By Jeanne, on November 27th, 2011
Catherine of Munchie Musings was our November Daring Bakers’ host and she challenged us to make a traditional Filipino dessert – the delicious Sans Rival cake! And for those of us who wanted to try an additional Filipino dessert, Catherine also gave us a bonus recipe for Bibingka which comes from her friend Jun of Jun-blog.
It may be ambitious to title a cake “Sans Rival”, meaning “without rival”. But with four layers of gluten-free dacquoise (nut meringue) cake, slathered in French buttercream, there aren’t very many cakes that come close to this one in decadence and taste. The Sans Rival cake is a popular dessert in the Philippines though its origin is French. The many Filipinos who went abroad to study in the early 20th century brought back the French cooking techniques that would make this cake a Filipino favorite.
Continue reading “Daring Bakers Challenge: Chocolate Sans Rival Cake” »
By Jeanne, on November 10th, 2011
The sun may have come out for an hour or two today. But mostly the blue-tinted sky had an ominous look about it. There’s another storm brewing. Last Friday, we had a glorious thunder and lightning storm that filled up our rain barrel in no time flat. The mountains still show patches of white snow among the evergreens, a sure sign that it’s been a chilly week. Just perfect for curling up on the couch with a cat at my side and a mug of tea and an orange oat scone on the coffee table in front of me.
Continue reading “Orange Oat Scones” »
By Jeanne, on November 4th, 2011
I have a new camera. At least, it’s new to me. My love of analog photography has led me to become a member of the Polaroid cult. As a longtime film photographer, I’ve been drawn lately to the Polaroid-like digital images created with some of the new apps (you know the ones). With my foot planted firmly in the technology of yesterday, unwilling to trade in my simple no-frills cell phone and pink iPod mini with its charming pea green screen that doesn’t respond to the touch of a finger, I satisfied my curiosity in the only way that felt right to me: I bought (rescued?) a pre-owned Polaroid camera. The camera cost nearly nothing, but the film – well, the film costs more than I paid for the camera! Per roll. But just look at those yellow spots and strange tint on the film from years of sitting on the shelf long past expiration. How charming! I am addicted.
Continue reading “From Pumpkins to Puree” »
By Jeanne, on October 31st, 2011
“There is something in the unselfish and self-sacrificing love of a brute, which goes directly to the heart of him who has had frequent occasion to test the paltry friendship and gossamer fidelity of mere Man.”
- Edgar Allan Poe, “The Black Cat”
Have a Monochrome Monday photo to share on this All Hallow’s Eve? Leave a link in the comments, if you dare.
By Jeanne, on October 27th, 2011
The Daring Baker’s October 2011 challenge was Povitica, hosted by Jenni of The Gingered Whisk. Povitica is a traditional Eastern European Dessert Bread that is as lovely to look at as it is to eat!
There’s always something special about bread with a spiral inside. Its unassuming exterior renders it almost indistinguishable from any other loaf of bread. But far from being just any other loaf of bread, it has something special to offer. Perhaps it’s a savory, herby filling that, when surrounded by dense bread, could just about pass itself off as an entire meal. Or that classic cinnamon swirl that so many of us loved as a child. Or just maybe, an autumn treat filled with spiced pumpkin butter. No matter your filling of choice, this Povitica recipe will have you racking your brain for new flavor combinations to pair with the slightly sweet, dreamy dough.
Continue reading “Daring Bakers Challenge: Povitica” »
By Jeanne, on October 22nd, 2011
Part of undertaking a challenge such as October: Unprocessed is getting out of your food comfort zone. I’ve always been comfortable with my routine of buying boxed cereal at the store. Of course I bought organic, and of course it contained only a few wholesome ingredients. But it’s still a processed food and it’s pretty intensely packaged. Five or six cups of cereal inside a plastic bag inside a paper box? Why pay for all that packaging?
Continue reading “Maple Walnut Granola” »
By Jeanne, on October 16th, 2011
It’s impossible to deny that things are crazy in our world right now. People are without jobs, homes, paychecks, and food. We are ever more attached to our jobs, computers, and phones; but disconnected from our families and neighbors. It is more important than ever for us to strengthen our local communities and take care of each other. Of course, none of us can effect major change on our own, but together we can build momentum to create a healthier society. World Bread Day and World Food Day seek to heighten awareness of global food issues and the struggle to provide secure food systems for the most vulnerable citizens of our planet. The bread that emerges from hundreds of food bloggers’ ovens today may not feed the world, but hopefully it inspires us and our readers to take a larger action for good.
Continue reading “Honey-Glazed Maple Cinnamon Rolls for World Bread Day” »
By Jeanne, on October 10th, 2011
A couple of weekends ago, I was lucky enough to attend the Homefries U: Back to School Weekend in lovely Palm Springs. With a group of 30 Joy and Tracy fans from all over the country, it was bound to be a creative learning extravaganza full of good food, drink, and new friends.
Continue reading “Monochrome Monday: Back to School Weekend with Homefries U” »
By Jeanne, on September 30th, 2011
We all work long days, and the temptation to grab a quick take-out lunch or another slice of the office birthday cake is something that we can all relate to. Consuming unprocessed, whole foods in the modern office environment is a task that takes incredible willpower and a knack for planning ahead. But there’s good news: there is evidence that your willpower muscles can be strengthened! October is the perfect month to start, since over 1,000 of us have already pledged to eliminate unprocessed food from our diet for October Unprocessed.
Continue reading “October: Unprocessed” »
By Jeanne, on September 26th, 2011
Locally grown organic tomatoes
Locally grown organic purple basil
Fresh mozzarella
Drizzle of balsamic vinegar and unfiltered olive oil
Dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Savor each bite as summer fades
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