Summer is here!

Shalom Friends,

The end of summer is near, but I have to say, it's been a good one! Apart from the fog and drizzle in San Francisco, it's been an exciting time. I've relocated to the beautiful town of Berkeley, CA, where the produce flows and the crazy people... well, they're around.

I'm including a few pictures of some delicious things I've eaten in the past few months. I went on an epic vacation to Chicago where I stayed with my dear friend Elisa.

Upon my return everyone asked me, "Did you go to the Art Institute? The Chicago Sky Deck? Take a tour of the city in a boat?" And to all of that, I responded, "No Sir/Ma'am".

But, I did eat. I ate a lot of things. A lot of delicious things. And, I now have a very clear understanding of the obesity epidemic in this country. I am also guilty of perpetuating this very serious problem. But alas... it was incredibly tasty, and totally worth it. To the left -- These are two home-made cinnamon rolls and two pieces of cranberry orange coffee cake served to us immediately after ordering. Yes friends... this was only the appetizer to brunch. Ann Sather's. If you're in Chicago, GO! I'm sure you'll love it, and hate it.

The last memorable meal I had in San Francisco before I moved was at "Mission Beach Cafe" on 14th and Guerrero in the mission. I took my aunt who was visiting from New York, and we had a marvelous time. The dishes are simple and innovative, and the ingredients are fresh and beautiful.

This is an english muffin with a poached egg, heirloom tomato, chicken apple sausage, and a bit of cheddar cheese, served with home-fries that are perfectly crunchy and flaky on the outside, and soft and buttery on the inside.

That's all for now... I'm headed to the farmer's market tomorrow on Derby and MLK Jr. It's a cute little market with lots of local vendors from my previous Santa Cruz and Davis farmer's market days, and feels nice to see some familiar faces.

Hope you're all happy, healthy, and enjoying yourselves.

-Yael

Spring Fling

Hey Friends!

I've included some very delayed photos from pi'e day! It was a huge success. We had 8 pies, and I'm pretty sure every participant significantly increased their chances of developing severe diabetes and/or heart failure. It was great, and 2012 better watch out!!

Pumpkin, Key Lime, Strawberry Rhubarb, Pecan, Apple, Blueberry, and Cherry Crumble

Spring is upon us. While I want nothing else but free time and endless amounts of fresh ingredients, I must go to work everyday... However, I have found time for experiments in the kitchen, as well enjoying a few fascinating culinary spots around the city.

Enjoy photos below. I finally purchased a new camera, and I've been more than pleased with it. It is a Canon Power shot, and it takes absolutely killer, crispy, clean shots.

Spicy Chicken at Z and Y restaurant in China Town. Chinese Supper with friends! Yes, those are all chili's.

Bay To Breaker's Challah.

That's all for now. Hope you're all well! Happy Cooking :)

Beware the Ides of PIE!

Friends,

It is almost that time again! The month of March not only brings the Ides, but alas, the national holiday for all bakers, 'Pi'e day!! This is the second annual 'pi'e extravaganza I'm hosting, and I can't wait! This Monday, March 14th, I along with several of my dear friends will celebrate the numerical value of pi. 3.14 (get it?). But more importantly, we will consume large quantities of the greatest dessert ever invented by human kind.

Until that post arrives, I'll share a few other foodie adventures from the last few weeks. This first picture is of kambucha butternut squash soup with roasted pumpkin seeds brought to you by Outerlands. This lovely little cafe on 45th and Judah lives in the Outer Sunset. The restaurant makes all their bread in-house, fresh everyday, and every dish is served with or on this delightfully warm, chewy loaf. They also purchase most of their produce from local farmers, including a fellow named Toby who is my brother's age, who also grew up in Davis! The world is small...

The below photo is turkey chili I made last weekend. The best thing about chili is you can put whatever you want in it, and usually it still tastes great. I browned the turkey with garlic and onions, added four kinds of beans, and canned roasted tomatoes. I think using the roasted variety is the trick to good base flavor on chili because it gives it the sort of smoky flavor. Naturally, I also seasoned with cayenne, tapatio and chili powder. It was perfect for the end of a rainy, cold weekend, and of course I made corn bread to accompany it. So comforting and delicious.

Last night, a few friends of mine that I met early on as a freshman at Santa Cruz were in town, and I hadn’t seen them in almost 2 years. In honor of our reunion, I decided to make a rather festive meal, and the following two dishes were featured in the meal. I don’t know why I never thought to do this, but if you take a date, stuff it with blue cheese, and wrap it in bacon, and bake in the oven until the bacon is crispy, voila! It’s heaven on earth. Sweet, salty and fatty. All in one. Can’t go wrong.

Lastly, I made a fruit compote with crème fraiche and chopped up some gingerbread I’d made to sprinkle on top. It was the perfect ending to a very filling meal.

I apologize for the quality of the pictures. I’m in the market for a new camera, actually. Hopefully I’ll employ a friend’s camera for ‘pi’e day, so that your mouths will water with pure jealousy!

Happy cooking, I hope you all have a fun, food-filled weekend!

Boo Rain

Hiya friends! I'm updating from rainy Davis while eating delicious miso soup. I just had my tonsils removed last Friday, so I'm home recovering from the surgery. Unfortunately, I can't eat anything delicious, but I have been fantasizing a lot about all the amazing fried things I'm going to make when I can eat again! Woohoo!!! Just wanted to post a few delayed pictures from the last few months. I've been baking and cooking a lot, but haven't been taking enough pictures . That will come to an end! I promise.

In the following photos

devil's food cake topped with the BEST and easiest ganache recipe ever.

My first ever no-knead bread. This is the NYtimes recipe that came out a few years ago. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/dining/081mrex.html

The dough is napping. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I followed the original, but my room mate's friend who is an amazing bread baker suggested I follow a different recipe from America's Test Kitchen. AND it has beer in it, so it has to be the best. Right? More on that soon.

And last but not least, Granola Bars. This is seriously the easiest and most versatile recipe on the face of the earth for granola bars. Even if you don't have half the ingredients, you can substitute everything, and they'll still turn out deliciously. Sorry the picture isn't too great... It's from the iphone

Anywho, I hope you're all doing okay, even in the dreary February weather. Eat soup and try to stay indoors!

Happy Eating ! :)