Bakery Days

November 2008 . Wok

“Do you cook with your family during the holidays?”

He was curious to know how deep my feelings for food ran. I suppose that my love of food runs deep throughout my veins. My parents and grandparents always did cook amazing dishes, most of which was cooked in the above (partially) pictured wok on my grandparent’s back porch. » Read the rest of this entry «

June 2008 . Cream Puffs

“I can see within you–you’re at a major turning point. Big things are going to happen.”

He’s good. Almost too good, and spending time with him has been incredibly uplifting and amazing. On his advice, I decided to keep a look out for ways to step out of my own comfort. Lo and behold, the darling Brandi of Pizzelles sent me an invitation to join her for a winter recipe exchange!

» Read the rest of this entry «

November 2010 . Pomegranates

“How do I say this correctly–It sounds like the barn doors have opened, and the horses are free. Let’s explore and see where you take us.”

The barn doors have opened and the horses are free–I like that expression. That would certainly describe the way my creativity is morphing. I’ve taken some time to explore resources, of which there is no shortfall in this crazy world, known as the Internet. One particularly striking image, Pomegranate, Lavender, and Cream, has inspired me to create a fall pomegranate recipe. » Read the rest of this entry «

February 2009 . Anatomy of a Sugar Pumpkin

He rounded out our conversation with a suggestion. “Keep percolating those thoughts.”

Rarely do I ever mention my professional life, but at the end of certain days, I’m left feeling as if every single thought has been scooped out of my head–kinda like what I was about to do with the above sugar pumpkin. Don’t get me wrong–I love my work and what I do–but let’s just say what I do during the day is a major force behind my appreciation for life all around. Now that Fall is here–or late Summer turning into Winter–this kooky San Francisco weather has got me a tad confused… I digress, in any case I spy autumn colors, perfect pumpkins, and lush pomegranates that beg to be taken home and made into a tasty treat. My thoughts rev up with ideas of what to bake (and photograph!). I can’t wait to unveil this weekends farmers market bounty–and the resulting sweets!

Aside from the traditional pumpkin pie/bread, any ideas?

October 2010 . Brioche Preferment Ingredients

He wanted me to tell him about my dreams–without thoughts of reality meddling in the way of my fantasy–but only if I wanted to to share.

Yesterday, while watching a classic, The Maltese Falcon, I set to work on baking brioche. It was a long process, one which was perfect for the rainy day. I had anticipated baking brioche the week prior and purchased all the necessary ingredients and reserved the whole day for bread baking. Part one: make the preferment. » Read the rest of this entry «