Flavor Buffet: 4/2/2021

Hello! Happy Friday. April has arrived and it’s so sunny - but cold. How? Why? I’m honestly just ignoring it and skipping socks regardless. The warmth will return very soon.

Whether you’ve been observing Passover this week or are about to celebrate Easter on Sunday, I hope you have a good one and feel the hope in the air, like I do. Spring has arrived, more and more people are getting vaccinated and I just can’t wait until it is our turn. Soon!!

This week’s Buffet is the usual variety hour with some important reads, some helpful reads, several sweet recipes, and a number of my favorite products for you to peruse.

Have a great weekend! Please continue to wear a mask.

READ

When it’s your turn, I hope you get the vaccine! I cannot wait for that email saying it’s time to make an appointment. Here are some side effects you may experience after receiving the shot.

Who doesn’t appreciate LL Bean? A beacon of outdoor gear and the “boat and tote,” this guide features the best items to buy at the iconic shop.

A great piece about anxiety and cooking by the terrific Julia Turshen. I need to order her new book!

Fourteen kinds of sugar to keep in the pantry. A guide I never knew I needed!

Waffles, another passion of mine. Here’s how to make them crispy and perfect.

Balthazar in NYC is about to reopen and my goodness it makes me so happy. Someday in the future I will eat at this gem again.

COOK

I don’t love bananas, but I am intrigued by these banana pudding cheesecake bars.

Speaking of sweets, look at these cute glazed sour cream gem cakes. I told you 2021 is the year of cake! ;)

Over in savory, I think we need to make these hoisin-and-balsamic glazed lamb chops immediately.

Sorry (not sorry) for one more dessert: no-mixer-required vanilla cake. Baking it ASAP!

Next time I want all of the cheese (all of the time?), I am going to make spinach and artichoke pita grilled cheese. Wowza.

I’d like to make this tomato-egg stir-fry this weekend! Yum.

DINE

I must admit I’m plum out of new ideas for dining out at this very moment. We are so excited that outdoor dining is coming back for the warm weather. Once we’re fully vaccinated, I intend to go out for dinner, outdoors, and enjoy every second of it.

For now, we’re sticking to lunch outside at Twist Bakery (at a table far from others) and having our favorites in the afternoon sun. The countdown is on for us to go back to dining out at night and I’m pretty psyched. “Normal” won’t really exist for a while, still, but we’re getting closer and that feels so good.

Bar Bites: Local (restaurants in/around Boston)

Bar Bites: Beyond (spots outside of MA)

SHOP

These Tory Sport weightless bike shorts I got last year are finally being put to good use for my daily Peloton ride. Very comfy!

I’ve been loving these Loft cotton henley sweaters for spring. So comfortable and well-priced.

My current spring look includes a frequent rotation of chambray shirts (this one specifically). Great with black or white jeans, any time.

If you’re in need of comfortable chairs that work well for the kitchen/dining table, or at a desk, I love these.

I have been admiring these vintage-rug-wrapped benches from local company New England Loom. Do I need one for our house?

Time to stock up on note cards (and a new notepad) for my stationery drawer. I love the company Moglea - their hand-painted cards always make such a statement.

Speaking of stocking up, I need to order a few of these basic tees from Everlane for the summer. Inexpensive, cotton, fits well, and doesn’t seem to shrink the dryer. Excellent!

Enjoy!

Mollie

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