I love LEVAIN Bakery.  They are my rare treat and I've always wanted to try to make these "world famous, deliciously decadent cookies" on my own.  They were my post-marathon indulgence (I ate 4 - oatmeal chip, dark chocolate cookie, chocolate walnut and peanut butter) literally in one day.  I love these so much I don't trust myself to even go to their newest location mere blocks away on the Upper East Side.  So I made them myself.  I'll keep working on the recipe, but they came out prettyyy fine.  Next up: Levain's Oatmeal Chip. 

I have no comment except that this is f*cking delicious. 

Another made up recipe incorporating my favorite Fly by Jing Sichuan chili crisp.  I've never actually cooked with artichoke hearts so it was fun to test things out. I don't often cook meat at home, and these served as a hearty, filling plant-based side dish.  Did you know they are packed with fiber and protein? 

I'm not usually into heavy "salads" laden with mayo or dense dressings, but every once in a while I get the craving and end up buying a Waldorf chicken salad at Agata & Valentina (my favorite grocery store on the Upper East Side). There's something about the savory-meets-sweet combination of chicken with grapes and walnuts that made me want to make a version of it - my way - at home. 

Try the resulting combo.