Cooking Class at The Pantry

My friend and I took a class at The Pantry last Summer. Seems like ages ago now but I had forgotten all about the photos that I took that day. I wanted to make sure that I shared them with you, because the class itself was a great learning experience but also because The Pantry is a wonderful concept and I encourage anyone who lives near Seattle to give it a try; it's a beautiful space, the classes they hold are unique and it's a great way to spend a nice evening with like-minded people.

A Year in The Making....

I received a waffle maker for my birthday last year, a wonderful gift. After trying about eight or nine recipes (I am very stubborn in the kitchen), I came to the conclusion that making the perfect waffle is hard. Don't get me wrong, they always tasted alright if you ate them straight out of the waffle maker but minutes later, they dried up or lost their crispiness entirely. Most of them also lacked the nice, doughy, chewiness that a waffle should have. Needless to say, I finally got it right, I did need a bit of assistance from my trusted chef friends (oh I love having chef friends!). People, you are looking at the best waffle I have ever made. Mastering the waffle, check!

cake saver from Pigeon Atelier

The Scent of Brioche

Because I am slightly insane, I insisted on working on another bread shot for my portfolio today. I have now officially spent a dozen hours on this last photo, but I think I may have gotten the one now. I can't decide on the cropping though, what do you think, do we want to see the whole loaf? I'm leaning towards the second image. For the record, brioche bread smells absolutely amazing and it was torturing me to have to wait until I was done shooting to eat a nice, thick slice of this loaf. It was more than worth the wait though (and the amount of butter that's in it.)  

Ladies Lunch

It's always so nice to meet up with girlfriends before work, even if it is just for a quick hour or two. Some of us are trying to run or manage a business, while others are busy making and raising babies so sometimes life gets hectic. It can be hard to arrange for everyone to meet up but I am glad that we somehow make it happen at least once month. It brightens up my day to see my friends, eat some tasty treats and have tea time while catching up on life. 

Sunny Days and Crab Dinner

Vancouver was lucky to see a bit of sun this weekend and I took advantage of every minute. On Monday, while most people were enjoying the blue skies from their office windows, I dusted off my bicycle and took it for a ride to Granville Island to get a few crabs. How very West Coast of me. My man and I boiled, stuffed and baked the crabs for a couple of friends who joined us for dinner. Springtime seems to bring out the best in a lot of people and I love how spontaneous and energetic I feel when the sun is out. I hope we will see a lot of it this year.

One Last Photo

For the past year, I have been working on a photography portfolio and I believe that I am one or two pictures away from being done. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I have had a hard time editing the images and reaching the point where it feels complete.  Mostly, I know that I am just being overly picky but enough is enough; next week, the images are going to the printer! If only I could stop shooting and let it go. Here are a few shots I took this morning... Props from Pigeon Atelier.

Sunday Brunch

After a refreshing hike, I spent most of the afternoon at the lovely Heirloom restaurant today, eating fantastic veggie dishes and chatting with a couple of friends and their five month old cutie. The food is healthy and inspiring and the pretty room makes it a nice spot for a Sunday date, I highly recommend it.

I Want The Paulistano Chair.

photo: brazilianinteriors.com

photo: edwinhimself.com

Don't you? Which colour would you pick? I'm fond of the tan leather with silver coloured legs. (And by "I'm fond of", I mean I want it very badly.)

My Dream Kitchen

photo: remodelista

Thanksgiving 2012

It is probable obvious by now that I have as much fun planning this event as I do sitting down with my friends and actually living it. The menu is a treat to prepare and setting up the table gets more enjoyable every year, as I accumulate a collection of props and dishes to choose from.  It's a bit OCD, I am aware.

As lovely as a pretty table can be, it does look even better with beautiful people around it (and some of my favourite people no less.)

Thanksgiving 2012 Menu

Kusshi Oysters 

Pear and Thyme Fizz

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Ottolenghi's Lettuce Salad with Radish, Capers and Sundried Tomatoes

Golden Beet and Orange Salad with Shallot and Sherry Vinaigrette

Green Beans with Thomas Keller's Mushroom Conserva

Ottolenghi's Winter Couscous

Edible Vancouver's Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin

Ottolenghi's Stuffed Onions

Pappardelle with Cabbage, Chanterelles, Chestnuts and Taleggio
Cornbread with Heidi Swanson's Dill Butter

Julia Child and Jacques Pepin's Turkey Roulade Stuffed with Pork Sausage

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Cheese Course

Pecorino Brinatta 

Cashel Blue

Gruyere

Salt Spring Island Goat Brie 

and

 Sticky Spoon Jams

Apricot and Vanilla Jam

Rhubarb Jam with Ginger

Spiced Autumn Plum Jam

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My Mother's Berry Tiramisu

Macrina Bakery's Upside Down Pear Cake (brought to us by Miss Caitlin)

I realize a big part of Thanksgiving is meant for us to stop for a day and be grateful for what we have, but these friends go over the top with gratitude. They bring amazing wines, bake cakes and each of them offers up help many times prior to the event. They are thankful for the work that goes into this crazy dinner we put together every year (though I think they made fun of my chart) and I am thankful that they knock on my door at 6pm every Thanksgiving, bottles of wine in hand and grace us with their fabulous presence. And even though I don't actually eat it, I am thankful for that bird that had to give its life in order for us to stuff our faces with turkey roulade. Cheers to all who showed up and to those who live too far away to attend. Happy belated Thanksgiving 2012.

(and of course it is now tradition to post a photo of our fireplace mantel lined with bottles. every year! Check out Thanksgiving 2011 and 2010.)