FYI: The Easter bunny is real. His name is Lil Omar and he lives at my house. He’s also the cutest bunny on the planet.
I cannot express to you how wonderful this past weekend was. My heart is full, and I feel so thankful for my life. I’m thankful for the sunshine, as it warmed my weary bones. I’m thankful for my family, and the time I got to spend with them (and my adorable little nieces in their Easter dresses!).
I’m thankful that the time for fasting is over, and that the feasting has begun.
I’m thankful for the Resurrection and the joy and hope that it brings.
Since I’m feeling particularly joyful (and since Instagram finally became available for Android phones), I thought I’d share with you a few images and thoughts from the weekend.
1. I’m (kind of) world famous. I was interviewed about my favorite Portland places for AFISHA-FOOD magazine in Russia. If you happen to be literate in Russian, you can read what I wrote about my favorite spots (which happen to be The Albina Press, Ned Ludd, and Rum Club).
2. I got a new MacBook Pro! Nich & I have been sharing a laptop for a while now — and while I love my husband very much — it was time for me to get a new computer. My very own computer. It is so awesome.
3. I made these beet pickled deviled eggs with fennel. OMG. Not only are they the prettiest deviled eggs you’ll ever see, but they taste phenomenal. (Minor failure on my part: I totally forgot to bring my deviled egg platter, so I had to display these beauties on a normal plate.)
4. I made Nettle Spanakopita as a side dish for Easter dinner (I thought it would pair well with roast leg of lamb). I think my family was entirely confused by this culinary choice (my brother-in-law kept referring to it as ‘Spankopedia‘). To their credit, I understand that the thought of eating stinging nettles is somewhat frightening. Thankfully, the nettles lose their sting once they are cooked, and they make a great substitution for spinach in this traditional Greek dish. I’d never cooked with either nettles or filo dough before, and so I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out well. Even the skeptical family members seemed to enjoy it. :)
5. Last, but certainly not least, my sister made a purple ombre coconut cake. When I asked her why she chose to make a purple ombre coconut cake, she replied with: “I wanted to make the most Pinterest-y cake in the world. For Jesus, of course.”
And that about sums it up.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter/Passover/Weekend.
Beautiful. The purple cake goes well with the beet-coloured devilled eggs. (Do I see a purple-themed dinner in my future?) Happy Easter!
Thanks, Sarah! I think that a purple themed dinner sounds like a fabulous idea. :)
WHAT? Nettle spanakopita? My mind is blown. I love your bunny, I love the food you made for Easter, and I love YOU!
…Seriously, everything about this post is wonderful. Happy spring!
I can not deny. I came over her to check out your latest post and then I saw the bunny. The adorable can’t really be really real bunny…who IS! Then I started to read and love how you are so grateful for your many blessings be they food, man or technical gadgetry!
It makes me happy FOR you.
Wow is all I can utter….I saw this, alas, too late for this Easter…but I am going to attempt to replicate your perfection menu next year…Cannot believe you have never used filo before as your pastry looks stunning…and the hues in the coconut creation are to die for…I bow before a true culinary master/artist!
I forgot to ask…but could you possibly ask your sister for her cake recipe to round out the menu?…I want to include all of your fabulous offerings! Thank you so much for sharing!
Donna, my sister used a Martha Stewart recipe for the coconut ombre cake, but she writes about her modifications and tips here: http://dlmayfield.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/resurrection-cake/. So glad you like the recipes, photos, etc!
Thanks so much for the uber-rapid reply!…I am your most “rabbit”…er…rabid follower. Consistent gorgeousness in every way coming from your creative mind, hands and kitchen. Quality-seekers of gastronomic excellence need look no further..Bravo..