Baking Archives - Page 26 of 34 - East of Eden Cooking

2013/04/082017/12/26

Cherry Hand Pies

Organization Dilemmas

“Liza’s little round face grew redder and redder. She organized and ordered. The kitchen stove never went out.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I have always been proud of my organization skills. When my possessions and treasures have a specific place I feel better about my personal environment. This is especially true in the kitchen. I am delighted when I know what is in my pantry or freezer and where it is located. Taking inventory and locating ingredients before the next shopping trip is so much faster and less frustrating. This week I organized and then went shopping. When I came home I crammed everything in the freezer and pantry without any thought of the time I had just spent organizing. I realized this is my style of organization and a pattern of behavior that might “possibly” be frustrating for those who share the kitchen with me. I’m astonished at my habits and method of organization in the kitchen. When you return from shopping, do you have have the discipline and time to organize everything as you put it away? READ MORE . . .

2013/04/012017/12/26

Goat Cheese Biscuits with Wild Radish Flowers and Sage

Spring Foraging

“Romie Lane was muddy with pools of water standing in the new wheel ruts, and the tall wild oats and mustard grew beside the road, with wild turnip forcing its boisterous way up and stickery beads of purple thistles rising above the green riot of the wet spring.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Early spring is an astonishing time to forage along the coast of California. Every patch of soil that was graced with winter rain has sprouted new shoots with tender blossoms floating on a sea of green leaves. Joy Colangelo gave Athena and me an introductory plant foraging lesson in Monterey. Joy is a co-owner of Monterey Bay Sea Salt and has been foraging for almost thirty years. Her knowledge of plant foraging is focused on survival skills. Not only what can be eaten to survive, but what plants can be used as shelter or even to supplement clothing to keep warm. It is the ultimate serendipity to find what you need right where you are! Time spent with Joy is inspiration to spend time learning more about the planet we inhabit. READ MORE . . .

2013/03/182017/12/31

Coconut Graham Ice Cream with Toasted Marshmallows

Marshmallow Time

“He lost track of time and he did not know how long he had been standing in the doorway.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

March arrived with a jolt of awareness that time was passing, quickly. The days of the calendar flirted with me. Pay attention to me now or I will pass you by. We hurl down the freeway of time as the miles melt away in the rear view mirror of yesterday. Just a tease, a fleeting glimpse as the calendar marks the miles traveled. A quarter of the year will soon be gone and there is so much I still want to accomplish. READ MORE . . .

2013/03/112017/12/26

Malted Chocolate Cupcakes with White Chocolate Malted Fudge Frosting

Butterflies in Winter

“A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of his life, will have left only the hard, clean questions: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well–or ill?”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The annual migration of the Monarch butterfly is fascinating. Each winter Monarchs on the western side of the Rocky Mountains migrate from as far away as Canada to Pacific Grove, Twin Bridges State Park and Pismo Beach along the central coast of California. Year after year they return to the same three areas. Here along the coast they find shelter and food from November to March of each year. A Monarch that winters in coastal California does not live to make the return trip the following winter. Five generations of Monarchs have lived and died during the course of the year. Scientists are unsure how the Monarch navigates to the same place year after year. They speculate that the earth’s magnetic field, the position of the sun or the Monarchs “internal clock” guide their annual migration. READ MORE . . .

2013/03/042017/12/26

Whole Wheat Rolls with Tomato Pesto

A Glimpse of Summer

“It was very warm for March, and the kite wind blew steadily from the south and turned up the silver undersides of the leaves.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I found out where summer is hiding. It’s such a small thing but I am ecstatic! You can catch me buying greenhouse grown tomatoes during the winter. I just can’t help myself. I miss the robust flavor of fresh tomatoes in salads and most of all the sweet intensity of roasted tomatoes. At the grocery store I noticed a packet of sun dried tomatoes–just tomatoes, in a package similar to dried fruit. I peered in the small clear window to inspect the contents and then gave the package a hearty squeeze. The tomatoes were soft and a bright sunny red. I couldn’t believe I’d uncovered a glimpse of summer hiding at the grocery store! READ MORE . . .