Chang, the owner of Flour.

If you're ever in Boston and looking for a great spot for breakfast or lunch (or even just a baked treat!), Flour bakery should definitely be high up on your list! And if you're visiting between the months of September to May, you may even see us there!

Flour Bakery's Famous Banana Bread

Recipe by Flour Bakery Cookbook

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 3 medium/large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• 2 tablespoons creme fraiche (greek yogurt can also be substituted)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray two 8x4-inch loaf pans with floured cooking spray, or grease and flour the pans; set aside.
2. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large mixing bowl and electric mixer) add the eggs, sugar, and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, well-combined, and mixture is golden yellow in color, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and with the mixer running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the oil. Don't dump it all in at once. Beat at medium speed until incorporated, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the bananas, sour cream, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
6. Turn batter out into prepared pan(s), smoothing the tops lightly with a spatula if necessary, and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until tops are domed, set, a toothpick inserted in the center crack comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter. Optionally, in the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, tent pans with foil (loosely drape a sheet of foil over pans) to prevent excessive browning on the top and sides of bread before center cooks through.
7. Remove pans from oven and allow to them to cool on top of a wire rack for about 15 to 30 minutes before turning out onto rack to cool completely. Bread will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Enjoy, 

Restaurant Review: Lyfe Kitchen and Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

We are both so excited to share our first of many Restaurant Reviews after a fun evening in the city, where we visited two of our favorite places in one evening! Because we live only a short train or car ride away from the city, we are fortunate enough to be close to many delicious restaurants. We are always looking for new places to try, and after watching Chopped on Food Network last summer and being introduced to the chef of Lyfe Kitchen (who won the episode!), it has become one of our favorites! 

Fresh herbs inside Lyfe Kitchen!

Lyfe Kitchen (which stands for Love Your Food Everyday) is a new fast-casual restaurant chain originally from California that aims to change the concept of fast food by promoting sustainability and providing a variety of fresh dishes. They have a large menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options featuring local, seasonal ingredients that are sure to satisfy a variety of dietary restrictions, from vegan to gluten free. They now have two locations in Chicago and one in Evanston, and are looking to expand in the future! 

Mahi Mahi tacos!

After debating what to order (though you really can’t go wrong), we decided on the Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and the Grilled Chicken and Avocado Sandwich on a homemade Oat Bun, with a side of sweet potato fries. Our food came out very quickly, and was also quickly eaten up! Though we had to save room for dessert, Lyfe Kitchen has one of our favorite healthy desserts (Chia Seed Budino) which is like a dark chocolate pudding made with chia seeds soaked in pomegranate juice. It is packed with the protein and antioxidants of chia seeds, while tasting like a decadent dessert! 

Chicken and Avocado Sandwich 

Following our delicious dinner, we had to make a stop at our favorite gourmet ice cream shop that we hadn’t visited in awhile, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. If you are an ice cream connoisseur and enjoy experimenting with unique flavors, Jeni's is the place for you. Based out of Ohio, Jeni's uses only the freshest ingredients for their artisan ice cream, including milk from grass grazed cows of Ohio farms, fair trade vanilla from Uganda and Askinoise dark chocolate. Their menu board changes seasonally, and we couldn’t wait to see what new offerings they would have for the summer.

Normally they have a lot more flavors but this was still a great selection!

Jeni's is the cutest place!

One of our favorites was the Sun-Popped Corn ice cream, made from sun-popped popcorn soaked in milk and cream. It tasted just like a bowl of rich, buttery popcorn. The Root Beer, Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Wildberry Lavender were also incredibly delicious, making our flavor selections incredibly difficult! Jenis also sells pints of their handcrafted ice cream in their Scoop Shops, as well as in local grocery stores including The Fresh Market and Standard Market! 

Salty Caramel and Sun Popped corn was a great combination!

We love our ice cream!

Great time spent with friends!

Next time you are visiting Chicago, make sure to add Lyfe Kitchen and Jeni's to your list of places to visit! You won’t be disappointed!