East of Eden Cooking

2015/01/28

Swedish Limpa Bread

A Tiny Commitment

“It was no quick thing Adam contemplated, to be finished and ready in a hurry. His men worked deliberately and slowly. It was a long job. Adam wanted it well done.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Making a loaf of bread is a commitment. Time and faith. Time to mix the dough long enough to develop the gluten in the flour. Time to check back to gauge the rising time and then the baking time. Being engaged with the process means time spent at home, without rushing. Making bread is that way. There is only so much that can be done to speed up the process without compromising the outcome. Faith that the yeast will activate. That the dough will rise from a lump into a light and gorgeous loaf. It’s a thing of joy, a finished loaf of bread. A reward for a tiny commitment of time and faith. READ MORE . . .

2015/01/20

Rick O’Connell’s Pear and Polenta Tart

Good Intentions

“Back in her room he said, “Didn’t have no apples. He said this was a good pear.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

One of the things I intend to do each year is to bake recipes I haven’t tried before. I’ve had this recipe from The Fannie Farmer Baking Book on my list to try for years and decided it would be my first good intention of this year. This quote from Marion Cunningham always captures my imagination. “Not truly a tart, but a wonderful creation! The yellow cornmeal crust covers pear halves, which make little hills all over. This is an outstanding recipe in every way.” The line drawings of the tart with hills made of pears are just as scrumptious as the recipe description. Just in case there were any thoughts about the worthiness of this recipe. Mr R said he could eat this tart all day long. That is quite a statement since there is absolutely no chocolate in the recipe. READ MORE . . .

2014/12/312017/12/31

Almond Joy Energy Bars

A Craving

“Let’s get it over and the door closed shut on it! Let’s close it like a book and go on reading! New chapter, new life.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I’m floating into the New Year. Just going to let it happen. Not swimming against the tide, not pushing against the closed doors, not going to deny the passage of time. Making a commitment to move on—no loads of heavy thoughts or remorse over unmet goals. It’s new territory and I’m happy to have an invitation to attend the opening ceremony. This year was consumed with loss and I am ready for change. I crave a new beginning. READ MORE . . .

2014/12/222015/12/07

Rosemary Shortbread Trees

The Best Gift

“Adam was pleased. Not even Christmas and we have presents. I wonder what it can be!”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I dream of the gift of world peace and the end of hunger. I wish for more kindness. An end to the relentless scramble to be better than, to have more. A time to be happy. If just for a moment, to pause, and be pleased with our lives. It is possible, especially if you give the best gift of all. The gift can be expensive and it takes time too. It was for me. READ MORE . . .

2014/12/152016/02/14

Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Hazelnuts and Sage

Late Autumn in the Salinas Valley

“Adam sat looking at the mountains to the east of Salinas, with the notable point of Fremont’s Peak dominating. The air was crystalline as it sometimes is when rain is coming. And then the light rain began to blow on the wind although the sky was not properly covered with cloud.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Lettuces, sweet broccoli, kale and a huge head of cauliflower filled my refrigerator. A gift from
Tanamura and Antle, it was the last of the locally grown Salinas Valley produce until spring. Production has moved to Yuma for the winter. I felt the tug of the cold, wet autumn day. Leaves were blowing off the trees skittering across the lawn, street and roof tops. Finally the rain began. It was a good day to make a huge pot of luxurious cauliflower soup. READ MORE . . .