When the video about savory cheesecakes needs an extra hand model, you have to do what you have to do you know?

They say you are not a native New Yorker until you live here for 10 years, but I am feeling pretty legit after my last six months. It is so nice to be settled into my cozy apartment almost completely decorated to make it feel like home. Work has gotten into a great groove and never a shortage of excitement, creativity, keeping me on my toes and surrounded by awesome people. My girlfriends from all different walks of life are coming together and meeting each other. Spring is on the horizon and I couldn’t be happier for sunshine, rooftop Aperol Spritz and exploring the city outside again! All around goodness is happening.

We have been working on some pretty cool projects at Food Network. The photo above is when I got to be a hand model for our Savory Cheesecakes Four Ways video… let me vouch, they are amazing. (Another picture because, well, cheese.) If you see an #InspiredBy video, it’s something I’ve had the opportunity to help brainstorm, create and publish. My colleagues and I turned cookies into edible art, sugar cookies into shot glasses, a giant cheese wheel into Guy Fieri’s Camaro, and cake into a grilled t-bone steak. We have SO many fun videos coming up, too, I can’t even wait!

Over the last few months I got to shoot video of (and model!) glittered fruit and candy jewelry, made memes. and *low-key* filmed a Facebook Live with the Pioneer Woman herself! The most delicious thing I’ve eaten so far? A slice of Alex Guarnaschelli’s Grandma’s Mini Meatball Lasagna.

Speaking of lasagna, a few years ago I shared my mom’s famous lasagna recipe. This Thursday, I’ll be remembering my mom as we come upon 10 years since she passed away. I haven’t decided what I want to make for dinner tomorrow and Thursday, but I may switch up lasagna for Penne al Vodka, one of my mom’s other favorites. The Pioneer Woman has always had a special place in my heart because her sister is named Betsy, which is also my mom’s name. Ree has a recipe called Penne a la Betsy, named after her sister, that I’ve always wanted to make. Ironically over the last few days, I also saw Smitten Kitchen share her Penne à la Vodka and an easy version of it here on Basically. For dessert, I have to have a bite (scoop, or scoops) of ice cream. There’s a solid chance I’ll be whipping up my no-churn java chip ice cream that is inspired by one of my mom’s favorite flavors.

Hoping you all had a really great February and that March brings goodness your way. Thanks for following along with my New York City adventures. I’m always posting on Instagram, so come say hi over there! Plus, a very fun project I worked on will be shared on March 8th for International Women’s Day so you should stay in the loop.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela