August 14, 2011

Honey Lavender Crème Brûlée

I’ve never been super-girly. I tend to avoid pink at all costs. I’d prefer not to smell like flowers and I JUST recently got into nail polish. But when it comes to eating things that are typically feminine, I definitely own my femininity. I will totally drink a bright pink cocktail out of a martini glass. I’ll eat a cupcake covered in frosted flowers like a champ! This honey lavender crème brûlée might be the most girly thing I’ve made, and I had absolutely no problem eating it. It’s subtly floral and perfectly sweet. It has a thick custard bottom that’s both light & creamy and a hard caramel shell that’s fun to crack into. It’s the crème brûlée that made me like crème brûlée!

That’s right, I’m not a huge fan of crème brûlée. So why would I put it on my list of things to do before my birthday? Somehow I felt that if I made it from scratch I could grow to appreciate the dessert. It totally worked! I love it and I think you will too. If you happen to make this for your husband or boyfriend, don’t mention anything about it being feminine. Trust me.

# 23. Make crème brûlée = DONE!

out & about, Uncategorized

August 13, 2011

The Gaige House

Last weekend Casey & I went on a much needed vacation; we were totally due! My parents watched Cooper (thank you, parents!) and we were able to indulge in some great wine as well as some crazy good food. This was our first vacation away together in a little over 2 years, so were able to save up and splurge!

This is our second time staying at the Gaige House in Glen Ellen. We absolutely fell in love the first time we went in 2009 and we’ve made it our destination when we want to get away. I like that it’s a little less than a two hour drive from our home. Though people come from all over the country to stay there and I can totally see why. It’s truly a ZEN oasis.
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Photography, Uncategorized

August 12, 2011

365- Week 31

A food related photo everyday until 2012. Here’s week 31:

223/365 Last day of the BluePrint Juice Cleanse!!

Uncategorized

August 11, 2011

Episode #13 is Live!!

Friends! This week on the Joy the Baker Podcast over at Homefries, we’re at it again!

We’re PAYING IT FORWARD! On this episode you’ll find:

our response to listener’s RED FLAGS
our first question from a listener on AIR!
Good Karma tips & how to Pay it Forward!
birthday parties for cats (I can’t believe I just typed that).
more info on the Homefries U Retreat & our first giveaway!
you can also see a picture of the delicious pizza I made & didn’t eat. Cleansing!

You won’t want to miss it! Come check it out!

If you want to ask us a question, email us!

Homefries has its own Facebook page! You’ll totally LIKE it.

out & about, Uncategorized

August 11, 2011

Out to Eat: Ad Hoc, Yountville

Earlier this week I showed you our pictures from The French Laundry and today I’m gonna give you a sneak peak of our Brunch at Ad Hoc (another EXCELLENT Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville). We’ve been to Ad Hoc three times now and I think this particular menu has been my FAVORITE! Here’s the deal about Ad Hoc– everyday they post a new menu and you get exactly what they serve! It’s family style. As in, they bring enough food for your party and you dish it out on your own plates. Three courses for $34 a person (for Brunch) was music to my ears after our fancy pants dinner at The French Laundry. The cool part is that you can get second helpings if you want! The portions are always plenty for the two of us so we’ve never asked, but I’m pretty sure I know a few people who would!
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recipes, Uncategorized

August 10, 2011

Spicy Blue Bottle Espresso Martini

Earlier this year Casey and I spent an entire week coming up with this Spiced Espresso Martini drink for a San Francisco themed episode of Food(ography) with Mo Rocca on the The Cooking Channel. Within a few days our kitchen literally smelled like a coffee shop and I ingested more sweetened condensed milk than I care to talk about. We were so high on caffeine that week; fortunately this drink was worth the effort!

We made this cocktail with our favorite local coffee roasters- Blue Bottle Coffee. Their Hayes Valley Espresso has just the right amount of sweet & spice with a hint of chocolate that works beautifully with this martini. You should really taste a sip of the condensed milk/espresso mixture before you get to mixing your cocktail. It’s heaven! Now let’s discuss the spice! There’s curry AND chili powder in this martini. It may sound weird but let me tell you it’s absolutely scrumptious. If you’re daring and you enjoy a spicy kick, add a very small dash of cayenne. Everyone at the dinner party LOVED this cocktail and I’m pretty sure you will too.

So here’s the scoop. I made this drink for TV! You’re invited to watch me mix it up!

WHERE: The Cooking Channel

TV SHOW: Food(ography) with Mo Rocca

WHEN: It aired last night! Check your local listings or The Cooking Channel Website!

DINNER PARTY GUESTS: Kasey & Matt from Turntable Kitchen & Megan of Marge Bakery & A Sweet Spoonful.
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out & about, Uncategorized

August 8, 2011

#3. Go to the French Laundry (again!)

You may remember that I had a goal to dine at The French Laundry during my 31st year of existence. I’ve been there twice before at different points in my life but I’ve been aching to try it again. Some people save money to buy a car, others save for expensive handbags or electronics. I save money for food. It’s always been this way, I swear. Before you say, “Tracy! You could have bought groceries for a few weeks with that meal from The French Laundry,” let me tell you the experience this past weekend was…EPIC. Epic in flashing lights, EPIC.

#3. Go to the French Laundry (again!) = DONE. But I couldn’t have done it without some help!
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