a sweet tooth winter wonderland.

a little wedding magic.

california condor-

the foggy Rt. 1- a misty coastline- campfires- and whale sitings.
another amazing weekend in big sur.

cheese, please.

a success-



My cheese was a winner. Similar in texture to a ricotta, with mild, slightly tangy flavor. The perfect compliment to a bed of arugula, heirloom tomatoes, & cured black olives. I can't wait to keep playing. And next time- bigger batch!

hanging up my apron

Today I had the opportunity to help out at a great event downtown, Time for Lunch: Eat-in Potluck. It was a potluck lunch raising awareness & money in support of bringing real foods into school lunches. The sun was shinning, the people were smiling, and the dishes were plentiful. I am optimistic that with continued support we will start to see some changes in the school system soon. Show your support and help spread the word:
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/

sunday, sunday.

After a trip to the Divisadero Farmer's Market & Trader Joe's, I had all the fixing for sunday funday. While for some that might involve a tall can and a sports game on the big screen, but for me it consists of kombucha and homemade cheese.

Last week I received my very first baby Scoby, (starter kombucha culture,) and I am very excited to see how my first batch of turns out. Finger's crossed-



To continue with my day of "firsts," I decided to give cheese making a whirl. It really is much easier than you could imagine. Simply milk & vinegar. You may add salt and/or herbs and spices for variations. I used goat's milk, apple cider vinegar, sea salt and some fresh basil I bought at the farmer's market this morning. Next I want to do some experimenting with different types of vinegars.

P R O C E D U R E :

Simmer the goat's milk to 185º. Turn off the burner and let the milk reduce to 100º.

Stir in vinegar until the milk coagulates and forms small curds. Pour the mixture into a cloth-lined strainer.

The whey will strain and you are left with the milk solids. At this point you may add in your fixings.



Squeeze out any excess liquid, twist, tie, and pop it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
We shall see how my basil goat cheese tastes on tuesday...



For dinner- coconut curry chicken with blue lake green beans.

chocolates & cookies & cakes.

For Heavens Cake!
chocolate raspberry cake with cream filling, & chocolate buttercream frosting;
french madeleine cake with rosebuds;
double layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, pistachios, & coconut flakes

Strawberry Fields Forever

vanilla honey whipped cream with fresh strawberries, & chocolate nibs;
mini angle food cakes with pink vanilla glaze, & fresh strawberries;
balsamic glazed strawberries with fresh mint

Homemade Cookies;

pistachio french macarons with vanilla buttercream;
carrot cake cookies with coconut cream cheese glaze

Homemade Confections & Packaging;
candied walnut chocolate clusters with pink salt

nature's textiles.

the all inspiring pacific coast.

a blanket of clouds.

bright monday

Lovely weekends.

in other words- rock, rock

a dip in morro bay, oh so fine.

don't cry for me, atascadero

what better way to start off the fourth, then with a trip to the templeton farmer's market on a sunny saturday.

the pickings made for some delicious dishes at our
july fourth cook-out.