butter.bread.boulangerie: Last day of Bread and New Digs.

I am 100% moved into my new Park Slope apartment. And, I'm in love with it. Though my room is slightly smaller (pictures to come, I promise!) the apartment itself is actually larger. Most importantly, its in a gorgeous area. This morning I walked to the subway by walking through blocks of tree-lined streets and brownstone apartments. Instead of busy streets, honking cabs, ambitious tourists, and lots and lots on concrete. I of course, loved my old apartment, but given how much time I spend in Brooklyn and lower manhattan this is MUCH more practical (and cheaper!). Plus, I forgot how great it is to feel like part of a neighborhood as opposed to a permanent hotel, the vibe is much more relaxed. And not to mention, the Park Slope farmer's market sets up literally across the street from me. I'm glad I lived in Manhattan, but now living in Brooklyn I doubt I'll go back! Now I'm sitting in my just decorated room sipping foret (a belgium beer) and snacking on quite possibly the best english muffin I've ever had (and yes, thats what we made today in class). I'm in such a great mood! And I directly attribute it to how happy living here makes me. However much I love moving around (I really do), I did miss a sense of home and community, I have that now!

In class, we ended bread today. Que triste indeed! But, whats next? PETIT FOURS!!!! I'm, clearly, excited! After tomorrow's exam, we'll start the new subject on Thursday. And friday? Macaroons!!!! Plus, this next exam we design our menu!! A chance at creative license? I can't wait!

Lastly, I have the great pleasure of exploring my new neighborhood and going food shopping at the various speciality purveyors in anticipation of Alex's arrival on Thursday. I absolutely love finding new, local artisan specialty producers. Plus, I consider it research! How am I to consider myself part of the New York food industry unless I know the farms we get our milk from? Or the small batch jams and cheese shops? For example, my new favorite jam comes from anarchy in a jar