Karen's breakfast casserole

One habit that I'm really happy to bring into this new year is cooking at home more often. I've been trying out new recipes with Ben and friends, and feeling increasingly confident and excited to be in the kitchen. I'm also newly armed with some thoughtful foodie Christmas gifts like my beautiful Anthropologie apron (courtesy of Ben) and the perfect beginner's cookbook, How to Cook Everything Fast: A Better Way to Cook Great Food (courtesy of Ben's mom Karen). So to kick off the new year, I'd love to start sharing recipes on the blog. First up is Karen's amazing and super simple breakfast casserole recipe, which I tried out for New Year's Day brunch and was a huge hit -- I received tons of compliments! Thanks Karen!

Recipe: Karen's Breakfast Casserole 

What you'll need:

32oz. bag of frozen shredded (or cubed) hash brown potatoes

Your choice of vegetables (I used mushrooms, onion, pepper)

Your choice of meat (I used sausage and ham)

7 eggs

1 cup of milk

Shredded cheese (As much as you like, cheddar is best)

How it's made:

Pre-heat oven to 425F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish (you can use butter or oil). Lay the potatos and veggies in the casserole dish and bake at 425 for 20 minutes, til the potatoes start to brown a little on the bottom. After that's done, mix the whole veggies and potatoes combo with meat. Then, pour in whisked egg and milk mixture and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Then, add shredded cheese on top and bake for 10-15 minutes. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving, and bon appetite! (Feeds 12-13 people)

(Image source of similar breakfast casserole via Meals.com)

what are your plans this weekend?

I know it's only Wednesday (hump day), but I'm already really looking forward to my first weekend back in New York in what feels like forever (after SF, Bahamas, and Philly visiting my family). My goal is to be outside as long as possible since the weather is improving (thank goodness!). On weekends, I have a habit of power-walking through Soho, West Village, and East Village while chatting on the phone or listening to a podcast, people watching, and taking photos. I actually just stumbled upon the above photo of a restaurant called Freeman's which I had instagrammed 2 years ago while on such a walk! Isn't it so cute? I love how off the beaten path it is, tucked away in Chrystie St.

I'll also be catching up with my friend and former L'Oreal colleague Adam at brunch, meeting another friend Adam (funny coincidence) for coffee to plot out his career path (which sounds so devious, no?), attending a Crunch workout class, and working on my application to a theology seminar. What's your weekend looking like?

(Top photo via Nicole Franzen, bottom photo of me taken by my friend Danny in Soho)

oodles of noodles

As the weather gets cooler, all I want to eat are noodles. Good thing they can be healthy too -- just add some veggies and we're good to go. Yum.

Photos via 1, 2, 3

Cronut mania

Have you been following the Cronut mania lately, or better yet actually tried the coveted dessert? For those unfamiliar, a "Cronut" is a delicious half donut, half croissant, newly created and trademarked by Dominique Ansel bakery. This article on Eater pretty much highlights all of the updates (including Cronut scalpers on Craigslist... New Yorkers are crazy). My friend is visiting from D.C. this weekend and we're going to brave the lines and hopefully grab a bite. Wish us luck!

my birthday!

This Sunday, I celebrated my birthday -- and what a fun, thrilling, and emotional weekend! My friends took me to delicious dinners and brunches (at Gemma and The Smith), Mary Kate came in from Philly, and many of my loved ones celebrated with me on the rooftop bar 230 Fifth where the view 20+ flights up was astounding...

 

I felt so moved the entire time by my incredibly generous friends who are my family. So thankful for the abundance of people in my life  (including my blog community) who make me who I am. Much, much love to you all xoxo.

new york city guides: where to brunch

For over a year now, I've been thinking about blogging my favorite things to eat, see, and experience in New York City -- my own NYC guide of sorts. After 6 years of living in Downtown Manhattan, I'm finally ready to get started! (Better late than never right?). As a huge foodie, I think it's only appropriate to kick off with my favorite meal of the day: Brunch (a meal so important to New Yorkers, it deserves a capital "B"). Here are some deliciously eggy, cozy, and chic brunch spots I love and hope you'll enjoy as well.

Clockwise from left: You can't go wrong with eggs benedict at Calliope; dinner at Paprika is great, but their whipped green eggs for brunch is worth an extra trip; B Bar gets extra points for their complimentary banana bread baskets; San Marzano's $18 pizza, coffee + unlimited mimosa brunch is unbeatable, and you know my thoughts on breakfast pizzas. 

Clockwise from left: Gemma is delicious and inside the fancy Bowery hotel; Veselka is everyone's go-to Ukrainian, 24-hour diner-restaurant with family-style portions (love their pancakes & corn beef hash); Cafe Minerva's french press coffee is decadent and brunch portions are perfect; Zoe is underrated but I remember everyone's meal looking so good and really enjoying my shrimp & sunny eggs on grits.  

Clockwise from left: I've been going to Cafe Mogadore for years and have tried almost everything, but the Moroccan Benedict is a stand out (the omelette pictured above is great too); while Corner Shop Cafe is in the smack dead center of busy Broadway Street in Soho, the food and great prices are worth a visit; newly opened Tinks is already known for their chicken and waffles; Prima has cool industrial decor and is generous with the hollandaise sauce on their eggs benedicts :)

Other very popular brunch places that are worth mentioning but have longer waits:  Extra Virgin in the West Village, Clinton Street Baking Co. in LES, and Cafe Orlin in the East Village. For drunk brunch options (unlimited drinks), see this list. Feel free to add your favorite brunch places in the comments section!

(Instagram photos by Helen Hearts)

helen loves: edition #8

Pairing a bauble with nail polish is brilliant -- kudos to the Bauble Bar and Essie collaboration; this luxurious cashmere J.Crew circle scarf looks so cozy; hello proscuitto wrapped chicken fillet with asparagus and pesto sauce; seriously, I would buy this Fresh soap and never use it because of the gorgeous packaging; this whale pillow from the Curiosity Shoppe is currently out of inventory, but I'm hoping it will come back; wishlisted: the House of Harlow Station Leather necklace; what do you think of Western/Americana prints? I'm a fan of this Nava boot.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1 - 7)

the simple things

Lately, I have been struck by how the simple things can bring so much warmth and optimism. From seeing fellow New Yorkers helping their neighbors who are struggling post-Sandy to asking "How's your day going?" to the grocery store cashier and taking in their surprised smile... life can be sweetly rewarding in its small moments, don't you think?

A few simple things that are warming my heart and making me feel grateful....

- a cozy home (with heat!)

- pumpkin scented candles

- woolen socks & tall boots

- spaghetti and eggs... the simple foods are the best!

- a church community

What are the simple things you love? 

(photo via martha stewart)

happy friday, keep it classy

Friday, I am so happy to see you. Looking forward to some much-needed R&R after an intense work week. A large glass of wine is definitely due (and I will be sure to show respect, per above!). This weekend will be all about good food, catching up on sleep, and just unwinding. What are your plans? Since we often get caught up in the details, I think we should read this list of "things to remember" (which sounds like it's coming from a sassy best friend)...

(photos via 1, 2)

helen loves: edition #7

Just ordered this polka-dotted denim shirt, because (as you know) I have an unhealthy obsession with polka dots; how cool is this cupcake-cotton candy combination? (via Real Simple); I would have no problem wearing these Ampersand studs everyday (via Catbird on BaubleBar); yes, Paris IS always a good idea; a hot pink typewriter would be a great incentive to mail letters instead of email; stop it... Polka-dot kitty nails; I haven't played a game of Bananagrams in 4 months -- someone play with me!; quirky Frida Kahlo print iphone case (via Judy Kaufmann Etsy Shop); yowza, Jill Sanders Double Monk Wedges. Too perfect.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1 to 6)

5 clever kitchen gadgets

Not that I am at all a fancy cook or baker, but clever kitchen gadgets really tug at my heartstrings. If you’re like me and often make the same meals due to a busy work schedule, fun kitchen tools can make a huge difference -- they go beyond functionality to convey a fun story and create new foodie experiences. So if you’ve ever wondered “How can I make food more interesting?” then check these out!

 

 Heart-shaped pancake & egg stamps (via Amazon) for a little extra love and care in your breakfast.

Brownie pan with edges for those of you who, like me, love crusts! Say farewell to fights over corner brownie pieces :)

This Sandwich Cookie Dipper Set gives you another reason to dunk that Oreo.

Glass Fish straws and (previously blogged) "Tea Rex" tea infuser make drinking water and tea not so mundane.

While I don’t own a grill, a Hot Dog Shaped Hamburger Mold sounds awesome. Have you ever eaten a "Hamburdog"? I’m dying to try this.

3 simple artisan food tricks

While staring at food photos on Pinterest tonight, it hit me. All these trending food photos are SO similar to each other! Yes, we've been obsessed with artisanal products (AKA, unique, high-quality, handmade, limited production, and local) for years. In food however, I honestly think "artisan" just means putting together weird combinations and adding unexpected, interesting toppings. It's so simple. And it works. (I know I spend a lot of money on food like this!) My top 3 favorite artisan food tricks, using basic pizza and bread as examples.

Trick #1: The Let's-Just-Throw-Fruit-On-It special

I wouldn't bat an eyelash at a regular old slice of pizza or toast. But who could say no to nectarine pizza or blueberry toast? Fruit adds instant sophistication and I just have to try the flavors together. (Think Pizza Hut should start re-working their menus?)

Trick #2: The Make-It-Breakfast option

Every time I have pizza brunch (like at San Marzano's), the pragmatist in me screams, "You're just having a normal Pizza with an EGG." But then the foodie in me says whatever, eggs are awesome. Also, the egg almost looks like a target. Now I psychologically can't help myself from consuming!

Trick #3: The Duh-Just-Add-One-Expensive-Topping trick

Mushrooms and asparagus are decidedly very unsexy vegetables. Bread is blah. But luscious toppings like truffle oil and riccota cheese are both delicious as well as more expensive. (They also are typically artisanal on their own.) Toast them up with bread and veggies, and the entire value of the meal goes up. Expensive toppings are like magic pixie dust!

Have you noticed any other "fancy" but simple tips that make your meals stand out? I think I should just get in the kitchen and mix up combinations... Bon appetit! (PS: New Yorkers, if you'd like to try the newest artisanal food, go hop around the food stands at the Hester Street Fair, Smorgasburg, and the Brooklyn Flea.)

(Food photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

life lately... july recap

Is it me, or did July just disappear? This summer has been the speediest summer of my life! Here are some Instagrams from July...

 Last night, I grabbed dinner at Delicatessen with my girlfriends from college: Eunsan, Andrea, and Tina. It was Eunsan's belated birthday, so Andrea got a bunch of desserts from Ceci Cela. Delicious. (Thanks for sharing the treats, E!)

 Another necklace from eBay -- clearly this is becoming a habit ;)

 I'm usually a homebody, but going out dancing with Justin and Christian at Stash until 4AM is one of my fondest memories from this month. Dancing with two gay men is SO much fun. My skirt's too short? Who cares! They're buffers for unwanted attention, have great dance moves, and not to mention are wonderful people/friends in general. Above is a capture of J and I goofing around in our Sobe glasses (Justin works at Pepsi, which owns the Sobe brand).

 Coffee dates with friends are really so inspiring. Eunsan and I try to have "Creative Sessions," where we brainstorm new projects. Last weekend we popped by La Colombe, and prompty after the session, I started my Living with Purpose column! I tell you, creative accountability really works.

My friend/coworker Valorie invited our entire team of eight to post-work drinks & snacks on her Financial District apartment rooftop. It was amazing to take in the sunset views of the Brooklyn bridge with a glass of wine and great people.

 Angela and I popped by Hester Nights for dinner two weeks ago. I am OBSESSED with Lizzmonade, a startup beverage company that makes the most insane lemonade combinations. I got a mix of lemonade with real mango and raspberry pieces mixed in, an ambrosial combo. Angela and I unintentionally had matching manicures ;)

I usually swing by Uniqlo (a Japanese clothing store with a US flagship in NYC) once every two weeks. But this was the first time I was treated to a full on drum performance in-store. Not sure what they were celebrating, but they were giving out some delicious Asian candy and chocolate as well. Right place at the right time!

Speaking of right place... an exciting celebrity sighting from two weekends ago: Adam Levine was a foot away from me at Le Esquina (a favorite Mexican food restaurant of mine in Nolita), but I didn't know it was him until after he walked away. Here he is above with his girlfriend Victoria's Secret model Behati (in the orange dress). You'll be surprised to know that my night got even more exciting: my friend Danny L drove into Manhattan from Staten Island in his yellow convertible Camaro, and we cruised through Soho in a car! (A real car! Not a taxi! This is a huge deal to me.) And then we went with Justin and Graham to karaoke. (Another huge deal for me -- I am a karaoke fame whore.)

The photo of me above is from the hottest day of the year so far -- it was 99 degrees out, and Paul, Justin, and I were walking through Soho, about to die. We made pit stops to random stores like Kate's Paperie and my favorite bookstore McNally Jackson just for the air conditioning. I was having a good hair day so I made Paul snap a vanity photo. (Sometimes when I put my hair in a bun, waves just happen. It's my trick!)

Hope you're having a great July xo

july 4th nathan's hot dog eating contest!

This July 4th, I was thrilled to cover the 97th annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island for international food blog Guestaurant. Probably one of the coolest experiences I've had as a New Yorker, and it was so great to go with my friend Stephen. Below are some of my photos of the contest, but you can see all of them in my article for Guestaurant here. It was such an exciting experience, and I hope you enjoy my account of the event!

(Photos via my iPhone, edited with the Camera Plus app)