Springtime in NYC







image via lookbook.nu (one of my most favorite sites)



Break out your shorts, people!  Spring has to be one of the most amazing experiences weather-wise for NYC.  We are all thawing out after being pummeled by wind, rain and snowstorm after snowstorm.  The first glimmer of Spring gives me so much hope and such an affinity for life, I can't help but be giddy while writing about it.  As we all know by now, I don't generally write with such zeal so please bear with me for just this one post.

Spring Things I Plan On Doing This Year

1.  Purchase A Vespa.  (ok, ok, this was my life dream before having a kid.)  so, we shall change it to:

1.  Purchase an AMAZING bike.  Sparkly seafoam green beach cruiser, and dammit I'll attach a baby seat to it.

2.  Eat frozen yogurt outside every day.  Or almost every day.  (gotta try and keep this bikini-bod in shape...)

3.  Take Riley to different parks around the city. 

4.  Sip Sangria on a patio.  If it has to be my patio, so be it.

So there you have it.  Not a large list, so I think I can handle it. 

PS>  it's nearly 80 degrees today.  eeeek!

THE BEST BURGER EVER CREATED. PERIOD.

As if I even need to talk about the perfection that is the picture above.  There has been a lot of burger talk in my nabe as of late, so I jumped on the train (not literally) and decided to make my own awesome concoction of deliciousness.

Seriously though, I don't think I've ever had a burger as completely awesome as this one was.  In fact, I'm afraid to eat another burger again in my lifetime for fear that it will never stack up.

I'll just say that this was the simplest burger to make, therefore I suppose I will divulge my secrets. 

1 lb hamburger (made 1 Daddy burger, 1 Mama burger, and 1 baby burger)
Half a pack of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
1 egg
Bit of Panko bread crumbs
salt & pepper (decent amt)

Combine and mix all of the above ingredients together, then form into patties.  Leave the patties formed and place them in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes.  Heat olive oil in a pan on the stove, and place the chilled patty (or patties, depending on space) in the pan.  Cook on one side until browned (about 5 minutes) then flip.  Cook for 5 more minutes, then place cheese (any kind, I used mild cheddar) on top and put a lid on the pan.  Let the cheese melt (heat still on), and when it looks completely melted and bubbly around the bottom of the burger, they are done.  Place on a delicious bun such as the one pictured (from Fairway, the most amazing market that we LOVE) and put some arugula on top.  Voila. 

Your mouth will thank you for it.