Today we were invited to my sister-in-laws and brother-in-law's for lunch. This gave me a great excuse to get into the kitchen and bake something yummy. I have not had enough baking activity this Summer and I am more anxious than usual to get going. I have been thinking about a nice peach cake for awhile now and being that I am still hoarding peaches, I went to work. Here is what came out of the oven today: THE PEACH-CORNMEAL UPSIDE … [Read more...]
The Incredible Sensory Pleasures of the Well-Done Bakery – at PB Boulangerie
perfection! Ok, so I have been on a little hiatus from my blog for a few weeks. This morning, however, I happily and easily resumed my writing as I had the perfect subject and the best of motivation........... There are few things that make me happier or are more inspiring than visiting a great bakery, especially in this country. Having been thoroughly spoiled this Spring in Paris, I came home with a particularly jaded view of the art … [Read more...]
Have Gun, Will Travel and The Rays of Sunshine
Milan July 2011 I am certain practically no one who reads this blog will remember the tv show entitled, "Have Gun, Will Travel" which aired from 1957-1963. Yes, I was alive in 1957 - actually I was 3 years old. This title has always intrigued me as it created a mental image of someone always "game" to be on the move, ready for adventure. While the actual show took place in the old US of A in cowboy times, my own "Have Gun, Will Travel" … [Read more...]
Digesting Change – The Post, the Globe, Baseball, Test-Tube Meat, and I
Digesting change - now there's a little pun you can sink your teeth into today.......... I was just reading through the definitions of "digest" and had to chuckle to myself. The news today is, for me, hard to digest - like the pace of change these days..... I just finished reading the New York Times articles on the sale of the Washington Post to Jeff Bezos. This is just after I read, on Sunday, the feature article in the Sunday … [Read more...]
Confit – Getting the Genie in the Jar; Juices Flowing
Nostradamus - image courtesy sacredtexts.com You know I have a fascination with certain French words - mostly in the culinary department. I just love them for some odd reason. But, knowing me, maybe this is not odd at all........ Sunday morning, I was sitting on the deck in Orleans, enjoying the first beautiful morning here in a long time, for me anyway. It is the way it is SUPPOSED to be on Cape Cod - cool, crisp and refreshing, the … [Read more...]
I Bake, Therefore I Am; The Ginger-Peach Pound Cake
image courtesy Wikipedia.org Thank you to René Descartes, who in 1637 wrote the phrase, "I think, therefore I am". I won't go into all the background, philosophical and otherwise on this but, you know this famous stuff, right? Suffice it to say, that on days like today when it's (unexpectedly) raining steadily, I get to wondering about some things - some existential questions about myself and who I "am". Gone are the days when my life … [Read more...]
What’s a Baker to Do? The Case Against Freezing; Keepin it Fresh!
Laduree, Paris March 2013 - sight of daily visits with Ryan Reading last week's article on macaroons in the Dining Section of the New York Times made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. In the article, Pierre Hermé makes the statement, "Any pastry chef who says he doesn't freeze his macaroons is a liar". Wow, I said to myself, Pierre Hermé? I heaved a great sigh and wistfully thought back to my Mom's and Grandmothers' kitchens where … [Read more...]
Been Draggin’ My “Buns” Around – 59F is the new “Great, Perfect” for me! – The Blueberry-Banana Scone
The heat this Summer has hit me hard and I've been draggin' my "Buns" around for the last few weeks. Everything has seemed like some great effort - not my usual demeanor. I was even beginning to wonder if I didn't like cold weather better than hot! What?? Yikes, that's scary! So, you can imagine how I was surprised and elated when I awoke this morning and checked the weather here. 59F! I was, what? WOW! - this is great, perfect! Knowing … [Read more...]
Obsession, Neurosis and Nostalgia – the “loss” of the Ball Jar Co. and other stories – 2
Note: Yesterday's post was mysteriously truncated - so I am trying again. Headline: Bastion of America's Canning Scene Downsized and Marginalized - What Does This Say? When do Obsession and Nostalgia become Neurosis? It's funny to think of the things we become obsessed with. I still have a small basket which my Mom got flowers in when my brother was born - in 1957!!! I miss my Pears Soap. I miss Gourmet Magazine. I miss my vintage … [Read more...]
Obsession, Neurosis and Nostalgia – the “loss” of the Ball Jar Co. and other stories
When do Obsession and Nostalgia become Neurosis? It's funny to think of the things we become obsessed with. I still have a small basket which my Mom got flowers in when my brother was born - in 1957!!! I miss my Pears Soap. I miss Gourmet Magazine. I miss my vintage Ball Jars and the Ball Jar Co as it used to be* ........ "circa" 1957, in pristine condition one of a couple of "original" Pears soap bars I have left - don't tell … [Read more...]
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