Peaches in Lillet

Phew, finally back from Boston and NYC, and ready to get back to sharing recipes.

Today's recipe is by far the easiest and healthiest dessert I have ever made.

I am very much a dessert fan--cakes, cookies, pudding, ice cream--and I typically believe that dessert should have sugar or flour in it to be considered dessert. This dish of marinated peaches totally changed my mind though.

It means almost every hip and trendy diet. It's gluten-free, paleo-friendly, alkaline diet friendly, and sugar-free. Yet, it is completely satisfying for every sweet tooth out there. I made this at a dinner party where one of my friends was Paleo, and everyone walked away a happy camper!

On top of how healthy it is, this peach dessert is incredibly easy to make. You chop up peaches and basil, add Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif), and then just let it sit in the fridge. It's perfect for hot, end of summer days when the last thing you can imagine doing is turning on the oven or stove.

For those not familiar with Lillet, get familiar! Lillet is a classic French fortified wine, often enjoyed before dinner. I particularly love it in the summer with a twist of lemon.

This peachy treat would be just as good as a late afternoon snack. Add in some warm sun and friends, and life is looking great.

Peaches in Lillet

Adapted from Bon Appetit Magazine

3 ripe peaches, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch wedges (I was lazy and left the peel on)

1 750-ml bottle of Lillet

2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil

Toss peaches, Lillet, and basil in a large bowl. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. You can let the peaches sit for up to a day before serving. 

NYC and SF Guides

In need of a food and travel guide for San Francisco and New York? I just updated my NYC and SF guides, so you can find the best coffee shops, restaurants, ice cream places, plus activities, in the city. The New York City Guide has some updated favorites from my last trip, and the San Francisco City Guide includes some of my favorite, newer places here in the city. Have fun exploring!

Have a Great Weekend.

Happy Friday! I'm taking the day off from work today to explore Boston with Z. We're in town for a friend's wedding, and then we head to NYC. I am excited to be reunited with two of my favorites, Shake Shack and Sweetgreen. If you have any Boston or New York recommendations, send them my way!

I'm not the only one on the Soul Cycle craze. They just filed to go public!

14 UNESCO World Heritage sites you must go to. Vacation please.

What company is going to be the "Google of food"? One VC firm is trying to find out.

What french fry toppings are you a fan of?

Your body after a can of coca-cola. It's terrifying.

On my must-read list: Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance.


I recently tried this chocolate, and I'm now obsessed.

Loving this interview with Mindy Kaling. A must-read for all women out there!

5 healthy milkshake recipes.

Unlimited maternity and paternity leave? Fingers crossed this starts catching on.

Cheese & Fruit for Dinner

Continuing with the theme of easy dinners, today I am sharing my favorite lazy, no-cook meal--bread, fruit, and cheese!

When I don't feel like cooking, I often head to the local co-op for some great cheese, ripe summer fruit, and fresh bread. It's a really filling meal, and thanks to the fruit, I can kind of convince myself that it is healthy.

In terms of cheese, Z and I are suckers for blue cheese and peaches. I prefer a creamier blue, while Z prefers a more crumbly blue. We typically end up settling on Point Reyes Original Blue, which is amazing!

Then, I add in two more types of cheese. In the fall, I'll do a sharp cheddar with apples. This spring, I've been eating a lot of brie and goat cheese though.

For fruit, anything ripe and in season should work well. Peaches, nectarines, cherries, and strawberries are constantly in our fruit/cheese/bread rotation.

Lastly, there's no point in eating great cheese if it doesn't have a great vehicle. We splurged for this shoot on Tartine bread, but any fresh baked bread will do.

This is the one "meatless" meal Z loves. While Z will never become a vegetarian, maybe I can convince him that every Monday should be our cheese/bread/fruit night.

What are your go-to easy meals? Share them in the comments below!

My Favorite Take-Out Meal

I'm all about cooking here on the blog. I love to cook, and I relish in sharing easy and delicious recipes with you all.

Even I have those days though where you make it home from work, and the last thing you want to do is make dinner. The thought of putting together a meal, or even creating a meal out of leftovers, sounds completely unappetizing.

It's essential to have a few take-out options in the back of your pocket, for when you just. can't. even.

My favorite take out meals are relatively healthy, fresh tasting, and cheap! In particular, I love love love Mediterranean food.

I always grab a vegetarian sampler plate from Truly Mediterranean. It costs under $10 and it includes: dolmades, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, Israeli salad, tabouleh, sumac onions, feta, and pita bread. It's so much food that I often get two meals out of it!

What are your favorite take out meals?