Channeling Contessa

Happy Friday, friends! Thanks for bearing with my silence this week.  We are sooo close to the new site but I couldn’t move on from this space without reflecting a little bit. And  I had to start with this photo comparison…

The left photo was taken just a week or two into the start of Channeling Contessa.  As much as that grainy dark photo of shrimp risotto pains me, the transition to the one on the right, I think, really speaks to the journey of creating good content. It just takes time time.

When I first started Channeling Contessa, I simply wanted a space to share my cooking, be creative, and maybe- just maybe- interact with readers. Even though it was 2010, I was stilling entering the blog world at a time when the big names were BIG. I told myself I was fine always being a little fish, and that in the end, this blog was just for me. At times it was really hard to believe in that statement (really hard), but it’s largely what carried me through for the first 12-18 months. I strongly believe to make something of a blog, you have to start from a place of expecting nothing in return. Yep, nothing. But at the same time, you have to be driven to work towards continually increasing the quality of your content.

Blogging has made me a huge believer in the importance of creating simply for the sake of creating. If you’re working towards building something of quality, only good things can come. And that “good thing” can simply be clarity on the direction of your life or career, which I think we’d all agree is pretty valuable. Press, work, partnerships, free product, etc. are really just the icing on the cake.

If you had told me three years ago Channeling Contessa would be a catalyst for jumpstarting my own business, I would have say absolutely no way, no how. I still kind of say no way, no how. But somehow it did. It’s important to recognize though, it was not me alone. It took money, it took a lot of time, it took tears, it took help from family, friends, and a slew of freelancers, and probably a whole host of other things I’ve pushed to the back of my mind.

As I sat down to write this post today, the following quote from Nelson Mandela was at the forefront of my mind: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Though I’m certainly far from done, where I am today never seemed possible from the beginning (let alone even fathomable). And in a way, it makes everything that much sweeter.

I’m admittedly a little nervous and sad to bring Channeling Contessa to a close, but I am SO so beyond excited to begin this next chapter at clarapersis.com.  The new chapter will still involve similar content to what you see here- recipes (Yes- still recipes- for those of you who have asked!), snippets of my life, and features on favorite spots in the city. I’m also excited to start introducing some video content (yay!) and a newsletter dedicated to blogging and social media marketing tips. I can’t wait!

With this change I will also be bringing the blog solely back to me. I am forever grateful for the amazing content both Sarah and Lauren contributed over the last few years. Without their contributions this blog most definitely would not be where it is today. So a big, heartfelt thank you to both of them. And lastly, it goes without saying, I owe a huge thank you to each and every one of you who continues to visit my humble space. I’m sending the biggest hug your way today! Without your support none of this would have ever happened.

I’m off to squirrel away and wrap up the new site this weekend, and I’ll see you all on the other side on Monday! With a celebratory cocktail, naturally. Have a great weekend! xx

I really wasn’t planning on doing a Black Friday deals post, but when I began perusing online and was so taken by aaaalll the goodies you could get this year, I couldn’t resist! I love using this day/weekend to stock up on items like quality sheets, designer jeans, and cashmere steals- like this fab Vince sweater. Here are my must visit sites:

Nordstrom: Tons of deal on top brands like Vince, Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, North Face, and more!

West Elm: Use the code “STOCKUP”  through Monday 12/1 for tiered savings. Spend $100+ save 10%, spend $250+ save 15%, spend $500+ save 20%, and spend $1000+ save 25%

J.Crew: 30% off everything, in stores and online, with code “HOLIDAY” through Monday 12/1

Alice + Olivia: 25% off everything on the site through Monday

Eberjey: 20% off your entire purchase with code “CYBER2013″

Madewell: 25% off your entire order with code “FEAST25″ through Monday

Macy’s: 20-50% off, love their site for bedding, kitchen appliances, and those big investment household items

Shopbop: Use the code “BIGEVENT13″ for tiered savings through Monday. Spend $250+ save 15%, spend $500+ save 20%, spend $1000+ save 25%.

Happy shopping!

Image via

I’m currently sipping on hot coffee while my mom preps pumpkin pies. Heaven! I hope you all are in a similar situation or at least on your way there. I couldn’t be more excited to spend the next few days celebrating and eating with family and friends. Today we have our family Thanksgiving up in the country, tomorrow we’ll be heading back into the city to celebrate Brandon’s birthday at this spot I’ve been dying to try, and Saturday I’ll be cooking up a storm in preparation for a Friendsgiving that evening. AND, if I can swing it, I’ll be picking up and decorating our Christmas tree on Sunday. The holidays are officially in full force! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and thanks as always for supporting my little space of the internet. Cheers! xoxo

Image Source

Not to jump the gun on the post Thanksgiving holiday season, but I couldn’t help sharing a recipe of mine that was featured in this month’s issue of Ladies’ Home Journal! A traditional cheesecake gets a fun twist with the addition of peppermint, a luscious sour cream topping, and a chocolate graham cracker crust. I love the festive pink hue of the cheesecake; it’s perfect for a holiday spread of any kind. I’ve outlined the recipe below, and be sure to check out the full holiday feature from the magazine- the recipes are amazing! I’ve got my eye on the gingerbread caramel sauce, butterscotch bourbon apple cider, and chocolate cinnamon rolls. Naturally, everything filled with sugar!

Peppermint and Vanilla Cream Cheesecake
Work: 20 min  total: 4 hr 30 min

Crust:

• 25 chocolate graham crackers
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake:

• 3 8-oz pkgs cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup crushed peppermint candy, plus more for garnish
• Red food coloring
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1. For the crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs in a food processor. Mix the crumbs with the sugar, salt and melted butter. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and all the way up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in freezer for 15 min.

2. For the cheesecake: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix to combine. Beat in the peppermint and vanilla extracts and carefully fold in the crushed peppermint candy. Stir in 2 or 3 drops red food coloring until filling is a light-pink color. Pour filling into the crust; smooth top with a spatula and refrigerate cheesecake until firm, 2 1⁄2 to 3 hr.

3. Mix together the sour cream and confectioners’ sugar and spread mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Chill one additional hour; serve with extra crushed peppermint on top. SERVES 16

Photo by Jennifer Causey

I’m not even sure these donuts need an introduction. I mean…seriously. I kind of killed it on that drizzle, don’t you think? All bragging aside, these guys are such beauties. Imagine a pumpkin donut met a pumpkin coffee cake, and they fall hard for each other and then decided to bathe in brown butter drizzle. Yep, that’s exactly what happened here. They’re the perfect thing to serve on Thanksgiving morning when you’re hunkered down in the kitchen and don’t want to eat too much pre-feast, but need something to nibble on. I have been working hard to not eat much sugar these days- unless it’s really really worth it- and I can tell, these guys are totally worth it. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze adapted from Shutterbean
Makes 6
For the donuts:

• 1 cup all- purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pureed pumpkin
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the streusel:

• 2 T granulated sugar
• 2 T brown sugar
• 1/4 salt
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 3 T unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3-4 teaspoons milk

Heat oven to 325°. Coat doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray (I love using TJ’s coconut oil). In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. In a small bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugar, egg, oil and vanilla until smooth. Add wet mixture to flour mixture; whisk until blended & smooth.

Make the streusel: Mix together all dry ingredients for the streusel. Pour over the butter and stir well to combine. Mixture should be dry and crumbly.

Spoon batter into a large Ziploc bag. Cut of the corner and squeeze batter into prepared doughnut pan about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the tops of the donuts generously with the streusel. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until doughnuts spring back when lightly pressed. Cool in pan on rack 5 minutes, then carefully turn out directly onto rack to cool.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until browned. Pour browned butter into a bowl with confectioner’s sugar. Stir in vanilla and milk until frosting reaches a smooth, glazey consistency. Place frosting in a Ziploc bag, cut a very small tip, and drizzle back and forth across the donuts.

Despite not being much of a shopper, I’m really into gift giving. I get so much pleasure out of finding the perfect gift for friends or loved ones, and especially love giving a gift when it’s least expected. But during the holidays? That all goes out the window. You see, I’m good at scouring boutiques and small online shops, not the internet at large. But all my holiday shopping must get done online, because I simply refuse to deal with store crowds. Bloomingdales at this time of year? Kill me now.

So when I found out Rank & Style was creating customized top ten gift guides for all the loved ones in your life, I literally jumped for joy. As a refresher, Rank & Style, utilizing their unique algorithm and ranking system, creates objective Top Ten lists for the best fashion and beauty products out there. They completely simplify the shopping experience. So that perfect cashmere sweater I was on the hunt for to buy my mom? Found! Some cozy pajamas I wanted to send to a bestie who’s expecting? Done and done.

The lists cover every gal pal on your list, from the party hopping girl to the friend that’s in need of a serious dose of TLC this season (this girl!). I’m sporting two of the gorgeous items on their jewelry list, “Ten Gifts for the Bold and Beautiful.” I certainly feel bold and beautiful wearing these Loren Hope baubles! I tend to keep go for neutral classics during the holiday season, so I love dressing things up with some statement jewels.

Outside of holiday shopping, I recently used their lists to track down the best black leggings for my budget and find a new natural face serum for my daily skin routine. Naturally it was One Love, but I still loved being able to review all the other best ones on the market without doing a ton of research. Such a help and time saver!  Head over to Rank & Style to check out all of the lists, and be sure to sign up for their newsletter to gain first hand access to all their gift guides this season. Lastly, a few other blogger buddies are sharing their list picks for Rank & Style today, too: Sequins & Stripes, Breakfast at Toast, Peanut Butter Fingers, Design Darling, and A Little Dash of Darling. Happy shopping!

Ps: See those donuts? Those would be pumpkin coffee cake donuts with brown butter glaze- recipe coming tomorrow!

Outfit: Earrings, Bracelet, Sweater (old), jeans

This post is brought to you in partnership with Rank & Style. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

I’ve been battling some sort of virus/head cold/ flu thingy all week which has made things rough to say the least! Getting sick is always a huge lesson for me in learning to let go and accept the things I can’t control. It’s not a lesson I embrace easily, but I’m working on it. And besides, Thanksgiving is next week! And I’m determined to enjoy a holiday that’s filled with celebration and little stress.

Last night as I was walking home from the subway I overheard a guy uttering into his phone “The holidays are just stressing me out so much!” Compounded with the plethora of PR pitches I’ve received in the last few weeks that lead with the question “Are the holidays stressing you out?” and I’ve somehow come to the conclusion that I’m just not doing the holiday stress thing this year. I’m really over it. Is that because our Thanksgiving will be picture perfect? Hardly. My mom recently moved out of our childhood home so we’re not able to host at our house this year, which is a first. But I’m actually really looking forward to a change of scenery and the fact that I don’t have to do so much cooking (!) because we’ll be having more of a potluck style feast. Would I have liked to provide you with more holiday recipes prior to the big day? Most definitely! But we can only do what we can do, and that is ok. In fact, it’s great (<– really working on accepting that one).

And beyond that, despite being sick this week and struggling to stay on top of my to do list, I’m feeling incredibly thankful; thankful for my family, my friends, my clients, you guys that come back here each and everyday, our cozy home, the way NYC glitters during the holidays, a fun Friendsgiving we have planned for the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the imminent launch of my new website, and so much more. Life is really good, people! Even when you haven’t been able to breathe through your nose for four days. It’s really, really good. I’ll see you back here on Monday for a peak into my holiday style and a delicious pumpkin recipe that may or may not involve donuts.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xx

Photo by Helene Dujardin of My Tartlette

Our holiday cards arrived this week, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve been pretty good about getting cards out on time each year, but this is the first year I got my act together and did actual photo cards. I’m looking forward to curling up in front of the TV this weekend and stuffing a bunch into envelopes to send to friends and family. That means I can listen to Christmas music, right?

I made my holiday cards through Minted, a brand and service I love. They make everything feel so personal. I’ve ordered numerous sets of business cards through them and even used one of their designs to create invites for a good friend’s bridal shower a few years back. It was a bit of a challenge narrowing down my design choice for the holiday card, but I couldn’t be more pleased with how they turned out! I love the overall simplicity and pop of red. Although next year I’d really like to get Brandon and I in matching cable knit sweaters having a snow ball fight…. kidding!! Hmm sort of.

Have you ordered your cards yet? I can’t recommended Minted enough, their selection is amazing. They also have all kinds of beautiful holiday decor and wrapping paper, which I’ve got my eye on. Danielle of Breakfast at Toast is actually running a Minted giveaway where you can win $100.00 towards any order! So head on over to her site to enter, and start making a list of all the beautiful goodies you need to ring in this holiday season.

 
My cards were generously provided by Minted. As I mentioned, they’re a brand I truly use and love- and I’m thrilled to support them through this blog! All opinions and thoughts are my own.

My current pajama selection is a sight for sore eyes. It mostly consists of old worn out cotton pants from Target and a mountain of Hane’s men’s white v-neck Ts (that have now all faded after being washed so many times). Sexy! But the thing is, I’m just not one to throw on a lacy frock every night and hop into bed, especially when it’s this cold out. I mean, seriously, how is that comfortable?

But then I happened upon Eberjey and it made me realize how much better looking my pajama situation could really be, all while still being extremely cozy. Aren’t these pieces absolutely irresistible? I never asked for pajamas for Christmas growing up, but I definitely want them this year! Which piece is your fave?

All images from Eberjey. Products from top to bottom: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6