International trade has made the world a smaller, more accessible place--a concept reflected wonderfully in a cheeseboard. Marcona almonds from Spain, mission figs from California, apricots from Turkey, and cheese, oh the cheese from all over: Italian parmesan, French Brie, Swiss Gruyere, and of course wine soaked toscano. Food globalization is a wonderful thing. For … Continue reading Of Cheeseboards and Thanks
California
Weekend Words #3 and Almond Butter Bars
I had a cold recently...and like a good mother, I passed it on to my daughter. Right before she got on a plane. With just her father. For 6 hours. Yikes. Her first cold, in a tin box, 6 miles up in the sky. Well then. A few weeks (months?) ago We went to Pinnacles … Continue reading Weekend Words #3 and Almond Butter Bars
Weekend Words #2 and Almond Snickerdoodle Cookies
Transitioning from night work to day work is a tough cookie, and I'm not just saying that as a clever transition into my upcoming cookie recipe. I've been at this residency business for three years now (3/4 done!) for three years now, and it doesn't get easier. If anything, it gets harder. You start out … Continue reading Weekend Words #2 and Almond Snickerdoodle Cookies
Whipped Body Butter – 4 ingredients
I've used coconut oil for years: as a moisturizer, a makeup remover, in hair, as a lip balm, in cooking. It's wonderful, and it's even more wonderful when it's easy to spread as a body butter. Pretty simple to make really -- the key is that you need a "butter" that is softer at room … Continue reading Whipped Body Butter – 4 ingredients
Exploring California Part 7: Mount Diablo + Rosemary Cupcakes with Honey-Brown Butter Frosting
We've been doing local hikes in the South and North Bay recently, but for our anniversary hike, Tyler and I decide to venture to the other side, the East Bay, and head toward Mount Diablo. It sits tall at 3,849ft above the ground in Mount Diablo State Park. We hiked to the North Peak via … Continue reading Exploring California Part 7: Mount Diablo + Rosemary Cupcakes with Honey-Brown Butter Frosting
Exploring California Part 6: VOTE tomorrow in your primary elections
California primary election is coming up on June 5th (tomorrow) and if you are a California resident, please go out and vote. What the primary election does is it narrows down the field of possible applicants (which is what they are--they apply, we decide) for state positions. Like a few other states, California has a … Continue reading Exploring California Part 6: VOTE tomorrow in your primary elections
Exploring California 4: Coyote Hills Regional Park + Coconut Curry Soup-Salad
When we moved to California, I promised myself we would spend as much time outside as possible. We would hike, camp, walk, run, and bike (if I ever re-learn, it's definitely NOT like riding a bike, you CAN forget) our way across Northern California. Apparently I forgot I was in residency -- it's a slow … Continue reading Exploring California 4: Coyote Hills Regional Park + Coconut Curry Soup-Salad
Exploring California Part 3: Roaring Camp + Madras Cafe
The smells of South Indian food make me smile. It's not naan, it's not palak paneer, it's something different. It's rice, it's lentils, it's sambar and rasaam, and memories. It's memories of my mom making Uttapam at home with coconut chutney. It's cilantro everywhere. I've been disappointed by South Indian food restaurants generally -- thick … Continue reading Exploring California Part 3: Roaring Camp + Madras Cafe
Exploring California Part 2: Half Moon Bay and Mamacita’s Food Truck
I am lucky to still have my weekends to myself. I have two days to decompress, read, walk the dogs, and explore my new home. We have spent the last few months venturing out and making this place home, finding our favorite place to eat, where we get our groceries, a local dog parks. We … Continue reading Exploring California Part 2: Half Moon Bay and Mamacita’s Food Truck
Welcome to Fall Bars, Pulgas Open Reserve
Milestone: we took Rain off leash for the first time in an open space. No fences, just us, our dogs, and their (relative) freedom. The moment we took the leash off, I expected her to bound off, but she just sat next to us, looking up. Slowly, she paced ahead, looking back every now and then. … Continue reading Welcome to Fall Bars, Pulgas Open Reserve
The Clumsy Cook 