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...

Lavender Season

The lavender outside is flourishing in the hot days and cool nights of the central coast. There is so much of it now, I'm fully inspired to attempt several new recipes. I do not want it to go to waste!

First up on the to-try list is a lovely crème brûlée from Jamie Oliver - http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/eggs-recipes/lavender-cr-me-br-l-e.

Next, I'll try a savory recipe, perhaps a lavender barbeque rub. If anyone has a savory recipe that uses lavender, do let me know! Feel free to contact me offline at info@alisonparkswhitfield.com.

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!

Foraged Wild Ramps

Take a gander at these delicate wild ramps. Fresh picked this morning in Michigan, rush shipped this afternoon to Palo Alto, CA. What a world...

I was wondering about the full-on obsession that seems to surround this humble vegetable. Found a good history of all the hoopla at http://www.grubstreet.com/2013/04/the-history-of-ramps-popularity.html

Dinnertime!!

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.

The Yearly Pilgrimage — Tartine

Ooh baby. I've said it before, but if you are ever in San Francisco, might I suggest a visit to heaven on earth, AKA, Tartine Bakery? I really think it's one of the high points for a foodie spending time in SF.

If you go, know that there will be a line out the door. And know making it through that line will be well worth the wait. From the croque monsieur, to the bread pudding, to the meringues, to the ever-so-delicate lemon tart, it is seriously all good.

And consider yourself lucky if you can catch a glimpse into the kitchen. The hero chefs are all players in a controlled symphony of baking, frosting and dolloping. Enjoy the show!