Clearing the Air
Saging my way into a new chapter with breakfast dates, radishes, and the easiest dip
This weekend, I hosted my friends for a special night of saging and letting go. The apartment has a new energy after being filled with so much laughter and catharsis and I’m so glad I did it. On Thursday, I’ll share more about the event and what we did in case you’d like to host a witchy gathering of your own.
Last week, I shared 10 Things I Felt and 5 Things I Bought Since My Breakup, which felt scary to hit send on—I scheduled it only ten minutes before because it felt so vulnerable. Thank you for the kindness when I shared. Two fun updates, I bought the red shoes and my chic mint green recycling bin arrived, the day after the party, naturally.
Now that I’ve broken the seal of hosting solo, I’m scheming about more gatherings I can have. I’m hosting my family for an early Mother’s day next weekend and really looking forward to that. It’s hard to believe May is a few days away when just a few weeks ago, getting through a single day was a serious task. Time really helps.
Now, let’s dive in.
Something to cook:
For lunches last week, I made a farro salad with chickpeas, roasted cherry tomatoes, feta and pesto. I also added spinach, but kale or something heartier would have been better for meal prep. I roasted the cherry tomatoes with this smoked garlic from my favorite spice shop in Borough Market.
I dug some tortillas out of the depths of my freezer and made some black bean tacos with pepper jack cheese and lots of salsa. Simple combinations of beans and cheese work every time. The next day, I made the same thing but with scrambled eggs for breakfast.
For my witchy gathering, I knew I was ordering pizza so I wanted to make an appetizer and dessert. For the appetizer, my mom procured ingredients for an old top secret family recipe. Just kidding, she dropped off sour cream and a packet of Lipton onion soup mix, which makes a truly incredible dip. I served it with cucumbers, bell pepper, carrots, and potato chips and multiple people asked for the recipe. Crudité really tastes better if you cut it yourself (you can do in advance, just store it in a container with a paper towel) so spend time on that and make the dip easy.
For dessert, I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I’ve made this recipe since Julia and I were roommates (it’s vintage BuzzFeed) and it never fails. I made the dough on Friday night—it really is better if it can age in the fridge for at least a day. Flakey salt on top is a must! I didn’t get any pictures, but they were very well received.
Something to order:
I started the week on a high with a breakfast date with
at Russ and Daughters Cafe. The service was excellent and they open at 8:30, so you can get breakfast not just brunch. We each got eggs and swapped the toast for a bagel because it’s Russ and Daughters after all. Abena is absolutely wonderful, don’t miss her newsletter .
Alyssa, Erica and I caught up over dinner at Colonia Verde, which has a beautiful backyard. I got mushroom tacos and a beautiful orange wine and we had a lovely time.
Juliana and I grabbed dinner at Westville in Williamsburg. It was my first time dining in there and it’s a really solid spot for when you want a big plate of veggies and some fries. The market plate is the move and the asparagus and mushrooms were particularly good.
Tilden and I saw The Wedding Banquet (very sweet) at the Union Square Regal and I landed on the perfect pre or most movie spot: Corkbuzz. It’s three minutes away and you can usually grab a bar seat. We had white wine, bread with butter and radishes (a springtime classic), and some olives. A perfect pre movie delight.
For Witch Night,
generously sent Williamsburg Pizza. She customized one of the pies to say a New Chapter, which was the perfect touch! I set out an assortment of chili flakes from Burlap and Barrel, hot honey, and chili crisp salad sprinkles (thank you, Delaney).
I ran a cat related errand in Flatbush and headed to Ditmas Park after for lunch with Coop at Ayat, which was delicious. You’re greeted with warm bread, olive oil, and za’atar. We shared everything including some of the best labneh I’ve ever had, studded with herbs and drizzled with oil, an eggplant and halloumi platter, and cardamom spiced coffee. It was so special to catch up over such a feast and they have a bunch of locations, so go visit.
Something to read:
I started reading The Berry Pickers on the subway and procrastinated writing this newsletter for so long because I want to keep reading it. My parents recommended it.
Is Lorde’s new song about her relationship with Jack Antonoff? I’m convinced after reading this from
Julia and I were at her show the night of the powerpoint and I will never forget it. I’ve had What Was That on repeat since it came out.Amanda Hess on the extremely-online parent in
Paying taxes is not what makes us worthy of care and respect
Three Transgender Kids Share Their Stories
wrote so beautifully about needing a soft place to land when you’re used to taking care of others. It’s hard!3 Simple Rules to read more from
. My kindle + the Libby app have really been getting me through. on recession proof dinner parties, “I think that you can basically cook anything that tastes decent and call it a dinner party and people will be thrilled."Have a good week, everyone! Thank you for being here!
xo, Abigail
so many more breakfast hangs in our future!
I’m in awe that you were there the night of the PowerPoint wowowow