SO much has happened since I last published here.

I started the year in India visiting my in-laws. I attended the wedding of one of my best friends from college in New Jersey and then flew to Wyoming to celebrate the birthday of another best friend. I’ve been slowly learning to ski. I completed a month long road trip which included ten national parks visits.

February has always felt full of potential for me. The days are sharp and cold and once the sun sets my mind goes and goes. In January I focus on reflection. February is for setting creative goals and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

One way I've been doing this is I've been sending out query letters to literary agents for my novel. The process is daunting but I'm focusing on consistency and learning as I go. I'm trying to savor this time and to find the fun in every stage of sharing my work.

Morning coffee outside as always. These slippers were a Christmas present from my parents and they are so warm!

I got sick

Right after Christmas while traveling I got the worst case of norovirus that I have ever experienced. It arrived right after some very intense boat rides where I got also sea sickness...so overall it was a difficult time for my stomach.

As I was recovering, I ordered some bakeware from Sur La Table as a present to myself, something to look forward to once I was fully better and able to eat again. I love this bold shade of blue! I think these pieces will look especially beautiful in the summertime. 🙂 I can't wait to serve a big Greek salad in that bowl.

What I've been cooking

I recently casted a video on how to poach an egg. This video is extra special to me because it was filmed back in my kitchen in San Francisco. Did you know that I lived on the west coast for most of my twenties? I'm thinking of posting more short how-to videos on cooking techniques. Are there any videos you'd like to see? Let me know! 🙂

Stefanie on Warpcast

How to poach an egg 🍳 A technique for delicious eggs that can be added to many dishes :) This process can take some practice, but it’s worth it! 💜 1. Bring water to a gentle boil 2. Add a splash of white vinegar 3. With heat on medium, add your egg close to the surface of the water 4. Boil on medium heat until egg white solidifies but the yolk remains runny. You can test this by lifting the egg gently with a slotted spoon. 5. Remove egg from water using a slotted spoon, add seasonings, and enjoy :)

Farcaster

Roasted Koginut squash with feta and fresh parsley: https://warpcast.com/galazio/0x920560f6

My go-to lunch: Egg salad with avocados and a greek yogurt base

I've been making this crispy chicken with roasted broccoli and tzatziki again and again.

Christmas in January

Since I was traveling for almost all of December, I hosted my family for Christmas in mid-January. We kept it very simple and relaxing. I decorated the table with beautiful leafy citrus. We started with a snack board with english muffins and smoked salmon dip. Here is the link to the dip recipe: https://whatsgabycooking.com/smoked-salmon-dip/

I also made some yummy and very mildly sweet banana muffins using this recipe: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chocolate-chunk-greek-yogurt-banana-bread/

The dinner menu: roasted chicken with apples and onions, cranberry sauce, garlicky green beans, rolls, mashed potatoes, and spanakopitakia <3

Learning to ski

I've been slowly learning to ski. Currently I feel (mostly) comfortable on the green runs and I'm hoping to be able to ski on blue runs next winter. I'm not really afraid of heights but controlling my speed is something I've been working on. :)

A big cup of coffee to start the day. I've been using this mug since I was a junior in college before I moved to Seattle.

Vermont

We took a short trip to a Vermont ski lodge to celebrate the birthday of one of our college friends. It was such a lovely cozy trip. I decided not to ski and spent the afternoon in the lodge cafe editing my manuscript.

This photo captures pretty much my whole personality :)

Hot cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate shavings brings back so many childhood memories. I also loved this creamy mushroom soup served in a little skillet.

After rejoining my friends, we went to a pub in the ski resort for snacks and warm drinks. I got an apple cider. The ambiance was so warm and cozy!

The beauty of the winter forest. It snowed for much of our time in Vermont and the landscape was enchanting.

Thank you for reading :)