Nostalgia

On Sunday, we headed out to Zilker Park for the annual Kite Festival. It was such a nice afternoon and it was nice to relax on a blanket with friends and stare at the clear blue sky full of beautiful, colorful and unique kites.

Of course, we ventured out to the food when Aleza had a childhood craving. One that immediately reminded me of going to the carnival or a circus as a kid.  Just the smell of this food, fresh and hot, brings me back.

 And it is...FUNNEL CAKE.

Yum. Right? 

Do you have a food that just brings you back to your childhood? 

Happy Eating!

Deepika

Deepika Eats Carbondale: Peanut Butter Cups!

In my hometown of Carbondale, IL, there is this sorta too nice for Carbondale restaurant called Global Gourmet. Dimly lit with a international swanky vibe, this has become our go-to dessert and drinks place every time there is a birthday or someone comes to visit. Now that I have become an out of towner, I dream of this place as it has something I have yet to find anywhere else. The adult version of a peanut cup. Seriously.

That being said, don't judge me as I admit I came here three times in the 9 days that I was home this Christmas. Aleza and I ran there for a drink on Christmas Eve. Seriously, the best bellinis ever. Then us four girls (Aleza and I as well as the current Carbondalites Colleen and Danie) went for dessert one night. And on my last night in town, I went there for my goodbye to Danie and you know, dessert round dos.

Global Gourmet: Round 1

Met there the night after Christmas for some post Christmas chat, drinks and of course, peanut butter cups. .Seriously, I can not STRESS how amazing these are.

Basically, they are peanut butter mousse with a shell of chocolate ganache and a sweet strawberry for garnish. Yum.

Colleen and Aleza decided to come a little out of the comfort zone and order a peanut butter cup AND a piece of rasperry Chocolate cake. Which I have to say, was delicious. A nice blend of tart and sweet

After eating dessert, Colleen decided to order an appetizer of Spinanch and Artichoke dip. Delicious as always. Global serves theirs with chips and I tend to prefer toasted bread. However, after eating an entire peanut butter cup (yep, not sharing), it was a nice lighter alternate.

Oh my adorable Lez :)

I love these two so much...wish we all lived in the same town again!

Global Gourmet: Round Two

The day before I left, I had to get in some quality time with my Danie. On the phone, driving around town, trying to pick a spot, we just decided, alright, fine, Global again. I mean, there is really no such thing as too much dessert. Atleast not in my mind!

Of course, again we got a peanut butter ball. But we decided to share one and get a slice of cheesecake as well. I LOVE cheesecake. Seriously. Danielle really loves it too and if we aren't at Global, it is usually what we both order.

Someone could not wait to eat while photos were being taken...

That someone is Danielle...

Hi again you delicious thing! Get into my belly!

If you are ever in Carbondale, please try Global Gourmet. It's located in the town square, which is one of the prettiest parts of the Dale. The inside is dark and romantic. In the back, is a great patio area lit with twinkling lights. It's a little magical.

Happy Eating!
Deepika

Sweetest Birthday Gift

For those of you who don't know, when I was 22, I moved to New York and lived there for 2 1/2 years. A crazy, exhausting but absolutely enthralling time in my life. I so miss it there sometimes, especially around the holidays. My heart hurts for the cool crispy winter air of the city, the sight of yellow cabs everywhere, of endless noise and massive waves of people. I could seriously go on and on and on...
And of course, this should go without saying, but I miss the food. I am sort of  a sucker for the unknown so I loved finding those little hole in the wall places that celebrities would not be spotted at. However, there are some places that just scream "New York!" and you have to try them while you live there.

One of those places is Magonlia Bakery. Originally downtown on Bleeker Street, a second location was opened uptown due to the popularity.  Even though it opened up in 1996, lines still are around the block just to get a cupcake. Seriously. A legend in its own right, Magnolia Bakery is a must have treat for a visitor and can become quite a habit for those who call themselves New Yorkers. It's a place I refuse to dream about anymore because it's so delicious and cupcakes (tied with cheesecake) are my favorite dessert and it's hard to find a cupcake better than one from Magnolia Bakery.

 Fast forward to  Christmas a few weeks ago. One of my best friend's, Colleen, who totally gets my unwavering love for New York and cupcakes, surprised me with this for my birthday:

True story. I was and still am so excited. Not only is it an awesome cookbook but it's a piece of New York at a time where I am craving it so.

Please expect tons of posts from this book! Thanks Col! What a sweet present!

P.S. For those of you who don't know my Colleen, check out her blog here! It's full of fashion and paper and babies...including my favorite little girl Eloise! :) Who is about to be one years old on Saturday! Happy Birthday Eloise Anne!

 Me and Eloise...love her!