July 12, 2009

Summer BBQ


Heirloom Tomato Salad



French Potato & Green Bean Salad



Sweet & Sticky BBQ Beef Ribs

July 9, 2009

Cakey, Fluffy, Nutty, or Gooey?

When it comes to brownies, mine must have a bit of substance; not too cakey, not too fluffy, nor too gooey. I like texture from nuts and globs of melting chocolate.

Back during my Macrina Bakery days, we used to make a chocolate souffle type of brownie. Rich and filling, I could only eat a quarter of this brownie due to the sweetness. A brownie that disintegrates in your mouth. So fluffy, it became known as chocolate cotton candy. Not fully satisfying for me as I expect a bit of bite from my brownie.

I've played around with many of Alice Medrich's recipes from Bittersweet, as she is a chocolate genius. She has several variations using different types of chocolate. Although hers are divine, my sweet-tooth still wasn't fully satiated.

July 7, 2009

Love Is In The Air



This weekend we celebrated our lovely friends', Gunilla & Zak's Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony.

Travis was such a trooper, preparing the coolers and ice-packs for the long trip from LA to Bonny Doon. We arrived after 6 hours of car travel and the tiers were still chilled. Excellent job sweetie!

Our bucolic gift was inspired by Spanish ingredients, as Spain is where the two were married the first time around. Almond Mocha Kisses; Almond cake layered between silky Mocha Buttercream and Vanilla Whipped Cream with Strawberries.

Happy Anniversary you two!!
Skaal!