The Cherry On Top: 12/24/23

Welcome to the first edition of The Cherry On Top: A weekly roundup of my favorite pieces of the week. I’m so happy to have you here! This week started off with a bad cold and ended on a high note with some quality family time.

Favorite activity: Being a Tourist in Our Own City

With busy schedules it’s not often that my friends and I can frolic around the city like we used to. There’s a certain magic about New York City during the holiday season and while it’s touristy, it’s a must to hit all of the festive spots. We started at the Bryant Park Holiday Market for a cup of hot chocolate and made our way to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. We passed through Saks and admired the Dior displays, and finished up our holiday tour at The Palace Hotel. I’d argue that The Palace is a better spot for pictures and festive feels than the Rockefeller tree itself. December in New York is something special.

Favorite Meal: Homemade Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken + Fresh Dill

After being down with a bad cold all week long, there was nothing more satisfying than coming home to Maryland with a pot of homemade soup on the stovetop. My mom usually makes an amazing vegetarian matzo ball soup, but she made this one with homemade chicken stock, shredded chicken, and fresh dill & it was the best representation of why people call this soup “Jewish Penicillin.” It was savory with a touch of sweetness, perfectly tender carrots, fluffy matzo balls, and felt like a warm, cozy hug.

Favorite New Find: Italian Aperitif

I got this bottle of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, a delicious Northern Italian liqueur, amongst the overflow of items left over in my office. It made for the most beautiful and light pre-dinner aperitif that my whole family enjoyed. The boys paired it with a splash of whiskey and the girls topped it with club soda and a squeeze of fresh orange. It’s perfect for the winter time, especially holiday season, with notes of rhubarb, warm spices, citrus, and licorice. Loved the flavor & love that the detailed touch of the bottle adds a pretty dimension to any bar cart.

Favorite Moment: Shabbat with my family

For shabbat, my dad cooked dinner for all of us inspired by one of the Israeli restaurants that we love in New York called Laser Wolf. It was nourishing, so tasty, and just a pleasure to sit around the table all together catching up and all being in the same place. We’ve always valued shabbat but ever since October 7th, the privilege of being together and practicing Judaism together takes on a whole different meaning. We lit candles, said prayers, shared a delicious olive and rosemary challah made by my sister, and drank wine. A peaceful, fulfilling, joyful way to welcome in the weekend.

Thanks for stopping by The Flour Child! Wishing you a week with several moments that feel like the cherry on top 🍒 See you next Sunday.