Last year at this time I had already been to the beach once. The end of March should feel like spring, right? This year, it’s absolutely frigid. But my ears feel pretty toasty, thanks to the ear warmers I found at Lynnway Mart, the most giant flea market ever. (Don’t worry, the ear warmers were brand new with tags, unlike some of the used goods sold at these types of markets). Lynnway Mart is part scary, part exciting. There are literally acres of space (mostly indoor, but some outdoor on Saturdays and Sundays) with thousands of treasures to be discovered.
the basil
I fell in love today with Johnny D’s Fruit & Produce in Brighton. I live for fresh fruits and vegetables, but this city has a shortage of produce-only markets. How did I not find this place sooner? Johnny greeted me as I walked in to his small shop, and his eyes lit up as he described some of his favorite items of the day — crisp-looking stalks of asparagus and pretty yellow teardrop-shaped plums. He even grabbed an orange from his beautifully stocked shelves and peeled it for me and a few other shoppers to sample. Things got even better when I realized he marks items down to $1 when they’re on their way out. A big bunch of basil for a buck means it’s a great day.
Upon returning home, that basil made its way into my food processor, along with a few handfuls of walnuts, two cloves of garlic, and about 1/4 cup each of olive oil and freshly grated parmesan. The end result? My perfect dinner — whole wheat penne with pesto and parm.
the ice cream
Sometimes when you’re at Target buying practical, slightly boring items (laundry detergent, black beans, diced tomatoes) you get a craving to buy something that is not practical. There is nothing practical about the most miniature ice cream container in the world. But it costs $1, so it’s kind of a good idea. I grew up in a predominantly Breyers home, and over the past few years I’ve become rather particular about my ice cream. If money were no object, I would eat Häagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s every day of my life. I’d also have heavy cream in my refrigerator at all times to create my own ice cream. I absolutely love my ice cream maker, and I love knowing exactly what ingredients are going into the treat I’m eating. In fact, let me share with you my current favorite ice cream recipe.
Mint Oreo Ice Cream
2 eggs
3/4 cups sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon peppermint extract
1 cup chopped Oreos
Whisk the eggs for a couple of minutes, then gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk. Add the cream, milk, and peppermint extract, and blend completely. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an ice cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream becomes semi-stiff, add the Oreos, then continue freezing until it reaches the consistency you desire.
the pita bread
When I bought these pitas at Damascus Bakery in Brooklyn they were still warm from the oven. So so soft and fresh. The package (six pitas for $1) says they are America’s Original Pita, which may sound silly, but I’m pretty sure I believe it. Apparently, the family opened its first bakery in 1930 to sell the hearth-baked, Syrian pita bread. We had it with the three-layer hummus from Trader Joe’s (not $1) and it was perfect. I fell out of love with hummus a few months ago, possibly from over-consumption, but this new variety brought me back. The layers are red pepper, original, and cilantro (hence the strange color in the image above), and that cilantro layer has a serious kick. Give it a try.
the lollipop
What could be better than eating sweets at the park on a sunny day? (That sunny day was most definitely not today, however — today it is snowing in Boston.) While in NY, we wandered south and west (after lunch at Eataly and gelato at Grom) to visit the High Line, which is one of the greatest parks I know. It was built in the 1930s as an elevated rail system but was abandoned in 1980. A couple of years ago the space was transformed into a really incredible public park. Everything about the park is fun to look at — unique seating, landscaping, artwork, and more. And the whole situation is even better when you’re eating a $1 grasshopper pie lollipop from Chelsea Market Baskets, located just below the park.
the dumplings
I am salivating a little bit as I write this and recall the wonder that is Vanessa’s Dumpling House in NYC’s Chinatown. Though most of the other dumpling shacks nearby give you five for your dollar, Vanessa’s four chive and pork dumplings beat the competition. The dough is made by hand, and it’s a perfect mix of crispy on the bottom and soft and chewy everywhere else. The filling is equally wonderful — you can actually taste the pork and the seasonings, whereas with many other dumplings you can’t pick out the distinct ingredients. I don’t always love the smells of Chinatown, but I would lunch here every day if I could.
the teacup
I think I could walk around Fishs Eddy for multiple hours (it’s not a huge store) and slowly look at every single piece of dinnerware, flatware, and glassware — lots and lots of lovely pieces there. They have a great sale corner, including bins and bins of $0.99 teacups and saucers. I snagged this lovely teacup with a turquoise band at the top. And I’ll probably go back for more.
the pizza
If you can find a slice of pizza for one dollar, you can assume it’s not going to be amazing. And though the crowd outside of 99¢ Fresh Pizza was a little bit sketchy, I had a surprisingly enjoyable time there with my dollar slice of cheese pizza (they don’t give you the penny back). They have a couple of locations, and ever since they opened competitors have been popping up all over Manhattan to please those who aren’t picky about their pizza and are happy with a quick, cheap slice.
the cupcake
Cake is mostly a waste of a dessert in my mind. I much prefer denser forms of chocolate — brownies, fudge, triple-chocolate-chunk cookies, truffles. But I won’t complain about frosting. Any time I do eat cake, you can guarantee I’m using it as a vehicle for some smooth, sweet buttercream. Party Favors in Brookline makes all manner of treats, and their tea cupcakes are just under a dollar. The cake is average (a tad on the dry side, but decent flavor) and the frosting is pretty great (no shortening aftertaste, not overly sugary). Best of all, their frosting-to-cake ratio is right on.
And now, we’re off to New York for a little spring break fun! Can’t wait to see how New York’s dollar finds compare to Boston’s…















