Spiced Banana Faro Muffins with Ginger Streusel Topping

Spiced Banana Faro Muffins

Lounging Bananas Cause Disturbance

“He lay hidden during the day and went in search of food at night–turnips, a few ears of corn from a crib, a few windfall apples–nothing that would be missed.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Ripe bananas have a haunting quality. In the beginning they hold such great promise as a snack tucked in a lunch bag or perched atop cereal for breakfast. They lounge in the fruit bowl until green becomes yellow— and then brown. When the brown spots appear I wonder where the sunny topical escape went? Still lounging and now forgotten in the fruit bowl I must decide the fate of the very ripe bananas. It is disturbing to throw them away and yet Banana Bread often sounds too mundane. Besides I need three bananas for my Banana Bread recipe, and sometimes I only have two bananas. Bananas can be frozen and I did that once. I ended up with a huge bag of frozen bananas. I just kept adding bananas to the bag. I wasn’t using the bananas, I was storing them. With an inventory of two ripe bananas I decided muffins were to be made. And not just any old boring muffin, I wanted a muffin to cure the lounging banana disturbance. READ MORE . . .

Potato Leek Soup with Celery

Potato Leek Soup with Celery

Memories

“You walked west on Main Street until it bent. That’s where Castroville Street crossed Main Street. Castroville Street is now called Market Street, God knows why. Streets used to be named for the place they aimed at. Thus, Castroville Street, if you followed it nine miles, brought you to Castroville, Alisal Street to Alisal, and so forth.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

With a path of north to south Main Street ambles across the length of Salinas. We even have North Main and South Main. Main Street is the compass that dissects Salinas into east and west. It is common to use “southside” or “eastside” or “northside” as nouns in speaking. “Where do you live? I live on the northside.” Rather than, “I live on the north side of town.” As if sides were being taken in a sporting match those who are third and forth generation native born to the city frown on these new descriptors. As the city has grown the north-east side has swelled and the city tilts eastward, away from the coast. Bound by the some of the richest agricultural fields in the valley there is no room for growth on the west or south sides of the city. READ MORE . . .

Strawberry Rose Sandwich Cookies

Strawberry Rose Sandwich Cookies

Cookies for Valentine’s Day

“I’ve got these new sweets for you.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Valentine’s Day is a perfect excuse to overdose on whimsy! Hearts, lace, flowers, I’m dazzled by the fun of it all. Roses are the traditional flower for Valentine’s Day and so with rose petals and rose water I was drawn into the kitchen. READ MORE . . .

Brown Sugar Pear Pound Cake

Brown Sugar Pear Pound Cake

A Charm Bracelet of Flavors

“There’s a capacity for appetite, Samuel said, that a whole heaven and earth of cake can’t satisfy.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This is quite the cake, easy to make and immensely satisfying. This pound cake wears a charm bracelet of flavors that sparkle with each bite. Rich, with a dense crumb little surprises of lush pears, a hint of vanilla, brown sugar and a trio of oranges jangle on it’s charm bracelet of intrigue. This is one of those cakes that beg for a second slice. It is just as good on the second day as the first. As for the third day, I have no knowledge as the whole cake has vanished by then. READ MORE . . .