This is what the cold dew does to these blooms!
Omg, I think my Morning Glories are on their last legs! Ouch! This is very sad for me. I love just checking on them every morning when I walk out to the garage – they’ve become like my little pets……. Ok, I know… There are still many buds on the plants but I think tonight it’s going down to 34F and today could be it! I may actually cover them up.
It’s definitely looking like Autum in our yard. Today is one of those days when I could do a million different things. The weather is “inspiring”.
The sun actually glistened through the trees early this morning as the sky was perfectly clear and I didn’t have to wait until the sun burned off the clouds and foggy morning stuff that has been so common lately. It was a well appreciated gift. I have the kitchen window open and while it is cold, it feels good because it isn’t damp and clammy.
Alive and well in the garden.
Catching up on the last few days’ endeavors:
The reason for the title of today’s post is something I read with great interest online this morning — I want to direct you to read Michael Ruhlman’s post which focuses in on the word “inspiration”. This essay is an interesting take on passion vs inspiration and what it takes to be successful. I hadn’t thought about it this way. Yes, we may have a passion for a lot of different things, but I suppose he is right that you must be inspired to persevere. Well, I guess that’s not right because he persevered to write 2 novels and they didn’t do well. Anyway, take a look at his post and see what you think. So, I am guessing that Michael would approve of my choice of words in “Kitchen Inspirational”. Maybe I got that one right? All I can tell you is I definitely have a passion AND inspiration for oogling pictures of amazing pastries all over the place – on the internet, in books, in bakeries and in my kitchen.
I was on the Bouchon Bakery Facebook page this morning and I am anxiously awaiting the release of this cookbook. I am planning on going to the book signing in NY next Tues. There are several posts on this page that make me swoon but the one for the Pomme Fontaine, now available in Beverly Hills is a killer. (What are we, chopped liver here on the east coast?) Seriously, spend a moment on this site. I spent a lot of time peering in the windows during off hours and visiting when open when I was in Yountville two years ago. While I was surprised to see how small the facility was, there was no shortage of yummy production going on there! And, speaking of inspiration, this picture, which is a “courtesy of”, cause I can’t figure out how to get it otherwise, is amazing, isn’t it? Just go to their Facebook page and oogle it for yourself in a better photo. If I knew they had these in New York today, I’d be on my way right now. Hope the recipe is in the cookbook…… I can’t find it on the internet.
Check out the Spiced Vanilla Chaidoodles on Butter Me Up Brooklyn. I think Christin would like these.
I have a big pile of new cookbooks to read. Also, finished Amanda Hesser’s Cooking for Mr. Latte last week. That was fun and got a lot of good recipes from there.
Two that I have read and recommending:
The Sweet Life – Desserts from Chanterelle by Kate Zuckerman – with a particularly good chapter on custards – many helpful hints
One Sweet Cookie by Tracey Zabar -a beautiful book but have to say I had trouble last week with the Pistachio-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies – awaiting further advise from Tracey – mine came out flat and sticky and had no substance. It was a damp and dreary day but I think the ratios may be off in this recipe???
Going outside to enjoy this gorgeous day – this is a day when I would rake a pile of leaves and have the kids jump in! Wow, it’s so sad that they won’t do this anymore. Love to C&R!!!!!!!!
And by the way, I ran into a woman the other day at the carwash – she was carrying two tote bags from Waitrose Food – I immediately asked her if she worked for them and told her about how much I loved the magazine and was sad that it was gone. She said that it wasn’t! But, I have been online trying to find it and subscribe and can’t get them to respond to me. Anyone know anything about this? She said she lives half the year in England and half here. I did see something about how they were bringing back the magazine in March – but am having trouble pinning anything down. So, I am sorry if my previous post about losing this magazine is not correct.