friday finds :: 5 things we love

1. Hot Bread Kitchen :: Multi-ethnic breads for a good cause come to the new La Marqueta in East Harlem.  Hot Bread Kitchen's non-profit mission is to help create brighter futures for low-income women and their families while celebrating artisanal breads and cultural specialities. From handmade corn tortillas and organic lavash to seasonal foccaccia and a phenomenal multigrain loaf, these healthful carbs are nothing less than delicious. Find Hot Bread Kitchen at the Union Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays and soon-to-be at La Marqueta.  

2. Sylvester & Co. Dreamy Coffee :: After being out in the Hamptons last weekend and to my disappoint, discovering that one of my favorite home-design and general stores in Amagansett (with another location in Sag Harbor), Sylvester & Co. is no longer carrying their unbelievably yummy 'dreamy coffee' with chocolate overtones, I did what any discerning coffee drinker would do -- tracked their beans down online. Thankfully, you can still order their coffee online here and I promise it's worth the shipping cost!

3. brandied cherries :: Because cherries are in season right now and these might just be little alcohol-infused bites of heaven. And they make the perfect finish for an unbelievable bourbon whiskey Manhattan. Simmer 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to make a simple syrup. Add about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of pitted cherries and simmer for 2 minutes. Then bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool and add 1/3 cup of brandy.  A couple of these babies and you don't even need the Manhattan!

4. green street cooking utensils :: As spotted in the New York Times earlier this week, these spatulas and cooking utensils are made from recycled materials. They're dishwasher safe and can withstand heat up to 425 degrees. What not to use them for...summer grilling when you're cooking outdoors. Sorry, but I doubt you want melted plastic on your favorite burger! Get yours at kitchencollection.com.

5. Feeding Our Future & Sam Kass on Martha Stewart Living Radio :: White House Assistant Chef and Food Initiative Coordinator joins acclaimed NYC chef and founder of Wellness in the Schools, Bill Telepan, to take on childhood obesity and talk about Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative. Telepan is hosting the 5 part Feeding Our Future series that focuses on getting kids to eat more healthfully. The series airs every Tuesday through Sept. 7th. Join the conversation this coming Tuesday, Aug. 17th on Martha Stewart Living radio from 11am-12pm EST, Sirius channel 112 or XM 157. Have questions or comments? Call in at 866-675-6675 or email radio@marthastewart.com

*photos courtesy of: papertastebuds.com, sloshed.hyperkinetic.org, nytimes.com, theslowcook.com