photo courtesy The Kitchn http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-frozen-singleserve-oatmeal-recipes-from-the-kitchn-193961#recipe Going Nuts with the Winter/Cold/Snow weather? As you know, I use many diversional techniques to keep me focused on things other than the long, lingering cold, dark and dastardly days while I am awaiting the signs of Spring. Aside from roasting, braising, making great one pot dinners such as Coq-au-Vin and Beef … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2014
Need a Pick-Me-Up? Rx: Photos and Strawberries *
"To be happy you must have taken the measure of your powers, tasted the fruits of your passion, and learned your place in the world." Santayana "When I'm feeling blue all I have to do, is take a look at you then I'm not so blue when you're close to me I can feel your heartbeat I can feel you breathing in my ear"……… these are wonderful lyrics from one of my favorite songwriters, Phil Collins, Circa 1988 - Groovy Kind of … [Read more...]
In Search of: the Perfect Raspberry Scone; Can Winter Raspberries Shine?
I'm feeling like baking this morning. Only the audience today is a bit picky, aka Ryan. He prefers muffins, I prefer scones. When baking scones, often the fruit addition is nice, yet subtle. It is actually hard to bring in a fruit flavor and have it shine or be the overwhelming flavor profile. Is this a good idea even? Last year I did a bit of experimenting with blueberry swirl. I like this idea and did it with cake and … [Read more...]
I’m OK with Being One-Dimensional; Apricots Made Me Giddy
On this Winter-precipitation-mélange-morning here, it would appear that I am not the first one to be obsessed with the fruits of Summer when it comes to the subjects of great oil paintings down through history. I may, however, just be the only one obsessed as I am today, and for the reason I am today…... Yes, I was intoxicated by the Girl With the Pearl Earring on Tuesday at the Frick Collection and I am so glad I went to see her - and the … [Read more...]
Mousse – Among Top of the Class in Gluten-Free Dessert Options, but Out of Fashion?
Who would feel deprived when offered a Gluten-Free lovely such as this? image courtesy Nuggetmarket.com It seems everyone is consumed with Fashion these days, right? We have the Fashion Police, the Red Carpet, which eclipses the actual events which follow, Fashion Week in many great cosmopolitan cities, and fashionable clothes, electronics, vacation destinations and residential areas… Fashion plays a huge part in the food world as well - as … [Read more...]
The Lord Bergamot Orange Tea Cake; Whilst Suffering from Downton Abbey-itis
Earl Grey image courtesy leteteria.com Isn't "whilst" a great word? Perhaps I am suffering from "Downton Abbey-itis". Well, undoubtedly I am, regardless of this recipe. But, I needed to bake a cake today. You know. So, I decided upon something fresh and in the citrus season. But, I wanted to make it a little different and I was "feeling "Downton-ish" I guess - with all the Lords about and such. Perhaps I should give this to Anna (oh … [Read more...]
Do You Believe in Magic? – Triple Dairy Raspberry/Orange Scones
An order came in to the kitchen today for Raspberry Scones. Note to self: really need to find some PAYING customers in 2014!!!! Perhaps my kitchen motto should be: "Do you believe in magic, in a young girl's heart?" (John Sebastian) as this just about sums up my feelings when working in and around the oven……... The Lovin' Spoonful - circa 1965 and I'm in the kitchen engaging in one of my all time favorite "magical" outcomes! For, as … [Read more...]
And Another One Bites the Dust – The Loss of La Cucina Italiana US – A Bad Taste in My Mouth
wow - goodbye to the US version of La Cucina Italiana This classic song title comes by way of the British band, Queen, and the song, a Grammy-winner, is circa 1980. These lyrics so totally apropo for this announcement: "and another one gone, and another one gone, Another one bites the dust." You have heard me go on about the loss of my favorite culinary publications - like Gourmet Magazine after a venerable 68 years! - and the old … [Read more...]
All Hail 2014! – Frigid Temps, Use of “Food Porn” and the Boomerang Effect
fireworks over Sea of Cortez Today I am in, what you would call, a state of disrepair - deep into what I call the boomerang-effect. Two days ago I was in paradise...... I think I saw an article yesterday about seasonal affect disorder - but because I am deep in the state of it, where I can not keep a line of thought in view, I can't remember where I saw it. I can't get the lyrics from "Price Tag" from Jesse J, out of my head from the … [Read more...]