Cooking In Stilettos – Fab Fridays-9.3.10 by CookingInStilettos featuring stuart weitzman boots

1. Stuart Weitzman Wedge Ankle Boots are a practical choice for this fall/winter season. I seriously do not like doing any face plants on cobblestones due to stilettos on ice or snow. Wedges are practical for me when it comes time for facing that prospect. Sure, I’ve done many a slide down a icy hill in stiletto boots but somehow I think these gorgeous wedge ankle boots will save my butt more than once this cold weather season.

 

2. This Ruffoni Convivio Hammered Copper Oval Braiser had me reaching for my wallet – isn’t that GORGEOUS. I know, I know – how much copper can one’s kitchen have, right? But I have to be honest – I love Ruffoni copper cookware. Sure it’s pricey and I know it will have to be retinned in 10 years or so but the heat conduction, the look and the craftsmanship has me doing a “mental funds reallocation” to find a way to add that to my kitchen.

 

3. On the more affordable side of the spectrum, T-Fal’s Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is seriously being considered for addition to the cookware cabinet. I have been cooking with that cast iron pan I bought prior and can I say, “Wow!” T-Fal makes Ingrid Hoffmann’s Simply Delicioso line in addition to others that they manufacture and it has become a brand that I trust.

 

4. Cooking Light Cooking Through the Seasons: An Everyday Guide to Enjoying the Freshest Food has me excited for fall. There are some fabulous recipes in here as well as some great tips on seasonal cooking.

 

5. Speaking of seasonal cooking, one of my fave spots to pick up any seasonal produce is Maple Acres Farm Market in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Their prices are great, the vegetables & fruits are top notch and, guess what, they also carry some great finds like a killer raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce as well as other homemade goodies. All that plus Maple Acres sells fresh dairy products, eggs and meat and, of course, pumpkins for fall!

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So what say you – Yay or Nay:  William Sonoma Nutmeg Grinder

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1.  Dolce Vita Joelle Lace-Up Boots.  Now, the military trend is hot and heavy and I’ve had my eyes on these gorgeous boots for a while now.  While you may be wondering where my head is at with the military swing, trust me on this.  Granted the ones I want are in black but when you put a 4″ heel and a 3/4″ platform, this boot has my heart at pitter patter for fall/winter.   You know me and stilettos – I have to have that heel height.  I’m short – it’s a must!  Plus, living in Manayunk means lots of snow and ice and, somehow, I think this lug sole will help me from breaking my butt on the cobblestones.

2. Williams Sonoma is coming out with their fall items and this Bachmara Hammered Copper Couscoussier reminds me of my gorgeous Nigella Lawson stockpot that has been a mainstay in my kitchen. The top is a steamer, the bottom a stockpot. Double duty at it’s best. I love anything copper in my kitchen and this just adds to that rich look.

3. While we’re on the subject of copper, aren’t these NapaStyle Copper Tumblers gorgeous? Love Love LOVE!

4. Principessa Beauty is one of my fave lines for lotions and bath essentials. Their hand cream, Cattiva Diva, is a staple both at work and at home. This Casa Collection is a must for my kitchen to keep things gorgeous.

5.  My new fave place to have cocktails during these summer months, the new deck at the Bourbon Blue. Granted, there’s no picture of it that I could clip but let me tell you, it’s to die for. I had the pleasure of being there for the Deck Opening Bash and the drinks, the food and the friends just made an evening perfect. It’s been a long time coming but they say the best things are worth waiting for, right?  This deck – with it’s gorgeous views of the Manayunk canal – perfection, my friends – perfection.

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Fab Friday-8.6 by CookingInStilettos on Polyvore.com

1. Brian Atwood Maniac Platform Pump in Teal:  I have been OBSESSED with the Maniac pump – and when I saw it in Teal I just have to have it. Don’t know how or when, but this is on my must get list for fall. Even looking at the picture makes me happy. [What - you thought I was not going to lead off with shoes? C'mon now!]

 

2.  Cuisinart Elite 16 Cup Food Processor:  The more I think about it, the more I have justified the need to get the new Cuisinart Food Processor. After my Nigella screw up with the corn pudding and the new features on the new Cuisinart, I think it is a wise investment. Now, if I can only stop thinking that I need a mandoline in addition to the Food Processor *LOL*

 

3. Global 7″ Hollow Edge Santoku knife:  One of the best investments I have ever made (besides, of course, my Le Creuset and my Louboutins) – my favorite knife of all knives, my Global 7″ Santoku knife. I’ve sliced and diced many a finger with some of the others I have tried but this one has yet to ever let me down (or make me reach for a bandaid). 

 

4. Dianne Jacobs’ “Will Write for Food” (2nd Edition):  I love love LOVE this book and it’s such a wealth of knowledge. While I had the first edition and often refer to it, I wasted no time in badgering my local Barnes & Noble (thanks Carol) to securing me a copy of the 2nd edition. When I got the call it was in, I made a beeline immediately to pick it up and it’s gone with me everywhere. While I’m super busy at the day to day, I always whip it out when I have a few minutes to continue my journey on learning how to be a better food writer. I can only hope that Dianne comes to Philly some day to speak. 

 

5. Tutti Frutti – Dessert Choux: I heard about Tutti Frutti through Philly word of mouth and on my agenda this week is checking out their killer dessert choux! I couldn’t find a pic that I could clip of it but they do have them at CityPaper. Let me tell you, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it from a number of peeps who have tried it. Plus – choux pastry and froyo? Yes please!

 

What has you enamored on this Friday?

Pic credits:

1: ShoeGoddess.com
2 & 3: Williams Sonoma.com
4: Barnes & Noble
5: Foobooz.com

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Williams-Sonoma The Bellevue
200 South Broad St,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-7392

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I have attended book signings here before and Williams Sonoma’s corporate management should be thrilled because the KOP Williams Sonoma runs a great event.  So, if you plan on attending, you better hurry up and reserve your copy of the new cookbook because space is limited. 

Williams Sonoma is located at 160 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, phone number is 610-265-5970.

Make sure to tell them that Cooking In Stilettos sent you!

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For me is the brand new Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast 16-Cup Food Processor. 

Do I *need* it – no, I have one that works pretty daggone good. 

Do I WANT it with all the bells and whistles – oh heck yes.

All in due time. 

What’s on YOUR list?

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I know, I know – behave Lys.

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Happy Shopping!

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While we were waiting in the endless line, I took a few minutes to start leafing through her latest book, Martha Stewart’s Dinner at Home: 52 Quick Meals to Cook for Family and Friends,  and found that it would be PERFECT for the home cook.   The recipes were organized by seasons and full menus were put together.  Some of the standouts that have been bookmarked for later use are the Mexican Corn Cakes, Pancetta Cheeseburgers,  Fontina and Herb Flatbread and the Caramel Pudding.  The pictures draw you in and the recipes are so well laid out that if you just follow them to the letter, you won’t have one problem.   I felt it was worth every penny, in my opinion.

Check out some pics from the event…

Now, I have to be honest – the Williams Sonoma people were AMAZING.  However, there were rules – no pictures, no personalization, nada – don’t even try it.  Somehow you just knew to expect that from Ms. Stewart.  I happened to be towards the end so I’m sure she was tired but we’re thankful she stopped by the Philly area.

Tomorrow:  I attempt my first Martha Stewart recipe ever – will I fail or can I actually pull it off.  Stay tuned…

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