tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56860291805631231602024-02-07T19:02:08.626-08:00Suite Apple PieSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-40476356635067505192012-09-23T10:47:00.003-07:002013-06-09T10:08:39.698-07:00Still Blogging<div style="text-align: center;">
But over at <a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/">Raising Lyla</a>, a blog with recipes, photos, and tales about parenthood and little girls.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-28231178746718663552011-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:08:09.010-07:00what i'm eating todaylunch~ Arctic Char, tomatoes with goat cheese, delicata squash, 2 <a href="http://www.alexiafoods.com/products/sweet-potatoes/sweet-potato-puffs">Alexia sweet potato puffs</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysetZXtl3N34WiOIBIgU5qzxAJNW3OW19rpJQIgSh4_JBAYpV9sQMfxUAYBgXUTxGXm3oAOoERIPfiloEzuAMt3U8FA4mAQJmNwMX8gS0e6YP1IU7KQOl0yfbQQmZoD2rwTt1N4eq9fqT/s1600/lunch+11.2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670488112580708834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysetZXtl3N34WiOIBIgU5qzxAJNW3OW19rpJQIgSh4_JBAYpV9sQMfxUAYBgXUTxGXm3oAOoERIPfiloEzuAMt3U8FA4mAQJmNwMX8gS0e6YP1IU7KQOl0yfbQQmZoD2rwTt1N4eq9fqT/s320/lunch+11.2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />snack~ <a href="http://www.dailygarnish.com/">Emily's</a> <a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/cinnamon-apple-glazed-cake-squares/">cinnamon apple glazed cake squares</a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxP5WgxFQj6Z22cCh8xdg5wnjChfvARSIbIayBUzr1HWlIE0TPIyKYt_3GtNKFe_U9RhZeCnDkM6LWm7B_IvdCEwajIxxotFD4g_RRju3g22bFc3UeYHBbmuqcrmsYhpSrrNdJPWutQAL/s1600/cake+11.2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670488103251996914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxP5WgxFQj6Z22cCh8xdg5wnjChfvARSIbIayBUzr1HWlIE0TPIyKYt_3GtNKFe_U9RhZeCnDkM6LWm7B_IvdCEwajIxxotFD4g_RRju3g22bFc3UeYHBbmuqcrmsYhpSrrNdJPWutQAL/s320/cake+11.2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />with a little almond extract added to the glaze. so yum !!</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_OVrJaOy3KtA8udgPhz7fHftSOMHKbIrQrhQVNg-zkUmXT3yf__nYyZIzMIpEO4xLmrdKPkFL7c8af5ZLDpLl-c7MdCnH8ER8o6_yPBop8FvjI-_bSlJHGYIgvsQteXRfCvOO2xnaeKX/s1600/slice+of+cake+11.2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670488091313226242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_OVrJaOy3KtA8udgPhz7fHftSOMHKbIrQrhQVNg-zkUmXT3yf__nYyZIzMIpEO4xLmrdKPkFL7c8af5ZLDpLl-c7MdCnH8ER8o6_yPBop8FvjI-_bSlJHGYIgvsQteXRfCvOO2xnaeKX/s320/slice+of+cake+11.2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/">Baby steps</a> :)</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670491541060221218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdTyqvJa2W5HMDPUfb9Fmfzt-NAm1BoeTbnmTR9MyS28vvV8Y8Y7yqSytlQ_lGkm9B9qeQMvINA3b4CNU3S6Y3uZ6XPmZ55nKFnNil_WP8SG9LuH5TjoYSEw1YFaGCIv2CKfQQwwbPBVP/s320/IMG_4267.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670491532226149218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkx_6W26Yr0Iffn9uAT6-BcTrjivruqMJIESSo2Lg05BqQrlP9QTkcy4VvDqSCGFuECjvMM-kTa81ILOJiGwIvbEE5jGaov9Ima8oJ8Lu8zwNjvvrbOtUzzDJSEkoDFjso6AlSVddX6OW/s320/Lyla+10.31.JPG" border="0" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 212px; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; text-align: center; " />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-4476608528259365782011-10-12T13:46:00.000-07:002011-10-12T14:05:06.310-07:00Recent Favorites<a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2010/11/cravings.html">tofu chocolate pudding<br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvheG-_ihhNN7_huuAcY60CftcMH751CWTdj2BbNpw-H85LQ1PaowHiW0i9b45dgKbtsxn9ULT-apAlEqj3YbzCgM3k4kE1G_iSKXNty8OGoJfl04aajR4FyOQTDsnvXZNF3QwW072KeHr/s1600/With+berries+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662712628203658546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvheG-_ihhNN7_huuAcY60CftcMH751CWTdj2BbNpw-H85LQ1PaowHiW0i9b45dgKbtsxn9ULT-apAlEqj3YbzCgM3k4kE1G_iSKXNty8OGoJfl04aajR4FyOQTDsnvXZNF3QwW072KeHr/s320/With+berries+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2009/03/because-you-asked.html">whole wheat rolls</a> <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662711387003192402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuBE5alVz656sgi2XH0MNQkeDqRx484XQ_ovCa_ysglz9L5jLW0hanizzMtDJBTYrezPN6rIWtg8bVr3ukL4oyNkuaXfei4AcDMAl-KBMNC4RMoMhvIcXC-s0GHH8Yha6gn2XfnBL7qx0/s320/Thanksgiving+Rolls.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2010/08/spaghetti-carbonara.html">spaghetti carbonara</a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662711397277721842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t1vn6Lta3aT2qLaqnH7tvvWWhPLlQsNZdaQBlqB-XU31n5pcz_F854guX87oVDoyQnCAc2c29aRW_7WZu0Qxxf2ziin3euDtsvmeU8SYOXn2dxKyIEp5iN6sYpPAs_fEi31zKW0SiK2t/s320/Plate+of+Carbonara.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />pizzas with lamb sausage and mint from <a href="http://www.osteriacoppa.com/">Osteria Coppa</a><br /><br /><br />apple-pumpkin Kodiak pancakes<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662711391240096050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxyVECuQfwcDRxC4r633zWjBa2X6VgC_jYjDybuVjdOEbZRiJtzf1RI1973C6HyeWvtjn_sztExnJDCXS133KTU_WMVGTm4BXmO33BuPNh_0mlCWRgSfgBRSIgojww_t8BGtYRn8y0OHO/s320/Box+Front.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />pumpkin smoothies (pumpkin, soy milk, splenda, cinnamon)<br /><br /><a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2010/02/sushi-adventure.html">homemade sashimi</a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662712641415409746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lO2_M5T6pSDh5lqLnhIGAyZUn3eJ-stO4K-mtAECdFrmeSgiZb8JjkrvNBFfXu5tGF3D77QfGVgs3Bweil_nYMt6BiT8Kmx_xrGCCvkAT96Sq6X-R0qz5SyaYCMp7RKc0uu4oo9PkkNG/s320/Cut+Salmon+Sashimi+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />sushi from <a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2008/08/barracuda-sushi.html">Barracuda</a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662712627919000290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFp3dQ12L6JUbxg1PSJAQPyGxT2ShiNBp5y1QZMcbM41q8t9Ur4V6GLYwmduByOd5qckc6l26h3ErBFcs9g3AYHk2F7ZPnORMu9IGttbCgvgkst5B_KFG8bnlqKrZgx2gDDtMAk-RcA49/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" />nut butter tastings. . .<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUgxjBZyLnl17BAdH9tnods4GUxskBsuPOKn_JEdDVDV4SjSNP6DHvUAF0OdR9TcU471feMJM-09MGUPKA2sQgdpYjuLOZqT57K8e45kNv_SoLNSDaF3i6OcKUWPxize_ct7w1Tt1FG6D/s1600/DSC_2785.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662711407172655954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUgxjBZyLnl17BAdH9tnods4GUxskBsuPOKn_JEdDVDV4SjSNP6DHvUAF0OdR9TcU471feMJM-09MGUPKA2sQgdpYjuLOZqT57K8e45kNv_SoLNSDaF3i6OcKUWPxize_ct7w1Tt1FG6D/s320/DSC_2785.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>~:::~</strong></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-19702727138068621022011-05-04T13:18:00.000-07:002011-05-04T13:27:55.324-07:00In Your Face<div align="center">I can't help it. I love close shots of <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>ooey gooey</strong></span> desserts.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32YWt1DGdYw56E4D40k3OaOohqWNZX6adb0Fzube07GbtBjlTf7E0WJvXbkc0PLZ3PxYhOdWj-cfNRp-JigiGhyphenhyphenp2t8FHQwltkdPqwsotXj227tCBfazIUv8UO1tE_mqCAedFs1cbSZOY/s1600/DSC_2761.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602958196655540546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32YWt1DGdYw56E4D40k3OaOohqWNZX6adb0Fzube07GbtBjlTf7E0WJvXbkc0PLZ3PxYhOdWj-cfNRp-JigiGhyphenhyphenp2t8FHQwltkdPqwsotXj227tCBfazIUv8UO1tE_mqCAedFs1cbSZOY/s320/DSC_2761.JPG" border="0" /></a> Since you can't get your face up close and personal with this crumble, I'm just helping you out.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvtyzDlNKIc2Fwn7m5dKCnEBkHyATxuj_WeRNOb_ZR6vnxU5my5mHebQkThOXOLvWp_bhAeH6c44AdZ60tA3Z9T2dxEY0yCWqFRhtTdKe8t9ijOP1mAVj7UGQ3ssJhxAbHaq8PIXTMeGR/s1600/Crumble+Top.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602958193644015202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvtyzDlNKIc2Fwn7m5dKCnEBkHyATxuj_WeRNOb_ZR6vnxU5my5mHebQkThOXOLvWp_bhAeH6c44AdZ60tA3Z9T2dxEY0yCWqFRhtTdKe8t9ijOP1mAVj7UGQ3ssJhxAbHaq8PIXTMeGR/s320/Crumble+Top.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was completely inspired by the tropical flavors of <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/04/strawberry-pineapple-crumble/">Joy the Baker's Strawberry Pineapple Crumble</a> last month. Crisps and crumbles are my most favorite desserts next to pie. This fruit combination was a brilliant new idea; I love pineapple, but it never comes to mind for dessert. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I followed her recipe but doubled it and shaved a bit of sugar from the fruit and some butter from the topping. I also used salted butter which was an amazing contrast with the sweet filling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwJhyBhl921R04iIsgvGNV1Gie54hBRvtj_xkfsLZ2WEY9Gx6xlT-LKTjEJQe-OTpuBYT0WE7iZ2aiE6shogB5wAG4Gt19Pm0tut_4yjE-LJGL01Ylme9IIWdKoqActk_4aBd9WK9ixsT/s1600/Cross+Section.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602958185120969890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwJhyBhl921R04iIsgvGNV1Gie54hBRvtj_xkfsLZ2WEY9Gx6xlT-LKTjEJQe-OTpuBYT0WE7iZ2aiE6shogB5wAG4Gt19Pm0tut_4yjE-LJGL01Ylme9IIWdKoqActk_4aBd9WK9ixsT/s320/Cross+Section.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oh. my. goodness. this is good.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-5487447794638150312011-05-01T20:27:00.000-07:002011-05-01T20:31:04.127-07:00Crossover<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601955501485318962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh766V3qLgJr9g-7pCdrUAmheRIqRr6d6-FXBaqKAz9-gdSThUMOJG5DU7ez6C3PUzy921n7D3qV_8nXJbN9NWUNteGCCShr-v5rY8kwsStSiGhS3Tzaa-kfpUsDI02_8peP5ReUnTksq0t/s320/Frozen+Squash.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">I made the first foods for my baby. It was fun, satisfying, and very easy. If you'd like to read about it, step on over to <a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/2011/05/making-lyla-food.html">Raising Lyla</a>.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ln8Vu7CAsWMiFOTkqbMgtdE207u8L1UR4YVQv9__aObeQTrHwwUi7YQcejvJdalIoetIzTlsXwFNP-AH-T67bTLNr24xTWk4uqe3rfzgnOIIai_QNe7-7dpPILdIemqtANc0XAny_Ye/s1600/Finished+squash.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601955508311200594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ln8Vu7CAsWMiFOTkqbMgtdE207u8L1UR4YVQv9__aObeQTrHwwUi7YQcejvJdalIoetIzTlsXwFNP-AH-T67bTLNr24xTWk4uqe3rfzgnOIIai_QNe7-7dpPILdIemqtANc0XAny_Ye/s320/Finished+squash.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-26128971092002625822011-04-18T17:55:00.000-07:002011-04-18T19:55:07.078-07:00Sea of Green<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597092185200343042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH85J1e_nZBTM2rvpXiAdAu0Vxz59HLzglYuqs_oeZZnCoxJzWABZCS1dyEmk5bB0rRFBYAOQlILzygjS2OKQLhVbU6rk8IzXdnN5Aw_O0ESl4Sxrnr8KFUdC2KKcJ4WAEm5-g5SLPE7F/s320/Broccoli+Mash+1.JPG" border="0" />I like what I like. On weekdays I don't want to experiment much. Give me dishes I love that are easy. Every once in a while I'll change things up. I love a good cauliflower mash, so why not try it with broccoli? </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/">We</a> made this delicious mash in 10 minutes and boy is it delicious! I served it with some pork tenderloin and roasted fennel, but it'd make an excellent ravioli filling or white pizza topping.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597092190464853298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1iAi3VSYgl2WWAo3H2GxbigMI6kbbQjKEna3XX9Hu_gDLmUl8unl9vpS0Nubm3kfr7ZiVddqsXCTrhArt24oxyropdpeVn4Vz7U5_RSmzsnnbmajE2EvxtcYT0kKSs-nPzZKLsz3N18u/s320/Broccoli+Mash+2.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Broccoli Mash</span> </p><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">*I used Laughing Cow wedges because I had two in the fridge and it made the mash a little lighter. Next time any finely grated cheese would work. </span></p><br /><p>12 oz broccoli florets </p><br /><p>2 light Laughing Cow wedges </p><br /><p>1/2 tsp salt </p><br /><p>splash of milk </p><br /><p>Steam the broccoli until tender and bright green. Dump into a food processor with the salt and pulse until broken up. Add a splash of milk and the two Laughing Cow wedges and process until smooth and combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. </p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597093512632850386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KYTb-CIu2-nhhCNT0isLvenmCsRtA-M3aIuWHCNbJfaRbVeHHX_C1tIxVzCkXLdEAmpKo3rlYv6stZRZkDYRb9CDQReo2hiX3Gg1j6j0lonOJxMwKp7IIvBHDy_u9QfzvSJu6cXOyYoR/s320/Wooden+Spoon+3.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Just a little longer and I can put her to work on prep.</p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-4513256081390763762011-04-10T14:18:00.000-07:002011-04-10T15:51:01.756-07:00Yum Cha<div align="center">I just got back from vacation in Kauai, which you can read more about <a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/">here</a>. We never left <a href="http://www.kauai.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp">the resort</a> but it didn't matter because the pool and beach were excellent and we had amazing food at every meal. I was too busy photographing my family to document much of the food. But I did snap two of our favorite dinners, both at Yum Cha, the hotel's Asian fusion spot. Sharing was the name of the game- my favorite!</div><br /><div align="center">The first night we had peppered beef, pad thai (under the egg blanket), and a pork hot pot.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594067701429435650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6brv1T9spW1vTinFFXdfYiq9SH2hpfISsiMo55oHRxuBpi8uW7Y8mZrCqtRyxpPZvZtVSKWIKql30WMANzbxUhU1J8uvTMuDerpA8xcektzpumpbKl46dsB4Q7g_8icQoQ3ivD7mtVhI/s320/IMG_4053.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><div align="center">Followed by the green tea brulee with almond cookies.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594067706873880146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMyeb0jYntZOyvI65RCzXbhkaVtyhdc1mULnva4zrjHPx64gCg3XZNMJGC9ILRlG61aoLr-4Gx1_m6G6wzLJZk4O0txb1S2HC3oyZhMae02MdHOy2UTBOxn8KcXQluJN-24gcgI8nsGRO/s320/IMG_4054.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><div align="center">The food was excellent and since we liked it so much, we returned on our last night. This time I missed the soup appetizers and tempura ice cream dessert, and only got the remnants of dinner: stir fried udon, fried wild rice, and the peppered beef again because it was that good.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594067708543789154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlTFW5MvbFB-VC2y8dSM3WFVixnNBydBxJB45pbCqZN_s6JgroKvjFB02OJz4_7lr9fGHKZcIK9BZmrPsDq8lR-FvLyfD5kpF6vHklTTxhW_WoXGoGD10dsN4TyBXKtdp-7H1vP_cNJ4i/s320/IMG_4108.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><div align="center">We ate lunch by the pool everyday. </div><br /><div align="center">My shrimp and somen noodles on the last day were delicious, light, and pretty.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb0ADPm3Vjxkulni9zYJTLVzjqvI7kdoY2skAs3Eyp90ppo2RS5KdbeVqwNgug3Cji3-s6SJGS9DQM5rUAB8ROOiDznTzDja9kpdtQj4_1F5nnBt3_jOKrAdsz8rlLSdn4BJ0ObW967mB/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594067715746194178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb0ADPm3Vjxkulni9zYJTLVzjqvI7kdoY2skAs3Eyp90ppo2RS5KdbeVqwNgug3Cji3-s6SJGS9DQM5rUAB8ROOiDznTzDja9kpdtQj4_1F5nnBt3_jOKrAdsz8rlLSdn4BJ0ObW967mB/s320/IMG_4104.JPG" border="0" /></a>Other vacation eats included lobster, king crab, kalua pork, seared ahi sashimi, chocolate mousse cake, waffle fries, coconut lattes, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_musubi">musubi</a>, strawberry smoothies, lava flows, and bedtime raspberry chocolates.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I'm waddling a little. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><strong>~::::~ </strong></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-73167757650958622222011-03-23T12:29:00.000-07:002011-03-23T12:57:29.209-07:00Results of Dinner Percolating<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKCX_osBqyV19Xsuhrow7GIYDILGZy8mhrSLs-GdsYU3Cc-JYl8u4ZihMx6mf-FmZOIviRnjxOQS0vRF0KIL_55GO_fIrosnypCZ3u_X4OyVBcNt9KDyXZ6Z6aYEAktBTqBmpmkuvIsId/s1600/Closeup+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587363134289569906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKCX_osBqyV19Xsuhrow7GIYDILGZy8mhrSLs-GdsYU3Cc-JYl8u4ZihMx6mf-FmZOIviRnjxOQS0vRF0KIL_55GO_fIrosnypCZ3u_X4OyVBcNt9KDyXZ6Z6aYEAktBTqBmpmkuvIsId/s320/Closeup+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> On my indecisive days, dinner percolates in my brain all afternoon and it's then that I get creative and come up with something new. For this meal I went from having no idea what I wanted to a serendipitous combination of tastes that used great items from my fridge and pantry. This dish combines some of my most favorite things; it's a cross between macaroni and cheese and a vegetable gratin, but very heavy on the vegetables.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587363140487939746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_wg9OW6CI79NbwO3mx_nd_sxYEQVVBv79aaKNM0FkLsV__EXG64VBMXs6oMMRXTlnNnzU_qBvSpJKpHtgu7g2Fu4gAiPUxSjSVKuByD0l8gEc2UGAwo40IsVIc_R7HV3-iBSN1UOT7Bx/s320/Plate.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">There are several components that make this dish come together, but the actual hands-on time is short so it's quick enough for a weeknight.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587363135827567186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaAYfNJhSMEuVCJI2SN8cSXOSctmrfACC8-8cbipbjTCzeEMcyoqf_DMnlsD5PpHte4tSDudV47urdT_KyJNrkmWfOJT5fBYCHIIb1dkYdIR0DUObu35W4zbAMogIUC0MEMCZnQ8ZYkie/s320/Full+Bake.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Vegetable Pasta Gratin</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">serves 3-4</span></div><br /><div>8 ounces broccoli florets</div><div>12 ounces butternut squash, cubed</div><div>1/2 red onion, cubed</div><div>1/2 apple, skin on and cubed</div><div>2 Tbs olive oil</div><div>1/2 cup whole wheat pasta</div><div>1 Tbs butter</div><div>2 Tbs flour</div><div>1 cup low fat milk</div><div>3/4 cup shredded cheese (I used my favorite TJ's quattro formaggio blend)</div><div>salt to taste</div><div>1/2 cup toasted cornbread crumbs</div><br /><div>Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.</div><br /><div>Toss the broccoli, squash, onion, and apple in a large bowl with the olive oil and salt to taste. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, tossing halfway through. Remove from the oven and set aside. Lower the oven to 350 degrees.</div><br /><div>In a small pot, boil the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.</div><br /><div>In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together until cooked and bubbling. Warm the milk in the microwave until hot and add to the butter-flour mixture. Whisk vigorously and cook together until the bechamel starts to thicken. Add the cheese and whisk until melted into the sauce. Remove from the heat and stir the vegetables and pasta into the sauce.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587363129474744418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4_RKZTZbSgNc-mYpsfOl6-U61S2P83z0cOLpLW5hDKxYM5of1VgQaG8y5q39SwuMDM8aEMtZbgSlLt9sEx_z3tT7_FBHxTebMo53x-JGrbmJUVpLZxjEZXhBltnGSlMlr_QAsr2woMS6/s320/Closeup+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />Transfer to a baking dish in an even layer and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.</div><div> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>::::</strong></span></div><div> </div><div align="center">And because I can't post here or <a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/">there</a> without a picture, <a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2010/11/lyla-bean-burrito.html">my baking assistant</a> (who is getting more and more interested in the action of 'eating') says hello:</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587363145371131186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5Ka92EIpBxt9aR31sGZKrzURxENwrnBRTTNzD7T0yYW0Hg2zVrz4p-G2Ert5M3-2WE8QDcMuG-eNYNtxARCUSB4A8_5sWzWISJSexE9zYvXTjs3i6UHt8ABcQsW-_rjvsndK7jzc3_Hq/s320/DSC_2694.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-75913954893034428692011-02-28T13:02:00.000-08:002011-02-28T17:40:56.457-08:00Full of Dessert Tricks These Days<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My sweet tooth is way out of control right now. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578849748701359090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz51cvAnDZY929LptwMf53mIK6bz9EBMemxLxh7BfoLXJ2sIOxGm3H2EsKftviO3eqKbSwYShOTHuA_aRQqvx1BJqulNqWYyob-DPZ8bxYwpvCQIWwOYVSUrNpty44zI8wsam6aXMD8nq/s320/Dessert+Hummus.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I made Wannabe Chef's <a href="http://www.thewannabechef.net/2011/01/11/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-dessert-hummus/">Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Dessert Hummus</a> today, and I wanted to let you know that it's good.</div><div align="center">No dippers, just eating it with a spoon.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578849751187023682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9GPN7nuGJlKhjCbOrK06zH9hrKN34wTFnFSW9u6n3qH80EVLRMhuYJzF3uShyRALB2OFFecJyXoHb8fzp6FvuRg7ewXp-94tBQLfVpizRwaRsCp0gKFthwK6U5VGoHBzvUACEmHyOtB6/s320/Dessert+Hummus+3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-62258574034123600642011-02-25T12:51:00.000-08:002011-02-25T13:40:26.388-08:00A Crafty Way to Eat Pie for Dinner<div align="center">I need to begin this post with a story.</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577739317898729394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWvo7rn4YESJrMhvybEkA415xHJqfCB0ArBtM3shMLK7v3S3LTkzNVqXVrQ4j8ApO0izvry1yMMwp-4QeEZrf31nnXUElFwWp0rKhG1j3DXpE56sGJzxUY9O303e8B4RfdK3CJz3zNYnY/s320/Browned+Bottom.JPG" border="0" /><br />This week I had the nicest surprise when I woke up. My day begins with diaper changes and nursing, and as I sat there with Lyla I received a text message from my Mom. She had driven by my house 30 minutes earlier (dropping off Dad at SFO for a flight to Atlanta) and had left a package on my doorstep. When I went to retrieve it, I found lunch. Not just any lunch, the leftovers from her dinner the night before that had me very excited: pureed broccoli and cheese soup (new recipe from <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/">Cook's Illustrated</a>- amazing!) and some breakfast apple pie from Marion Cunningham's <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakfast-Book-Marion-Cunningham/dp/0394555295">Breakfast Book</a></em>. I thought about this lunch all morning and barely managed to not eat all of both in one sitting.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577739337069113346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXmkQK3xQXnTeBAfwC7rngYksShZMaUEQbeVIlFkIz7_MGQsz1CdKf8slqjfSME70ZAYPJFeC2oN0mIpAhasWeqRE2AoxlDMqD8BeEDUWvW8RELKDVDCs3_DTor8od71pyNDlOwxEhWU-/s320/Open+Calzone.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">The breakfast apple pie had less sugar and was baked in a cheddar crust. It was wonderful, and gone too fast. I'll do almost anything for apple pie, so naturally I was wishing for more. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">That's where these apple cheddar calzones came from. The flavors of apple pie with sharpy cheesy cheddar and a wholesome crust make it pretty suitable for the dinner table.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577739332218594066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8aoqjPDRgg-QEb6tzNxQHNz5Qy7ghBAgOTmHHFLR-usFu5KQ6MprCZXBdfno3fRva0avs4LOdtnD9I6X_B7RO0Ked7t0bxkimEfDH9K4Lz6XBZFtrjQuB-n6xemT9JnFwZoQyCP-KGSt/s320/Oozy+Cheese.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Apple Cheddar Calzones</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">makes 3 largish calzones<br /></span><br />1/2 batch whole wheat pizza dough<br />2 Granny Smith Apples (tart), peeled and diced<br />2 Pink Lady Apples (sweet), peeled and diced<br />1 Tbs butter<br />3 Tbs sugar<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />juice from 1/2 lemon<br />1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated<br /><br />Mix pizza dough in the bread machine, then divide into three balls and lay on a floured surface and drape with a wet towel. (Alternatively, you can use storebough dough and prepare to the package's directions). Add the butter to a deep saute pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes until the apples are soft. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.<br /><br />Roll out first ball of dough and place 1/3 of the apples on half of the dough. Top with 1/3 of the grated cheese. Fold dough over the top and pinch the ends together to seal. Place on a baking sheet and cut 4 slits in the top of the calzone with a knife. Repeat with the second and third balls of dough and the rest of the filling.<br /><br />Bake for about 20 minutes until the crusts are golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool a few minutes before slicing in half and serving.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577739341103702706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenx85T88JYzfZMMU-dOTn04v7YT6YwsmOcv8QF8vtkbBLWbekaQPix8z0mqyrn_44xyf3X_pqNpocBEth0IiIC11rRQWYzNgFN2HpWwFaixXdufwPRq0f__yZPVyuoMXFHIDpj0qtKPl0/s320/Ready+to+Bake.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">It's just like eating pie for dinner. And leftovers make excellent breakfast.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577739328245798738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvh4HN1Jlrs6rbxC9i_1VqiTNy975QaO5Fck5FrXbiK0B8-2pSQv37GT9uBnR5raj0c_2pkVKspKCHx0nkQpiAc8KhXJiPmBBprn2ctegDAbE1AtZ9HPSwTM6L-1SfLrnaNJVKAkFbzDx/s320/Cheddar+and+Apples.JPG" border="0" /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-50192979407536022582011-02-21T14:33:00.000-08:002011-02-21T15:18:40.343-08:00Sudden Urge to Bake<div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576283874954512098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSL_ZFLNg1D_b7nm1m_zUvLesO2CCaAIU9EyhwOYg_4NIubKxfQ2NPNkYEV06qIKuyQLbSljGDuok6yMYtYLy5gwF_cQ7ql5lxf3upa_GnJ-_7HQOeJE0vyTttihhrdxfbpskplWmjvwf/s320/Banana+Bread+1.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">It's rainy and freezing out for the nth day in a row. And President's Day, so Ray is home with Lyla and I. Besides a quick trip to Babies R Us and Whole Foods, I'm staying indoors. I don't mind since I'm an introverted homebody whose daughter likes to nap in her swing for several hours in the afternoon. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576276738276930610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJeyWFNR9G7jo9yTN8r7U6EljSWjeA7ZHpaV2lmJYOfBuoGFT06X1x-5Ie21EeiTtJNmBOihTWNyTLEbKXwbrsbYOsaJ8JgRVLR-LGzrTcYqTrV3kbS2SqjwJL0U2xDjCem5eVDn0j40g/s320/Batter+with+Peanuts.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><p align="center">But Ray gets stir crazy, so he headed out to Costco for batteries, stamps, and this frozen ravioli he loves that I think smells pretty foul. Despite the desire to lose the last 10 baby LBs, while he was gone I decided to bake. A quick search through bookmarked recipes brought me to one of the favorites, Joy the Baker. I'm actually making two of hers today: <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/02/vegan-cream-of-mushroom-soup-with-not-so-vegan-herb-bread/">dinner tonight</a>, and her <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/02/peanut-butter-banana-bread/">Peanut Butter Banana Bread</a>. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576283882448042210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhBqgg1Ct-WsI0KWVuEJ-RVocyjYn55af3rmRw0RDHzWmR4WUI6gTlXd3rsRtQMYW8RE-cmKpVo33w8T7JSgiGtztgDs0gm2-_Lnk3-OJ-rieNbpte_1dGbG6cTndAVguztxEPDh5re2C/s320/Banana+Bread+3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">I had all the ingredients, and my own peanut butter obsession has recently spread to the rest of my house. I bet Lyla loves it too since she gets it through me every day. After making a nice big mess of my kitchen (measuring cups and utensils and crumbs next to the Bumbo seat, burp cloth, and Chan Pie Gnon teether aka <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/product.aspx?sku=539077&mr:trackingCode=1A5649CC-5817-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA">Gnomie</a>), </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576276742386878322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xK0RZOyTGj08GLBGAOoBnPEv5FcsBBdOZ08g2E-ecAF0ea21-gldqEf_6LIs93GC9pt9uT7M4wrpI2zsZcctFMMAaAsPvYgDJSGoIu2K2GDFpEt-BFtGm94ID5py_pyNgqi5Dy90Oa0i/s320/Messy+Kitchen.JPG" border="0" />I placed the loaf pan in the oven and sat down to enjoy the fantastic peanut butter and banana aroma.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576278706297539026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4XNPMJipFlmVLPj_5xISQCxd5et20rXWqhNNOwy1VIOmaBDjF3IhCp1s3EA1W3F_gFVh5FyhPq7cTrgwFxN6LLUEIPk80cIzvqciXekw8ROVsUxBNsNX9bNnlYGSr_PmRfxKJcJ-28AY/s320/Bunting+4.JPG" border="0" /><br />Hopefully the smell doesn't wake the little one up.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>:::</strong></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576283879586062690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EeuA8YZw4QUgJ6LCBv9wuFj5sdsP8KEbtnyCS3GgMlCJwWGqO6BsR6E8WC00MQBc6T9rFlo3GUxxibovv5A4RRrpejsQ3UHaxSyXLW27rwl2Sx3QTAItzW1rKPBqbiO-C3EQAMnpSfQ-/s320/Banana+Bread+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">I followed Joy's recipe exactly. For the recipe, please visit <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/">her blog</a>.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></p></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-9036043023240458052011-02-17T14:22:00.000-08:002011-02-17T14:40:21.474-08:00In Disguise<div align="center">These are cookie dough balls disguised as domes. I'm telling you.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574790633009450178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcOzIeXGO8-xDayoU1PpRgaxtg4verQ2-fxIgIMsWya2mHVgGerA8c7gH6mNId6Rb11swDh4OtmBajdLOQ10Q11cpJnYAaHNjLY9s0tMdOD85OT-mLaDwe5VI1YqeKBTwd7kGMv0_q9Ub/s320/Domes+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />These spheres of gooey smooshy batter and chocolate have been roaming the internet and I've been bookmarking them <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2010/11/09/having-a-ball/">left</a> <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2010/11/chocolate-chip-dough-balls-success.html">right</a> and <a href="http://cake0rdeath.blogspot.com/2010/11/adventures-in-cookie-dough-balls.html">center</a>. We're having a dinner party tomorrow so the perfect excuse to try them out. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574790638143087490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbFMBL_yB9bL5riYb_DbO4EknP0CzCWuPoghq0c5YjZG3Oxvn1i4Ig2k8R0-SuQA2lTG6-J_WjuuMiWU0F1nXEQytudfDpSptoX2iPb0fTGpGDS_2ks0fEbE9mU6m4C1GzpszbqH36VWq/s320/Domes+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">But mine didn't turn out. The dreaded spreading occured and most of mine are more like a regular cookie than a ball of dough. I followed directions to refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes, but the hand rolling does warm them up so a longer refrigeration would help them stay in shape.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574790650776461826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8J3SpHkqLpU82dRSn2Zluy1M1ICt1YMqBusjnm8WKclhHVj_f75W2y1rOP1bDumqnErpELyRwbrF8PHKybPnGmvQOLaOWxDB7W38dCmjlu4rzulRF2NW9aOWrSBlhRdKJtCrjbnVIMx9/s320/Domes+3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Fortunately this failure still yields a perfectly tasty cookie.</div><br />Now the question of how crazy I am to be hosting a dinner party with a 3-month-old that has random meltdowns in the evening?<br />Maybe you can answer that for me.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-37225727641337115242011-01-28T14:08:00.000-08:002011-01-28T14:58:07.753-08:00Amaretto Cake<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbq4OqvFdixlFDvaM-QQlOShqpLp67KiuYohu8zyHFy-ANIrzE-AGsh8t14vMTJ3WXEgNyvyXQLxmYb_625LOcwd9bC2ZT8RYVqGJFAP8CZqQtjqMUv85wXECJR_fqs1hOyyfsfhiXg1k/s1600/almonds.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567367998554734930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbq4OqvFdixlFDvaM-QQlOShqpLp67KiuYohu8zyHFy-ANIrzE-AGsh8t14vMTJ3WXEgNyvyXQLxmYb_625LOcwd9bC2ZT8RYVqGJFAP8CZqQtjqMUv85wXECJR_fqs1hOyyfsfhiXg1k/s320/almonds.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My interest in food began to take shape in college, a gradual process beginning my sophomore year. That year I moved out of the dorm and into an apartment, where I had to cook for myself if I wanted to eat. I started with apple cinnamon pancakes for my roommates, then mom's recipe for lasagna bolognese. There was a time where I'd make eggs and tomatoes in a tortilla every morning before class, and I remember really good salmon baked in parchment with rice and tzatziki on the side. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/">My school</a> operated on a 4-1-4 semester system, the '1' being a single intensive course in January, known as Jan Term. For my senior year Jan Term, I took a food writing class. Being able to read and write about food from the likes of MFK Fisher and Julia Child was a great way to spend a month. The last class meeting included a potluck. Our writing was gourmet but the potluck wasn't- we were still college students! I brought this cake and it was pretty popular.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567373441401111874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3631j2bc3_oJ8VltAxWitK9QLkqSvMgK7b9Jcg3hNSMJTI2u5P3IWp0PVLsO-juYG0cPIjtAqS1ppJNqruoKIKJXa_5spl04bjqIb_-BrqwzHN32n3gE46_L7Tpk2dath2sE2byBqnMd/s320/Cake+and+booze.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Tomorrow is my 28th birthday and I decided to bake myself a cake. Yes, there is still a bunch of baby weight to work off but there has to be some cake for a birthday. <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Mom is making my favorite apple pie for us tomorrow, but I want cake too. Don't judge.)</em></span><br /><br />The thing about this cake is that it's delicious and so, so, <em>so</em> easy. There's nothing about this that is from scratch! I have no shame in using cake and pudding mixes today, especially because this is my baking assistant~<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567368289164546674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0junePWkIb5RTPy0KsREsfyKJLcztpLa3kHzsPKNwZFrYRj28C3XpfEH1yItdpDlwZ4Cu2sxJ8ksoth7MahIQYlG1UkEh1Oc91yv_BT9RwraTMeA97s1Lxyb-XxB1cwXd0VaFLJhyphenhyphenNk5/s320/on+the+counter+1.27.JPG" border="0" /><br />(Times have changed since the last time I made this cake. My repertoire has expanded, and my baking assistant wears duckie jammies. And the main fixture on my counter is now a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bumbo-402-Baby-Seat-Blue/dp/B0007ORN7M">Bumbo seat</a>.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567368284863889522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4jQSsfBPSsetA6C-_QlUTRiFZA8s6dHDytHnRU0J5v84h0fgjipGarDRPjKAp-bbNFeUoKnZRdfMRGbQPpX69RZ2LaSm9Lm43H0RgDECQgoSoxUb1CnLOfPrGPPOyGCQxyMBw8NuYdVr/s320/my+counter.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>One thing hasn't changed: the notion that a little booze makes baked goods even better. This particular cake benefits from a healthy portion of this~ </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567368022816684450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8cay7E7r72PN5zwj86B37WHu8sbrvHEZl8nemgwZiTUng9o3_bEce-9d0twrpMlcz2NjVgNJ0OnVHSQ28fROtQImPGda2shTFyLgc3YQ989FnQNtgXEJtXiG7Eg4Cl5Pqfeb_XhD0O9H/s320/Disaronno.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>The cake is very moist with a lovely almond scent, while the icing is flavorful and just a little boozy from the Amaretto. </div><div> </div><div>The best part? Start to finish during naptime. Sweet. </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567368012633514802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBfY-9C6ueGHmnG_5N-lgks2lQSw5q8KTDI4GFl-jAZov2ZZoAQMiOkcLWkW-Xac6XTBTs3csOj_BuO8On7juiRnQBFMzwTJSRgzt9FD_BCDFnYYcyOy-PPWrzSDFRwWBbYMzgIM8vYXo/s320/Cake+2.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><strong>Amaretto Cake</strong></span></p><p>serves 16</p><p>1 package plain yellow cake mix</p><p>1 package instant vanilla pudding mix</p><p>3/4 cup Amaretto liquor</p><p>1/2 cup water</p><p>1/4 cup vegetable oil</p><p>1/4 cup plain applesauce</p><p>4 eggs</p><p>1/4 tsp almond extract</p><p>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahreinheit. Grease and flour a 10-in bundt pan.</p><p>Blend the mixes, Amaretto, water, oil, applesauce, eggs, and extract with a hand blender for 1 min on low speed. Increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and springy. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes. </p><p>Run a knife along the edge of the cake and invert on to the cooling rack. Drizzle with the glaze (recipe below) and 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds. Cool completely before serving.</p><p><em>Glaze:</em> 1 cup confectioners sugar whisked together with 5 Tbs Amaretto</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567368007597451826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPWRjZDIELkIyLDq3OPRnotOHKgcQLf-oEo6CRhy4Mp2I8lql6OMEvIAjnjIWes8xUqkTl8XbDCsK5Ou5_I2eSNzOiKUtA_zv5ZRJ1hIX5y9COS3-p6tYbgH1CnyYFX0tPP5b8fuGT1dX/s320/Cake+1.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><strong>~:::~</strong></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-7363707898612897792011-01-01T15:06:00.000-08:002011-01-01T15:50:24.924-08:00Sweet 2011<div align="center">hi 2011,<br />~</div><div align="center">we're still hanging out in the kitchen;<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557358786469228274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VK55VyL4X4IUgq7WfCPaFjP3bbOjTfTYEnL0lNzCYHWM0vF0QcFkM3HTlZ4Q1CQnzWUXrCHJq0RdqsweqSTufW5WcfkqVM4aj2NhIPL-OYA9rU_9-UVy7plhZy0zDL8BFG9G_PYG7HdC/s320/bouncy+seat+4.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">this week we put an <a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2009/12/apple-pumpkin-pie.html">apple pumpkin pie</a> together.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557368390032807362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfknmILn9a5vvadkoxOqnocf6eBA0OGddVvpkFHMU4cEsYyroQJNmvAmNYuPTDYUZg0s0HV7NoPTsPe4MhOhmkngaFlbY3iEq_B9cmLeJ-c1aus4dSgCuLwu0y3c732wU5La14NsvhVg7V/s320/apple+pumpkin+pie.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">and today we wanted some cookies. so we baked the <a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2010/08/c-is-for-chocolate-chip-cookie.html">chewy chocolate ones</a>, but</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557368394874158674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7aLYCvT1f1Wl7L4iOOpAOjNLyPnozg-yctUfELHUdfp6HuT4U9NAmp9n6MZ0G-fDoPA12PTy5fdfBc3PZh_zb3o8bYHMwXihA2f4L1shdo6np36lILahml5QUQ24f9TFDXaPvUG1zGoB/s320/chocolate+chip+cookies.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">mostly we're doing lots of this ~<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557358784071849234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjXOuWc2DIZql8WqQc25TqiBiBo82zONISbrADMgqnF_AIKeCyQgrxIshvOlidbuiExqme_vqs3zBLVulg02xaM-l2rShSZk6UzjFLNr9Fqk4-g0GUQYAYPcWjnBzfR6dMLmfVEUCmHk9/s320/bouncy+seat+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-188090934555373482010-11-28T13:33:00.000-08:002010-11-28T13:53:07.711-08:00Lyla Bean Burrito<div align="center">We are eating out of the freezer, pantry, and anything our family and friends bring us. I'm not cooking because <strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">we have this little one to take care of</span></strong>.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544717406776677570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBGSS2Til-qHHrsJjfP9NF2DJ8RyGaYBQOmBX5s_04ZTTAYswIBXb4KOw_6nxYUpIu_XypE7iX0HxQm42OvxBcZBri4LwngzJy_Mp0JegpCTJ0ARXuSeA33K39p-YeST0GZ2AZb9Hyugt/s320/Sarah+and+Lyla+on+Tgiving+morning.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544718954201086194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0-mpfCY5n5aYILvt67GSjcNywe1ysx3MUjO8saPyC4hnbzBsfXLq9IwnrRVty8G5OYy5ECz7LHVqDMsSBdrZZqcDp6v2NNPZihWU4tEtn28IXtdycKfGMjRwGFddMhMBmwzCmh_B_29c/s320/Exam+11.JPG" border="0" /><br />My daughter Lyla was born on Saturday, November 20th and she is now the most important thing in our world. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544718437151717586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5V6WRzHfzcQpbg_ewRLbPI0rD8MP7r3878Yyfb-Kx9ymE7zYyKupZ3-32Ghu_EXAFENUHuV3AYiQsmwodYwRYkctXaAS7cEZGcfNfnbYOS3TVslqlTKyORn5Bvp9Xfol9MFF7lcRm2Wi/s320/Sleeping+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I'm up at all hours for feeding and diaper changes. I insist on giving her the very best I can, so Lyla (<em>'Lie-la'</em>) is a 100% breastfed baby. It's the hardest thing ever, but also the most rewarding. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544718441912406066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9WWwkVMvzW_14QA8aWIUAKsLRha6D4k7qAmvvD4X14xP9A9tA2dORGVhVdgFk11zz6EgV_YVtDh9anon5jzgtPSkAGqAh1mr4UNDzt2m7DHtyr7VeyYUZV8_8Wq9E7pEe7VZWQJGMpzm/s320/Nighttime.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">We already have several nicknames for her and funny enough, the best are food related~</div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;">bean, Lyla bean burrito, peanut, and pumpkin</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa6AIEzrkl8QCv0cJ5nJ7BmTWXNp24i2pf09LAJjzffpDnKRM_bG39Au4tV_IZDOcE6IDn8T-sfJRuhrIkSTKdna3palYhpAkf8bXmCoiePEkC67AaDR0luKcVi-XEnTJHo736I3qd_DV/s1600/Lyla+Bean.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544717422758172226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa6AIEzrkl8QCv0cJ5nJ7BmTWXNp24i2pf09LAJjzffpDnKRM_bG39Au4tV_IZDOcE6IDn8T-sfJRuhrIkSTKdna3palYhpAkf8bXmCoiePEkC67AaDR0luKcVi-XEnTJHo736I3qd_DV/s320/Lyla+Bean.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544718446076824242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRvUswLhYMeEGhAmBvo833Smn4GiMqPJQr4xQHBRS5S-DhrlkMhO5IU-e4SzScEi6x0f4P7T-rXA0XK03fdvmJ66knv8SNpUmVIghqoMTs0LbDHkslErX1MyykY6IMUQnUvBe0VqY5Qee/s320/Ray+and+Lyla+in+bed+5.JPG" border="0" /><br />Little burrito :-) Will she be interested in food and baking too? We certainly hope so!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmLFNo0F16MZmb-FU-ChY0-HOFxvF61NDWGnnjsjH-yLEo2ni0g7kVY66gkY6YvdZE8qwh20NuXUQGksJsXL_Ld9L93Qxr47Twf0RLdpo21cUggH-kYDpaj28dL4WNzGiAV0K7kFARpiX/s1600/Snug+bug+in+Bed.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544717409390339762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmLFNo0F16MZmb-FU-ChY0-HOFxvF61NDWGnnjsjH-yLEo2ni0g7kVY66gkY6YvdZE8qwh20NuXUQGksJsXL_Ld9L93Qxr47Twf0RLdpo21cUggH-kYDpaj28dL4WNzGiAV0K7kFARpiX/s320/Snug+bug+in+Bed.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></span><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-35345028251442134462010-11-10T19:00:00.000-08:002010-11-10T19:28:13.618-08:00Apple Butter<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHtFgg0ROf6UYSfW4o7x3MI4gLeH6fujK4HhmROzf7r8POyQqCrVMyLLtCmCmlPRHMMYVubJm0n3BfR0DcI-AtRI6JmsGonGtmAVheMIeB-CNAAPGip4wLooO-PlKB5QcGU_edsiLlxFR/s1600/Pancake+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536848975214657682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHtFgg0ROf6UYSfW4o7x3MI4gLeH6fujK4HhmROzf7r8POyQqCrVMyLLtCmCmlPRHMMYVubJm0n3BfR0DcI-AtRI6JmsGonGtmAVheMIeB-CNAAPGip4wLooO-PlKB5QcGU_edsiLlxFR/s320/Pancake+3.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have a bit of a relationship with pancakes. Everybody has one brunch dish they gravitate to over and over. I don't eat pancakes on regular days; if I want to make a special breakfast, or am dining out, I always choose pancakes.</div><br /><div align="center">This love was born with the pancakes from Mom's kitchen when I was a kid. They were made plain with no sugar added because the toppings are so sweet. Real maple syrup was a favorite for all of us, and when we had it I liked to spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese before drizzling the syrup.</div><br /><div align="center">Recently I've been reminded of another favorite topping: store bought apple butter.</div><br /><div align="center">I emphasize the store bought because, while I've had some amazing homemade apple butter, this store bought version is important for this combination. It has a flavor that is unmistakeable. I spied this jar at Target by random chance and to my delight it's precisely what I remember.</div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536848872663450802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9FTrInCm_2SVBaFwWMBkTlqFRJokHBroQ6HkuhLHchTEQ3iVGASmhYL_q_jdRJA8Wwkg2SNkDUq4K36EGv_O50lZjyeL2ENKWaEzKJtIstbw1OxH4773O-jnDuhPZn1qpgKlc1HGOLrB/s320/Apple+Butter+Jar.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">It's dark, luscious, and very sweet. The sugar content is a little obscene for something that's should just be fruit, but this is what it should be. </p><p align="center">After sticking my spoon directly in the jar a few times, I had to make some pancakes for a little trip down memory lane. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536848881616138466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBnl7q7GJ-zuf6WLvLfSVUtSy0VQkmVf5bo9FOVzzYyC337MmLvuGPkSA4y3PqyvGnW3aq-bWPqfTKys91aPMMZJu4EZb33UW_qFyc-PegYDe-wzpveilIZPtJ2LFE7lA3wPnN6C10qRj/s320/Apple+Butter+overhead.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">I made myself one colossal pancake and slathered it with the apple butter. The steaming pancake warms and melts the butter a little.</div><div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb2vWkYeZik6CSBNI6OK2uynJRd0ubpqNi0_xxTlzyrugkAOw7hx0dM2Yc6JiLg0mSXU1GR7tuQBskZqQLDkvs8Sa1Psexsx4IXzwTzp7kqeh8pZkegQk-QjgPIRMA_EDhn0sfpJvBgk9/s1600/Pancake+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536848961992177122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb2vWkYeZik6CSBNI6OK2uynJRd0ubpqNi0_xxTlzyrugkAOw7hx0dM2Yc6JiLg0mSXU1GR7tuQBskZqQLDkvs8Sa1Psexsx4IXzwTzp7kqeh8pZkegQk-QjgPIRMA_EDhn0sfpJvBgk9/s320/Pancake+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Try this.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNA8A3K3i_ZvTevfkuNafxNy2M7k_DTvRWy_dkeG_wFR_1HpxMB0w72limwkWoRY31cBgD5Bo3A9e6YZkKL8rC04db-wO1_5UvUWwK_6YqT7n46GvkklnLBcxoz71iApiqucIr5Jwt_5O/s1600/Pancake+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536848908755481202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNA8A3K3i_ZvTevfkuNafxNy2M7k_DTvRWy_dkeG_wFR_1HpxMB0w72limwkWoRY31cBgD5Bo3A9e6YZkKL8rC04db-wO1_5UvUWwK_6YqT7n46GvkklnLBcxoz71iApiqucIr5Jwt_5O/s320/Pancake+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-25937813575832190952010-11-07T08:42:00.000-08:002010-11-07T10:26:54.588-08:00Cravings<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDiHuYwbw35I1m_GivWIIjvZvfUH5sFyLf8nAXx223Xb-Wb6YjlSC0qjL-uGptn3tX4ma2qJRYcT-go9dLgp0cGWkxushxzZbRZfH-mHeLFLF8o_AcfzwkgQyqBDJYtLcRbhulj4sePn2/s1600/Berry+bowl+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536859666667613330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDiHuYwbw35I1m_GivWIIjvZvfUH5sFyLf8nAXx223Xb-Wb6YjlSC0qjL-uGptn3tX4ma2qJRYcT-go9dLgp0cGWkxushxzZbRZfH-mHeLFLF8o_AcfzwkgQyqBDJYtLcRbhulj4sePn2/s320/Berry+bowl+2.JPG" border="0" /></a>I've been asked about the desire for certain foods a lot lately. Everybody gets cravings, but the cultural stereotype for them during this time in a woman's life is strong and well known. It is assumed one should be eating a chicken leg with raspberry jam, peanut butter and tuna, or the ever popular ice cream topped with pickles. There are looks of disappointment when I can't claim any of these weirdo combinations. My plate held peanut butter, oats, tomatoes, soup, pizza, and frozen yogurt as often then as it does now. </div><div align="center">~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The last few weeks, I have felt the need to make and consume more foods <em>a la minute</em>. This has led to impromptu trips to Whole Foods for pints of thick chicken noodle soup (must need to hydrate), salads from Trader Joe's embellished with sardines (must need calcium), and beef shanks from Lunardi's cooked up in the crockpot (must need iron).</div><div align="center">~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This weekend, while I'm sad to be missing out on this year's <a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/pages/festival">Foodbuzz Blogger Festival</a> (by choice, but still), I did satisfy an impromptu craving for some chocolate pudding.<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536859683742446994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJgV8T5KoXqc_IHqCBOyNbO9ZVRU7vaX-ux472iwGxh18mY2rcucdbQpGmSuEQqCS4D5B4veg4Yww24S0xmAZaPXXZonllRCXH6U8tdo0-_0p0gH9CVMfwI3tv5d9HmeLK7IA8g25RX81/s320/Thick+and+Luscious+pudding+pot.JPG" border="0" />Not just any pudding. I wanted one that is rich and chocolatey, but wouldn't break the calorie bank. It's a rare recipe that provides this kind of pleasure as well as protein, calcium, and almost no effort. Definitely not calorie-free but compare this vegan recipe to a traditional one made with cream and you'd have double the trouble, with a sore tummy too.</div><div align="center">~<br /></div><div align="center">Pulled from the bottom of my recipe folder, my Mom first made this recipe when I was in high school. It's pretty versatile depending on how much soymilk you use to thin it- a pudding (thin), a mousse (thick), or even a really great cupcake icing (thickest). I flavored mine with almond extract and served with fresh raspberries. Leave it plain or try something else that pairs well with chocolate.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536859677044586834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhPKPtKb6wO3NzM9RMJzi3-5x-q1rh0o6cfXfW4karoxg8WExfzu9jqZGoNKscMoOroeBJAqPAJTh0Qng8f-Sx6gmWEdMGVwlOUWmxlIcDkJVlOkNG4C-G5LPhFeGzdJn6WhCekV20k6a/s320/Pudding+overhead.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">I'm not sure which gave me more pleasure- slowly making my way to the bottom of the bowl, or Ray's astonishment at how delicious a dessert made with tofu and soymilk can be.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536861664685907778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv-OWpswNBk8GsIwiQyVMAnE1lPBp_bauLuBRR6WcSDszKQIJev1TffE4b2Ya4lKA52QZjhTmk-PBUATvepYsCVoUjGFts3GJ2cdNXT6Fpe48CryU-naFhO9Vg_4TSej_O6fDHguoHJny/s320/With+berries+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Tofu Chocolate Pudding</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">makes 4-6 servings</span><br /><br />1 10-ounce bag vegan chocolate chips (I used <a href="http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=172832&prrfnbr=457241">Tropical Source</a>), or regular semisweet chocolate chips<br />1 12-ounce package of soft silken tofu (I used <a href="http://www.morinu.com/product/tofu.html#6">Mori-Nu Silken Soft Tofu</a>), smooshed in the package<br />1/2- 2/3 cup chocolate soy milk (I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silk-Soymilk-Chocolate-8-25-Ounce-Aseptic/dp/B000LKVTF4">Silk Chocolate soymilk</a>)<br />1/4 tsp almond extract (optional), or flavoring of your choice<br /><br />In a large microwave safe glass bowl, heat chocolate chips on half power for several minutes, stirring occasionally as the chips melt. The length of time is different with every microwave, just babysit them and stop when the chips have melted.<br /><br />In another microwave safe glass bowl, heat 1/2 cup soymilk until just steaming. Add the hot soymilk and smooshed tofu to the chocolate chips. Blend with a stick blender until completely smooth. If you don't have a stick blender, you could transfer everything to a food processor and blend there. Add the almond extract to the mixture and stir. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The mixture will thicken considerably as it cools, and if you'd like a thinner consistency you can fold in additional soymilk with a spatula, to your taste.<br /><br />Serve garnished with fresh berries, mint, shaved chocolate, or plain. Store in the fridge for several days.<br /><br /><em>With 6 servings, each portion contains about 256 calories and 4 grams of protein.</em><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536859666098445506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp8B6Qvn-ZsvhA5z3zjpJ124kfBnUjkLN0f21zCd7bZAnoZMgVj9KwGNNVeLU822LbKNg_hd7m60Irk1vgd3TLj-EznsOT4elmaFZUnRpn_bg3oZaIP4PmFX0denezaPzeIvSGXMa6Q19/s320/Berry+bowl+1.JPG" border="0" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-18199852142304187632010-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:002010-10-30T11:00:43.456-07:00Bacon Pizza<div align="center">How about making some pizza next Friday?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533898900954160146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMywEYXZmUQL3_yrcFwZA97YVRauU3KHnpKDbKAGd-3sc5rk9RI2bgaAsAfOwN-DHVeQxmAR-2TC-_Keopoefyg2bg_1F_47E4YOslP1mV5gBqL_THU7RYinTeVLEFME89y-c406EOqzeP/s320/Bacon+Pizza+1.JPG" border="0" /> </div><p align="center">Of course any day of the week is fair game. But something about Friday night screams "pizza!" to me. 95% of the time we make pizza, it's a Friday. It's a little special for the last day of the work week, but easy and comforting at the same time. How about this one- with bacon.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>~</strong></span></p><div align="center">I do not like meat on my pizzas, veggies are much better suited. Maybe it's the flavors that meld together with the cheese in the oven, or the infinite options and combinations. Besides preferring vegetables anyway, meats can produce an unpleasant amount of grease that I can't abide.</div><div align="center">~</div><div align="center">But then, there's bacon.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533898912885208818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMus5icTySZj_0qn4-G0Q77zCE2XpSMbiRN6bP8RQqiQLippZfUn5FkiW0q-tceB3rSuQdjDnLcycFlHvZhyphenhyphenerHiYmyMZyJ7iT3-3MjWOkJh_gcFJxl4RwlKlUMMtzZS1rfTgFtQ8TdLAG/s320/Bacony+Pizza.JPG" border="0" /><br />Boys love bacon, and mine is no exception. The key is to fry up the bacon before adding to the pizza. Add it raw and it'll still be raw, just swimming in a pool of fat. GROSS. Just add to a pan on medium-low and cook the bacon slowly so it doesn't burn, stirring occasionally until most of the fat has rendered. Drain on several paper towels. </div><div align="center">~</div><div align="center">I usually pour out the fat into the trash but this time I saved it. I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but it seems like a special thing worth using if I can come up with something. It looks like this the next day.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533898893868106450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSVxVsIUK5c0JQOUdlnZPFtkPCpkYYLkzhYkZ_vztmfh2_HoiuASGGJFOgaSmGQZS2dlHVB9JttW6cuGbWFS6QDNsJXFxx8-aOo2It3HfC4JFXnW-pnaZmFXby0XrlLyUXrGwCvQZnmrn/s320/Bacon+Grease.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> Add some sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, fresh basil, and lots of cheese (I used part-skim mozzarella, parmesan, and gouda), and you have quite the lovely Friday night pizza. I couldn't help leaving two pieces meat-free so I could have some vegetarian pieces. It's good, but a little bacon goes a long way.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533898908950611826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87smqGJAEcCy7qxs0Boanl1btaYof3k_doD7k5cS6GAvHqKQssMFw9pVcVCOI_TTAF5HgjUK2kH80CF9Lc644lmqgXlARsCWJlSxwYcAuWHDzH1SzEql0o2Kqdd-83qsjPcAtCOkw6crX/s320/Bacon+Pizza+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-58287901359539395362010-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:002010-10-21T09:25:44.805-07:00Enough with the Drama<div align="center">I've been watching <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef"><em>Top Chef</em> </a>since the very first season (yay <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-1">San Francisco</a>!), so when they announced a <em>Top Chef </em>with all sweets, I was first in line. But it's making me sick to my stomach fast.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFicmlsQN-2ADM3FxRSxwKUG-IqqJHae-Xbn5x6fHm5FqBZRLErPmTgxAgwaJzVd_xxS82pJA2thDahqwF8HIBagCgq5IL3sizyXDaJunERkCRh8YmU6VhMCaoUXackWcgP8mhS4xc80J/s1600/Top+Chef+just+desserts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530530045632261106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFicmlsQN-2ADM3FxRSxwKUG-IqqJHae-Xbn5x6fHm5FqBZRLErPmTgxAgwaJzVd_xxS82pJA2thDahqwF8HIBagCgq5IL3sizyXDaJunERkCRh8YmU6VhMCaoUXackWcgP8mhS4xc80J/s320/Top+Chef+just+desserts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My interest in this food show is dwindling real fast because of the ridiculous excess of drama. All reality shows thrive on a little drama and I'm certainly not averse to that; it makes the watching interesting and I do love my reality show TV. But this first season of <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef-just-desserts"><em>Just Desserts</em> </a>takes the drama out of the corner where it belongs and into the forefront of the show, so much so that I'm inclined to watch my recorded show on fast-forward, save the actual food parts. Which is sad, because the action leading up to the finished product is part of what makes these food competition shows good.</div><div> </div><div>The group of pastry chefs on the show seem to have a lot more emotional problems than the chefs on regular TC. Are pastry chefs like this or does this particular group have unusual mental problems? The cliqueness of "team diva" is nauseating and childish. Any talent Heather H. has is overshadowed by her vindictive comments and need to have a scapegoat to direct animosity towards. First it was Seth, then Heather C., and now Morgan. She's such an unpleasant character; why don't you expend more energy on your actual work and less on finding a reason someone else screwed you up?? Per usual the most talented people in my opinion (Morgan, Erica) are the quieter ones without all the drama. </div><div> </div><div>Maybe I'm too harsh; maybe the editing of footage has something to do with it. If so, shame on you Bravo. You've made it likely that I will not be tuning in for next season. Which is sad.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-54761122815743263532010-10-19T10:56:00.000-07:002010-10-19T11:31:15.588-07:00A Little Green in Your Muffin<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS3wovfRJZXBXAWpBPCNEg6HGqj6Ka8SaRfTSpq-vj-FAZCfuz5MprdRcLUArvxKRiD3XRCOsBMGJ2v9XI9o_29oaJtAg-OXo_KTMW80_CK5qobYevAfYe9hI_y7KaNtI2SMvbrHV0rXd/s1600/Green+bit+in+muffin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529823182922515330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS3wovfRJZXBXAWpBPCNEg6HGqj6Ka8SaRfTSpq-vj-FAZCfuz5MprdRcLUArvxKRiD3XRCOsBMGJ2v9XI9o_29oaJtAg-OXo_KTMW80_CK5qobYevAfYe9hI_y7KaNtI2SMvbrHV0rXd/s320/Green+bit+in+muffin.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have a list of foods to make right now and I need to hop to it. There's some stuff in my freezer that needs to get eaten to make room for new things. Lists are good, I've made a whole bunch of those. I started acting on this list yesterday when this guy showed up:</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529822680057925874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHxJ_q0v_3PvGJ7SJpJESsZv6znxMOU5mFhObT73pZFZ55QUpQmztdr7UOwXIX8n69lUKkdhFo2R0P5Ff3BYM548uLtKR5aJxy0ix79li6uTEayAZV1QpDgBdS3Ur0vTktCy7I3byFduK/s320/Big+Zuccini+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div align="center">One enormous zucchini from my mother-in-law's garden. Seriously, he's huge! </div><div align="center">Lord have mercy what shall I do with him?<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529822675619379890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6zkXu1-KOKkM8IvrKrxHPmKB1uDmEOwjV5cx2avggQBeKYwaCLsVC_nOa4t_iBOCbukXEjDC56Ge5qow0fdrEqk7_xVHXGxv3i5sF-IKMT2D9TCpSFY4qtWgnJXwQvpDbiOWFOLtpD_H/s320/Big+Zucchini+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I don't want to freeze too many things because, (1) I only have so much space in the freezer, (2) I don't regularly eat many freezer friendly foods (a la lasagna), and (3) we have access to many easy and delicious food options that don't need advance creation. </div><div> </div><div align="center">On my short list to make is Peas and Thank You's <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2010/08/28/everyone-wins/">Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna</a> (made it a few weeks ago, loved it- ate it all without photographing a thing. <em>le sigh</em>) I'll do that later this week and won't need to buy the squash. But here today I wanted to use part of this giant. Presto chango- the pumpkin muffins I planned to bake for the nurses in the hospital have become zucchini muffins. With some mini chocolate chips added for fun.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529823192528001106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAq8dzgKV8XEnyg6cKN8o2zVvtF6ow9gJte9eCy4lp-YVBNGd6ja3HIvVIg-it9LblDYVLC68mkbutlI4JamcgclfRzw4CaJKk6dc0usY2QJP7p5ZfDWgcEsVB2-sg7We9PCWEMOamxAF/s320/Raw+muffins.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Per usual I looked at a dozen recipes before settling on an amalgamation of several. I made 20 muffins, two of them baked in ramekins for Ray to enjoy for breakfast. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529823172610410578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-78lO0Wd9_G6eLVUFmynwpiRBvotZAlZlgaN30xc7t7Krzrzo9w-xPworHgytsPg6A8lrXuaRUlgH3OrxRcZ7PC3eup5vOXDoueMJnDk3ArpHyIHvA_mkKGik2qKmPzAL30p1ME3bb8z/s320/Extras.JPG" border="0" />I popped the rest in the ice box, ready to pull out before we head to labor & delivery. Hurray for crossing things off the to-do list!<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529822655574450658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm4CYOUtZY6ag-Y6Pa_clPpu1S5jWPoRF9W-9wf1nH9Q6vYBPJ_sjvvYHvuyebM3BkuUzrh2EVniRqzw4E9uVunBC1EjL-Vs6DnyR1EjLFrShvCmy-CvtUJzQe8auwDp6JdfisT2hVlYt/s320/Baked+up+and+fluffy.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Chocolate Chip <span style="color:#006600;">Zucchini</span> Muffins</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">makes 20 muffins (or thereabouts)</span></div><br /><div>3 eggs</div><div>1 cup vegetable oil</div><div>2 cups freshly grated zucchini</div><div>1 3/4 cup granulated sugar</div><div>2 tsp vanilla extract</div><div>3 cups all-purpose flour</div><div>3 tsp cinnamon</div><div>pinch of nutmeg</div><div>1 tsp baking soda</div><div>1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>1 tsp salt</div><div>3/4 cup mini chocolate chips.</div><br /><div>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two muffin tins with paper liners.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529822680985913698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCwEltvjL1HXIiTdjNOFcwUdw5yiENmS1g5l9MiKT8qOB9NSA7g0mFc00jHfW0qq8gVvsipmAflT6cfxl737bNGTU12PWj5RFbjIIugESPdXbqFc-OqSXUvsl3kFK0fTL0n0ev6TjXpiQ/s320/Eggs.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>In a large bowl, beat the eggs well with a wire whisk. Add the oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla and mix well to incorporate.</div><br /><div>In a separate small bowl, sift the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Add the mini chocolate chips and toss to coat.</div><br /><div>Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet until <em>just</em> combined. Try not to overmix!</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529822664651834866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLvScH6Hsyc3uXM-G8jO59YztMy1pghLJIDsK42ZRQA_kPZoOW7clwH1L4mWSGxZJw8X2J-uoo8EgJrzEtp1OjOktuce4IrSVt9NgSpxejMMUccC6PYs3Iyg1W9idWuwPn5OgA7J9Yb4v/s320/Batter.JPG" border="0" />Bake for 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Cool in muffins pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight container for 3-4 days, or transfer to freezer bags for several weeks to a few months. I'm not planning on more than a month here!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529823185768494546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5DyMxAneY_WxIu9tj_ZGz2Kriwn44Mygs2lQDpTkFmgpwWS64pO78sY5LnKe0dBIOkNZhYjawW_E3WNyBYOA3BJNxatjy77FYUcQp71w4KSwvY2EcuE1899woDsWb5kadIKIEdACeIow/s320/Muffins+overhead.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>~:::~</strong></span></div><div> </div></div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-62483451434092659282010-10-06T08:00:00.000-07:002010-10-06T08:00:07.123-07:00Breakfast Porn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYspxJwMj6E4keW3mMH-GGzzMrIjawgqBx7pVzSc7QAcOxWVSa4EgtS-uyDyyldPB-TyNK0Jys91FdTbZKkDkucsHDoO9Bpv-mw7shGarnMtcGKRll6iI5dAD0CRSNnUZ8mlhi0TSOFHZ/s1600/DSC_2383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522742738880047474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYspxJwMj6E4keW3mMH-GGzzMrIjawgqBx7pVzSc7QAcOxWVSa4EgtS-uyDyyldPB-TyNK0Jys91FdTbZKkDkucsHDoO9Bpv-mw7shGarnMtcGKRll6iI5dAD0CRSNnUZ8mlhi0TSOFHZ/s320/DSC_2383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeLo5c6AQggGaa6_xDsabdgQi4uH4k_K7MPMZz0n9qbDrVDeT3HekiU-wh3Ygg8CuaDoKou4uHgEVmGRPvwWyiep2RprXLMDYfUpkItDxzhUTsFC7S27Ya8yUGnehOdEoWCPJhNn2xLkK/s1600/DSC_2382.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522742735415874642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeLo5c6AQggGaa6_xDsabdgQi4uH4k_K7MPMZz0n9qbDrVDeT3HekiU-wh3Ygg8CuaDoKou4uHgEVmGRPvwWyiep2RprXLMDYfUpkItDxzhUTsFC7S27Ya8yUGnehOdEoWCPJhNn2xLkK/s320/DSC_2382.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-58426773609492704512010-09-30T09:30:00.000-07:002010-09-30T09:56:10.510-07:00Beans and Rice<div align="center">Bah! It's the end of September already!! Geesh.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522745876208741346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUH-9i6Dotek36BrabWir1GjIVbzxNMfyQja9_7Ex97_mPSbf0P46UXG0_YEOiMlLOeZpV7bcgq9RSPj8rmWzyIVuFCqi5oh1-MxKL7gJHb8Gfa5IpB_7PQn4jegMbS3haUN1XMcBJdkR/s320/Cheesy+Plate.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">There've been plenty of good eats around here, but I didn't share. I'm six weeks away from <a href="http://waitforgrace.blogspot.com/">D Day</a> and I'm so hungry at every meal that I'm more concerned with eating than photographing and documenting. I am not apologizing. Let's move on.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>~::~</strong></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">We've had an unseasonally cool summer. Just about everyone complained about the lack of summer heat- except me. Since my temp is running extra high, I loved it and thanked my lucky stars. I thought I made it through virtually unscathed. Then, this week happened.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">A heat wave of grotesque proportions and tardiness hit the Bay Area, and many areas have had record temperatures. <em>Why now, oh why now? Sniffle and whine.</em> I've emerged alive, and so is my little one who reminds me every few minutes with a swift punch in the side. </div><div align="center">If it was possible for me to be even more hermit-like and useless during this time, I certainly was. I got a few little things done in the morning before the house reached frying temps and I'd transfer my hippo-ness from the fan in the living room, to the bathroom (over <em>and over and over</em>), to the bedroom at night in front of the portable air conditioner cranked HIGH.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">My point here being that I threatened World War Trois before I'd turn on the stove or oven for dinner. Flat refused. Tough luck for Ray for whom dinner means something baked, boiled, pan-fried, stewed, or grilled. But I'm the food maker, so raw foods and the microwave were in fine form.</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>~<br /></strong></span></div><div align="center">Today is warm, but I no longer feel like I'm being tortured. In between some housework that I put off during the heat wave and phantasizing about the 71 degree forecast on Saturday (that's more like it!), I had to make a proper dinner, worthy of us and the chickpea parasite with whom I share my food. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>~::~</strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong><br /></div></strong></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522745888038346898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPItc9tZJMpnGh5LbJJCw2hczY5LkTmqzySlEzF8PWSz892zwCQF0d4LEOgmm15JU8OsO6YaiG7ZuQ91UomGs_JyauXqhcU6kCBodzNIh0QOd3VSdDDQPVbfRrJ6KgEG6H83wdJDw_jAhP/s320/Once+Again.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center">Beans and rice have been on the brain, so beans and rice it is! In the crockpot. . . <em>which I probably could have used during the heat wave if my brain hadn't melted. Oh well.</em></div><br /><div align="center">We used to have beans and rice regularly for dinner when I was little. Mom made fluffy white rice with a bit of onion and black beans, and topped each portion with a generous amount of cheddar cheese. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. She made both components on the stove, but here I decided to utilize my crock pot and mix everything together.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522745869496226946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzhj08vyDoPfimZDZfhfoHXTf7NHgIGHSb_H15MkQ1PUJ8W7n1g38wawDPIORB1FTLgB7yiEBhP31gdwENFXFeS2OFK0NnKqNHMhb7YzWXFE1dlOO0m946Q4Yq6LKv41T8u3nodXtlw3G/s320/Beans+and+Rice+over+Broccoli.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center">I love black beans, but light red kidneys are another favorite and what I found in the pantry (beans are delicious and pretty interchangeable). Plus brown rice for a nuttier texture and more fiber, and some tomatoes- love tomatoes <em>always</em>. I did break out a skillet to saute a small onion and some garlic for a flavor punch. I threw in a little red pepper flakes and dried thyme for good measure. </div><div align="center">Now for the cheese- cheddar is really the best, I can't imagine using another variety.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522745874643663266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGucI9eFPk2QV7rAWzgWF-hbM7wN28xDOkCgHEmMyYdWY79HI4vzeyocmFTgcNEu477rTG7duVxSx5aXaiT17livFzUt9VtJKPHQ2M4Od5mLBJ2ydIEYNH-YJlAAsEg250Vn80Is4IeyRk/s320/Cheddah.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Don't skimp on the cheese- when it melts into the rice and beans it's heaven.</p><p align="center">Now don't bother me. I'm eating.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522745862014259250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey90-_xxMAM8TrngU4RejPhkS-5v4RDDn3pVjb2HOLrZzfDuRDnjFTMOSp2SH2l0xr2C7LD5NfAvW_XGTr1ICfzya-QrnMeSYH_qGIt5PlCw3AbLjO2xfoahtN_sCzQrfPHTtGlxaVUXk/s320/Beans+and+Rice.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Beans and Rice</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">serves 3-4</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left">2 Tbs olive oil, divided</div><div align="left">1 small onion, chopped</div><div align="left">1 garlic clove, chopped</div><div align="left">1 cup brown rice</div><div align="left">1 can beans (light red kidney or black beans), rinsed</div><div align="left">1 can diced tomatoes, juice reserved</div><div align="left">water</div><div align="left">1/2 tsp dried thyme</div><div align="left">a pinch of red pepper flakes</div><div align="left">1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated</div><div align="left">salt to taste</div><br /><div align="left">Put 1 Tbs olive oil in the bottom of your crock pot and add the brown rice. Toss the rice to coat. Heat a skillet over medium low heat and add the second 1 Tbs olive oil and the onion. Saute for several minutes until softened, then add the garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes more. Add the onion, garlic, and rinsed beans to the crock pot. </div><br /><div align="left">Pour the diced tomatoes through a colander with a measuring cup underneath to catch the liquid. Add the tomatoes, then enough water to the measuring cup to equal 2 cups total (I needed to add about 1 1/2 cups water). Add the liquid to the pot, along with the dried thyme and red pepper flakes.</div><br /><div align="left">Cook on low for 4 hours, until the rice is done and tender. Salt to taste and serve hot or at room temperature with plenty of grated cheddar on top.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-75648049860751605312010-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:002010-09-02T10:50:46.739-07:00Baby Shower Food<div align="center">Beautiful food at a <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>surprise</strong></span> Saturday morning baby shower</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512372985284013506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIk0SYRw2-abFByKAoyfgpmwPmdqtwAnysoZvJxB7uIjuis8Y98AQbiKVEoBcxszuXIbfE-TqhMno6su6v8QuFmG-LOJMH00jJFZ69I9sfBKmCo3H1XWlh511t4ZQ83AMrMnofMWd4ss/s320/Full+Spread" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pellegrino, sparkling cranberry and apple ciders</div><div align="center">vegetable torte, grapes, brie and goat cheese</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_404E3urvMUbyQHksbdhDcHunoQiBjow-0yzBCWpwLKQL8w0Jp1a-msD87TbIoUg64nKkU_tmXACpzIxi4i_PbgJXTX_Ye6ST7EsAR1Q50owb2zAGfh8kel07-tRrI8sU-yqkepmXfig/s1600/Vegetable+Torte"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512373167144869362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_404E3urvMUbyQHksbdhDcHunoQiBjow-0yzBCWpwLKQL8w0Jp1a-msD87TbIoUg64nKkU_tmXACpzIxi4i_PbgJXTX_Ye6ST7EsAR1Q50owb2zAGfh8kel07-tRrI8sU-yqkepmXfig/s320/Vegetable+Torte" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"> gazpacho, baguette, walnut bread<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512373001291076050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg285mczQrgt45M0m5y8PsVOIZO_HL6EgPpfXu9gv8-5gQJduFKCweteCRGUmTqZuwvDqmGWvlo6gR8ne8WM6jQAcDkqRN1ZOr1NrV_ahj5yGZx2g-9kMc7LWvAtX99oKdnUCtei6BnYig/s320/Gazpacho" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">deviled eggs, smoked salmon and capers</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512372969164024498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgXFG_YThemVJYD3I88LsF-uzRevYpBqPG4OCCV1uqz3BGUUrl3Hg7T79jys0pqTHAY9bqkeQPvI3ofSv1qkh2GVFomZzblwZNVYWDkoLXQozQSNDPiSScRYztG9z5hppRztG5jAFmkA/s320/Deviled+Eggs+and+Salmon" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">figs, blueberries, and grapes</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512372984181623154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOJrdMDncq3PEA9iGwvGzQL4wEsRkf-MN0wcNSyvApE1JaizxKumtSohPUy7_-PJYotE01VIoHfF41wAK334sBZ5nM8lXvjm4fu41DQiqZVbV4Q1HVc2tLjG5CZZEyd5GKPTci66LdHg/s320/Figs+and+Fruit" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div align="center">petit fours purchased from <a href="http://www.lunardis.com/html/LosGatos.html">Lunardi's</a>, homemade bite-sized nut brownies (and Mom's arm)</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRhNb376xZdDw9NxoOkLaXMobKwxtx2tjo4gRWWr-ruFXQtwaBk0DblpAvQbGbzbpn27nHnoorQwFHgfGP4M9XDXWw5_qJysJP5MGAy9XPGBhD5mXwSM2C2BayQ5UKmhTFnT9IqPs6FI/s1600/Petit+Fours"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512373156374577010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRhNb376xZdDw9NxoOkLaXMobKwxtx2tjo4gRWWr-ruFXQtwaBk0DblpAvQbGbzbpn27nHnoorQwFHgfGP4M9XDXWw5_qJysJP5MGAy9XPGBhD5mXwSM2C2BayQ5UKmhTFnT9IqPs6FI/s320/Petit+Fours" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">mini cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512373160896922130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaVY0p-7VEJ4MmxgRkjmSKdt9aRQw2F4I3HW9Ro12LwRX75UFF9QJbsgQ3DHhG3pqfup4Xvc8unHtYAG8ragSOpU56AtwHIufZVE2YJPQ_s-5DWzdseLzq9c5UPlz-SUmXW0etV8oxeI/s320/Petit+Fours+and+Cupcakes" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"> chocolate favors from <a href="http://www.fleurdecocoa.com/">Fleur de Cocoa</a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MoUiQ9LEY3etfBLfamSrQwke5sy_OQoca9fb2QFQT4T9pxrI6ge7I-vh4V0pRHcOP4tDcyAgggpooFf3XZu4BRbYQ2a88xrYQ7aHugbRLqpn4_ea45giIyJipibqJs49kVq9UZq92m4/s1600/Favors"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512372979202384178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MoUiQ9LEY3etfBLfamSrQwke5sy_OQoca9fb2QFQT4T9pxrI6ge7I-vh4V0pRHcOP4tDcyAgggpooFf3XZu4BRbYQ2a88xrYQ7aHugbRLqpn4_ea45giIyJipibqJs49kVq9UZq92m4/s320/Favors" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-17569118345555026682010-08-24T09:03:00.000-07:002010-09-12T10:23:23.602-07:00The Dresser Has Arrived!Any new furniture is exciting. Today the dresser finally arrived!<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509009154064956802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDSD7ZltiLdTTPWFjKejxK0GB12kV84MX_JCyD3I0dyBoHpWa7Z2I3O8AdHdAvYEXkNKwhHiOXLR_AMRZjZGU1_0GR4CdhAXKsj5x5NUDJOXZ2OUbBPkNb4cDBuhmBAxO27q9eugbdunb/s320/Dresser+1.jpg" border="0" />It was delivered this morning at 8:30am while I was eating breakfast. As you can see it's also our changing table; the topper came separately and the men were nice enough to install it for me. </p><p>I can't wait to fill the lower drawers with her little clothes and stock the top ones with diapers, wipes, and lotion. First I want to put in some nice liners, and I'm thinking about switching out the knobs for some pretty lavender or yellow ones from Anthropologie. These are fine but they're huge and plain. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509009160899184578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkN6F7JYgKRnVk3noHiZe0M8Kjio5k986cbdc8m6UfU-kZ5BymIsJ5VhYpy0D4Zm7CoGY9B6uYVrMHZxZlbUkNWQXwnG5v-046peMEzkuKG4zmKpGh9uARn9szgdIZsznRKxYsXyG6Db9/s320/Dresser+2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Originally I wanted the dresser on the other side of the room, but after much haggling this weekend Ray convinced me that it has to go here due to space issues with the other elements- the glider and ottoman will take up more room than I had thought, and we'll have a bookshelf too. I didn't love the idea of it just inside the door because of the view in the room- also potential stinkiness from the changing table right there :P. That's probably a fruitless concern, and the pale yellow glider will look pretty in the far corner. Really cannot wait until those items are here too!</p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686029180563123160.post-2881484501220991812010-08-21T14:46:00.000-07:002010-08-21T15:11:12.812-07:00Spaghetti Carbonara<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82yQQlDH3PmSLOI6uUbtPNw1omDLkVXkruTsIDa3CNk-bNBfWJS7xRbbmhpqA7zxOnSJFbBSWSnjoLUIAls6N_I1UqSlPi-viInOz1LEuCrrxP7SdIXDMPC0Ng1GUa0nPU8-JEnKZKFc/s1600/Bowl+of+Carbonara.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507985738806922466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82yQQlDH3PmSLOI6uUbtPNw1omDLkVXkruTsIDa3CNk-bNBfWJS7xRbbmhpqA7zxOnSJFbBSWSnjoLUIAls6N_I1UqSlPi-viInOz1LEuCrrxP7SdIXDMPC0Ng1GUa0nPU8-JEnKZKFc/s320/Bowl+of+Carbonara.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a repeat because I didn't write out the recipe <a href="http://suiteapplepie.blogspot.com/2009/12/comfort.html">the first time</a>.<br /></div><div align="left">Carbonara tastes like a special meal but it couldn't be easier. I can't think why it's not already in the rotation for entertaining. How many people do you know who don't like pasta, eggs, and bacon? I don't think I know any.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Spaghetti Carbonara</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">serves 4</span><br /><br />6 ounces thick cut bacon, cubed<br />3 eggs<br />1/3 cup grated parmesan<br />1/3 cup grated romano cheese<br />handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped<br />1 Tbs olive oil<br />2 garlic cloves, smashed<br />1 lb dry spaghetti<br />1/2 cup white wine<br /><br />Put a large pot of water on the stove to boil.<br />~<br />In a large saucier or skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until the fat is rended and the bacon is crisp, 12-15 minutes. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, and pour off all the fat but one tablespoon. Add up to a tablespoon of olive oil and add the garlic. Cook until golden brown, then discard the garlic and turn off the heat temporarily.<br />~<br />Meanwhile, beat the eggs, cheese, and parsley until frothy in a large serving bowl. Set aside.<br />~<br />When the water boils, add the pasta and stir occasionally. When it has just a few minutes left, turn the skillet back on over medium heat, add the white wine, deglaze and reduce. Add the bacon back to the pan and stir well. When the pasta is cooked, drain and add to the serving bowl. Immediately toss the pasta and egg mixture with tongs to incorporate the sauce and coat the spaghetti well. Add the bacon and white wine mixture and continue to toss until well combined.<br />~<br />Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.<br />~<br />This dish is best served immediately on the first day, but leftovers are still great microwaved with a tiny bit of added moisture.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507985749886174482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV7fqsj1yyQ1Ox6q1CGNCpCgSPFhJUXytC-V5RPDXrVU7VQjCCvukwwSLJqA1O71km3qOAaczTMEWcakxI8jmeDyRjO8NLQCQ5HxwXodbSTY7QLjPxtCLFeAn4wnLSRb9Leeq-KBKx-o/s320/Plate+of+Carbonara.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>~::::~</strong></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15072504277171834464noreply@blogger.com3