22 Feb 2011

Tuesday Tools: GoldTouch Baking Pan (and recipe)

by | posted in: food | 2

Not only do I like writing tools, I also love baking tools.  I’m not a gadget person, but I do love quality products that I know will last.

During my previous stint in NC and part of my time in the Ville, I had the luxury of working at Williams-Sonoma during the holidays to earn some money, get to know non-believers, save some money for mission trips, and stock my kitchen.  It was for the most part a great p/t job.

I got this one pan early on and it is one of my favorite in my kitchen.  Last night I baked an apple cobbler in it so I thought I would post about the tool and give you the recipe as well.

This pan is versatile and pretty – even when it is baked in and everything.  The gold finish keeps its look even when you’ve had it for many years like me.  I also have  bar pan in this series and love it as well – these are my two go-to pans!

Here is a quick and easy cobbler recipe from my mentor.  I’ve had this recipe for 15 years or more now and love it and it always is a hit:

Easy Cobbler
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
1 cup sugar
cinnamon
1 can pie filling
1/3 cup sugar
cinnamon

In glass 8×8 pan (or microwave safe to make cleaning dishes easier), melt stick of butter. Mix in flour, milk, and 1 cup sugar. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Spoon on pie filling. Top with mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Serve with ice cream! 🙂

13 Feb 2011

Taste of Durham: Pop’s Trattoria/Rue Cler

by | posted in: food, restaurants, Uncategorized | 0

Two delicious downtown restaurants: one week: one owner.

Rue Cler is about a block from First Durham, a french restaurant and bakery (I’ve heard their blueberry muffins are just excitement for your mouth).

A friend and I went.  Dinner menus are daily reads, so I couldn’t plan ahead of time (ACK!).  They are pre-fixe menus, but you can substitute for anything, or you can do it a la carte.

I got the salad frisee (frisee greens, croutons, vinaigrette, bacon (which I left off for meatless year) and an egg – broken down into the greens – maybe all the time from now on.  Then I had a side of the pomme frites (really yummy seasoned french fries).  I didn’t care for the sauce (butter/tarragon) but I refrained from asking for ketchup. 

We had a great waitress who was patient in answering all of our questions because neither of us specialize in French cooking.

The other restaurant I tried this week was Pop’s Trattoria on Main Street.  They recently moved buildings – into an urban/warehouse type feel with local artist’s work adorning the wall.  We walked right in on V-day weekend because of reservations.  They sat us right next to beautiful precious friends which made the night even more special. 

Mussels with tomatoes, white wine, and red chili – AMAZING.  You really want a straw to sip up all the broth – but instead you dip the bread.  They come around to the tables periodically with a big basket and a set of tongs to give you as much bread as you desire. (1 1/2 for me).  The olive oil they served was delicious and fruity, but it didn’t compare to the mussels’ broth, so I chose that for my dipping choice.

Those we devoured – we also got the apple brie ricotto pizza topped with a truffle oil cream.  Very rich, we took leftovers.

The food was better than the service.  That’s not to say the service was bad, just not STELLAR – but the food definitely made up for it.  I could go back every night just to have the mussels.  Will definitely be going back to Pop’s!

3 Feb 2011

Book 4 of 52: Big Sur Bakery Cookbook

by | posted in: Books, food, restaurants | 0

Today is one of those days when I wish I was independently wealthy and didn’t have a job.  If I were – I would purchase a ticket to the closest airport to Big Sur I could possibly find, maybe even tomorrow, and dine at the Big Sur Bakery along the Californian Coast.  Honestly, I wouldn’t go today – because its January and they may or may not be open – but maybe the first week of June.

The Big Sur Bakery was recommended to me by Jenna or Eat Live Run who lives in the area of the Bakery now and loves this cookbook as well.  I really was skeptical of how good a cookbook could really be.  This sets the bar.  A new plumb line for cookbooks.

Honest.  Ingredients.  Journal-type writing.  Amazing breathtaking, simply want to make you run to whole foods and make everything recipes, and beautiful mouth-watering pictures – the type I only dream to one-day take. 

They care about their friends and family, their local ingredients, and specializing in their craft.  And don’t let the term “bakery” in the restaurant’s name fool you.  They are about craftful baking, but they love their meat and potatoes as well.  They even have a pork and beer night once a year, complete with fake pig snouts.  Vegans not apply (that’s why I can’t go for  eleven months).

So…do you need a good read by a fire-place?  Pick this up.  I may not have a fire going at this moment, but this has been an amazing 3 hour journey into the lives of the owners and lovers of the Big Sur Bakery.

Tax return money, pleae come quickly, so I can buy my own copy.

30 Jan 2011

Book 3 of 52: a platter of figs (David Tanis)

by | posted in: Books, food | 0

Reading cookbooks.  Such a delight.  Really – there is so much more to do with a cookbook other than to cook by it.  Read it.  Laugh at it.  Savor the pictures.  This will occur if it is a well-written cookbook.

I learned the art of reading cookbooks by reading Jenna’s blog.  Many of the cookbooks she recommends are now on my Amazon wishlist (linked here in case anyone wants to buy one from themselves, or me).  This one, a platter of figs, wasn’t on it – but it was at my local library.  I checked it out, read it, took notes, and added it to my wishlist.

David Tanis, of Chez Panisse fame, has a delightful approach to his recipes and his writing: fresh, simple, gorgeous, local ingredients.

There are four I want to try: fava bean salad, spinach cake, pears and parm, and avocado mozzerella quesadillas.  His recipes are divided into seasons – which is really the only way a good fresh, seasonal recipe book should be organized.  Perfect and helpful.

Here are two quotes that will stick with me:

“I was drawn to the idea that the experience of dining is an end in itself.”

“What a strange idea: comfort food. Isn’t every food comforting in its own way! Why are certain foods disqualified? Can’t fancy food be soothing in the same way as granny food?”

Enjoy a platter of figs.

27 Jan 2011

Taste and Heard in Durham: Beyu Caffe

by | posted in: food, restaurants | 0

I don’t know really how you say it, but I pronounce it: good eats.

On the side of Five Points in the downtown district of the Bull City, sits a gem.  Jazz, spinach gruyere dip, vegan and vegetarian choices on a full menu, wines and coffees, luscious desserts, and wifi – really – need I say more.

We walked in with only about 35 minutes for dinner.  I stated that to our waiter and he was on it.  Thankful for the service! 

I think I may have had the best spinach dip I’ve ever had: spinach and gruyere cheese – that’s all (well, the two main ingredients) – baked in my own little ramekin so I could devour it all to myself (I did share a bite, and saved some for leftovers).  No artichokes – I think I like it that way.

The sauce that I tried from my friend’s choice: chorizo quesadillas: guacamole mayo – splendid.  That would go good on just about anything – but maybe perfect on a BLT.  Yum.

The dude singing – perfect, not too loud, we could still carry on a conversation.  Must. Go. Back. for more.

27 Jan 2011

TriRestaurant Week: Vivace

by | posted in: food, restaurants, vegetarian | 2

Unpretentious.  Good food.  Hopefully go back for the good wine.  Good price.  Good friend.  What more could you ask for?

A friend and I celebrated hump day by taking advantage of Triangle Restaurant Week and went to a new place for us both, Vivace in North Hills.  I will definitely pay a return (or two or three) visit!

They brought out delicious simple crusty bread slices with a white bean hummus type dip.  Good, simple.

We both ordered the salad: spinach, dried apricots, slivered almonds, and a prosecco vinaigrette.  Loved the attention of the dressing of the salad with the light vinaigrette and the sweetness (but not overwhelming) dried apricots.  Maybe the hand was heavy on the pecorino cheese, just a bit salty.

I ordered the pizza, minus the chicken since I’m going meatless.  The presentation was flawless, brought out on a wooden cutting board.  Thin crispy-edged pizza with olive oil, goat cheese, roasted garlic, pear, and red onion.  Simple.  Mastered.  I took one bought, slouched back on my cushioned-seat, and sighed.  Good food.  Such a pleasure.

My friend got the mussels in white wine sauce and linguini.  I tasted a mussel and tried some of the sauce.  Splendid.  And both meals provided us leftovers.

Dessert: cappuccino panna cotta with raspberry puree (dotted with 3 chocolate covered espresso beans) and biscotti.  Everything was good, nothing oh my goodness stellar (like the pizza).  I enjoyed it.  Brown colored desserts are not easy to photograph. But, neither of us (my friend nor I)  are HUGE coffee fans and we both enjoyed it!

So.  My plan: return for a visit.  Go late at night with a friend who wants to split a pizza, a glass of something, and sit there and talk, oh for hours.

And we had attentive wait staff and an enjoyable time!  Thank you Vivace.  Enjoy the photos.

27 Jan 2011

Taste of Durham: Amelia Cafe

by | posted in: chocolate, food, restaurants, Uncategorized | 0

In the middle of the Brightleaf Square corridor sits a little cafe that serves desserts and real food.

I spend 4 hours there on Sunday, taking pictures, talking w a dear friend, and sipping on an espresso macchiato. 

The cake we chose was moist, texture-perfect, and delicious.  I could have easily eaten the entire cylindrical – goodness, but I shared, like a good girl.  We chose the coconut tres leche cake and the toasted coconut on the outside was supreme.  The filling of the tres leche cake was rich and pale yellow taste-bud delight with every bite. 

They serve many other beautiful creations and then have a full menu as well.  You can sit there for hours and have no one bother you.  And they have refills on their coffee – serve your own.  So, I’ll definitely be heading back there, especially when it gets warmer and I can sit outside.

Finds like Amelia’s are what makes Durham a great place to eat!

Only negative: their photos both on their website and menu need help.  Hey folks at Amelia’s: I’m available.  Contact me!

22 Jan 2011

Taste of Charlotte: Red Rocks

by | posted in: food, restaurants | 1

Nestled in the South Park neighborhood of the Queen City, NC’s largest city, sits Red Rocks Cafe Bar & Bakery.  I would just call it good food.

A friend and I decided to meet up there on my recent overnight trip to Charlotte.  We were anticipating a long wait, but got in there and were the next ones to be seated.  Perfect!

So many delicious finds on the menu: appetizers (including parmesan potato cakes), salads (including my dinner of a large Greek salad with salmon), steaks, pasta, fish, sandwiches: if you are hungry – they have something to fill your tummy.

Our waitress was friendly and attentive.  We were told her we were in a hurry and she was on top of things.  We placed our order, specifically under-cooking our salmon – and probably 8 minutes later, both of our meals were on our table.  My friend was gracious enough to let me snap a few photos, then we dug in.

The salmon was perfectly cooked: slightly crispy on the outside, slightly underdone on the inside.  The result: smooth, moist salmon full of flavor.  The dill sauce on my friend’s salmon was lemony and seasoned perfectly.  Not too much, not too little dill.

Then came the Oreo cheesecake.  Usually, you can’t go wrong with splitting cheesecake.  My only fault for the whole evening was I thought the cheesecake needed some more sugar, because it tasted too cream cheese, the perfect balance wasn’t there.  But, the chocolate sauce and oreos improved it 100%

Ambiance: check.  Wait staff: check.  Price: 10-20$ per entree.  Parking: no problem.  Food: double check.

17 Jan 2011

Much & Link Love: MLK

by | posted in: food, vegetarian, weight loss | 5

1.  I’m very thankful for MLK.  Not only for his vision for racial equality (or however you want to say it), but also because we get a day off.  Not that I won’t be working today, I’ll just be working from my bed and then my second office (different location).

2.  Honest here: Its been a tough week.  Even though I had a fabulous time in Wilmington, I have not been sleeping well since Tuesday.  I usually sleep sound through the night and would love to get about 9 hours of it (my busy life does not allow for that and for me to get everything done).  But, two times since moving here I have gone in a period of not sleeping well.  I went to bed last night about 1130 and just prayed to Jesus that He would grant me at least 6 hours of good sleep.  The first time I woke up was around 645, thank you Jesus for that sweet answer to prayer!  Still tired, not caught up, but much to do, so I hopped out of bed around 815.

3.  I had three great conversations with three new friends yesterday:  Thankful for them and for the wide variety of conversations we had: running, vegetarianism, and writing.  They were all very needed yesterday.

Link Love

1.  I am making this tonight to bake in the morning when I return from the gym.

2.  This will be a late night drink for me this week since I will have a lot of late nights. 

3.  This is a very inspiring post by Kendi.  This is especially needed when I have so many dreams.  These are the ones that are up to me: do my job well, social media/blogging success, writing a book, losing 30 lbs, be vegetarian, and running successfully, travel and do food photography/writing, and being a great photographer.  Then there is one that I can’t do by myself.  Thank you Kendi for this dream report.

4.  Anyone in RDU wanna come have this recipe with me?  This looks amazing. 

5.  Love my friend’s blog on the topic of food. Some of her previous thoughts in a conversation with me has spurred me on the last couple of months since meeting with her. 

I know this week’s is short, but I feel like these are more specific to what I want to do.  Hopefully you like these Monday editions.  I hope you see a little bit of me in these and learn what is going on in my head and heart and busy schedule.

Have a great holiday!

4.

14 Jan 2011

Delicious Wilmington: Coastal Cupcakes

by | posted in: chocolate, food, restaurants | 2

I think every other cupcake business in Wilmington needs to just close up shop and that Coastal Cupcakes needs to bake more cupcakes. 

Best cupcake I’ve had, hans down.  I’ve had cupcakes in Chicago, RDU, Publix (which are a favorite of mine), TN,  CO.  Cupcake bakeries and “shoppes” are all the rage right now, so there seems to be one on every corner.  They do it right!

A friend and I share the coconut with cream cheese icing and coconut on top.  The most moist, fall apart, not dry at all cupcake.  Flavorful and just melt in your mouth.  Most cupcakes I’ve tasted in bakeries taste like they are frozen.  I would have though these were baked right before we walked in (though the icing wasn’t melting, so I know they weren’t).  The coconut wasn’t hard.  The cream cheese frosting was just bliss. 

I would love to have tried all of them, and the shop clerk that day was so kind and gracious to let me come behind the counter to not have the glass in all the pictures!

Thank you Coastal Cupcakes!  Keep baking!  I will return!