Melt in Your Mouth Shortbread

A few nights ago, I exchanged gifts for christmabirthdaeaster. Long story short, it had been a long time since my best friend and I had seen each other. Among awesome new culinary experiences at a Shabu Shabu restaurant, I received the Tartine Cookbook in exchange for a Barefoot Contessa cookbook I love. I successfully skimmed my way through it last night and absolutely fell in love. The authors, Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson, own one of San Francisco's most famous bakeries, Tartine. The book offers tried and tested recipes and describes, in depth, the reason why they use the ingredients they use as well as techniques. It's a great read on its own but the recipes are absolutely golden. I decided to try my hand at one of their most simple recipes for shortbread last night with amazing results. Be prepared for the most buttery, fall apart in your mouth cookie. It's all one could ever want in a short bread recipe, really. I can imagine changing this up only slightly with some lemon or orange zest on occasion. But they're perfection without any alterations. Here's the recipe.

Candied Bacon & Cornmeal Waffles

Candied bacon: 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard+1/4 cup brown sugar. Toss it in a ziplock bag and squish it around until coated. Cook in 425 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is caramelized around the edges. Holy mother, this pork was delicious. 

 Cornmeal waffles are my new favorite as well. I just love the texture and slight caramelized sweetness. This recipe was pretty perfect: crunchy cornmeal waffles. Especially with candied bacon. 

Homer drools.

-J

New Zealand

Green-lipped mussels 

Satay Kingdom in Wellington 

Drinks at Mac's Brewery. Seriously good cider.  

Classic Kiwi brunch: bacon and sausages 

 My biggest obsession, pies. Butter chicken as reigning champ.

 Steinlager-arguably NZ's most popular beer.

My standard breakfast. The softest white toast with Wattie's beans, Anathoth raspberry jam, and grilled tomatoes.

I can't say I disliked anything I ate while in New Zealand. But you won't see me hunting down Marmite anytime soon.

Quick Dinner

corn tortilla+black beans+2 fried eggs over easy+ blended salsa+sour cream+pico de gallo+fresh avocado+chopped cilantro

=what breakfast/lunch/dinner dreams are made of.

Homemade

First attempt bread making at home. Delicious right out of the oven but could still use something. I suspect more kneading by hand is in order. 

fresh pea soup

2011 went by in what seemed like a blur. I spent the year working my toosh off and realizing I shouldn't live to work but rather we should all work to live. It doesn't matter how much overtime or money I might bring in, life is about happiness and doing the things you enjoy most. I plan on finding that balance to keep me content and semi-sane in 2012. The new year brings promise of new and exciting things to come. 

Jarrod and I are heading to New Zealand for a much needed vacation and to finally meet the 'rents come February. I'm excited to say the least. We'll be doing a full circle of the north island while attending a few of his best friends' weddings. Celebrations all around, my liver is quivering in fear.

 

In preparation for our "Summer" vacation, we're going on a homemade soup rampage(see: diet) for the entirety of January. Should be easy since half of what I normally make for dinner is rustic, simple soups. This bright green soup is delicious and quite possibly the easiest thing you'll make all year.  

My recipe was loosely adapted from Ina Garten's Fresh Pea recipe. I changed a few things based on what we had(ie. no onions, just leeks, sub goat cheese for creme fraiche) and the flavor profile I think of when I think pea soup: smokey pork. I used smoked sea salt to bring out that flavor without having to buy a gnarly looking ham hock. It also saves a whole lot of cooking time(no simmering for hours!) as this really only takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. 

Here's to a fabulous new year!

Fresh Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
• 2 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
• 2 cups chicken, vegetable or beef stock
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas
• 5 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives, (more for garnish)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked sea salt 

Directions

Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan, add the leeks and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until they are tender. Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the peas are tender. (Frozen peas will take only 3 minutes.) Off the heat, add the basil, salt, pepper and goat cheese. 
Using an immersion blender, puree until smooth. Stir in chopped chives and ladle into serving bowls. Garnish with a crumbling of goat cheese, a bit more chives and a large pinch of smoked sea salt. 

Presents

chocolate crinkle cookies via shiny new mixer.

the trick to super white snow is to roll them in granulated sugar first.

Holiday Gift Favorites of 2011

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Ice

How ridiculously adorable is this color? Not to mention it would go perfectly with my anthro latte bowls in seafoam. The kitchenaid mixer is a must have for a baker like me. Completely versatile and such a timesaver for holiday baking.

The River Cottage Bread Handbook

Once again, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has won me over. Jarrod and I were recently relishing on old memories of our moms and grandmothers' bread machines. You know the ones where you add a bag of mix, water and push start then presto! Freshly baked bread 4 hours later! The house full with the smell of fresh bread can't be replicated(why hasn't someone tried that in candle form yet?). With hopes of getting a new kitchenaid mixer, homemade bread is definitely in my future.  



Iced Latte Necklace from Anthropologie

Who doesn't need another chunky necklace? This would put the perfect amount of glam into your New Years ensemble. I love the detailed diamond clasp that's magnetic for ease of wear.

Monogrammed Mug from Anthopologie 

I received one as a gift and when Jarrod came home, he was delighted to find that I had bought him a fancy new mug just for him...as much as I wanted to take credit, I kindly reminded him we have the same initials. At least now I know what to get him for Christmas!

Snazzy Greeting Cards by sweetharvey

Who doesn't need a constant reminder of how fabulous they are? These cards are adorably hand printed with the help of antique presses. 

Vintage Wood Calendar Chalkboard

This would be a great addition to any entry way. Hooks for scarves, storage for mail, and a place for quirky chalkboard notes. Score.

Check out last years list for even more ideas!