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September 11, 2013

Raisin Focaccia

Raisin Focaccia // shutterbean

Murphy’s Law says that if I am trying to watch what I eat, my coworker will bring indulgent things into the office like raisin or jalapeño focaccia from Liguria Bakery. These  things, I cannot resist.  But now, it’s time to fight fire with fire. Little does he know I’m the one bringing in the Raisin Focaccia now.

Raisin Focaccia // shutterbean

Let’s back up! A few weeks ago my dad and I ventured into Liguria Bakery to get some different kinds of focaccia and this cold lady told us curtly that we missed the window for having raisin focaccia. She scoffed at us for trying to buy it an hour past her cutoff and it was followed by a huge “Pssshaw!!” I actually did a web search and found THIS PICTURE. HAHAHA. That’s the lady!  If Seinfeld was back on, I’d suggest they create an episode called The Focaccia Nazi.  You should have seen her face when we politely asked if she could cut our focaccia in half, as we were splitting it. Oof. Too much!

Raisin Focaccia // shutterbean

The only problem is that their raisin focaccia is really really good; definitely worth a trip if you’re in San Francisco. Make sure you go early in the morning or you won’t get their beloved raisin focaccia. Pleasantries don’t work. Even killing her with kindness won’t get a smile from her. Just get in and out with that focaccia! The raisin focaccia is light, fluffy and the raisins are juicy and plump. It’s a bit savory and a bit sweet. It’s perfection! To avoid another encounter where I missed the cutoff, I took the bull by the horns and made my own. And for you, I’d gladly cut you a slice or three.

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September 9, 2013

The Reset Button Salad

The Reset Button Salad // shutterbean

For the past few weeks leading up to my juice cleanse I’ve been going to my local Whole Foods and making this salad for my lunch at work. I learned to bring my own cucumber, walnuts and dressing in my purse so I can get my salad for about 3 bucks. Over the years, I’ve learned what weighs down a salad bar salad. Stay away from cherry tomatoes, cucumbers (WHY DO THEY CUT THEM SO BIG?) hardboiled eggs, chicken & beans. They’ll tip the scales for sure.

The Reset Button Salad // shutterbean

I like to call this salad The Reset Button Salad because it’s filled with goodness. The biggest impact comes from the red quinoa. It’s totally nutty and makes it more of a meal. I’m less inclined to want a side of bread or (cough cough) french fries as a result. Just this salad has the tendency to fill me up! The shredded carrots & beets add a nice crunch while the green onions give it a good onion flavoring without overpowering. For extra oomph, I added toasted walnuts (because I adore them!) and some crumbled feta for contrast. Arugula…well…you know me… My arugula obsession continues, but I find that it works really well here. It’s the type of salad that will help RESET your brain into remembering that healthy food can be so satisfying. And if you have an avocado just lying around, I promise that it would be a great addition to! Omit the feta and it’s a vegan dream.

Later this week, I’m gonna bring you a foccacia recipe which will probably spur you to eat this salad even more. Cuz, BALANCE.

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September 7, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 36

Here’s what this past week looked like:

I wish my coffee could refill itself.

My Everyday Life: Week 36

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September 6, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

I LOVE LISTS FRIDAY!

  1. Nature is just AWESOME sometimes. What a great story.
  2. Who doesn’t loooove good weeknight meal recipes?
  3. When celebrities were young….hehehe
  4. Mom & 4 year old collaborate on art. LOVE THIS.
  5. I should print this out and post it in my kitchen.
  6. I’ve really got to step up my guest room game!!!
  7. VINTAGE TARGET! How cool is that??
  8. 10 Unbelievable Diet Rules Backed by Science. 
  9. 41 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Date a Photographer.  HAHA!
  10. Richard Simmons Twerking. Nuff said.
  11. Really makes you want to go to Burning Man, doesn’t it?
  12. Now THIS is dessert!
  13. Three words  Vegan Kahlua Hot Fudge. 
  14. I MUST make this Rice Krispy Treat Milkshake!!!
  15. Have you checked out Clementine Daily? It’s the most beautifully designed website!
  16. Cooper & I are obsessed with this song. He’s WAY into the video too.
  17. I’m currently spending my commutes listening to Rob Lowe read his book. It’s GREAT!!!

but wait theres more

There’s a new Joy the Baker Podcast coming up soon! But did you listen to last week’s episode?  I talk about my experience seeing Oprah! 

mybites

Rosewensian made my Peach Arugula Corn Pizza

Victoria Sponge Pease Pudding  also made my Peach Arugula Corn Pizza but with whole wheat flour!

Geek Domestique adapted my Goat Cheese Arugula Tomato Pizza

A Teaspoon of Happiness made my Tomato & Artichoke Penne

Bea’s Bites made my Honey Lime Drumsticks

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September 4, 2013

Out & About: Chicago Edition

OUT & ABOUT // CHICAGO

Chicago trip!!! It was GREAT. It was SHORT. I want to go back. I wish I could have spent more than a full day there, but when I think about it, I got to see a lot in such a little amount of time. I was going to post these in My Everyday Life series last week but then I realized that there’s too many of them. So here we go! Out & About: Chicago Edition!

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September 3, 2013

Prosciutto & Fig Panini


Prosciutto & Fig Panini // shutterbean

Reason #328 why you need a panini pressPROSCIUTTO & FIG PANINI. Because juicy black missions figs (which are currently in season) are sandwiched between salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, creamy brie & mozzarella and sweet fig jam in this extraordinary panini. You are kinda missing out.

Prosciutto & Fig Panini // shutterbean

It’s like a fancy salad meets a fancy sandwich.

Prosciutto & Fig Panini // shutterbean

A sweet and savory crispy crunchy OMG look at those sexy grill marks SANDWICH. Need anymore reasons?

I’m here to discuss!

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August 31, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 35

Here’s what this past week looked like:

On the way home from Chicago. I’m gonna have a separate post for those pictures!

My Everyday Life: Week 34

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