tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39904360560839035822024-03-05T21:33:01.908-08:00Foodie-biaA Foodie Surviving Life in SuburbiaGolden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.comBlogger552125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-46358650461180396482012-01-23T15:50:00.000-08:002012-01-23T15:50:03.920-08:00The Big News and a New BlogYou've probably noticed I've been a little absent from the blog lately. This was partially due to increased hours at work, but probably more tied to the fact that I hate cooking, pictures of food, and thinking about food right now. Luckily, there is a good reason for my change in heart (or, rather, stomach), and that's because I'm 12 weeks pregnant! John and I are thrilled by the news and can't wait to welcome a baby into our home in August! <br />
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As a result of our new "endeavor", I started a new blog: <a href="http://goldengatefam.blogspot.com/">Golden Gate Fam</a>.<br />
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That's where I'll be documenting my pregnancy and our baby's life. Harper may or may not make thousands of appearances. <br />
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I've decided not only to start the new blog, but to stop posting on this one. I've loved doing Foodiebia, but I'm a practical person. I know that now, and certainly after August, I will not be focused on food, but rather on our little bundle of joy. I will keep this blog up, mostly for my own use to find old recipes, but if you want to see what's going on in our lives, please check <a href="http://www.goldengatefam.blogspot.com/">www.goldengatefam.blogspot.com</a>. I may even post recipes on there from time to time, if I ever get my appetite back.<br />
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Thanks for making this blog so much fun for me. I hope to see you over at the new location.<br />
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Love,<br />
KathyGolden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-30045734200024350302012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T08:00:05.148-08:00Christmas Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaYUw89GvSlEa0hjhabvsVvXLijG8-M-RIX-FRgJVUdosPIZzdEdiJFF9Er6ZB18dZkDFKaw5u53lO6IRtbUMwGrG22yHRr-O-lgakA5b-1Bh_Fkigpn7dqFofcRQZlNxgYJ6xinqwfpP/s1600/DSC_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaYUw89GvSlEa0hjhabvsVvXLijG8-M-RIX-FRgJVUdosPIZzdEdiJFF9Er6ZB18dZkDFKaw5u53lO6IRtbUMwGrG22yHRr-O-lgakA5b-1Bh_Fkigpn7dqFofcRQZlNxgYJ6xinqwfpP/s400/DSC_1691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't take many photos at Christmas, but I did manage to snap a few good ones. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhJirrVZxVogsl5ZD6dUqT7FpEeeSDzhFmDGiPkjDqNwbQyXUEdyNr_Hewu46bSNAww6gkc0nBh2UOKeja4WoJJX3tfsbaTQXav8cUtwy2TDqeJUk05vgVr0dGGbgXPcn00E4Tc0lRqt/s1600/DSC_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhJirrVZxVogsl5ZD6dUqT7FpEeeSDzhFmDGiPkjDqNwbQyXUEdyNr_Hewu46bSNAww6gkc0nBh2UOKeja4WoJJX3tfsbaTQXav8cUtwy2TDqeJUk05vgVr0dGGbgXPcn00E4Tc0lRqt/s400/DSC_1680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I got a couple of good ones of John and his mom in her backyard. We were lucky that the weather in Pennsylvania wasn't unbearably cold for us California types.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H3xInjKh5eUGQIL8za8rYSsoQGiIUNfz2DZ9c2Vhj0C_PgCNVQKVtVstAAURmxIZOMEN367NCJkOg47-VnqN_g8aEpCZ2rMIdiDO7gJL10d0tZwF_Z1l0C21ZVhgYv7nB4FRaczYRS1S/s1600/DSC_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H3xInjKh5eUGQIL8za8rYSsoQGiIUNfz2DZ9c2Vhj0C_PgCNVQKVtVstAAURmxIZOMEN367NCJkOg47-VnqN_g8aEpCZ2rMIdiDO7gJL10d0tZwF_Z1l0C21ZVhgYv7nB4FRaczYRS1S/s400/DSC_1713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>John spends time with his family by sitting in the same room as them and playing on his phone. How sweet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9urAQIlzCGCi1jKvy90IKAvFmLe4LiPXIM-wDMnFnVJuuGxGYSdRRHq6D54KuYgfs24aQHb4lemhJTfiHjCKOsThMbRBcB6gvcw7XrpZkgQkK2Pii9vjLxaEJGiNqLDqO9Cw_GL5XaiD/s1600/DSC_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9urAQIlzCGCi1jKvy90IKAvFmLe4LiPXIM-wDMnFnVJuuGxGYSdRRHq6D54KuYgfs24aQHb4lemhJTfiHjCKOsThMbRBcB6gvcw7XrpZkgQkK2Pii9vjLxaEJGiNqLDqO9Cw_GL5XaiD/s400/DSC_1715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We had quite a few people gathered together for the holiday, as shown by all the stockings. My stocking had some scratch-off lotto tickets, and I won $10, which John forced me to invest in more lotto tickets (even though I knew this was idiotic). Sigh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzc7UT5kfdnFFS0Q6PNrXhS_avlZILOl__aYHkJUR_ckKRSjRDm645A5oB0dfFftuQV8qc58hP5uvvLJ4N8xmJRzP3pEINi3qKnWybkkMK6EMxAPM5ZmXnnUiMNqY1bNO-aiciBGmIYTB/s1600/DSC_1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzc7UT5kfdnFFS0Q6PNrXhS_avlZILOl__aYHkJUR_ckKRSjRDm645A5oB0dfFftuQV8qc58hP5uvvLJ4N8xmJRzP3pEINi3qKnWybkkMK6EMxAPM5ZmXnnUiMNqY1bNO-aiciBGmIYTB/s640/DSC_1717.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>Nephew Liam had a wonderful time opening presents - as any kid should!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiXTumVG87HLRpc0nlYUdXmYvzKTu4bOjYX-5a670SfbkW12LKigyaxNrSOh1Oa-OVnWFBmfqIhnajm0tNBhs7rtSOZxrseu5wuKdXIT3gcCJ0FGSErHryr8lJ20SResNGWvmzXqxfIRf/s1600/DSC_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiXTumVG87HLRpc0nlYUdXmYvzKTu4bOjYX-5a670SfbkW12LKigyaxNrSOh1Oa-OVnWFBmfqIhnajm0tNBhs7rtSOZxrseu5wuKdXIT3gcCJ0FGSErHryr8lJ20SResNGWvmzXqxfIRf/s400/DSC_1721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He got some good loot too - including lots of plastic guns and cars! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayg-VTIZ7ALd3HilQDQ5A1PkfD8OBhan0Q0yuDIBMpUcWzLf-VAsmRvshzb9ZoBa4hBG1VL7KXXW1Db-pwewrzuq5NxkIX6YqBT7TodHv4JqXfOZhTV6LqV3vlTfFEuZ0FpqCjF9Hpu3D/s1600/DSC_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayg-VTIZ7ALd3HilQDQ5A1PkfD8OBhan0Q0yuDIBMpUcWzLf-VAsmRvshzb9ZoBa4hBG1VL7KXXW1Db-pwewrzuq5NxkIX6YqBT7TodHv4JqXfOZhTV6LqV3vlTfFEuZ0FpqCjF9Hpu3D/s400/DSC_1731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sleepy Patrick closes out my Christmas photos. Sleep tight, buddy.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-69281026707569874412012-01-06T19:59:00.000-08:002012-01-06T19:59:16.773-08:00Winter Doodle Romp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztAJRAcWnVqUmlBibncuxaJbIS5FOfTQ22acVRKZU-Us14Yg7xrgLXfpa4B_w9MaRxNxG6rKmDsuPaYqQVpUCCSoVYt68hyphenhyphenyimXYb1UQjcCOKZSAbtcaagPmysOoa5eJO38aYL-v3OKOx/s1600/DSC_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztAJRAcWnVqUmlBibncuxaJbIS5FOfTQ22acVRKZU-Us14Yg7xrgLXfpa4B_w9MaRxNxG6rKmDsuPaYqQVpUCCSoVYt68hyphenhyphenyimXYb1UQjcCOKZSAbtcaagPmysOoa5eJO38aYL-v3OKOx/s400/DSC_1298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>See - I promised I would post photos from that doodle romp long ago. Sorry for the delay, but here are the cute doodles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91yru4_b-tf4_tXM4Sa3QdK7m-T2znCy5Wrk6DVZsL6MR_HOQXg1oVUktOTnlzoB95dIvLsZNDA_tktTcYyMtPa7QKW2T09hnURdb8ieSYJcoTTdf5ZLko_LJEVumaAbzf_vHHzl58h44/s1600/DSC_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91yru4_b-tf4_tXM4Sa3QdK7m-T2znCy5Wrk6DVZsL6MR_HOQXg1oVUktOTnlzoB95dIvLsZNDA_tktTcYyMtPa7QKW2T09hnURdb8ieSYJcoTTdf5ZLko_LJEVumaAbzf_vHHzl58h44/s400/DSC_1324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here's Harper looking slightly less cute when she is sopping wet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTVxFnRk_z3xzZSZvNVuZmHooPiG_yV3Y7P7W24xkyf8G1zuoayp8NPYzyTauzQAuKnGwrZL6MjDcK-ilOQXF74b3nFErsRRxaT6sYXUppahy7u7ZWgFStXli9w5FFg9WkJ5Z9nKyR2_B/s1600/DSC_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTVxFnRk_z3xzZSZvNVuZmHooPiG_yV3Y7P7W24xkyf8G1zuoayp8NPYzyTauzQAuKnGwrZL6MjDcK-ilOQXF74b3nFErsRRxaT6sYXUppahy7u7ZWgFStXli9w5FFg9WkJ5Z9nKyR2_B/s400/DSC_1348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sticks were very popular on the beach that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefo9KbUh333KvusJq2X5OIzBXsS90-eZwqjgXWEFze8Vs2sNo-rkqXL5d3L950I3gKimsPrwruTDcSQ2njrucX5VMFmJsN77CrPf_qKA3GYoMYTIOstGmdyYnTFq3W5um1q_7xG0jX8zr/s1600/DSC_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefo9KbUh333KvusJq2X5OIzBXsS90-eZwqjgXWEFze8Vs2sNo-rkqXL5d3L950I3gKimsPrwruTDcSQ2njrucX5VMFmJsN77CrPf_qKA3GYoMYTIOstGmdyYnTFq3W5um1q_7xG0jX8zr/s400/DSC_1417.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This Aussie Doodle just happened to be on the beach and joined in on the fun. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidztgx4ewvG6Xpadr-1clla1XnHUmSl-53P2bTDV8OSxDITykbsKC4wkQ3yb2VxnvRT7M8_R4wjJ1x-51tMgAX0Tbh0NeHgYD6dJ9VW3DOvHTboXvFsxLCLGS_4c51uEl9I3e_7NnYv3qb/s1600/DSC_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidztgx4ewvG6Xpadr-1clla1XnHUmSl-53P2bTDV8OSxDITykbsKC4wkQ3yb2VxnvRT7M8_R4wjJ1x-51tMgAX0Tbh0NeHgYD6dJ9VW3DOvHTboXvFsxLCLGS_4c51uEl9I3e_7NnYv3qb/s400/DSC_1429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Joyce and David showed up with all of Harper's best friends, so her afternoon got even better. (Latte, above.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutf5kzO3lhO5mrqxye8BzTcB3gOYJM3ROyYsMSs_V2A1lBZCmtqNAnFly_ht1illJWc4mc0XwKciZYndYyMdgOrCgPv8thqtkJJBLTmZwHScXcQp_uFJYWHwaAtNU6uZzLYkl0Aw_KETe/s1600/DSC_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutf5kzO3lhO5mrqxye8BzTcB3gOYJM3ROyYsMSs_V2A1lBZCmtqNAnFly_ht1illJWc4mc0XwKciZYndYyMdgOrCgPv8thqtkJJBLTmZwHScXcQp_uFJYWHwaAtNU6uZzLYkl0Aw_KETe/s400/DSC_1452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is their newest puppy, Popcorn. He also answers to Poppy and Poopy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI-yNcd0s1Lu8JHqZmX2mPqtTNP3JjWNBZ3MvrOM5gmlEHbtb2Qo3L_RK9jIw7otU18diOV24Mqozy06O5q2fkOpfbVJZ2AoX3EZmSZUIAcPTFT0vTyZcPZPPY-8vo64dvYkFwmo1vI52/s1600/DSC_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI-yNcd0s1Lu8JHqZmX2mPqtTNP3JjWNBZ3MvrOM5gmlEHbtb2Qo3L_RK9jIw7otU18diOV24Mqozy06O5q2fkOpfbVJZ2AoX3EZmSZUIAcPTFT0vTyZcPZPPY-8vo64dvYkFwmo1vI52/s400/DSC_1517.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Mochi looking distinguished, as always.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirONpAPgE5ml-Bz3OArLtXFf4MUzxHEeOEDthCH9i5ol1K9FGwe1TjfBcH97-FhgDs1AFOzDIy1GbQEhucTF0Vrrpy-x-fHOHoETU3dB6GQngHTmD-VFC0ijQsiO1mrMODiqhNL8fJ48FE/s1600/DSC_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirONpAPgE5ml-Bz3OArLtXFf4MUzxHEeOEDthCH9i5ol1K9FGwe1TjfBcH97-FhgDs1AFOzDIy1GbQEhucTF0Vrrpy-x-fHOHoETU3dB6GQngHTmD-VFC0ijQsiO1mrMODiqhNL8fJ48FE/s400/DSC_1532.JPG" width="381" /></a></div>Joyce and David are in Maui at the moment, so we have all three of their dogs at our place right now. It's a bit of a madhouse, but fun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRuCUp5cYEfDxEL7YfOIiSre-4UAtoJdcrnAcVm21NdpcQ5_SeBlEuw_SFOruTr3zEZMdUV9dKkbvgILtXzHyM02KhB5ujJh0zU6r7Cyc7IhJ2HXkSK-CTPhwh7QsaTMftNBizrHXUP2Y/s1600/DSC_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRuCUp5cYEfDxEL7YfOIiSre-4UAtoJdcrnAcVm21NdpcQ5_SeBlEuw_SFOruTr3zEZMdUV9dKkbvgILtXzHyM02KhB5ujJh0zU6r7Cyc7IhJ2HXkSK-CTPhwh7QsaTMftNBizrHXUP2Y/s400/DSC_1559.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>Popcorn had a blast digging endless holes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZCDxq5KgGO-30rvhOB6Do73_cD3elDhjt7t7bP8W_jrg3gls5fPJNEJih3lzJ581AE4Jl01Mve3xRUWxSyYB1lw-BlBXwLJJw8oxAoh2CZEoRrsg36hO99t_FNEKwrCuYOImzbH4y6MA/s1600/DSC_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZCDxq5KgGO-30rvhOB6Do73_cD3elDhjt7t7bP8W_jrg3gls5fPJNEJih3lzJ581AE4Jl01Mve3xRUWxSyYB1lw-BlBXwLJJw8oxAoh2CZEoRrsg36hO99t_FNEKwrCuYOImzbH4y6MA/s400/DSC_1600.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKzkWkixx4IjbNdZapjsMkxPCZclfZ_AtasVkaqExuMl1TeNH_ObE_SyGLzu6bO-vpyKkFHvyvyrf-Y1YKYl188jdhy4ek9_wmt7O4Af-kXwNRhAct58UejQGhuW2B2Au6ps4V8wuF59M/s1600/DSC_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKzkWkixx4IjbNdZapjsMkxPCZclfZ_AtasVkaqExuMl1TeNH_ObE_SyGLzu6bO-vpyKkFHvyvyrf-Y1YKYl188jdhy4ek9_wmt7O4Af-kXwNRhAct58UejQGhuW2B2Au6ps4V8wuF59M/s400/DSC_1596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yes, this kind of thing just happens spontaneously.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSDddLQeRNU5Notj5bs7MY9SeVlE_iyf6tHd7xBFyz3vdsyiNRLmEky7bDPrjrl29AP_Sh-mQecA4G1ViepUdfHicrb6zwfVKOZnLwQpILSYmy_-XdBr2AMMe2981hptEQnWsTmbP4UXL/s1600/DSC_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSDddLQeRNU5Notj5bs7MY9SeVlE_iyf6tHd7xBFyz3vdsyiNRLmEky7bDPrjrl29AP_Sh-mQecA4G1ViepUdfHicrb6zwfVKOZnLwQpILSYmy_-XdBr2AMMe2981hptEQnWsTmbP4UXL/s400/DSC_1619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18ljRED59QhhPSN4bGqNWPULBuvqSHjf7VId9K_V_4OWa-WHCex1qrTzksiV_QoHmVERiwwGwtZSrn8EH7_-3sLT24EK5k6YGZup_dNBnp8dlujFcTUztnUiAb6fHYNRm2D2O-vXGvJOV/s1600/DSC_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18ljRED59QhhPSN4bGqNWPULBuvqSHjf7VId9K_V_4OWa-WHCex1qrTzksiV_QoHmVERiwwGwtZSrn8EH7_-3sLT24EK5k6YGZup_dNBnp8dlujFcTUztnUiAb6fHYNRm2D2O-vXGvJOV/s400/DSC_1625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After Joyce and David (et al.) left, Harper found a new cute doodle to play with. I told you those sticks were quite a hit! These doodles will create fun out of anything.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-31603934338181047592012-01-03T07:04:00.000-08:002012-01-03T07:04:04.535-08:00New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dOoovwUPObdSjDKCkF4G4Ry9k3TlywKgVeuh9TmrYx91fydzVcKR0RtPXJYWU_guJu08JIjTlJqaMuwyf1A3Kt9fE1csMm8RjqyXMeN-wfGqEoSS-bF5qEvoeS1fPAMRf3frPb0PB0Xn/s1600/DSC_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dOoovwUPObdSjDKCkF4G4Ry9k3TlywKgVeuh9TmrYx91fydzVcKR0RtPXJYWU_guJu08JIjTlJqaMuwyf1A3Kt9fE1csMm8RjqyXMeN-wfGqEoSS-bF5qEvoeS1fPAMRf3frPb0PB0Xn/s400/DSC_1743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAIjMOOQkvX7aBMuENy7IGdGAZDrs4oI89TkYBFrTcDED_Htt2Xx0CiM2xw5v6NOrDRMmRPYHqXyZTKHyLjktRsHcW19YUNRBMsQ5ieh-bIp0WX-PlMN5LP97Q_z73j18V5RKPSdyOPQr/s1600/DSC_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAIjMOOQkvX7aBMuENy7IGdGAZDrs4oI89TkYBFrTcDED_Htt2Xx0CiM2xw5v6NOrDRMmRPYHqXyZTKHyLjktRsHcW19YUNRBMsQ5ieh-bIp0WX-PlMN5LP97Q_z73j18V5RKPSdyOPQr/s400/DSC_1788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How did you celebrate?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSH12W_dvf-SMN_M6UDReo2bvqWY_2loeGQqBuRXf19fJudEdxRC47VdJcdtZ8Xre5mwVIRyi0nc9QO4G5UbcVcNvj3MVijdV4rVzwVV8Q0212qMLrwhzdH77TFIW11XXNHL-24rOZdq8/s1600/DSC_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSH12W_dvf-SMN_M6UDReo2bvqWY_2loeGQqBuRXf19fJudEdxRC47VdJcdtZ8Xre5mwVIRyi0nc9QO4G5UbcVcNvj3MVijdV4rVzwVV8Q0212qMLrwhzdH77TFIW11XXNHL-24rOZdq8/s640/DSC_1812.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We headed up to Point Reyes and had a wonderful weekend. More photos to follow.</div>Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-78549625008140940872011-12-26T20:44:00.000-08:002011-12-26T20:44:16.003-08:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkBol_vnoHYgDoFrKpns_Lo6xN61z4nCHH-c4iW4oQHIpYrg3x-oW0CTGojd0Tac-7KZD5ZgSHYTakzVM8bZvcrI49dVVq-I2XOAaWeV9a3TyIWZFNTT3aHXomEUvxxbDhSiGKLYUK72p/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkBol_vnoHYgDoFrKpns_Lo6xN61z4nCHH-c4iW4oQHIpYrg3x-oW0CTGojd0Tac-7KZD5ZgSHYTakzVM8bZvcrI49dVVq-I2XOAaWeV9a3TyIWZFNTT3aHXomEUvxxbDhSiGKLYUK72p/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merry Christmas from Harper et al. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WoyQQgqY_x-WHBreM6GIBt4BcMfQjiAuM9vlRb1Sb6fFHFY5Fs1cYClFLHBNw3On4ga9rm3HIU6XVdudnoOX8pokvm08JMeRD5O-cexyzjEWKb83sjAW3tumlxSIbBZfhfiL9zxAwwaI/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WoyQQgqY_x-WHBreM6GIBt4BcMfQjiAuM9vlRb1Sb6fFHFY5Fs1cYClFLHBNw3On4ga9rm3HIU6XVdudnoOX8pokvm08JMeRD5O-cexyzjEWKb83sjAW3tumlxSIbBZfhfiL9zxAwwaI/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Really, who cares about the rest of us when Harper is this cute?</div>Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-87569892403129481942011-12-18T11:02:00.000-08:002011-12-18T11:02:27.194-08:00Snug as a Bug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioy6-HzfpiNy1hsrqJpJqdvCh0T41PrJKffmqwJg7lOjjVVAy8uJTfI1P-rlT_gFz8LJnqFlqu_mdmxHC5Uyanvespi-gGzNUmxQ6UlmuM7VpWXk8uWOYNd8ERvouV0cAE-Tcwjugm9UI/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioy6-HzfpiNy1hsrqJpJqdvCh0T41PrJKffmqwJg7lOjjVVAy8uJTfI1P-rlT_gFz8LJnqFlqu_mdmxHC5Uyanvespi-gGzNUmxQ6UlmuM7VpWXk8uWOYNd8ERvouV0cAE-Tcwjugm9UI/s400/IMG_0872.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-tmXiZfC-Edx2TcDCwaP81kkzcZ2ypC0-wXoU5tWdbxhWH1UKHp47aecBbWzYefvc68UDOq-OMqdXUpKR_bRSM7EGUzNEUrivY7Hg-V12OmLxM_a2nXxwZcKVvyUdS3Nh_808fZxq9qh/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-tmXiZfC-Edx2TcDCwaP81kkzcZ2ypC0-wXoU5tWdbxhWH1UKHp47aecBbWzYefvc68UDOq-OMqdXUpKR_bRSM7EGUzNEUrivY7Hg-V12OmLxM_a2nXxwZcKVvyUdS3Nh_808fZxq9qh/s400/IMG_0873.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>This little bug is helping me get through my 10 hours of billing today. Did I mention we started letting her on the couch? She loves to snuggle in with all the blankets, and I love the company.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-26641703600387911302011-12-17T15:09:00.000-08:002011-12-17T15:09:07.301-08:00Drying Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysokRDXVJbHu94_S7P5FkDt0N5vrloJ7GSMb3npAjPmqj6J9TgtNAyJ5LnOVmb0kK9u3_NQcYL3bMYUyPBCpXbNK8ptA_8laVpYXor3YccVRqgTKXJgpDVXykRcQP4h2uebwqzAYz_mIG/s1600/DSC_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysokRDXVJbHu94_S7P5FkDt0N5vrloJ7GSMb3npAjPmqj6J9TgtNAyJ5LnOVmb0kK9u3_NQcYL3bMYUyPBCpXbNK8ptA_8laVpYXor3YccVRqgTKXJgpDVXykRcQP4h2uebwqzAYz_mIG/s400/DSC_1340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I honestly haven't a clue where her face is in this picture.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-82975269093698357632011-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:22:08.759-08:00Bonus Blog BlockageSorry for the lack of posting this week and in the coming weeks. I have 91.95 hours to bill before December 31st in order to get bonus this year, so I'm a bit too busy to post much. I'm hoping to bill 20-some hours this weekend, which means I won't have to work on vacation. Oh, lawyering...Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-81597672099043523332011-12-14T21:47:00.000-08:002011-12-14T21:47:40.634-08:00Miscellany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9kZBmHPi889-qKx3EMGDrKRLc1jpD6if-uBW16pYbUrGpUBccjQIJTuewjNH07rgSIW1lfI5ACdUYulehkUMNQh9a-T_gqLgRkq5t1yvFBnqIAJS6rJ-yroYMVk0jAIY2GDAzNvrLYtd/s1600/DSC_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9kZBmHPi889-qKx3EMGDrKRLc1jpD6if-uBW16pYbUrGpUBccjQIJTuewjNH07rgSIW1lfI5ACdUYulehkUMNQh9a-T_gqLgRkq5t1yvFBnqIAJS6rJ-yroYMVk0jAIY2GDAzNvrLYtd/s400/DSC_1291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I took 400 photos at a doodle romp last weekend, but I haven't had time to edit and post them. I promise to get to it pronto. At least in the meantime I finished addressing all my Christmas cards. If you're lucky, you might be seeing one soon! There may even be some shots of Harper girl in there. Shocker.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-52159624022570239772011-12-12T22:01:00.000-08:002011-12-12T22:01:29.796-08:00Christmas Treeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPM7Y58P-8XrdrbJGrKmtq2dMC9gMRCDscRu7mmLvfLZZWEUfB9A4dgmUlSCjDeNwa9yStaayd3oveXorMQq-Pn5ZsCu-YFgeDeHkwWDfdV1D2nVDL52OCkz57Cbq6eRdbcl6aNJTNQmf/s1600/DSC_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPM7Y58P-8XrdrbJGrKmtq2dMC9gMRCDscRu7mmLvfLZZWEUfB9A4dgmUlSCjDeNwa9yStaayd3oveXorMQq-Pn5ZsCu-YFgeDeHkwWDfdV1D2nVDL52OCkz57Cbq6eRdbcl6aNJTNQmf/s400/DSC_1262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It must really be Christmas if we're out shopping for Christmas trees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAehjMmKjBZhlVCc4ewsLYTrPnZ3-eMnjSeGQkOqnPJ-jm_kFSy1Uvqd3XfHjjtD013DEVZ5B1s471HR9825cYPrZXF38cLRYHWxA85Q4UB3EaOCUmWv8acenmV5UyS55H531mlPi5tNEb/s1600/DSC_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAehjMmKjBZhlVCc4ewsLYTrPnZ3-eMnjSeGQkOqnPJ-jm_kFSy1Uvqd3XfHjjtD013DEVZ5B1s471HR9825cYPrZXF38cLRYHWxA85Q4UB3EaOCUmWv8acenmV5UyS55H531mlPi5tNEb/s400/DSC_1238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We didn't make it to our favorite Christmas tree farm this year, but we visited our favorite local lot which supports the Sea Scouts. (Boy Scouts of the sea apparently.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdWkGgx8LWGOAhvpQG_mXZb8GB29lS0WB8cGCSvFRuj0lmbxgCQ5fbkxcNaeVKVsKlltgu9TDS8QXPLctF4TVpW30MrdvrZtCvXXnNH5dhgLLf9MNZ7z9zDFSl_tEr7_qA7BvQTjbbrQB/s1600/DSC_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdWkGgx8LWGOAhvpQG_mXZb8GB29lS0WB8cGCSvFRuj0lmbxgCQ5fbkxcNaeVKVsKlltgu9TDS8QXPLctF4TVpW30MrdvrZtCvXXnNH5dhgLLf9MNZ7z9zDFSl_tEr7_qA7BvQTjbbrQB/s400/DSC_1239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnctmHb4xSULrrVd-7okWaBiY6uNQjsFEJ9x3TDz6pBpvHNDxOI3xPiMmZ9TvRBr2NAImsPH4s_Uxc_ph_C-sx-uQooEn422-_81IlGkG48r9uidTqpCAiwdt92lioEf6wyFUt0y_46KV6/s1600/DSC_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnctmHb4xSULrrVd-7okWaBiY6uNQjsFEJ9x3TDz6pBpvHNDxOI3xPiMmZ9TvRBr2NAImsPH4s_Uxc_ph_C-sx-uQooEn422-_81IlGkG48r9uidTqpCAiwdt92lioEf6wyFUt0y_46KV6/s640/DSC_1244.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBjIrW3gDgh-WFaPTegiuOxMrJstVEGdFhi5bco2okJtZJQntXqwki2GuyinX6xDoRiiv6ib5A79WNCGAv_o-y9VLOdUvtgH12c_5hZHJJgaHgc24bS3ZZJJsSTqlfJgXIXiY3UhGOppi/s1600/DSC_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBjIrW3gDgh-WFaPTegiuOxMrJstVEGdFhi5bco2okJtZJQntXqwki2GuyinX6xDoRiiv6ib5A79WNCGAv_o-y9VLOdUvtgH12c_5hZHJJgaHgc24bS3ZZJJsSTqlfJgXIXiY3UhGOppi/s640/DSC_1245.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>The boys and dads put in a lot of work, but I'm sure they end up making plenty of money off this fundraiser. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzWMYsfJKcHBxbEBTBdQt3r-OnOEXLYvpYQZdPmZMbgzpoqaPAN8T1wTqDUYHVP73fHFKRz2f60yEnnWf0VxgbPjMKl5gJxtMqmFeK7vmGmC-OCexHMjWIRJvTxxYJ0YZyKNysbDG8EdZ/s1600/DSC_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzWMYsfJKcHBxbEBTBdQt3r-OnOEXLYvpYQZdPmZMbgzpoqaPAN8T1wTqDUYHVP73fHFKRz2f60yEnnWf0VxgbPjMKl5gJxtMqmFeK7vmGmC-OCexHMjWIRJvTxxYJ0YZyKNysbDG8EdZ/s400/DSC_1251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>At $98/tree, how could they not? (Ours was not $98.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuwPVqEVJJkywE0STOVaL7GFYjtOFE9jVwZHeK-v7GzNfQUS8huvlIVOIqLKRq2HVdhSxWD_sAXPk4m_QakcHbtoBYkAp2evnl11h2OcHGndfLWUR2YowPmA2r_7d8c0FUfyHJ2INagWE/s1600/DSC_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuwPVqEVJJkywE0STOVaL7GFYjtOFE9jVwZHeK-v7GzNfQUS8huvlIVOIqLKRq2HVdhSxWD_sAXPk4m_QakcHbtoBYkAp2evnl11h2OcHGndfLWUR2YowPmA2r_7d8c0FUfyHJ2INagWE/s640/DSC_1250.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>Here is John posing with our lucky lady. I went in hoping for a three foot tree, and somehow we left with a six footer. Oh well, it is a beautiful tree nonetheless. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321mbIhaobnicCxWeSVZyxb0P-F96_ZIbs-4z3GgGoSKDgKlIwRGU0ObOCTtHu0d0HXeAR_w4FaW32UerJBche_15MXEhPemG1h7Rru83aBrN580atcO5wbXUkkSKBIvczpHWSDUNgacT/s1600/DSC_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321mbIhaobnicCxWeSVZyxb0P-F96_ZIbs-4z3GgGoSKDgKlIwRGU0ObOCTtHu0d0HXeAR_w4FaW32UerJBche_15MXEhPemG1h7Rru83aBrN580atcO5wbXUkkSKBIvczpHWSDUNgacT/s400/DSC_1253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm a sucker for a pine-scented winter home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg430gtWS2-eEW_aprfbQhW33EnSE0E406dftp89V8DQ1zCh-3xPJe5FhQlW4dIpCxfgq_v82jeOflhwLQsQQcxmfW7jFlcTJImeAddMBz5X6X-qLPKyoq4ysvLZ0BSijkRFkEm7JScJzy4/s1600/DSC_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg430gtWS2-eEW_aprfbQhW33EnSE0E406dftp89V8DQ1zCh-3xPJe5FhQlW4dIpCxfgq_v82jeOflhwLQsQQcxmfW7jFlcTJImeAddMBz5X6X-qLPKyoq4ysvLZ0BSijkRFkEm7JScJzy4/s640/DSC_1261.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRGTvvqFSjj1763Gvm9-IR6zyPxjxp8Izwzq50byO0aE4_J3vcJITpxgpNE9bQiKFbE2L39xjUdAjCACzB9leiqpsme47mctweTbOVUH4ieiVL1VGDgEqm_GHYvdMu4U7otr6nEAgykyf/s1600/DSC_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRGTvvqFSjj1763Gvm9-IR6zyPxjxp8Izwzq50byO0aE4_J3vcJITpxgpNE9bQiKFbE2L39xjUdAjCACzB9leiqpsme47mctweTbOVUH4ieiVL1VGDgEqm_GHYvdMu4U7otr6nEAgykyf/s400/DSC_1271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Sea Scouts have a helpful netting contraption to net your tree before you take it home. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6FyGGZoyKelGg4fc6BoMqD-AOzWxlRIvHozXT4Ly64lyBNMsyfQ_TlpR_QwAbXILGwz8LmNdgDxHrBm8XzltK5EotRE2DQg-Sd0br90BsQWdObNhgKCksqOTTcy9JeE9E5yI1Av4qG2g/s1600/DSC_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6FyGGZoyKelGg4fc6BoMqD-AOzWxlRIvHozXT4Ly64lyBNMsyfQ_TlpR_QwAbXILGwz8LmNdgDxHrBm8XzltK5EotRE2DQg-Sd0br90BsQWdObNhgKCksqOTTcy9JeE9E5yI1Av4qG2g/s640/DSC_1276.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>As you can see, our tree baaaaarely fit in the car with us. I forgot to take a picture of it all decked out, but I promise you that it's lighting up the room I'm blogging from. Merry Christmas, everybody!Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-85658548445373193482011-12-09T05:10:00.000-08:002011-12-09T05:10:00.284-08:00Five Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYxxaWeCELTJALmT1aF0FnM0OYjrCYnZ5C52LKt6EXsnUBYXAZEyXvAsPaR3X_Ijb4ui2QkLQEYlt2JZLOIHXmzgpbS9n0NwLxkUN7k8kf73UsC5Vp-qv62Pzlm4rb8XdjM2I97a9kiSr/s1600/DSC_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYxxaWeCELTJALmT1aF0FnM0OYjrCYnZ5C52LKt6EXsnUBYXAZEyXvAsPaR3X_Ijb4ui2QkLQEYlt2JZLOIHXmzgpbS9n0NwLxkUN7k8kf73UsC5Vp-qv62Pzlm4rb8XdjM2I97a9kiSr/s640/DSC_1203.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>Celebrating Christmas with your family early means the holiday season really does last a month (like all the retailers want us to believe). I got wonderful gifts this year from my family under the tree as well as in my stocking.<br />
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My aunt is big on family history, and gave me three vintage cookbooks from our family - from 1923, 1938, and 1943, respectively. Pretty incredible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv425fhzTfLkPjOYHvaw62oQOU01yPR4DnwgwTpHBsmZxT_pCDyWHBJSz4wXCwx1Q7L8GIXWCWWpDoZap22vtedAwTj7B1EXPmWKFSN5n2jM-44b-2PadyCNYta-BvQgUT2aBKvhGthRgq/s1600/DSC_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv425fhzTfLkPjOYHvaw62oQOU01yPR4DnwgwTpHBsmZxT_pCDyWHBJSz4wXCwx1Q7L8GIXWCWWpDoZap22vtedAwTj7B1EXPmWKFSN5n2jM-44b-2PadyCNYta-BvQgUT2aBKvhGthRgq/s400/DSC_1216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Santa must have heard me admiring my aunt's lemon bags, because two days later I found some in my stocking. You just pop one on the end of a lemon and the seeds stay-put. Genius idea!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP8F3x-qnRksoxQatVyD05xzmuKacolPujBK_vSRPs_3qUBhvzsKcTRy6qPyMUFQUJQrdVgM8JmbbrOKsUJ1LUNN2MHpYaDXpbvK2MracmodJqmCdyNq1UgZiXxFlBf_r8iWth6rVGIIu/s1600/DSC_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP8F3x-qnRksoxQatVyD05xzmuKacolPujBK_vSRPs_3qUBhvzsKcTRy6qPyMUFQUJQrdVgM8JmbbrOKsUJ1LUNN2MHpYaDXpbvK2MracmodJqmCdyNq1UgZiXxFlBf_r8iWth6rVGIIu/s400/DSC_1227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My brother and his wife got me three incredible cookbooks. My brother said he picked them (from my wishlist) based on what he would like to eat. I love that idea! We both share a love for Mexican food since we ate it almost every week growing up. I can't wait to break out some of these wonderful recipes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-L7hu3HqIMs6CTJ9qBi7sJIbE5H1usYPI6UbwLnnP1vzmOO1ZAAZCKgSqHdkNPH6gGy0yj3gy0DnhHbjwp6-1IYsBtC5h723Wh0xNjzRWF-4NaLHZryxcwFzdA0gzT3RZ2xFx5frv0FC/s1600/DSC_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-L7hu3HqIMs6CTJ9qBi7sJIbE5H1usYPI6UbwLnnP1vzmOO1ZAAZCKgSqHdkNPH6gGy0yj3gy0DnhHbjwp6-1IYsBtC5h723Wh0xNjzRWF-4NaLHZryxcwFzdA0gzT3RZ2xFx5frv0FC/s400/DSC_1231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In New York I was the opposite of a bring-your-lunch-to-work kind of gal. I didn't just eat out every day, but I actually ordered in delivery every single day. That's some intense laziness. Now that I bring my lunch everyday, my new insulated lunch bag will get plenty of use!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqP7lK9ZKHtxWG65GGEKjYjr9cEs51nPN7Ajb1T5OIuPOBH6ZNcxBzugceNWy6q25rJEURN30ro9-9G8GcprVv3aVZ9X1QNfucJ95yMPTZRdpZrFm5sAyOs5X5jxHolGHRBrluusd1KU-/s1600/DSC_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqP7lK9ZKHtxWG65GGEKjYjr9cEs51nPN7Ajb1T5OIuPOBH6ZNcxBzugceNWy6q25rJEURN30ro9-9G8GcprVv3aVZ9X1QNfucJ95yMPTZRdpZrFm5sAyOs5X5jxHolGHRBrluusd1KU-/s400/DSC_1232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A gift in <i>my</i> stocking was actually for Harper. It's a UVA football rope-thingie dog toy. Harper is obsessed with it. Wa hoo wa!Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-50067289959450882942011-12-06T08:29:00.000-08:002011-12-06T08:29:00.132-08:00In the Rotation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jIJILmh04o8mED76r3ba25s1NAJ3gY0Ybr3HTKQv-AOsDxjR5WWV0ZUx0JErjauN0u6gqNzqadQr5p-dopZTJGad0RfY5nDRmriBRVID9GnzBoDl5i9VFBu1EZ9UI3lJsgL1ephkvGuZ/s1600/DSC_8080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jIJILmh04o8mED76r3ba25s1NAJ3gY0Ybr3HTKQv-AOsDxjR5WWV0ZUx0JErjauN0u6gqNzqadQr5p-dopZTJGad0RfY5nDRmriBRVID9GnzBoDl5i9VFBu1EZ9UI3lJsgL1ephkvGuZ/s320/DSC_8080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Reading the recipes I post on this blog is not necessarily the best reflection of what we are eating in my house. There are <i>a lot</i> of new recipes that I've made that haven't made it on the blog for many reasons (too ugly to photograph, I'm too lazy to photograph it, or its just not quite good enough). I probably cook on average about two new recipes a week. The rest of the week is filled with leftovers and some of our tried-and-true favorites.<br />
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This <a href="http://foodiebia.blogspot.com/2011/09/kale-caesar-esque-salad.html">Kale Salad</a>, above, is on the menu literally almost every week. We eat the remainder of the baguette that goes into the croutons alongside the salad to fill us up. If you haven't tried it, I definitely recommend it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9C9AAVnz6mLbEpc8hd3y1PfOudYWkHxT1IcK4uBAslgw2W173YRfke7BohOSIcv7QoTA84IUsuBF_OvfxPKlZ-Qzk3j1QHvOBZhHMujMHVDIalRvuyh_XUd0ySk1i-qqX4w7A6bi_9X3/s1600/DSC_8795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9C9AAVnz6mLbEpc8hd3y1PfOudYWkHxT1IcK4uBAslgw2W173YRfke7BohOSIcv7QoTA84IUsuBF_OvfxPKlZ-Qzk3j1QHvOBZhHMujMHVDIalRvuyh_XUd0ySk1i-qqX4w7A6bi_9X3/s320/DSC_8795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://foodiebia.blogspot.com/2011/10/curried-butternut-and-red-lentil-soup.html">Curried Butternut and Red Lentil Soup</a> is also a favorite in our house, and I've made it three or four times this fall/winter already. It's really easy, tastes great, and the lentils make it quite filling. If you like spicy soups, definitely try this with the diced tomatoes that come with chiles. Yum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuKk6VkKr1ru4oCe8HfXUuXJatyYNRtxAMwRzTISjcKgE_LIUrhpjCwGwJzdISbFqPr7Zy_atKuMzPu833ok2CguzsZSmz9UUpJunStr5ut3KBeHMFo2qRmSk2oUkWWSFPPr18pVHGEY/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuKk6VkKr1ru4oCe8HfXUuXJatyYNRtxAMwRzTISjcKgE_LIUrhpjCwGwJzdISbFqPr7Zy_atKuMzPu833ok2CguzsZSmz9UUpJunStr5ut3KBeHMFo2qRmSk2oUkWWSFPPr18pVHGEY/s320/DSC_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>While this is technically a recipe for <a href="http://foodiebia.blogspot.com/2011/02/slow-cooker-chicken-chipotle-tacos.html">Slow Cooker Chicken Chipotle <i>Tacos</i></a>, I've made this meat many times for nachos and enchiladas too. It's the easiest and most delicious way to make chicken meat for Tex-Mex food. The enchiladas I just made with it were the best I've ever made.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP88Dw3ZVicbN7ijknFHS-ylTTF2YKwJnSY7avs-jVIf3W31OCC46GK51JDgj4U2AapZYHAxXBgRLohg7Exk1ClBrkmvTHOkNJHXF5NVs9ipg6Ot2Wu64T3DhF_xgCl_MBpYBjGEyWSEJ/s1600/DSC_6444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP88Dw3ZVicbN7ijknFHS-ylTTF2YKwJnSY7avs-jVIf3W31OCC46GK51JDgj4U2AapZYHAxXBgRLohg7Exk1ClBrkmvTHOkNJHXF5NVs9ipg6Ot2Wu64T3DhF_xgCl_MBpYBjGEyWSEJ/s320/DSC_6444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's not really the time or the place for zucchini, but I do truly love this <a href="http://foodiebia.blogspot.com/2011/08/zucchini-linguine.html">Zucchini Linguine</a> recipe. I'm sure it would still be wonderful with sad out-of-season zucchini. I made it a month or two ago and we scarfed it down.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-22448224548852159032011-12-04T04:38:00.000-08:002011-12-04T04:38:00.271-08:00Foodiebia Holiday Gift Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's time for another holiday gift guide! Hope you enjoy these picks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuWNNY0hhcymkRP0weuI6C8zR07WVCBzfIsqq8BMhQBJUDzVByR50AsjJrUipVnR8vsiFntttKIYpgsozp6tNL10HT2_JgCzAbUf2EAeyfBmJLpoki2xaVTqQ1iSkhHAsOHKzRHPD0cNu/s1600/img25o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuWNNY0hhcymkRP0weuI6C8zR07WVCBzfIsqq8BMhQBJUDzVByR50AsjJrUipVnR8vsiFntttKIYpgsozp6tNL10HT2_JgCzAbUf2EAeyfBmJLpoki2xaVTqQ1iSkhHAsOHKzRHPD0cNu/s400/img25o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/wood-kitchen-ornaments-set/?pkey=cstocking-stuffers">Williams Sonoma</a>, $19.95</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How adorable is this set of three wooden ornaments?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt9IFiRjTMruFq5OFWtssK4vy0v_TccyaYLfmcIqz2WIkj2le-KOVRytTf5c3KSO-eFq_vNMR3ON7hOwthnYjh0m-k0yPWCDDQ0IwT0RXtnEfXyA9wpMaPRkLEVOe2mONd0FWnZvdxkjt/s1600/IMG_5621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt9IFiRjTMruFq5OFWtssK4vy0v_TccyaYLfmcIqz2WIkj2le-KOVRytTf5c3KSO-eFq_vNMR3ON7hOwthnYjh0m-k0yPWCDDQ0IwT0RXtnEfXyA9wpMaPRkLEVOe2mONd0FWnZvdxkjt/s320/IMG_5621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ranchogordo.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=RG&Product_Code=4255&Category_Code=SAMP">Rancho Gordo</a>, $38.95 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This gift isn't for everyone - but any avid cook would love a gift pack of heirloom beans from Rancho Gordo. Rancho Gordo has all kinds of gift packs, including a <a href="http://www.ranchogordo.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=RG&Product_Code=3592S-Sweet&Category_Code=SAMP">sweet sampler</a> with vanilla and sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiAyhgAC2VjMy8Df2TLg0MN670sop7E2e1Hx64t9guL1VH2T7SkaOKFg0NPfXDXG4XB7t0UoZ-OqUz-OfBXNQlDsZHy1B-yjxxsBuGznaA2o0Aheb8-HHrLLB4995rIr-1D2YL_vZ59_g/s1600/9781580082778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiAyhgAC2VjMy8Df2TLg0MN670sop7E2e1Hx64t9guL1VH2T7SkaOKFg0NPfXDXG4XB7t0UoZ-OqUz-OfBXNQlDsZHy1B-yjxxsBuGznaA2o0Aheb8-HHrLLB4995rIr-1D2YL_vZ59_g/s400/9781580082778.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Super-Natural-Every-Day-Well-loved/dp/1580082777/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322713751&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>, $13.14</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite cookbook - perhaps of all time, and definitely of this year - would make a great gift for any home cook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQNXzWh7Q7ZzDNMMgzaJ1PFLe2jpWNx0R3UuSTwCNwEy73gPoflpqxp7l1f6Y0WMMnainO8bHtNcFeGYXSGJtaiJTFmIU9PUyBpsFz6nrVsP8SPpq5mSSFCMTeEy5_r6m40w8ki8Ey1GB/s1600/75126_A2_Fruit_Loop_Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQNXzWh7Q7ZzDNMMgzaJ1PFLe2jpWNx0R3UuSTwCNwEy73gPoflpqxp7l1f6Y0WMMnainO8bHtNcFeGYXSGJtaiJTFmIU9PUyBpsFz6nrVsP8SPpq5mSSFCMTeEy5_r6m40w8ki8Ey1GB/s320/75126_A2_Fruit_Loop_Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Fruit%20Loop%20Bowl_10451_10001_52279_-1_26669_26673_52280">MoMA</a>, $42</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The name alone makes this a great gift: Fruit Loop Bowl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlJYG6nBt-IK35J3CrvnxYePBRFPtBKQEMoCq4cuhlTcRRzJNuCRo6bsuq1sd5YoBnsi1P3YFYXhda4NQRra-V1BSqf_PJej1JanExPTSztzxVhV_61qAh2-7WVj1-8N3RanSSVB7eCRf/s1600/ChristmasTreeCkieCutsAVF10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlJYG6nBt-IK35J3CrvnxYePBRFPtBKQEMoCq4cuhlTcRRzJNuCRo6bsuq1sd5YoBnsi1P3YFYXhda4NQRra-V1BSqf_PJej1JanExPTSztzxVhV_61qAh2-7WVj1-8N3RanSSVB7eCRf/s320/ChristmasTreeCkieCutsAVF10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/measure-mix-bake/set-of-10-star-tree-cookie-cutter/s685618">Crate and Barrel</a>, $18.95</div><div style="text-align: center;">This set of cookie cutters are great at the holidays or year-round!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvCE-RBol3PvFJsyo2CB-yGfqgyED6ztdWk06GMyq8AZjp4N6kKEiIpWcQyeYDwMZBj4KVMgbg7IfByVVYVayBtYK8UJXfZAq_5n7MdEjk-OGqbGWuG9VTtd0_raOu3uTp5voA5UdeBYm/s1600/wacwtt240x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvCE-RBol3PvFJsyo2CB-yGfqgyED6ztdWk06GMyq8AZjp4N6kKEiIpWcQyeYDwMZBj4KVMgbg7IfByVVYVayBtYK8UJXfZAq_5n7MdEjk-OGqbGWuG9VTtd0_raOu3uTp5voA5UdeBYm/s1600/wacwtt240x.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.fishseddy.com/browse.cfm/4,3511.html">Fishs Eddy</a>, $46.95<br />
This acacia serving tray would be perfect for someone who loves entertaining. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGg7wsDjuHWsAlRyINQfIbsOmPij9rTgmc79QfF7ycGJP7zuyHspZXtQz5BYUP-JVoZ3CloeWkNRCI6z1Mtd83Gz9_kC1Z2b3toLqv6xp-qwYgLoig6aqkfpg1QWEXc03BqiqN3lb5pgd/s1600/CookieDoughScoopF11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGg7wsDjuHWsAlRyINQfIbsOmPij9rTgmc79QfF7ycGJP7zuyHspZXtQz5BYUP-JVoZ3CloeWkNRCI6z1Mtd83Gz9_kC1Z2b3toLqv6xp-qwYgLoig6aqkfpg1QWEXc03BqiqN3lb5pgd/s320/CookieDoughScoopF11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/serving-utensils/cookie-dough-scoop/s252908">Crate and Barrel</a>, $12.95</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you know someone that likes to bake cookies, they need a cookie scoop <i>pronto</i>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_IAS4ZUXgjaTgei9pTOgWLk-M7RclO5WXo7bUSWwt52He2tWylZhp4tGT0Wo42LlntSDj13YcyGst7m1MLsf6LSLumOBoK0VrAneXBe0-HeYabdt6gOZW5rbJsErh6wzewvNnUKRO9gF/s1600/now2229212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_IAS4ZUXgjaTgei9pTOgWLk-M7RclO5WXo7bUSWwt52He2tWylZhp4tGT0Wo42LlntSDj13YcyGst7m1MLsf6LSLumOBoK0VrAneXBe0-HeYabdt6gOZW5rbJsErh6wzewvNnUKRO9gF/s400/now2229212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.fishseddy.com/browse.cfm/4,3588.html">Fishs Eddy</a>, $11.95<br />
I fell in love with all the tea towels like this I saw all over France in restaurants. Classic and cute.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNRf2p7YK-Ig0-4jesKXGso09qkVJudcNkoqaC_DLgXkOM5Zy7zkZ3fRZdT3JLQ_wIn4OygSI-OJ6iaS2EBKfWL1j-fmrI7zG66qZOmadyvJeBp166i4TgfCi78E464a6OIvQwp7rDcFy/s1600/il_570xN.207988880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNRf2p7YK-Ig0-4jesKXGso09qkVJudcNkoqaC_DLgXkOM5Zy7zkZ3fRZdT3JLQ_wIn4OygSI-OJ6iaS2EBKfWL1j-fmrI7zG66qZOmadyvJeBp166i4TgfCi78E464a6OIvQwp7rDcFy/s320/il_570xN.207988880.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AHeirloom?ref=seller_info">Etsy</a>, $40<br />
This Etsy shop sells cutting boards for all 50 states and is perfect for anyone who loves California or Virginia or Illinois or Michigan...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa5Q45OL-IgcCkse8s31947amCMzijJZnoDOfMKAbtzrcOZBr9cUp85yN420tj9mZHz8yOMKApf7dBU0mjUdjr_QbS1Sh-g9Sgv72ePV-kEGfdRshx8FrSBNPIYf7P4TrEVE3JzV3ge9U/s1600/64624_A2_Loop_Candelabra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa5Q45OL-IgcCkse8s31947amCMzijJZnoDOfMKAbtzrcOZBr9cUp85yN420tj9mZHz8yOMKApf7dBU0mjUdjr_QbS1Sh-g9Sgv72ePV-kEGfdRshx8FrSBNPIYf7P4TrEVE3JzV3ge9U/s320/64624_A2_Loop_Candelabra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Loop%20Candelabra_10451_10001_49023_-1_26669_11550_33886">MoMA</a>, $28<br />
Not exactly Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, but it will do!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0DRSWk87BiESVBPt6zDGIWC3nqj3_SefUWJsrsSICxcdfRkWBjgz8NKRyi-9NsIJANrK1SlERvdtrOlxo4KweTtAQjqWtGPRzfXdgQC7xRLUuHeiXwwSMISgwbK1tCsp7pudXrkkC2qj/s1600/113769538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0DRSWk87BiESVBPt6zDGIWC3nqj3_SefUWJsrsSICxcdfRkWBjgz8NKRyi-9NsIJANrK1SlERvdtrOlxo4KweTtAQjqWtGPRzfXdgQC7xRLUuHeiXwwSMISgwbK1tCsp7pudXrkkC2qj/s320/113769538.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Momofuku-Milk-Bar-Christina-Tosi/dp/0307720497/ref=wl_mb_recs_4_dp">Amazon</a>, $20.58<br />
This is a great book for any avid and adventurous baker in your life. The crack pie recipe alone is worth it!</div>Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-85917947439336277392011-12-02T07:45:00.000-08:002011-12-02T07:45:52.009-08:00Five Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIAmfbM0aD4Mh8bpCiVrN5dPPinXd_waWjrVBia6kiPDW2w2tmNW3hS94zub8fESUQYUivwa_M9qd74N809vxcZNmfZd68aVkcsrHXpnzBBhrobViZKJFr8Ss_ra_hSt01GIQ2Ej29yPH/s1600/DSC_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIAmfbM0aD4Mh8bpCiVrN5dPPinXd_waWjrVBia6kiPDW2w2tmNW3hS94zub8fESUQYUivwa_M9qd74N809vxcZNmfZd68aVkcsrHXpnzBBhrobViZKJFr8Ss_ra_hSt01GIQ2Ej29yPH/s400/DSC_0955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now that we're back on the West Coast, I won't be seeing any more roaring fires for awhile. My uncle and sister-in-law managed to keep one lit during almost every waking hour, and it was beautiful and comforting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMblU_6RDXs93ba_i-YnGZ01vum0eDl0sACHF1Ra29coJdLsiPzkctzCA38mxD_SV89Rw5GzUJt91Nr6C6sI3Oa7CF3437daq0rxA7dVFfq9wQBpTlpVPzlgPU_4xeNvVwNvSzQjURwjsJ/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMblU_6RDXs93ba_i-YnGZ01vum0eDl0sACHF1Ra29coJdLsiPzkctzCA38mxD_SV89Rw5GzUJt91Nr6C6sI3Oa7CF3437daq0rxA7dVFfq9wQBpTlpVPzlgPU_4xeNvVwNvSzQjURwjsJ/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzh5deiquozthr_cD5RCZvdCiG1RXlxdek-i286gHe-hdG0QD5v_bhV538mkNjJfVnXBPabFNnKgAQVeRj-TcP4VeXwKt0rNDsRtlBvjKs9JzE_6m-WsR6KkThRwa5PQri8iHNEVPvAjr/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzh5deiquozthr_cD5RCZvdCiG1RXlxdek-i286gHe-hdG0QD5v_bhV538mkNjJfVnXBPabFNnKgAQVeRj-TcP4VeXwKt0rNDsRtlBvjKs9JzE_6m-WsR6KkThRwa5PQri8iHNEVPvAjr/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We spent the night before we left for Indianapolis surrounded by teenage girls and their moms at the Katy Perry concert. John got me floor seats for my birthday and the show was fun, ridiculous, and wonderfully over-the-top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TBEuAFelWY2zh_w5h1MsFptJdkBsENBgpT31WBHN4bW7dqd9HV08do2jFJ68kPj1UGffvG2FQkyejgOYbTYdeytXXawtb31XPX0DoV8YTilA18lFWhcTUlJv7YcOmGaYXOojBlAHV56M/s1600/DSC_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TBEuAFelWY2zh_w5h1MsFptJdkBsENBgpT31WBHN4bW7dqd9HV08do2jFJ68kPj1UGffvG2FQkyejgOYbTYdeytXXawtb31XPX0DoV8YTilA18lFWhcTUlJv7YcOmGaYXOojBlAHV56M/s400/DSC_1044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our yearly supply of waffle cookies that we brought back from Indy disappeared in two days. Sad, but not surprising. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxpO6OLbQ6zClcnBrFz-_q6SAz79IphgHMJ1PKAbJQL8a2BndJAeiIt1ZzGnpNENzoPj0m8DSUSkjKIHrZwYZ__AI0gsQNllaJQ_ee3cz91BAGKIjQJHe12cStF1w9GTwPIqYfn9B1OBY/s1600/DSC_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxpO6OLbQ6zClcnBrFz-_q6SAz79IphgHMJ1PKAbJQL8a2BndJAeiIt1ZzGnpNENzoPj0m8DSUSkjKIHrZwYZ__AI0gsQNllaJQ_ee3cz91BAGKIjQJHe12cStF1w9GTwPIqYfn9B1OBY/s400/DSC_1157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Natalie got me some baking gifts just in time for my Thanksgiving pie-a-thon. The bird is actually a pie funnel to allow the steam to escape from a pie to keep the top crisp. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Mhkb3GpsN0lFtUy4WYc2pHw7YMbOhHz0bSe2Xne1al3dCzJW_n4gyffE5atMxl0uJhncMaJ6H6uuWK_wdIR5YPxdIP0M3pW05iIPOm422UoaTw4K5LA41UuqWEwx2rYwGjzt-QtMI1V/s1600/a2612f0a1af211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Mhkb3GpsN0lFtUy4WYc2pHw7YMbOhHz0bSe2Xne1al3dCzJW_n4gyffE5atMxl0uJhncMaJ6H6uuWK_wdIR5YPxdIP0M3pW05iIPOm422UoaTw4K5LA41UuqWEwx2rYwGjzt-QtMI1V/s320/a2612f0a1af211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I hope everyone is enjoying the fall produce as much as I am. I stick a pear and apple in my purse every morning to bring to work.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-58199797492880143282011-11-29T21:15:00.000-08:002011-11-29T21:15:10.738-08:00Broccoli Basil Mac and Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbzL9vzONgWdraNZsyRc8c4RQPRzRQPcQKXczgtcMlT7qxbVn83wy-YQnV8Xb6wtxN5NlRQ4DcBknHRkmHBkNRQIHjK9SfhsnEDzzvVUKsTii0B_pk7o3cG35ujlqlBJOUDb_fsKtVzgk/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbzL9vzONgWdraNZsyRc8c4RQPRzRQPcQKXczgtcMlT7qxbVn83wy-YQnV8Xb6wtxN5NlRQ4DcBknHRkmHBkNRQIHjK9SfhsnEDzzvVUKsTii0B_pk7o3cG35ujlqlBJOUDb_fsKtVzgk/s400/DSC_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm not out to go out and ruin something perfect like mac and cheese. I like healthy food, but I like food that tastes good more. And if it tastes great, all the better. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W_JlCdPg4XFBYxswRceWqWDZPBLP3uMYbCkz3RTrpm9BBXyiiwqaR7cOJjvIRAWIZenQb-MHR6opvySWaFtDqF1nkvXFp9TnA6SkZ4hItgQOMwAj__41ipLkEWq0LyypzC_szUR8soSL/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W_JlCdPg4XFBYxswRceWqWDZPBLP3uMYbCkz3RTrpm9BBXyiiwqaR7cOJjvIRAWIZenQb-MHR6opvySWaFtDqF1nkvXFp9TnA6SkZ4hItgQOMwAj__41ipLkEWq0LyypzC_szUR8soSL/s400/DSC_0407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I used to think that the only way to improve upon mac and cheese was to add bacon. And perhaps more cheese. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMsW2lLbao-uXGMw78uTG8-j2hwd3fIqXIHsb8W7cwGchxZat0qalCh96dP2nNTQWxal0IcEVcYsZr1sgwXF5CrZFMvJ3L59xlNcP-x-Rvs07z62rOJJjpNG-edc5sJP2wf5vK3XfFzSg/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMsW2lLbao-uXGMw78uTG8-j2hwd3fIqXIHsb8W7cwGchxZat0qalCh96dP2nNTQWxal0IcEVcYsZr1sgwXF5CrZFMvJ3L59xlNcP-x-Rvs07z62rOJJjpNG-edc5sJP2wf5vK3XfFzSg/s400/DSC_0298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As it turns out, a helping of vegetables actually improves mac and cheese, bringing some depth to the dish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDfShJWVAxublO1MPrrlgLirqSfksD5ZUPRxf2sTw4TNJgb-muEg-XkZYHuTjF65rm1wJVordd4XPOXG0Uu-FaomK4uVHQa-kXpk3gNESdyd3DrLlKgMmI-78zBNees_ZbI4e5ZknOR9s/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDfShJWVAxublO1MPrrlgLirqSfksD5ZUPRxf2sTw4TNJgb-muEg-XkZYHuTjF65rm1wJVordd4XPOXG0Uu-FaomK4uVHQa-kXpk3gNESdyd3DrLlKgMmI-78zBNees_ZbI4e5ZknOR9s/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This isn't like Jessica Seinfeld sneaking vegetables into food for kids, making nobody happy in the process. This is making a basil crumb topping to brighten the flavors. This is pulsing together creme fraiche, cheese, and cherry tomatoes to create an irresistible filling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2ab237rd2JDrpqPj9Ql73BaPBg9pvL8h5WWMIdlX0zcUi5IX8WVQyuGiXCAqg__y78f7yWhXF3mmgm6a97al64tavAI0CMrsQGB8OTKIyOxXc2e7ef3B7S94ufKl7FTNBPeI5lpOPaZJ/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2ab237rd2JDrpqPj9Ql73BaPBg9pvL8h5WWMIdlX0zcUi5IX8WVQyuGiXCAqg__y78f7yWhXF3mmgm6a97al64tavAI0CMrsQGB8OTKIyOxXc2e7ef3B7S94ufKl7FTNBPeI5lpOPaZJ/s400/DSC_0302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yQI5LZ3TWRC3XcxWock_hhYcckeaeCBvNksiCP3vDlkljwZIaNKSejOSE_egY6voRpCDS_C-UM7zc57__cpSCXP_FATGEzAggWKmMgn-QqrUsu6Adbk9j-LgTDWikEj-26xCVQkYulaw/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yQI5LZ3TWRC3XcxWock_hhYcckeaeCBvNksiCP3vDlkljwZIaNKSejOSE_egY6voRpCDS_C-UM7zc57__cpSCXP_FATGEzAggWKmMgn-QqrUsu6Adbk9j-LgTDWikEj-26xCVQkYulaw/s400/DSC_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm the first to admit that cutting up a butternut squash isn't my favorite activity, but if you aren't up to the task, feel free to buy some pre-cut squash. Roasting the squash before adding it to the mac assures that it is completely tender by the time you're digging in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlGVdZX8ZVqK9nC8IaCJQDOk4JPloEY1JtQF-lLMwKUDavJg-NN5t3Y1Saqh4bQCEwUfD2RP9P6cJ2-auxocvsvWppviWMF33_mtLQbSwGmuezxr7JRzFIu2i56rkH1BfAmUttWCh2md3/s1600/DSC_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlGVdZX8ZVqK9nC8IaCJQDOk4JPloEY1JtQF-lLMwKUDavJg-NN5t3Y1Saqh4bQCEwUfD2RP9P6cJ2-auxocvsvWppviWMF33_mtLQbSwGmuezxr7JRzFIu2i56rkH1BfAmUttWCh2md3/s400/DSC_0380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIG1s4u4LhV4DbvNw-nfN52sCnIqkj1OcyR627DbYNTvfK7pzUnbl3kJkipgbtj1c5gkGMvtfeuq98cxVUFZVDfzJ5tB80QhX6Gp3Pup_tO9fTkZ7n0m4yTUhP_LbmDsuYeHteVRZA_cV/s1600/DSC_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIG1s4u4LhV4DbvNw-nfN52sCnIqkj1OcyR627DbYNTvfK7pzUnbl3kJkipgbtj1c5gkGMvtfeuq98cxVUFZVDfzJ5tB80QhX6Gp3Pup_tO9fTkZ7n0m4yTUhP_LbmDsuYeHteVRZA_cV/s400/DSC_0421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is no "healthified" mac and cheese that takes away everything delicious about mac and cheese. Instead it just adds to the beauty of an already great dish. Dig in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Broccoli Basil Mac and Cheese</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/broccolibasil-mac-and-cheese-recipe.html">101 Cookbooks</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 small butternut (or other winter) squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into tiny pieces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 bunch of basil, stems removed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 slices good wheat bread, stale or dried out in oven</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Small head of broccoli, roughly chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup creme fraiche (or sour cream)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups white cheddar cheese, grated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups gruyere, grated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 pint or yellow cherry tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups (300 g) dried whole wheat macaroni</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place pieces of squash on a cookie sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, pulse half the basil, all of the dried out bread, the broccoli, and a glug of olive oil in a food processor until a fine crumb forms. Remove crumbs to a bowl and rinse out the food processor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a separate bowl, combine grated cheese and creme fraiche.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place the cherry tomatoes and the remaining half of the basil in the food processor. Pulse a couple of times to break things up. Stir in the grated cheese and creme fraiche mixture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boil macaroni in salted water until just slightly undercooked. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot it was boiled in and stir in the cheese mixture. Add pasta water, as needed, to thin the mixture to the consistency of cream. If it is runny, the pasta will soak it up in the oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Transfer pasta mixture to a large baking or casserole dish. Sprinkle with green crumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is crunchy. Wait ten minutes before serving. </div>Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-66545771210624822982011-11-27T22:03:00.000-08:002011-11-27T22:03:22.703-08:00Thanksgiving in Indy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEuWpaKKTfsdeY3779nWxFdWFWt0EkpZHXCqEE2Vm-65TeB2Kbs1BjpHo1JQACvPnj46YMmRvlp4p1ZkKQ4U2TtbEjx4x7LVz-P7nb8oq0H4cKuDTJrmZiEbCxWaiSsKqpUnqH24oNvs4/s1600/DSC_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEuWpaKKTfsdeY3779nWxFdWFWt0EkpZHXCqEE2Vm-65TeB2Kbs1BjpHo1JQACvPnj46YMmRvlp4p1ZkKQ4U2TtbEjx4x7LVz-P7nb8oq0H4cKuDTJrmZiEbCxWaiSsKqpUnqH24oNvs4/s400/DSC_0904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. We had an amazing time in Indianapolis with my family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24dYuASkabiPk_bhL9fKD4Iwz8IcTRi24fyjjkFy0VCNkuRh5X3jGpSLY_oG6I_qdtXq33jMRTaN5pLsoTf8zNu0WVF-Ad40HeH4JOtctMX6PkoHXDI4OSswxDPmd1Zqy_TMKHW45RTl1/s1600/DSC_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24dYuASkabiPk_bhL9fKD4Iwz8IcTRi24fyjjkFy0VCNkuRh5X3jGpSLY_oG6I_qdtXq33jMRTaN5pLsoTf8zNu0WVF-Ad40HeH4JOtctMX6PkoHXDI4OSswxDPmd1Zqy_TMKHW45RTl1/s400/DSC_0912.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Somehow I didn't snap pictures of the three desserts I made, but I did get a picture of the twice baked sweet potatoes (pre-second baking) I helped with.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfWngOAr5BGfHEWqIs1EhydVPDX97h2BORzNZ3Cys_6id1-hXfZdMPcdFLrk87PjRg6Q9kXc0vZr4aIxQwJ0PsvDa48HwvYDThsQf7fwNNAx0voTaRHZbxa7uSSoB_CUyxvFIerWImF2N/s1600/DSC_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfWngOAr5BGfHEWqIs1EhydVPDX97h2BORzNZ3Cys_6id1-hXfZdMPcdFLrk87PjRg6Q9kXc0vZr4aIxQwJ0PsvDa48HwvYDThsQf7fwNNAx0voTaRHZbxa7uSSoB_CUyxvFIerWImF2N/s400/DSC_0915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUrvs3dJFg-gNHwQCviKMc2oZX8QR0ERnuBu5Vz14GzxMVhu4WlLKSEZfZ81CpS-sJiCqwX1-UhAjYbpybbJoi3z-JvBxcfw1-IIHjnH1CTfBcPjzD5aYKPuPAxZAY97oM-WPo41XplAA/s1600/DSC_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUrvs3dJFg-gNHwQCviKMc2oZX8QR0ERnuBu5Vz14GzxMVhu4WlLKSEZfZ81CpS-sJiCqwX1-UhAjYbpybbJoi3z-JvBxcfw1-IIHjnH1CTfBcPjzD5aYKPuPAxZAY97oM-WPo41XplAA/s400/DSC_0919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The weekend was filled with china, silver, and champagne. Grown up partying, done right. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2PAm5tvT5GMFR4BcJjvsjyMr5viw4-a99d44Nz4CNheq1AuNdmUNflIX6GzAQG8VFB5_SSdAmV-RqxVvvQUurhacMj5ZdpQ4U0iTvHSnUZMPMMoNtAzph2O1jnDQGMpJexBBAAtZesN0/s1600/DSC_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2PAm5tvT5GMFR4BcJjvsjyMr5viw4-a99d44Nz4CNheq1AuNdmUNflIX6GzAQG8VFB5_SSdAmV-RqxVvvQUurhacMj5ZdpQ4U0iTvHSnUZMPMMoNtAzph2O1jnDQGMpJexBBAAtZesN0/s400/DSC_0924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The evenings were complete with Mexican train dominoes. If you haven't played, I highly recommend it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_RURrxcpKJNp_nOHQWW8Ig8DFeiTOXYSL3gZYIRk7VR3p9Vyt3iRr_C6tQvFhMPtjuHlODQUk_uDZeWaHVyKoHvYTi5TZxKy9MEbbo9juC8ZNWuVs9pIibfLuK5Gix6f_JOivct-2AjF/s1600/DSC_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_RURrxcpKJNp_nOHQWW8Ig8DFeiTOXYSL3gZYIRk7VR3p9Vyt3iRr_C6tQvFhMPtjuHlODQUk_uDZeWaHVyKoHvYTi5TZxKy9MEbbo9juC8ZNWuVs9pIibfLuK5Gix6f_JOivct-2AjF/s400/DSC_0928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sweet B.J. slept in front of the Christmas tree and everyone gave him a pat whenever they passed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs60X7FrtyoqjbKy582yh79638-ms8bOoQdQXV3odoercoPPtTVRAIo-lleVJO6vDPPsCGq9h6LJtpWFX1lrexAV_bqwblaLNFtF4IGVJ8nHzCLJ-SluJPR6ONkZqhx3Z-PhxJ6F4Ev7P/s1600/DSC_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs60X7FrtyoqjbKy582yh79638-ms8bOoQdQXV3odoercoPPtTVRAIo-lleVJO6vDPPsCGq9h6LJtpWFX1lrexAV_bqwblaLNFtF4IGVJ8nHzCLJ-SluJPR6ONkZqhx3Z-PhxJ6F4Ev7P/s400/DSC_0968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the best parts of the weekend was meeting my cousin's toddler, Kai, for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxCXIlAI81AbV-QAqsCtyz03COGpNlRpUuvp-wLq9VIDThNTlBh41sbTFZsiPjRKv8llYet78xnEqtG9Sl3xoWBx3fs487Yh8tDUS56fcGf1vAV1SBROyzPAcVvnW4QPb5jXkqQ8INLdQ/s1600/DSC_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxCXIlAI81AbV-QAqsCtyz03COGpNlRpUuvp-wLq9VIDThNTlBh41sbTFZsiPjRKv8llYet78xnEqtG9Sl3xoWBx3fs487Yh8tDUS56fcGf1vAV1SBROyzPAcVvnW4QPb5jXkqQ8INLdQ/s400/DSC_0981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He is a doll and smarter than you can even imagine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdeQrgQ-Kwlvi-p7mB7gZwyiSS99OoGsDIppTOSuNh1OTffpuqAHeyuoUMc06-Wn8gkyBLkt_x83VwuBI3PXgFLXtey3xybDX7XVx3DDKGbaboD2KnBDaq4_fngb7JxYf1O-RESbxOwRi/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdeQrgQ-Kwlvi-p7mB7gZwyiSS99OoGsDIppTOSuNh1OTffpuqAHeyuoUMc06-Wn8gkyBLkt_x83VwuBI3PXgFLXtey3xybDX7XVx3DDKGbaboD2KnBDaq4_fngb7JxYf1O-RESbxOwRi/s400/DSC_0980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He got quite a kick out of going through "B.J.'s door" as he called it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo-LnQYIQmqhtYC8bN6-gqXgn3D6ypJJwQfnnzKBRcm0sBxO35S3yFnZTuoqCfTAJSpXj2AZ19GWKXOk8aeGPCs7Vtv_0ySFBfMfCvGz0dX6WckGacYtGvM6OgFdOU_nli27BN6uuFjbf/s1600/DSC_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo-LnQYIQmqhtYC8bN6-gqXgn3D6ypJJwQfnnzKBRcm0sBxO35S3yFnZTuoqCfTAJSpXj2AZ19GWKXOk8aeGPCs7Vtv_0ySFBfMfCvGz0dX6WckGacYtGvM6OgFdOU_nli27BN6uuFjbf/s400/DSC_0992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had seen lots of pictures of him online, but nothing compares to meeting such an awesome kid in person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0hzrIqhw2eVeag-XcMwpTB8aWxYBMThD3zz96sbmn2RNnm1e01sukv2LKvhl17ENrycae6ZhweL9kfjVKN3a6wHFsYZLH2or2AnnSL9aj0-tj1ULF-YMgiOvUysW7zrDfyAUaYB5TZoG/s1600/DSC_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0hzrIqhw2eVeag-XcMwpTB8aWxYBMThD3zz96sbmn2RNnm1e01sukv2LKvhl17ENrycae6ZhweL9kfjVKN3a6wHFsYZLH2or2AnnSL9aj0-tj1ULF-YMgiOvUysW7zrDfyAUaYB5TZoG/s400/DSC_0998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63A5CFg9ZvIGKDwHMttoeKadu0FIlVo-dAZdVK4v9EZOYiHmO5IcDHE_zfCeysCcEEqPUGsQ4LuLfCOpuTmTGvPDqeAOyoXU7U7Nko1RqlSueRWH_fY_ugx7lUwVX_3Ecw-JB8vJXXU33/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63A5CFg9ZvIGKDwHMttoeKadu0FIlVo-dAZdVK4v9EZOYiHmO5IcDHE_zfCeysCcEEqPUGsQ4LuLfCOpuTmTGvPDqeAOyoXU7U7Nko1RqlSueRWH_fY_ugx7lUwVX_3Ecw-JB8vJXXU33/s400/DSC_0999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another weekend treat: my brother and aunt made the family tradition: waffle cookies (gaufrettes). I had about two dozen in one day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnQmSRAOqMAMKy_tgFuzAZYG4OQLZOrY4wKXRvSZzeNPlR1bWdMt4LyOdpZ4yGWdQ_1Mj07wOQNik7Xo6ac3MHyKPCaDXXkwJds2mdnguY46yhsxHzMXxht9ErjEITsSc_esGuDxCzd6s/s1600/DSC_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnQmSRAOqMAMKy_tgFuzAZYG4OQLZOrY4wKXRvSZzeNPlR1bWdMt4LyOdpZ4yGWdQ_1Mj07wOQNik7Xo6ac3MHyKPCaDXXkwJds2mdnguY46yhsxHzMXxht9ErjEITsSc_esGuDxCzd6s/s400/DSC_1000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0HMATKBc9YkysscVDFk5AIyGaslJMn2v_mQLFm8GGbHQRVdQwL_TA0aWLEDyJfo-w2WNy5U79u99lTw1LBM_Y4grsFaBbNCwvNCQY1b6QyWXIaDdZ2CdFfyPzgOM4vERQZu9n41d9OOu/s1600/DSC_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0HMATKBc9YkysscVDFk5AIyGaslJMn2v_mQLFm8GGbHQRVdQwL_TA0aWLEDyJfo-w2WNy5U79u99lTw1LBM_Y4grsFaBbNCwvNCQY1b6QyWXIaDdZ2CdFfyPzgOM4vERQZu9n41d9OOu/s400/DSC_1003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYJJExDVTc_ZoRfBbbMX7kKdlJZ0Lq98cmP5n-cLASC5iiyyEUwv3kXo6kyserPVMmK6sncCsAaCRcyFkYKlymq3WQCf5s2IudPXW3Z4pBISgSOyUu-0ltYvsF-SmOjPrZpY5HjGVvb6R/s1600/DSC_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYJJExDVTc_ZoRfBbbMX7kKdlJZ0Lq98cmP5n-cLASC5iiyyEUwv3kXo6kyserPVMmK6sncCsAaCRcyFkYKlymq3WQCf5s2IudPXW3Z4pBISgSOyUu-0ltYvsF-SmOjPrZpY5HjGVvb6R/s400/DSC_1007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The day after Thanksgiving we had a bonfire with bratwurst and s'mores.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ069wYH3kPa-qSilu9kdE70-GR4z691AMWuvwg2FPWO9irlZiIUDNEX1SZP-PX0s1jPdyokzE18Z2CXiTZin7JCfU1csNRjZZ2NJvU5JeIv4AA-vlJ27bRbIzl2xZO6XCml2EXKfR_T68/s1600/DSC_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ069wYH3kPa-qSilu9kdE70-GR4z691AMWuvwg2FPWO9irlZiIUDNEX1SZP-PX0s1jPdyokzE18Z2CXiTZin7JCfU1csNRjZZ2NJvU5JeIv4AA-vlJ27bRbIzl2xZO6XCml2EXKfR_T68/s640/DSC_1064.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCbxWZeIcgmK2wpm2BjPlUmjj82rpPbDXICqqPcc4tBI84PHn45lW7EeZg4wTNNQPra2Cl7zc8nZVGJDOoX2vRQUB3DeYcoGyOUU1zEw4bcSDSIRmVma_yfNvb5ExO9_UY39_gqj5j37w/s1600/DSC_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCbxWZeIcgmK2wpm2BjPlUmjj82rpPbDXICqqPcc4tBI84PHn45lW7EeZg4wTNNQPra2Cl7zc8nZVGJDOoX2vRQUB3DeYcoGyOUU1zEw4bcSDSIRmVma_yfNvb5ExO9_UY39_gqj5j37w/s640/DSC_1072.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcQoHVhFzmCGjfVMKvDXatYbeH36C8Q0XCO9IOjix5Xi17I77tXnCCJT1OhASsU0uBpe0EWdZ1x0-sd0oiouLkz277WlXCaw_ynJ6Lj4SSyHRtWa4aJQOUln9lyYL-yNcbJmst6yehCKg/s1600/DSC_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcQoHVhFzmCGjfVMKvDXatYbeH36C8Q0XCO9IOjix5Xi17I77tXnCCJT1OhASsU0uBpe0EWdZ1x0-sd0oiouLkz277WlXCaw_ynJ6Lj4SSyHRtWa4aJQOUln9lyYL-yNcbJmst6yehCKg/s640/DSC_1069.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>My aunt and uncle live in a magical old home with a beautiful yard that I tried to capture in some photographs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpylGhTH8L1Uf7lDxJZqfP-PlW9_CgKC5j8Z0mwcwyZQj4CNb8XGijmK8rDX622R62lUuXMKw_84dtPEZF_aUlNoRa7ub9DRnI52LEpl-Jhb1arYmBpUHk4kEGQTxwZOBqx_MVhXBK0-0/s1600/DSC_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpylGhTH8L1Uf7lDxJZqfP-PlW9_CgKC5j8Z0mwcwyZQj4CNb8XGijmK8rDX622R62lUuXMKw_84dtPEZF_aUlNoRa7ub9DRnI52LEpl-Jhb1arYmBpUHk4kEGQTxwZOBqx_MVhXBK0-0/s640/DSC_1082.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEFIx8YSLd9ldgra-7H9PItMEpqTQFX_DvXJqi847tS8diU7vKhpBtPAXfcb17i2eZo32x2eDO2ynUYbxCgREDoZ0hxBr-L1q0XEJQc72l1I_VmLfpqa1mmxmYsgSnWBhT7f6s_muqV-r/s1600/DSC_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEFIx8YSLd9ldgra-7H9PItMEpqTQFX_DvXJqi847tS8diU7vKhpBtPAXfcb17i2eZo32x2eDO2ynUYbxCgREDoZ0hxBr-L1q0XEJQc72l1I_VmLfpqa1mmxmYsgSnWBhT7f6s_muqV-r/s400/DSC_1087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8dMJ0V7nKfXYynRASVfxL4z8DIYDfIZ6Hf4xLqMwjWAwoZbYEzKAe2e-TvDbaRdxmorQ2OtiO24HZdqpbRrycLV6ugPDPilxRUuxEo5nAX4hMjA8WQPmT9K60Eo3LJNjRtcJR1Qua_sP/s1600/DSC_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8dMJ0V7nKfXYynRASVfxL4z8DIYDfIZ6Hf4xLqMwjWAwoZbYEzKAe2e-TvDbaRdxmorQ2OtiO24HZdqpbRrycLV6ugPDPilxRUuxEo5nAX4hMjA8WQPmT9K60Eo3LJNjRtcJR1Qua_sP/s400/DSC_1107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've always loved their house, ever since I was a child. Now, I think I appreciate it even more.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvZLua4LejBN17IB20s50-Y3xaJ9CVWH-UEWF3jVMj8EmJ6bvVp_ajRaNpEZ0jWiBcVXO3ro2QyPErBJHFB2lbf3g1o3ZQjvK_JKE07lwqJcqeEL1b1ig025QbNJZfUPFpsfTxjsdpmoy/s1600/DSC_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvZLua4LejBN17IB20s50-Y3xaJ9CVWH-UEWF3jVMj8EmJ6bvVp_ajRaNpEZ0jWiBcVXO3ro2QyPErBJHFB2lbf3g1o3ZQjvK_JKE07lwqJcqeEL1b1ig025QbNJZfUPFpsfTxjsdpmoy/s640/DSC_1115.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghowsgH8wxhgo_4PmIpRxY216rXVqDF8fBIoQV0zadKnaIfTcBgbX8RBXIz3PfcfZntSRKVvqU-vTZywYeqMKhJLXsEPWLcRBJN_iTeRxgZe50twy4L-MG2068wLcl8p940fK-ZvyNCEey/s1600/DSC_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghowsgH8wxhgo_4PmIpRxY216rXVqDF8fBIoQV0zadKnaIfTcBgbX8RBXIz3PfcfZntSRKVvqU-vTZywYeqMKhJLXsEPWLcRBJN_iTeRxgZe50twy4L-MG2068wLcl8p940fK-ZvyNCEey/s400/DSC_1132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My aunt has a flare for decorating, especially with antique pieces. If they are original to our family, all the better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNJDmYeD6hZVo9YgybJemBB-nrjgUE7QacOXR8seOK2rO6VR3e5YXpmZh-ss-PUZUdlTCAgsPbTMar4x8uR9WOqjcez2vSZ5mJVV7PukemPrqeLavNp3x-igRwfvwS_qDnePxHNjyDiXj/s1600/DSC_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNJDmYeD6hZVo9YgybJemBB-nrjgUE7QacOXR8seOK2rO6VR3e5YXpmZh-ss-PUZUdlTCAgsPbTMar4x8uR9WOqjcez2vSZ5mJVV7PukemPrqeLavNp3x-igRwfvwS_qDnePxHNjyDiXj/s400/DSC_1141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuHcnShofcEgzGelqQEjFCCwKTw7JCuS729DJDkBQuSTcWfP01OD4y3HCo0uBI34FSbAOHj82YlVSngLzllinUHbzqhIIyX9QEIbkpIPzuUE9xKC6EWfHOiv7uvR8ERaX-AKNmhro17KG/s1600/DSC_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuHcnShofcEgzGelqQEjFCCwKTw7JCuS729DJDkBQuSTcWfP01OD4y3HCo0uBI34FSbAOHj82YlVSngLzllinUHbzqhIIyX9QEIbkpIPzuUE9xKC6EWfHOiv7uvR8ERaX-AKNmhro17KG/s640/DSC_1143.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97xFhYxs_mSSfCRgYfjXZr-s0J3A8lg_SXs4WXPWPQZVtCs4Re6vi7IESkbpuce2lVZNMjqQcB8IQkZ2Kb4OYl8o2FwQ55yMy9jR3YX2V4orWIgJ1tzK12KBxdV6YE09n3xwGjv3U0osw/s1600/DSC_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97xFhYxs_mSSfCRgYfjXZr-s0J3A8lg_SXs4WXPWPQZVtCs4Re6vi7IESkbpuce2lVZNMjqQcB8IQkZ2Kb4OYl8o2FwQ55yMy9jR3YX2V4orWIgJ1tzK12KBxdV6YE09n3xwGjv3U0osw/s400/DSC_1147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>No detail was overlooked this weekend. Or anywhere you look in the house. It really is remarkable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfq2H06-DRipZsuNY04_VGIciPAcsyASPxk4LIUE4megiQjaMZZ0loMOCiwAWF-cNpCYqYRTtD5DaDOmbvr-y9EjSZUtoAmnKy_IWc8eSGibwhj3F-p3WlgTEZevmExoi4lPa_eDu6pjq/s1600/DSC_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfq2H06-DRipZsuNY04_VGIciPAcsyASPxk4LIUE4megiQjaMZZ0loMOCiwAWF-cNpCYqYRTtD5DaDOmbvr-y9EjSZUtoAmnKy_IWc8eSGibwhj3F-p3WlgTEZevmExoi4lPa_eDu6pjq/s640/DSC_1136.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqIHGRe0s9mH2mjSNijmflZ0cEkuChyphenhyphenG-KU-iGvw5v3zoVd4Tgult42A0x4dUIO78Xicqae5ci-DDHKPtdJIka6qiZ4hJBCNvPc1rKQ5h-kuZaQUpCgMmLAemBJuGfOtEqlqiB0sMjxEB/s1600/DSC_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqIHGRe0s9mH2mjSNijmflZ0cEkuChyphenhyphenG-KU-iGvw5v3zoVd4Tgult42A0x4dUIO78Xicqae5ci-DDHKPtdJIka6qiZ4hJBCNvPc1rKQ5h-kuZaQUpCgMmLAemBJuGfOtEqlqiB0sMjxEB/s400/DSC_1149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HOimpb1bkdvqCtJZS8ognvWKYSbDzDznyeXGBkFU3lkXBdyqiBw4rRThc3BNv7NbC8b1YJZH6aAOjG8-ftAHQ3WZP9OxlI4fp_KGzKO2i1vHEhisz042D_ofiYqK5n21Z5dq8FRJpcUY/s1600/DSC_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HOimpb1bkdvqCtJZS8ognvWKYSbDzDznyeXGBkFU3lkXBdyqiBw4rRThc3BNv7NbC8b1YJZH6aAOjG8-ftAHQ3WZP9OxlI4fp_KGzKO2i1vHEhisz042D_ofiYqK5n21Z5dq8FRJpcUY/s640/DSC_1152.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Our farewell brunch wasanother Sittler family tradition - crepes or "big pancakes" as they were known in the family. I stuffed mine with delectable homemade strawberry jam and powdered sugar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eLnmPNAai-xnTVbPLjYYgsM52uTh2igGn6DUxNvItdCaV6UMZDQVP_SIqwFMfSNTAe3NzSbB2lQ8tG7m0y2-D0lgtb3nqTxCIDi9VfH_GQawnRYdmhuwr77nAa-qEeh6Xm2AjYbw5jIg/s1600/DSC_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eLnmPNAai-xnTVbPLjYYgsM52uTh2igGn6DUxNvItdCaV6UMZDQVP_SIqwFMfSNTAe3NzSbB2lQ8tG7m0y2-D0lgtb3nqTxCIDi9VfH_GQawnRYdmhuwr77nAa-qEeh6Xm2AjYbw5jIg/s400/DSC_1130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This picture is as good as any to sum up my wonderful weekend. Thanks so much for having us, Aunt Ginny and Uncle Bill! Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-43877590671926747572011-11-21T12:49:00.000-08:002011-11-21T12:49:08.535-08:00Apple Tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK2dpltLRMOm0Ayo-3hSTnrFvcwsiH0msUJgmpEEkFpl0XPx2MCLjLZdYZn9sZo8Ljtl1gV4Qd0SH4s2b5FKxAgyFO-EmqbEgRkUceemfAER-BQ9r7Pi0OjDrx0o5sjyPGyPl2qLFWfht/s1600/DSC_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK2dpltLRMOm0Ayo-3hSTnrFvcwsiH0msUJgmpEEkFpl0XPx2MCLjLZdYZn9sZo8Ljtl1gV4Qd0SH4s2b5FKxAgyFO-EmqbEgRkUceemfAER-BQ9r7Pi0OjDrx0o5sjyPGyPl2qLFWfht/s320/DSC_0722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Incoming news bulletin: You Do Not Need To Make That Second Pumpkin Pie. <br />
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Why would you make two pumpkin pies when you could make one of these easy and delicious apple tart/galettes?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hhgaziCl5BfwsUYkTNWRk_fKpURmDYm2yekVLAxbzo25FLzn6NVzDjxFgAn2BKEUHmeCgIVRkliosTHbp216lklySIWMTixjPx0pSCYsGZPxVjJeW6SMhE1BJDZCdfFe6mvweMXn0jN1/s1600/DSC_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hhgaziCl5BfwsUYkTNWRk_fKpURmDYm2yekVLAxbzo25FLzn6NVzDjxFgAn2BKEUHmeCgIVRkliosTHbp216lklySIWMTixjPx0pSCYsGZPxVjJeW6SMhE1BJDZCdfFe6mvweMXn0jN1/s320/DSC_0725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone likes a little variety, and besides, when there are two different desserts you get to eat two slices. At Saturday there were four desserts, and I had four slices. That's how the rules work, people. Don't judge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl7EYc2qGmwIw4oRkfYj7ts6ReQ5cgywJ3yFLxExFTUUuNidFwDW383DAMfkHL96M-yBXQdxGoLjvFiSrinsVucfAMZ8pqIauuh8biMFePEC3GtiU4FaYy56l-ffy54y9tWCqhi0XsKDU/s1600/DSC_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl7EYc2qGmwIw4oRkfYj7ts6ReQ5cgywJ3yFLxExFTUUuNidFwDW383DAMfkHL96M-yBXQdxGoLjvFiSrinsVucfAMZ8pqIauuh8biMFePEC3GtiU4FaYy56l-ffy54y9tWCqhi0XsKDU/s320/DSC_0727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I am making this for one of our three Thanksgiving desserts. And if you follow Kathy logic...that means I get to eat three desserts on Thursday. Shucks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0hezXl7_6eVl1AKHkzP3ljQTrDXzDne_C8jZugjJ0_cnvzQXpFmRDMdxhYjZRdtv5-JhOlC9LrAioDJ6GyVjmao_A9szoWK800-Riy6UGbN2bsYbWHD4laklOsyB0O2_8DnyUCCT5Uea/s1600/DSC_0729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0hezXl7_6eVl1AKHkzP3ljQTrDXzDne_C8jZugjJ0_cnvzQXpFmRDMdxhYjZRdtv5-JhOlC9LrAioDJ6GyVjmao_A9szoWK800-Riy6UGbN2bsYbWHD4laklOsyB0O2_8DnyUCCT5Uea/s320/DSC_0729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This was actually my first time making "real" crust. I followed the recipe closely (though I needed less cold water than it called for) and the dough came together more simply than I ever imagined. Rolling out the crust is much easier than rolling out most other things I have rolled out, too. Who knew pie crust was actually not rocket science? (Almost everyone, it turns out, knew this before me.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARIKPYtVjgODS1aqWm_U1GrBPJsgcSFfcamDz2nPTKBtDGgEmE31m-gnKa2khzUGQa_4TLA3LeTgFDsOJfL9C_rQQRz9za-1qDWjqejtRXwvZH13AR_8CbFadDTMwMx0C6rcW6eMzXjyX/s1600/DSC_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARIKPYtVjgODS1aqWm_U1GrBPJsgcSFfcamDz2nPTKBtDGgEmE31m-gnKa2khzUGQa_4TLA3LeTgFDsOJfL9C_rQQRz9za-1qDWjqejtRXwvZH13AR_8CbFadDTMwMx0C6rcW6eMzXjyX/s320/DSC_0731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I don't have a tart pan (hint, hint), so I just threw it together in a pie dish lined with parchment paper. In the end I just let people grab slides from the dish instead of using the overlapping parchment to lift the galette out. The pieces came out surprisingly smoothly.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8B5kWM6j-KAu0Ino3OnLjYWG6AR0MIujp_gMVIdCbxxkLwLm8H3pBCyMkuwC16nQdlipBdfmsHFU-IZ7VpOeTbXyeZP9P8qsjquaFhTr8V1mUrXNKQHhN2c3EDpt0I66NvMhecGqXILP/s1600/DSC_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8B5kWM6j-KAu0Ino3OnLjYWG6AR0MIujp_gMVIdCbxxkLwLm8H3pBCyMkuwC16nQdlipBdfmsHFU-IZ7VpOeTbXyeZP9P8qsjquaFhTr8V1mUrXNKQHhN2c3EDpt0I66NvMhecGqXILP/s320/DSC_0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The recipe is super simple and perfect just as it is. No cinnamon is even added (though you can if you want), which will please my cinnamon-hating-but-apple-pie-loving dad. It tastes just like the ingredients - butter, sugar, and apples - coming together in a bubbly mass straight out of your oven.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTLLaqp5YG_iyllGk4L_RHsnkv1mQUeBdTb-Jn6UyIKLrcce5cZeqS4uDl4eM-Exo92DFXhBr1GneLmc5mFg_uzhWdepHc-t76ciunm8tIwd_qEyf_Dibnse1m3DyFdCURVpF62aVAc-U/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTLLaqp5YG_iyllGk4L_RHsnkv1mQUeBdTb-Jn6UyIKLrcce5cZeqS4uDl4eM-Exo92DFXhBr1GneLmc5mFg_uzhWdepHc-t76ciunm8tIwd_qEyf_Dibnse1m3DyFdCURVpF62aVAc-U/s320/DSC_0740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So spread the word, this apple tart is perfect for you Thanksgiving table, or any fall table. It's just a tad more complicated than an apple crisp, but much more festive and beautiful. That's news that's fit to print.<br />
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<b><u>Alice Water's Apple Tart</u></b><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/11/simplest-apple-tart/">Smitten Kitchen</a><br />
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Dough:<br />
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon sugar<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, just softened, cut into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
3-3 1/2 tablespoons chilled water<br />
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Filling<br />
2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly<br />
2 tablespoon butter, melted<br />
5 tablespoons sugar<br />
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Mix flour, sugar, and salt in bowl of stand mixer. Add two tablespoons of butter and mix until the dough resembles coarse cornmeal. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mix until the biggest pieces are the size of peas. Dribble in the water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just holds together while mixing on low. Form the dough into a ball and flatten into a 4-inch disk. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. <br />
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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While the dough is chilling, peel and slice apples. <br />
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Remove dough from refrigerator and allow to soften a minute. On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to form a 14-inch disk that is 1/8 inch thick. Dust off excess flour from the dough with your hands. <br />
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Place dough in a 9-10 inch tart pan or 9-10 inch pie dish lined with overlapping pieces of parchment. Place apples in a ring around the edge of the dish and then fill in the center circle with apples. (I had leftover apples - perfect for snacking!) Fold excess dough over the top of the apples. <br />
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Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter over apples and dough. Sprinkle roughly 2 tablespoons of sugar on the edge of the dough and 3 tablespoons of sugar over the apples.<br />
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Bake for 45 minutes, until the dough and apples have browned. Rotate every 15 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-57205898625606683712011-11-20T21:50:00.000-08:002011-11-20T21:50:13.663-08:00Mashed Potato Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6SCNTP0H2gI_6mmnrXTwZkNHvVVDe9wSxAdcLJyx3gLt7oAf3nrHYiIvifwN1YumJ05TluzEj8uBkOUzFFdy7zW0On-BmjlWsUQuBdNqQP7g-jbdm3Zvsz5Wor62LNUF1K-HYNYt1x3l/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6SCNTP0H2gI_6mmnrXTwZkNHvVVDe9wSxAdcLJyx3gLt7oAf3nrHYiIvifwN1YumJ05TluzEj8uBkOUzFFdy7zW0On-BmjlWsUQuBdNqQP7g-jbdm3Zvsz5Wor62LNUF1K-HYNYt1x3l/s400/DSC_0713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It's Thanksgiving week, people, and it's time to start figuring out how you're making your mashed potatoes. Not <u>if</u> you are making them - not making them is not an option. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyAKu7pB4shoZ3LwOeEo0d7Xv40_thIJNdopGG85xu52wUvz6x-1lPr1_qGfGbFDsqAxkftrUYJRdUEwd7GEya89RlZ-aXRO-SLK-2bJwZfo6zV_aCOtdpkHMJznBlS7q0rENWpL9irwn/s1600/DSC_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyAKu7pB4shoZ3LwOeEo0d7Xv40_thIJNdopGG85xu52wUvz6x-1lPr1_qGfGbFDsqAxkftrUYJRdUEwd7GEya89RlZ-aXRO-SLK-2bJwZfo6zV_aCOtdpkHMJznBlS7q0rENWpL9irwn/s400/DSC_0696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The beauty of this casserole is that you can still have mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving without standing at the stove, a masher in hand, when your guests are pretending to patiently wait for dinner. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRl82I213gMFP1xfRBzN2emWG0drOejhafj8r9whVRcSIYRr4UOobZTmxzXna_TPUYS2xRPmB6W-UaWBJjyYPC_qYkpjS1ROS2LQ4iD5d9_kdf-kXWz6SZWkSJ0vDK3fql-EaY2lNMGLm/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRl82I213gMFP1xfRBzN2emWG0drOejhafj8r9whVRcSIYRr4UOobZTmxzXna_TPUYS2xRPmB6W-UaWBJjyYPC_qYkpjS1ROS2LQ4iD5d9_kdf-kXWz6SZWkSJ0vDK3fql-EaY2lNMGLm/s400/DSC_0674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The thing about mashed potatoes is that they don't really keep well. If you mash them earlier in the day, they will be stiff and gluey by the time dinner rolls around. And then, what's the point?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfn_MTEGB6G5GOCx_wi2wn7_-J0KTZHnx6MecS7D_M5N3fpnpnB1ViuL39kHRVaZeas9Rr0qQoqutUMLEetL3_9gKlnea_oQWfdxQgz73bfp5ALSg4XuMyc9qzfR6_Rz1VrKHywAwuu6D/s1600/DSC_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfn_MTEGB6G5GOCx_wi2wn7_-J0KTZHnx6MecS7D_M5N3fpnpnB1ViuL39kHRVaZeas9Rr0qQoqutUMLEetL3_9gKlnea_oQWfdxQgz73bfp5ALSg4XuMyc9qzfR6_Rz1VrKHywAwuu6D/s400/DSC_0702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Mashed potato casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish because you can actually make it tonight (i.e. a few days before Thanksgiving) and then bake it off on Thanksgiving to share with your family. I admit it's not exactly the healthiest recipe I've ever posted, but this is <i>mashed potato casserole</i>, guys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iQU-i131SiOqMYEnEg5sxeVXPL7NEnEqpAGifxwzxuS97FVET9AdCrKPrhkc-C7n2jleUTfyQt_rxdtHSMZqcnIMd_VwbzgZaBQkU7MSkNRqc-5Y2ZJT9KF-cpyYBcygrr2VgPFnCj4u/s1600/DSC_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iQU-i131SiOqMYEnEg5sxeVXPL7NEnEqpAGifxwzxuS97FVET9AdCrKPrhkc-C7n2jleUTfyQt_rxdtHSMZqcnIMd_VwbzgZaBQkU7MSkNRqc-5Y2ZJT9KF-cpyYBcygrr2VgPFnCj4u/s400/DSC_0677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On Saturday morning I got up at 7:30 and left about a pound of butter on my counter to soften while I went to the gym. I needed the gym. I was softening a pound of butter and planning on using about a pound and a half that day. That's my kind of day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ6ODjyNI_5JMlkcICuVkf2J4r61y8rsBYbR6cengh5e67hhyphenhyphennhJFsPUt2RnIl0JXciGDWxooY3EnYbJtT76UE1_XVen-TbUJ4QcnP7U7IiluTFujY08X86GXObSkRuniBdeX9_gtgcXr/s1600/DSC_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ6ODjyNI_5JMlkcICuVkf2J4r61y8rsBYbR6cengh5e67hhyphenhyphennhJFsPUt2RnIl0JXciGDWxooY3EnYbJtT76UE1_XVen-TbUJ4QcnP7U7IiluTFujY08X86GXObSkRuniBdeX9_gtgcXr/s400/DSC_0710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Natalie and Mitch were having their annual pre-Thanksgiving potluck and I was bringing mashed potato casserole, crack pie, and apple tart. No, we didn't need all those dishes, but I wanted to make them. It's hard for me to explain to people why I love cooking so much, I just do. I enjoy it so much that I will prepare so much food to bring to a potluck that I am cleaning out my stand mixer four times in one morning to get through all my recipes. I guess I didn't <i>love </i>peeling 6 pounds of potatoes, but I didn't hate it either. Just being in the kitchen with my toes getting covered in flour and my knuckles getting sore from all the chopping makes me happy. Even if you're not a cooking fanatic, I promise that you'll enjoy at least the eating aspect of this mashed potato casserole. The accolades around the Thanksgiving table are well worth the effort.<br />
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<b><u>Mashed Potato Casserole</u></b><br />
From the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/dining/mashed-potato-casserole-with-sour-cream-recipe.html?_r=2">NY Times</a><br />
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14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened<br />
6 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces<br />
2 tablespoons, plus one teaspoon kosher salt<br />
1 1/2 cups sour cream<br />
1 teaspoon black pepper<br />
6 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives<br />
2/3 cup bread crumbs<br />
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan<br />
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Lightly grease a 9x13 pan with butter. In a large pot, bring the potatoes, roughly 4 quarts of water, and 2 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil. Boil 15-20 minutes, until tender. Drain potatoes.<br />
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Mash the potatoes with 10 tablespoons of butter, sour cream, 1 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir in the diced chives. Taste for seasoning. Spread potatoes into greased pan. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days or use immediately.<br />
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In a small bowl mix together the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese until coarse crumbs form. Crumbs can also be refrigerated for up to three days or used immediately.<br />
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Heat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle crumbs on potatoes and bake for 30-40 minutes until crumbs are crispy and brown. If baking the casserole right away (instead of out of the fridge), you can bake it for 20 minutes instead.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-31383739164135638812011-11-18T04:48:00.000-08:002011-12-06T17:15:46.170-08:00Five Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage5.instagram.com/04ecbb3c10bf11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage5.instagram.com/04ecbb3c10bf11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>John showed how much he missed me when I was in New York by sending me flowers on my first day back in the office. No, it's not my birthday or anniversary, guys, I just have a good husband.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSbLFiElXi-qxNT9jlpNZFwykN6nXXJYgWoaYoXd84eKxwzoOxk0IhMD8rDpPO2wSwc4LOHoox8wQ6kWm557CWsL60LjnWaIYhSic21TfIa_b10jSbCWg0Wiike2_2QuVP24lb7K2nJZ2/s1600/DSC_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSbLFiElXi-qxNT9jlpNZFwykN6nXXJYgWoaYoXd84eKxwzoOxk0IhMD8rDpPO2wSwc4LOHoox8wQ6kWm557CWsL60LjnWaIYhSic21TfIa_b10jSbCWg0Wiike2_2QuVP24lb7K2nJZ2/s400/DSC_0642.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>Next week is Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Christmas-With-My-Family-This-Year, so I've been doing lots of online shopping to be prepared. Even when the packages aren't for me, I always love coming home to something. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituJyqoW-Y2ETncvbyx_sqPhvi6fsdkm79sD5Tedp9_AVYpiuaZIfLqeMWKE6vzetTUGsL807OqSXdcSLb5zVFtRrDa2M9PGI7F5MTNIBrmMTVK5w8qsr5fBTMsfXvJrwKDU_LjLeZWXeL/s1600/DSC_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituJyqoW-Y2ETncvbyx_sqPhvi6fsdkm79sD5Tedp9_AVYpiuaZIfLqeMWKE6vzetTUGsL807OqSXdcSLb5zVFtRrDa2M9PGI7F5MTNIBrmMTVK5w8qsr5fBTMsfXvJrwKDU_LjLeZWXeL/s400/DSC_0647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I might break into the Milk Bar cookbook this weekend with an attempt to recreate crack pie! If it works out, I might even try to get my family addicted to crack pie this Thanksgiving.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjF9DyKA8mWnMc18oKUFcCBpSEKWxLkmfomao-ffYtSuneq81wqcMZCVW7uyXWvZWJXTLU46zlcmsbOYDKv2nIeX8Oo4A6MTOMSBaERXWkDyCmGBbkwiDl54swWAOubwH0pbyrkt5zhgp/s1600/DSC_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjF9DyKA8mWnMc18oKUFcCBpSEKWxLkmfomao-ffYtSuneq81wqcMZCVW7uyXWvZWJXTLU46zlcmsbOYDKv2nIeX8Oo4A6MTOMSBaERXWkDyCmGBbkwiDl54swWAOubwH0pbyrkt5zhgp/s400/DSC_0652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Do you do that thing where when you find something you love you buy it in multiple colors? Well I sure as hell do. I just bought this skirt in yellow...that I also own in blue and orange. Next up, green and red?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGZ2kwP-lFMQQANBbi4p8iU1xGgHJ-CiCcbHgC_WNfpN1_bv19vqq43o9DYUe3q8R5qwaKrPoDdkxQOf79q_OOFjeeBCbNbR9yXTouqEynUHj8LgLECqO3iXku8ti31A9afSh2r22Kmsc/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGZ2kwP-lFMQQANBbi4p8iU1xGgHJ-CiCcbHgC_WNfpN1_bv19vqq43o9DYUe3q8R5qwaKrPoDdkxQOf79q_OOFjeeBCbNbR9yXTouqEynUHj8LgLECqO3iXku8ti31A9afSh2r22Kmsc/s400/DSC_0632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our dog is a model. And in case you were keeping score, yes, that makes her better than your dog. She is in the cover photo of one calendar and the December gal in another calendar this year. Our doodle-loving neighbors and I submitted photos of our doodles in the calendar contest and were successful in proving that our pooches are the most beautiful of the bunch!Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-51241580498053098552011-11-17T15:42:00.000-08:002011-11-17T15:42:30.928-08:00Sweet Pepper Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnqiQHmu6XcKqcAGoq0q604pgoDJyjVtAEGbOhA2MR3u4C5K74pw_pFI-RgEFWkeLVRPkQiC-66yvsqUxwQBXZcvn0l-b7RkR5ViFphdFvrzmC5Xlt8Plsx9F9Gnqh5PJmVooHO0CmHNN/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnqiQHmu6XcKqcAGoq0q604pgoDJyjVtAEGbOhA2MR3u4C5K74pw_pFI-RgEFWkeLVRPkQiC-66yvsqUxwQBXZcvn0l-b7RkR5ViFphdFvrzmC5Xlt8Plsx9F9Gnqh5PJmVooHO0CmHNN/s400/DSC_0266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Karaoke is not my thing. I have a huge embarrassment complex that does not make me compatible with getting up in front of people and belting out songs from the 80s. My mom would say I need to "get over myself," but I haven't quite found a way to do that just yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigT051KKRjt0knnH_Ptcic9Qv1RISueremxdORW3a4_Q7Z6F3QSIVgxAesP4o5Q1NuvgqRYUuZMmOYtopxSk8UaprvIzY25Oqk5nx74IYRj6mXCBcKT2Cv2zcHFrVd6Nuq9WIIVN4AbtC/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigT051KKRjt0knnH_Ptcic9Qv1RISueremxdORW3a4_Q7Z6F3QSIVgxAesP4o5Q1NuvgqRYUuZMmOYtopxSk8UaprvIzY25Oqk5nx74IYRj6mXCBcKT2Cv2zcHFrVd6Nuq9WIIVN4AbtC/s400/DSC_0355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I actually don't mind that I'm karaoke adverse. When I'm enjoying a night of karaoke viewing, I feel no pangs of jealousy at the people making fools of themselves (or for the few that actually do a good job). It's who I am, and I embrace it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMuSRiezLwb_Axq4HI71vZ2HXZJtuXdkhrskT-Ony6wPhkHsRJC3HoTOlAvou0GixuBvhTkGSn8wKxzKqyhDzCcAQ3FrbH6Qb923W_q6qqNHueEmF4L2FUxNzmY17U-N2_WujzhMBVTaS/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMuSRiezLwb_Axq4HI71vZ2HXZJtuXdkhrskT-Ony6wPhkHsRJC3HoTOlAvou0GixuBvhTkGSn8wKxzKqyhDzCcAQ3FrbH6Qb923W_q6qqNHueEmF4L2FUxNzmY17U-N2_WujzhMBVTaS/s400/DSC_0359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>John, on the other hand, does not either acknowledge that he is tone deaf or does not care. He even has his very own karaoke songs he goes back to again and again. His "good" ones, I suppose. <br />
(I love you, honey!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UKxepqyGbceQ-5-jDaWeHisdJGK9Bv6xEzkFGauqapYOD3DvjSp0Q1tCbS7066CFnGAufgUMgKMQgjVreyLZov6obxRITjYxAXStpx7_iIXp9c9gazdvAWYmjJMu4bf4x_tPXv1DCmZC/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UKxepqyGbceQ-5-jDaWeHisdJGK9Bv6xEzkFGauqapYOD3DvjSp0Q1tCbS7066CFnGAufgUMgKMQgjVreyLZov6obxRITjYxAXStpx7_iIXp9c9gazdvAWYmjJMu4bf4x_tPXv1DCmZC/s400/DSC_0367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>"Suspicious Minds" (originally sung by Elvis) is one of them. It's a song I'm not sure I had ever heard until I heard John belting it out. And the second is "Sweet Caroline." A karaoke favorite for men who enjoy singing songs in one note. <br />
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This soup doesn't remind me of the Neil Diamond tune for being one-note, but rather because I can't see the title "Sweet Pepper Soup" without singing it to the tune of Sweet Caroline. Sweet Pepper Soup. Bum Bum Bum. Good times never seemed so good. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXalzIiKbBhK3EUmNQy7_-AZmfuNepi1BNJbqglmei2sPknxihQYnODFR4_w_k-T70a41QB-aOgndWmtm35cTABrA9z013gpcm7KLbJK7PvJ3A5z4siyWTps1WiV11oW64H0jJGaVIMSNP/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXalzIiKbBhK3EUmNQy7_-AZmfuNepi1BNJbqglmei2sPknxihQYnODFR4_w_k-T70a41QB-aOgndWmtm35cTABrA9z013gpcm7KLbJK7PvJ3A5z4siyWTps1WiV11oW64H0jJGaVIMSNP/s400/DSC_0268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This recipe requires <i>sweet</i> peppers, my friends. That means no greenies allowed. Red, yellow and orange peppers are your friends. As well as fresh herbs - thyme and chives - to be exact. No cream is necessary to make this soup bowl-lickin' good. It comes together in a flash and tastes perfect alongside some crusty bread and butter. Enjoy sitting next to your favorite karaoke singer. Reachin' out, touchin' me, touchin' sooooooooup!<br />
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<b><u>Sweet Pepper Soup</u></b><br />
From <a href="http://www.happyolks.com/sweet-pepper-soup/">Happy Yolks</a> (adapted from The Art of Simple Food)<br />
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1 1/2 - 2 pounds of sweet peppers (red, yellow, and orange), seeds and veins removed<br />
1 small hot red pepper (optional)<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped<br />
3 garlic cloves, minced<br />
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth<br />
1/2 cup brown rice (uncooked)<br />
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar<br />
1/4 cup chives, minced<br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
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Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a dutch oven. When oil is heated, add in onion and peppers. Saute for ten minutes until softened but not browned, stirring frequently. Add garlic and thyme and cook for another minute or two. Pour in stock and scrape the bottom of the pan to release the brown bits. Stir in the rice and the apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to let the soup simmer for 25 minutes. When everything is soft, puree in a blender or with an immersion blender. Season with lots of salt and pepper. Serve topped with chopped chives and with lots of bread. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-91050215510808315582011-11-15T21:25:00.000-08:002011-11-15T21:25:50.530-08:00The Empire City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHXC4tlTjHlCkBljR4DcWL9vcrLwC09opuvCKwXOTrVxkulzzUGqY3R9qEQIeusrlkbdmUTT8FRjUPfmL6Ei7-HkGgG5pop1VvOMf9dS3zd7TUGG0VnbiMIkVNLng_NhYwMkBZYirpPYA/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHXC4tlTjHlCkBljR4DcWL9vcrLwC09opuvCKwXOTrVxkulzzUGqY3R9qEQIeusrlkbdmUTT8FRjUPfmL6Ei7-HkGgG5pop1VvOMf9dS3zd7TUGG0VnbiMIkVNLng_NhYwMkBZYirpPYA/s320/IMG_0716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It had been two years and two months since I was last in New York, but who's counting?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNsk58v62bEdEho3hxty9ShcZmm8WaE-kD61l10lrbK7jBNx27n2TsGQl3Q3sdufqMsPyeBRrXO-mnyJ1xG3BJAQvhKQLVvAmCixy3FXDoxFcMel-KW9KLL9AXupMLS-xNIqIAjczSmGo/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNsk58v62bEdEho3hxty9ShcZmm8WaE-kD61l10lrbK7jBNx27n2TsGQl3Q3sdufqMsPyeBRrXO-mnyJ1xG3BJAQvhKQLVvAmCixy3FXDoxFcMel-KW9KLL9AXupMLS-xNIqIAjczSmGo/s320/IMG_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I was back for a short three-day stint to attend a work training course, and it was amazing how many things were different and how many things were exactly the same.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rhyphenhyphenhxb2abY6HVl6iOFHn3xFeT0WPhf8m8i9ZactGljJyj5_Bt9PxUfUJbBfMPSboe-SUxf1yAzOnMkypmePAqB2ZG-gT70kl20rEjIfY-MS4RWwKYiMpkjok3tJUDFJY-mPH6xyw-WD1/s1600/DSC_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rhyphenhyphenhxb2abY6HVl6iOFHn3xFeT0WPhf8m8i9ZactGljJyj5_Bt9PxUfUJbBfMPSboe-SUxf1yAzOnMkypmePAqB2ZG-gT70kl20rEjIfY-MS4RWwKYiMpkjok3tJUDFJY-mPH6xyw-WD1/s320/DSC_0578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Union Square Cafe is still as good as I remember, but I was happy to realize that we have found restaurants just as good (if not better) out in California now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP4WYbvVCbQ912i4JkbbmLHxZD4RddMzaR70I1xrv4CUIrDwmf70AtpwW4Jb9pZhYZGg2BnqyIJ4CiLFZ4q16qGXZ7yUhs6-JMvKYp1WBLBPxgBp3I8-Blj4wfqTYllXv9yDgzh0fB5ms/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP4WYbvVCbQ912i4JkbbmLHxZD4RddMzaR70I1xrv4CUIrDwmf70AtpwW4Jb9pZhYZGg2BnqyIJ4CiLFZ4q16qGXZ7yUhs6-JMvKYp1WBLBPxgBp3I8-Blj4wfqTYllXv9yDgzh0fB5ms/s320/IMG_0713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The cookbook selection at The Strand has expanded immensely, but their prices still can't beat Amazon, so I took a pass. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrKq1KgygH7DtpdPbLbcGsm0dgYMVbLUH3ZXsm7s2xYYJ0lfgbsZjzgNdkOm5FX7mXIwYcSUc8ky3exWBDGA8qpKAmEE4-mC6jTXGMJUAmjR6puiNf4AHdvqISA3cGNuZjbn7GiyRGLRv/s1600/My+Photo+Stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrKq1KgygH7DtpdPbLbcGsm0dgYMVbLUH3ZXsm7s2xYYJ0lfgbsZjzgNdkOm5FX7mXIwYcSUc8ky3exWBDGA8qpKAmEE4-mC6jTXGMJUAmjR6puiNf4AHdvqISA3cGNuZjbn7GiyRGLRv/s400/My+Photo+Stream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I visited Momofuku Noodle Bar to see how the ramen compared to California ramen. The pork buns were melt-in-your-mouth perfect, but the broth of the ramen couldn't compare to Ramen Dojo in San Mateo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXmkUrfeyYJX1iXWgqNMpwUSEheDp2GDMsebcNIMhSs59xLZoy13arqsR2uzW8TkAWwiO58FQE6tq5kPzpW4Vimd3a6zsGCrNEH6KAT1FdwoilULdd3rIJHX2la7-bjmpzH1umkd63BWw/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXmkUrfeyYJX1iXWgqNMpwUSEheDp2GDMsebcNIMhSs59xLZoy13arqsR2uzW8TkAWwiO58FQE6tq5kPzpW4Vimd3a6zsGCrNEH6KAT1FdwoilULdd3rIJHX2la7-bjmpzH1umkd63BWw/s320/IMG_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I made my first trip to one of the Momofuku Milk Bars to see what all the fuss was about. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRltIfp3-bTWwahyphenhyphenHcCL4sutW6yr-iLaBosE-gflDRrSgVM-7wPFwEYKA-sXO777Ask9ltrrZUYCJ-txreS5dr_xetFgdBUhWncRofXiJiKKcBpBeAsAaXDF1uVVeTQPJHsaBs7cWY2JU/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRltIfp3-bTWwahyphenhyphenHcCL4sutW6yr-iLaBosE-gflDRrSgVM-7wPFwEYKA-sXO777Ask9ltrrZUYCJ-txreS5dr_xetFgdBUhWncRofXiJiKKcBpBeAsAaXDF1uVVeTQPJHsaBs7cWY2JU/s400/DSC_0594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I literally bought one of almost everything they sold. The compost cookies were amazing, and more addictive with every bite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qPFeNs55FZTFR9Klpea-tLuNaWq4FjptTOAUEIxWZlE3G56676oMUTC_UkukW8emXCneY-g9qk467wDVU05QY93wOecu8H7DULoRmKwZ7pIZm0VvXCrpj9fI3WzoliIhngiTBz3ZSqIz/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qPFeNs55FZTFR9Klpea-tLuNaWq4FjptTOAUEIxWZlE3G56676oMUTC_UkukW8emXCneY-g9qk467wDVU05QY93wOecu8H7DULoRmKwZ7pIZm0VvXCrpj9fI3WzoliIhngiTBz3ZSqIz/s400/DSC_0612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The "crack pie" (their words, not mine) was the most incredible dessert I've had in ages.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNfrsZ8KrqaUtKJjzzRmG_w0zia1GRixttWoPuCPwW4W_Fo16QfshQZOcQTnqVp63VzsnlAnJz8m2CcY9PWb9cP4a9-KOT_0OdGMspRqKWi8XQXRX5ROAyybxR-EZb9gzgiGCRHek1QTI/s1600/DSC_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNfrsZ8KrqaUtKJjzzRmG_w0zia1GRixttWoPuCPwW4W_Fo16QfshQZOcQTnqVp63VzsnlAnJz8m2CcY9PWb9cP4a9-KOT_0OdGMspRqKWi8XQXRX5ROAyybxR-EZb9gzgiGCRHek1QTI/s400/DSC_0618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After I snapped the first photo, I thought I'd just take one bite. One bite turned into several and pretty soon I polished the whole thing off. Luckily, I bought the Momofuku Milk Bar cookbook (signed) when I was there, so I can make crack pie anytime I want (and have several hours to spare).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2hLrR27L10OuRi30h96ljAexLURSzktVsikschOCCJ1AnfUsUVqMvhFw7FbzBJE0ay8F0tJVfgpkY_E3oX1JC9ippqWyryoYkhif90N6_ZxOZMuEDsl1BISn2R4PbhtQ7UnlGwqQWxMJ/s1600/My+Photo+Stream-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2hLrR27L10OuRi30h96ljAexLURSzktVsikschOCCJ1AnfUsUVqMvhFw7FbzBJE0ay8F0tJVfgpkY_E3oX1JC9ippqWyryoYkhif90N6_ZxOZMuEDsl1BISn2R4PbhtQ7UnlGwqQWxMJ/s400/My+Photo+Stream-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Since I was in the neighborhood, I also stopped by Dylan's Candy Bar. I knew they would have red Swedish fish to take home to John (since they have every candy ever made), so I picked up half a pound as a sorry-you-couldn't-be-here gift.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h6wE7P-XSokZnaDA_hg_bTOolV6FhWBf6iITm5caGjMu9XVSH4q47jloKk5iZGm6SfLenxa0vv9YTFxZyTmt-uIwNjoxvTxI_4XxY3J7h7qc1CGUKVY88b2-8VUOsaBWSYJ2SXpB_dkO/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h6wE7P-XSokZnaDA_hg_bTOolV6FhWBf6iITm5caGjMu9XVSH4q47jloKk5iZGm6SfLenxa0vv9YTFxZyTmt-uIwNjoxvTxI_4XxY3J7h7qc1CGUKVY88b2-8VUOsaBWSYJ2SXpB_dkO/s400/IMG_0720.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>While it was fun to walk around and be in "The City" again, it made me realize how much I love my life in California.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFO89f477P256HDjZeLt7YjyuCFIGkcJ20kpK8LvZYxpbnycSxCSfhXMDRrZJHNk9-Pkkcb5RygzZSoX6Ec3j0Kf4bp4KSUASJdGwXvf6taEaBTRlsprSFbc4uzeVIzMnKh1f1qxHzMnO/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFO89f477P256HDjZeLt7YjyuCFIGkcJ20kpK8LvZYxpbnycSxCSfhXMDRrZJHNk9-Pkkcb5RygzZSoX6Ec3j0Kf4bp4KSUASJdGwXvf6taEaBTRlsprSFbc4uzeVIzMnKh1f1qxHzMnO/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As convenient as the subway can be, driving to the grocery store is a heck of a lot easier. As beautiful as the skyline can be, it's not as beautiful as a West Coast beach. And as much as I loved New York, California is my home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb4QLT5_Jqa0zI4GCg0OICWj3Ne73jc9NPmqcXE89IL0RdNwCBxnG_VZ3u5sa_AprS1AEIrPzZWlvdLZ1tBZcKAMt6yZ_F6zu5xiExFp-zvWIl93cEzF6zZG8z-d2_hMywXMzg_QxVysx/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb4QLT5_Jqa0zI4GCg0OICWj3Ne73jc9NPmqcXE89IL0RdNwCBxnG_VZ3u5sa_AprS1AEIrPzZWlvdLZ1tBZcKAMt6yZ_F6zu5xiExFp-zvWIl93cEzF6zZG8z-d2_hMywXMzg_QxVysx/s320/IMG_0730.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Plus I had this gal waiting for me when I returned, which wasn't half bad. We napped the afternoon away, as I attempted to get rid of my jet lag. It's back to the grind, but it's <i>my </i>grind, so I don't mind.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-19514023398145801202011-11-11T09:23:00.000-08:002011-11-11T18:04:56.462-08:00Five Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOlgAeAidDeu-0kfRDvtooER6olsy1EQrrD2a6v5QDyORSVuBpwjObNsHYBdfkpeqpaUq1WYjiEzRSdJw_y04BstQQurJOPQG1sw4h519fDvgYEHQ51sjwNuCeA7tAifmPbwNsr-Y7p7L/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOlgAeAidDeu-0kfRDvtooER6olsy1EQrrD2a6v5QDyORSVuBpwjObNsHYBdfkpeqpaUq1WYjiEzRSdJw_y04BstQQurJOPQG1sw4h519fDvgYEHQ51sjwNuCeA7tAifmPbwNsr-Y7p7L/s400/DSC_0543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I absolutely adore cider in the fall. I've been buying big jugs at Whole Foods and heating up mugfuls in the microwave to drink with my breakfast in the morning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuseR064KKIrqCXhIWFgA-Sjnc7c6FI8yU629umSALnu2fHl0TzfteAEHdGnmfC4kVFfzf33wCVlNSU8ZpEmvW1jyHYEK1BFuB6bSsnvO9lSS0C5JdI_xPxPnrmPONyTs9XwdhYcQOrURi/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuseR064KKIrqCXhIWFgA-Sjnc7c6FI8yU629umSALnu2fHl0TzfteAEHdGnmfC4kVFfzf33wCVlNSU8ZpEmvW1jyHYEK1BFuB6bSsnvO9lSS0C5JdI_xPxPnrmPONyTs9XwdhYcQOrURi/s400/DSC_0563.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>Warm cider is even better underneath a warm blanket - especially a warm heated blanket. The only problem is that once you get underneath a blanket with a cup of cider, it's hard to unearth yourself and get to work. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhrTDMc3_CTYgj1bmWFs2KMiMYTfMuTRUAjHIs0h4cQ19fJWXbnnwBaEqd9V8_4YMJ6G2bn9eA3RMUsS6m_HrRtrS_JgPLHtsIrC4iivGrXZH8Ge2N-lVW7pemw2M8duhIkdNkX00eM7g/s1600/DSC_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhrTDMc3_CTYgj1bmWFs2KMiMYTfMuTRUAjHIs0h4cQ19fJWXbnnwBaEqd9V8_4YMJ6G2bn9eA3RMUsS6m_HrRtrS_JgPLHtsIrC4iivGrXZH8Ge2N-lVW7pemw2M8duhIkdNkX00eM7g/s400/DSC_0577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>John got a Xoom from work, and I've inherited his iPad. Now I can finally ride on an airplane and look like one of the cool kids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCQzNl0gI8im15nOe5opTnh4cjAAWsUMtVAlz8DXxgMFnmZEACm7wXbg7CzZqB943_utosMBvgaythSdFBSVSRdaRoGX76-d45h2nNAeX2dFsaGpXywAUPz4WZYI5XgWoomS1TAhEGj7G/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCQzNl0gI8im15nOe5opTnh4cjAAWsUMtVAlz8DXxgMFnmZEACm7wXbg7CzZqB943_utosMBvgaythSdFBSVSRdaRoGX76-d45h2nNAeX2dFsaGpXywAUPz4WZYI5XgWoomS1TAhEGj7G/s400/DSC_0559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I never had pistachios growing up, and I never knew what I was missing out on. John doesn't like most kinds of nuts, but he loves pistachios, so I started keeping them around. This local brand of pistachios is so unbelievably good. It's so good that we eat a whole bag in one sitting. I bought the store out of the Salt and Pepper flavor the last time I was there. They have yet to restock.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY62nOp56y4NF2K3BBijjfmoz1jZExVBQgHjVxKyNUxV1_lpcFvEmzxfjDgUZAFu95omDUXH2io5VJUEX6yyM1XrEiNTlWPs8GohdZH1sRUitlhJW9QBcIPEt-xurPsuuiuTduHy1DN117/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY62nOp56y4NF2K3BBijjfmoz1jZExVBQgHjVxKyNUxV1_lpcFvEmzxfjDgUZAFu95omDUXH2io5VJUEX6yyM1XrEiNTlWPs8GohdZH1sRUitlhJW9QBcIPEt-xurPsuuiuTduHy1DN117/s400/DSC_0532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm off to New York this weekend, and John is left to his own devices (mainly his xbox). At least he has Harper to keep him company. Let's pretend she made this sad face when I told her I was leaving.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-59824713465761062462011-11-08T15:54:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:54:38.576-08:00Caramel Chocolate Pumpkin Blondies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM7IKvgty_X4R18H6wD6E5wHULFLmXOp2q8W7esGhnBUnnfk8WcN3pLT1KUci9FIwyREKJbg4xeApopnMHtrFagSdMe2REE-bvYeginmh4qjRBINTMg7Nqe8OzGU_OhSpTDQ3UXpVRHf5/s1600/DSC_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM7IKvgty_X4R18H6wD6E5wHULFLmXOp2q8W7esGhnBUnnfk8WcN3pLT1KUci9FIwyREKJbg4xeApopnMHtrFagSdMe2REE-bvYeginmh4qjRBINTMg7Nqe8OzGU_OhSpTDQ3UXpVRHf5/s320/DSC_0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Fall Foods for $300, please."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"A handheld pumpkin dessert better than cookies."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"What's caramel chocolate pumpkin blondies?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"YES!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqLUmOQc10aXqOUfz7OPgdHZBnFLEkm3bLBheS5qBaGRy34onn1EaJ91KkEuU_pun8tToHaS27O0X1pbMwWfpyxgI0U_TcLuX2oTSgG1HQM7h4OV2sJcwdHa5p70xbPal_vwvzZ_WcLMo/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqLUmOQc10aXqOUfz7OPgdHZBnFLEkm3bLBheS5qBaGRy34onn1EaJ91KkEuU_pun8tToHaS27O0X1pbMwWfpyxgI0U_TcLuX2oTSgG1HQM7h4OV2sJcwdHa5p70xbPal_vwvzZ_WcLMo/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh did you miss that episode of Jeopardy? Well, I'm pretty sure that happened. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOMSUw5yUJG4QSHOh1rmgIk3nlYYpXYrfAu40f4QtZQQ8U6aSbAv6e_CZWgIakd6OXGUhOZ20m-9Oi-fj3w6TETf29ck3BgxjBO_f7COylgQcAJcwEwMVhc71fqaXQlU0ODOPven4FpdD/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOMSUw5yUJG4QSHOh1rmgIk3nlYYpXYrfAu40f4QtZQQ8U6aSbAv6e_CZWgIakd6OXGUhOZ20m-9Oi-fj3w6TETf29ck3BgxjBO_f7COylgQcAJcwEwMVhc71fqaXQlU0ODOPven4FpdD/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These blondies start with a cakey layer of pumpkin...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgi9e1Dsl1ViH9grP0IlhGg39PM0NGkOxPZNnz2nOjPFpHHU6Risz2blgPcvMsBiFu6wnq-tG1pOUpYLolJqMgglvIzB4WqrnWgqjcX25BSTEamZ9_ysOL0VMgpGejjc7YT0KOrKKQir0/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgi9e1Dsl1ViH9grP0IlhGg39PM0NGkOxPZNnz2nOjPFpHHU6Risz2blgPcvMsBiFu6wnq-tG1pOUpYLolJqMgglvIzB4WqrnWgqjcX25BSTEamZ9_ysOL0VMgpGejjc7YT0KOrKKQir0/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which is followed by a thick dose of caramel and oodles of chocolate chips. It's topped with another layer of cakey pumpkin before being popped in the oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGwA1HK4U9NS4WqUE3MfZfHmCn4GbIRb7gQM-ltv7Ral_BFwaJ5zZ9Qc3-vA89Fs3fU7yTXwctS_g1Uv5pMaLVT236Cw_JIUxo8fgz70sTeYQEI3sjL3Zsepu4oltSP_LCll9bEgUiHxJ/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGwA1HK4U9NS4WqUE3MfZfHmCn4GbIRb7gQM-ltv7Ral_BFwaJ5zZ9Qc3-vA89Fs3fU7yTXwctS_g1Uv5pMaLVT236Cw_JIUxo8fgz70sTeYQEI3sjL3Zsepu4oltSP_LCll9bEgUiHxJ/s320/DSC_0457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Out of the oven comes an ooey gooey fall treat not to be matched. It definitely is the answer to Your Coworkers Will Love You for $600.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2gEE5V8g5HXzPIx4IQhW_GZ85m9XGIdqYhAmrFV9xe_HcFnPzBUgT55_JbCeyRCYy0Kh5RMHsMtH2ZBUvdXKZEwKW0utiyfzE-FusWAZCrTBRwlIpUnf6AaBZkruortnUp3Flzwt2oh_/s1600/DSC_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2gEE5V8g5HXzPIx4IQhW_GZ85m9XGIdqYhAmrFV9xe_HcFnPzBUgT55_JbCeyRCYy0Kh5RMHsMtH2ZBUvdXKZEwKW0utiyfzE-FusWAZCrTBRwlIpUnf6AaBZkruortnUp3Flzwt2oh_/s320/DSC_0435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I made this as dessert for a dinner party we had a couple weekends ago. Paired with sweet pepper soup and broccoli basil mac and cheese, it was the perfect fall meal. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcyjr7QAN3SIRAbOeytEmyidKrX1NQljdWS7i9yOrqIYO95ky3PoS8FPb0w8rjnTNumADg1NRZTyvRCCdYRFbj1nT3cP4J2MWwH06e4aQVYKEVjAAn-JwMXgA_TC14eaWuvYz1hsW1Bml/s1600/DSC_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcyjr7QAN3SIRAbOeytEmyidKrX1NQljdWS7i9yOrqIYO95ky3PoS8FPb0w8rjnTNumADg1NRZTyvRCCdYRFbj1nT3cP4J2MWwH06e4aQVYKEVjAAn-JwMXgA_TC14eaWuvYz1hsW1Bml/s320/DSC_0459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've never been much of a Jeopardy watcher (we don't really have the TV on at 7:00 PM), though I did enjoy the Nintendo video game in my youth. I doubt I would've succeeded on any food questions back then, but nowadays I've got Fall Foods covered. With this recipe, now so do you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Caramel Chocolate Pumpkin Blondies</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2011/10/ooey-gooey-caramel-pumpkin-blondies/">Tasty Kitchen</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 cups butter, softened</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup pumpkin puree</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 3/4 cups flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 12 oz. jar caramel (or 14 oz bag of caramels and 1/4 cup cream)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking sheet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin until combined (it will be very oozy at this point). Add in cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly add in 1 3/4 cups flour until just incorporated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pour 2/3 of this batter mixture into your greased pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over batter - use as much as you'd like. If using a jar of caramel sauce, simply pour evenly over the chips and batter. If using caramels, unwrap a bag of caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl with 1/4 cup cream. Microwave in 20 second intervals until completely melted, stirring every 20 seconds. Place dollops of remaining pumpkin batter over caramel layer and spread evenly with a knife or spatula. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean (other than some caramel). Cool completely before serving.</div>Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-31466763340635485562011-11-06T22:33:00.000-08:002011-11-06T22:33:59.942-08:00Provencal Tomato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHUQi9kXPQ-h_Y2OG-82QhxoWozBmQxZsFhyjSwipoYzbietgWgvPPZy_C5k8bFwTx5dzQxG-6BtANBKn2IGt0uxpjgh1NW8ZMjTT8fbcS90Ak_P1KahkJ6Yh3pUGTrQETCzlT915mNBD/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHUQi9kXPQ-h_Y2OG-82QhxoWozBmQxZsFhyjSwipoYzbietgWgvPPZy_C5k8bFwTx5dzQxG-6BtANBKn2IGt0uxpjgh1NW8ZMjTT8fbcS90Ak_P1KahkJ6Yh3pUGTrQETCzlT915mNBD/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>At the farmers market two weeks ago...</i><br />
Me: Oooh look, tomatoes. I'm going to make tomato soup this week.<br />
<i>(Rushing over to the tomatoes and filling up two bags.)</i><br />
<rushing a="" bag="" fill="" fresh="" of="" over="" pounds="" to="" tomatoes="" with=""></rushing><br />
John: You know I don't like tomato soup, right?<br />
Me: <standing hands="" in="" my="" of="" pounds="" there="" tomatoes="" two="" with=""> (<i>Holding two pounds of tomatoes.) </i>Come again? </standing><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoZTOV0TQJTbrI9a1Vjt0QBLMzUbt_tNnt6dqEDbY1Mf76UhyqsQ0O-9Vj50WvS0hDGULU2Wi6PmQAgi9rM_g855Q2rmgfEMWFcP_aHY6xnd6t1AJaMOYyG5dzmClPkxz_wX3OYhbA4Dk/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoZTOV0TQJTbrI9a1Vjt0QBLMzUbt_tNnt6dqEDbY1Mf76UhyqsQ0O-9Vj50WvS0hDGULU2Wi6PmQAgi9rM_g855Q2rmgfEMWFcP_aHY6xnd6t1AJaMOYyG5dzmClPkxz_wX3OYhbA4Dk/s400/DSC_0078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't know tomato soup was something people didn't like. I always thought tomato soup was a universal truth. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmds9pD141tQpEbpLyaVJRgzJsg36i6wZ7fWQK2qimVy4LrUqqszIkVujDmTHMNYxjD9zqprWGlkfzwsWicw3OYTFz_KFudbvxWCes1ZAwXhNb9aIxy_IhF30VwTqInP_BgzSQGjhdSvRI/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmds9pD141tQpEbpLyaVJRgzJsg36i6wZ7fWQK2qimVy4LrUqqszIkVujDmTHMNYxjD9zqprWGlkfzwsWicw3OYTFz_KFudbvxWCes1ZAwXhNb9aIxy_IhF30VwTqInP_BgzSQGjhdSvRI/s400/DSC_0099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Everyone eats Campbell's tomato soup as a kid for weekend lunches, preferably with saltines. They progress to cream-laden tomato soups, which admittedly are a step-up from the Warhol period, but still aren't tomato soups at their best.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlSLt9qAwtMbLKiX-ahRa83abXOx-95Wv6vrgLfR7p8kHU5s0Eq6QF1PT8G7JpAyR1ksJP5sqYuFmPVw80Twiuo6ts1gRaKKAPpyOwTDmeMrC58HLxvEYAX8a-DbMx1J0u25C3uiyYb2G/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlSLt9qAwtMbLKiX-ahRa83abXOx-95Wv6vrgLfR7p8kHU5s0Eq6QF1PT8G7JpAyR1ksJP5sqYuFmPVw80Twiuo6ts1gRaKKAPpyOwTDmeMrC58HLxvEYAX8a-DbMx1J0u25C3uiyYb2G/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We're grownups here, folks, and it's time for real tomato soup. Either fresh tomatoes or canned work well in this recipe - just make sure they are good ones either way. Instead of cream, the soup is flavored with basil sprigs and a Parmesan rind (both removed before pureeing). To thicken the soup, rice, tapioca, or quinoa can be used.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVcPNqXoTExRH1FPQs8RMJZ4AhWYhN8oRim9TmPci2F7lqOG_ndUiuyB_Vfbjt_enCVsH8L9KigNMzLpsVnRSQ6rXPwO5omBc5MCjuxr6H34MU3fC7UCsJ4F6uqTl_J_JuC6hMFYZANMF/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVcPNqXoTExRH1FPQs8RMJZ4AhWYhN8oRim9TmPci2F7lqOG_ndUiuyB_Vfbjt_enCVsH8L9KigNMzLpsVnRSQ6rXPwO5omBc5MCjuxr6H34MU3fC7UCsJ4F6uqTl_J_JuC6hMFYZANMF/s400/DSC_0087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I went with quinoa because I'm a rebel. This is grownup tomato soup after all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHUQi9kXPQ-h_Y2OG-82QhxoWozBmQxZsFhyjSwipoYzbietgWgvPPZy_C5k8bFwTx5dzQxG-6BtANBKn2IGt0uxpjgh1NW8ZMjTT8fbcS90Ak_P1KahkJ6Yh3pUGTrQETCzlT915mNBD/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHUQi9kXPQ-h_Y2OG-82QhxoWozBmQxZsFhyjSwipoYzbietgWgvPPZy_C5k8bFwTx5dzQxG-6BtANBKn2IGt0uxpjgh1NW8ZMjTT8fbcS90Ak_P1KahkJ6Yh3pUGTrQETCzlT915mNBD/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was too lazy to make grilled cheese to go with this hearty soup, but I made do with a thick layer of Parmesan on top and a baguette to dip deep into the bowl.<br />
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John made do with room service, since he was out of town when I made it. Lucky guy got to avoid the horror of tomato soup.<br />
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I've always loved tomato soup, and homemade is best. This rustic recipe is a great way to use the last of this year's tomato crop. I highly recommend you make this soup when your tomato soup-hating roommate is out of town. It's not to be missed.<br />
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<b><u>Provencal Tomato Soup</u></b><br />
From the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/health/nutrition/15recipehealth.html?ref=dining">NY Times</a><br />
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 small onion, chopped<br />
4 garlic cloves, minced<br />
Kosher salt, to taste<br />
2 pounds tomatoes, cored and diced (or one 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes with juice)<br />
Pinch of sugar<br />
2 large sprigs basil (or 14 leaves)<br />
1 quart (4 cups) water<br />
Freshly ground pepper, to taste<br />
1 Parmesan rind (optional)<br />
1/2 cup quinoa, rice, or tapioca<br />
Parmesan, grated, for garnish<br />
<br />
Heat olive oil in medium Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onion and cook until tender, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in half the minced garlic and a big pinch of kosher salt. Cook for 30 seconds to one minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes, basil sprigs (whole), the other half of the garlic, and sugar. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes cook down a bit.<br />
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Add a quart of water to the pot, the Parmesan rind, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the quinoa, rice, or tapioca and cook another 15 minutes until the grain is tender and the soup is fragrant. Remove the basil sprigs and Parmesan rind. Puree in small batches in a blender or with an immersion blender. If you used fresh unpeeled tomatoes and you want a silkier soup, push the soup through a mesh strainer. (I didn't bother) Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper. Serve garnished with Parmesan and basil.Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990436056083903582.post-62517480335383972672011-11-04T03:45:00.000-07:002011-11-04T03:45:00.073-07:00Five Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDopDl-N_q__Me95OyCVfApCtuZigjHE9x_CsyH2izYbl-_TvDzVmdPfDAYlinkqqgYrdUnFiY-EPpLcTmx_FYTox8HqaMnlFKYSE8oyN6Mh-GlSuZhZW9GU7gP05jTkN-Qb6c96I2tyfM/s1600/DSC_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDopDl-N_q__Me95OyCVfApCtuZigjHE9x_CsyH2izYbl-_TvDzVmdPfDAYlinkqqgYrdUnFiY-EPpLcTmx_FYTox8HqaMnlFKYSE8oyN6Mh-GlSuZhZW9GU7gP05jTkN-Qb6c96I2tyfM/s400/DSC_0473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I hope everyone had a happy Halloween! I was busy working, but luckily I have nice neighbors to come bring the party to my place - in the form of bloodied witch fingers, of course! There were doodles in costume too - what could be better?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy37mc71e2A3BzKHaVOClxk1XJyFNmi_qhq7W9wi3ZtHUNppGgiZ3OzjNE0XhhpGTM_7T0FyATNMhrlPB17ekHLhChhsqm8ZLcLWZDxwplDRON40Dp0Zrq6z09woZIZYCSw-S0Cnk60c1E/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy37mc71e2A3BzKHaVOClxk1XJyFNmi_qhq7W9wi3ZtHUNppGgiZ3OzjNE0XhhpGTM_7T0FyATNMhrlPB17ekHLhChhsqm8ZLcLWZDxwplDRON40Dp0Zrq6z09woZIZYCSw-S0Cnk60c1E/s640/DSC_0477.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>Flax. Get on it. Who knew this healthy seed was actually delicious in oatmeal?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixB-S7iLS-qMO_r0ZqP9QDCby_a2CAtOvGo5tUmM7hGrqqt_e2MLbo3EO5H5Q17yAJKs5eGTgDEgwKr_7u9OzTRIKLbdzzj2iEkv8jl31Ag7wGcMJ3Unj5YLPiXp9Zy3q7y6HlRYTyw35/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixB-S7iLS-qMO_r0ZqP9QDCby_a2CAtOvGo5tUmM7hGrqqt_e2MLbo3EO5H5Q17yAJKs5eGTgDEgwKr_7u9OzTRIKLbdzzj2iEkv8jl31Ag7wGcMJ3Unj5YLPiXp9Zy3q7y6HlRYTyw35/s640/DSC_0487.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>If you like cookbooks as much as I do, then it really is time to get a cookbook stand. It's next to impossible to keep most cookbooks open to the right page without one, and this is a much better method than weighing down all corners with canned goods. John's mom gave me this one, and I use it all the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1OXYRKhSbM7qKwvjPAt5lzVQW-7Diwm63K9IO1C5XeLAZjoW3MzvbAqx8Q3lf3RJVWjFX1rRUS-JY4GiRPucleW_ebbUi37zvuNajAbHYQa4UEuTt0IwmnRO0NC3ZmJCu_oODp5TXbKT/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1OXYRKhSbM7qKwvjPAt5lzVQW-7Diwm63K9IO1C5XeLAZjoW3MzvbAqx8Q3lf3RJVWjFX1rRUS-JY4GiRPucleW_ebbUi37zvuNajAbHYQa4UEuTt0IwmnRO0NC3ZmJCu_oODp5TXbKT/s400/DSC_0495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Natalie and Mitch brought us Hawaiian Alaea sea salt from their recent trip to Maui. It's red from red Hawaiian clay called 'Alae. I'm a sucker for good salt!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH-Nc08LH2oVMpjcWXNPy07-zx3JJkBup8FbRnCvgv0CrRi3BiOvXL__GzrwjDWJa9NhJmCSJoR4YRf1wZYekxfRLtKKl1JUoG10uYo-2imAblQho3jOF-sNadgSXLrWEJXFvyBYvniaR/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH-Nc08LH2oVMpjcWXNPy07-zx3JJkBup8FbRnCvgv0CrRi3BiOvXL__GzrwjDWJa9NhJmCSJoR4YRf1wZYekxfRLtKKl1JUoG10uYo-2imAblQho3jOF-sNadgSXLrWEJXFvyBYvniaR/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of gifts - this was a birthday gift from Joyce and David to support myCatan obsession. When they come over, Harper plays with Mochi and Latte under the table, and I get to kick some Catan ass at the table. It's the perfect relationship!Golden Gate Famhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277567296281489706noreply@blogger.com1