Tad and I went to a party for Cupid Towles’ new story collection, Table for two, at his home in Manhattan. He served two plump, beautifully glazed hams alongside a basket of fresh biscuits – and reminded me, an over-planner, that keeping it simple is often the best way. So let’s plan a ham and biscuit party at the moment:
On the menu
On the table
At the party I spoke to another author whose name I don’t want to mention, otherwise I would rightly be accused of name-dropping. We talked about having parties and he told me that he and his husband used to host what they called “Fridays at Home.” They opened their house every Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m. to anyone from their long list of friends who could make it. At around 8pm they counted the staff to see who else was there and then ordered some food to eat. And they often played something like (I think) the complaint game, where everyone had the stage for a minute or two to make a complaint about life. Who doesn’t love the opportunity to complain, especially in front of an audience! (The most common criticism is people walking around on sidewalks and subway stairs while texting.)
I love this idea. Now I just need to get some friends together…
Back at Food52
Anna, our dry, relaxed host Break an egg, had her baby!! Our team has stepped in for their hosting duties and, Anna, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry to say that I’ve been called in. Everything went well for a while. I had Ali Cayne from Haven’s Kitchen, Jamie Erickson from Poppy’s, Alexandra Stafford and Auzerais Bellamy from Blondery cooking with me (finished videos coming soon!). And then I almost set our test kitchen on fire when I placed a double pot holder directly over a burning stovetop. Oops! Flames leapt. Phone cameras were down. Luckily there was water nearby.
Photo by Food52
Photo by Food52
Photo by Food52
Photo by Food52
So let’s talk about what the less dangerous members of our team do:
• César developed a recipe for Tarta de Santiago, traditionally an almond cake, and added some hazelnut flour.
• Our shop team has tracked down some particularly good products for Earth Month and Mother’s Day.
On my list
These are much better than plastic bags for storing leftover vegetables and fruits!
This trash can is good for the earth and chic! (It’s sold out at the moment, but we’ll have more in stock – sign up to be notified when they’re back in the shop!)
Well-designed, affordable vases are hard to come by.
This is a great self-watering planter for the sometimes forgetful plant parent.
We still have three days until the weekend – let’s make it great!
Amanda
Before starting Food52 with Merrill, I was a food writer and editor at The New York Times. I have written several books, including Cooking for Mr. Latte and The Essential New York Times Cookbook. I played myself in “Julie & Julia” – I hope you didn’t bat an eyelid or you might have missed the scene! I live in Brooklyn with my husband Tad and twins Walker and Addison.