{table for two: sparkling ink, findland}

. . . headlong into autumn and it's dark evenings steeped in chilliness and stars brighter than ever, and could not think of a better way to begin early november mornings than with pale golden light and an espresso & cinnamon sugar biscotti . . .

*****************************

{cinnamon sugar biscotti}

ingredients: (makes 24)

2 cups (5 dl) flour
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 1/2 dl) sugar
6 tablespoons (125 g) butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg for brushing
1/4 cup (1/2 dl) sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

combine flour, cinnamon, cardamom, baking powder and salt; in a separate bowl, beat soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy; mix in egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract; add in dry ingredient mixture and mix just until combined

form two flattened bars (a bit more than an inch /3 cm thick) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; brush with lightly beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture; bake at 325 F (160 C) for 35-40 minutes or until the bars are golden and firm to touch

allow the bars to cool for a few minutes, then cut into 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) wide diagonal slices; flip cut side down and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture; bake for around 10 minutes until crispy

{image & recipe: tina, sparkling ink}

{hello + a new week}

. . . hello again! another beautiful summer weekend has come and gone, and so much so, that couldn't resist one more day away . . . and now, a new week and so lovely to be back again, more inspired than ever and utterly overflowing with lovely things to share . . .

hope you are well and that your week is off to a perfect start,
xo

{p.s.} is there anything more beautiful than carrera marble?

>> more here & here & here

{one late october afternoon}

. . . and after all the shades of mustard, wheat, and honey from recent photographs of our weekends away, was reminded again how warm yellow can be this time of year, especially when intermingled with deep wood tones and gold . . .

{images: martha stewart, emily nathan via bash eco-events; alec hemer via brabourne farm}