Five Little Things

It’s hard to believe that the last time I shared Five Little Things was at the beginning of the year! It feels so good to be able to return and share this happy weekly tradition! There have been so many moments this past year when I would be in the thick of culinary school and life and think, “oh this would be perfect to share on Five Little Things!” Now that I am back to work here on the blog, I can finally sit and share the little things that brought me joy!

Here are Five Little Things I loved this week:

1. Pizza

I have been on a pizza kick this week! I received a Chef’s Essentials Kit from my friends at Corto Olive Oil and Stanislaus Tomatoes, and I was so excited to make a simple pizza using the Datterini Baby Plum Tomatoes; I fell in love with the tomatoes last year after interviewing Christy Alia for Women’s Pizza Month! I also reshot a pizza from the archives that is perfect for autumn – stay tuned for that!

2. Fall in Tahoe + Oktoberfest

Here in the Bay Area, it is starting to really feel like fall. We snuck away for a quick trip to Tahoe last weekend, where the birches have turned golden, the sun still glimmers on the lakes, and the crowds have thinned. In other words, my favorite time of year in the mountains. While we were in Truckee, we popped in to an Oktoberfest festival! Surrounded by music, lederhosen, and dancing, it was the perfect time to indulge in pretzels and sausages!

If you want a taste of Oktoberfest at home, consider making your own homemade Bavarian Pretzels and learn How to Make Beer Bratwurst from Scratch.

3. A Seasonal Piece

Speaking of autumn, this New Yorker cartoon cracked me up!

4. Bedside Manner

We need more surgeons like  Dr. Laura Esserman.

5. Like Father Like Son, Like Sister Like Brother

I’m not the only one who was wowed by Robert Irwin on Dancing with the Stars! I confess that I don’t really watch the show, but after seeing his premiere jive, I might have to watch the whole season! For someone with no dance experience, he’s a natural and a joy!