Dark Red Apple, Late Summer

You know how you wake up one morning and you go outside and you are hit with a little coolness, a little crispness, that signals the wake up of the fall season? Yeah, it's like that.

Mid-summer Blueberries

So, what's been going on over the last three years, you might ask. Well, I'd answer, I fell in love with a man who I first met when we were kids. On the other side of the world. Long story.

So I left the West side of what's-left-of-America and moved to the Boston area, as he had the better job over here. And now I live on the East side of what's-left-of-America. It's very green, in all interpretations of the word, which I appreciate immensely.

I've been working in tech, and doing some jewelry/metalwork when I have a chance. But I'm missing the food photography and may be dangling my toes back into it. We'll see!

Here are some amazing blueberries I just picked from the backyard. Happy summer!!

Back in Business!

Today is opening day of the Saturday Farmer's Market in Lake Oswego, OR. Whoopie!! They are back in business! The freshest fruits and vegetables, the most colorful flowers, the tastiest cold pressed juices. Yeah, I missed you, you vibrant-as-all-get-out market, you : )

The Beauty of Imperfect

 

 While hanging in Santa Barbara this week, I came across these blemished beauties at the Saturday Farmer's Market. I was struck by the vibrance and color of these second class fruits. Ideal for jams, ideal for sauces and compotes, but discounted and overlooked by most. 

This got me to thinking, why does everything have to be perfect these days? It didn't used to be like that. Perfect fruit, perfect shoes, perfect dress, perfect house, perfect shampoo. Sadly, I even buy into this mindset somewhat. Clearly it's time in the world to start embracing, even celebrating, the imperfect. The world holds many vibrant gems that sport a few dings and scratches, but are perfectly fine in every other way. Viva la imperfections!

Julia Child's Cherry Clafoutis

Well, I was SO not going to waste my beautiful local cherries that I purchased a few days ago. So I thought maybe some beautiful jam, a cherry pie, or...? Then I remembered my fave! I dug up the Julia Child clafoutis recipe, huzzah!! It's a recipe that you think might be difficult, but really it's not so much. Your fingers get a little stained from all the juice, but it's a small price to pay for the custard-y heaven that is clafoutis. Julia's clafoutis. Nom.

Here's a link to the recipe on Food.com - http://www.food.com/recipe/julia-childs-cherry-clafouti-239454?photo=361982

Bitter and Fierce - Fun with Candied Grapefruit

I've taken Smitten Kitchen's attempt at candied grapefruit as my challenge of the week. And, oh, it is a mighty challenge.

I tried to boil and sugar the translucent gems into submission, but yeah, just like SK, I find the grapefruit turns out bitter as heck. No way around it.

I may chop up the remainders tomorrow and mix them with something sweet (naval oranges?) to make an uber marmalade. If at first you don't succeed...

In Praise of Plain Berries

It used to be that every fourth of July, I would make a plump and perfect strawberry shortcake. This involved carefully picking out the strawberries, baking up an enormous homemade shortcake full of white flour and refined sugar, and whipping up pints of sugary whipped cream. 

So delicious!! But majorly unhealthy.

We live in a different age now — thankfully it's a more health conscious time. So, with that in mind, I've decided that this fourth of July, I'll go ahead and prepare a large bowl of mixed berries with nary a hint of added sweetness. Pure food... perfect, healthy, and naturally sweet. I think it's a better choice for the times. And my waistline!

Summer Figs

Fig season is here! Woo hoo!!! One of my favorite times of the year.

Time for some luscious, lightly sweet figs served on a plate with a nice soft cheese. Such an elegant appetizer.

And if you are so inspired... check out this recipe for Drunken Fig Jam from Epicurious - http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Drunken-Fig-Jam-350120

 It is really something special!

Fresh Orchard Apricots

"Perfectly imperfect" is one of my favorite sayings recently. Case in point, take a look at this just-picked apricot. Notice the dents, scars and divets peppering it's delicate skin. Tiny little battle wounds. But bite open the fruit, and the darned thing is ripe and juicy and tastes freaking delicious. Mmmm... perfect.

Kumquats, baby...

TART!!! And a little sweet. It's time, once again, for the noble kumquat to bear forth it's impeccable fruit. In the San Francisco bay area, we see these bright, sunny morsels in farmer's markets during the January, February and March timeframe.

In all honesty, this is the first year I've ever tried a kumquat. To me, they are one of the "food as a challenge" types of foods. They are eaten whole, peels and all.

I find them to be super tart, yet super yummy. And they are also incredibly healthy, it turns out. Kumquats are rich in vitamin C, flavinoids, iron, potassium and many other minerals. Good stuff!

Passion Fruit Dessert

Today I had the amazing good fortune to join my dear friends at the French Laundry in Yountville, CA. This was the first of, oh, six desserts or so. So beautiful, so delicious. I may never recover!

Simple Candied Orange Peel

One of my favorite sweetical holiday treats... candied orange peel! When talking about candied peel, you have a decision to make. You can either pay $8 or so for a few ounces of the delicate deliciousness from Whole Foods, or you can invest a little time and a couple of bucks to DIY and make about two cups of the sparkling goodness.

My fave recipe is the perfect no-nonsense version found over at Epicurious - http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/simple-candied-orange-peel-350798

What they don't mention is the incredible bonus you'll get from making the peels. The leftover sugar and water solution the peels are cooked in? Omg- it's the best orange syrup EVER! Try the syrup slathered over pancakes. Yum! Or try mixing it with sparkling water for an elegant, continental soda.

I suspect even Julia would approve. So, in that case... Bon appetit!

Fruity Obsession

This morning I made my yearly pilgrimage to Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. This tradition just started last year, but I seriously cannot go there more than once a year. If I did, I swear I would chuck my day job out the window, pick up the nearest cook's apron and start baking like there's no tomorrow. Yes, it is that good. Pinky swear.

Prickly Pear Fruit Harvest, Saratoga, CA

Is prickly pear cactus the next superfood? Mayo Clinic says... maybe so! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prickly-pear-cactus/AN02193

Blueberries, Paris France

Blueberries, Paris France
Originally uploaded by pixelish
Check out the lovely color on these blueberries from an open market in St Germain de Pres. There was a lot of moisture in the air, (it was just about to rain), and the droplets diffused the light beautifully.

Fruit Tarts in Luxembourg

Found these phenomenally delicious fruit tarts at a GREAT boulangerie while bicycling through Luxembourg today. Noticed the window light and ducked inside to take some images of the rustic sweets.

FYI- I think it's always the right thing to do to ask before taking images in a shop. It is rare that you will get turned turned down.