Is it possible that tomorrow is the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend? How on earth did that happen? It's been a long week since my last post. Much has happened - graduation, birthday, moving out, moving in, laundry, sorting, storing, planning the next moves…….. I literally just unpacked my suitcase from Sunday this morning - ugh. All through it all, I kept thinking about baking. This morning, with the cupboards nearly bare, I made a … [Read more...]
Special Delivery: A Cake for My Mom – The Orange-Scented Earl Grey Layer Cake with Orange Curd/Mascarpone Frosting
I think one of my Mom's very favorite things in the world to do was to bake a cake. She made birthday cakes, cakes for friends and family, cakes for holidays and cakes to take into work. If a friend was feeling poorly or someone had a sadness or loss occur, she'd bake them a cake. She loved to offer her love and support through the fruits of her oven. I loved her for this gesture of kindness and love and watched her for years perform this … [Read more...]
In California, They’re Jammin with the Fresh Fruits, Right Now!
image courtesy califapricot.com Obsessed - according to the free dictionary online is defined as : to preoccupy the mind of, excessively; hmmmm this is surely me- but in the best of all possible ways!!!!!! :) :) :) But, you knew that already……. I obsess over food, flowers and farms - mostly, but not limited to, but in this time of year, well, yes. Only when I'm not busy obsessing over Italy…… but, I digress. Two news items got me going … [Read more...]
Celebrating California Cherry Season from 2500 miles Away – Fresh Cherry and Marcona Almond Scones (The One-Trick Pony Rides Again)
I've been bemoaning the harvest of the first Cherries of the season in and around Bakersfield, Califonia, haven't I? So, yesterday, when I was in Whole Foods and spotted the first batches of California Cherries - at $9.99 a pound, I pounced - I made believe I was at the Farmer's Market in CA! Yikes - the price though! But, they have lost 70% of their crop according to some estimates, so well, prices rise when supply falls…….. I bought some … [Read more...]
Can’t Wait Forever – Lavender and Peach Scones
Lavender and Peach Scones - um, sub-lime! Today is May Day. I remember when I was a child, participating in the May Pole celebration at St. Virgil's Church in Morris Plains. We got to wear rings of flowers in our hair, and circle the pole with ribbons. Today, at least in this country, this ceremony is largely forgotten. In Europe, in many venues, today is a celebration of Worker's rights. That's all good and I definitely support worker's … [Read more...]
Rain-Induced Search for Brain Chemicals – Dark Chocolate, Dried Cherry, Toasted Coconut and Pecan Brownies (with Rum)
As predicted, today presented itself as an extreme soaker! No fun out of doors today! Best turn to the oven for fun and games! Ok, so I needed a plan, what with the weather being what it is. I had plenty to occupy me for most of the day. By the time mid-afternoon came around though, I was ready for a chemically-induced pick me up and some fun in the kitchen. What better treasure to turn to than Dark Chocolate? We all know the amazing … [Read more...]
Recipe Re-Write – Easy, Fragrant Chicken with Lemon and Oregano for a Retro-Weather Day
Ok, so today is what you call blowback - blowing all the way back to an earlier time, one I said I was finished with - you know that season that supposedly ended 5 or so weeks ago??? - when I was braising and roasting every night…….. I was hoping we were completely into bbq season, but apparently not! The other day I re-posted a recipe on my Facebook page, "In Food Today" for Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Oregano from Bon Appetit. This had … [Read more...]
Flower/Flour Power – Orange “Blossom” – Pecan Scones
at Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California in March: Ok, so I totally screwed up on the Easter posts. I was away for most of the week before, without my computer, and when I tried to work on my husband's, it was a disaster. So, next year, I will do better. I was not without copious amounts of fodder to write about - now they're stuffed away in that place that keeps circling about. I don't know about you, but I am … [Read more...]
“It’s Been a Long Time Comin – Lettuce Have Fun!
Spring has Sprung - Lettuce have fun! In the immortal words of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Circa 1968, (the Woodstock album), "It's been a long time coming"…….. Yesterday was the kind of day when I could come up with a million titles and topics to write about - while at the same time wanting to go in a million directions out-of-doors. Not only was it a day to celebrate opening the windows and letting the fresh air of Spring permeate the … [Read more...]
Spring Fever, Ranunculus and the Luncheon Scone – Apricot/Goat Cheese Scones with Thyme
What's the definition of Spring Fever? Mine is when you can let go of all the wariness associated with Winter weather and plunge into Spring with total abandon! It's when you know in your heart that the cold and nastiness is really over. I've held off my Spring Fever for a long while, having been punished for my undue optimism of a few weeks back - until I was really sure it was going to be "better". After the pansies I so … [Read more...]
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