Birchwood Kitchen- Chicago

While brunching this weekend in Chicago we spontaneously decided to check out Birchwood Kitchen in Bucktown. I instantly liked the warm cozy neighborhood vibe once we walked in. Although there was a bit of a wait (not unlike most brunch spots in Chicago) we were ushered to the back patio for free coffee and samplings of their banana chocolate chip bread. An amuse bouche under the sun while waiting? Yes, please! The rest of the meal was in-line w/ the lovely service and cozy atmosphere. Check it out for your next brunch spot!

Lazy Sunday: Apple Cake Receipe

This past weekend I went back to Chicago to visit some friends and family. Warren and I joined my sister and her fiance (congrats!) at their apartment for lazy Sunday cooking, watching football and relaxing. It was really the perfect day. My sis and her beau are quite the hosts and between the two of them they made an amazing dinner: 2-meat chili w/ macaroni, jalapeno and cheddar corn bread and apple cake all made from scratch. So delish!  Check out the meal and below a walk-through of Gwyneth Paltrow's  apple cake recipe my sister made. A perfect fall meal!

 

 The last picture is a very simple apple cake recipe she found on Gwyneth Paltrow's blog. Here it is below...

The apple cake completed the amazing Chili and  cornbread. Hope you get to celebrate fall in your own way!