tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54908987520561348042024-03-16T14:52:11.962-04:00Dolcetto Confectionsbehind the lens of my little, sweet lifeAllison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-74066648460273205952013-10-17T14:42:00.001-04:002013-10-17T14:57:07.659-04:00Dorie Greenspan's World Peace Cookies<img alt="World Peace Cookies-1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1096" height="1050" src="http://allisonmannella.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/World-Peace-Cookies-1.jpg" width="700" />Does anyone else feel like we need a little dose of world peace? Or maybe just some peace between the two parties of our own government? I surely do. And while milk and cookies may seem like a childish answer to this whole debacle, I happen to think cookies - and sitting around a table all together - could be a big step in the right direction.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the super talented and even more lovely Dorie Greenspan has just the cure: her delectable and famous World Peace Cookies. Through my job in New York City, I was lucky enough to cross paths with Dorie at numerous events and I was always a better person for being in her company. If we could all learn from Dorie's sweet and caring nature and combine it with handfuls of these cookies, I'm certain the world would be a much more peaceful and delicious place.<br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Note:</em> If you are short on time (or are in need of a great gift idea), you can order these cookies (and many more flavors) by the sleeve from Dorie's gourmet cookie shop: <a href="https://beurreandsel.com/#home">Beurre & Sel</a>.
<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>DORIE GREENSPAN'S WORLD PEACE COOKIES</strong><br />
Yield: 36 cookies<br />
Barely adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baking-Home-Yours-Dorie-Greenspan/dp/0618443363/ref=la_B000AQ2QPG_1_2_title_1_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382034912&sr=1-2"><em>Baking: From My Home to Yours</em></a> by Dorie Greenspan<br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Besides being a delicious cookie, I also love that you can freeze the dough for up to two months. When Mike and I moved to Durham this summer, I kept several logs of this dough in the freezer for last minute parties and guests. If you've frozen the dough, you don't have to defrost it before baking - just slice the logs into cookies and bake the cookies one minute longer.</em><br />
<br />
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature<br />
2/3 cup light brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup cane sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel (such as Maldon)<br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks
<br />
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until soft and creamy. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla extract; beat for two minutes more.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Turn off the mixer. Add dry ingredients, drape a kitchen towel over the stand mixer to protect yourself from flying flour and pulse the mixer at low speed about 5 times, a second or two each time. If there is still a lot of flour on the surface of the dough, pulse a few more times; if not, remove the towel. Continuing at low speed, mix for about 30 seconds more, just until the flour disappears into the dough. For the best texture, work the dough as little as possible once the flour is added, and don't be concerned if the dough looks a little crumbly. Toss in the chocolate chunks and mix just until incorporated.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Turn dough out onto a work surface, gather it together, and divide it in half. Working with one half at a time, shape the dough into logs that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 3 hours. (The dough can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Using a sharp, thin knife, slice the logs into rounds that are 1/2-inch thick. The rounds are likely to crack as you're cutting them - don't be concerned, just squeeze the bits back onto each cookie. Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about one inch between them.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Bake the cookies one sheet at a time (keep the other baking sheet in the refrigerator until ready to bake) for 12 minutes - they won't look done and will not be firm, but that's just the way they should be. Transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack and let the cookies rest until they are just warm.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-44676889177337723002013-07-12T09:30:00.000-04:002013-07-12T09:30:04.057-04:00Mojitos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieWt_k6iFYvDi1ZvaMCPtvUNr1QkY6w_iaG0tUs3g5Q6HQZ8UxMlIU0VR6iyH1WkBWRtNk0g8Egind90fpdRZynjNZni5KltPUr2aACweNox8t8Ezgs7ArJZXK9TczmYitTcm7zK-tOvN/s1600/Mojitos-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieWt_k6iFYvDi1ZvaMCPtvUNr1QkY6w_iaG0tUs3g5Q6HQZ8UxMlIU0VR6iyH1WkBWRtNk0g8Egind90fpdRZynjNZni5KltPUr2aACweNox8t8Ezgs7ArJZXK9TczmYitTcm7zK-tOvN/s1600/Mojitos-2.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br />
As Mike and I were recently packing up our tiny Manhattan apartment for the new life awaiting us in Durham, North Carolina we stumbled across a small, rouge bottle of white rum in our bar. Usually people to opt for gin or bourbon based cocktails, I was a bit unsure what we could create with this new found option. But Mike was soon rummaging around in our refrigerator, successfully locating some mint and simple syrup kept on hand for <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2013/05/mint-juleps.html">Mint Juleps</a>. He grabbed two limes leftover from a recent taco night and asked me to bring him the muddler.<br />
<br />
He soon handed me a concoction that tasted so refreshing on that hot city day, I forgot momentarily we still had days of packing in front of us. In five years of living together, Mike had never whipped up such a drink and when I asked where he acquired such a skill, he shrugged and said, <i>"I read it on a blog somewhere."</i> With just a bit of tweaking - a little lighter on the syrup, a little heavier on the rum - Mike had created a new favorite drink.<br />
<br />
This drink has been the staple of Summer 2013 so far. Not just for me, but when we stayed with my parents for a few days between leaving New York and moving to North Carolina, he whipped up a batch for my family. Then <a href="http://instagram.com/p/bHWecQCXsN/">this Instagram photo</a> was seen by the neighborhood and Mike soon found himself giving lessons on creating the perfect Mojito.<br />
<br />
Today I am happy to not only give you Mike's recipe for Mojitos, but I am also thrilled to share a new feature - recipe cards! Just download the PDF below, follow the simple instructions, and you will have a beautiful 4x6 recipe card to add to your collection. I hope you enjoy them as much as I am enjoying designing them! Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>MOJITO</b><br />
Makes 1 Drink<br />
<br />
Small handful fresh mint<br />
1 ounce simple syrup (recipe <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2011/06/simple-syrup.html">here</a>)<br />
1 lime, cut in half<br />
2 ounces white rum<br />
Crushed ice<br />
Seltzer water<br />
<br />
In a highball glass, combine mint, simple syrup, and the juice from half a lime (about 1 ounce). Muddle vigorously. Add rum and squeezed lime half to the glass.<br />
<br />
Cut remaining lime half into thirds. To taste, add 1-3 thirds of lime. Add a bit of crushed ice. Top with a splash of seltzer water. Circulate drink without disturbing the bubbles. Serve with a straw.<br />
<br />
<br />
Get the recipe card <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/153376235/Mojito">here</a> or download recipe below.<br />
<br />
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772922022279349" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="933" id="doc_74029" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/153376235/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-2c73kra1u6tyyj6wkzd3&show_recommendations=false" width="700"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-25352952218696291642013-05-03T08:01:00.001-04:002013-05-03T08:01:57.729-04:00Mint Juleps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo4Q0QLAZCYz9aTv3uVfqib1uxuYoPVoUnWm22YyFWKJ_jIaJdZEyL9qfSZn1tl7i9VmqbACCdEH8UyhKys4CZqFzhJidwMFa4cr1PgIu0Up_THixQu0_GXYG7ZpHsU5WR5oRkROZmVte/s1600/Mint+Julep-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo4Q0QLAZCYz9aTv3uVfqib1uxuYoPVoUnWm22YyFWKJ_jIaJdZEyL9qfSZn1tl7i9VmqbACCdEH8UyhKys4CZqFzhJidwMFa4cr1PgIu0Up_THixQu0_GXYG7ZpHsU5WR5oRkROZmVte/s1600/Mint+Julep-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You didn’t think I would leave you hanging before Derby Day, did you?! While I do have to say I am shocked I have never shared my recipe for Mint Juleps, I do promise you it was worth the wait. This is my favorite warm-weather drink, perfect for cheering on horses or just enjoying the summer sunshine.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is one of those drinks that can easily be ruined when the proportions are off, even just slightly. It has taken a little bit of tweaking, but I knew I had a winner when our friends in Kentucky - who previously claimed to not like Mint Juleps for being too sweet - happily indulged in this recipe. So get your winning bets and big hats ready and be sure to whip up a few of these drinks to celebrate the day!</div>
<br />
<b>MINT JULEP</b><br />
MAKES 1 DRINK<br />
<br />
Fresh mint, stems removed<br />
1 ounce simple syrup (recipe <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2011/06/simple-syrup.html">here</a>)<br />
2 ounces bourbon<br />
Crushed ice<br />
Seltzer water<br />
<br />
In the bottom of a mint julep cup, muddle a small handful of mint with the simple syrup. Add the bourbon and stir to combine. Add crushed ice over the mixture, then top with a splash of seltzer. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.<br />
<br />
<i>*Mint Julep cups are from <a href="http://www.danforthpewter.com/">Danforth Pewter</a> (previously Shirley Pewter) in Williamsburg, Virginia</i><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-57023552606624859892013-04-11T12:35:00.002-04:002013-04-11T12:35:28.035-04:00Welsh Rarebit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4LOwzrBHL8jY_CC7ZcUt-kpeFp-FcUyNn1HVwNrdjENUrdzIu4QBeED5dNsOOIRBZUOTYueSxhcbCxrhYxuZWQXvMkaWqRy4C0gcKhF0StrguZsYzuECLrKgxmIo3dB7PIgCk6LVAOpf/s1600/Welsh+Rarebit-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4LOwzrBHL8jY_CC7ZcUt-kpeFp-FcUyNn1HVwNrdjENUrdzIu4QBeED5dNsOOIRBZUOTYueSxhcbCxrhYxuZWQXvMkaWqRy4C0gcKhF0StrguZsYzuECLrKgxmIo3dB7PIgCk6LVAOpf/s1600/Welsh+Rarebit-4.jpg" /></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm starting to notice a theme emerging in the food I have been shooting and sharing with you recently: breakfast, better yet <b>weekend breakfast</b> recipes. Perhaps that should come as no surprise – I know very few people in the world who do not enjoy a leisurely breakfast on a weekend morning. But even more than usual, I have found myself yearning for these dishes on the weekend. All week I crave the simplicity, the slower pace, even if just for one meal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17dER1r3tzzpQI5cVcP3z2sliz9jPUjqd69q1j4rxICVbK7POyqsmiSzBBrwKFbNaMdQADdAfSFb7jDQ2jXqF8Gv2iuEUvnesI-cuvhBQ-JFelLrRWWgD-Y8C8UFYdqG8jTMmBPqnWU1C/s1600/Welsh+Rarebit-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17dER1r3tzzpQI5cVcP3z2sliz9jPUjqd69q1j4rxICVbK7POyqsmiSzBBrwKFbNaMdQADdAfSFb7jDQ2jXqF8Gv2iuEUvnesI-cuvhBQ-JFelLrRWWgD-Y8C8UFYdqG8jTMmBPqnWU1C/s1600/Welsh+Rarebit-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Welsh Rarebit is a fairly new recipe in my repertoire, but with crusty bread, cheese, eggs, and <i>beer,</i> I am sure it is one that is here to stay. This is a hearty meal that will keep your hunger at bay for most of the remainder of your day and I bet, like me, you will find yourself daydreaming of the dish – and the weekend – soon after the next workday begins.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVCknsEv_vaIElSPvw9ncwMh3mKvFHYyTlTUYKa9HylvbhikcYSsY8Kg39hFg5HfyOHuPZIvjq6itVt2f3m9KT-3tf9QJ_eQSFslJzFi1scDiEwyNtiqlyHhupECqCU-V9EJ8QWR-eW3Q/s1600/Welsh+Rarebit-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVCknsEv_vaIElSPvw9ncwMh3mKvFHYyTlTUYKa9HylvbhikcYSsY8Kg39hFg5HfyOHuPZIvjq6itVt2f3m9KT-3tf9QJ_eQSFslJzFi1scDiEwyNtiqlyHhupECqCU-V9EJ8QWR-eW3Q/s1600/Welsh+Rarebit-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>WELSH RAREBIT</b><br />
Serves 2 to 4<br />
Adapted from <i>Talking With My Mouth Full</i> by Gail Simmons<br />
<br />
<i>This is a hearty breakfast, perfect for a lazy weekend morning. Use a hearty bread that will stand up to, but not overpower the dish: rye, pumpernickel, or country are all good options. I also make this dish when I have leftover <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2013/03/homemade-everything-bagels.html" target="_blank">Homemade Everything Bagels</a>, which adds a delicious crunch.</i><br />
<br />
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided<br />
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon cayenne<br />
1/2 cup Guinness (I like to use the Foreign Stout)<br />
1 tablespoon Worcetershire sauce<br />
4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated<br />
4 pieces toasted bread, sliced about 1/2-inch thick<br />
4 large eggs<br />
Coarse salt<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
Pickles, for serving<br />
<br />
Place rack in the middle of the oven and preheat broiler.<br />
<br />
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in flour with a rubber spatula. Cook, stirring often to ensure no lumps form, until mixture is golden brown and very fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in mustard powder and cayenne, followed by beer and Worcestershire sauce.<br />
<br />
When mixture is well combined, turn heat to low and whisk in cheese until very smooth. Spread a thick layer of the mixture on toasted bread slices. Place on a sheet tray under the broiler, until cheese is bubbly and edges of toast are crisp and golden, about 4 minutes.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. When butter begins to foam, reduce heat to medium-low, crack eggs into butter, and fry until whites are set and yolks are still runny.<br />
<br />
Place one egg on top of each slice of bread and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with pickles. Leftover cheese mixture may be refrigerated up to 1 day.
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-48183243398089988352013-03-22T07:57:00.005-04:002013-03-22T07:57:48.144-04:00Graham Cracker Ice Cream Cake with Chocolate Frosting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwM2vfWJ8wr9Hddf2ztmeWIqtoQMFjcwVdjDN2XC2CYF3-ScLhPralaLDSwPpzCrX6oSYjxVV42WVpYdCnUxZkpZ2_5IljiDRHCN5OevNiE2bLaAdJKvtKNoWJl87ulw0PDFmyO7IMogY/s1600/Graham+Cracker+Ice+Cream+Cake-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwM2vfWJ8wr9Hddf2ztmeWIqtoQMFjcwVdjDN2XC2CYF3-ScLhPralaLDSwPpzCrX6oSYjxVV42WVpYdCnUxZkpZ2_5IljiDRHCN5OevNiE2bLaAdJKvtKNoWJl87ulw0PDFmyO7IMogY/s1600/Graham+Cracker+Ice+Cream+Cake-3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
A few days ago I celebrated my birthday, ringing in the beginning of year 27. It promises to be a year full of exciting, big changes.<br />
<br />
Each year when the 10th of March rolls around, I always debate what to do about my birthday dessert. Should I enjoy it in a fancy restaurant or bakery? Should I make myself a whole cake? Do I even want something sweet? But each year I wind up craving the exact same flavors of a cake my mom always made on my special day: graham crackers, vanilla pudding, chocolate frosting. I have her recipe for the cake, but it makes far too much for just two people and the cake pan would take up a fourth of our refrigerator space. So instead, each year I daydream of a new way to make the flavors into a new dessert.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmWWAuXtxoDGeC6JYYOI5Q2u9LHpS06b8qz82PeaVE-d1DEijfSsAWfhueOPQ6v3H4qWq2MCUHVVEClBq-gsj-zmDn_3q8XhIFRhr3Tn27C1doZAnFmhrtu_FJiN8DK6qdHjjTLEvBvIZ/s1600/Graham+Cracker+Ice+Cream+Cake-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmWWAuXtxoDGeC6JYYOI5Q2u9LHpS06b8qz82PeaVE-d1DEijfSsAWfhueOPQ6v3H4qWq2MCUHVVEClBq-gsj-zmDn_3q8XhIFRhr3Tn27C1doZAnFmhrtu_FJiN8DK6qdHjjTLEvBvIZ/s1600/Graham+Cracker+Ice+Cream+Cake-4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This year I settled on creating ice cream cakes, each the perfect size to share with a special someone. These are quick to create, especially, if you like me are short on time, and substitute a really great quality vanilla ice cream for homemade.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPQE91HpmIBIriBPPx28F7XqUoMfDlsR6_zLqJiehYqyW4FzOjr7K0SV62ktY7fQ81Wpl62tHQQ4beL6OXJh1ItwJnVaFrkYNNDbi6D8j35n67DU-AH5SUW2tJzbU0n_xDWbEStKbocH_/s1600/Graham+Cracker+Ice+Cream+Cake-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPQE91HpmIBIriBPPx28F7XqUoMfDlsR6_zLqJiehYqyW4FzOjr7K0SV62ktY7fQ81Wpl62tHQQ4beL6OXJh1ItwJnVaFrkYNNDbi6D8j35n67DU-AH5SUW2tJzbU0n_xDWbEStKbocH_/s1600/Graham+Cracker+Ice+Cream+Cake-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>GRAHAM CRACKER ICE CREAM CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING</b><br />
Makes 2 cakes<br />
<br />
<i>Because my freezer space is so limited, I decided to make these ice cream cakes in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kaiser-Bakeware-2-Inch-Individual-Springform/dp/B000PGHK7U" target="_blank">individual springform pans</a>. The size is perfect for sharing with your special someone, just be sure to have your fork ready, as this dessert has a way of disappearing right before your eyes!</i><br />
<br />
10 graham crackers, ground into crumbs in a food processor, divided<br />
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted<br />
1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened<br />
1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar<br />
3 tablespoons cocoa powder<br />
3 tablespoons whole milk<br />
2 tablespoons shortening<br />
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Reserve 1/4 cup of the graham cracker crumbs. In a small bowl, combine the remaining graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until all the evenly coated. Divide the mixture evenly between two 4 1/2-inch individual springform pans. Using your fingers, press the mixture into a crust over the bottom and about halfway up the sides of each pan. Freeze the crusts for about 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
When crusts are set, place two scoops of vanilla ice cream in each pan and smooth with a small offset spatula. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the top of each. Freeze for about 15 minutes. Place two additional scoops of vanilla ice cream in each pan, smoothing again with a small offset spatula. Divide the remaining graham cracker crumbs evenly over the top of each. Wrap each pan in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to serve.<br />
<br />
To make the chocolate frosting, sift together the confectioner's sugar and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients. Using a hand mixer, combine the ingredients until the frosting is light and fluffy.<br />
<br />
To serve, remove the ice cream cakes from the freezer and unmold. Frost as desired and serve immediately.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-68393946647355666052013-03-14T08:02:00.000-04:002013-03-14T08:02:51.734-04:00Chocolate Stout Floats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1dfdfZVutYGP0qEZgtFG1QJzQX0ME_BE7rodajsSOFtz2TG5lEUs9kX1n4J-_Hh6c5Y_Wp4Li4B9Ri2k6JO1cewQ5sdUPNLDDxEEd1fdv44LskdrD-_xCLfax9ENNxfzDtn1e9vQnh-W/s1600/Stout+Floats-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1dfdfZVutYGP0qEZgtFG1QJzQX0ME_BE7rodajsSOFtz2TG5lEUs9kX1n4J-_Hh6c5Y_Wp4Li4B9Ri2k6JO1cewQ5sdUPNLDDxEEd1fdv44LskdrD-_xCLfax9ENNxfzDtn1e9vQnh-W/s1600/Stout+Floats-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I will admit that when it comes to St. Patrick's Day, I am quite lazy in preparing a dessert for the holiday. Perhaps it is because I am not Irish or maybe because Mike and I have arrived at the age where we plan to stay in the apartment to actively avoid the bar hoppers. If it is a particularly warm day and the windows happen to be open, we collectively roll our eyes as the cheering and partying starts to turn into yelling and sobbing.<br />
<br />
I told you we were old! This year, I decided to at least make an effort and prepare a super easy dessert that still celebrates the main star of the day - stout! With just two ingredients required - plus a cute striped straw - it ensures we will be back to reading our books and shaking our heads at the rowdy youth in no time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>CHOCOLATE STOUT ICE CREAM FLOATS</b><br />
Makes 2 floats<br />
<br />
<i>For this easy recipe, you just need two ingredients on hand: your favorite chocolate stout and a delicious vanilla bean ice cream. If you have homemade ice cream on hand, it will be perfect in these floats, but not to worry - a good quality store-bought pint will serve as a great substitute.</i><br />
<br />
12 ounces chocolate stout (I love Brooklyn Brewery's Black Chocolate Stout)<br />
4 scoops vanilla bean ice cream, recipe below (or substitute a good-quality store brand)<br />
<br />
Divide the beer evenly between two sundae glasses. Carefully scoop two scoops of ice cream into each glass. Serve immediately.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM</b><br />
Makes about 1 quart<br />
Qdapted from The Perfect Scoop<br />
<br />
1 cup whole milk<br />
¼ cup granulated sugar<br />
2 cups heavy cream, divided<br />
Pinch of table salt<br />
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise<br />
6 large egg yolks<br />
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Warm the milk, sugar, 1 cup heavy cream, and table salt in a medium saucepan. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the warm milk and also add the bean pod. When liquid is barely warm to the touch, cover, remove from heat, and let steep at room temperature for 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Pour the remaining 1 cup heavy cream into a large bowl and set a mesh strainer on top. In a separate medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan.<br />
<br />
Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until nappe: when the mixture the thickens, coats the spatula, and holds its shape when a you draw a line with your finger across the spatula. Pour the custard through the strainer and stir it into the cream. Put the vanilla bean into the custard, stir in the vanilla extract, and cool over an ice bath, stirring occasionally.<br />
<br />
When mixture cools, place in the refrigerator to ripen overnight. When ready to churn, remove the vanilla bean, rinsing and reserving it for another use, and then freeze the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-81016171816357336002013-03-07T08:22:00.001-05:002013-03-08T12:39:26.211-05:00Homemade Everything Bagels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6ZgYrbGTQT2h5nLTKknxjkhgg75uTQInjbmbkjQ0eyzYaJZ87TCc86JW-uMxp4rzl_pGOrwzLdq0PWIeZo5Y3_NvotnEfmmf8PNOQ8TsSR4nwhHDYQNzSM8enC8RimRr4GiP0nvzj_Ub/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6ZgYrbGTQT2h5nLTKknxjkhgg75uTQInjbmbkjQ0eyzYaJZ87TCc86JW-uMxp4rzl_pGOrwzLdq0PWIeZo5Y3_NvotnEfmmf8PNOQ8TsSR4nwhHDYQNzSM8enC8RimRr4GiP0nvzj_Ub/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I remember the first time I realized you could actually make bagels at home. I was in pastry school, near the beginning of our bread module, and I felt silly that it had never occurred to me that this favorite New York food could be created in a home kitchen.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5CnZ8Kz_WVOhi_SE1ds-N0R-wdc3Y0ADCS9y31ixiRBOiI40_aGyalECEAT0GH-0H50XbejfzoDBlxt4C9625rGEsKr2fW_mE3KHOgYbewpr2_kF3exny0KoPJGtOcYWpQbKvQXVkvL4/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5CnZ8Kz_WVOhi_SE1ds-N0R-wdc3Y0ADCS9y31ixiRBOiI40_aGyalECEAT0GH-0H50XbejfzoDBlxt4C9625rGEsKr2fW_mE3KHOgYbewpr2_kF3exny0KoPJGtOcYWpQbKvQXVkvL4/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Even Mike seemed wary one weekend morning when, despite being exhausted from my full-time job and student schedule, I woke up and started preparing the dough. “You are going to boil these bagels, right?” he asked with a slight glare over his coffee cup. Apparently he didn’t trust a Virginia girl to be able to create a bagel worthy of a New Yorker’s approval.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MNUMrcyRmfiO6r_D0oUCb_s-XrrsTHrn0tfLbEoN4F5b5kqQtzPMBfy6IzC3EZtDmRmTBp49OIix7gS9jbyBKtd5AKBUKPrxZcWwd35eCgGJ0C_c3rcvsfsZnd2wCbbFRlCCsDcSqDU0/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MNUMrcyRmfiO6r_D0oUCb_s-XrrsTHrn0tfLbEoN4F5b5kqQtzPMBfy6IzC3EZtDmRmTBp49OIix7gS9jbyBKtd5AKBUKPrxZcWwd35eCgGJ0C_c3rcvsfsZnd2wCbbFRlCCsDcSqDU0/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
But the empty sheet tray later that morning told me all I needed to know. Over the past years, I have stuck with this recipe, as it is so incredibly easy, and happily made batches upon batches for family and friends. Even living in the heart of the city, where we can walk just a few blocks to purchase bagels, I still far prefer making my own as there is no comparison for smearing a bagel, still warm from the oven, with a pad of butter and digging in. These bagels are smaller than those you might be accustom to, but I promise they are far, far more delicious.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVzEWfFitQQ3BCUwC4g-PIcgt54uBDGQPcrDFFLZfvDcvk5qr1WGs2BKfCGpsa1UBnDhWkQ3Ot_CmuwOiNIBJG9KbmvATxyzGqTl30BQumYvBzk2IOjpIG0DhetSS608mz6b5rkaAs8ou/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVzEWfFitQQ3BCUwC4g-PIcgt54uBDGQPcrDFFLZfvDcvk5qr1WGs2BKfCGpsa1UBnDhWkQ3Ot_CmuwOiNIBJG9KbmvATxyzGqTl30BQumYvBzk2IOjpIG0DhetSS608mz6b5rkaAs8ou/s1600/Homemade+Everything+Bagels-3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>HOMEMADE EVERYTHING BAGELS</b><br />
Yields 8<br />
<br />
<i>Bagels are deceivingly easy to make and the extra effort is immediately rewarded by a warm-from-the-oven bagel. You can use the dough recipe and method as the base of any type of bagel you might wish to create. It is important to note that this recipe uses instant yeast, not active yeast, which can be found at most grocery stores or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saf-Yeast-Instant-Yeast-16-oz/dp/B0001CXUHW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362662551&sr=8-2&keywords=saf+instant+yeast" target="_blank">online</a>. This type of yeast does not need to be bloomed in warm liquid prior to adding to the dry ingredients; instead, the yeast is mixed in with the dry ingredients and then the warm liquid is added to the entire mixture.</i><br />
<br />
<b>DOUGH</b><br />
4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting<br />
3 tablespoons, sugar plus 1 tablespoon for poaching<br />
3 teaspoons table salt<br />
2½ teaspoons SAF Instant Yeast<br />
13 ounces water, warmed to 100-110 degrees<br />
<br />
<b>TOPPING</b><br />
Combination of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse salt, dried minced garlic, and dried minced onion<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Start the mixer on a slow speed and begin to stream in the water. Increase speed to medium-high and knead until dough begins to come together.<br />
<br />
Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand until a smooth, barely tacky dough develops, adding additional flour as needed. Form into a ball, cover with the mixing bowl, and allow to rise for 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
While the dough is rising, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon sugar.<br />
<br />
After 10 minutes, divide the dough into 8 pieces (if you are using a kitchen scale, each piece should be about 4.3 ounces). Roll each piece into a log, about 10-12 inches long. Wrap log around the palm of your hand and lightly moisten one end with a dab of water. Squeeze ends together, roll lightly on counter to secure ends, and release from hand. Repeat with the remaining dough.<br />
Drop bagels into the boiling water, up to three at a time. Carefully run a slotted spoon under bagels to release from bottom, if necessary. When bagels rise to the top of the pot, remove and place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with topping.<br />
<br />
Bake until the bagels are well-risen and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-80436458122303858592013-02-28T21:29:00.001-05:002013-02-28T21:29:15.287-05:00Almond Milk Creamed Spinach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpT60QiQlAlTom02viKOmQTYlclQzWhxQoBV0q_5bW4azH6Kl4GUJzsV4IHIGVK-YZOQ_Bs-ACsBvVjWaZoYdK8qy6YnRQEcO9ERFK2DO8LapjmVGWHm56Ql0X9o0EIWu2ShbXHR3mCig/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpT60QiQlAlTom02viKOmQTYlclQzWhxQoBV0q_5bW4azH6Kl4GUJzsV4IHIGVK-YZOQ_Bs-ACsBvVjWaZoYdK8qy6YnRQEcO9ERFK2DO8LapjmVGWHm56Ql0X9o0EIWu2ShbXHR3mCig/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I have a case of the winter blues. It's nothing dramatic or of huge concern; I find myself feeling this way most years, in the last weeks of February, before the promise of spring feels within grasp. My mood is sullen and melancholy, mirroring the never-ending grey clouds and fog that seems to be relentlessly enveloping Manhattan. I struggle to remember the last time I felt the sun on my face.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6EF81djbqxhp9OMh1-DdUXiyQ5fzzqlYyMcgyDRlftSOcMrsBKO9Jpn-EhBH3s4KL_bNCcw2xm4XljwliPpf3mUnS9CF6p4Vk23tQ8oi-zdC9ad4pSwFV5apVKbkMxNcXQkJPiT3tJOM/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6EF81djbqxhp9OMh1-DdUXiyQ5fzzqlYyMcgyDRlftSOcMrsBKO9Jpn-EhBH3s4KL_bNCcw2xm4XljwliPpf3mUnS9CF6p4Vk23tQ8oi-zdC9ad4pSwFV5apVKbkMxNcXQkJPiT3tJOM/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-25.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
At the same time, my body has been exhausted this week with valiantly defending against nasty cold germs that keep trying to do their worst. I have moments of feeling okay and moments of not being able to put a sentence together, my words getting lost in the fuzziness that is my brain.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyBE9gBUWkPH0FWauHv0uQkcwXEn_bnxZXUiuq3QJLJGAuDqXwLIZZ3HMyL9F4-9akD5C4iQxm764IVn3EPy-j8W723963gXbK_URwkwi21rzmeaILHO-tSFYOm_YIULJD-T_tyNl3mi8/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyBE9gBUWkPH0FWauHv0uQkcwXEn_bnxZXUiuq3QJLJGAuDqXwLIZZ3HMyL9F4-9akD5C4iQxm764IVn3EPy-j8W723963gXbK_URwkwi21rzmeaILHO-tSFYOm_YIULJD-T_tyNl3mi8/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-28.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Consequently, I have needed a strange, or rather uncommon, combination of foods that are both healthy and nurturing to help defend against this cold as well as homey and comforting to help soothe my soul. Much to my surprise, this dish effortlessly fit that exact description. The spinach added the power of greens to my body, but at the same time, each cheesy, flavorful forkful made me feel as though things would soon be better, the sun would eventually have to peek through the clouds long enough to kiss my cheek.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxYu1Oe6QhhaxfrB2gE8bOcCfAadFIet2EQGnccGCwdHMoQ9vm90ic8TCzUwH2-HDF7gVlUYeyiwRugUfHhFqrYQoQtKTU05w7zX6UIvUHYL9s105-9F8X1iiH__UuGje63rkArBjM0Og/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxYu1Oe6QhhaxfrB2gE8bOcCfAadFIet2EQGnccGCwdHMoQ9vm90ic8TCzUwH2-HDF7gVlUYeyiwRugUfHhFqrYQoQtKTU05w7zX6UIvUHYL9s105-9F8X1iiH__UuGje63rkArBjM0Og/s1600/Almond+Milk+Creamed+Spinach-18.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>ALMOND MILK CREAMED SPINACH</b><br />
From <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/almond-milk-creamed-spinach">FOOD & WINE</a><br />
Serves 6<br />
<br />
<i>This is such a homey, comforting dish you might forget you are actually consuming vegetables with each bite. I was able to easily quarter the recipe to make an individual portion in my favorite <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-653501/Lodge-Cast-Iron-Mini-Rectangular-Server" target="_blank">Lodge cast iron dishes</a>.</i><br />
<br />
Four 5-ounce bags baby spinach<br />
4 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
2 shallots, thinly sliced<br />
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br />
2 cups unsweetened almond milk<br />
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano<br />
Sea Salt<br />
Freshly ground pepper<br />
3/4 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)<br />
2 tablespoons finely chopped almonds<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large saucepan, heat 1 inch of water. Add the spinach by the handful; allow each handful to wilt before adding more. When the spinach is wilted, drain it, pressing out as much water as possible. Wipe out the pot.<br />
<br />
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the pot. Add the shallots; cook over moderate heat until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the almond milk and simmer until very thick, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese and spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into a baking dish.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the panko and almonds and sprinkle over the creamed spinach. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden. Serve.<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-621812269508508232013-02-21T07:56:00.000-05:002013-02-21T10:03:18.273-05:00Breakfast Pizza<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrwBwT81R0EPYqiwjHyW3uI5sFyrPfTFpig4NAvtCip8Mtod45aGm57RtuYJ6X6m-moYwxBm50xwANmwPfJfHmxe51GzQGNas9GlDLuRzD0xCzYt8xXtUrdhyphenhyphen54dPahPe3LiOC_8DxmZc/s1600/Breakfast+Pizza-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrwBwT81R0EPYqiwjHyW3uI5sFyrPfTFpig4NAvtCip8Mtod45aGm57RtuYJ6X6m-moYwxBm50xwANmwPfJfHmxe51GzQGNas9GlDLuRzD0xCzYt8xXtUrdhyphenhyphen54dPahPe3LiOC_8DxmZc/s1600/Breakfast+Pizza-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Growing up, I loved enjoying a sweet breakfast - pancakes or waffles with syrup, chocolate chip pancakes or muffins, cinnamon buns - dishes only made better by salty bacon on the side. But as I have grown up, my tastes have evolved and I crave a certain combination of savory items for my weekend breakfast.<br />
<br />
This pizza has all of those flavors, which is why <b>I consider it to be the most perfect breakfast food</b>. Eggs, salty bacon, melty cheese, shallots, chives, scallions - all on top of a deliciously flavored, crispy thin pizza crust. Good salt and pepper brighten the whole dish and make the flavors jump in your mouth. And I'm not the only one who finds this flavor combination is divine - Mike could hardly wait for me finish photographing the pizza this weekend so we could dive right in.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoKpX4EEoY7PydER95SjhrjMY08bKlGC8i6F0qVzDA2CBOBVxevsCdzgudduXRedotNMNdQKzzTrNkriyjtVJrqvWK9EaMzVD5chMeNcNa6MIfJge4YQTV7TG5e08KeFNlQFaeTRHqtUb/s1600/Breakfast+Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoKpX4EEoY7PydER95SjhrjMY08bKlGC8i6F0qVzDA2CBOBVxevsCdzgudduXRedotNMNdQKzzTrNkriyjtVJrqvWK9EaMzVD5chMeNcNa6MIfJge4YQTV7TG5e08KeFNlQFaeTRHqtUb/s1600/Breakfast+Pizza.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>BREAKFAST PIZZA</b><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Big-Sur-Bakery-Cookbook/dp/0061441481/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361458875&sr=8-1&keywords=the+big+sur+bakery" target="_blank">The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook</a><br />
Makes 2 pizzas, serves 4 to 6 people<br />
<br />
<i>This pizza contains all of my favorite flavors of breakfast. Be sure to allow the pizza dough to rise in the refrigerator for two nights, the resulting flavor is incredible and worth the wait. If you have a pizza stone, be sure to use it as it will create a very crisp crust. But not to worry if you don't have a pizza stone; my oven is too small to hold one and the crust still crisps up very nicely.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Pizza Dough</b><br />
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast<br />
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour, plus extra for dusting<br />
1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast Pizza</b><br />
Cornmeal, for dusting<br />
Bread flour, for dusting<br />
6 bacon strips<br />
Pizza dough (recipe above)<br />
Olive oil, for drizzling<br />
1/2 cup Parmesan, grated<br />
Fresh mozzarella, sliced about 1/4-inch thick<br />
6 large eggs<br />
Sea salt<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
1 shallot, thinly sliced<br />
Chives, minced<br />
Scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced<br />
<br />
<b>Make the pizza dough:</b> Place 3/4 cup lukewarm water in the bowl of an electric mixer. Rain in the yeast, stir, and set it aside to activate for 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Add the flour to the beast mixture and sprinkle the salt on top. Fit the mixer with the dough hook attachment, and combine on slow speed for 1 minute, until all the ingredients start to come together. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes. Then increase the speed to high and mix for 2 more minutes.<br />
<br />
Immediately turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Roll each half into a tight round. Place the balls on a floured baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in a large plastic bag and tie the bag loosely. Refrigerate overnight or up to 2 nights.<br />
<br />
<b>Make the pizza:</b> The next day, about 1 hour before baking the pizzas, pull the baking sheet out of the refrigerator and leave it in a warm area until you are ready to use the dough. You do not want the dough to become too warm, as it will be difficult to shape.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, if you have a pizza stone, place it on the oven rack to warm. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously dust the surface of a pizza peel (or baking sheet if you do not have one) with cornmeal.<br />
<br />
Heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, add the bacon strips, and pan-fry until crisp. Put the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels, let it cool, and then crumble into bite-size pieces.<br />
<br />
Lightly dust a work surface with bread flour. Working with one ball of pizza dough, dip your hands and your dough in the bread flour to make them less sticky, and pat the dough down into a disk shape with your fingers. Once the disk is large enough, drape the dough over your fists and carefully start stretching and expanding the dough from underneath to form a round that is 10 to 12 inches in diameter.<br />
<br />
Place the dough on the prepared peel or baking tray. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dough and, using your fingers, brush the dough evenly with the oil. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan over the dough, followed by a few slices of mozzarella. Crack 3 eggs over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
Bake the pizza for 10 to 16 minutes, checking on it after 5 minutes and rotating it if necessary to ensure that it is baking evenly. When the crust is golden, the cheese is melted, and the egg yolks are cooked to medium. Carefully transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Let it cool for 2 minutes and sprinkle with half of the shallot and chives and scallions. Slice and serve immediately. Prepare your second pizza the same way.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-85605856039418465062013-02-14T07:51:00.000-05:002013-02-14T07:52:32.825-05:00Chicken Pozole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e9bKsbAp1HGs-FpnVLc11zjNv-qSlPL0TXiKjbdBMnZiLGtss6WK-G7C7WkWg-ijHkcThaEvMvLe0NhjKzg79hUhyphenhyphendrGMWvJd2EpIsB1TgC1XabXWp0Tx4homq7qba2qDVZfKvFaIrEc/s1600/Chicken+Pozole-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e9bKsbAp1HGs-FpnVLc11zjNv-qSlPL0TXiKjbdBMnZiLGtss6WK-G7C7WkWg-ijHkcThaEvMvLe0NhjKzg79hUhyphenhyphendrGMWvJd2EpIsB1TgC1XabXWp0Tx4homq7qba2qDVZfKvFaIrEc/s1600/Chicken+Pozole-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I realize that today is Valentine's Day and soup might not exactly rank very highly on the list of most romantic foods in the world. But the rough winter months of New York have taught me that sometimes even the most ordinary of dishes can be romantic, just as long as those dishes are hearty and filling enough to melt away cold cheeks and fingers and noses from the commute home.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdc172pP6n7C9NNHAGliVh0NYtgbGgqqv5yAT3yTZtQRbgu-fYJOQNZFz0wUi3yXhwUh5YIBdZzdB7QlC8qWVawntkMUi6A6oQyxS1Gm3UNRd4H-rHRwvX9fTNl5FgA7NvIY1RZkPvMMm/s1600/Chicken+Pozole-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdc172pP6n7C9NNHAGliVh0NYtgbGgqqv5yAT3yTZtQRbgu-fYJOQNZFz0wUi3yXhwUh5YIBdZzdB7QlC8qWVawntkMUi6A6oQyxS1Gm3UNRd4H-rHRwvX9fTNl5FgA7NvIY1RZkPvMMm/s1600/Chicken+Pozole-2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">And this soup is anything but boring! It's spicy and warm and, with the addition of a little fresh lime juice, is bright with the flavors of a warmer climate. Crushed tortilla chips add an unexpected crunch and extra bit of saltiness. Mix up a batch of margaritas, play a little footsy under the table with your slipper-clad sweetheart, and you have the makings of a delicious, romantic evening!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYZdPEauquwNYPSHZ2SoF-xFPIFVdKeFmhvktRBooKcGyqffLEfPOc5koCCY16puHRL_zXFAGcXC-FAyeugpFVuGEoD7oxE54RBuIjqCFfpVWKPtPWl30UT8iWzdRs2QPiU5EZyXaSEaI/s1600/Chicken+Pozole-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYZdPEauquwNYPSHZ2SoF-xFPIFVdKeFmhvktRBooKcGyqffLEfPOc5koCCY16puHRL_zXFAGcXC-FAyeugpFVuGEoD7oxE54RBuIjqCFfpVWKPtPWl30UT8iWzdRs2QPiU5EZyXaSEaI/s1600/Chicken+Pozole-3.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">CHICKEN POZOLE</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/319047/chicken-posole" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes 8 servings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<i>This is one of our favorite soups to make in the winter months, as it is hearty and filling without requiring a lot of work to create. We love adding diced avocado, some freshly squeezed lime juice, and some crushed tortillas just before we sink our spoons into the bowl.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
2 tablespoons olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 medium onions, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 cloves garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup tomato paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 tablespoons chili powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon dried oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 cans (15 ounces each) white hominy, drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 3/4 cups shredded cooked chicken (2 pounds)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Assorted garnishes, such as diced avocado, thinly sliced radishes, and crumbled tortilla chips, for serving</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Heat oil in a 5-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onions; cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, and oregano; cook, stirring constantly, until evenly distributed. Add 4 cups water, broth, and hominy. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until fragrant, about 30 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Stir in chicken; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until heated through. To serve, divide among bowls, and garnish as desired.</span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-91920212318526826762013-02-08T11:12:00.001-05:002013-02-08T11:12:16.720-05:00Roasted Beets with Yogurt, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO-d1GWVLqIXZsFFq_FUr0TLQ9CbwkY8d30bed95hpe_eIkctV9OQdg2jKW7QJUlFGB5UCbQkR2ENkLsGyVNFEjFx9DWvVlke9tqVGXXBS3_0FrFgAOw59Zq0Lnu_F8_gqPoJQJRNbgzV/s1600/Roasted+Beets+%2526+Yogurt-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO-d1GWVLqIXZsFFq_FUr0TLQ9CbwkY8d30bed95hpe_eIkctV9OQdg2jKW7QJUlFGB5UCbQkR2ENkLsGyVNFEjFx9DWvVlke9tqVGXXBS3_0FrFgAOw59Zq0Lnu_F8_gqPoJQJRNbgzV/s1600/Roasted+Beets+%2526+Yogurt-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To celebrate <a href="http://www.allisonmannellablog.com/2013/01/seven-years-ago.html" target="_blank">seven years together</a>, a few weekends ago Mike and I had an anniversary lunch at <a href="http://abckitchennyc.com/" target="_blank">ABC Kitchen</a>. We went armed with a gift card, a thoughtful engagement gift from my boss, meaning we were at liberty to order dishes and drinks that we might otherwise skimmed over in the name of keeping the bill reasonably priced for a mid-day meal. One of the dishes we ordered was the Roasted Beets with Organic Yogurt. Mike, not being a lover of yogurt, was a bit skeptical, but figured he could just enjoy the beets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the dish arrived, the beautiful colors of the roasted beets just begged for us to try that dish first, before any of the others on the table. It was so unbelievably delicious! Mike even enjoyed the yogurt, with the juices from the beets, the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and crunch of sea salt combining to make a bright, irresistible mixture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG6Vk_U21WdAFqO7kse9MT9ntskUZGwzoLYiAuy1bTdOlpahGHaywunEws6pGV6OlzIEaNW8KZEYYYwKqxqy3LMF-V3NswUE_UJ0h1OIxz0zmK5pAE7fKKRusUzCrlqoM0tcp2jirbLAF/s1600/Roasted+Beets+%2526+Yogurt-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG6Vk_U21WdAFqO7kse9MT9ntskUZGwzoLYiAuy1bTdOlpahGHaywunEws6pGV6OlzIEaNW8KZEYYYwKqxqy3LMF-V3NswUE_UJ0h1OIxz0zmK5pAE7fKKRusUzCrlqoM0tcp2jirbLAF/s1600/Roasted+Beets+%2526+Yogurt-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I love so much about Dan Kluger's menu is that the basic concept of so many of his dishes is usually quite simple - a few ingredients, fresh from the farmer's market, combined in a unique way. I knew I could attempt to replicate the dish at home and achieve something quite similar, without needing to spend a fortune on ingredients I didn't already have.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So last Sunday morning I roasted lots of beets, then Mike and I worked to rub all of the skins off so we could make it to the gym on time. The beets cooled and then for lunch, I quickly assembled the dish for a healthy, scrumptious lunch. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYvGaS9E96qktRIq5CWAY76iqBdQKSwIJ4T-O7fNlwLbUYnuNDs62WE6JMdbrCUUDWaTtfMV732jhjjPRSlQo1hQUxVPSuMZl9UK8wvNoLSjg_hL4Diw7Wc96aNmONpTy47buJyRvInRk/s1600/Roasted+Beets+%2526+Yogurt-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYvGaS9E96qktRIq5CWAY76iqBdQKSwIJ4T-O7fNlwLbUYnuNDs62WE6JMdbrCUUDWaTtfMV732jhjjPRSlQo1hQUxVPSuMZl9UK8wvNoLSjg_hL4Diw7Wc96aNmONpTy47buJyRvInRk/s1600/Roasted+Beets+%2526+Yogurt-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Roasted Beets with Yogurt, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inspired by <a href="http://www.today.com/id/41035791/site/todayshow/ns/today-food/t/klugers-veggie-recipes-are-fresh-local-seasonal/#.URUY96UTuX0" target="_blank">Dan Kluger</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>You can use whatever combination of beets you like for this dish, just be sure to roast each variety separately, as their cooking times may vary. For the purposes of the photos, in order to really bring out the beautiful colors of the beets, I only plated a few beets, but be sure to really pile on the beets when you sit down to enjoy your dish!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>For the Beets</b><br />
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br />
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar<br />
3 tablespoons kosher salt<br />
1 pound beets (I used a mix of baby red, white, and chioggia beets) – washed, scrubbed and separated by color<br />
<br />
<b>For the Plated Dish</b><br />
2 cups Greek yogurt<br />
Roasted beets, cooled, trimmed, and cut into quarters<br />
1/4 cups balsamic vinegar<br />
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br />
Tarragon, coarsely minced<br />
Maine sea salt<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
<br />
<i>Prepare the beets: </i>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Toss each beet type with in the mixture and wrap in a tight foil pouch (<i>Note:</i> each type of beet should be cooked separately). Place foil pouches on a baking tray and roast for about 1 hour (<i>Note: </i>if you are using larger beets, increase cooking time to about 1 1/2 hours). Check the beets using a small paring knife to see if they are tender. Once done, rub off skins with a clean towel.<br />
<br />
<i>Assemble the Dish:</i> In two bowls, spoon yogurt to cover bottom. Place beets in an even layer on top. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil. Garnish with tarragon and sprinkle with salt and pepper to finish. Serve immediately.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-82663043720514717362013-01-31T07:30:00.000-05:002013-01-31T07:39:01.946-05:00Hot Chocolate & Homemade Marshmallows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrzStJAIQTd8UEsr6lDkFndQNmvVAbCwkEmEPJ5XVRKVap4eFm3_Cv5CTfCytISFGJ2_RHXzZk5B6yygmclTo5S-NXmR5Tt1MDOXpmuzqjiktNkQhSIVuoySbvpBxZt34L0fPLdh_oqzF/s1600/Hot+Chocolate+++Marshmallows-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrzStJAIQTd8UEsr6lDkFndQNmvVAbCwkEmEPJ5XVRKVap4eFm3_Cv5CTfCytISFGJ2_RHXzZk5B6yygmclTo5S-NXmR5Tt1MDOXpmuzqjiktNkQhSIVuoySbvpBxZt34L0fPLdh_oqzF/s1600/Hot+Chocolate+++Marshmallows-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week was <a href="http://www.allisonmannellablog.com/2013/01/bryant-park-fountain.html" target="_blank">absolutely frigid here in New York City</a>. I know, I know, it's January - it's supposed to be cold! Mike LOVES the winter, embraces it like the true New Yorker he his. I, on the other hand, happily hailing from below the Mason-Dixon, see nothing enjoyable about weather that freezes your face on the walk to work, so you arrive in a busy lobby not realizing your nose has been running for two blocks, balancing bags, gloves, hats while trying to find your building IDs, all while in a winter jacket that restricts full range of motion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I do enjoy an afternoon cup of hot chocolate on days like these. I enjoy the simple process of steaming the milk on the stove, whisking in the dark chocolate, ladling it into two mugs, and adding a homemade marshmallow that begins to melt just slightly upon contact with the warm liquid. I enjoy delivering the treat to Mike, watching him smile, sitting down next to him and clutching the mug close for warmth. That first sip - the sip with the most perfect ratio of hot chocolate to melty marshmallow - is all it takes to begin to warm my bones once again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recipe from <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2008/07/homemade_marshmallows" target="_blank">Molly Wizenberg</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>I found this recipe just after I graduated college and it yields the most perfect marshmallow every time. You'll be surprised just how easy it is to make your own marshmallows and how much your hot chocolate or s'mores will improve because of them. Just remember to work quickly, but very carefully as the syrup is very hot!</i></div>
<br />
Nonstick vegetable oil spray<br />
1 cup cold water, divided<br />
3 1/4-ounce envelopes unflavored gelatin<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
2/3 cup light corn syrup<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1/2 cup potato starch (or corn starch)<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Line 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with foil. Coat foil lightly with nonstick spray.<br />
<br />
Pour 1/2 cup cold water into bowl of heavy-duty mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Sprinkle gelatin over water. Let stand until gelatin softens and absorbs water, at least 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Combine 2 cups sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup cold water in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush. Attach candy thermometer to side of pan. Increase heat and bring syrup to boil. Boil, without stirring, until syrup reaches 240ºF, about 8 minutes.<br />
<br />
With mixer running at low speed, slowly pour hot syrup into gelatin mixture in thin stream down side of bowl (avoid pouring syrup onto whisk, as it may splash). Gradually increase speed to high and beat until mixture is very thick and stiff, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla and beat to blend, about 30 seconds longer.<br />
<br />
Scrape marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Smooth top with wet spatula. Let stand uncovered at room temperature until firm, about 4 hours.<br />
<br />
Stir potato starch and powdered sugar in small bowl to blend. Sift generous dusting of starch-sugar mixture onto work surface, forming rectangle slightly larger than 13x9 inches. Turn marshmallow slab out onto starch-sugar mixture; peel off foil. Sift more starch-sugar mixture over marshmallow slab. Coat large sharp knife (or cookie cutters) with nonstick spray. Cut marshmallows into squares or other shapes. Toss each in remaining starch-sugar mixture to coat. Transfer marshmallows to rack, shaking off excess mixture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>HOT CHOCOLATE</b><br />
Makes 2 servings<br />
<br />
<i>You can use whatever type of chocolate you prefer, but I love the combination of a bittersweet chocolate with the sweetness of a homemade marshmallow. I always keep <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-452763/E-Guittard-Bittersweet-Chocolate-Wafers" target="_blank">a box of Guittard 72%</a> on-hand, as it is formed in wafers so I do not have to worry about cutting up the chocolate prior to adding to the warmed milk. </i><br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups whole milk<br />
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate, cut into shavings (if not using wafers)<br />
<br />
Over low heat, warm milk in a small saucepan until just beginning to simmer and bubbles form at the edge of the pan. Whisk chocolate into warmed milk until smooth and velvety. Divide evenly between two mugs. Serve with a homemade marshmallow.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-55085558829748521422013-01-24T07:28:00.000-05:002013-01-24T07:28:14.331-05:00Baked Huevos Rancheros<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y15gq2qpPLOa16UkfqWUsS_LWQegBI3KxP9eWSKelaTXWVGoG4RmxS5iGIsHzhq7fQQSVfxKdjTjdVGOf5nxrshYrhuaVchGQtPS1s9dMqQIoDSO_BRXT1j9tckUYPCIZKeHtn6rT21I/s1600/Huevos+Rancheros_Blog_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y15gq2qpPLOa16UkfqWUsS_LWQegBI3KxP9eWSKelaTXWVGoG4RmxS5iGIsHzhq7fQQSVfxKdjTjdVGOf5nxrshYrhuaVchGQtPS1s9dMqQIoDSO_BRXT1j9tckUYPCIZKeHtn6rT21I/s1600/Huevos+Rancheros_Blog_0003.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"Hue-vos Ranch-eros"</i> Mike slowly enunciates to me, his inflection indicating that I am expected to repeat the phrase back to him. But it rolls off my tongue in some strange combination of Spanish and French, thanks to six years spent learning to converse with Parisians. Mike rolls his eyes, smiling slightly as he grates the cheese and I return to stirring the quick, barely spicy tomato sauce that is the base of this breakfast dish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soon it is time to begin assembling and Mike works quickly behind me, arranging the tortilla chips (always blue in our house) in the perfect order after I have placed a bit of the sauce at the bottom of each cast iron gratin dishes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Despite my inability to pronounce the name of the dish without a French dialect, Mike will soon be scraping the bottom of his dish to ensure he gets every bit of tomato and runny egg yolk scooped onto a crunchy chip.</div>
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<b>BAKED HUEVOS RANCHEROS</b><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/baked-huevos-rancheros">FOOD & WINE</a><br />
Serves 2<br />
<br />
<i>I like baking this dish in <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-653501/Lodge-Cast-Iron-Mini-Rectangular-Server">individual cast-iron servers</a> so each person has their own little meal. This makes the perfect amount of food for two hungry people at brunch, but it can easily be doubled to serve four. If it's late enough in the morning, Mike and I also like to mix up a little batch of margaritas to get the day started right! </i> <br />
<br />
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br />
1/2 small onion, finely chopped<br />
1/4 small red bell pepper, finely diced<br />
2 jalapeños, seeded and minced<br />
1 garlic clove, minced<br />
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled<br />
Salt and freshly ground pepper<br />
One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes<br />
1 1/2 cups tortilla chips<br />
4 large eggs<br />
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 400°. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, garlic and oregano. Season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.<br />
<br />
Spoon the sauce into 2 individual, shallow baking dishes and arrange the tortilla chips around the sides. Crack 2 eggs into each dish and sprinkle with the cheese. Set the dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny (or cook longer if you like a harder yolk). Serve right away.<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-76162020468329999232013-01-17T07:21:00.001-05:002013-01-17T09:43:16.951-05:00Banoffee Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqyhoyOry4-3m8J1DUgc7xmv2-Zz2thwgEGutxRN-cvoFWPZlKyQ2JsAttLljbmrtyA_jF9FRfb0ki6DJJh77M0jlGNLFhPZf9xRhTX0LhO054ZJhrOJzPb7O5OOmn08xXfMXuOQ76euV/s1600/Banoffee+Pie-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqyhoyOry4-3m8J1DUgc7xmv2-Zz2thwgEGutxRN-cvoFWPZlKyQ2JsAttLljbmrtyA_jF9FRfb0ki6DJJh77M0jlGNLFhPZf9xRhTX0LhO054ZJhrOJzPb7O5OOmn08xXfMXuOQ76euV/s1600/Banoffee+Pie-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Sunday nights have been a little brighter these past two weeks with the return of Downton Abbey. Mike and I were late to the game with this show and last winter we spent our evenings catching-up (binging, would actually be more accurate) on the first two seasons, complete with gin and tonics in hand. We were both even a little depressed for a few days once we finished season two - such a long wait ahead of us! The third season has already been so much fun to watch, with plenty of drama, zippy one-liners, and Mary's wedding. And can we talk about poor Edith? I couldn't stop crying for her last week! What a nightmare! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As much fun as the drama is upstairs, I am equally, if not more so, drawn to the personalities of those downstairs, which is probably because I have no traceable line of royalty in my English ancestors (I'll continue to hold out hope for the Scottish side). Unlike the formal, massive dinner table upstairs, every time they show the servants eating dinner or enjoying a cup of tea, I just want to pull up a chair and sit around their long communal table. And I imagine Banoffee Pie, an old English dessert layered with gooey toffee, ripe banana slices, and whipped cream, would be something happily shared among the servants on a rainy evening with a big pot of tea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BANOFFEE PIE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.mylastsupper.com/2012/02/gail-simmons-banoffee-pie/" target="_blank">Gail Simmons for My Last Supper</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes 1 9-inch pie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This recipe calls for making your own toffee, but you can easily substitute a good-quality store bought version to reduce the preparation time. Better yet, make your own <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/08/dulce-de-leche.html" target="_blank">dulce de leche</a> on a lazy afternoon and keep the cans stocked so you can whip this dessert up on even the shortest of notice.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8 ounces chocolate wafer cookies, broken into pieces</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pinch of table salt</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 stick unsalted butter, melted</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 large bananas</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 pint heavy cream</span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove the labels from the can of sweetened condensed milk and place on the bottom of a large stockpot. Fill the pot with water, completely covering the can, then cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and boil for 3 hours, keeping the pot covered. Be sure to frequently check the water level: the can should be covered by water at all times and the pot should never be allowed to boil dry, otherwise the can may explode. Remove the can from the water and allow to cool completely at room temperature before opening.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><br /></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em;">In a food processor, pulse the cookies until fine; transfer to a bowl and whisk in the sugar and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until coated. Press the crumbs over the bottom of the pie plate and up the sides. Refrigerate the crust until firm, about 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><br /></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em;">When the crust is chilled, remove from the refrigerator and spread the toffee over the base of the pie crust. Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds, then arrange on top of the toffee.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><br /></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em;">In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream until it holds barley stiff peaks. Spoon the whipped cream evenly over the bananas. Serve immediately.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-8649777600957637132013-01-10T07:31:00.000-05:002013-01-10T07:31:44.622-05:00Grammie Lyford's Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zq-xwYivnRn1OGwwvHH7CBcoYJOZBoXhQU2VmvxTGdGAdgL4yqQEqlIB1Fe9_mjK1MaOflA0qoa8d4f-1z4N9EnIZofGxI0I0K69mJwqnvAbaNM7I_qZzuAGfkNswXHXp47FdkYjZIHu/s1600/Pancakes-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zq-xwYivnRn1OGwwvHH7CBcoYJOZBoXhQU2VmvxTGdGAdgL4yqQEqlIB1Fe9_mjK1MaOflA0qoa8d4f-1z4N9EnIZofGxI0I0K69mJwqnvAbaNM7I_qZzuAGfkNswXHXp47FdkYjZIHu/s1600/Pancakes-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Our train pulled into Penn Station just after 10 PM on New Year's Eve. Battling the throngs of party-goers had not been anywhere in our original plan for the evening, an evening we had looked forward to spending quietly at home with friends, a thoughtful dinner, and a few bottles of bubbly. But life had different plans for us that evening and we quietly trudged towards the 6 train, bypassing people not much younger than ourselves in sparkly, barley-there outfits. We were exhausted and hungry.<br />
<br />
By the time we returned to our apartment, any place we could have hoped to pick-up a quick bite was closed for the night. Our refrigerator was stocked with food, but all for time-consuming meals I had planned to leisurely put together on my days off. <i>"How about pancakes?"</i> I asked wearily. Mike nodded his approval as he removed his tie.<br />
<br />
Soon the sounds of butter sizzling as it hit the hot griddle filled the tired silence and the smell of pancakes quickly engulfed our apartment. We sat across from each other with heavy eyes, comforted by the familiar taste of fluffy pancakes, smeared with softened butter and sweet maple syrup.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<b>GRAMMIE LYFORD'S PANCAKES</b><br />
Makes 8-10 pancakes<br />
<br />
<i>This is my great-great grandmother's recipe and, in my very biased opinion, it is the best pancake recipe in the world. The recipe is a great base for any variations you might wish to try - chocolate chip and blueberry are family favorites - and you just add your additions to the batter right before cooking. But on most weekend mornings, there is nothing more comforting than a big stack of plain pancakes with pure maple syrup. </i><br />
<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 1/2 cup whole milk<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 tablespoons sugar<br />
4 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon table salt<br />
2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for griddle<br />
<br />
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and the milk. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until blended. Stir in melted butter to create a smooth batter.<br />
<br />
Warm a griddle over medium heat. When griddle is hot, melt a bit of butter over the griddle. Scoop batter into desired size and cook until bubbles begin to form. Check to ensure the cooked side of the pancake is golden-brown, then flip to finish cooking on the other side. Serve immediately. <div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-91141597151771037242013-01-07T13:38:00.000-05:002013-01-07T15:58:56.857-05:00Get Ready to Update Your Bookmarks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebN5kScv5Wl9WJGay70rF7bMhK-zwSPEUiz25N0zxaSNFYNDuVOCHRmV7gRbT2b9lsmVFhAYvv7IYxuCz7U3G4mTuu1JUzCMbu4cESFaujyavDEbLjxrcXT-luiVU9wNQnTYUhLI2UYZp/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebN5kScv5Wl9WJGay70rF7bMhK-zwSPEUiz25N0zxaSNFYNDuVOCHRmV7gRbT2b9lsmVFhAYvv7IYxuCz7U3G4mTuu1JUzCMbu4cESFaujyavDEbLjxrcXT-luiVU9wNQnTYUhLI2UYZp/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-goals-photos-from-summer-day-on.html" target="_blank">I talked about my goals</a> – both personal and
professional – in the new year and, after a very productive weekend in front of
<a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-very-special-christmas-gift-my-new.html" target="_blank">my amazing new computer</a>, I am <b>attacking</b> them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Granted, many of my business goals are overarching and will continue to
evolve over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am starting to
get to the point that I think I might need to sit down again in a few months,
<b>dream bigger</b>, and list a new set of goals for the year!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
That leads me into talking about my first big change of the
year; a decision that I have wrestled with making over the past few
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After seeking the advice of my
go-to businessman (my hubby to be!), talking with other bloggers, and talking
with other photographers, it all came down to trusting my gut.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started Dolcetto Confections four years ago to document my
nights at pastry school with my target audience being my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has evolved over the years to include
recipes and, most recently, has been a place to showcase my photography. I
began to realize last year that there were many times I would refer someone to
my blog to see my photography, but that referring them to a blog about my
kitchen adventures did not really make the most business sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as I began to truly recognize my passion
for photography, I was not so faithful in putting up what I was actually
cooking and baking.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
So starting today, there will be <b>two</b> blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are one of those people who keeps
checking back here for me to finally post a new recipe, keep your browser
pointing right here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dolcetto
Confections will be returning to the original purpose of
being a recipe blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
And if you are one of those people who like following my
life and photography, I invite you to follow me at <a href="http://www.allisonmannellablog.com/">www.allisonmannellablog.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will be sure
to let you know whenever there is a delicious recipe waiting for you on
Dolcetto Confections!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope all of this makes sense – though writing it out makes
it seem far less complicated than I had imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as always, thank you all who keep
checking back to this space for updates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You put a smile on my face every day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-11817989949414381362013-01-04T07:38:00.001-05:002013-01-04T07:38:37.424-05:002013 Goals & Photos from a Summer Day on the High Line<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>762</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4350</o:Characters>
<o:Company>AmexPub</o:Company>
<o:Lines>36</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>10</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5102</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdef5KQ1dcu8KwlWz_TzvHH89BiJPtRIF92XT0saX0mbyPNhaFNL_yAZfMQURMUj_bn5N0mqIvhV0x312SmTOKGISyvwV0bXzYg9IUFdzU1XeJVhHk9OwlDU0jR75eLHV9viQ1lk6H39-/s1600/High+Line_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdef5KQ1dcu8KwlWz_TzvHH89BiJPtRIF92XT0saX0mbyPNhaFNL_yAZfMQURMUj_bn5N0mqIvhV0x312SmTOKGISyvwV0bXzYg9IUFdzU1XeJVhHk9OwlDU0jR75eLHV9viQ1lk6H39-/s1600/High+Line_0004.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just
four days into 2013, I already feel a bit behind and a little worn out. I’m finding that it doesn’t help one bit to
sit and think about how rested, accomplished, and in-control I had expected to
feel upon returning to work after a full week off. Sometimes life likes to remind you, in a very
big way, that no matter how much you plan or how many to-do lists you make, you
are rarely in control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So,
I’m a few days behind, but I wanted to put my goals for 2013, both personal and
professional, in writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to hit
the publish button on this post and feel like I am accountable to more than
just myself for actively trying to work towards these goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing these past few days have reinforced
in me is that life is far too short to not go after your dreams, not matter how
impossible they might seem on the cusp of that first big jump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdwS-xp8vfhBwKp1GkxZ4wI_xHPheEorgnyDNMECXXRExaje-SeKZry3Q_58nGIy3XcDFYg44KBSG4N07QJiM4uhhu8xEHiwy0c-A-6bQRoqBhPMfdzIUQFbYUpy3AlpZTX3Ndid4hynt/s1600/High+Line_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdwS-xp8vfhBwKp1GkxZ4wI_xHPheEorgnyDNMECXXRExaje-SeKZry3Q_58nGIy3XcDFYg44KBSG4N07QJiM4uhhu8xEHiwy0c-A-6bQRoqBhPMfdzIUQFbYUpy3AlpZTX3Ndid4hynt/s1600/High+Line_0002.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When
2012 began, instead of an actual list of goals, I had one phrase that kept
repeating itself over and over in my mind: <i>"Be kind to yourself."</i>
That became my goal for the year ahead, recognizing that I had developed
an alarming tendency to be quite harsh on myself. There were definitely
moments when I failed at this, but with each passing month, I started to be
easier on and kinder to myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Similarly,
this year there is a phrase – somewhat an extension of what I worked towards
last year - that resonated with me as soon as I read it on <a href="http://www.emilyley.com/collections/prints/products/grace-not-perfection-foil-art-print" target="_blank">Emily Ley's site</a>:
<i>"I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection."</i>
So fitting. This is a tall order for any perfectionist, but is a
much healthier way to approach life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s time to realize that though I might wish and think that I can do it
all, I just can’t – and that doesn’t mean I am a terrible wife (to be) or
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I just need to give
myself credit for the things I am already doing, besides being part of a
family, I’m also working full-time, planning a wedding, launching a business,
and gearing up for a potential move – and those are just the big things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So maybe it’s time that I stop trying to make
everything just perfect, maybe it’s okay if the laundry is a little (okay, a
lot) overflowing and the dishes are piling up in the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will all get done, maybe not as soon as I
want, but it will all get done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4uQDaQohV8jmbslvXyUfkaf8i8aoiwz8AhkjoiF3fkc0ATjLzfb_jwAO5VNVIuqlFiGCuHGN3Ts29TsTvU2f2p9-L6ztBKeK0tVympe38mm44V9SdQtqtpHxCdy8mdC8z9mYf7w-iqUm/s1600/High+Line_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4uQDaQohV8jmbslvXyUfkaf8i8aoiwz8AhkjoiF3fkc0ATjLzfb_jwAO5VNVIuqlFiGCuHGN3Ts29TsTvU2f2p9-L6ztBKeK0tVympe38mm44V9SdQtqtpHxCdy8mdC8z9mYf7w-iqUm/s1600/High+Line_0003.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On
the professional side, I have a long list of goals of where I would like to
take my business over the next year:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Make
it viable.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Though
just in the start-up phase, I aim to make my photography business a viable
part-time job by the end of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The other goals are all smaller parts of making this overarching goal
actually happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, I need to
file everything to ensure my business is set-up to protect everyone involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Complete
branding.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This
goal is intentionally a bit vague.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
save money, I will be responsible for all of my initial branding, which I need
to complete and be aware enough to update as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually (whether this year or further down
the road) I want to invest in a designer to truly perfect my branding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Update
website.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This
goal is also a bit vague, because, while I have a few ideas of what I would
like to do with my website/blog, the truth is that I am not exactly sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to talk with other people in the field
and then just trust my gut enough to make whatever changes I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I know right this moment is that I am
not motivated to update my current website, which is potentially hurting my
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I either need to make
myself motivated or find a new system that works better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Blog
consistently.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This
might seem a little strange given the lateness in this post, but I need to
create a consistent schedule for blogging, Monday through Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Invest
in my business, smartly.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mike
is definitely the voice in my ear on this goal, as he is the biggest proponent
of spending money to make money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as
an emerging photographer, I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed about all of
the investments that seem to be part of taking a business to the next level –
top notch equipment, website, blog, packaging, and workshops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I am just at the beginning, I will need
to pick-and-chose which investments will help me bring in the most business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Network
with area photographers.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m
not sure why, but this is one of the scariest goals to me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t even until last month that I would
admit to some of our family and closest friends that I was starting my own photography
business!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’ve realized you can’t
just put up a website and a blog and hope that people flock to you to have you
capture their day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to meet
some people who do this successfully for a living, learn from them, and create some
meaningful relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Second
shoot a wedding.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This
goal completely relies on the previous, because it’s tough to second shoot a
wedding if you don’t know any photographers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have shot some portions of wedding days, but never from the beginning
to end and never under the continuous time constraints of the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Staring
out at 2013, I feel a mix of emotions - excited, anxious, scared - about
everything that lies ahead. It promises to be a year of adventure and new
beginnings!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-35694909806869891282012-12-31T11:11:00.000-05:002012-12-31T12:52:29.077-05:002012 In Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5brtoAK_9Hbof3rGAsM7uC9KMnQruqNHTMNIpQl-BnjEOqUGSXv7HbKjQG4XWgtVFVXbJfWm4WvkOcE02_TCsKsfisT38BgZXocpmQKtYzx53dV1rOw2lvH8gypzKveV9L-Nlpw_ii0Mc/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5brtoAK_9Hbof3rGAsM7uC9KMnQruqNHTMNIpQl-BnjEOqUGSXv7HbKjQG4XWgtVFVXbJfWm4WvkOcE02_TCsKsfisT38BgZXocpmQKtYzx53dV1rOw2lvH8gypzKveV9L-Nlpw_ii0Mc/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0006.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As 2012 comes to a close, I cannot help but feel sad and relieved at the same time. The past year was filled with so many joyful moments and milestones, but it has also had it's fair share of sadness. With each passing year, I realize more and more that there will never be a year of only happiness, no matter how promising it might feel on New Year's Eve. So perhaps it should be of no great surprise to me that as eager as Mike and I to turn the calendar to 2013, to have a fresh start in so many ways, that there is still much unknown that awaits us in the new year. That's why I am holding on tight to June 15, 2013 - our wedding day! No matter where these next 365 days lead us, I know we will be just fine next to each other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
At the end of each year, I like to go through the photos I have collected through the past 12 months. From an emotional standpoint, there is no better way to nicely wrap up the year than to relive some of my favorite moments. From a photography standpoint, I imagine, like me, you will enjoy seeing the progress you have made as a photographer. It was somewhere in these photos that I started feeling confident in myself, that I am ready to take my longtime hobby to the next level in the coming year. When I began switching my files over to <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-very-special-christmas-gift-my-new.html" target="_blank">my new computer</a>, I found photos from four years ago! I loved going through those photos, both for the smile they put on my face, but also as a reminder of just how far my constant practicing has taken my photography.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So as the bubbly is chilling today, I encourage you to go through your own photos from the past year - whether on your computer or the snapshots embedded in your memory. Hold tight to these moments that are writing the story of your life. And embrace the excitement you feel about all the moments that await you in the coming year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The opening photo is of Mike at my parents house in Virginia in April. This is one of the few places we visit where we can truly relax and unplug from our busy lives. When I took this photo, just happy to see him unwind, I had no idea he had asked my father's permission to marry me just a few hours before. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp0ybhRxXxNZuZVSGc4O8K1GImXeG1OXWPj4HdgyIcZxPfmVJ-r6kPFkbg9-pY3G1jlSWccfb0vPSx194UVDKjxPqhj-8VTqLWQCxWyQY34il8xqi88PDjTcp0OGm8Mo78ociarmatbeS/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp0ybhRxXxNZuZVSGc4O8K1GImXeG1OXWPj4HdgyIcZxPfmVJ-r6kPFkbg9-pY3G1jlSWccfb0vPSx194UVDKjxPqhj-8VTqLWQCxWyQY34il8xqi88PDjTcp0OGm8Mo78ociarmatbeS/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0003.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This photo is of <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/04/sadie-beth.html" target="_blank">Sadie, my parents Golden Retriever</a>. Normally a bit wild and crazy, I caught her intense stare at my mother puttering around the kitchen, just seconds before she was up and running around again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvvln0368ob5RCLBIzBNxSaII0pZI93_5fkgfJmW6hKgI2FuBA9ph5nHoyGzKgQBwxf2P3OyZ5u2BJgYJhFN0zOSCsDN5JG3Pdszhc3qXRGi3kZVU7CCzWpaSAX7iOWjRz8gmjSHfmFo1/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvvln0368ob5RCLBIzBNxSaII0pZI93_5fkgfJmW6hKgI2FuBA9ph5nHoyGzKgQBwxf2P3OyZ5u2BJgYJhFN0zOSCsDN5JG3Pdszhc3qXRGi3kZVU7CCzWpaSAX7iOWjRz8gmjSHfmFo1/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0002.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It was really difficult to chose just one photo from the <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-crowder-famliy-central-park-photo.html" target="_blank">Crowder Family's photo shoot in Central Park</a>. There were so many that I loved, so many I felt captured the sweetness of four year old Caleb. But this photo - completely unposed as we were walking from one location to the next - really captures both the family and my enjoyment of mixing in some journalistic photos.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-lfysiY4lpgRZOt7OXgF1jeV2e6zqr5yY2ktcJ9f1ZvJhAGoijMKR6cWevhfPVsL9vox9hfCrNA1jxyowxBiV9rCaH_FSG4TtG_pEbaYjYwbUwWXwjEXPqrGkO-SK3pA_IWYKZUxYnup/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-lfysiY4lpgRZOt7OXgF1jeV2e6zqr5yY2ktcJ9f1ZvJhAGoijMKR6cWevhfPVsL9vox9hfCrNA1jxyowxBiV9rCaH_FSG4TtG_pEbaYjYwbUwWXwjEXPqrGkO-SK3pA_IWYKZUxYnup/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0004.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I snapped this photograph at <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/07/saturday-afternoon-at-blue-hill-at.html" target="_blank">Blue Hill at Stone Barns</a>, just after we had finished our lunch at Blue Hill Cafe. We were just about to head out to explore the farm before our official tour. While I was trying to get my exposure just right on a beautiful, intensely sunny day, Mike was looking at the map trying to find the perfect location to ask me to marry him.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnGkf4XT8ex-mF4ioJKPnpjKnlQcwA7zvQ26HH7IpXzigtB_r4aRSrsvpZwXqxhKtHn-ioHoY2qMcjSvtF1ppw9KHZ8BDcI6XiU6lwiFQFc3MtVsHt8KwKNJ5zIidyr-A7wsJEaUI98WP/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnGkf4XT8ex-mF4ioJKPnpjKnlQcwA7zvQ26HH7IpXzigtB_r4aRSrsvpZwXqxhKtHn-ioHoY2qMcjSvtF1ppw9KHZ8BDcI6XiU6lwiFQFc3MtVsHt8KwKNJ5zIidyr-A7wsJEaUI98WP/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0005.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On our official tour of <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/07/saturday-afternoon-at-blue-hill-at.html" target="_blank">Blue Hill at Stone Barns</a>, we saw lots of farm animals - something us city people don't see too often! I love this moment of the sheep looking right at me, lazily eating her lunch. And despite the brutal heat, the dogs kept a very watchful eye on their herd.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1QZepFnZuXk69xAiyJoIYp7N3632qU9yVHnaHB79_HC6MMuE2CoelfNZIhJvrxNX8HJKFj28Af8FwJhOA6ROPPt4y1cz-GKGop35SWjbY0k5ZDZdJwXNWovoJvTkpxwXzIZe1nl6IXjA/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1QZepFnZuXk69xAiyJoIYp7N3632qU9yVHnaHB79_HC6MMuE2CoelfNZIhJvrxNX8HJKFj28Af8FwJhOA6ROPPt4y1cz-GKGop35SWjbY0k5ZDZdJwXNWovoJvTkpxwXzIZe1nl6IXjA/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0007.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This photo makes me laugh every time I stumble across it - Mike doing a handstand in front of <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-2-denver-independence-pass.html" target="_blank">Twin Lakes in Colorado</a>. That week together was <b>so</b> relaxing, exploring <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-one-downtown-denver-great.html" target="_blank">Denver</a>, <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-3-4-rafting-colorado-river.html" target="_blank">Aspen</a>, <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-6-new-belgium-brewing.html" target="_blank">Fort Collins</a>, and <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-7-boulder-beer-avery_25.html" target="_blank">Boulder</a>. I remember how great it felt to just forget about our stress for those days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSQqTsXiiI9UpjoM60-j27U3gd9gbcb_urr1VuS1xaeN0S9WNz9CjrxmohzmcIWRh_OiDBODIqpSqlmyUL9tD8lW0HqVmBpYWRWZFe9-CWE3am0uxOhteP3de-kCZlIyG47gF-t-wcRwj/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSQqTsXiiI9UpjoM60-j27U3gd9gbcb_urr1VuS1xaeN0S9WNz9CjrxmohzmcIWRh_OiDBODIqpSqlmyUL9tD8lW0HqVmBpYWRWZFe9-CWE3am0uxOhteP3de-kCZlIyG47gF-t-wcRwj/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0001.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Also from our trip to Colorado, this was a quick snapshot I took while we were exploring <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-7-boulder-beer-avery_25.html" target="_blank">Boulder Beer</a>. I love the harsh light on the keg.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGNDYrch7b70WGtN-urX4ila4lOJLX0I-pZA8BwsAwTOoFW5qjZCOQG2fVmU_RdyTSobmWpZbo9rfVHoebq6axfF8uyds3IZUAhH27FPL5oHH3p6DRjoqmATUaHfj5YgZA0PTIrE6ktLm/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGNDYrch7b70WGtN-urX4ila4lOJLX0I-pZA8BwsAwTOoFW5qjZCOQG2fVmU_RdyTSobmWpZbo9rfVHoebq6axfF8uyds3IZUAhH27FPL5oHH3p6DRjoqmATUaHfj5YgZA0PTIrE6ktLm/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0010.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It was so much fun to photograph two competitions this year at my gym, <a href="http://www.crossfitmetropolis.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Metropolis</a>. This is from the <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/12/crossfit-metropolis-holiday-throwdown.html" target="_blank">Holiday Throwdown</a> - an inspiring moment from one of our strongest members at the end of the workout.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGfVqfSjLfi-WP-WNH2z0FJ0jAN-uhuuuFBbQy1iI-Xih0_8Uo5JJVB-rHAuvoGFKzUBMYhstYSzNyMoQMLVzdacoCDP8XRcZDVClqAKiLabcaECkDREhKiM3tSWD-8lX5kGg9h4YZoq5/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGfVqfSjLfi-WP-WNH2z0FJ0jAN-uhuuuFBbQy1iI-Xih0_8Uo5JJVB-rHAuvoGFKzUBMYhstYSzNyMoQMLVzdacoCDP8XRcZDVClqAKiLabcaECkDREhKiM3tSWD-8lX5kGg9h4YZoq5/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0008.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This is sweet <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/04/douglas-quincy.html" target="_blank">Doug, my sister and brother-in-law's Golden Retriever</a>. At Easter, just eight months old, he was just starting to realize he was just as big as Sadie, even though he was just a puppy. He was a bit shy at first, but <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/05/mommas-boy.html" target="_blank">once he had his momma (my sister) close by</a> and he heard the click of the camera shutter, he started enjoying the outdoors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzHOrE2Lny9kFAX2xHYLTLqdgd3C-ApOiIfknUV4xfrOjtr4Mhxxf-f4-PZu99hyphenhyphenMy9h_2HvhH8oFkVCRGnEBDZhGEPzjy5ePosVj5i4JU44zcfOsTb8X4NfCyNt3W0N_6AQBMRLRNXVP/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzHOrE2Lny9kFAX2xHYLTLqdgd3C-ApOiIfknUV4xfrOjtr4Mhxxf-f4-PZu99hyphenhyphenMy9h_2HvhH8oFkVCRGnEBDZhGEPzjy5ePosVj5i4JU44zcfOsTb8X4NfCyNt3W0N_6AQBMRLRNXVP/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0014.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My baby sister, <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/08/angelo-valerie-wedding-morning.html" target="_blank">getting dressed on her wedding day</a>. Like most weddings, the morning turned out to be more rushed than expected, but we somehow lucked into having a few moments, just the two of us. I helped her into her dress, and photographed the last minute touches.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_UI1qfG6r2cY5tzcV-4_zyC5yTzbDnEg5Uk2G1b536f13bqu4PcZ_AyIicNLD6kXEEBpatUEjJ-sRHnHv-FunzkeNGm2ZHWtcWi4WlTp0H3AlynbpAWMwi0DJXHXgiRbO2ag9YD0HLkh/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_UI1qfG6r2cY5tzcV-4_zyC5yTzbDnEg5Uk2G1b536f13bqu4PcZ_AyIicNLD6kXEEBpatUEjJ-sRHnHv-FunzkeNGm2ZHWtcWi4WlTp0H3AlynbpAWMwi0DJXHXgiRbO2ag9YD0HLkh/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0009.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On our last day in Aspen, Mike and I woke up with no plan for the day ahead. What a luxury that morning felt like! I made a coffee run, while Mike prepared breakfast. <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/colorado-day-5-hiking-maroon-bells.html" target="_blank">Later in the day drove to the Maroon Bells to hike to Crater Lake</a>. This is just after we had parked the car, with Mike looking in awe at the beauty of the mountains.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MBTH0W361Tzeeg2yA46eNOKeIZEhUvLnyHR-64eTgALpG91FxhyxuiGGy350OjksUBJxpytEJShdGXJuizsmzi-VD2FqY6QwanPyHYM9Rw7eh8eHrYKdncuBsDgIghK72HI8Stqfq7s8/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MBTH0W361Tzeeg2yA46eNOKeIZEhUvLnyHR-64eTgALpG91FxhyxuiGGy350OjksUBJxpytEJShdGXJuizsmzi-VD2FqY6QwanPyHYM9Rw7eh8eHrYKdncuBsDgIghK72HI8Stqfq7s8/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0011.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This is from the first <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/crossfit-metropolis-team-throwdown.html" target="_blank">CrossFit Metropolis Team Competition</a> I photographed. The workout was simple but brutal - rowing and burpees. This is one of our coaches working through the last minute of competition.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF7dCFVD5cJD1hKdu_yMpG_ZHathUnKW8by0ZXucN9Hm9oCcYxuEh2-35hiJ7R7xgQR4QIQLezvVF12ptWKzoKZn9wZHFB0kUPY5N5Z_Q-NEwnUo5EQdz6TMD4uTycstcN13eK_2cYCRv/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF7dCFVD5cJD1hKdu_yMpG_ZHathUnKW8by0ZXucN9Hm9oCcYxuEh2-35hiJ7R7xgQR4QIQLezvVF12ptWKzoKZn9wZHFB0kUPY5N5Z_Q-NEwnUo5EQdz6TMD4uTycstcN13eK_2cYCRv/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0012.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/09/havens-kitchen.html" target="_blank">Haven's Kitchen</a> was one of my favorite finds of this past year. It has delicious coffee and treats, but it is just a beautiful, inspiring place, build in an old carriage house. The light on the ground floor shop is incredible and highlights all of their beautiful items.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnppcNSvS7KpxcWOaVsrS4gpPcPNpGY460Ui3iEKsRZsUQ8x8Tsr7TF63X1O0Fuf2kqanafT2Slo-dYi3mKWWMtEKZ9mGJlaqtxj1-CyuBay9ro-SpQDxBm1k2v_8kzXopDuzSxHSAXCq/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnppcNSvS7KpxcWOaVsrS4gpPcPNpGY460Ui3iEKsRZsUQ8x8Tsr7TF63X1O0Fuf2kqanafT2Slo-dYi3mKWWMtEKZ9mGJlaqtxj1-CyuBay9ro-SpQDxBm1k2v_8kzXopDuzSxHSAXCq/s1600/2012+Favorites_Blog_0013.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
One of the best things I did this year was <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-canon-vs-nikon-debate-photos-in.html" target="_blank">renting camera equipment to figure out which brand's equipment would best suit my needs down the road</a>. I was waiting for Mike to finish work before heading to South Carolina for Thanksgiving, so I ventured outdoors to start learning the new camera body and lens. I just love this photo of a tree dressed in holiday lights - I find it both happy and haunting at the same time.</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-67645870730331854262012-12-28T12:29:00.000-05:002012-12-28T18:49:55.458-05:00A Very Special Christmas Gift & My New Workspace!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kiT2tg-ESYa0ZFYJlJi5TYqtuzaFqaWynLEFb-6uBLZSuBcZBtZx3ETs0sSLKO7YoY6xrjFuHTF0XXLkt-9mEyZXVEdHyYSAVwR14p441thHQbiuty8s7EdU603vvPJGZz0_OKh7PV7O/s1600/Workspace-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kiT2tg-ESYa0ZFYJlJi5TYqtuzaFqaWynLEFb-6uBLZSuBcZBtZx3ETs0sSLKO7YoY6xrjFuHTF0XXLkt-9mEyZXVEdHyYSAVwR14p441thHQbiuty8s7EdU603vvPJGZz0_OKh7PV7O/s1600/Workspace-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Leading up to Christmas, Mike was growing increasingly concerned that his gift to me would not be here in time. It didn't matter how many times I told him not to worry, that I was an adult and could wait until it arrived, he continued to fret. He knew how upset I was to spend my first Christmas without my family; he explained that he just wanted me to have something to look forward to opening.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Christmas Eve, as I was busy pushing our tiny oven and KitchenAid mixer to their breaking points, I heard a little yelp and then the hurried scuffing of his slippers across our hardwood floors, followed by the door slamming shut. A few moments later I heard the turn of the doorknob and him demanding, <i>"Stay in the kitchen! Don't even THINK about turning around!"</i> Soon he emerged from the bedroom, suddenly curious when I would be leaving the apartment to run the last errands of the day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Christmas morning, we snuggled up in the soft leather of our couch and began opening an impressive collection of gifts for just two adults. We sipped coffee and admired the gifts our family had chosen for us. We saved our big gifts for each other until the very end, with my small envelope for Mike looking quite puny next to an enormous box. I started opening the paper, unleashing the tape from the shiny wrapping paper, wondering what could possibly be underneath and where we would possibly have room for it in our apartment.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Suddenly I was staring at the box for the brand-new, wasn't even supposed to ship until January, <a href="http://www.apple.com/imac/" target="_blank">27-inch iMac</a>. I fumbled for words and tears welled up in my eyes; Mike knew what was coming next and motioned for me to sit next to him on the couch and put his arm around me. He soothed the pit in my stomach, telling me to stop comparing the costs of our gifts to each other. He explained that more than a gift, the computer was his investment in <b>me</b>, in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AllisonMannellaPhotography" target="_blank">my budding photography business</a>. It was a means to replace my 13.5-inch Macbook that I had pushed to the limits, especially over the last year.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With just an hour before we were set to leave to see his family, I started baking brioche rolls for breakfast and Mike ventured into our bedroom to begin setting up the computer. He cleared off his desk that previously housed his own laptop and had served as his command center for studying and applications over the past year. We got it up and running in no time at all and then checked-in with my family over Facetime.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have had the past two days off from my job and have enjoyed setting-up the new workspace. There just isn't space in our cozy 750 square foot apartment for two desks, let alone an actual office, so it is now a shared space, where I can work, blog, and edit photos (at <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">lightning</span> speed!) and Mike can remote into his office when needed and read his favorite sports websites on this huge, crystal-clear screen. Mike's small Batman figurine (his good luck charm) watches over the desk. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I absolutely adore my new computer and have loved working in our bedroom, as it is the only room in the apartment that receives sunlight. I have hooked up <a href="http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MEAQ7H20TB64/" target="_blank">the monster external hard drive</a> my parents gave me, meaning my photos are now not only backed-up properly, but they are also off the hard drive, ensuring this computer stays super fast. My parents also gave me a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Connect-Tablet-CTL470/dp/B005HGBEYS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1356715509&sr=8-6&keywords=wacom+bamboo+tablet" target="_blank">Wacom Tablet</a> for Christmas and I am looking forward to adding my handwriting and doodles to some of our photos this year!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though I have only had it for a few days, my biggest concern with having a desktop - feeling as though I was removed from Mike when I am working - hasn't really been an issue. Instead, it has made me recognize a stopping point in the evening and turn off the computer so I can go be with Mike. With my laptop, I <b>always</b> had it on and was always working or reading blogs, even if I was sitting next to him, meaning it wasn't actually quality time together. The past few nights, after I have turned off the computer, we have either played a game or read - actual books! I am hoping this remains true once we are back on our normal, non-holiday schedule.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel like the luckiest girl in the world - not only to have this beautiful new machine to work on, but mostly to be marrying someone so thoughtful and sweet, someone who believes in me and everything I dare to dream.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5DatmsrrngIZS4VfcSk1TXl7UQo3imkGG2iygaZwZ73IQQUCP59WNR5Nlvh1HF_PYsffvsLgUQeXzKdsMpnysePg0145-Qi-nnc2SX1DKzkH2VY3ozzQGmmEiDwrGA7KNwjMQTuUQSA0/s1600/Workspace-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5DatmsrrngIZS4VfcSk1TXl7UQo3imkGG2iygaZwZ73IQQUCP59WNR5Nlvh1HF_PYsffvsLgUQeXzKdsMpnysePg0145-Qi-nnc2SX1DKzkH2VY3ozzQGmmEiDwrGA7KNwjMQTuUQSA0/s1600/Workspace-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs5zbAxOPv4y9bwYRESeJlDVEou0zLA7FF_61my6SOuajbpuOkyaDQnJIFuLzLSyQauTUl7MnQORtY9byk-mgIiJgETLoYEJffhXwaY9QTmaD3g864Y0v2ww7Os6pu4lf7Q7XdcsjT_6H/s1600/Workspace-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs5zbAxOPv4y9bwYRESeJlDVEou0zLA7FF_61my6SOuajbpuOkyaDQnJIFuLzLSyQauTUl7MnQORtY9byk-mgIiJgETLoYEJffhXwaY9QTmaD3g864Y0v2ww7Os6pu4lf7Q7XdcsjT_6H/s1600/Workspace-10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-72421678690475646722012-12-27T11:12:00.000-05:002012-12-27T11:12:14.293-05:00City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J61MVW2IJX0Zm6VoMdOZY7TOfoeY34OpNn6xt83FD2cW-gFeGICis9oPAFvYG3f4ZU-MxQgGgTVJEQEg1EpipZir73bnvQ0O8ii9dzjcxp-7lBkxz6cmX3ShDvoayuiFX6ba31zj9ngB/s1600/City+Lights-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J61MVW2IJX0Zm6VoMdOZY7TOfoeY34OpNn6xt83FD2cW-gFeGICis9oPAFvYG3f4ZU-MxQgGgTVJEQEg1EpipZir73bnvQ0O8ii9dzjcxp-7lBkxz6cmX3ShDvoayuiFX6ba31zj9ngB/s1600/City+Lights-.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A winter chill blew into the city last night along with gusts of rain, sleet, and snow. I'm sitting here, cozy in one of Mike's fleece-lined flannel shirts and wrapping my hands around mug after mug of coffee to stay warm. I have the next few days off from work and I'm looking forward to catching-up with friends, resuming our wedding planning, and spending lots of time organizing everything from the past year. After a very hectic, very draining holiday season, these next few days will be just what I need to refuel for a new year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have lots of fun things to share - including a very special Christmas gift! - in this little space that I love so much, but feel as though I have neglected a bit this month. But for today, I will just share one of my favorite photos from the season. Stay cozy and warm today friends!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-33126292186417440742012-12-24T09:34:00.000-05:002012-12-24T10:03:27.900-05:00The Crowder Famliy Central Park Photo ShootNYC Family Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiavM3IvOharZqsAeWjYtCizyW27NXI3f8o5Ol4_7pIZJ-UMh4fNm_0vWXxtKNPNNPfUXiNbKohG3c5H7t-ThEDt-gWfZ0w7CS7-vRblO1u0VywSfPAy4TnxtciWrGdPFmGXfFN92tZstX/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiavM3IvOharZqsAeWjYtCizyW27NXI3f8o5Ol4_7pIZJ-UMh4fNm_0vWXxtKNPNNPfUXiNbKohG3c5H7t-ThEDt-gWfZ0w7CS7-vRblO1u0VywSfPAy4TnxtciWrGdPFmGXfFN92tZstX/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The morning was dark and dreary from heavy rain showers overnight. We emailed back and forth trying to determine if the weather and sweet four-year-old Caleb would hold out long enough to successfully capture the Crowder Family in Central Park. But we all put on our cold weather gear and rain boots and decided to take a chance exploring the pathways of the park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Central Park was nearly empty - a photographer's dream! - and just enough sunlight filtered through the fog to cast a beautiful light on this equally beautiful family. The Crowder's were wrapping up a whirlwind tour of New York City, celebrating Caleb's birthday and Christmas, and even after a schedule-packed few days, they were all so happy to have me snap away and explore the park. Caleb was just as sweet as he looks and made my job <u>so much fun</u> with his kind smile, dancing moves, and complete ability to ham it up! We wound our way through Central Park, stopping here and there to set-up the next set of photos, though some of my favorite shots are (as always) between the posed photos. Everyone cuddled up for a few cozy shots in the Central Park Dairy - which Caleb and I referred to as a secret playhouse. As we neared the end of the shoot, Caleb refueled on chocolate milk and listened to his mom, Laura, tell "campfire stories" just before our last shots of the skyline and outside the Plaza.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Mark, Laura, Carol, and Caleb: thank you all for making this morning so special and sharing a glimpse into your sweet family! I had so, so much fun capturing these moments for you in Central Park!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwAPUrx4Ms2XD-vGVmFQ6bie094MTefbTm876k2HT6SiHdMbIPp6XMrXIkE8BfrjddhmbB0I5ZR3RMIPtKU7IbskghHw56IInZ0mG9whTTglSOW2N9dYVBhCmFZhGEYedA7Vxi1fZB0Kd/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwAPUrx4Ms2XD-vGVmFQ6bie094MTefbTm876k2HT6SiHdMbIPp6XMrXIkE8BfrjddhmbB0I5ZR3RMIPtKU7IbskghHw56IInZ0mG9whTTglSOW2N9dYVBhCmFZhGEYedA7Vxi1fZB0Kd/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-12.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n5EndcOkJd_-fh0anSbR5cKH9eQYAY6jUs9P-lGZtCqZwZ_EJ-Wntk42z3axZ3gnnLVOucwr84ZoFb8KXIHQ0FXVyJ00CccYkJB8yX2SEtd6EaaWJZ4_yYkowIl-uHt8aXLc2HOB4BQN/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n5EndcOkJd_-fh0anSbR5cKH9eQYAY6jUs9P-lGZtCqZwZ_EJ-Wntk42z3axZ3gnnLVOucwr84ZoFb8KXIHQ0FXVyJ00CccYkJB8yX2SEtd6EaaWJZ4_yYkowIl-uHt8aXLc2HOB4BQN/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-14.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff27GG6sO0_qVvKgL96micNPBswGS80lAm7nffhENlBrZV29S2IqZUXVfAA3HkCWcdNCF2d7Ii1aezy9pAogMUfZ5DCbv4kdXqRfo-ORhHYiU6xZ-gRI2NDIi43zjH9v_cRZbCkwhe9YS/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff27GG6sO0_qVvKgL96micNPBswGS80lAm7nffhENlBrZV29S2IqZUXVfAA3HkCWcdNCF2d7Ii1aezy9pAogMUfZ5DCbv4kdXqRfo-ORhHYiU6xZ-gRI2NDIi43zjH9v_cRZbCkwhe9YS/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-18.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkwx5WD6jF9BZc0kxRkYVSqZ5Twi0mp59s7NZwWg1M1nrkhCIHK-vCTe3kAcX6ZOW88-trvJdw_7mOMeBZXk-LLaxRNgDMYmTy1d4Cs-USTh9KjB__SDvCweXpaMdZVrERTbcNOMDjpL5/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkwx5WD6jF9BZc0kxRkYVSqZ5Twi0mp59s7NZwWg1M1nrkhCIHK-vCTe3kAcX6ZOW88-trvJdw_7mOMeBZXk-LLaxRNgDMYmTy1d4Cs-USTh9KjB__SDvCweXpaMdZVrERTbcNOMDjpL5/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-21.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLarrvNUkIUK86SiSt_Dmv9Los4cCKxb2XHQ7MaibAQZt6KHIhIgofOnITstVvGZk6q9d3ksu9f5kFkWqyytL65JYkAD4FbiO3PCCr7GcQ6Nozxhpqd9tJpu7qgOE-hFKwc6f8r6zzwQS/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLarrvNUkIUK86SiSt_Dmv9Los4cCKxb2XHQ7MaibAQZt6KHIhIgofOnITstVvGZk6q9d3ksu9f5kFkWqyytL65JYkAD4FbiO3PCCr7GcQ6Nozxhpqd9tJpu7qgOE-hFKwc6f8r6zzwQS/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-27.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTfz3nkz0XqFEtj6av0HiWzG5wNU3bfCs3-5rnZZmKJ9zmQg6f3vCYPe6NRVZVwepRK_ffFEqMig_necoVjrfaY1w5BoPtXdJEPcU6bACQ3A5X5VjHrUl7OH4BS7PhnvqwxOCT_eWqQ4a/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTfz3nkz0XqFEtj6av0HiWzG5wNU3bfCs3-5rnZZmKJ9zmQg6f3vCYPe6NRVZVwepRK_ffFEqMig_necoVjrfaY1w5BoPtXdJEPcU6bACQ3A5X5VjHrUl7OH4BS7PhnvqwxOCT_eWqQ4a/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAUygt6s0OZ533O25EGdoOz3MjKkgyPtu7-eoO5OZ3DIopndOf7EIpPQ4MleUNlSfbjvowd2m6_aYGmq_J3JIs0KTL2ubXxcsvszBSMkY4Ql8WQeqWCr0Od6mT09KnZBdPnP0U8AzfACY/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAUygt6s0OZ533O25EGdoOz3MjKkgyPtu7-eoO5OZ3DIopndOf7EIpPQ4MleUNlSfbjvowd2m6_aYGmq_J3JIs0KTL2ubXxcsvszBSMkY4Ql8WQeqWCr0Od6mT09KnZBdPnP0U8AzfACY/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-31.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EjiaDJQ-CbFy-rEGuTWoZOaLkKx1BTtVIF6zU5LTDhqp2apGN4XmIXzLfG_Yh7AXhuG1JPHsgckFjcAY_n8tGoymHIEVkCiF-cIFW6Z4SjSLTDpcd48duLWkWtvJp3uXHbpsqnKPO5lK/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EjiaDJQ-CbFy-rEGuTWoZOaLkKx1BTtVIF6zU5LTDhqp2apGN4XmIXzLfG_Yh7AXhuG1JPHsgckFjcAY_n8tGoymHIEVkCiF-cIFW6Z4SjSLTDpcd48duLWkWtvJp3uXHbpsqnKPO5lK/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-35.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1dJFjHfrBJr74EgXV-sTv99tkfUFFRtAFuQ-Pqw2TAQa_6MmOFGhkEmuWQM_26iXHGtHY-KfzG7zA7CvDdSHVqmKxF1YYosFHtZBMSK2KrdkzrcwfcaQelTRs7X4HyTDlGBN_UCDdhU/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1dJFjHfrBJr74EgXV-sTv99tkfUFFRtAFuQ-Pqw2TAQa_6MmOFGhkEmuWQM_26iXHGtHY-KfzG7zA7CvDdSHVqmKxF1YYosFHtZBMSK2KrdkzrcwfcaQelTRs7X4HyTDlGBN_UCDdhU/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-36.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6g1ch17p7xu2ZO5zhN-qH2x400V5vuWN_Ga0scDK-g_GCvyN3poarVL4XqYu9RMawbsBDkpy5dz9J7KrOP19iwhoqjWNmHycnyo1asu6P-BB18Jo68GupcGZpAX7nmyzTAbahAtZlBR0/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6g1ch17p7xu2ZO5zhN-qH2x400V5vuWN_Ga0scDK-g_GCvyN3poarVL4XqYu9RMawbsBDkpy5dz9J7KrOP19iwhoqjWNmHycnyo1asu6P-BB18Jo68GupcGZpAX7nmyzTAbahAtZlBR0/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PLBNO0r0Ntf_GUlAH3bDGq58ZDZocaNF-FVdtiVZ56luvhAwIpQRAK1BrzDwri6D7QyxvNBKaShW8F9vs4URrudGOkzv_WFMJAFtxsxxNZssikqnAImM0-KUNSRMF6DHGVFtqTnofNYD/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PLBNO0r0Ntf_GUlAH3bDGq58ZDZocaNF-FVdtiVZ56luvhAwIpQRAK1BrzDwri6D7QyxvNBKaShW8F9vs4URrudGOkzv_WFMJAFtxsxxNZssikqnAImM0-KUNSRMF6DHGVFtqTnofNYD/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-41.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq1uhg3BKHzs5snds7s474_cLEWTjQB6tnNwZM89-PdR02hcb_ijpYqbeEZaDSAK3qoT6JE0mPaUy83svMzbHgNWrbG5mp07reHwtxiSXW48tmucsj2NtHH8HKC3ugtSqgIV55g5UYRi8/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq1uhg3BKHzs5snds7s474_cLEWTjQB6tnNwZM89-PdR02hcb_ijpYqbeEZaDSAK3qoT6JE0mPaUy83svMzbHgNWrbG5mp07reHwtxiSXW48tmucsj2NtHH8HKC3ugtSqgIV55g5UYRi8/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-42.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbuNEFqlWI8nf7SnyqL3PDs2Cun764vXeTVQ15H2ZZWIITM7O8XvufPhoZeYHPSr77Rj9vd7qbGRvyrHm9ROHkATs-Ki3uc6wlpF7wXrtrLwIB3iUiWzsZcw_uq5NoSGdOkjKXG8TQ5qo/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbuNEFqlWI8nf7SnyqL3PDs2Cun764vXeTVQ15H2ZZWIITM7O8XvufPhoZeYHPSr77Rj9vd7qbGRvyrHm9ROHkATs-Ki3uc6wlpF7wXrtrLwIB3iUiWzsZcw_uq5NoSGdOkjKXG8TQ5qo/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-47.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpTNq47kiq0s13DYyUSar8mCnfiMpUVac1S6GZ8OsHGFifH1Z45V90wH85TPG6PhdIma0jbalZAifvNI-S2VrFqws8-BFPf1Hz5eiP1086CzOxJW0Xo69rNW18itS9U4ORIhk_W1uWwgE/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpTNq47kiq0s13DYyUSar8mCnfiMpUVac1S6GZ8OsHGFifH1Z45V90wH85TPG6PhdIma0jbalZAifvNI-S2VrFqws8-BFPf1Hz5eiP1086CzOxJW0Xo69rNW18itS9U4ORIhk_W1uWwgE/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-54.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pwlSlRNSyv72pE5PV3P8wRRVqVNrzls9q9mLqIqaxdbkytPBdTLCoKX7reorfbuSfFoeHLvNYMePe8ADbjQ5dlQvTUZbtJES-yEARjcpHouFwdCC5pj8PRBi90SAP7VzIYcNNbLIpE1f/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pwlSlRNSyv72pE5PV3P8wRRVqVNrzls9q9mLqIqaxdbkytPBdTLCoKX7reorfbuSfFoeHLvNYMePe8ADbjQ5dlQvTUZbtJES-yEARjcpHouFwdCC5pj8PRBi90SAP7VzIYcNNbLIpE1f/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-57.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQLrP2uPt2gpxJkv8zCTCLqfiuV02kFC0uEi_88d03dj4tqgxiswFK8vCHNiH4SBH4qZMuPipCSx1VprItX3TgWLxYYAfwAmffOErVChU6tE1tAjiz0eByVNpUzQ0wv6_0_AEIYQpU3Pa/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQLrP2uPt2gpxJkv8zCTCLqfiuV02kFC0uEi_88d03dj4tqgxiswFK8vCHNiH4SBH4qZMuPipCSx1VprItX3TgWLxYYAfwAmffOErVChU6tE1tAjiz0eByVNpUzQ0wv6_0_AEIYQpU3Pa/s1600/Crowder+Family-December+2012-61.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-7799539042573632962012-12-05T06:45:00.000-05:002012-12-05T07:52:04.589-05:00Duke University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFOix6UH7cLcaRhNEqrjEI5No0v2dNt1E4LaPn-1gm9FQ9I_FjrXrRuzfgx1krndILm2CjwSugmrjl1BzrT8WBF5BMeRNS_dtR8LEDxTh1KwZuFz2jnZUWg4gvYf2P9VztQr9o1SPtTgR/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFOix6UH7cLcaRhNEqrjEI5No0v2dNt1E4LaPn-1gm9FQ9I_FjrXrRuzfgx1krndILm2CjwSugmrjl1BzrT8WBF5BMeRNS_dtR8LEDxTh1KwZuFz2jnZUWg4gvYf2P9VztQr9o1SPtTgR/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012-.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In October, Mike and I took a very quick trip to Durham, North Carolina to visit Duke University for his first MBA interview. We stayed in a hotel that I'm pretty certain was a set for a horror movie, so we weren't exactly excited to return once the interview was complete. Since it was a game day, we were pretty limited from driving on campus so, after meeting with some of the current partners, we walked the winding stone paths campus.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The chapel was just as beautiful as we had remembered from touring many years ago. We ventured closer to the dorms, with students gleefully enjoying the festivities of the day. I leaned over to Mike and whispered, <i>"I feel old!"</i>;<i> </i>Mike nodded in agreement. We watched the first half of the football game in the sweltering Carolina sun and then walked back through the campus towards a delicious dinner at <a href="http://mateotapas.com/" target="_blank">Mateo</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxy46NaEZoSQkjp1nZob-e53YDpTE3roD_7mhoHh8fvRN-GmsK1WP5E8CTMFhuPJG0m-9OSg_qUBcYfP1A37AK5RifH3WE-M_65lpkRPpINiAD5x8huSOlt0b9nH0JmfuU8qqPsWroIQY/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxy46NaEZoSQkjp1nZob-e53YDpTE3roD_7mhoHh8fvRN-GmsK1WP5E8CTMFhuPJG0m-9OSg_qUBcYfP1A37AK5RifH3WE-M_65lpkRPpINiAD5x8huSOlt0b9nH0JmfuU8qqPsWroIQY/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZZR5pqHVLXcOpUNxmobNv47i311TmeNFEAHViZUUvK1iVqQ6xUhzDY4Lbq__-ltDyOb7dbaoYsqv0xcL0653M2Znz80knQXFx6-hFrLkncwTkQJOOOKpvTJQNPS5bTk_0YwFxX2yR0CG/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012--2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZZR5pqHVLXcOpUNxmobNv47i311TmeNFEAHViZUUvK1iVqQ6xUhzDY4Lbq__-ltDyOb7dbaoYsqv0xcL0653M2Znz80knQXFx6-hFrLkncwTkQJOOOKpvTJQNPS5bTk_0YwFxX2yR0CG/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012--2.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM9ObJGAc-2QdlU8uAAKe-4YgJqbG6duU8cCDBSdO_teVbxCtsYfprZ6zbsHfy6qwBk1Cqj2LSUyeV2Msf-vtUSlhnjIY7mUpIP6XMHDemclC8R-2izGLqYniMRcUFHitu2XnX3k32kSQ/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012--6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM9ObJGAc-2QdlU8uAAKe-4YgJqbG6duU8cCDBSdO_teVbxCtsYfprZ6zbsHfy6qwBk1Cqj2LSUyeV2Msf-vtUSlhnjIY7mUpIP6XMHDemclC8R-2izGLqYniMRcUFHitu2XnX3k32kSQ/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012--6.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgMCbhD7zUTAh6pO_-XDJEq0isASkdfBoHHKcNGMmFQnil3D0db6tgR524rVapAMFfFde6s9YxJelUVjkZPrzOYAMNG18TQmro27nQiyqAFHzAcUNyDmNS7PxbhXdNZ4ZcKMllCPYJH5q/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012--7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgMCbhD7zUTAh6pO_-XDJEq0isASkdfBoHHKcNGMmFQnil3D0db6tgR524rVapAMFfFde6s9YxJelUVjkZPrzOYAMNG18TQmro27nQiyqAFHzAcUNyDmNS7PxbhXdNZ4ZcKMllCPYJH5q/s1600/CrossFit+Metropolis+Holiday+Throwdown-12042012--7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-19200911363588220432012-12-04T06:45:00.000-05:002012-12-04T09:32:38.193-05:00The Canon vs. Nikon Debate & Photos in the South Carolina Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOJmMT57RQO_56Gk5XBlC-U9RfA3KTDYcIxxkp9dztTx67V7tdsRD7-cf44cQ3ompzfKXn1eo01XAESjHkgsOXSkaJHkZtdFQo6ebX7-71jIzumWehZ8Ha6LCUZyHIJcckTrBeT7Rn_13/s1600/AAG_0401-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Like many emerging photographers, I find often find myself wondering which camera brand will best suit my needs and vision. I’m not sure if this is typical for everyone, but I have lost many night’s sleep over the debate in which each person seems to have a steadfast opinion: Nikon or Canon?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know! Who needs to read another blog post about this debate?! They are both great brands! Well, I will forewarn you, sweet reader, that this post is long and will <b>not</b> get into the technicalities of each brand or camera model. It will be entirely subjective. If you are looking for a good starting point for an all-encompassing, technical review, I suggest reading Gizmodo’s review of the <a href="http://us.gizmodo.com/5895239/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-review-the-best-dslr-for-shooting-video">Canon 5D Mark III</a> and the <a href="http://us.gizmodo.com/5897968/nikon-d800-review-a-major-hd-upgrade-but-is-it-the-best-dslr-for-the-money">Nikon D800</a>. Also, just it case it isn't readily apparent, everything below is purely my own opinion. I am not being endorsed nor sponsored by either brand in any manner.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l2qNPMjI0oEgzv5GLfMKb3WV8SjDvgDAT0myyMW3TsgBEqXg1bNAy4DToHM4pj7OSLp51shKNMBA5RZxDA-4Mxi9_y1KxV-Ai-SsVHmJK4KoPQotX4Srj9MDSz5mzhxDzPpn0GvLUiHq/s1600/AAG_0329-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
First, a little background. Throughout college, I worked as a photographer for <a href="http://flathatnews.com/">my college newspaper</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/tribeathletics.com">college athletics department</a>, local minor league teams (baseball and hockey), and for a few freelance projects with a local paper. After my first season as team photographer of the <a href="http://norfolk.tides.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t568">Norfolk Tides</a> (then the AAA affiliate for the New York Mets) I took the lump sum of my earnings from the summer and purchased a Canon Rebel (whichever model was current in August 2005). It was a kit that came with an 18-55mm lens and 70-300 mm lens. If you are also a photographer, you are probably grinding your teeth thinking about the word “kit” and those lenses. Not to worry – I am too! It took many more years for me to start to understand and appreciate the different qualities of lenses.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I shot with that camera for almost two years, mostly in shutter priority and auto modes, until the spring of 2007, when, at the very last hockey game of the <a href="http://norfolkadmirals.com/">Norfolk Admirals'</a> season, someone accidentally knocked the camera onto the ground as I was reaching in my bag for a fresh memory card. The shutter was broken and I didn’t have the money to have it fixed. That camera body is still sitting in my closet at my parent’s house – I couldn’t bear to get rid of it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwXbE_Fg1Qvuvz6f4mX-2_61gvmvCcXtHmO7CgBKUiygYktMTKftd0dzLELfqreY_mXzoz480yLc-5lRUqRTfWJpXs5Yb1RBC8hvCb-XTVY9NZpFF0-CPQ4-850ecQCSEZiXP-WwET9vW/s1600/AAG_0421-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In the spring of 2010, after a year of happily <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/search/label/Pastry%20School">blogging my way through pastry school with a point-and-shoot</a>, I decided it was time to invest again in a DSLR. I purchased a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580241-REG/Nikon_25446_D90_SLR_Digital_Camera.html" target="_blank">Nikon D90</a> with a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/247091-USA/Nikon_2137_Normal_AF_Nikkor_50mm.html" target="_blank">50mm f/1.8 lens</a>. What made me switch to Nikon, you ask? I’m not exactly sure. I hadn’t had any complaints with my Canon Rebel. But I really liked my point-and-shoot (which was a Nikon) and one of my favorite bloggers used a Nikon. I am a bit ashamed to admit that I secretly hoped that if I had the same camera, it would help me take pictures just as good as hers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL4alzIsZp0hT3kPtnUgIdo8YfVB3svn2UG9aYX9GcjaNg3Ii6bHAFepBhZnCDt5uRnO7O3kVV8AsYlswyhYGJZTFcnbzbdm59vy14L1NNtnkmJJj27pTHPQ0taPnKZHdd8obGlDwDd_q/s1600/AAG_0332-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL4alzIsZp0hT3kPtnUgIdo8YfVB3svn2UG9aYX9GcjaNg3Ii6bHAFepBhZnCDt5uRnO7O3kVV8AsYlswyhYGJZTFcnbzbdm59vy14L1NNtnkmJJj27pTHPQ0taPnKZHdd8obGlDwDd_q/s1600/AAG_0332-Edit.jpg" /></a>Okay! I’m going to assume I only have non-photographers reading at this point, because I’ve just referenced low-end lenses, kits, admitted that I used to shoot in auto mode, and thought a camera was responsible for taking great photos. Let’s move on to the good stuff!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnDCGI0D4MNWKbJjErxpkQcMGSgZlDTwwMioZQamQjM6Q4RaP8b5HR206L4jHw68EIoFTgdGJX7XBPFBL5X2M7vCHGIKYjknlyVW4a7p-6xTEmgfR55ggHRGFnoaGHZc8cyo6f5I_eu79/s1600/AAG_0345-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnDCGI0D4MNWKbJjErxpkQcMGSgZlDTwwMioZQamQjM6Q4RaP8b5HR206L4jHw68EIoFTgdGJX7XBPFBL5X2M7vCHGIKYjknlyVW4a7p-6xTEmgfR55ggHRGFnoaGHZc8cyo6f5I_eu79/s1600/AAG_0345-Edit.jpg" /></a>I’ve shot with the Nikon D90 for almost three years now, using a variety of lenses. The best lens I own, which is almost always on my camera, is the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585343-USA/Nikon_2180_AF_S_Nikkor_50mm_f_1_4G.html" target="_blank">50 mm f/1.4</a>. I’ve spent the last three years teaching myself to shoot exclusively in manual mode, learning to meter my subjects correctly, and how to shoot in a variety of lighting situations. I’ve studied my camera manual cover to cover; I’m at a place where I feel I have learned everything I can about my camera and, while I still have tons to learn about photography, I am now ready for the next level: a full-frame camera.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0xbI67AVcs_6972xgGHfWhlVpDaHja6ZgN7w4Nt6CZUWHhqdRoX_GJRmVC4RIC3Q6wtkUQVZfXqSdJLKy1ibkWtKBnwtxJLPyzGAe1A5TiVvqgqYL8GH5fJaNYxLoP5r-s-aK3X-5Dbb/s1600/AAG_0388-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0xbI67AVcs_6972xgGHfWhlVpDaHja6ZgN7w4Nt6CZUWHhqdRoX_GJRmVC4RIC3Q6wtkUQVZfXqSdJLKy1ibkWtKBnwtxJLPyzGAe1A5TiVvqgqYL8GH5fJaNYxLoP5r-s-aK3X-5Dbb/s1600/AAG_0388-Edit.jpg" /></a>To be clear, that purchase is still in the very distant future, but I decided it would be worthwhile to try both brands to figure out which would fit me the best. Having shot a few times with a Nikon D700 and D800, I had been itching to try the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847545-REG/Canon_5260A002_EOS_5D_Mark_III.html" target="_blank">Canon 5D Mark III</a>. A few weeks before Thanksgiving, a local store sent out an email with the offer I had been waiting for: a five day rental for the price of just one day AND 25% off for first-time renters. That was me! I picked-up the Mark III, along with a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457680-USA/Canon_1257B002AA_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_2L.html" target="_blank">50mm f/1.2 lens</a> and flew to South Carolina for the holiday. The trip gave me all the time I wanted to start learning about the camera and practice shooting with these new lenses. All of the photos in this post were shot with the Canon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ28Kml0VwLPSDGVYhsXcinqixT8mqoimCrj4SyBfVoXlkTJyioFhC0C9eaN7xhFb2HyrKuDTHUDbBvsw2viRNgWIBuqeXSkmRAGOjGvme15vwarWRYnLLQe69efMmOhtVsiAzCjCup9V/s1600/AAG_0428-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Between the camera body and that magical 50mm f/1.2 lens, I fell HARD! Mike was sweet enough to let me snap some photos (I’m lucky to be marrying someone so photogenic!) in the South Carolina sunset and was patient when I would stop and say, <i>“Hold on! Don’t move! Where is that feature on this camera?!”</i> Now, that lens is super expensive, but the scrumptious bokeh and crystal-clear sharpness that it provides is unmatched to anything I’ve ever shot with.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMYhoeoh5B6ZzmXajNqZsjhQ7FURBm-TO_feL1iXa0W3QEAse8xBhCXnioi9P1sNdJelSUkhU-Yo-HRE7bgQ0tieZlITufJToQto3X6fY-okHdnVbzQ3h6sFRv48K-HNewLNfQzXQhsdd/s1600/AAG_0349-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s the thing that sold me the most – the color I got SOOC (straight out of camera) was exactly what I wanted! With just a quick increase in the brightness and contract during post-production, I had EXACTLY the image I had visualized. On my Nikon, I constantly feel as though I am fighting with almost every single image SOOC. That’s not only frustrating, but also a waste of time. The sharpness and clarity of the images from the Canon were so impressive that I let out a little squeal when I could clearly read the words on Ish’s dog tag.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4qBJupGDycVFVi883iSFbw4OXmxOyytYHqZqufFbm7ExY7PZuZW4V5FZkWtPfS5wywSaev2p_IoD_ASYMtQNRveLQLY_9Vxau8QI4lQQ_41wW1jQl7ylWfe2U3tbvAKawdtI9tzvewZu/s1600/AAG_0433-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, I had to return the camera and lenses after our trip. I held out hope that by giving up my subway seat to a sweet elderly woman that the universe just might repay me by somehow letting me keep all of the equipment. No such luck. I photographed the <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/12/crossfit-metropolis-holiday-throwdown.html">CrossFit Holiday Throwdown</a> last Saturday with my Nikon D90 and my 35mm f/1.8 lens and was shocked by how accustom I had become to the buttons on the Canon. I missed the weight of the camera and lens in my hands. I missed that f/1.2 aperture (Nikon only makes autofocus/manual lenses up to a f/1.4, which makes, surprisingly, a big difference). And I REALLY missed that 61-point focus system on the Canon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfklcuZh6EdFMxVZDHhtr_tiZM8TMnxN4gqL_SMfQqCYK2RhmYLLIZG5twYgaORtMFwTGp84Dgyng0LKhK6Wsz7VuvPQDkOhZG8AVM3h7xD2NwHTv_n8FV2hb14yRP_F1gulIUB4M2fE1/s1600/AAG_0445-Edit-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.4503413010388613" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, you can probably tell where I am leaning in terms of where I will invest my money in the future on better equipment. It was so worthwhile for me to rent that equipment so I could make an educated decision on which brand fit my vision and my hands (button placement is quite important) the best. I’m not yet at a point where I can invest in the equipment, but not only do I know confidently know which I prefer, but I also know to make no investments in lenses or accessories for my current camera.</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDueC-4oMD6JB4NgU8cmLYBTvPtprUqcyFVE7K3p_MezEVrc-sPWdyCLW5xvoN8UPx33mW3ZyXRH6KnLlrIyO3fnxlW_D9bPwWHgmY6caRrZBFdxT3b_Rd0zw5vF0_sdj5ymdJBmfKfRev/s1600/AAG_0476-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I realize this quite long review is entirely subjective (I warned you!). So here is my advice: rent the camera bodies and lenses you are debating between. Shoot with them in non-pressure situations (i.e. not on a paid shoot) and determine which feels better in your hands, which has the button placement that feels most natural for you. Spend time going through your images SOOC – which sharpness do you prefer? Which gives you the exact color you saw while shooting?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrW0lleHn2ews0flI6sy76gGIpH206j8oJJeZu16u3CqX7kCwOHF8eM6yGJWEbqX_vbbXyDk2XEH66GxtkDAoy494Gmy1F1N2HoRNNV5XMdwF-zuhgNJ20umVN_brfAUkIOkr0jQ_Y98n/s1600/AAG_0498-Edit.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t blindly invest thousands and thousands of dollars into a top-end camera body and lenses without knowing which brand you prefer and why you prefer it. Do not be satisfied with basing your decision on what your photographer friends or favorite photographers use for equipment; YOU are the only one who can determine which brand feels like an extension of what you are seeing. The cost of renting equipment for a few days to make that decision is far more cost-effective than potentially needing to reinvest that money into another brand’s equipment down the line.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy shooting!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-57165419321020694192012-12-03T06:45:00.000-05:002012-12-03T06:45:00.718-05:00CrossFit Metropolis Holiday ThrowdownCrossFit Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfA4B5atDLzZmMCspfsY6GHuRZEFsSkm_is57OCurNDNk0bNv3-LgKLofXtbU5tVnLEbmLe_WLC9sOlpE7saUYxuGcJsDPH8mwOwYc6-d87MxUngq12gs43o0EXMNMcgX3LAOgnOhggiJ/s1600/DSC_1040-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfA4B5atDLzZmMCspfsY6GHuRZEFsSkm_is57OCurNDNk0bNv3-LgKLofXtbU5tVnLEbmLe_WLC9sOlpE7saUYxuGcJsDPH8mwOwYc6-d87MxUngq12gs43o0EXMNMcgX3LAOgnOhggiJ/s1600/DSC_1040-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This past Saturday was the Holiday Throwdown at my gym, <a href="http://www.crossfitmetropolis.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Metropolis</a>. Much like <a href="http://dolcettoconfections.blogspot.com/2012/10/crossfit-metropolis-team-throwdown.html" target="_blank">the throwdown in September</a>, the morning consisted of placing each member of the gym on one of four teams. But this time, Santa hats, dradles, tinsel, elf ears, Christmas sweater vests, and bells were involved! This throwdown was all about lifting lots of heavy weights as well as a bit of strategy. The space became more packed as the morning progressed and the cheering and screaming soon made the energy of the gym a very inspiring place to be, with each person pushing and exceeding their limits.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I completed the workout during the first class of the morning, then happily stuck around to snap some pictures of the remaining classes, trying to dodge weights, athletes, and cheerleaders along the way. Brunch and bottomless mimosas followed the throwdown, making me pretty confident that I belong to the best gym in the world!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswP40BV_f1AOuslUkL7I5_TqXMItD9GC183Ev-3Lopi9c7zn6uCywT8kVZgFqKJUu16_6esS5Es8MwE6otH5ODa9cShEOAHA6l5bEtMJtivyWOGLajtyFxJ6-RiwxqwNocGv06GH00CTn/s1600/DSC_0019-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswP40BV_f1AOuslUkL7I5_TqXMItD9GC183Ev-3Lopi9c7zn6uCywT8kVZgFqKJUu16_6esS5Es8MwE6otH5ODa9cShEOAHA6l5bEtMJtivyWOGLajtyFxJ6-RiwxqwNocGv06GH00CTn/s1600/DSC_0019-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX73S2NIUMXQgrQtOAY5V-MwBZcbAqaBCslyNi-NSExppW6NC4LCvwGdoaUU8J8gwSpk54sABl9hyphenhyphenJpX0x6Q5ufsyuTKSQV7Z_FHKMNg1yWBcsbvdjZA9Bicb0XWSYVZCWscor5e4bbyg/s1600/DSC_0407-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX73S2NIUMXQgrQtOAY5V-MwBZcbAqaBCslyNi-NSExppW6NC4LCvwGdoaUU8J8gwSpk54sABl9hyphenhyphenJpX0x6Q5ufsyuTKSQV7Z_FHKMNg1yWBcsbvdjZA9Bicb0XWSYVZCWscor5e4bbyg/s1600/DSC_0407-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyaLN6yE908mDeIgMVskcarjLmiOcA0I0PC-7iAJGT0Td5zJAwm4TWSZQF8rtCKF09NmK_1yCTRIZdcHWN2DUcrY_eVFpTVX-2hsPN-uHWOD18hBNO3AU2rxp2ajnUVYcpJ_26zjEJGib/s1600/DSC_0227-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyaLN6yE908mDeIgMVskcarjLmiOcA0I0PC-7iAJGT0Td5zJAwm4TWSZQF8rtCKF09NmK_1yCTRIZdcHWN2DUcrY_eVFpTVX-2hsPN-uHWOD18hBNO3AU2rxp2ajnUVYcpJ_26zjEJGib/s1600/DSC_0227-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0SAmjm4epiyCnPuvcua37njAZfq_MSuUNVhJH0fIGNBVo6cgc0zDC-uHPc-X0RfRh5xV2L3HclD0fMymu3I0dQvzz43bfOfBMXwqwDYnvhx6WnNVrc6mfDO12Cag0bameQRRkQGADjF/s1600/DSC_0748-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0SAmjm4epiyCnPuvcua37njAZfq_MSuUNVhJH0fIGNBVo6cgc0zDC-uHPc-X0RfRh5xV2L3HclD0fMymu3I0dQvzz43bfOfBMXwqwDYnvhx6WnNVrc6mfDO12Cag0bameQRRkQGADjF/s1600/DSC_0748-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6PjQ0eObDsLJblwKEIwLgM2hqvnkVotHHUz0O3je_TBMO_YBcEPZr70ZBrAnmFFPjg6jF_2sJFfDUO_UkqsTsOh-2yO5BhqBSahFX1QcoXpP8cqTwwSfL6WXBJK1F_rZXXZGp24ND8hq/s1600/DSC_0012-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6PjQ0eObDsLJblwKEIwLgM2hqvnkVotHHUz0O3je_TBMO_YBcEPZr70ZBrAnmFFPjg6jF_2sJFfDUO_UkqsTsOh-2yO5BhqBSahFX1QcoXpP8cqTwwSfL6WXBJK1F_rZXXZGp24ND8hq/s1600/DSC_0012-Edit.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPIoml1zlKld4qB49MbpIkRh8kU0T7yrDPiJgoa5YwQV3CokUqa7k4P3MtQFHfI6gFLzq3Mvt13pSiBQERs5BbOFm5fMnS2_3IeE6GzAaj1Xd_DZYi32tNLx3lbi0o5WWvNx8GRJixGvl/s1600/DSC_0043-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPIoml1zlKld4qB49MbpIkRh8kU0T7yrDPiJgoa5YwQV3CokUqa7k4P3MtQFHfI6gFLzq3Mvt13pSiBQERs5BbOFm5fMnS2_3IeE6GzAaj1Xd_DZYi32tNLx3lbi0o5WWvNx8GRJixGvl/s1600/DSC_0043-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK3yopgX-8LfTolQwT2PMSXu0H3Gj-gFX97eBStlaLayRBY6CYWzs5_ePHlb1AHlRmpG3HPTDFJ7wwrfhcURhTRZyODzmI8bF-qcbXLn-qAZyr5a8Ah-NUemYXFGZBlc6-1kSMLGpNq6O/s1600/DSC_0096-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK3yopgX-8LfTolQwT2PMSXu0H3Gj-gFX97eBStlaLayRBY6CYWzs5_ePHlb1AHlRmpG3HPTDFJ7wwrfhcURhTRZyODzmI8bF-qcbXLn-qAZyr5a8Ah-NUemYXFGZBlc6-1kSMLGpNq6O/s1600/DSC_0096-Edit.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC8Q2r57klaZ27Od2YGIdhn4N0At95RHJYEOIlEJG-Cynae5V6qSBrlHl3l4O9198acecMEmDQQSaQ-lzGwt8FAg24fdOw7RteLLYkd95nfQXndmvTBHziuVTma5PqHzleCMeFhPew47V/s1600/DSC_0231-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC8Q2r57klaZ27Od2YGIdhn4N0At95RHJYEOIlEJG-Cynae5V6qSBrlHl3l4O9198acecMEmDQQSaQ-lzGwt8FAg24fdOw7RteLLYkd95nfQXndmvTBHziuVTma5PqHzleCMeFhPew47V/s1600/DSC_0231-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhRAyXakWCbPZKR5HiY9f3zeJYOgn8KPNjdC8qxH7pio7bGGPeEVJ6DvZXHPqHGhseUBnLjobWOWsRXoqxmVQSfIs0lsTKayVrqzujvO9u-_t-gpJh3VbIqX9kAO7p_cLW5LlHjIsvCRU/s1600/DSC_0078-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhRAyXakWCbPZKR5HiY9f3zeJYOgn8KPNjdC8qxH7pio7bGGPeEVJ6DvZXHPqHGhseUBnLjobWOWsRXoqxmVQSfIs0lsTKayVrqzujvO9u-_t-gpJh3VbIqX9kAO7p_cLW5LlHjIsvCRU/s1600/DSC_0078-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwVLjK6edq5O-mxZTYnmdusHlAkSZRf7obfad0J4ZoY2wwPV_dB3UFNuJUy-rj6o4COD4Ckiy_PFsvXjw_KVUWaCXMK1AY5CwmKOHrXbU6AczMssdQ_phh-DPgvvnZxRZzmqMZuuIBCbi/s1600/DSC_0196-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwVLjK6edq5O-mxZTYnmdusHlAkSZRf7obfad0J4ZoY2wwPV_dB3UFNuJUy-rj6o4COD4Ckiy_PFsvXjw_KVUWaCXMK1AY5CwmKOHrXbU6AczMssdQ_phh-DPgvvnZxRZzmqMZuuIBCbi/s1600/DSC_0196-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvcwslBpY_ymAr8SmDTIzwH-WhCKgaB3yKIyOLBxwbOvsaFS5qBohNV1oVuEswO2XeKFXabsufBEBaLsE4fByNc3g0h-LYEsc2L_wTvpYrdBkB07wVNFGnxjZUcatGq1rC9RX55Qy-Si-/s1600/DSC_0867-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvcwslBpY_ymAr8SmDTIzwH-WhCKgaB3yKIyOLBxwbOvsaFS5qBohNV1oVuEswO2XeKFXabsufBEBaLsE4fByNc3g0h-LYEsc2L_wTvpYrdBkB07wVNFGnxjZUcatGq1rC9RX55Qy-Si-/s1600/DSC_0867-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYpE15rtW9p_E1MuuDpmyycCScgwQ1nvcoXhUkRkc4TTrLXZkXgBmaqEWG6duybUeEWcsXVmx4c04RDjdtz78NROIJwWyn3q9CiOMAd12Vb083bavrvAXQ2-E-EWsgROuDRW8WvuyygzY/s1600/DSC_0339-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYpE15rtW9p_E1MuuDpmyycCScgwQ1nvcoXhUkRkc4TTrLXZkXgBmaqEWG6duybUeEWcsXVmx4c04RDjdtz78NROIJwWyn3q9CiOMAd12Vb083bavrvAXQ2-E-EWsgROuDRW8WvuyygzY/s1600/DSC_0339-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN7AIL6pf2woUbepBRXUc2uWJlMACvBo5QaeZIjQU63cLvAoMX-9rPGp6BmZvrD9wruxX1t11OjSMLCgpGP0gFWNPE5YBiakrLEbUE9HUewkqDRDejC3YF9YEsAsLL17XN3OOmUWNYfcb/s1600/DSC_0527-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN7AIL6pf2woUbepBRXUc2uWJlMACvBo5QaeZIjQU63cLvAoMX-9rPGp6BmZvrD9wruxX1t11OjSMLCgpGP0gFWNPE5YBiakrLEbUE9HUewkqDRDejC3YF9YEsAsLL17XN3OOmUWNYfcb/s1600/DSC_0527-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5glWrDmwiFAk3FI1Ij1Y0KEiue6MWFQCxwJtOVle52H38OdlsiuPRjitTGku-bvYa5BAofIfTgMqo_BvJGeAepQbaaZgFCE6mMlxJmp_YjJ_Ggf6guJOcchlx6RVZFzWUTifo1dwp9aGp/s1600/DSC_1021-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5glWrDmwiFAk3FI1Ij1Y0KEiue6MWFQCxwJtOVle52H38OdlsiuPRjitTGku-bvYa5BAofIfTgMqo_BvJGeAepQbaaZgFCE6mMlxJmp_YjJ_Ggf6guJOcchlx6RVZFzWUTifo1dwp9aGp/s1600/DSC_1021-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd56dymH1lFRXrNHG3wInNPwYeQgVhTTHfo9HYsMqt6QG4hrOshG4CZSZ4VpFIJIQzZLq_ji_PWto9Yk_w866zudpfZBV-8TcrjbJNSxk-YGnPmG9AMu9CLFOHI4kFglywrgKV__0jG-2P/s1600/DSC_0255-2-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd56dymH1lFRXrNHG3wInNPwYeQgVhTTHfo9HYsMqt6QG4hrOshG4CZSZ4VpFIJIQzZLq_ji_PWto9Yk_w866zudpfZBV-8TcrjbJNSxk-YGnPmG9AMu9CLFOHI4kFglywrgKV__0jG-2P/s1600/DSC_0255-2-Edit.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490898752056134804.post-48090380426181788642012-11-30T08:24:00.001-05:002012-11-30T08:24:26.843-05:00GOUGÈRES<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5BbRNkzs89gROE_S3x3BeNrJZrTrE1MvEkRi7-fkW6ZKg3FqhY9kAI3ER7Dke6-jfBPWLtE7QrRPZAwk_y8B1F6EdxNgiOurxnoH_12rP35eIWKRwhDtXWnYz5c6o-NEJ1h4stDGa8cX/s1600/Gougeres-10212012-1366_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5BbRNkzs89gROE_S3x3BeNrJZrTrE1MvEkRi7-fkW6ZKg3FqhY9kAI3ER7Dke6-jfBPWLtE7QrRPZAwk_y8B1F6EdxNgiOurxnoH_12rP35eIWKRwhDtXWnYz5c6o-NEJ1h4stDGa8cX/s1600/Gougeres-10212012-1366_blog.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How was your Thanksgiving? Were you daring cook, adding a new recipe or two into your day? Or did you stick to the tried, true, and delicious recipes that you almost have memorized? Either way, I hope it was a delicious, restful, and filling day for you and your families.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mike and I flew south to visit some of his family for the long weekend. I missed my own family so much – craving to be around the table sharing our traditional dishes and pies. I cooked and baked a little, enjoying the space and amenities of a kitchen the size of our Manhattan apartment, but also, strangely, missing our cozy kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I imagine there might be more than a handful of people who still have the very last of the turkey leftovers to consume. Sometimes those last few meals of leftovers can be a bit difficult to get excited about, after consuming turkey for days on end. Not to worry! I have the perfect vessel for you to create a flavorful Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich. And, just in case the thought of returning to the kitchen after last week isn’t exactly the most appealing thought, this recipe is a cinch to make.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>GOUGÈRES</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Yields</i> 8 to 10 4-inch pastries</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Slightly adapted from</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tartine-Elisabeth-Prueitt/dp/0811851508/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354130209&sr=8-1&keywords=tartine">Tartine by Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Choux Paste</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 1/4 cups skim milk</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10 tablespoons unsalted butter</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 cup all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 large eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Topping</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 large egg</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grated Gruyère cheese for sprinkling</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coarse sea salt (I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maldon-Sea-Salt-Flakes-ounce/dp/B00017028M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354130274&sr=8-1&keywords=maldon+salt">Maldon</a>) for sprinkling</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a SilPat or parchment paper.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To make the choux paste, combine the milk, butter, and salt in a heavy saucepan and place over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full boil. Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the mixture has formed a smooth mass and pulls away from the sides of the pan and some of the moisture has evaporated. This will take about 3 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Transfer the paste to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or to a heatproof mixing bowl. If using a mixer, add the eggs one at a time and mix on medium speed, incorporating each egg before adding the next. When all the eggs have been added, the mixture will be very thick, smooth, and shiny. Remove the bowl from the mixer stand, add the cheese, pepper, and thyme, and mix in with a rubber spatula. If making by hand, add the eggs one at a time to the bowl and mix with a wooden spoon, incorporating each egg before adding the next one, then proceed as directed for the mixer method.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Use a large ice cream scoop to drop the dough into mounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To make the topping, in a small bowl, whisk the egg and then gently brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash. Lightly sprinkle the top of each pastry with a little cheese and a bit of sea salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Place the pastries in the oven immediately and bake until they have puffed, are nicely browned, and feel light for their size, about 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and poke a small hole in the side of each pastry with a toothpick to allow the steam to escape. Releasing the steam keeps them from collapsing. If splitting and filling, let cool to room temperature; otherwise, they may be served hot, warm, or at room temperature. Or, let cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days, and recrisp in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes.
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">twitter.com/@allisonmannella // facebook.com/allisonmannellaphotography // pinterest.com/allisonmannella</div>Allison Mannellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646547294594425367noreply@blogger.com1