November's Six

Image Credits: upper-left tile picture credit to Laura Murray, @laurashoots; lower-left tile picture via Beirut’s Facebook.

The aim of this series is to corral some favorite things and share them in a short and sweet post. Whether it’s a favorite song, book, recipe, tip, or product, hopefully you will find some inspiration in this list.    

1. This Molly O’Neill recipe for glazed shallots apparently (haven’t tried them yet to corroborate) makes for an addictive side dish. I may be voicing an unpopular opinion here, but I never look forward to the typical Thanksgiving fare. While my friends and family wouldn’t stand for an overhaul of the holiday’s usual dishes, I am sure no one would object to the addition of this simple, understated side dish. I can’t wait to whip up a sample batch in the meantime!

2. I love almost all things Trader Joe’s, including their beer and wine aisles. I am a creature of habit when it comes to my beer picks at TJ’s, but less so with wine. Given my budget, I really appreciate this fun expert-curated list of the best wines at Trader Joe’s. Four sommeliers and one winemaker shared their picks of wines ranging from as little as $5 (!!!) to no more than $25 per bottle. I have enjoyed making my way through the list and appreciate the reminder that good things don’t have to be exorbitantly expensive. PS: My usual beer purchase is the following: La Fin Du Monde (slightly spicy and warm Belgian Tripel), Peroni (easy and refreshing), and Racer 5 (bright and hoppy IPA).

3. Speaking of beverages, I have made a tradition of serving mulled apple cider when hosting friends and family in the fall and winter. This classic drink is always a hit, so I thought I’d share my recipe. In a stockpot or large saucepan, gently simmer several tablespoons of mulling spices, the juice of a navel orange, and the two orange halves in a half-gallon of fresh apple juice. I cheat by using this mulling spices blend from Williams-Sonoma wrapped in a square of cheesecloth, but you could easily make your own blend. Let the flavors meld together on low heat for 20-30 minutes, and then serve piping hot with a cinnamon stick garnish. For an adult twist to the recipe, add a 1-ounce shot of Bulleit Bourbon to an 8-ounce serving. This drink is not only absolutely delicious, it will also make your whole home smell amazing too.

4. Zachary Condon of Beirut has announced the release date of his latest album, Gallipoli, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. To hear the first song he has shared from his forthcoming album, click here. And to see if he will be performing near you, click here. I have seen Beirut twice in concert and his music is even more magical and beautiful live. Beirut’s oeuvre is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s famous for brassy and Balkan-inspired compositions, although his gentle voice and lyrics somehow make for a subtle overall effect.

5. The Divine Comedy is considered Dante’s masterpiece, but Vita Nuova is also a treasure and much more accessible without the guidance of a medieval literature expert. A few of my best college friends can back-up this recommendation as one of our favorite professors introduced us to the genre. Pick up a copy here or at your local bookstore.

6. Laneige’s sleeping lip mask is so rich and balmy that it is sure to save your lips from cold and dry weather. Not only is it effective, it also provides a really pretty finish that may compel you to use it during the daytime too. Check it out here.

Alison