January - newsletter

January – hitting the restart button. I don’t do resolutions. I came across a quote (at the gym of all places) that read “A goal without a plan is only a wish”.

Well my January wish is to start working on a plan to reach my goals instead of believing they are for down the road. Here is to 2015 – surely the best yet.

My holidays were spent away from family but with close friends. There were a few holiday shin digs that happened where I was able to make some tasty treats. 

<---Holiday party Chocolate Cream Puffs

New Year’s White Cheddar Gourges---> 

Given there were only 6 of us on New Year’s and we got a late start on the 7 bottles of champagne, there were left over bubbles. I came across an easy way to make my own Champagne Vinegar. I figured I should probably try it out since I do not regularly have an unfinished bottle of champagne.

Champagne Vinegar

This is pretty simple. Put flat champagne in a canning jar with cheesecloth spread across the top. Allow to sit for 5-6 weeks. 

Winter months bring out some of the best of one of my favorite citrus fruits – Meyer Lemons!!

Feeling inspired by a recipe I caught on television I made some sweet treats that were a huge hit.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Glaze

To go with them probably the best ice cream recipe I’ve got up my sleeve.

Meyer Lemon Ice Cream

Russian Tea Cakes

Christmas cookies were always a big deal in my family. My mom would take extra time off of work every year in December to make batches and batches of Spritz, Vanilla Crescents, Chocolate Oatmeal No Bakes, Fantasy Fudge, and Russian Tea Cakes. It was my job to run them to the neighbors houses or ride shot gun with my dad to deliver them to friends all over town. They became a firm favorite of my friend Natalie, so when I made a plan to head north to Seattle to visit her I knew I had to make a batch for her.

SEATTLE
On my visit up to Seattle I stayed with my friend Natalie. One of my favorite Seattle spots is The Walrus and the Carpenter but having been there a few times already, I thought it was time to visit a new Renee Erickson restaurant. Natalie and I had happy hour at The Whale Wins were we shared the Sardine Toast. Next we moseyed over to the Ballard Annex for Oysters and bubbles and were joined by our friend Emily. Next stop was a couple of drinks and the Kickin’ Boot. Having indulged in too many an array of beverages the first night there was an equally slow start to the next day. Once out and about I made it over to a relatively new restaurant with an inspiring concept called The London Plane. This restaurant is part of a larger restaurant group which includes the well known Sitka and Spruce, Bar Sajor, and Bar Ferd'nand.

London Plane was very busy even for late lunch. Upon walking in I attempted to take in the atmosphere and decide what my motive was. The restaurant, I believed to be more bakery but  it became evident that lunch and dinner are the main attractions. London Plane also sells flowers, home goods, and specialty food ingredients. I took a seat at the bar and decided on a bowl of Ham and Bean Soup and a cup of coffee. On my way out, I gave a quick peak at the pastry counter and picked up a couple tiny cookie treats.

A week earlier I met a man named Eric while having dinner in Portland. He happened to be having dinner at the bar and talking about some cider product to the bartender and me being me, butted in to get the spiel as well. Turns out Eric is one of the owners of Two Beer Brewing, as well as, Seattle Cider Company. Eric invited me to come in and see the digs and take some tastes while I was in Seattle.  Eric gave me a fabulous tour of the current facility as well as the expansion and some great history on the two companies. I had asked what the name 2 Beers meant to them, he explained that Life is a little more honest after 2 beers. While sitting in the tap room I was able to taste a couple great limited edition ciders; Gin Botanical and Three Pepper and also was able to enjoy some tasty beers; Wit, Dark Pale, and two different IPAs, and a great Stout. All around great products and a wonderful story that surely will keep my attention in their direction.

Souper Saturday: Celeriac Soup

Sure you see this thing, looking bulbous and maybe dirty, with teeny roots coming out and it’s easy to pass. Celeriac is a rarely known gem. Being the bulb of the celery plant it has a sweet mild and lightly starchy taste. I like it boiled with potatoes for mash, roasted with other veggies in the oven, or simply pureed into soup.

I garnished mine with some crisped Apple wood Smoked Bacon. This soup is gluten and dairy free and smartly satisfying when the temperatures drop. 





Recipes to follow soon.