Bakery Days

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 «

October 2010 . Coffee & Book

“Make a list, and we’ll chew on it for a bit,” he suggested.

It’s been dreadful wet this weekend, but from my favorite spot in the kitchen, I always enjoy fresh hot coffee and a good book–right next to my budding container garden and an open window. I was fortunate that the wind choose to blow the rain away from my window because there’s something calming about the raindrops that come tapping down on my fire escape–and not in my home! » Read the rest of this entry «

July 2009 . Wine & Comics

“We’ll work on indulging,” he said. It was comforting to know that statement was without pretension or judgement–one of the qualities I liked about him.

Some of my favorite memories are sunny days in the park enjoying bottles of wine (served in plastic sippy cups), snacks, and a good food book. We’d sit for hours, talking about personal happenings, books, and people watching–marveling at the antics of other park dwellers. Many inside jokes were born from those afternoons. It’s been far too long since I’ve spent a leisurely afternoon at the park, one which will probably have to wait until next summer. Fortunately, the last visit was sweet–in terms of the company I kept–and the truly decadent cake a dear friend made. ♥

March 2008 . Fresh Baked Bread

“Will you do this before I see you next?” “Yes, I promise.” I replied. I hate making promises I can’t keep; this is why I rarely make them in the first place.

Our conversations are always thoughtful and simple, yet filled with layers of depth to horizons unknown. I’m grateful for this in ways I never imagined. This particular conversation reminded me of last fall, where I took my first culinary course–food writing! » Read the rest of this entry «