c h o c o l a t e. k a r a t s

last run @ 28.

2012-01-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

{final countdown...}

a makeover.

2012-01-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

five dollars never looked so good.

{after.}

{before.}

happy new year.

2012-01-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

starting off 2012 w/ a yummy breakfast in bed.

{bird in a -polenta- nest, crispy bacon.}

my new found love.

2011-12-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

{now that's what I call a "happy holiday!"}

puzzled.

2011-12-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

{new found addiction over my lake-ation.}

'tis the season.

2011-12-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

{handmade foraged wreath.}

{first christmas @ the lake house.}

{starry string lights & flag garland.}

handmade gift wrap.

2011-12-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

{brown paper bags, silver nail polish, & twine.}

{voila!}

yes, please!

2011-12-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

{a favorite spot.}

pure serenity.

2011-08-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

{a family weekend @ our new lake home.}

phillips lake. shelton, wa

a backyard birthday.

2011-07-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

{a beautiful birthday celebration for one of my favorites. we transformed our backyard into a summer getaway, complete with a hammock, long flower dusted dinner table, crisp rosé, fish chowder, coconut cake, sparklers, & my favorite people.}

food by fire.

2011-06-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

summer's first taste of camping.
samuel p. taylor state park
Lagunitas, CA

{Green chili sausage scramble, summer cherries, mango orange juice.}

{grilled spice steak, chipotle delicato squash, caramelized onions, lemon broccolini.}

Zucchini alla Carbonara.

2011-05-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

here's a new take on a classic pasta dish.

Ingredients:

3-4 slices pancetta, chopped
1 shallot, diced
pinch red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large zucchini, sliced into "noodles" on mandoline
1 egg
1-2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp butter
salt & pepper to taste

Saute pancetta over medium heat until slightly crispy. Add shallots and pepper flakes, cook till translucent. Add garlic and cook another minute.

Toss in zucchini noodles. Salt & pepper. They will release some liquid, stir with a wooden spoon to collect the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Lower heat and add whisked egg. Stir continuously, making sure not to scramble the egg. Stir in nutritional yeast & butter.

Salt & pepper to taste.

happy cinco de mayo.

2011-05-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

{fresh tomato-avocado salsa.}

Spring Pickles.

2011-03-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

spicy pickled carrots.

Ingredients:
1 bunch carrots, halved or quartered
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp palm sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tsp fennel seed
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp coriander seed
3 whole cloves

Trim and place carrots into a large mason jar. Bring all other ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer for a few minutes, then pour into jar, making sure carrots are covered completely. Seal jar and let rest for a few days.

rainy days & chocolate chip cookies.

2011-03-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

chocolate chip cookies w/cinnamon & coconut.
{don't forget a cold glass of raw milk for dunking.}

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 palm sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp raw honey
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350˚.
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl or mixer. Add egg, vanilla, & honey. Sift dry ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly add to wet batter. Stir in coconut & chocolate. Scoop batter on to parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 mins. Cool slightly & serve.

lemon love.

2011-02-17T22:35:00.001-08:00

the new & improved.

2011-02-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

{Black & whites.}

birthday bloodies.

2011-01-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

{it's more like a beverage-salad. you can even get one with steak...}
ACME.

dinner for two?

2011-01-26T22:15:00.000-08:00

{Oven Roasted Glazed Ribs. Golden Beet & Blood Orange Salad. Braised Collard Greens w/Prosciutto.}

and I'm spent.

kicking cancer, one dish @ a time.

2011-01-21T21:55:00.000-08:00

{Poached Fish w/ Garlic Pea Shoots & Green Tea Vinaigrette.}

{Creamy Mushroom Soup w/Crispy Shiitakes & Nori.}

{Baby Lima Beans with Greens and Olives.}

{Millet, Quinoa, and Burdock Pilaf.}

{Japonica Rice Salad.}

{Asian Cabbage Crunch.}

{Jade Rolls.}

{Garlicky Raw Kale with Pine Nuts, Currants, and Preserved Lemon.}

a healthy heart.

2011-01-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

{Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Endive w/Toasted Walnuts & Dijon Vinaigrette.} {Caramelized Onion Salad.}

{Red Beet Rice.} {Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup w/ Kale Chips.}

{Salmon with Pear Chutney.}

saturday mornings.

2011-01-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

a take on food& wine's breakfast sammies.

regulate your blood sugar with...

2011-01-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

{Braised Fennel & Radicchio.}

{Kale with Arame, Sesame, and Ginger.}

{Stuffed Kholrabi w/Lemon-Tarragon Sauce.}

{Chromium-Rich Egg Pie with Leeks, Chard, and Olives.}

blood sugar i.

2011-01-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

{Sambar.}

{Broccoli, Shiitake Mushroom, and Jerusalem Artichoke Poriyal.}

{Spinach Salad w/Cashew Herb Dressing & Fresh Turneric.}

{Bombay-Style Salmon Curry.}

{Chickpea Brown Basmati Burgers.}

{Cinnamon Baked Apples with Garam Masala Syrup.}

an immune boost.

2011-01-10T00:22:00.000-08:00

{Cilantro Turkey Burger Sliders w/Raw Almond Mayo.}

{Spicy Gingered Bok Choy with Arame and Goji Berries.}{Millet Croquettes w/Shiitake Mushroom Sauce.}

{Ginger-Coconut Muffins.}

keeping the sugars low.

2011-01-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

{Kholrabi with Spanish-Style Spiced Almonds.}

{Kale with Green Onions & Lemon Tahini Sauce.}

{Fish Kabobs over Quinoa w/Curried Coconut Cilantro Sauce.}

{Roasted Garlic & Herb Root Mash.}

{Friday Biscuits, round ii.}

Lemon {half} Pound Cake.

2011-01-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Pound Cake derived its name from the equally proportioned ingredients. My version of this grain & gluten-free pound cake, is much closer to half lb proportions, hence the name.
enjoy.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup coconut nectar
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
zest of 1/2 lemon

Preheat oven to 350˚.

Prepare a spring-form pan with parchment paper.

Mix oil, eggs, nectar, vanilla, water, lemon juice, and zest in a standing mixer and whisk for a few minutes.

In a small bowl sift flour and salt together.

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the mixer, until throughly blended.

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake 40-45 mins until golden around the edges.

Digestive Wellness 2.

2011-01-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

{Russian Cabbage Borscht.}

{Skillet Tempeh Reuben.}

{Kudze Cream Tonics.}

{Adzuki Beans w/Chard & Dandelion Greens.}

{Collard Greens & Quinoa Dolmas.}

{Beet Coleslaw.}

Digestive Wellness.

2011-01-03T20:59:00.001-08:00

a new take on 'Fish & Chips'.

{Steamed Halibut w/Dandelion Green Pesto,
Roasted Carrot & Fennel 'Fries' w/Mustard Tahini Dipping Sauce.}

{the tasty spread.}

{Beetroot Salad w/Onion & Horseradish.}

{Braised Leeks & Fennel.}

{Kasha & Sauerkraut Stuffed Cabbage w/Honey Mustard Sauce.}

new friends.

2010-12-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

Naomi's Organic Farm Supply.
A great new find in portland.
If only I'd remembered to capture the yummy breakfast, from Naomi-fresh duck eggs.

Theraputic Improv.

2010-12-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

{Pureed Carrot, Fennel, Parsnip Soup w/Caramelized Onions.}

{Poached Salmon in Nori Wraps w/Shiitake Sauce.}

{Sauteed Chard w/Arame & Sesame seeds.}

{Wild Rice & Chard stuffed Squash w/tahini dressing.}{Carrot Cake Cookies w/Coconut Cream Glaze.}

Working w/Therapeutic Herbs & Spices.

2010-12-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

{Chicken w/Cilantro-Pistachio Pesto.}

{Cabbage Soup w/ Licorice Root.}

{Herb Salad w/Apples & Cinnamon Walnuts.}

{Roasted Curried Cauliflower.}

{Braised Celery w/ Herb Butter.}

Really Raw.

2010-12-13T22:45:00.001-08:00

{Young Coconut Pad Thai with Almond Chile Sauce.}

{Sushi Rolls with Parsnip "Rice."}

{Apple Pie with Goji Berries.}

{Turnip Ravioli with Raw Tomato Sauce.}

Who knew uncooked food could look & taste so great?

gingerbread time.

2010-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Orange Gingerbread.Ingredients:

2 eggs, separated
1/4 cup palm sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 cup teff flour
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup blackstrap molasses
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
5 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp fresh orange juice
zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350˚. Prepare a spring-form pan with parchment paper.

Whip egg whites with 2 Tbsp sugar and salt to medium peaks.Cream remaining sugar with butter. Stir in egg yolks and whip until fluffy and pale.Combine all dry ingredients and spices. Slowly mix into butter mixture. Add orange juice and zest.Pour in molasses, water, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Fold egg whites.

Pour batter into prepared pan and top with chopped walnuts.
Bake 45-50 mins.

up close & personal.

2010-12-01T22:26:00.000-08:00

after an amazing tutorial, this is how I spent my evening.

{1}

{2}

{3}

{4}

a latin affair.

2010-11-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

{south of the border.}

{Ceviche.}

{Grilled Nopales Salad.}

{Sweet Baked Plantains w/Citrus.}

{before.}

{after.}

{Mushroom Tamales in Banana Leaves with Mole Poblano.}

Grapefruit & Thyme Nut Brittle

2010-11-21T22:21:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup almonds, chopped
1 cup cashews, chopped
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh thyme, minced
1 tsp grapefruit zest

Preheat oven to 350˚.

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix sunflower seeds with half of the maple syrup. Combine spices and add to nuts. Stir in all other ingredients.

Spread nuts on the baking sheet and bake for 15mins. Check and cook for additional 15mins.

flavors of india.

2010-11-19T22:05:00.000-08:00

{South Indian Vegetable Curry. Kurma.}

{Vegetable Biriyani.}

{Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Peas. Baigan Bharta.}

a taste of harvest.

2010-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

{squash & apple soup w/crispy prosciutto garnish.}

japan.

2010-11-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

{a japanese spread.}

{Soba Noodle Salad.}

{Rice Balls Stuffed with Umeboshi Plum. Onegedi. Or little ninjas.}

{Sauteed Halibut w/Teriyaki Sauce and Daikon Noodles}

{Burdock Root and Carrot Saute. Kinpira Gobo.}

{sushi.sushi.sushi.}

trip to thailand.

2010-11-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

{feast of flavor.}

{Red Curry Squash with Brown Jasmine Rice.Kang Hunglay.}

{Green Papaya Salad.}

{Pad Thai.}

nutritious mallows.

2010-11-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

{adapted from z's cup of tea.}

Cocoa Dusted Marshmallows.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tbsp gelatin
1/2 cup ice cold water
1/2 cup honey
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp cocoa powder

Combine 1/4 cup of cold water with gelatin in a chilled bowl. Let sit for 5 mins.

Meanwhile, mix remaining water and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a soft boil making sure honey is fully dissolved.

Pour honey mixture into gelatin. Start whisking until it becomes white and frothy. Once soft peaks are achieved, stir in salt and vanilla extract.

Transfer to a parchment lined pan, or dish. Let set for at least 30mins. Once set, cut marshmallows into desired shape and size. Put cocoa powder on a dish and toss marshmallows until evenly coated.

Enjoy!

another trip to the mediterranean.

2010-11-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

{lost somewhere along the eastern mediterranean & north african coasts.}

{North African carrots w/harissa.}

{baked falafel w/tahini sauce.}

{fall veggie tagine over couscous.}

{Levant-style stuffed cabbage w/yogurt sauce.}

{Labneh stuffed dates.}

mediterranean travels.

2010-11-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

week eight.{chicken marbella.}

{fennel, orange, mint salad w/ herb roasted olives.}

{rustic wild mushroom risotto.}

{provencal artichoke ragout.}

savory baking.

2010-11-08T00:11:00.000-08:00

pumpernickel & pizza.

{gluten-free pumpernickel & multi-grain bread.}

{gluten-free flatbreads.}

{Roasted red pepper-olive tapenade. Artichoke. Feta cheese. Spinach. Kalamata Olives.}

{Caramelized Onions. Figs. Goat Cheese. Thyme. Balsamic reduction.}

{Pesto. Veggie. Olive.}

pear scones.

2010-11-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

{minus the gluten.}

Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice flour
3/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
6 Tbsp butter, cubed
1/2 coconut milk
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup diced pear

Preheat oven to 400˚ and prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine flours, xanthan gum, salt, baking powder, and spices together in a large bowl or standing mixer. Cut cold butter cubes into the dry mixture. In a separate bowl, add lemon juice to coconut and stir until blended. Add remaining ingredients except for pears. With the mixer on low, slowly pour wet mixture into your batter, 1/3 at a time. Once batter is well mixed, fold in pears. Roll dough into a 3-4” diameter log. Slice dough at about a 60˚ angle, forming about 15 triangle scones.
Bake 25 mins until tops are golden brown.

natural baking.

2010-11-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

{Almond cake. Banana kudzu filling. Coconut chocolate ganache.}

{And other variations.}

chick, chick, chicken.

2010-11-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

week seven.

{braised chicken w/green mole.}
{pan-roasted chicken w/mushrooms, shallots, & rosemary.}

{roasted chicken a la chez panisse style.}

{poached curried chicken salad in lettuce cups. }

feeeeeesh.

2010-10-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

fillet day.

{Bouillabaisse Salad.
Fish En Papillote.
Herbed Fish Cakes with Chipotle-Lime Aioli.
Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna with Ponzu Sauce.
Tea-Smoked Fish with Spicy Daikon-Carrot Salad.}

veggie proteins.

2010-10-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

week six.

Parchment-Roasted Halibut & White Wine Reduction

2010-10-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 lb wild pacific halibut fillet
3 tsp coconut oil
3 scallions, roots trimmed
1 fennel bulb, sliced
1 tsp minced ginger
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 minced jalapeno pepper
1 cup white wine
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp plain yogurt
juice of one lemon
1/4 cup basil leaves
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400˚.

Place a piece of parchment paper at the base of a baking dish with enough extending to cover the top. Line the bottom with the fennel, green onions, and half the jalapeno peppers. Drizzle 1 tsp of coconut oil to coat and salt with a few generous pinches.

Rinse and dry halibut. Place on top of the vegetables in the parchment paper. Coat with remaining coconut oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, ginger, and jalapenos. Squeeze half the lemon and pour half of the white wine over halibut.

Fold parchment over top the fish and fold edges to create a pocket. Bake for 15 minutes.

After baking, pour any liquid remaining on the parchment into a sauce pan. Bring liquid to a soft boil, add butter, remaining wine and reduce to about half. Stir in yogurt and lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over the fish and vegetables. Finish with chopped basil. Serve immediately.

saucing up salads.

2010-10-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

{Beet Carpaccio Salad with Oranges, Watercress, and Citrus Vinaigrette.}

{Warm Composed Salad w/spinach, peppers, & cashews.}

{Adzuki and Green Bean Salad with Tamari Glazed Almonds and Miso-Ginger Vinaigrette}

{Moroccan Quinoa Salad with Minty Yogurt Dressing}

soups from stocks.

2010-10-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

{Squash Soup with Asian Pear, Apple, and Ginger.
Hearty Mushroom Stew with Gremolata.
Curried Red Lentil Stew with Vegetables.
Italian Fish Stew with Rouille.
Mexican Chilled Avocado Soup with Sweet Corn Salsa.
Sweet Onion Soup.}

{italian fish stew.}

stocks in pots.

2010-10-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

week three.{Brown Chicken Stock.Fish Stock. Light Veggie Stock. Mineral Broth. Roasted Veggie Stock. Mushroom Stock.}

a lil' latin.

2010-09-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

week two.{Chicken Roulade w/Chard, Pumpkin Seed, & Ancho Chile Stuffing.}

{Vegan Posole.}

let the bauman begin.

2010-09-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

week 1.
{Millet, Lentil, and Chard Cake with Gingery Tomato Sauce
Wilted Spinach & Basil Salad.
Warm Balsamic Vinaigrette and Toasted Dulse}

a taste of sonoma.

2010-09-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

An evening spent catching up with missed friends over crisp wine, PapaGrish-caught Alaskan halibut, property foraged produce, & a pooch, made for the perfect welcome back to california. Awakened to a sun soaked sonoma & pool-side breakfast.

This place's a winner.

{sun kissed morning view.}

{vine covered hills.}

{fresh off the boat alaskan halibut}

{almond-crusted halibut w/citrus salsa & crunchy kale salad.}

{mint spiked peaches w/mango, pineapple & walnuts,
garden fresh frittata w/queso fresco.}

{breakfast of champions.}

{cone-head, Kibo, getting thirsty}

back to the bay.

2010-09-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Summer flew by before my eyes. It was filled with so many new and wonderful experiences. It was nostalgic and sunny, I couldn't have been happier. Unfortunately, summer had to come to an end. I am now back in san francisco, but I remembered to pack all the fabulous memories with me.

2010-08-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

“Mascarpone, Apricots, & cherries, oh pie!”

Crust:
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup raw cashews
1 Tbsp raw honey
6 Tbsp butter
pinch of sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pulse nuts in a food processor to a powder. Melt butter and honey and combine with the nuts and a pinch of sea salt. Press dough into a pie pan. Cover edges of the crust with foil, to prevent from burning. Bake for 10-12 mins, remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7minutes. Remove and let crust cool completely.

Filling:
16 oz. Mascarpone cheese
1 cup raw cream
4 Tbsp raw honey
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
farmer's market picked cherries & apricots, pitted and halved

To make the filling, whip cheese, honey, and maple until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl whip cream and vanilla to a stiff peak. Fold whipped cream into the cheese mixture. Pour filling into the cooled crust and top with halved, pitted cherries and apricots in a spiral pattern. Chill for several hours.
Serve and indulge!

summertime.

2010-07-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

I decided to move to portland for the summer, and summer it is. The weather has finally hit the high 90's, even 100 this week. It is great to finally have a true summer, quite different from san francisco style. With the warm weather I am taking full advantage of all oregon has to offer- pietopia, farmers markets, and the great outdoors. One of my favorites, thus far, has been getting to the sandy river. I even caught my first baby salmon, not a keeper, but still I hooked it.

And with that in mind, a little fishing inspiration-

photographs, ring, romper, cookbook, boots, vintage tape measure, & basket.

almond joy!

2010-05-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on Nourishing Gourmet, and reminiscent of my favorite Halloween treat, I had to give it a try.Unfortunately they didn't turn out quite as beautiful has my childhood delights, but I think the flavor definitely held its own.

Almond Joy Candy

1 cup shredded organic coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 coconut oil
5 Tbsp raw honey
1/3 cup chopped almonds
1/3 cocoa powder
2 Tbsp agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt

Melt 1/4 cup coconut oil and 3 Tbsp honey in a double boiler until fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut. Divide mixture evenly among 12 mini muffin tins. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top of the coconut mixture. Place in the freezer until set. Meanwhile combine cocoa powder with remaining coconut oil and honey. Heat in a double boiler until melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and agave nectar. Remove from the freezer and top each one with the chocolate mixture. Top with a few grains of salt, and put back into the freezer. Remove after about 30mins and pop the candies out of the tin. Indulge. Store in the freezer. They will keep for at least two weeks, (or at least that's how far I made it until they were all gone!) The tops cracked a bit in the freezer, so I need to do some more experimenting. All in all thought, a tasty success. Watch out Hershey's!

it's official!

2010-05-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I was blown when I got my acceptance letter from Bauman College. I just applied to their natural chef program, and I'm in! I can't believe I'll be enrolled in the fall. It couldn't be happening at a better time. It's the perfect fit, and I am beyond excited.

I celebrate with my favorite- a bowl of fresh stove-popped popcorn!

lemon heaven.

2010-05-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the latter part of the day playing in the kitchen with a friend. We were on a jammin' mission and successfully canned about eight delicious jars of strawberry jam. Still having the 'baby boom' bug in me, I decided to attempt making raw honey lemon curd. It was so simple and turned out creamy and refreshing. It was perfect for dipping the strawberries I had leftover from the jam. Unfortunately I didn't make quite enough in this batch, but I can't wait to try these lemon bars next.

{recipe adapted from the nourishing gourmet}

Lemon Curd
3 eggs
5 Tbsp raw honey
1/2 cup lemon juice (meyer)
5 Tbsp raw butter
lemon zest

Heat eggs, honey, and lemon juice in a double boiler whisking until thickened. Stir in lemon zest and butter until melted and fully combined. Pour into jars. Refrigerate for 24 hours.

sam i am.

2010-04-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

And I will eat them here and there.
Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE!
I do so like
green eggs and ham!

breakfast poached eggs with soup & brewed yerba mate in my new gourd!

After returning from an amazing trip abroad to Argentina, I was in need of some serious meat and booze detox. I decided to try a refreshing cold cucumber avocado soup. It was delicious for lunch and decided it would make for a tasty addition to my morning eggs.

Cucumber Avocado Soup: round i
4 avocados
6 small cucumbers
1 green onion
fresh dill
salt & pepper
splash of milk
drizzle of olive oil

Simply blend all ingredients and season to taste. Garnish with chopped walnuts or a drizzle of truffle oil. Serve immediately or chill and serve for breakfast or lunch with eggs.

Cucumber Avocado Soup: round ii
Pour a small bowl of prepared soup. Float two Poach eggs on top of soup. Sprinkle with a pinch of fresh dill and a sharp cheese, like parmesan or manchego (optional). Drizzle with truffle olive oil. To complete the Dr. Seuss reference, top with crispy bacon lardons!

a no bake, cake.

2010-03-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

{recipe adapted from nourishing traditions}

Pistachio Lime Cheesecake
1 cup pistachios
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
3 1/2 cups homemade cream cheese
3 eggs separated
1 cup whole milk
2 Tbsp gelatin
1/2 raw honey
1/4 agave nectar
1 Tbsp vanilla
3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
pinch of salt

Begin by blending the dates and pistachios in a food processor until the nuts are chopped and fully blended with the dates. Butter a 9" spring foam pan and press the mixture into the bottom to make the crust. Stir egg yolks and milk into a sauce pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the gelatin and beat lightly until the gelatin has dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside. Next combine the cream cheese, honey, agave, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the yolk mixture and lime juice. Place in the refrigerator and whisk the egg whites and salt to a stiff peak. Fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the mixture into the pan and top with chopped pistachios for garnish. Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for several hours. Once cake has set remove from the pan and serve.

This cake has the wonderful sweet, tangy flavor of cheesecake with hints of citrus, while its consistency is light and fluffy like a custardy meringue. I can't wait to play around with some different flavors and nuts for some variations.

Enjoy!

kitchen-sink curry

2010-03-11T22:49:00.000-08:00

Curry Coconut Chicken:
1 large onion
a few handfuls of assorted veggies
(i used some red bell pepper, asparagus,
roasted squash, mushrooms, & kale)
1 chicken breast cubed
1 cup chickpeas
Tbsp raw butter
Tbsp coconut oil
3/4 can of coconut milk
splash of white wine
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp crushed red pepper
salt&pepper
chopped cashews
cilantro
scallions

Melt butter and coconut oil in a large braising pan. (i used my new toy!) Add salt&peppered chicken pieces and brown for a few minutes on each side. While chicken browns, prep your vegetables. Remove the chicken and reserve on a plate for later. Add onion and then the remaining veggies to the pan with chicken drippings. (if you are using any leafy greens add towards the end.) Add the curry and ginger powders and saute for a few minutes. Next mix in the chickpeas and garlic. Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine and then coconut milk and bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the pan and add any greens at this point. Lower to a simmer and cover for about 30mins. At this point you are ready to serve. Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions, and chopped cashews for a crunch! It is perfect solo in a bowl, or great on a bed of rice to sop up the delicious broth.

An easy, ultimate comfort meal!

quinoa salad.

2010-03-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

a deliciously easy whole grain salad
1 cup red quinoa soaked, rinsed
2 cups water
1 green onion chopped
5-6 stalks of asparagus chopped
1/2 a red bell pepper chopped
1-2 piquillo peppers chopped
3/4 cups walnuts chopped
handful cilantro chopped
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
juice of half a lemon
few dashes of ume plum vinegar
S&P

Begin by soaking the quinoa. After about 10-15 minutes rinse and combine with a half teaspoon of salt and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. While quinoa cooks, prep your vegetables in a bowl. Once quinoa has cooked completely add it to the bowl of veggies. The heat of the grains will slightly steam the asparagus. Mix and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the nuts. Once cooled add the chopped walnuts. Finish with cilantro and salt & pepper to taste. This great side dish is the perfect compliment to fish or steak. I enjoyed mine with baked salmon for dinner (and will probably have it again cold tomorrow morning for breakfast!)

nourishing traditions

2010-03-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

I recently bought a copy of a truly amazing book- Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. I have found myself, quite addicted to it. Much of it is based off of Weston A. Price and other fascinating studies. It has been such an eye opener. I am encouraging everyone I know get a pick up a copy and read it. It me doing a kitchen-pantry makeover and a lot of experimenting.

Today I made paté.
recipe adapted from {nourishing traditions}

Chicken Mushroom Paté:
1 large shallot chopped
1 cup mushrooms chopped
1 garlic clove chopped
1 Tbsp raw butter + 3Tbsp
1/2 lb Mary's chicken livers
1/2 cup white wine
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp truffle oil
chopped rosemary
S&P

Begin by sauteing the shallot, mushrooms, and chicken livers in a tablespoon of butter. Once browned, approximately 10 minute, add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat, cool for a few minutes. Then blend with the additional butter until smooth. I added a little truffle oil to bring out the flavor in the mushrooms. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

most marvelous miette.

2010-03-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

i always love a visit to miette, the cutest little confectionery shoppe in hayes valley. i awed over the great decor and amazing sweets, and what's a visit without having one of their french macarons?
always a treat!

yeah creuset

2010-02-28T22:52:00.001-08:00

initiation night for my brand new le creuset pot.
a truly amazing bday gift!

chicken verde:
braised chicken breasts with onions, tomatillos, garlic, wine, & chicken stock. a touch of chili powder added heat while the cumin gave a hint of smokiness.

finished with cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, and crispy cabbage.
delicioso cena!

diamonds & emeralds & rubys, oh my!

2010-02-27T23:15:00.000-08:00

this weekend i saw Cartier in America, an inspiring and glamorous exhibit at the Legion of Honor. joined by with my favorite east bay gals, the day was filled with lots of sunshine and laughs. topped off with some good eats and a spontaneous slumber party, it made for quite a saturday!

deep thoughts.

2010-02-10T23:01:00.000-08:00

a sweet tooth winter wonderland.

2009-12-15T21:48:00.001-08:00

a little wedding magic.

2009-10-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

california condor-

2009-09-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

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

cheese, please.

2009-09-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-19T22:19:00.001-07:00

the all inspiring pacific coast.

2009-07-19T22:11:00.001-07:00

a blanket of clouds.

bright monday

2009-07-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Lovely weekends.

2009-07-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

in other words- rock, rock

2009-07-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

a dip in morro bay, oh so fine.

don't cry for me, atascadero

2009-07-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

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.