Coeur de La

red velvet lattes

2012-01-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

There are days when I crave going on a run, days where I want to put my feet up and relax with a good book, or days where I want to simply relax. But there are some days when all I want is a red velvet latte. Yes, you heard correctly ... I have found a place with red velvet lattes!!! And boy, are they good!! Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend filled with good books, good friends, and good coffee. Bisous.

This weekend
excited for: brunch with friends
lacing up my shoes: for a hike with my dad
eating: Burmese food at one of my favorite restaurants

baking.

2012-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

mini red velvets for friends

all dressed up with somewhere to go

ready!

a gift from a friend

too cute for words.

too good for words.

Baking. I love it. When I am not baking I am thinking about baking ... from new recipes to try, ingredients, pairings, frosting, muffins, scones etc. Over the past couple of weekends I've baked brunch for friends, mini cupcakes, and scones, scones and scones. So, I couldn't help but be excited when a good friend recently baked for me.

I was leaving work when I heard someone yell "Caroline"!! It was my friend Kim and her little daughter Natasha. They met me at work for hot chocolate and chai. And, the best part of our meet up ... other than our great conversation ... was that Kim brought me a whole box of cake pops (she knew I had never had one). When I opened up the box I found 2 little cupcake pops, 2 pops that looked like apples, a football pop, and 4 dark chocolate and white chocolate pops ... she absolutely spoiled me! And, what it reminded me is that: even though I love baking for others I love when others bake for me (friends are you listening)??!!
Happy Monday Everyone!!
Bisous.

lately:
loving: red velvet lattes
cake pops: Kim's cake pops were incredibly gooood
baking: dabbling with a new carrot cake recipe
starting: my own bread starter this week
feeling: a bit under the weather so tea and rest are my best friends

a market perusal and blood oranges

2012-01-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I took a much needed trip to my local farmers' market where I spotted some of my seasonal favorites: pink and red tulips, first of the season strawberries (oh sweet California), fresh herbs, apples of several varieties, stinky cheese, blood oranges, and dates. I picked up a large bag of blood oranges for a blood orange marmalade that I hope to slather onto crusty baguettes. And, I am surprised the dates even made it home as I happily devoured handful after handful while perusing the market. I love dates ... simple, sweet, and perfect on their own.

Right now, as I am writing this post, a batch of savory scones are in the oven and they are tempting me with their sweet aroma. Even if I spend my mornings baking away ... I still love the comfort I find when it comes to baking at home. This week at the cafe I am whipping up several chocolate truffles, savory muffins that happen to be a hit, and my tried and true orange cranberry scones. The weather has finally dropped and a scarf is much needed in the mornings. Maybe, this coming weekend I will have to bring an umbrella to the market ... either way I am happy January is here ... because my fruit bowl is filled to the brim with blood oranges. Enjoy your week everyone and bisous!!

baking at a coffee shop has its "PERKS"

2012-01-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

What can I say? I've taken a break from my sweet little corner of the internet BUT for a very good reason. I was hired to bake for one of my favorite cafes!!! Think copious amounts coffee sipping while I pump out baked goods for the sweetest customers. Mind you, up until two weeks ago, I was one of those customers. These past two weeks have felt like a dream ... waking up at 5am, listening to French music on the way to work, making muffins, scones, cupcakes, caramels, and sweets galore ... my mornings baking have made my heart swell with happiness. But, I've had some stressful moments too ... like a morning where my caramels didn't set right due to my small little stove top turning off or rushing my classic red velvet recipe and having a red velvet disaster of sorts. But, even with the mishaps, I absolutely love every moment of whisking, planning, sifting, creating and baking. And ... lets not forget that while I bake there is a sweet aroma that lingers in the air ... espresso. Baking at a coffee shop has its "perks"... literally!! Happy Friday readers ... I promise to have plenty of baking stories for you next week. BISOUS.

salted caramels and coffee

2011-12-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

homemade salted caramel

sprinkled with a little fleur de sel

Blue Bottle and Caramels

a perfect morning

a gift for friends

I've come to the conclusion that salted caramels go incredibly well with dark, black coffee ... preferably Blue Bottle. Two evenings ago ... I had a late night baking session and made 50 pieces of salted caramel. For some reason, I have always been intimidated when it comes to baking caramels but ... being that I wanted to gift caramels this year ... I knew I had to get over my fear. Luckily, I found a great recipe, purchased my ingredients, and conquered my fear. But, my success was not a walk in the park. My first attempt was one big fat fail. I made what tasted and felt like caramel brittle, however, I knew I could not give up. So, I boiled my cream and butter with a teaspoon of fleur de sel, started boiling my sugar, water, and corn starch, and realized that in my first attempt I added my cream way too late.

With a vengeance I was determined to succeed and this time around I did.

I made the softest, sweetest caramel that I have ever sank my teeth into.

The very next morning I cut my squares of parchment, brewed some Blue Bottle Coffee, and happily wrapped my buttery caramels. I swear for every four caramels I wrapped, one was enjoyed. I packaged the caramels in a clear glass jar, tied white and red raffia around the jar, and gifted the caramels to our close friends. I have to say my favorite moment was watching my friends unwrap each caramel, pop them into their mouths, and smile ... for me that is the sole reason why I love to bake.

Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays filled with love, laughter, good food, good times, and lots of cheer. I will be taking a holiday break from Coeur de La, so, I will be back at it next week.

Happy Baking, Eating, and Season's Greetings!

Bisous,

Caroline

candy canes and hot chocolate

2011-12-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when all I want to do is drink sweet holiday beverages. And, they often cost a pretty penny so, I splurged on my favorite hot cocoa mix ... Silly Cow Farms ... picked up all natural vanilla bean marshmallows, a couple of candy canes, and decided to make my very own peppermint hot chocolate. I happened to run 10 miles the other morning and decided that my peppermint hot chocolate could absolutely be justified ... now drinking one of these every morning ... I am not so sure about that. I used a candy cane to stir my hot cocoa and could not help but feel like Buddy the Elf!!

If you like holiday bark and want a not so traditional recipe, head on over to Cake where I shared a little gift idea for that foodie family member or friend. Nothing beats dark chocolate, sea salt and pistachios, unless of course it's a home made peppermint hot chocolate. Happy Holidays!! Bisous.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- use your favorite mug
- two vanilla bean marshmallows
(my favorite are the homemade ones from Whole Foods)
- two scoops of your favorite cocoa mix
(Silly Cow Farms Chocolate Chocolate is so delicious)
- a cup of your choice of milk
- one candy cane (for stirring)

1. Bring milk to a boil ... I do this over the stove as warming in a microwave works but does not stay warm for that long
2. Put two scoops of your favorite cocoa in your mug
3. Pour milk into your mug and mix cocoa and milk with a spoon
4. Give your hot cocoa another stir with a candy cane to flavor your hot chocolate
5. Top with two vanilla bean marshmallows
6. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

An Outerlands kind of day

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

hot cider and salted caramels

a cappuccino with Sightglass espresso

nothing beats a perfectly made sandwich

Outerlands

my kind of day

My kind of day: Saturday was the kind of day that makes me absolutely love San Francisco in December. Dressed in my favorite sweater, scarf, and riding boots ... Marc and I headed to San Francisco for a little day trip. The weather was perfect ... the sun was shining but in that crisp cool winter way. I had been wanting to try Outerlands for awhile as the restaurant seemed like my perfect cup of tea ... open faced sandwiches, fresh salads, fun beverages, and the type of meal that has you saying ... I can't wait to come back.

Outerlands: We were the last ones to be put on the waiting list as the restaurant was bustling with people. The wait was worth it as the food was full of flavor and completely delicious. I had a smoked turkey sandwich with pickled onions, carrots, green peppers, and a chipotle aioli. Marc ordered an open faced sandwich with caramelized apples, chicories and chevre. We sat outside and while we waited for our meals we sipped on hot beverages that had me savoring each and every last sip. Marc ordered a hot apple cider with ginger and lemon (our new obsession) and I had my usual ... a cappuccino. And ... we happened to buy a bag of house made salted caramels that we were suppose to eat after lunch but ... in true fashion ... they did not make it to dessert. However, we did manage to save a few for the car ride home. If you are visiting San Francisco or live there do try Outerlands .... the food is simple, no fuss, and incredibly tasty.

This week on Coeur de La stay tuned for some homemade gifts and a recipe or two of some of my favorite holiday beverages. Happy Monday! Bisous.

how do you ... fondue?

2011-12-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

For me ... when I think of holiday traditions fondue comes immediately to mind. Usually, in the month of December we enjoy fondue at least three times. Each time, we patiently grate the cheese, drink wine as we stir, and anxiously await a dinner that involves two of my favorites .... cheese and bread. One of my first nights on the family farm in France I was served fondue and I can still remember it like yesterday. Fondue for Marc and I is more than just a fad that came and went in the 70's ... it is a tradition that we share with our close friends and family. So, it is only natural that when I think of my favorite holiday meal that fondue is the only thing that comes to mind. After a hectic couple of weeks, tonight I am looking forward to a meal with friends that involves fondue. Happy Thursday and Bisous!

Fondue
our fondue pot: a gift from our family in France for our wedding
another fondue pot: I bought Marc a fondue pot one Christmas before we were married ... that pot is now in the hands of one of our closest friends
do not: drink water with fondue ... believe it or not in France I was told it will give you a stomach ache so of course the only thing to drink is naturally ... wine
do: fondue!

cake pops and inspiration

2011-12-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

Some daily inspiration just for you: One of our good friends started making cake pops for fun and now it has turned into an all out business. Each time I see one of Kim's new creations my mouth waters and I wonder ... how could I possibly eat something that cute?? From snowmen, to Minnie Mouse, cake pops with polka dots to glitter, I am pretty sure Kim has no limits as to what she will make next.

For those of you who are contemplating starting your own business, following your dreams, or just want to get extra crafty ... my motto is ... you never know until you've tried. Kim started making cake pops about 8 months ago when her kids would continually ask for them at Starbucks .... she knew she could make them and for less of a price. So ... she went home and got to baking ... and she found out that she happened to be great at making them. She was then given a cake pop book called Bakerella and after that ... could not stop creating them. It makes me incredibly happy to see a friend following her passion ... keep on baking Kim!!! You can visit Kim's website at kimpops.com!!

Bisous.

Cake Pops and such
wanting: to make them
if I ordered a batch: I would order little coffee cups (can this be done?)
flavor of choice: of course red velvet
believe it or not: I have never had one ... I am waiting to try Kim's but of course
inspired by: there are people who say and others that do ... I am inspired by the doers
what am I making right now: a not so typical holiday bark

Happy Holidays!!

coffee. pumpkin bread. weekends.

2011-12-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend Marc and I snapped family photos for our good friends and the weather could not have been better. We took them to one of our favorite running trails as the setting makes for gorgeous photos. Before our shoot, Marc and I had breakfast at our favorite coffee shop. We sipped cappuccinos, indulged in pumpkin bread, and ate yogurt and granola out of the cutest jam jars.

I love weekends that involve ... photography (and lots of it), time with friends, and long runs. Yesterday we ran 8 miles and it felt amazing. The first couple steps out the door were the most difficult but around miles 6, 7, and 8 I could not have been happier. What makes a good weekend for you?? What were you up to??

Also, the winner of the holiday giveaway is Bryton from in morse code ... CONGRATULATIONS! Email me so I can send you your earrings!!

Happy Holidays and Bisous.

red velvet cupcakes

2011-12-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello as I am still without internet. So, I am writing this post from naturally ... my favorite coffee shop. I am over at Cake today sharing my tips for making the perfect cupcake ... head on over and take a look.

Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway here.

Bisous. Bisous.

A Holiday Giveaway

2011-12-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend one of my good friends hosted a holiday craft party where local artists got together to sell their work. You could find hand warmers, paintings, quilts and vintage jewelry. I was selling my prints and my friend Amanda was selling her amazing feather earrings.

And, I am excited to say she donated a lovely pair for one of you. Each earring is created differently and I love how each one pops with color. My personal favorite if I had to pick ... is the R is for Rooster (seen in the photographs above).

The winner of the Fly giveaway will win the haystack earrings ... another one of my favorites!! This Christmas try and support your local vendors, crafters, artists, and find some inspiration and try to make your own handmade crafts. Ok, onto the giveway details ...

Fly Earrings Giveaway

to enter: choose one of the four ... each comment can enter you in the giveaway

but they are all not mandatory ... one comment will do

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite earrings in Amanda's shop

www.flyearrings.com

2. If you won the giveaway would you give the earrings as a gift or keep them

(tricky question)

3. what are you making or creating this holiday season?

4. follow Coeur de La if you like simple goodness

The giveaway will end this Friday, December 9th

Visit Amanda's website to see and read more of her work!!

Happy Holidays!!! Bisous. Bisous.

maternity photos

2011-11-29T23:45:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was filled with ups and downs. Marc and I moved ... but luckily we made it through the stresses of moving. On a positive note ... I shot my first maternity shots and absolutely loved every minute of photographing a mommy and daddy to be. Each shot radiated love and I could not help but smile and hope that ... one day, I too would be the one with a cute little bump. I have limited internet this week so this may be my only post for the week. I will be back at it next week and until then ... I will read all of your blogs at my favorite coffee shop.

Also, Congrats to Lynsey!! Email me your address so I can send you your gorgeous cowl. Again, thank you to Dennice for creating such a beautiful cowl. Bisous!

new things ... running and cameras

2011-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

I got a new camera and the world has opened up again. It feels as if I picked up a camera for the first time ... an adrenaline rush comes over me, my heart starts racing, and then click ... magic.

We spent this past weekend in Davis where we ran the Davis Turkey Trot. This race we decided to run the 10k as we are training for a marathon (which happens to be in a little less than 3 months). It was our first race without music and I must say ... I am hooked. I was more aware of my breathing, I worked on the mental part of my running, chatted with other fellow runners, and finished strong. I love when the smallest things make huge impacts. And so, ... for today I challenge you to embrace something new, ditch the music and run.

new things:
running: without music
over the weekend: photographed family photos for the sweetest family
made: cinnamon bread
don't forget: to enter the giveaway ... click here.
what: are you making for Thanksgiving or what will you be doing??

the "why thank you" giveaway ... just for you

2011-11-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

a sky blue cowl just for you

the "why thank you" giveaway

Being that Thanksgiving is next week ... I thought it would be only fitting to host a giveaway to say ... Thank You. Sometimes it feels like Thanksgiving gets pushed aside during this time of year and Christmas becomes the main focus. However, here on Coeur de La ... I will focus on giving thanks.
Thank you Coeur de La readers for continually inspiring me, making me laugh with your comments, and keeping me motivated. I am overjoyed for this "why thank you giveaway" as Dennice from Fringe created this lovely sky blue cowl just for one lucky Coeur de La follower. I stumbled upon Dennice's blog a year ago and was enchanted by her work. Her cowls are perfect for an afternoon walk, a trek through the woods, an evening out with friends or an afternoon sipping coffee.

A little about Dennice to get things started:

Our lovely Caroline asked me to write about what inspires me. Inspiration can be quite intangible, hard to pin down, difficult to put into words, but I shall try. Inspiration comes to me in many forms, and they vary from day to day, depending on my mood. Two of my main inspirations are nature and music although many, many things inspire me. Ideas come to me while I’m sleeping, or driving down the road, or cooking. I can be in the middle of a conversation with someone and an idea will hit me, and my surroundings will sort of fade away for a bit. My husband will say, “You’ve got that glazed look on your face again”…which means I’m in the midst of an idea. It’s a common occurrence around here! I always carry a pad of paper and pencil with me. Classic movies are a big influence to me as well. The beauty of classic films is a bit of an obsession with me, particularly the black and white films. They provide endless inspiration for me and bring me joy.

The history of the El Grande:

I first created the El Grande in 2008. It was a completely new concept: the huge, over sized cowl. As is often the case with my new designs, I wasn’t certain anyone would appreciate it, but within days of the first El Grande Cowl unveiling, I had many orders and requests. So rewarding and exhilarating!

This is the first time I’ve offered the El Grande in a giveaway.

I’m so excited to offer this cowl, and you should know that the gorgeous sky blue color was chosen by our beautiful host, Caroline.

Thank you, Caroline, you’re a peach!

the "Why Thank You" Giveaway Details:

1. Be a follower of Coeur de La

2. Stop by Dennice's shop and leave a comment telling me your favorite item

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fringe

3. Leave a comment telling me what you are thankful for

4. Leave a comment telling me what inspires you
The Giveaway ends next Wednesday, November 23

Good Luck and Bisous!

fishing trips and practical jokes

2011-11-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Michigan

Commonwealth goodness

a ©latte ... condensed milk and espresso

my kind of comfort food ... a grilled cheese and tomato soup

taking a moment

We are back from Michigan. Marc's grandfather passed away last week ... so the trip was one of: reflecting, family, and remembering. We shared stories of Marc's grandpa's fishing trips, his love for woodworking, his love for the outdoors, practical jokes, and people. We took comfort in these stories as it reminded us that he lived a long life ... and a good one.

It also happens that Marc's mom's side of the family lives in Michigan as well. So, we were able to visit with them and talk about our much anticipated family trip to France. And, we did happen to stumble upon a coffee shop that had me dreaming about Portland. On a lull from picking up family from the airport, Marc and I grabbed a cappuccino and a latte from Commonwealth. There we sat in Commonwealth eating our grilled cheese and savoring the last spoonfuls of tomato soup, reflecting on family, friends, and loved ones. I believe, through stories a loved one is never lost. Enjoy today, live for each moment, and cherish those you love.
Bisous.

today
taking in: each and every moment
drinking: tea ... a simple yet sweet black tea
thinking: that I want to make apple butter
wondering: why is it Christmas at Starbucks
lets: celebrate Thanksgiving
thanks: I am thankful for the inspiration and love that my readers have given me.

today is a good day

2011-11-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sweet smells of cinnamon and sugar swirl around in my kitchen. Banana walnut muffins bake in my oven, while I mix a cream cheese topping. Afterwards, I eagerly take a peek of the dozen muffins. On this ordinary fall afternoon, the muffins are rising and browning perfectly. But, what is definitely not ordinary are the muffins. Two bites and my day is better. Washing the muffin down with a fresh cup of black coffee, I sit back in my chair and take it all in ... today is a good day. Happy Friday! And, sometimes, you just need to bake muffins. Bisous.

baking, cake, and apple pie

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Cake. Have you read Becca's site Cake? If you haven't ... make your way over to Cake for some honest to goodness inspiration. And, being that I love a good slice of cake, birthdays, and other happy occasions, I am thrilled to announce I am now a contributing writer for Cake. If you like apple pie or just want to see what I've been up to ... head on over to cake for a bit of baking inspiration. My first post is up and I can't wait for you to read it. Bisous.

Cake.
my favorite kind: carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting
least favorite kind: ok, don't get mad ... chocolate
always a birthday cake request: my aunt's grasshopper cake
for a snack: my grandma's wine cake ... so moist and always made to perfection

balloons and surprises

2011-11-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love a good surprise or pulling off a surprise!!?? This weekend we threw a surprise party for my sister that involved ... blowing up 72 balloons, making two dozen red velvet cupcakes, pulling off a balloon banner that put the happy in birthday, making and enjoying sushi rolls that would knock your socks off, and a night filled with laughter, cheer, and celebrating. My sister was beyond surprised and the party was a complete success. Happy Monday! Bisous.

this and that:
the how-to for the balloon banner can be found: here.
DesignMom is the coolest!
this week: a giveaway especially for Coeur de La readers
loving this site: Cake.

when it rains grab ...

2011-11-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's raining here and I love listening to the pitter patter of raindrops outside. November is here! There are few things that I love more than going to coffee with friends. The effortless conversations, the smiles, the laughter, and sometimes silence because nothing needs to be said ... I love that. When the weather gets colder I find myself craving more coffee and savoring precious moments with good friends. Whether you drink tea, hot chocolate or coffee ... we can all appreciate an outing with good friends. This weekend if you do one thing make a date to spend time with a friend. Bisous and Happy Weekend!

when it rains
read: your favorite blogs
buy: rain boots for adventuring
bake: anything
go: running don't let the rain stop your fun
drink: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with friends
next week on Coeur de La: a giveaway just for you

a good breakfast.

2011-11-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

I love breakfasts that keep me full and happy but ...full for me doesn't mean that stick to your belly kind of full. Full for me ... means that I feel refreshed, light, and satisfied. And lately, because my schedule is all over the place ... and I am doing more yoga, and training for a marathon, I need breakfast to be a routine. When I have a filling breakfast I am happier, kinder, and work harder. So, as you can tell, I am an advocate for having breakfast, and not just any kind of breakfast, but a good breakfast. What about you ... what do you enjoy having for breakfast?

My favorite breakfast smoothie
Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Smoothie
(inspired by my friend Emmy)
ingredients
1 banana
a sprinkle or two of cinnamon ... more if you prefer
greek yogurt ... as much as you would like
1/2 cup of almond milk
two or three ice cubes

blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth
pour into your favorite glass and sip slowly or take it on the go

Enjoy!

good food and good times in ... L.A.

2011-11-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Our trip to L.A. was filled with coffee, home brew, great weather, and more coffee. Our mornings were filled with breakfasts at home ... poached eggs and french toast ... while our days included lots and lots of coffee. One morning we strolled down Abbot Kinney, grabbing cappuccinos at Ingelligentsia where we savored each and every last sip. We even had our very own barista (everyone gets their own ... don't let me fool you into thinking we are that special) who poured a perfectly balanced cappuccino. Afterwards we made our way to Gjelina where I dove right in and ordered their beet pasta and washed it down with a pilsner infused with ginger and lime. The courtyard in back ... was the perfect place to sit on a warm October day ... ohhh sweet California. The next day we made our way to Silver Lake where we visited Lamill Coffee Boutique for tableside pour overs and creme brulee cappuccinos and later grabbed iced coffees at the Silver Lake Intelligentsia. Our last evening was spent drinking cherry New Glarus (only found in Wisconsin, our friends are die hards) oceanside while I did yoga poses in the warm California sun and admired the sunset. L.A. surpassed my expectations and I can't help but dream about the warm weather, the abundant amount of coffee, and our friends that spoiled us with home brew and good food. Happy Tuesday! Bisous.

L.A places to go
Intelligentsia (in Silver Lake or on Abbot Kinney)
Lamilll Coffee Boutique ... order your own pour over brought to your table
Gjelina (Abbot Kinney)
Pizzeria Mozza ... order the caprese salad, the mozzarella tastes like a dessert
Food Trucks ... they are everywhere you just have to know where to find them
Sweet Lady Jane ... share a slice of cake with four of your friends ... seriously ... SHARE

the good stuff.

2011-10-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

very true.

my kind of housewarming gift.

the good stuff.

can't put this down.

always.

enjoying the little things.

my painting.

I hope your weekend is filled with the good stuff. We are in L.A. trying to eat our way through the city. Our friends met us with open arms and glasses of homemade stout ... they brew the best beer. This weekend is going to be a sweet little treat for both Marc and I. Enjoy your weekends!!! Bisous.

The good stuff (in no particular order)
painting: this week I put my paints to canvas for the first time in three years
made: an apple pie for our friends as a housewarming gift
reading: Best Food Writing 2010 ... I can't put it down
savoring: every last bit of my peach jam from France
indulging in: coffee ... excited to see what the L.A. coffee scene is like
wanting: this book ...
visiting: in L.A. where would you recommend to eat, dine, drink and where can I find the best coffee?

strawberry date bars and inspiration

2011-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

oat flour

long-run cake ... you won't believe what it is made out of

carrot orange plum apple juice

chickpea bruschetta

making strawberry date bars

mmm.

strawberry date bars

can be enjoyed as a snack, for breakfast or dessert

Last marathon, I trained, trained, and trained but ... did not focus too much on the food I was eating. I am a firm believer in balance, however, I could tell there was something missing from my runs. So, this time around I have vowed to change my eating habits and see what happens (don't worry I am not completely swearing off the apple pie). Our meals lately have included more vegetables, fruits, juices, and grains ... and I can already feel and see the difference.

What I love about training for a marathon is that it has made me more adventurous in the kitchen. I made a long-run cake using coco powder, black beans, apple sauce, and made my own oat flour. If you squirm a little when you wonder what black beans taste like in a cake ... don't worry, I did too. BUT, the cake was amazing. You can find the recipe here and trust me, it will help carry you through your long runs.

Marc has joined in on the fun and made some tasty chickpea bruschettas. We slathered a mixture of chickpeas onto toasted bread with an avocado, red pepper flakes, and goat cheese and the outcome was all together delicious. The recipe he used was also found in Runner's.

And, if the long-run cake wasn't enough I made strawberry date bars after being inspired by a recipe in Whole Living. Luckily, strawberries can still be found at my local farmers' market so I snagged a couple of baskets this past Sunday. Both, the long-run cake and date bars are packed full of flavor and will have you wanting seconds ... they are that good!

I love when the smallest changes make huge impacts. Training for a marathon for me has given me a goal, made me rethink what I've been putting into my body, and has allowed me to be more adventurous in the kitchen ... and for me ... that's priceless.

Strawberry Date Bars ... I call them date bars as I love dates
aka strawberry oat bars
(recipe found in Whole Living)

two baskets of strawberries
1/4 of a cup of raw macadamia nuts
1 cup of dates ... pitted
a pinch of salt
3 tablespoons rolled oats

In a food processor pulse dates, oats, macadamia nuts, and salt until fully mixed and spreadable
Next, use all of the date mixture and spread onto a small cookie sheet or loaf pan
Crush one basket of strawberries and set aside (I didn't hull them but you can do so if you would like)
Slice the other basket of strawberries
Spread the crushed strawberry mixture on top of the date mixture, covering the whole surface
Place the sliced strawberries on top of the crushed strawberries
Slice into bars and enjoy!!

These date bars can be eaten for dessert, for breakfast, as a snack, and the list goes on. They are packed full of fiber, sweetness, and are overall so satisfying.

Happy Wednesday! Bisous

sometimes, you just have to indulge in a cupcake

2011-10-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

October.

This past weekend the weather was amazing. My weekend was filled with running, a trip to a pumpkin patch, a hike by the ocean, a stop for ice cream, and a morning adventure to one of my favorite farmers' markets. Last week, I did double days of yoga and running and I can already see the improvement. For the next four months Coeur de La will have a hefty amount of running tips while I train for my second marathon (I hope you won't mind). However, even with all this training ... sometimes, you just have to indulge in a cupcake. Happy Monday! Bisous.

the weekend
went: hiking in Santa Cruz
enjoyed: chocolate sorbet
learned: how to make chile rellenos from my grandma
working on: a website
running: hit the trails and got in my first long run of training
finding: yoga makes me happy
loving: blogs!
daily inspiration: Cake and Butter

a creature of habit

2011-10-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am pretty much a creature of habit. And lately, I enjoy breakfasts that are simple and slow. I am addicted to poaching eggs, love drinking tea and eating slightly burnt toast drizzled with a bit of butter. Life is good here. I've been searching for jobs, working on a couple of projects, and signed up to run my second marathon!! And, I came to the decision that I would love to teach yoga. So, just yesterday I signed up for unlimited classes so I can practice, practice, practice. When you make goals are they short term or long term? And please tell me, what are some of your goals???

Today:
reading: Chi Running (the marathon I am running has banned listening to music)
drinking: creme brulee tea
headed to: flow yoga
working on: projects, projects, projects
looking forward to: a trip to L.A to visit with good friends
currently addicted to:poaching eggs and hiking ...
just watched: Forks Over Knives ... an amazing film that I urge you to watch

chicken and waffles ... need I say more

2011-10-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

chicken and waffles from the Screen Door

always.

Heart.

Chicken and Waffles. Have you tried this combo? And, if so, where? I was first introduced to chicken and waffles by my good friend Lauren. She swore the combo was delicious. I on the other hand was skeptical (only because I had never tried it). However, the combination of maple syrup, waffle, and chicken are truly incredible. And, if you are counting calories (who does that during breakfast) just make sure to share.

One of my favorite places to stop in Portland is the Screen Door where chicken and waffles are served with a punch ..... a knife is stuck right into the middle of the waffle and chicken. The first time I saw the presentation it made me want to roll up my flannel and dig in. This past trip to Portland we were eager to take our friends to the Screen Door for .... you guessed it ... chicken and waffles. So, while the guys patiently waited in line ... Monica and I grabbed lattes at Heart. When the Screen Door opened at 9am we were the first ones in line (well almost there was a couple that cut us but, hey we got over that). We ordered two plates of chicken and waffles (almost too much for four adults) ... (keep that in mind) ... and sipped black coffee while we waited for breakfast. My first bite was just like I remembered ... the chicken was perfectly peppered, the maple syrup danced with the chicken, and the waffle was light, fluffy, and delicious.
Happy Tuesday my friends!!! Bisous.

Screen Door ... Portland
tips: get there early as there usually is a long line
order: really if you can't figure out what to order after reading this post I don't know what to say
CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
must: order a coffee and slowly sip and savor
wear: your best lumberjack chic flannel ... this tip is just for me
before: grab a latte at heart. while you wait

adventuring in Olympia

2011-10-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Olympia, Washington.

Olympia. A place with sweet surprises around every corner. Last weekend, we took a break from venturing around Portland and took a road trip up to Olympia, Washington. Our friends Daniel and Monica fell in love with Olympia last summer and could not wait to show us around. One of Monica's good friends .... Ellen lives in Olympia, so she gave us the insider scoop. First stop was The Bread Peddler for breakfast, and I must say expectations were high as Monica and Daniel shared stories of perfectly made pastries, poached eggs drizzled in a balsamic reduction, and a place that has French charm. And, it just so happens those high expectations were met ... The Bread Peddler was in fact DELICIOUS. My chocolate croissant brought me back to France and my poached eggs on toast with goat cheese made me want to scream in joy!!

With full bellies, we made our way to the Olympia Farmers' Market where we admired an assortment of cheeses, bought juicy apples and tried Olympia oysters. For lunch, we grabbed sandwiches at the Bread Peddler and sat admiring the Sound. Yes you read that right, we did go back for lunch ... it was too good not to. After lunch we all had one thing on our minds ... coffee ... so we made our way to Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. Olympia Coffee Roasters is now marked high on my list of favorite coffee spots as the coffee was made just right, shots of espresso weren't pulled too long, the barista was stylish and friendly, and the foam was perfectly made. I sat and savored every last sip and if it weren't for my friends ... I could have sat there for hours taking in the sweet smells of espresso.

Our last stop was Burfoot Park where we walked under gorgeous trees, skipped rocks at the water's edge, and simply soaked in the sights and sounds of Olympia. Just like when I leave Portland ... I left Olympia in awe of the Pacific Northwest.

The Sugar Cube ... Revisited

2011-10-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

The Sugar Cube

We are back! After four days of eating our way through Portland ... we are home!! And, as usual Portland never ceases to amaze me. Coffees were enjoyed, meals were eaten, friends were seen, and new places were discovered!!

Now, if someone asked me to pick my all time favorite place to indulge in Portland ... some might think I would have a tough time ... HOWEVER ... there is a food cart that simply has my heart, or rather my stomach ... THE SUGAR CUBE.

If you are visiting Portland and want one place that captures the essence of Portland, in my opinion it would be The Sugar Cube. The desserts are rich, heavenly, and so unique. I swear I can taste the passion and love that Kir puts into her desserts. This past weekend we happened to be celebrating my good friend Monica's birthday, so it was only natural to make a dessert stop at The Sugar Cube. We had Kir pick her four favorite desserts and we were nothing but delighted. All four of the desserts were to die for. The chocolate caramel potato chip cupcake was sweet and salty ... my ultimate kind of dessert, and the chocolate plum stout cake was enjoyed in complete silence ... it was that gooood.

So, if there is one place you must go in Portland ... forget going to a restaurant or coffee shop, look no further, because The Sugar Cube will have you coming back for MORE. The desserts are in fact really Made With Love! Thanks Kir for all of the amazing treats!! If you live in Portland or frequently visit, where is your favorite place to go ... a place that keeps you coming back for more?
Bisous

apple pie

2011-10-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

when you pick apples ... make pie

One of my favorite things to do in October is to go apple picking, as there is nothing like a freshly picked apple. When I was younger my siblings and I would go apple picking when visiting our Nana. The hay rides, fresh apple cider, and apple picking are things I still vividly remember. Apple pie, on the other hand, I could not understand. For example, during Thanksgiving I would bypass the apple pie and stick to pecan pie. I could never figure out what the fuss was about ... until ... I stumbled upon golden delicious apples. Have you had one? And have you made an apple pie with them? Ok, I will be honest, last year I overheard someone saying that the best apple pies are made with golden delicious apples and this person was a fairly accredited source, as his pie won in the annual harvest festival. So, somewhere in the back of my mind I knew I had to try and make an apple pie with golden delicious apples.

This past weekend we went apple picking with our friends Daniel and Monica. We made a day of it and went hiking in the morning, had lunch at Marin Sun Farms, and spent the rest of the afternoon apple picking. We wasted no time picking golden delicious and fuji apples. I was a little anxious to dabble with making my own apple pie as I had heard horror stories that the crust to a good apple pie is key and tricky. Luckily, I found a great recipe, pulsed my ingredients in a food processor, chilled my dough, rolled my dough, and mixed my filling. My filling included: golden delicious apples, brown sugar, sugar, lemon juice, a splash of whole milk, a bit of butter, allspice, and cinnamon. Weaving my lattice crust was the most difficult part, but with practice I can see how one may become addicted to making quilts with dough. Into the oven I put my pie and 50 minutes later I had a light brown, honest to goodness homemade apple pie. Marc and I took our first bites and sat in complete silence. It was then that I realized why so many people love apple pie ... there is nothing quite like it.

So Coeur de La readers, if I can leave you with a bit of advice... make a pie. And if you fail, make another pie and enjoy it for breakfast and dessert.
Bisous.

fig jam.

2011-10-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Figs. I love them. They are sweet, filling, and one of my favorite fruits. As the weather gets colder, I find myself craving fruits and vegetables that leave me feeling warm and full. So ... I went to my local market, picked up six baskets of figs and came home and made fig jam. Being that it was my first time making fig jam I was a bit nervous as to what the outcome would be. But, I should have known that when you mix figs with sugar, honey, and a bit of lemon juice, the results are perfection. I found a jam recipe that called for 1/4 cup of honey which brought out the best flavors of the figs.

So there I was in my kitchen, removing fig stems, watching figs simmer in my jam pot with honey and sugar, and then spooning fig jam into mason jars on a crisp Fall afternoon. I was so excited that I popped open a jar and ate spoonful after spoonful of fig jam as I could not wait till the jars cooled. My snack that afternoon involved a crusty piece of sourdough bread with warm chevre and a thick layer of fig jam. The combination of figs and chevre is one of my all time favorites and I highly recommend you try it.

Toast with fig jam and goat cheese ... simple and filling
toast your favorite type of bread ... I recommend using sliced sourdough
remove from toaster and while still warm spread a layer of goat cheese on one side of your toast
next, spread several spoonfuls of fig jam onto your toast
Enjoy!
And, repeat again!
Bisous.

mornings.

2011-09-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Mornings in France were perfect. I would spoon heaping amounts of peach jam onto a crusty baguette, sip coffee topped off with fresh milk literally straight from the cows, and speak French with the family. So, even though I am home now I have tried to make mornings just like my mornings on the family farm. We brought back an assortment of homemade jams made by Marc's aunt, bought the closest thing to French butter that we could find in our area ... think dark, rich, yellow butter that tastes incredibly rich and, instead of grabbing a latte in the morning I am content with coffee from my French press (so goood). However, the one thing that is not the same is the milk .... hmmm maybe I need to buy a cow or find a dairy farmer that will share milk with Marc and I. So, my friends, what I learned in France is that simplicity is always MORE. Enjoy your weekend!! Bisous.

on the lake

2011-09-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Lac d'Annecy

mmm.

on the lake

love.

There are few places that I love more than Lac d'Annecy in France. Back in 2005, it is the place where I fell in love with Marc. He had been gone on a trip to Europe and I hadn't seen him for three months. I met him in France and one afternoon we took a trip to Annecy. The weather was warm, we were giddy to be with each other, and I was ecstatic to be in France with Marc. We paddle boated on the crystal clear water of Lac d'Annecy, enjoyed scoops of our favorite flavors of glaces (gelato-ish ice cream) and strolled through the cobblestone streets. It was a day that I will never forget.

This past trip to Annecy was just as significant. Marc and I went with our friends Emmy and Scott who were celebrating their honeymoon, and our cousin Sandra. We all enjoyed a lazy afternoon in Annecy. Marc and I happened to be celebrating our third anniversary and I could not help but reflect about the first time we visited. Just as we did in 2005 ... we paddle boated on the lake, had two helpings of glaces, ordered tartiflette for lunch and drank my favorite drink ... a Monaco, and again, walked the cobblestone streets. It was a day that I will remember ... always.

Bisous.

foraging champignons

2011-09-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

searching for champignons

looking for trompettes

stumbled upon bolets

in the forest

foraging!!

Taking a short break from my adventures in Paris I could not wait any longer to write about foraging mushrooms. Luckily, one of Marc's cousins is an expert and took us on a hunt for trompette and bolet mushrooms. The weather was perfect for picking mushrooms ... a slight chill was in the air, it had rained the night before, and the sun was out. Underneath the tree cover the world of mushrooms became visible to me. At first, it was difficult for me to find the dark trompettes, but brushing away leaves and looking near tree trunks I was able to make out hundreds of mushrooms. After about an hour of harvesting trompettes we stumbled upon thirty or so bolets. With my basket in hand and a small knife, we cut bolet after bolet. I never thought I could get an adrenaline rush from foraging mushrooms, but I did. Later we let the mushrooms dry and the next day we had a risotto made with the foraged bolets ... France never ceases to inspire me and it looks like I will be coming home to do my own foraging.

the sweet life ...

2011-09-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Paris! We walked. We ate. And found ... that Paris is truly Sweet. Marc and I happened to find Paris one morning, sitting on a park bench while happily eating chocolate croissants.

Paris

2011-09-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

Pierre Herme

le Jardin du Luxembourg

macarons in the park

an olive oil and vanilla macaron

admiring the sights

Notre Dame from a distance

passion fruit ice cream

Our first day in Paris we had only one mission .... buy macarons from Pierre Herme. Luckily, our friend offered us his flat for our entire stay in Paris while he visited California. Marc and I met with his cousin Nico and we walked to Pierre Herme. I was awe struck by the unique selection of flavors ... olive oil and vanilla and passion fruit and chocolate were my favorite. After spending close to 30 euros on macarons we walked to the Jardin du Luxembourg where we sat, took in the sights and sounds of Paris and happily ate our first Parisian macarons. And my friends, they were truly amazing!!! Afterwards, we walked to Notre Dame and enjoyed passion fruit ice cream ... ahh only in Paris.

What I wore on my first day in Paris
shoes- stylish yet comfy
black- always a great choice
for me- I dressed for comfort but tried to embrace a Parisian flare
my sweater- perfect for a Fall day in Paris

in the clouds

2011-09-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we climbed Dent d'Oche. We were in the clouds.

So far ...

2011-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

La Vallee Verte

loving the homes

mornings

coffee

the best jam EVER

deciding where we should go

Switzerland

tea and Mont Blanc

taking it all in

on the hike

so happy

why YES

lunch

apres le trek

a treat after our hike

dinner FONDUE

Our days have been filled with good food, good company, and good times. Yesterday, we woke up early, ate a breakfast of fresh bread, chocolate croissants, jams, and I had the best cafe au lait. I love nothing more than milk from the farm. After breakfast, we drove through Chamonix and went hiking in Switzerland. On the hike, I made sure to stop and look around, pinch myself, and smile ... the scenery was amazing and sometimes words can not describe things the way I would like. But for now, I will try. The area was surrounded by mountains in every direction and we could see Mont Blanc in the distance. The views were truly magnifique. We went on a seven mile trek, ate lunch at a chalet, drank Monacos and wine, and laughed and laughed and laughed. On the way back, we stopped in Chamonix and leisurely enjoyed bon bons, hot chocolate, and sundaes. Days like yesterday are one in a million and truly days that I savor and love.

En France

2011-09-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our second day in France included: peach jam, apricot jam, baguettes, coffee, a cooking lesson where Sandra and I made savory cake with ham, olives, and gruyere, a salad straight from the garden, and berry picking where I ate one too many blackberries. I am loving the change of pace! This trip I have no hesitations when speaking Francaise. I've decided that in another life I must have been French!

from the garden

my favorite fromage

Sandra et moi

La Ferme

2011-09-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Bienvenue a La Ferme

Sandra!

les oeufs

mmm.

le déjeuner

mon ami

After a grueling day of flying ... WE HAVE MADE IT TO FRANCE!!! Our first day on the farm felt like a dream ... we visited with cows, the family pig, chickens, had a tomato salad straight from the garden, lunch that included eggs from the chickens, bread from the local Boulangerie, and CHEESE ... Tomme, Camembert, Reblochon, fromage blanc, and more.

After lunch Marc and I slept 18 hours straight so, indeed I woke up this morning wondering if yesterday was in fact a dream. Getting up, I looked out the window and pinched myself because ... we made it to the farm.

A toute a l'heure mes Amis!!

Lunch on the farm
poached eggs on small baguettes
a tomato salad with a vinaigrette and basil
and a selection of cheeses that had me spinning!

FRANCE

2011-09-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

We leave in one day for one of my favorite places ... FRANCE. The last time we visited the family farm was in 2007. And the very first time I fell in love with the farm was in 2005. Since 2007, my daydreams always seem to take me back to days filled with laughter, wine, cheese, fresh milk, family, snacks that involve copious amounts of crepes, apricot jam, apricot jam, and some of the best food I have ever had. So my friends, the next post on Coeur de La will be from FRANCE!!! And, until then .... BISOUS!

the weekend

2011-08-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

breakfast at Bouchon

beyond happy

sweet as a blueberry tart

The French Laundry's Garden

a photo from the wedding ... just a taste

Over the weekend one of my long time childhood friends got married!!! And, not only was I there to celebrate but I was there as her photographer and her makeup artist. Marc and I were asked to do her photos last year and I did not hesitate in saying yes. The day was all together beautiful and went off without a hitch. Each time I snapped a photo I realized that I have found my calling ... photography simply makes me happy. Later in the evening, Marc and I were able to dance the night away with the bride and groom and it just so happens they will be staying with us for several days in France while they are on their honeymoon.
Congratulations Emmy and Scott!!!
I also wanted to share one of my favorite photos from the day. I will share more photos once the bride and groom have seen all of them.

Yesterday, we headed to Napa with the foodie crew and savored in the sweet Napa air. The weather was beautiful. We stopped by Bouchon for breakfast, took a stroll in The French Laundry's garden, went on a leisurely drive while baby Evan slept, and stopped at Mumm for some sparkling wine. For lunch, we went to Rutherford Grill where we sat outside and had the Oreo Cookie Sundae for dessert (quite possibly my favorite dessert)! We ended our day at Oxbow Market where several lattes were enjoyed and oysters were consumed. And while we were sitting outside, a sweet little French Band serenaded us and as I sat there I couldn't help but feel anxious for Friday as Marc and I will be headed to France!!! This past weekend was truly a weekend that I will always remember.
Bisous.

oh how Summer lingers

2011-08-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

lunch at Magpie Catering

enjoying the Davis Farmers' Market

loving a chai iced tea sweet potato popsicle from Fat Face

loving my Schwinnn

the perfect seat

cofeee. YES please.

Knowing that Summer is coming to an end I am enjoying every last bit of Summer. This past weekend was filled with Summer goodness ... lattes, popsicles, farmers' markets, and a sweet little purchase that will extend my Summer into Fall. I found a bike that is perfect for lazy afternoon rides and farmers' market adventures. I love how the last couple weeks of Summer are always warmer, sweeter, and they always seem to linger, at least in California.
Bisous.

Right now
reading: Poser a book all about Yoga
loving: dinners with long time friends
enjoying: doing nothing and being ok doing nothing
trying: a new jam

More Macarons

2011-08-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

I love macarons!!

taking photos and being photographed

for you

Bonjour Coeur de La readers!! I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend. My weekend was filled with lattes, a best friend's bridal shower, photo taking, dressing up, farmers' market perusing, and a visit with my mom that made me all together happy.

Something to Fun
A couple of weekends ago I got together with my friend Monica to make macarons for a feature on The Glitter Guide and I am happy to say it is up!! Monica and I had such a fantastic time dressing up, making macarons, and to say we had a few macarons would be an understatement. They were so, so, so tasty. The macarons came out a lot larger than typical Parisian macarons but they tasted ... divine. Recently, I've been dabbling with the idea of styling ... paying attention to the little details that makes food stand out in photographs and I went wild with my creativity for this shoot. I am always completely inspired by my friend Lauren who gave me the tip to use what I had when it comes to styling. And, that is exactly what I did for the shoot. I love scrabble and thought wouldn't it be cute to have baking related words on our table scape. Monica and I love teacups so we used colorful teacups and a small little teapot to pour our Lambrusco. The table cloth was Monica's and I loved how it was bright yellow. I wanted the table scape to look whimsical, fun, and stay true to our personalities. Macarons are fun so the photos needed to reflect that.

Photographers
You may be wondering ... if I took all of the photos ... how exactly am I in the photos? Well, it just so happens that Monica and her husband Daniel are great photographers and, my husband Marc is an out of this world photographer as well. So, I would personally like to thank Marc, Daniel, and Monica for all of their talented photography and help with the macaron feature. Monica you are a doll and a macoron making inspiration ... so thank you!!!

I hope all of you check out more of the fun at The Glitter Guide!!
Bisous. Bisous. Bisous.

my husband Marc behind the lens

smiling

Summer Whimsy

Bake Macarons

Lambrusco with raspberries

Monica

having fun

our first macaron adventure

The Photographers

From a Food Cart?

2011-08-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

I love Food Carts

Lardo!

Lunch.

a Banh Mi from Lardo

we hear you have escargot??

loved the details

waiting.

well worth the wait ... l'escargot

cooked in white wine, butter, and garlic ... YES PLEASE!

Oh Portland ... you've done it again!

One of the thrills I get from traveling to Portland is that there are so many places to eat. Each time Marc and I leave Portland we list off numerous places that we must try on our next visit. And to tell you the truth ... I like it that way ... it keeps me coming back.
Each trip is even more exciting than the last.

This past trip Marc and I were craving a new place to grab coffee and Lauren knew just the place ... Heart. On our second day we grabbed a latte to share and sat by the window. I loved everything about Heart ... the prints on the wall, the tiles, the coffee, and the mugs!! Afterwards, we headed back to the food carts on Belmont for Lardo (another recommendation from Lauren). I grabbed a fizzy lifting drink from The Sugar Cube that I sipped on while Marc and I shared Lardo's parmesan fries and Banh Mi ... the fries and the banh mi were so good that we came back the next day for more. After we finished our lunch we were tipped off that there was a food cart with escargot. YES ... you heard it ... escargot. And, being the snail obsessed escargot lovers that we are ... we sprinted over to Creme de la Creme.

I knew after reading the description of l'escargot we had come to the right place ... snails smothered in white wine, garlic, and butter served with a baguette and mixed green salad .... um ... YES PLEASE! The first bite was perfect and I am sure a tear of happiness fell onto my plate. I simply could not get over that I was eating escargot from a food cart and I thought ... Portland you have done it again!! So, some of you may be squirming or might be slightly repulsed that I love snails however, if and when you get adventurous try them ... I promise if they are cooked right there is nothing quite like them. Happy Thursday!! Bisous.

lately
prepping: for shooting my second wedding in a week
making: breakfast smoothies that include pineapple and cinnamon
trying: at home circuit workouts
perusing: all of your blogs
reading: I need a good book recommendation
feeling: excited 14 days till France

The Pacific Northwest: Seattle and Olympia

2011-08-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

This week on Coeur de La I will be doing a series focusing on The Pacific Northwest. I am honored and excited to have my friend Monica sharing her adventures from Seattle and Olympia. Stay tuned for more Portland adventures to come.

ENJOY!!

Seattle and Olympia by Monica

photos by Monica

One of the surest telltale signs of a great eatery has got to be the line. A long line slowly winding around the block making its way to a tiny, often simply decorated shop usually means you have hit the jackpot. This is certainly the case for Oakland’s Bakesale Betty, Portland’s Voodoo Donuts, and our latest find in Seattle, Salumi.

Salumi, run by Mario Batali’s father, was definitely at the top of our list of must stop destinations. Almost as soon as we checked into our hotel, The Ace, we were off on a mad quest through the city in an attempt to be one of the first in line before their 11:00 opening. Speed walking through the Seattle rain, we finally made our way to the end of an already growing queue, drenched and seriously hungry. As we waited, chatted and giddily took pictures, an employee walked down the line with an assortment of thinly sliced meats. Score! Who doesn’t get excited at the prospect of free samples? Daniel and I both tried the molé salami. Oh, man, was it good—sweet and acidic, melt-in-your-mouth good. Once inside we decided to be a little gluttonous and order three sandwiches (hey, Evan counts as a full person right?). We chose the porchetta roasted pork with fennel seeds, the fig, goat cheese and proscuitto sandwich and the special, a cinnamon pork butt sandwich. I can definitely see why so many people keep coming back for more. In fact, we came back a few hours later to buy more salami—albeit the slight embarrassment of being recognized for returning so soon, it was definitely worth a second trip.

After exploring Pike’s Place market and Seattle’s landmark Space Needle we met up with friends at Serious Pie later that evening. Since Daniel, my husband, bought a wood fired oven a couple years ago we frequently find ourselves sampling other wood-fired pizza wherever we go. Serious Pie’s pizzas are made in the same style that Daniel and I have come to love—the soft, chewy crust and lightly sauced pies of Naples. True to my opening statement, the restaurant was fairly small and already packed with patrons by 5 o’clock. Between the four (and a half) of us, we shared several pizzas including a morel and truffle oil pizza and a clam and pancetta pizza. All were pretty darn delicious (putting Serious Pie in our #2 spot for must stop Seattle eateries), but none were quite as amazing as Daniel’s—but then again I am self-admittedly biased.

In true foodie fashion, we walked everywhere, eating and sampling throughout our entire trip. Some of the most scrumptious stops included a salmon paté pastry at Piroshky Piroshky, a wedge of Beecher flagship cheese, mouthwatering salted caramels from Le Pichet, chocolate raspberry cupcakes from Blackbird Bakery on Bainbridge Island and seared haloumi and balsamic drizzled figs sizzling straight out of the oven of Lola’s restaurant.

Although we were thoroughly enjoying our stay in Seattle, around the third day Daniel and I both started craving something more. In retrospect, I think we were craving humble simplicity and the desire to be truly swept away by our surroundings.

It was around this time that we decided to drive south to Olympia to visit a good friend of mine. It was here that we found exactly what we were looking for.

The Bread Peddler

Here, at last was amazingly good, simple food. Everything from the café au lait to the perfectly gooey balsamic glazed poached eggs was out of this world. Even my friend Ellen, who has spent a considerable amount of time in France, agreed that the pastries here were on par with, if not better than, the baked goods in France.

After breakfast, we headed down the street to the Olympia Farmer’s Market. The sun was shining and the smell of the Puget Sound mingled with the aroma of fresh apricots, peaches and wild lavender as we strolled through the semi-covered stalls. Daniel and I both turned to each other at one point and agreed that this was absolutely a town worthy of falling in love with (so much so, that since our return we have nostalgically Googled homes for rent in the area). We explored the pier, saw a massive jellyfish, ate the best smoked salmon of our lives and played with Evan in a fountain just beyond the capitol before heading to the rural town of Tenino—put plainly, it was a magical day.

In our quest for the perfect dish, for the best of the best, I have come to realize that the greatest food is often the most humble, cooked with both fresh ingredients and lots of love. These are the bakeries, restaurants and home kitchens that, although adored by enthusiastic patrons, have not yet been visited by the likes of Anthony Bourdain, nor reviewed in mass on yelp or urban spoon. In reality these are the secret local gems that in fact have no lines…or at least not yet.

too good for words: The Sugar Cube

2011-08-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

a fizzy lifting drink

waiting for this little beauty

salty and sweet

out of this world

loving every spoonful

a surprise from Kir ... cherry and passion fruit floats

life.

One of the reasons Marc and I love Portland is for the food. I love the wide variety of food you can find, the sweets, and the coffee. This trip we stayed with our friends Lauren and Craig and it made us venture to places we had yet to discover. The last couple of trips to Portland we stayed downtown at The Ace and while I love downtown this trip far surpassed our expectations. We made it our mission to discover new spots, new areas, and new food carts. So, being that Marc and I love food carts I knew we had to venture to Belmont Street for a pod of food carts that we never knew existed (thanks Lauren).

The Sugar Cube
Today I want to showcase a food cart that in two days ... quickly became one of our favorite food carts. Lauren had told me that Kir's desserts would be right up my alley ... creative, salty, sweet, and simply out of this world ... and they pretty much held up to what Lauren said. The desserts were works of art. Each dessert was plated on a piece of china, some desserts were served in cute little jars making the desserts taste that much better. Our first trip to The Sugar Cube I ordered a fizzy lifting drink that sent me into food loving heaven. Then we had Kir pick two of her favorite desserts for Marc and I. As I giddily peeked at what desserts she was making I anticipated dessert perfection as it is always a must to have the chef choose. And thank goodness we did, she made us a dessert with meadowfoam honey, Greek yogurt panna cotta, vanilla roasted apricots served with two gingersnap cookies. Then if that wasn't enough she made us an Oregon roasted hazelnut and chocolate chip ice cream sandwich with vanilla bean ice cream and salted caramel. Both desserts made Marc and I completely quiet and awestruck: the desserts were too good for words.

The very next day, true to form, Marc and I were back. Kir surprised us with cherry and passion fruit floats and two more desserts that made me deem The Sugar Cube one of the BEST food carts ... EVER! So, if you live in the Portland area and have not been to The Sugar Cube ... GO. And, if you have yet to visit Portland .... VISIT. The Sugar Cube is waiting for you!! Bisous.

The Sugar Cube
must: have Kir pick your desserts
try: a fizzy lifting drink
order: a fizzy lifting drink
skip: lunch and order dessert
one item you must order: a passion fruit float
location: SE 43rd on Belmont

jump in your car and GO

2011-08-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our Road Trip to Portland was incredible. The scenery, the music, the laughs, and all of the stops along the way ... are why I love road trips. We stopped in Ashland for our first coffee of the trip and it definitely was not the last. 12 hours later we made it to Lauren and Craig's where we were met with smiles, mojitos, and dinner. That evening we chatted, laughed, laughed, and laughed. Lauren gave Marc and I a list of food carts, coffee shops, and restaurants that we had to try while visiting so, we made it our mission to try everything on the list. And after three days ... we pretty much did! If you are aching for a change, a recharge, and an adventure ... take a road trip!! You won't regret it! Happy Monday and stay tuned for my Portland recap this week. I have a list of new places, meals, and food carts that will have you jumping in your car and driving to Portland. Bisous.

take a road trip

2011-08-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Marc and I took a road trip!! And, it is exactly what we needed. Happy Weekend everyone!!! I have so many stories to share with you next week. Bisous.

Road Trips to Portland
bring: snacks
admire: the scenery
stop: in Ashland
leave: early
stay: with friends

a medley of fruits

2011-08-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Lately, juicing (not the kind that professional athletes claim to not do) has been quite popular. And, about two months ago I jumped on the bandwagon. Actually, if I am being honest ... I jumped on the bandwagon when I was ten .. my mom and her friend made juice all of the time for us kids. Anyways enough of my rants ... yesterday I made a juice medley that made me smile from ear to ear. I've come to the conclusion that you really can't go wrong when you mix carrots, apples, pluots, beets, strawberries, ginger, basil, and oranges together. So, if you haven't already jumped on the juicing band wagon, do so ... your body will thank you!!! Happy Wednesday! Bisous.

Today
headed to: yoga to relax
excited to: run
a bit: overwhelmed that's why I am going to yoga
check out: my guest post over at REVERIE
loving: French Films ... I just watched The RED BALLOON

birthday tea

2011-08-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

my birthday present

a birthday mimosa

yum.

an afternoon treat

Milk ... practicing reading in French

Enjoying Pepe wine in Carmel

Mission Ranch in Carmel

Meme's meal

seriously pouring wine

my sister's meal of choice

scallops ... my meal of choice

birthday smiles

dessert!

so happy to celebrate with Meme

Carmel!

Turning another year older always makes me reflect on the things I am thankful for ... family, friends, laughter, good food, love, and life. I woke up on my birthday and had my favorite tea waiting for me, but little did I know there was no tea inside. Inside there was a pair of paper running shoes ... and later that morning I went to Fleet Feet and picked out my favorite pair. And boy, did I need new running shoes. Afterwards, we grabbed brunch and enjoyed waffles and mimosas, two of my favorite combinations. We stopped at my favorite bookshop where I picked out two books and a magazine: Wuthering Heights, The Art of Eating In, and a French Magazine. We drank coffee, relaxed, and then road tripped down to Carmel for dinner at Mission Ranch. The weather was crisp yet the sun was shinning. So, there we sat, looking out at the California coast while the fog rolled in and sheep grazed in the distance ... for me, it was the perfect way to spend my birthday. Thank you all for your sweet birthday wishes!!! Bisous.

Birthdays
do: make them last a week
go: somewhere you love with people you love
enjoy: good food, good wine, and good company
love: every moment
make: more than one birthday wish

salty and sweet ice cream

2011-07-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream with a pinch of salt

just like a salted caramel

I have always loved the salty sweet combination of dark chocolate pretzels and salted caramel. So, while Meme watched French Kiss (one of my favorite films) I made a sweet and savory ice cream ... Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream sprinkled with sea salt. The ice cream tasted like the perfect salted caramel. Watching Marc's dad and Meme scrape their bowls clean made me so HAPPY. This week has been filled with recipes, family stories, lessons in the kitchen, adventures, sight seeing, and birthday celebrations that made turning 28 ... extraordinary. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!! And, what is your recipe for a perfect weekend?

Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream
sprinkled with a pinch of salt

3/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 tsp of salt
3 egg yolks
3 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder
2-3oz of chopped semisweet chocolate
Caramel sauce (fleur de sel from Trader Joes is what I used)
1/2 cup half and half (chilled)
1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
1 tsp of vanilla

In a medium pot, simmer your sugar, the first cup of heavy cream, salt, and cocoa powder (do not let this mixture boil)

Once simmering, remove from the stove and add half of the mixture into your egg yolks. You will need to make sure the bowl you use for egg yolks is large enough for your cream mixture. Make sure to whisk the entire time while adding your cream mixture. Add the remaining cream mixture and whisk.

Pour mixture into your medium sized pot and place on the stove watching closely and whisking until the mixture thickens. The mixture will turn into what I think looks and tastes like chocolate pudding. Don't worry, this makes for an incredibly smooth ice cream.

Once the mixture is thick enough (can coat the back of a wooden spoon) place mixture in a glass bowl and make a water bath. Let the mixture sit for a half hour.

Next, remove from water bath and place the mixture in the fridge for an hour or until cool.

When the mixture is cool, add the vanilla, heavy cream, and half and half. Stir until completely mixed.

Add to your ice cream maker for about 45-60 minutes. When your ice cream is thick enough add your caramel. Turn off ice cream maker and place ice cream in the freezer until serving.

Drizzle a pinch or two of sea salt or kosher salt over the ice cream when serving.

ENJOY! Bisous.

champagne and turning 28

2011-07-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

Cheers to turning 28!

treating myself to a coffee

mmm!

Celebrating Meme's visit

Sante

relaxing

picnics

a charcuterie board at Auberge

oh that sundae

bubbles and fromage

Domaine Chandon with Meme

Here's to turing 28!

I turn 28 in two hours!! Birthdays for me always involve ... family, friends, and good food. And, last but not least champagne. I would like to thank all of you for making my 27th year a fantastic one ... from all of the daily comments, words of wisdom, and sincere friendships I've found through blogging ... you guys are the best! So my friends, lets celebrate my 28th birthday with a little bubbly. Grab your glass, pour some champagne (sparkling wine) and toast to life, the small things, and the oh sooooo good things!! Bisous.

must stops in the Napa Valley
always: visit Domaine Chandon with Meme
picnic at: Benziger (outside the Napa Valley)
order: a mojito, the charcuterie board, and a sundae at Auberge
don't leave without: a stop at the Oxbow Market
in the mood for more bubbly: Domaine Carneros

oh what a Sundae

2011-07-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

a Sundae to share at Auberge du Soleil

This past weekend involved: conversations in French, lots of wine, copious amounts of cheese, an endless amount of adventuring in the Napa Valley, champagne, and a visit from Marc's Meme. She is 87 and is filled with life. I love spending time with family as it always makes me reflect on what is important.

Meme's secret to being happy ...

Live a good life, be good to everyone,

and

every night enjoy a little cheese and wine!!!

C'est La Vie to that!!

Life
Found: the best sundae in the Napa Valley or rather anywhere
for a tasty Summer Salad recipe: check out my post over at the Glitter Guide ... From Market to Table
loving: lazy Summer days
embracing: a new habit ... early morning yoga

Bisous!

too much wine: a delicious cake disaster

2011-07-20T13:09:00.002-07:00

the culprit

pouring the batter

tasting the batter

mixing the frosting

tasting the frosting

pouring the Red Velvet

smiling

admiring

frosting

yum.

hmmm.

we blame it on the zin!!

still smiling

What would Master Chef say?

It was still delicious!

Note to self: DO NOT TRY AND DECORATE A CAKE AFTER A COUPLE GLASSES OF RED VELVET WINE.

I absolutely love Guava Cake and the Guava Cake from Akis bakery is pretty much out of this world. So, my friend Monica and I got together last week and tried to make a Guava Cake. We measured, sifted, mixed, and waited. We had high hopes for the cake as it looked perfect when it came out of the oven. The frosting was made to perfection and tasted heavenly. So, while the cake cooled, we drank a couple of glasses of Cupcake's Red Velvet Zin (note: if you haven't tried it .. do so) and enjoyed a dinner of lentil stew. Once the cake cooled we started frosting and quickly found out that decorating a cake after a couple of glasses of Red Velvet wine makes for a rather delicious cake disaster. We could not help but laugh ourselves silly when we took a look at our frosting job. I thought it would be only fair to let Coeur de La readers in on the cake decorating disaster and even with the drippy frosting the cake tasted incredible. Happy Baking! Bisous.

Lately
ice cream gone wrong: do not read blogs while trying to make ice cream
frosting gone wrong: too much wine equals a hot mess but a fun night
timers: do not forget to set your timer
embrace: the disasters
try: try try try again
always: laugh at your baking mistakes and if edible make sure to still enjoy them

good food and good friends

2011-07-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Barefoot Coffee

made to perfection

an iced voodoo

waiting at Bakesale Betty

and having serious conversations about food

worth waiting for: a chicken sandwich and a lemon freeze ... sooo good

Lauren

sweet.

ICI

ice cream with friends

Summer!

Eat, Drink, Laugh, Repeat!!

One of my favorite things to do when friends visit is take them on foodie adventures. And, it always helps when the friends that are visiting are easy going, fun, and an all around great couple. On Friday we took Lauren and Craig to Barefoot Coffee for signature coffees. Craig is a coffee connoisseur and Lauren loves here espresso. My drink of choice is an iced voodoo ... think rich chocolate with coconut over ice ... so tasty. The boys ordered their coffee drinks and the girls stuck with voodoos.

After a coffee outing that had us: babbling about new food carts in Portland, me dreaming about getting back up to Portland at some point this Summer, and all of us laughing because we were happy to see each other ... we headed to Berkeley for Bakesale Betty and Ici. The line at Bakesale Betty was long but we waited and boy was it worth it. The chicken sandwich is INCREDIBLE. For dessert, we stopped on College Avenue for ice cream at ICI. It was nice that the the most difficult thing for us was picking a flavor. I settled on a Plum Sorbet that was light and so refreshing. After ice cream we traveled home and relaxed before an evening bbq. That evening our friends Daniel and Monica joined all of us in the park for a re-creation of our favorite burger ... a Jucy Lucy. The evening ended with coconut popsicles and lots of laughs. And what's better than an evening with good friends, good food, and good laughs?!

Tasty Places
Bakesale Betty: order their Chicken Sandwich
Try: the Lemon Freeze at Bakesale Betty
ICI: GO already
When Friends visit: make dinners too
Summer: Keep dessert simple ... popsicles NEVER FAIL
Stil Giddy about: this
Happy Tuesday! Bisous.

good morning and the Glitter Guide

2011-07-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning feeling GREAT ... after a weekend filled with good food, sweet friends, and a 10k race that made me happy, there is not a bone in my body that isn't smiling. And, what I am even more excited about is a Farmers' Market article that I worked on that is up at Glitter Guide. Sterling Style was one of the first blogs I started following as I loved Taylor's versatile style. So, imagine how excited I was when she asked me to do a piece on what I love, Farmers' Markets!! Thanks lovely ladies of the Glitter Guide!!! This week on Coeur de La ... stay tuned for: a couple of recipes, a foodie adventure recap, and a surprise or two.
Happy Monday! Bisous.
Check out the full farmers' market article here via the Glitter Guide

Des Amis

2011-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

my favorite drink: a lilikoi margarita

smitten

a ham and gruyére crepe

a lentil crepe

hummus after a day at the beach

I can't wait to go back

dessert

If I had to pick my favorite type of restaurant it would be ... a place with a great outdoor ambiance, drinks made with fresh fruit, crepes that remind me of being in Paris, and a place where I can sit with friends for hours. It just so happened I found a place like this in Maui ... Cafe Des Amis. I was smitten as soon as I saw the back patio: twinkly lights, light music, and the smell of crepes lingered in the Maui air. I pretty much was in heaven when I saw that they had Lilikoi Margaritas. As all of you know, I have an obsession with lilikois (passion fruit) now. The margarita was hands down the best drink I have ever had ... so good I had two!! So, if and when you frequent Maui, make sure to head to Paia and visit Cafe Des Amis!! Happy Thursday. Bisous.

Cafe Des Amis
location: Paia, Maui
crepe to order: the lentil or the ham and gruyére
drink: order the lilikoi margarita
dessert: order the lilikoi margarita
ambiance: blissful
try: the hummus
end the night with: pineapple and coconut gelato at ONO gelato

Summer

2011-07-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

my mornings: carrot orange pineapple juice

breakfast pizza

summer festivals

playing games at festivals

summer drinks

afternoon snacks: strawberry beet juice

Maui

wishing I was back here

remembering this drink: a lava flow

fancying: sushi

summer drives in Maui

admiring

backyard barbecue beverages: root beer

loving new pizzas: a bananas foster pizza

summer flavors: raspberry rose sorbet from The Penny Ice Creamery

long hikes

Summer

reading: A Pig in Provence

loving: day trips to Farmers' Markets

enjoying: my juicer ... I make juice every morning

running: 4-5 miles on my favorite trails

hoping: to make a road trip to Portland and San Diego

favorite meal: breakfast

excited: my sweet friend Lauren visits in two days

working on: photography projects

eating: lots of fruits and veggies

drinking: Paris tea with a little milk and sugar

latest find: thanks to a good friend ... I've been introduced to Cupcake Zin Red Velvet ... so good

found: my walking shoes for Paris (September can't come soon enough)

channeling: my creativity as I shoot another wedding in August

cleaning: my closets

cooking disaster: ice cream ... yes, I left my cream mixture on the stove too long

preparing: for my race on Saturday

latest obsession: Raspberry Rose sorbet from The Penny Ice Creamery

craving: Banana's Foster Pizza made in our friend's wood fired oven

wishing: I was back in Maui relaxing

I hope all of you are enjoying Summer!! Feel free to make a list like this and send me the link to your blog post ... I would love to see what you've been up to. Happy Summer!

Bisous.

What a Weekend!

2011-07-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Anna and Mez visit from Australia

catching up

playing in Miette

Smitten for Smitten

Science

lemon verbena ... mmm mmm mmm

macarons

a sweet strawberry macaron

taking a walk over the Golden Gate

Blue Bottle Coffee.

Mez's first cup of Blue Bottle

a breakfast sandwich at the market

What a weekend!!
This past weekend was quintessential Summer:
I laughed till my stomach hurt,
day tripped to Santa Cruz and San Francisco,
watched my god daughter and little cousin,
took little munchkins to the park,
had adventures with our friends visiting from Australia,
went to a festival in Japan Town,
walked, walked, and walked,
and
relaxed at one of my favorite local markets where we ate copious amounts of strawberries and enjoyed early morning crepes with nutella and strawberries.
It was truly a weekend to REMEMBER!
Life is Sweet ... really, really, really, Sweet!

and more sweetness ...

taking it all in

munchkins at the market

enjoying our goodies ... sweet Summer strawberries

happiness

What a weekend!

some good things:
enjoyed:lemon verbena ice cream at Smitten
indulged in: Rose macarons at Miette
drank: pitchers of Sangria at Cha, Cha, Cha
loved: playing in the park with little munchkins
remembered: why I love Blue Bottle Coffee
ate: so many strawberries
found: a tea called ... Springtime in Paris (so tasty)
favorite hobby: laughing
BISOUS!

yoga, crepes, and gelato ... Maui style

2011-07-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

a perfect place for yoga

soaking in the sun

yogahhhh

yoga in Maui

an ONO burger at Paia Fish Market

pineapple and coconut gelato

picture time in the up-country

wild

so bright

mornings in Maui

a banana nutella crepe

Things I love to do on vacation: Relax, Eat, Eat, Relax, and ... workout. Don't get me wrong ... relaxing and eating are great but when it comes to staying in balance on vacation I love to workout. So, while in Maui I ventured to one of Emmy's favorite yoga studios in the little town of Paia. If you are visiting Maui I urge you to head to the North Shore and take a day trip to Paia. The town reminds me of Santa Cruz: eclectic, laid back, cute shops, and quite possibly has some of the best restaurants ... or at least the type of fare that I enjoy. Did I mention Marc flew out and made a trip too while I was there? ... He made the trip an extended weekend which he so deserved after finishing his Masters. So, before picking him up at the airport Emmy and I went to a yoga class, went to the beach and practiced more yoga, and relished in the good vibes that yoga often stirs up. Later, we picked up Marc and headed back to Paia for some amazing fish burgers and gelato. My tried and true gelato combination: Pineapple and Coconut ... it never fails. After a day filled with yoga, gelato, Mai Tai's and the sun, that night all of us slept like little babies. The next morning, Marc and I made banana nutella crepes that all of us had one too many of. So, there we sat, relishing in the sweet smells of Maui while we ate one too many crepes and washed it down with warm cups of Kona coffee.

Vacation:
Must and a Money Saver: enjoy breakfast at home (if you are able to) ... by far one of my favorite ways to relax on vacation
Try: while on vacation bring some of your routine with you ... whether you journal in the morning, run at night, or like to practice yoga ... it is nice to have a small routine from home on vacation
In Maui: visit PAIA and go to ONO gelato, grab an ONO burger at the Paia Fish Market by far one of the best burgers I have ever had!

the good stuff

2011-07-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

camping at the beach

turning two

a Fourth of July dinner

dessert

strawberry shortcake kabobs

Maui Blanc

Summer

the good stuff

This past weekend was filled with all kinds of good stuff. After returning from Maui I had little time to prepare for a weekend of beach camping. One of my favorite places to camp is on the beach. I love the smell of the water, the crisp cool air in the mornings, and the warm afternoons. While camping we kept busy by drinking fruity beverages, dancing to all kinds of music, lounging on the beach, and staying up way too late at night. We got home early Fourth of July morning and had just enough time to go grocery shopping for a tasty dinner. The menu included corn on the cob, tofu dogs crammed into an ever so soft baguette, a cool and crisp pasta salad, Maui blanc to wash it down and for dessert ... Sunset inspired strawberry shortcake kabobs dipped in a creme fraiche and whipped cream. This week I am busy cleaning house for a visit from friends from Australia, getting in some long runs as I have a race next week, and visiting several Farmers' Markets for a fun project. Stay tuned for a Maui post, a post sharing the photos I took of Liz's wedding, and a refreshing recipe perfect for Summer. One last thing, if I owe you jam (you know who you are) and giveaway loot ... I am finally making it to the post office tomorrow ... I promise!! Bisous!

Summer
eating: bagels with goat cheese and avocado
drinking: juice and lots of it ... this morning I drank an orange, pineapple, and carrot juice made from my new juicer
writing: articles for a new gig
reading: A Pig in Provence and I can't put it down
loving: my sweet little god daughter ... I can't wait to see her again ... she turned 2 this past weekend
craving: dark chocolate cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting and adorned with one little sweet raspberry

lilikoi and the up-country

2011-06-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

there is no place like ...

Keokea Omelet and a Cup of Kona Coffee

taking a morning walk on Thompson Road

admiring everything

loving the up-country

Maui blooms

walking

Mauiiii

a Maui beauty

stocking up ... Guava Jelly, Lilikoi Butter, and Mango Butter

my kind of shopping

...

bananas, strawberries, blueberry banana bread, and lots of jam

look what the chickens left us

for breakfast

Breakfast at Home: Maui French Toast

French Toast with almond butter and bananas

French Toast with lilikoi butter and Kula strawberries

Maui put me completely at ease ... from breakfasts spent at home, spending time in the garden, anticipating eggs from sweet chickens, walks along one of my favorite roads, and road side stands with fresh strawberries, blueberry banana bread, guava jelly, mango butter, and lilikoi butter ... I simply could not get enough of the up-country of Maui. I gathered so much inspiration from this little trip ... a new jam to try, even more of a passion for my photography, and the trip gave me insight to realize that I need to simplify my life (here) back at home. Emmy and I spent our days practicing yoga, chatting, laughing, hiking, eating, and simply relaxing. Stay tuned for some Maui foodie posts, a sweet little day trip that will have you jumping off waterfalls and hiking through bamboo, and a little town that you will drive to just for the food ... my Maui guide will be up next week. Wishing all of you a relaxing and delicious Fourth of July!!
Bisous.

Maui
Do: venture to the up-country of Kula
Try: lilikoi butter
Go: stop at Grandma's for breakfast and coffee
Must: take a walk on Thompson Road

Maui French Toast
Ingredients:
three to four slices of sliced sourdough bread
1 cup almond milk
2 farm fresh eggs straight from your chickens (any eggs will do)
a pinch of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Kuala Strawberries (or your favorite strawberries)
2 sliced bananas
almond butter
lilikoi butter

1. Mix the eggs and almond milk in a mixing bowl
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon and the vanilla to the milk/ egg mixture and beat
3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture ... front and back
4. Cook over medium heat until each side is lightly browned
5. Once all of your slices are cooked, top each piece of french toast with either lilikoi butter and strawberries or almond butter and bananas
6. Enjoy with a hot cup of Kona coffee

change of plans

2011-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

I changed my Summer plans!!! Yesterday, I booked a trip to Maui to visit one of my best friends. So, after a day of flying and waiting for connecting flights I am finally HERE. Emmy met me at the airport with the sweetest smelling lei and a warm hug. I woke up this morning smiling from ear to ear as the only sounds I could hear were the sweet songs of birds. We are staying in the up country of Maui and surrounded by lush green mountains. This morning we went to a cafe called Grandma's where we gabbed over a feta, basil, and tomato omelet. Afterwards, we took a a walk and I snapped photo after photo. This is exactly what I needed right after graduation ... time to nurture my soul. I don't have access to my photos so, next week I will do a recap. Until next time ... ALOHA.

weekend reflecting

2011-06-20T16:47:00.002-07:00

back home

by the bay

smile

brother

admiring old cars

shining in the Summer sun

a sweet bicycle

in the garden

a beauty

happiness

Reflecting
The wedding that both Marc and I photographed for went amazingly well. I am hooked! The weather could not have been more perfect. The bride and groom were sweet, loving, and all together fantastic. I can't wait to share photos with all of you (the bride gave me the ok to share some). This past weekend was busy in a good way. We were in Davis, Sacramento, Winters, and the last spot Marc and I ventured to was Benicia where we spent time with my dad. There is something so special about visiting the town where Marc and I grew up. I sat in my old backyard admiring my dad's flowers, picking copious amounts of lemons, and enjoyed simply relaxing.
How was your weekend? What do you enjoy most about going back home? I started my first day of work today and spent the morning cooking, chopping, dicing, and savoring in the smells of great local food. Bisous.

the weekend and ...

2011-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

beets.

nature's candy.

oh so pretty.

perfection.

up close.

photography.

I shoot my first wedding tomorrow!! Over the last couple of months I've been relearning my camera, experimenting with shots, taking a photography class to sharpen and refine my skills, and going out and taking thousands of photos ... I can see a difference. My camera bag is stocked with extra batteries, memory cards, lenses. A big thanks to my sweet sister who gave me the sweetest camera bag for gradaution ... I am pretty much in love with my bag. I hope all of you have a great weekend!!! Bisous.

Right Now:
drinking: green tea with honey
reading: The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia
resting: after a morning run
eating: copious amounts of roasted beets
loving: the warm weather

Roasted Beets
1. wrap beets in aluminum foil, place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for one hour ... or depending on the size of your beets it could be 45 minutes to a little over an hour
2. Take Beets out of the oven and let cool ... peel your beets (this is messy and beets do stain hands ... so use gloves ... you can also use ziploc bags)
3. Once your beets are peeled, chop them to your liking
4. Place in a bowl and mix olive oil, a bit of crushed pepper and a pinch of salt, and vinegar ... I use a Frenzy Olive Oil and a Pomegranate Vinaigrette. You can also mix in a little goat cheese for a tasty change.
5. Once your beets are mixed ... chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so ... if you can't wait an hour ... eat your beets straight from the bowl
6. Notice I do not have amounts for the olive oil, vinegar, pepper or salt ... taste as you go ... get clever and be fearless

breakfast is ready

2011-06-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

French Toast Casserole

out of the oven

mornings.

breakfast is ready!

When I was younger my dad would make breakfast for my siblings and I almost every morning. And, when the weekends would come along I anticipated Saturday mornings ... as Saturday mornings meant my dad's French Toast. I remember my dad standing at the bottom of the stairs and yelling ... breakfast is ready ... half asleep my siblings and I would trample down the stairs and rush to the table. I can still smell the sweet smell of French Toast and taste the buttery maple goodness of my dad's Saturday morning French toast. It just so happens that I found a French Toast Casserole Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen that I knew I had to try. So, with a Baguette in hand I conquered the recipe ... soaking each piece in a mixture of vanilla, egg, half and half, milk, nutmeg and cinnamon. The bread turned into French Toast Perfection. While the french toast casserole absorbed the egg mixture I made a pecan topping that I later drizzled over the casserole. The casserole plumped up and turned golden brown in the oven and the sweet smells of french toast filled my kitchen. I literally was whisked right back to Saturday mornings but ... this time I was the one who would be yelling ... breakfast is ready.

French Toast Casserole
Do: adapt the recipe to your liking ... I used less half and half and butter ...
Try: pairing your French Toast with fresh fruit
goal: have a Summer where I make EVERYTHING or try
wanting: copper pots
just watched: It's Complicated

Jam On

2011-06-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

The Blue Chair Jam Class

learning from Rachel

making our jam

so many jars

filling our jars

making jam on my own

apricots

over the stove

blanching

apricot jam

taste testing

the new and improved pear vanilla jam

Jam On!

After taking The Blue Chair Jamming Class I came back incredibly inspired. I asked Rachel to critique my jam and give me her honest oppinion as to what she thought ... she said: peel your pears, less vanilla bean, and cook for longer. So what did I do? I listened to her comments and made a new and improved pear vanilla jam. I mentioned in my last post that at my graduation party I had a jam tasting table with fresh homemade sourdough bread ... well ... I spent all last week making jam. I made a pear vanilla jam, a strawberry rhubarb, and a first ... an apricot jam. I must say that the apricot jam was the most time consuming but the results were pure jam bliss. The first jam to go at the party was the apricot and the combination of fresh bread, a dab of butter, and apricot jam on fresh bread is pretty much perfection. For those of you who have been considering jamming for the first time or going back for another attempt at jam making I say ... JAM ON! Summer is here and I foresee a lot more jamming days.

10 Jam Making Tips
1. Do find a tried and true recipe
2. USE FRESH FRUIT ... meaning ... when you buy, pick, or forage your fruit use it as soon as you can
3. experiment ... at the jam class I was inspired to create my own template for jam always keeping in mind the ratio of lemon juice to fruit
4. Taste as you go
5. the spoon test never fails
6. use a scale ... I learned recently as my first batch of apricot jam only yielded 4 jars ... all that work for 4 jars!! Believe me a scale was purchased shortly after
7. be precise ... this helps to get great jam results
8. "put up" your Summer fruit now so you can enjoy strawberries in Winter
9. less is more ... going from two vanilla beans to one vanilla bean really allowed the fruit to be showcased ... in my new batch of pear vanilla jam the pears were not over powered by vanilla bean
10. Do take a class ... even though I jammed before The Blue Chair Jam Class gave me so much inspiration and encouraged me to take my jam to the next level ... the class was just what I needed.

Summer
right now: making a french toast casserole a la Paula Deen
feeling: loving
reading: the latest issue of Bon Appétit
saving for: my trip to France
practicing: my French ... I am a bit rusty
deciding: where and what to do this Summer
snacking on: dried apricots

the weekend and more ...

2011-06-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

enjoying Santa Cruz

celebrating.

drinking a bowl of soul

while reading the magazine I worked on all year

graduation day

my sister and I

my mom who always inspires

carrot cake and farmers' market flowers

flowers.

white wine on a warm afternoon

scarlet lemonade

vegan chocolate chip salted cookies

fruit.

farm fresh beet salad

basil pasta salad

with squash and sundried tomatoes

my sweet friends

my last day at UCSC

This past weekend was filled with copious amounts of laughter, eating, and celebrating. Marc finished his Masters on Friday and I graduated on Saturday. We had a joint graduation party yesterday at one of our favorite wineries Vino Tabi in Santa Cruz. And, rather than have our party catered we made everything ourselves. I spent all of Sunday in the kitchen roasting beets, making scarlet lemonade, baking vegan chocolate chip salted cookies and making a basil pasta salad. Marc went earlier that morning and picked up flowers from the farmers' market that I used to make our flower arrangements and my good friend Heather made a galette, a chocolate ganache tart with lavender and two amazing salads. One of the highlights was that our friend Daniel made fresh bread that quite frankly had everyone wanting thirds, fourths, and fifths. I made jam all week and we had a table for fresh bread and homemade jam. The party was beautiful. At one point tears filled my eyes as I glanced around the room and saw all of my friends and family enjoying each other's company. The night included toast after toast, a storytelling session about the food Heather and I made, and an evening filled with love. I hope all of you have a great week. Bisous.

Graduation Menu ... recipes to come
Scarlet Lemonade
Two Field Green Salads
Fresh Basil and Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
Vegan Chocolate Chip Salted Cookies
Farm Fresh Beet Salad
Chocolate Lavender Ganache Tart
Galette
Homemade Sourdough Bread
Apricot, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Pear Vanilla Jam
Carrot Cake
Guava Cake
Wine from Vino Tabi
Wood Fired Pizzas
An Assortment of Cheeses

I am so happy I could ...

2011-06-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Pink Peppercorn Sorbet from Scream

yum. pink peppercorn and strawberry rhubarb.

I want to SCREAM ... I am so happy!

I am so happy I could .... SCREAM!!! I am off to take my last final and duh duh duh ... I AM DONE! I think back to my four year old self in a home movie where I am telling the camera ...
I want to be an artist and well, my four year old self knew exactly what would make me happy. When it comes to being creative that is exactly what majoring in World Literature and Cultural Studies has allowed me to do. On top of being done, the magazine I have worked on all year ... GAIA ... is finished and ready to be picked up from the printer. Myself and two other editors learned InDesign, layout, edited over 50 articles, contributed photography, and learned the ins and outs on how create a magazine from start to finish. Ahhhh, I am smitten. I hope all of you are having a wonderful Thursday. And, I want each of you to know that throughout my time at UC Santa Cruz this blog has served as a creative outlet, an escape, and a place that I cherish ... so thank you!! Bisous.

Today
Feeling: HAPPY
Excited: to let you in on my future plans
enjoying: copious amounts of jam
listening: to Fleetwood Mac: Greatest Hits
my last final: Photography

strawberries.

2011-06-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

strawberries.

making strawberry scones

Sundays and strawberry scones

Strawberries. Strawberries in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. Strawberries in my oatmeal, in my scones, and on my ice cream. I can't get enough of fresh strawberries. This weekend I made strawberry scones on one of my study breaks. And ... the scones came out perfectly. Marc and I enjoyed them with fresh orange juice and enjoyed a Sunday morning at home. This week I will be making several kinds of jam, studying for one last final, and celebrating as Thursday is my last final ... I can't believe it is already June. I hope all of you have a wonderful Monday!! Here is the recipe to the scones ... bisous.
Strawberry Scones
Do: enjoy them fresh from the oven
Must: use fresh strawberries (once you pick them or get them from the market ... use them ... right away)
Try: modify the recipe ... I used less butter and decided not to roll them out
Drink them with: Early Grey Lavender tea steeped in soy milk with wildflower honey

coffee.

2011-06-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

coffee.

research

Local 123

weekends.

Ironically, I have cut down my coffee consumption as of Monday. I am 4 days strong without coffee. Don't worry, this won't be for long ... I just want to try and cut down my caffeine intake and ... work on moderation. My coffee drinking went a little haywire these past couple weeks as I have been working on a photo book. My concentration was ... can you guess ... coffee!! So, with my project handed in ... I have been drinking coconut chai, bowls of souls, and really enjoying low doses of caffeine. I always like to check my habits and put them back in balance. I hope all of you have a great weekend whether you are drinking copious amounts of coffee, steeping cup after cup of tea, or just enjoying the small things.
Bisous.

breathe

2011-06-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

reflecting

my first day in the garden ... June 2010

oh how the sun shines

breathe

As my last week of school approaches I find myself reflecting. The last couple of quarters I've thoroughly enjoyed ... the numerous campus gardens where I have spent many of my breaks, snapping photo after photo in each garden, watching the seasonal progression of the plants, vegetables, and fruits on the farm, cultivating my curiosity when it comes to gardening, and developing a passion to learn more about gardening. As I write my final papers and study for exams ... I am put at ease when I look around and breathe ... this experience has been beautiful. Happy Wednesday!

Currently ...
drinking: coconut cream tea steeped in frothy soy milk ... also known as: a bowl of soul at one of my favorite cafés
dreaming: of my trip to France this September
anticipating: photographing my first wedding late June
writing: final papers
eating: copious amounts of almonds

Early Morning Muffins

2011-05-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

early morning muffins

fresh from the oven

Blueberry Muffin Mornings

I love early morning muffin making ... rinsing fresh blueberries, sipping tea while lingering over a favorite recipe, improvising and finding that an equal amount of wheat flour to white flour actually makes for better muffins, and taking in the sweet smells of blueberry muffins on a quiet morning. I have much to share with you this week: a date night that left me giddy, a day trip that made me happy, and a jam class taught by Rachel Saunders that still has me smiling. I hope your weekend was lovely!! Bisous.

Blueberry Muffins
Do: try using wheat flour
Must: early morning muffin making
Indulge: eat two

a weekend spent jamming and a winner

2011-05-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Cheers to the weekend!

Jams

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!! What are your plans for this long weekend?? Tonight, Marc and I are going on a date ... Mexican Food, grabbing lattes at our favorite café, and then watching a play. Tomorrow, we have a day trip planned that involves a long run, wine, and pizza. And, what I am so elated about is ... I am taking a jamming class through Blue Chair Jam. To say I am excited would be an understatement. The class I am taking is a Jam Making 101 and yes, I have made a lot of jam but, I feel like it is always so beneficial
to go over the basics, master them, practice them, and never be afraid to relearn things.

I will have so many stories to share with you next week!!
On another note, the winner of the Coeur de La giveaway is Brittany from Life of Charmings. Congratulations!!! And, thank you to all of the readers who left those hefty and delicious comments. All of you should be food writers.
Remember, you can still get 15% off any purchase on Alana's site ... the code is books. So, technically you are all winners. Happy Friday! Bisous.

a market and bottomless mimosas

2011-05-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

morning treats

art

smitten

Marc and I

The Oxbow Market

their time to shine

family

love

an afternoon treat

lots to share

my motto on the farm

the perfect way to end the day

After the wedding festivities, the next morning ... family and friends were invited to a brunch at Auberge du Soleil ... for those of you who aren't familiar with Auberge ... it is pretty much like paradise in the Napa Valley. They serve a 15 dollar mojito that is to die for and a splurge that is well worth it if you ask me.

The morning of the brunch the weather was picturesque, the mimosas were bottomless, and the laughs were many. Prior to brunch, a barista at my favorite café recently told me that I must go to The Oxbow Market. So, on our way to Auberge we made our way to The Oxbow Market for a coffee at Ritual.

Let me just say that we were so smitten with the market that on our way home we stopped in again for: Oysters and an Ahi Tuna Burger at Gott's (previously known as Taylor's) and of course a mint chip shake. If you have never had their Ahi Tuna burger ... well you just haven't been living. Each time I visit the Napa Valley I end up saying ... one day I will move here. The weather, the warm winds that blow over the vineyards, the nostalgia that is evoked when I see one of my favorite golf courses ... Silverado (my sister and I started playing golf at the age of 6 and still can give any golfer a run for their money) and frankly, I love relaxing over a glass of wine with friends and family.

All in all, from brunch, to wine tasting, to discovering the Oxbow Market ... I can't wait to make my way back to Napa!! My countdown for graduation has begun ... two more weeks!! I am off to hit the books and that reminds me ... two more days to enter the Coeur de La giveaway!
Bisous.

Napa Valley Day Trip
Do: Visit The Oxbow Market
Order: The Oysters at Hog Island, grab a coffee at Ritual, peruse the entire market and then walk over to Gott's for a burger and shake
Splurge: take a drive along the Silverado Trail and order a Mojito at Auberge du Soleil

the weekend ...

2011-05-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

wedding toasts

admiring the food

my favorite

ahi tuna

my brother and sister

taking it all in

among the flowers

Eat!

a perfect salad

dinner

Toasting to Ally and Amir

Bouchon Macarons

And, eclairs!

For the Road!

This past weekend was filled with: colorful dresses, lots of smiles, family and friends, delicious food, lots of dancing, mint tea on a warm afternoon, breathtaking weather in the Napa Valley, and lots and lots of laughter ... all because of my sister's wedding!! The weekend can only be described as beautiful. Moments like these make me reflect on what is important ... family!! Congratulations Ally and Amir! Happy Monday! Bisous.

Don't forget to enter the Coeur de La giveaway.