Image credit Shaun Boyte via Kinfolk

Baby, it’s cold outside … perfect weather for pulling the covers over your head, cooking at home, immersing yourself in a new book, and if you feel like emerging from hibernation, perhaps joining us for the Cassoulet Cookoff on Sunday. In case you need some inspiration, here’s what we’re into this week:

*Deeply engrossed in the 771-page tour-de-force of a psychological thriller that is Donna Tartt’s latest novel, The Goldfinch.
*We’re crushing on Belgrave Crescent‘s luxe British handmade leather carrying cases and sleeves for the iPad — the modern answer to the briefcase.
*Feeling like cozying up to this twist on shakshuka, featuring January’s star ingredient, kale.
*Today’s installment of one of our favorite parts of Friday, Grub Street Diet, features actor Andrew Rannells of Girls, who is completely and totally endearing and whose favorite neighborhood haunts are totally classic East Village.
*Dying to attend Calliope’s dinner with author Gary Shytengart, who will be reading from his new novel to kick off the restaurant’s literary series. Also, borscht at a French restaurant? Color us curious.