Some Things I’m Liking Lately

Every now and then I like to share with you a few things that are inspiring me. I hope you had an amazing weekend. I worked a lot, wrote a lot, drank a lot of coffee, and packed a lot (more on this soon).
Chocovivo Chocolate. This is the real deal. I’ve actually stopped buying it because I have trouble practicing any self restraint. It’s untempered (the process that makes chocolate pretty and shiny) bean to bar chocolate made in Southern California, so it has a nice rustic look. My favorite flavors: Almond and Sea Salt and Cherry, Almond & Black Peppercorn.
Two new-to-me blogs, This is Naive and Food in Jars. The first is a little tough to explain, actually. The blog’s written by Tommy, a creative gal living in London. She is an incredible photographer and writes about travel, food, home and garden, health–but does so through her tasteful lens and discerning eye. I like her point of view. I think you will, too. The second blog delves into all things canning, with creative recipes, how-to canning tips, local resources etc. The most recent post on orange rhubarb butter makes me smile. I can’t wait to try it.
Canal House has a new online site. Check it out. Spend a little time clicking through the visual blocks, and explore music, gardening inspiration, and links on the world’s best aprons. If you’re not familiar with the seasonal Canal House cookbooks, they’re some of the most inspiring, beautiful collections I’ve ever seen.
Sweet Paul Magazine. Haven’t gotten my hands on a physical copy yet, but I’ve explored the web version and this is one beautiful publication! It’s brand new, has luscious colorful photos, and fabulous looking recipes. Check out their blog here.
Shanna Murray’s sweetly illustrated wall and window decals. Enough said.
An Etsy shop I’m loving lately: Casey at Modapple specializes in mid-modern finds like low-ball glasses, vintage casserole dishes, and collectible old-school cookbooks. Really good stuff.
Good to the Grain Cookbook. I can’t say enough about Kim Boyce’s new-ish book featuring insanely creative rustic baked goods made with whole grain flours (from teff to amaranth). For those of you in the Bay Area, Kim’s actually going to be at Omnivore Books tonight (May 24th) from 6-7 p.m. It’s free. I’ll be there. Hope to see you there, too!
O.k., that should help you slog through this dreary (at least it is here) Monday. See you back here soon with recipes and updates!
Health Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn’t heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I’d start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we’d never travel internationally again or…
Cheesy Quinoa Cauliflower Bake
I just finished washing out Oliver’s lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable…
Stuffed Shells with Fennel and Radicchio
I’d heard from many friends that buying a house wasn’t for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I’ve started (and stopped) writing this post…
Smoky Butternut Squash and Three Bean Chili
If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn’t our most inspired in terms of cooking. We’re all suffering from the post-election blues — the sole upside being Oliver’s decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he’s trying…
Spiced Steel Cut Oats Porridge with Cranberry-Ginger Sauce
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it’s true. It doesn’t have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn’t have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn’t crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery…

Megan's book!
El
Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. And that chocolate site looks great!
Manggy
Thanks for the recs Megan - I totally agree about Canal House Cooking. They remind me of those nicely produced UK cookbooks :)
Denise | Chez Danisse
And where exactly are you purchasing this Almond, Sea Salt and Cherry chocolate? I must have some.
megang
We sell it at Heath Ceramics in Sausalito, Denise! It goes quickly (largely because the employees all snatch it up) but there are quite a few bars right now. If you stop in, ask for me. I'd love to meet you in person!
Denise | Chez Danisse
Okay...I'll be planning a trip to Heath soon. It will be fun to look around Heath for a while, even if you are sold out of chocolates.
Danielle
Oooh, you had me with the chocolate site, great idea to list it at the top ;)
Denise: Chocovivo is also on Foodzie (http://chocovivo.foodzie.com/) and they're apparently working on an e-store for their website.
Laken
Oh, I downloaded the Sweet Paul magazine to my computer because the pictures were so pretty I wasn't ready to move on yet : )
I love this list.
Asha@FSK
Nice post and thanks for the links to the newly discovered blogs
Shannalee
Thanks for all the fun links! Gives me something to peruse this morning. :)
A Canadian Foodie
Thank you! I have already found a few of your referrals very compelling. Love this sharing.
:)
Valerie
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite
Thanks for sharing Megan. It's nice to learn a little more about you through this list of things you're liking :-)
allison [a for aubergine]
I'm so interested in the Food in Jars blog. Thanks for sharing it!
Marisa
I realize that I'm a month out of date, but I only just saw this post and felt compelled to comment. I am totally delighted to know that you like Food in Jars. And if you can still get rhubarb in your area, you should definitely make that butter. It is really wonderful stuff.
megang
Hi Marisa! I'm totally delighted that you stopped by the blog...and I'm hitting the farmer's market this sunday on a hunt for any rhubarb stragglers. Have a great weekend!