Don't these pretty aprons just make you want to bake up a storm? They're from Anthropologie, and aren't too pricey either. They'd make a perfect gift for mom, sister, a friend or even just to treat yourself!


(images via Anthropologie)

I couldn't imagine a more perfect person for a travel and food show. Ruth Reichl, the editor-in-chief at Gourmet magazine, is in the works of a doing a PBS travel and food show entitled "Adventures with Ruth." The show came about when the magazine did an issue devoted to cooking vacations...should definitely be worth watching! Read the article about the show.
Also, Reichl's books are worth a read. From her heart-warming memories to mouthwatering food writing, Reichl has a voice that is unmistakably her own.

(image via The New Yorker)

A tissue box to hold plastic bags? Spaghetti as a match? Finding new uses for old standbys is always a great idea. Real Simple magazine has a slide show of creative ideas for everyday items. My personal favorite is seen below, Lifesaver candies as birthday candle holders.

(image via Real Simple)

Check out these pieces from Melissa Joy Manning. Rocks have never looked so pretty.

(images via Melissa Joy Manning)

When it comes to food, how old it is always matters. This video segment was on FOX25 Morning News. The advice comes from Cristin Dillon, a nutritionist, who also writes a great blog for SELF magazine. Check it out here.
P.S. One of the interesting facts I learned: As bananas brown, they become overripe and lose their nutrients.
(video via myFox.com)

It's August, which means summer is almost over...sad, I know. Fellow blogger Jessie, who is an intern at Gourmet magazine, sent me this link to the best ice cream parlors in Boston. As a new Bostonian, I'm definitely going to check out this list of places. There are plenty of hidden ice cream gems all across the country. What are some of your favorite places?

P.S. Check out Jessie's blog-it's great! It was definitely an inspiration for mine.

Unsurprisingly, NYtimes.com has one of the best dining and wine sections I've ever read. Bitten, a blog written by Mark Bittman is one of my favorite go-to foodie reads. (I have to admit, I'll often click on it before I read the daily headlines...bad, I know). Today I didn't even have to! One of the featured videos on the front page of NYtimes.com site was by Mark Bittman, and it was about agua fresca. This refreshing drink is simply a mix of equal parts fruit puree/juice and water. Try some of the recipes Mark made, or just stop by a produce stand and see what combos you can create yourself. Summer is certainly the perfect season to do it. I'm thinking cantaloupe with a splash of lemon juice...yum.

(image via Whole Foods)

"If there is a Nora Ephron signature anything it is that there's slightly too much food. I have a friend whose mantra is: You must choose. And I believe the exact opposite: I think you should always have at least four desserts that are kind of fighting with each other."

I came across this interview with Nora Ephron, who wrote and directed Julie & Julia. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and has directed some of the best romantic comedies out there. Think Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally. Check out the interview here.

I had seen a recipe on the Food Network for Nutty Granola by Elie Krieger and I've been wanting to make it for 3 months. Well I have all the ingredients. So today, I finally took the half an hour and made it! And the end result? Delicious. Granola is one of those cereals that should be healthy, but is usually loaded with so much extra sugar, fat and artifical flavors, that it ends up being full of fat. This granola contains rolled oats, maple syrup, unsalted pecans, walnuts and almonds and raisins. I also threw in some honey just to complement the maple syrup. Try it for yourself! It lasts a while, costs less than fancy granolas, and it's delicious in yogurt, or just as an afternoon snack...yum!

As digestive health issues are on the rise, more and more people seem to be going gluten free to fix their stomach ailments. I know a few people who have self-diagnosed themselves with being allergic to gluten, and it has worked well for them. I still wonder though, what exactly is Celiac's disease and is going gluten free a good idea for everyone? I found an article by Karen Collins, MS, RD, and got some answers. Get the lowdown on gluten.

It's been awhile since a post, but that will all change now that I'm in Boston and have plenty more to explore!
I found out about Sweet Cupcakes Bakery. Cupcakes are always a good decision, plus these have the prettiest designs.

(images via Sweet Cupcakes)

Ever stumbled upon a place that was so good you wanna go back all the time?
Ever finished a bigger plate of food than you thought you could ever eat?
Well that's exactly what happened to me when I went to Republic this weekend when I was in New York City.
The restaurant is in Union Square and they have some of the best Asian noodles I've tried.
I had their glass noodles...clear noodles, chicken, ginger sauce, bamboo shoots...yum.
Oh, and don't forget to try their sangria which is filled with fresh apples and lychee (that's where all the alcohol hides).


(image via Republic)

Today, two of my girlfriends and I decided to go to Carriage House Cafe near Cornell University for Easter brunch. The scone-wich was a homemade scallion and ham scone topped with cheddar and eggs. We also got garlic home fries with homemade ginger ketchup. Yum! I will definitely be coming here again.

Oh, how I love the Brits. Especially this one, who just happens to be one of the wittiest writers out there. The book chronicles his year of traveling around the world and sampling everything from the best BBQ in the south, to some of the most unusual delicacies in Asia. Pick this up the next time you're at the book store!

If you are in Miami (or in New York City), definitely have a meal at China Grill.
The food is on the pricier side, but everything is meant to be served family style. Three of us shared two appetizers, two entrees, one side dish and a dessert, which was more than enough. The overall favorite were the spicy beef and scallion dumplings with soy ginger sauce. The service was great, the atmosphere was chic yet comfortable and it was the perfect way to end a relaxing vacation.

Yep, this is where I went for spring break- Miami. Needless to say, the weather was gorgeous and the combination of sun and sand was incredibly relaxing.
We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Miami Beach Oceanfront, and the stay couldn't have been any better. Great hotel!

Who are these 4 guys? They make up the group known as Vampire Weekend.
These guys are amazing. If you haven't listened to their music before, I would recommend listening to A-Punk or Oxford Comma, two of their most popular songs. Listening to A-Punk will get you out of any bad mood.

If you love reading about food as much as I do, or are just looking for a good book, pick this up! I just read Cooking for Mr. Latte, by Amanda Hesser.
Amanda is a food writer for the New York Times and the book is chock full of delicious recipes, not to mention the light-hearted story of her relationship with Mr. Latte, aka her now husband, Tad Friend.
A cookbook and a novel in one? What could be better?

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog, Salty Spicy Sweet. It's cold out there, so I thought what a better way to cozy up than bake some cupcakes. These are called Babycakes, I got the recipe from Family Circle magazine, and it was created by Lisa Roman, who won the Ultimate Recipe Showdown on Food Network. They have baby food in them, which keeps them moist and attributes to the 'baby' part of the name. I made them regular size instead of mini, but they were delicious none the less....reminded my friends and I of an oatmeal cookie in cupcake form!
Here's where you can find the recipe online:
Babycakes

Happy baking!