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

Flourless Orange, Almond and Ginger Cake

I'm loving many things about the Portland, Oregon area. Many things! 

One of my favorite new eateries here is the St. Honoré Bakery and Cafe. It's a casual little place with fresh soups, killer vol au vonts, savory caprese sandwiches. And hecka amazing flourless orange and almond cakes! It's one of those places where the food is just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Time for another run!!!

Experiencing the Oregon Truffle Festival!!

Wow folks. What an awesome experience. I just recently found out about the Oregon Truffle Festival (OTF). The yearly festival celebrates the burgeoning local truffle industry.

Had an opportunity to catch up with the event at the OTF marketplace today. My gosh, truffle cheeses, truffle charcuterie, truffle ice cream : ) And some amazing local wines as well! All in all, a very tasty day.

Now it's time to find some yummy truffle recipes. First up? It's truffle fondue!!!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone!!

I was cooking up some savory omelettes this morning when these beautiful red pepper seeds caught my eye. On this day, (of all days), I am reminded that today is just the start, just the tiniest seed of the new year. I firmly believe you can grow this year into anything you want it to be.

Best of luck and much happiness : )

Alison

Gewürztraminer Baby...

Ooh! A wine grape with an umlaut! 

Found some charming, blushing Gewürztraminer grapes while hiking around the vineyards the other day. Which got me to thinking, does Gewürztraminer pair well with anything besides fish? I've rarely had the wine, as I'm just not too much of a fish/seafood person.

What? It pairs with Asian foods? What? Pairs with a ham and gruyere tart? Whoa nelly. Well, I guess I have a new wine to explore!

Food &Wine has all the deets right here.

Tzatziki on the Beach

Back home now, instilled with a healthy infatuation for the foods we ate in Greece and Turkey.

I'm convinced we ate the best tzatziki on the face of the earth. We found it on the menu in the lovely taverna above Panormous beach on Mykonos. Even the Aldous Snow imitator to our right couldn't detract from the smooth coolness of the dish. It was really something special.

I've been trying to reverse engineer the dish, with some success, but it's not quite perfect yet. Tomorrow I'll try an existing recipe I found from Ina Garten - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/tzatziki-recipe.html

Wish me luck!