Tapas

Goat cheese tortilla with strawberry jam, La Taska

I almost forgot the tapas after posting about Valencia last Friday. Of course, traditional Spanish tapas were on the top of my must-eat list. The best specimens were the patatas bravas with spicy mayonnaise at Los Toneles and the goat cheese tortilla {similar to a frittata} with strawberry jam at La Taska. It was almost difficult to leave room for sweets, but I did. The richness of the thick hot chocolate at Valor was tempered only by the crisp churros. And the combination of horchata {made from tigernuts, sugar, and water} was a sweet compliment to the airy farton {donut}.

Platano croquettes, El Mexico de Maria

Patatas bravas and calamares, Los Toneles

Hot chocolate and churros, Valor

Here are some other favorites:

Valencia Eats

~El Forcat for seafood paella, Calle de Roteros 12
~El Mexico de Maria for platano croquettes and mole poblano with chicken, Carrer de Deria 20
~Horchateria de Santa Catalina for horchata and fartons, Plaza Santa Catalina 6
~La Taska for a goat cheese tortilla and fish croquettes, Calle de Condea del Altea 39
~Los Toneles for patatas bravas and calamares, Calle de Ribera 17
~Valor for thick hot chocolate and churros, Plaza de La Reina

Pretty Pleats

Pair it with a body-hugging tee and high bun, and a pleated skirt takes on a ladylike ballerina look. Pair it with a loose cropped sweater and platform sandals, and the same pleated skirt takes on a bohemian vibe. This American Apparel skirt reminds me of the Spring 2011 Chloé long pleated skirt {without the designer price tag}. I'm thinking of ways to incorporate it into a fall wardrobe...Victorian-esque boots?

~Kain: Trixie Modal and Silk Blend T-Shirt

~American Apparel: Long Accordion Pleat Skirt

~Repetto: BB Textured Ballerina Flats

~Carin Wester: Cropped Sweater

~Rag & Bone: Maxi Desert Skirt

~YSL: Tribute Chain-Detailed Suede Sandals

Madeleines with Orange Glaze

Madeleines are the pièce de résistance of afternoon tea. Although, I will eat them at any time. The beauty lies in the simplicity. The specialty baking mold does most of the work. They will come out with a beautiful scalloped pattern on one side, and, with this recipe from chef Fabrice LeBourdat of Blé Sucré in Paris, a distinctive bump on the other side. Plus, the orange glaze adds a hint of citrus without overwhelming the flavor of the tea cake. I followed his recipe exactly {who would deviate from perfection}, which is offered on The Paris Kitchen. Now, if I could only get my hands on their financier recipe.

Valencian Esplendor

Plaza de Toros

Valencia, Spain, is a flourishing city of contrasts. The core flaunts its storied past, from the Plaza de Toros {bull fighting arena} to the Lonja de la Seda {former Silk Market}. Then, outside of the center, the massive City of Arts and Sciences is a modern architectural and cultural focal point. My favorite part was l'Oceanogràfic, an oceanographic aquarium designed by architect Félix Candela. And of course, the trip was punctuated with delicious Spanish food {more on that Monday}.

City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia Cathedral

Mercado Central

Blouse: Yves Saint Laurent

Skirt: J Crew

Handbag: Chanel

Over the Borderline

These European pillow shams I sewed were looking a little plain, so I added some contrast with an easy project. Using 7/8" bias tape and 5/8" Stitch Witchery tape, I adorned a colored border. Just cut four pieces for each sham, fold the corners under at a 45 degree angle, use pins to keep the tape in place, then press down with an iron. Simple!

Almond Tart with Raspberry Jam

Anything with almond paste is at the top of my patisserie list. Whether it’s a flaky almond croissant, moist almond cake, or this simple almond tart lined with raspberry jam, almond paste instantly adds rich flavor. I started testing recipes after my first taste of the almond tart at A Prior Thé in Paris so I could make it at home. I can’t return to my favorite city without a stop at the beautiful salon de thé in the Galerie Vivienne to savor a piece {my next trip is in September}. In the meantime, this decadent tart with almond paste, raspberry jam, and pâte sucrée {tart dough} will tide me over.

Almond Tart with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Filling
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
4 oz. almond paste
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds {optional for topping}

Pâte Sucrée
{Adapted from Martha Stewart}
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. heavy cream
2/3 cup raspberry jam

For the dough, in the bowl of a food processor, combine butter and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add egg yolk, and mix until incorporated. Add flour and salt slowly. Last, mix in cream. Unlike pie crust, dough will be very soft and not cold. Roll into a thick disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Roll out dough to ¼” thickness. Transfer to a 9” tart pan with removable bottom. Press up sides and roll over top with rolling pin to trim dough. Place tart pan on baking sheet. Line crust with parchment paper, and fill with baking weights or dried beans. Bake 10 minutes (only par-baked).

While the crust is baking, prepare filling. In a food processor, combine sugar, almond paste, and butter. Mix until smooth and almond paste is fully-incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, pulsing between each addition. Continue mixing until filling is pale, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla and almond extracts, and pulse again. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add to almond mixture. Mix until just combined. Spread jam evenly onto prepared crust. Pour filling over jam. Smooth to cover jam completely. Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling surface is deep brown. Center will be slightly giggly. Remove tart from oven, and let cool completely. Remove tart pan ring, and cut into slices. Next time, sliced almonds will add a finishing touch...and I will be making this tart again soon.

Fall in Line

Military-inspired pieces have a tailored crispness, and many designers are bringing the style back again this fall. I especially love Alexander McQueen and Rachel Zoe's collections. While I'm lusting after those Alaia boots, I'll definitely be wearing these Chloe boots again. Here are some other pieces to keep you in line this season.

~Alaia: Lace-Up Calf Hair Platform Boots
~Alexander McQueen: Military Silk-Georgette Blouse
~Alexander McQueen: Embellished Wool-Crepe Skirt
~Day Birger et Mikkelsen: The Day Lavier Hazelnut Blazer
~Rachel Zoe: Belted Military Jacket

Bologna

Via dell’Independenzia

Much calmer than nearby tourist-driven cities, Bologna is a cultural focal point of the Emilia-Romanga region. While Bolognese sauce may be the most easily recognized export, the city also houses the oldest university in the world {founded in 1088}, beautifully-preserved medieval buildings, the headquarters of Lamborghini, and UNESCO City of Music venues. These images bring me back to the serene atmosphere of a recent trip.

Piazza del Nettuno

Near via Clavature

Here are some of my favorite spots.

Sights

~Piazza del Nettuno for the massive bronze fountain
~Palazzo Communale for the seat of government affairs
~Bologna Cathedral for its stunning baroque interior

Shops

~Strada Maggiore for antiques
~Via dell’Independenzia for the main arcaded thoroughfare
~Via dell’Archiginnasio for jewelry

Eats

~Atti for gourmet foodie gifts, Via Caprarie 7
~Ceccarelli for aged balsamic vinegar, Via Pescherie Vecchie 8
~Mercato di Mezzo for an outdoor market, via Drapperie and Via Clavature

Lillet Marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows are an airy sweet treat. For a little twist, this recipe uses Lillet Blanc instead of water. Lillet is a French aperitif flavored with Bordeaux wines and citrus liqueur. The flavor gives a tangy pop to these fluffy clouds of sugar.

Lillet Marshmallow Recipe

{adapted from Gourmet Magazine}

2 1/2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (2 tablespoons plus 1¼ teaspoons)
3/4 cup Lillet Blanc
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large egg whites
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch

Spray a 13x9” ceramic baker with cooking spray. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup Lillet; set aside and allow to expand. Attach a candy thermometer to a large saucepan. Combine remaining 1/4 cup Lillet, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Over medium-high heat, cook without stirring until temperature reaches 260°, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in softened gelatin; mixture will foam and then dissipate.

While sugar heats, in a medium bowl, beat egg whites, vanilla, and salt at high speed until foamy. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and continue beating on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour in gelatin mixture, beating until thick and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Pour mixture into prepared baker. Cover with plastic wrap but don’t allow it to touch marshmallows. Chill 6 hours or overnight.

When ready to cut, remove marshmallows from refrigerator. Combine powdered sugar and cornstarch on a cutting board. Place marshmallow slab on cutting board. Coat with additional sugar mixture completely. Slice into 1” squares with a dough cutter or large knife. Coat all sides of marshmallows with sugar mixture. Enjoy an elegant twist on a sweet confection.

Mistinguett

I love the vintage French charm of these Mistinguett giclee prints by Charles Gesmar {she was a French cabaret dancer and singer at the Casino de Paris and Moulin Rouge in the early 1900s). The hypnotic orange stripes on the dress contrast effortlessly with the exaggerated sea blue hat feather. It hangs dreamily in my hallway. I'm searching for the perfect lucite console table to pair it with for some modernity.

If you're looking for something more glam, this blush-toned print showcasing a scalloped ballgown should do the trick.

Chain Mail

From blush-toned chiffon skirts to menswear-inspired jackets, it's easy to draw from fall style inspiration. Even with a ladylike look, a standout necklace can add a bit of edge. I'd like to pair this Dannijo Stella Necklace with this Joseph Vanessa Dress and Proenza Schouler Suede Ankle Boots.

Or maybe this TomTom Legacy Necklace with Zara Pleated Capri Trousers, a Helmut Lang Ember Crepe Blazer, Zara Silk Blouse, and J Crew Greer Platform Heels.

Dolce Vita

Torta della nonna at Robiglio

My beloved sweets, there’s no shortage of desserts in Florence. A few standouts were the caramel gelato at Perchè No!, the torta della nonna at Robiglio, and the profiterole at Rivoire. And don’t rule out the savory bistecca Fiorentina, a savory t-bone steak that melts like butter in your mouth. The best specimen can be found at Il Latini. For added atmosphere, a meat slicer is on display in the center of the dining room, where a waiter slices paper thin prosciutto for every table. Don’t worry, they won’t run out, there are plenty of cured pork legs hanging from the ceiling.

Profiterole at Rivoire

Cantinetta dei Verrazza

Tank: Tibi

Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim

da Rocca food stand at Mercato Sant'Ambrogio

Il Latini

Florence Sweets
~Dolceforte for Amadei chocolate, Via della Scala 21
~Perchè No! for caramel gelato, Via dei Tavolini 19r
~Rivoire for hot chocolate, profiterole, and zabaglione pastry, Piazza della Signoria 5r
~Robiglio for biscotti and torta della nonna, Via dei Servi 112r

Florence Eats
~Mercato Sant’Ambrogio for lasagna at the da Rocco food stand, Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti
~Cantinetta dei Verrazza for potato rolls, Via dei Tavolini 18r
~Forno Sartoni for arancini {fried rice balls} and sfogue {spinach and ricotta puff pastry}, Via dei Cerchi 34r
~Trattoria Mario for pasta and bistecca, Via Rosina 2r
~Il Latini for prosciutto, bistecca, and house-made dessert wine, Via dei Palchetti 6r
~Il Pizzaiuolo for Napoli-style pizza, Via de’ Macci 113r

Market Day

Mercato Centrale

Outside the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

View from the Ponte Vecchio

Silk geometric blouse from the Prada outlet

If you have the time to spend the day taking the train 45 minutes from Florence to a nondescript building marked “Space” in the small town of Montevarchi, the payoff of shopping at the massive Prada outlet is worth the effort. From the Montevarchi train station, just ask a taxi driver to take you to the Prada outlet; it’s only about a 10-minute drive. You will be overwhelmed with last season’s lambskin leather handbags, silk printed blouses, jewel-toned patent sandals-need I go on.

Inside the city, there's an abundance of markets and shops. My favorites are the Mercato Centrale for Alimentari olive oil from the Baroni family and the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for magnolia lotion made by Dominican monks. Here are some of my other picks.

Florence Markets
~Mercato Centrale for a wealth of foodstuffs and perfect gifts for foodies
~Mercato Cascine for pottery {Tuesdays only}
~Mercato di San Lorenzo for leather goods

Florence Shops
~Ditta Luca della Robbia for hand-painted pottery, Via del Proconsolo 19r
~Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for lotions, perfumes, and soap, Via della Scala 16
~Raspini for Italian designers, Via Roma 25r
~Ponte Vecchio for glimmering windows of gold and cameos
~Via de’Tornabuoni for luxe designers

Ode to Florence

Duomo and Battistero

Florence holds a special place in my heart. I spent a semester there studying architecture during undergrad. So when I return to the city, I seek out old favorites. Whether it’s a café seat to admire the Renaissance buildings {and a bombalone donut} or an outdoor flea market with hand-painted ceramics, everything brings back memories. Here are some of my favorite sights {and tips for easy access}. I’ll share more on Florence this week.

Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti

Loggia degli Uffizi

Santa Croce

Bargello

Florence Sights
~Bargello for Donatello’s bronze David
~Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti for expansive views of Florence
~Galleria dell’Accademia for Michaelangelo’s Statue of David
~Galleria degli Uffizi for Botticelli’s Primavera
~Santa Croce for the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli, Dante, and Michelangelo
~Santa Maria del Fiore for the iconic Duomo, Campanile, and Battistero

*Tickets for the Bargello, Accademia, Uffizi, and Medici Chapels can be booked directly through the Florence Culture Ministry official website

Basta Pasta

Princi

Tank: Claudie Pierlot

Bag: Chanel

Pasta is not in short supply in Italy; it is often eaten as a primi {first course} before a secondi {second course} of meat or fish and contorni {vegetables}. From ricotta-filled mushroom ravioli or penne Bolognese, each offered a distinctive flavor combination. For lunch, I took a detour to Princi, where marinated chicken salad and colorful vegetables took center stage. Then for a sweet treat, there were plenty of traditional desserts. I took my time sampling the dainty butter cookies {biscotti} from Pasticceria Marchesi.

Ristorante Papa Franceso

Pasticceria Marchesi

Milan Eats and Sweets

Eats

~Luini for fried panzerotti {similar to a calzone} with tomato and mozzarella, Via S. Radegonda 16

~Peck for gourmet deli items, Via Spadari 9

~Princi for fresh lunches cafeteria-style, multiple locations

Sweets

~Pasticceria Marchesi for Panettone and butter cookies, Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11a

~Laduree for a macaron fix outside of France, Via Spadari