Homemade Marshmallows

We were homebound last weekend, along with most of the northeast. It was perfect hot chocolate weather. We have some great, 100% chocolate from Peru that we use to make hot chocolate, and I wanted to up our game a little and try making fresh marshmallows. It's pretty easy! You need to make them a few hours before you want to eat them, though, so it's not a spur of the moment thing. They're so light and fluffy and definitely worth the effort (it's not that much effort - just cleaning is sticky). They melt so nicely into hot chocolate. Can't wait to try them for s'mores! They would also be a great hostess gift along with supplies for either hot chocolate or s'mores. If it's another cold weekend when you'll be holed up at home, I recommend trying these out! (Got the recipe from Martha and halved it.)

Spiced Syrup

It's the season of parties. Sometimes it's nice to give/get something other than a bottle of wine. I was going over to my friend Alice's last weekend and wanted to bring over a little hostess present. I always make ginger simple syrup for dark and stormies, but I wanted to make a spiced ginger syrup to be warming and holiday-inspired. This makes about 2 cups and it's great in cocktails. 

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 cinnamon stick

2 cardamom pods

1 1/2" of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

A pinch nutmeg

A pinch allspice

3 cloves

3 peppercorns

Flavored Salt

We had a party on Friday and a wonderful guest brought me this foursome of flavored salt. It was such a sweet present! I read an article a few years ago about how if you're going to a party, you should always bring something for the hosts that's just for them; not a bottle of wine to be had during the party, but a really nice olive oil or balsamic vinegar or something that they wouldn't buy for themselves. As a frequent party host, I have to say it's so nice! I love getting a bottle of wine for the party, but this really was just so thoughtful and nice and something I wouldn't have gotten for myself.

I made some little crostini, spread on some ricotta, and tested each of the salts. There was Smoked Alderwood (super smoky and BBQ-like), Ghost Pepper (nice and spicy), Thai Ginger, and Espresso. They were so tasty and I can't wait to try them on other things. Jamie wants to try the ghost pepper salt for margaritas.

Thank you, Dre!!!

Maison du Macaron

I know everyone is into La Durée, but if you live downtown, there's an amazing macaron spot on 23rd - La Maison du Macaron. They have a great selection or colors and flavors and they look so beautiful. I got a box of the prettiest colors/tastiest-sounding flavors to bring to my sister-in-law's house last weekend, but we accidentally left them at home. Luckily for us, that meant we got to eat them. They're not that cheap ($20 for a box of 8) but they are rich and flavorful and decadent, and I think the perfect hostess present. (Anyone coming over to our apartment, I would be psyched to get a box of these : ) ) The salted caramel is amaaazing, and the port wine and pear (the pretty purple one with the gold leaf) was a close second. Yum!