flashback: ricotta muffins

I think I made these back in January -- on one of my snowy days off. I was inspired by Smitten Kitten's ricotta-stuffed muffins, but kept mine sweet with honey and sugared almonds on the top.

Here are my muffins, all lined up -- I pop them halfway out so that the steam doesn't make the bottoms soggy as they cool.
A lone muffin waiting to be eaten...
While the layers in my muffins were much less defined than those of Smitten Kitten, they were incredibly moist!

The Firebird Cafe

I've been to The Firebird Cafe a few times - most recently last Saturday. They have a great selection of breakfast fare, paninis & wraps, salads, and daily specials. The prices are very reasonable and the food (and coffee!) is always good. I usually get the C.A.B. - a panini filled with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, bacon & garlic mayo -- it's the perfect size for lunch and it's always delicious. If you're looking for breakfast food, they always have a special burrito or omelette. On Saturday, I stepped out of my C.A.B. box and ordered the special omelette - a pesto and mozzarella omelette with fresh tomato salsa. It came with homefries and was especially satisfying. Just what I needed after a long workweek...

Here's my omelette (my mom's choice, "The Traditional," is in the background):
...and now the homefries join the party!

Easter Brunch

My family and I had Easter Brunch together yesterday. Here's what was on the menu (my mom's ideas!):

• panzanella-stuffed cherry tomatoes
• three grain rye bread squares with salmon and dill cream cheese

• breakfast casserole adapted from this Eating Well recipe
  
• sage breakfast sausages
• roasted asparagus with herbed yogurt sauce
  
• minted orzo with feta

• hot cross buns from Red Hen
  
• blueberry cake
• fresh cantaloupe and oranges
  

leftovers : Shalimar of India

I've not met an Indian dish yet that I didn't like. I'm completely obsessed with Shalimar of India's food, especially their brunch buffet. It's a great way to experience a diverse smattering of Indian food without emptying your wallet. Pictured here are my leftovers from my last dinner at Shalimar -- palak aloo (spinach and potatoes cooked with cream, tomatoes, and spices) over pullao (basmati rice), served with 3 sauces (tamarind sauce, mint chutney and onion chutney). At a loss for paneer (homemade cheese), I panfried a slice of haloumi.

Indian brunch!!

Earlier today, my boy and I enjoyed brunch at a local Indian place. Shalimar of India is a small family-run restaurant that serves delicious Indian dishes. The brunch is all-you-can-eat and happens every Sunday (11.30am-3pm). The buffet includes: both meat and vegetarian dishes (usually 6 dishes in all), pullao (basmati rice), bread, salad, little bites (like samosas or pakoras), all of the necessary sauces and chutneys, and a sweet rice dessert. For drinking, there is coffee (and maybe tea), and the never-ending glass of water. I also suggest the mango lassi, which is a fruity yogurt drink. It's creaminess helps to offset the spicyness of some of the dishes. I basically love this place.