Make It Yourself Monday: Comfort Food Edition

So, since I can't seem to get any photos on my computer, I can't give a tutorial for any of my own recipes or projects right now. Instead, I'm going to share some awesome recipes from other bloggers, and my own pictures from when I made them! These are all really delicious, so enjoy.

1) Butternut Squash Gratin

This recipe, from the Etsy blog, is really fantastic as far as veggie comfort food. A couple notes: in order to make it just a little less healthy, I like to pour a teensy bit of cream over the bottom layers. I also think caramelizing the onions the slow, old-fashioned way, over low heat stirring constantly. Finally, I didn't have gruyere, but I liked it so much with the fontal I used that I did it that way a second time (a hint of parmesan is nice, too!)

2) Pumpkin and Fried Sage Flatbread

This meal, from foodiecrush, is an amazing and unexpected combination. My changes: I used traditional pizza dough rather than the pre-made naan, but I baked it with no toppings on it for a little while first, so it stayed crispy, since all the toppings are already cooked and don't need so long. I also didn't have chipotle, so I added a little cayenne and a hint of paprika to some honey instead, which worked just fine, especially if you don't like too much spice. Pecorino Romano is a good cheese substitute as well. 

3) No Time No Knead Bread

 If you have some sort of dutch-oven, this recipe from kitchn is...the best thing since sliced bread? (Sorry). It allows you to make crusty, flavorful, delicious bread at the last minute. I don't really have many notes here, although I do enjoy using cider vinegar in place of balsamic. I also don't have a microwave at home, so I usually increase the rise time to make up for it. A warm place helps too, though.

4) Morning Maple Muffins

From Taste of Home, this is one of the most perfect muffins I've ever tried. Light and maple-y and sweet without being too dessert-like. My only change here was to use brown sugar in the topping instead of white, just because I prefer the flavor.

I couldn't get a real outfit post today, because I was...substitute teaching! Hurrah! So instead, I'll leave you with this mediocre dressing room shot of my work clothes, and a giraffe from the Bronx Zoo gazing ambitiously at a skyscraper:

 shirt: j. crew factory, sweater: american apparel, belt: ???, skirt: forever 21, tights: ???, shoes: bass outlet

Coming Up Rosie

 I was taking the train into the city today, so I wanted to be comfy, by which I mean wear something that allowed me to pull my legs up on the seat without giving fellow passengers an eyeful. So I ended up with this:

shirt: J. Crew Factory, cardigan: American Apparel, jeans: Marshalls? Maybe? shoes: thrifted, bag: Scaramanga, headband: Modcloth

Let's just admit that based on my outfit this is obviously the pose I should really be doing. Although I'm realizing now, courtesy of wikipedia's picture, that I didn't get it quite right.

I've had this blog for all of a week and this chambray shirt has already made 3 appearances. Clearly I play favorites. But the thing I really love here is my satchel. It was a gift when I finished earning my teaching certification, which I guess makes it my professional bag! It is from Scaramanga, a fantastic UK company that makes all sorts of lovely leather bags and satchels and ships to the US. Compared to other high-quality bags, their prices are fairly reasonable, even with the overseas shipping. Best of all, they are beautifully and sturdily handmade and completely completely gorgeous. AND everything is ethically sourced. It's starting to sound like I'm advertising for them, but I swear this is just me...I can only dream of complimentry Scaramanga arriving on my doorstep. Anyway, I clearly adore this bag. It's one of those things that is only getting more beautiful as it ages, and that I will probably be carrying forever. I highly recommend checking out the site!

And finally, the daily dose of Instagram--blue skies on 125th street:

I'll be in the city for the next few days, but I'm hoping to get my first DIY tutorial up when I'm back. I'm going to see the Bronx Zoo on Saturday for the first time since I was 10 and the second time ever. I'm probably going to more excited than the (probably huge crowd of) small children there. Anyone have tips on must-sees?