tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099591374055941122024-03-04T23:24:06.907-06:00Les Petites ImagesKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-4947578548548116362009-12-01T07:52:00.004-06:002009-12-01T08:00:17.418-06:00Away we go!This blog has moved to <a href="http://forkknifeandspoon.com/">forkknifeandspoon.com</a> Please head on over to check it out and update your rss feed!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forkknifeandspoon.com/blog/rss.xml"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 76px; height: 76px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLf57_AKqXTq-k_3O3o8dQtN_o4TiWY5PINXcqx0LzIkDj7G7DfbJ5bCv0Z9HrQOgv0KqaY6qgWcIIQwYXCQZIQee_TAT17tDBpN5n0jZgizYzZxqK2adZ2saQwNLLhGa4XvIlDoki2Oa/s200/round-power-rss.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410265559052024498" border="0" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-46425897458066321362009-11-28T14:41:00.003-06:002009-11-28T17:48:53.486-06:00Thanksgiving and Brown BreadI've been neglecting this blog but I swear it's for good reason. I just launched<a href="http://www.kngsommers.com/"> KNG Sommers Photography</a> (my new and improved photography business) mailed out two weddings and two baby sessions, photographed two family sessions, (um, is two the magic number?) went to a beer canning for the <a href="http://http//heavytable.com/monks-blood-brewing-at-cold-spring/">Heavy Table</a> and hung out with some cattle down in Cannon Falls, MN for Simple, Good and Tasty (I'll make sure to post a link when that article publishes) and all of that normal other day life stuff too. Sound like I have a problem saying no?<br /><br />The other big news is that as of December 1st this blog will be moving to a new domain! I'm keeping it under wraps until then, but will go live on Tuesday with a month of fun culinary giveaways and much more frequent blog posts. Until then I'll keep you occupied with a delicious stuffing recipe and tempt you with the experimental purchase I made this week.<br /><br />_____________________________<br /><br />I was so looking forward to this holiday weekend. With very few obligations and nothing immediately on the chopping block Kyle and I spent all day on Wednesday doing nothing. Yesterday while I was working from home Kyle prepared "2nd Thanksgiving" which is a fun excuse to cook and drink two days in a row.<br /><br />I don't care much for Turkey. It's fine I suppose, but I certainly don't obsess over it and Thanksgiving without turkey would be fine with me. What I really look forward to is the stuffing. And let me be clear, I really don't like most stuffing either. That mushy stuff that looks like baby food? Keep it away from me. I like southern cornbread and sausage stuffing. And no, my cornbread did not come in the form of dehydrated croutons (that is sacrilegious if you ask me). For my stuffing you make a good, hearty and savory cornbread. Mix it with onions, sausage, heavy cream and sherry and you have a little dish of heavy worth being thankful for.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4141861600/" title="DSC_6751 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4141861600_5933594dea_o.jpg" alt="DSC_6751" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />It is also the best leftover because it is SO good for breakfast. Just fry an egg or two, put them on top of your reheated stuffing and voila, instant southern breakfast! Being a "stovetop" stuffing, you can really make it as a side dish any day of the week with the roasted bird being entirely optional.<br /><br /><h1 class="title"><span style="font-size:130%;">Cornbread Stuffing From Time Life Foods of the World: American Cooking</span></h1><br /><div class="content"><div class="item-list"><ul><li>8 <acronym title="Tablespoon">T</acronym> butter</li><li>1 1⁄2 <acronym title="Cup">c</acronym> finely chopped onion</li><li>1 <acronym title="Pound">lb</acronym> sausage meat</li><li>1⁄2 <acronym title="Teaspoon">t</acronym> salt</li><li> <acronym title="Unit"></acronym> freshly ground pepper</li><li>2 <acronym title="Teaspoon">t</acronym> fresh thyme leaves</li><li>1⁄4 <acronym title="Cup">c</acronym> finely chopped parsley</li><li>1⁄4 <acronym title="Cup">c</acronym> dry madiera or sherry</li><li>1⁄4 <acronym title="Cup">c</acronym> heavy cream</li></ul></div></div> <h2>Instructions</h2><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cornbread for stuffing</span><br /><br />1 ½ C. yellow cornmeal<br />1 C. all-purpose flour<br />1 t. salt<br />1 T. baking powder<br />2 eggs<br />½ C. melted butter<br />1 ½ C. milk<br />Preheat the oven to 400º. Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Beat the eggs lightly, stir in the milk and add the melted butter. Pour into the bowl of dry ingredients and beat together for about a minute, or until smooth. Do not overbeat. Lightly butter an 8-by-12 inch shallow baking pan and pour in the batter. Bake in the center of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the bread comes slightly away from the edge of the pan and is golden brown.<br /><br />While your cornbread is baking:<br /> Melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet, add the chopped onions and cook over moderate heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they color lightly. Scrape them in into a large mixing bowl. Add the sausage to the skillet, now set over medium heat, and break the meat up with a fork as it cools. When the meat is lightly browned, transfer it to a sieve set over a small bowl and let the fat drain through. Combine the drained sausage meat, cornbread crumbs, salt a few grindings of pepper, the thyme and parsley. With a large spoon, gently stir the ingredients together, then moisten with the sherry and cream. Taste for seasoning.<br /><br />(The original recipes calls to brown the turkey liver in butter, then to chop and add it as well, but my mom always puts it in the gravy. I on the other hand usually end up with a Kosher Bird which doesn't include the innards)<br /><br /><br />Then there was dessert. We made a normal pumpkin pie, which is great and all. But then we all had to try this New England delicacy I found at Byerly's this week<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4141104915/" title="DSC_6757 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/4141104915_d399702be3_o.jpg" alt="DSC_6757" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Apparently brown bread was created when most people New England didn't have ovens and cooked everything in a fireplace. The bread is essentially steamed rather than baked. I found a recipe so you can try it at home here, or you can go to the baked beans section of your grocery store and keep your fingers crossed that they too carry brown bread.<br /><br />Taste profile: Well, it reminded me of eating really bland gingersnap cookie dough. It's definitely sticky and was pretty challenging to slice. I followed the recommended serving methods of toasting and microwaving along with serving it in its' raw state and I followed the suggestion of putting <a href="http://imagespetites.blogspot.com/2009/03/cream-cheese-challenge.html">cream cheese</a> on it. In summary, I wouldn't buy it again for any reason, but I might be inclined <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Boston-Brown-Bread-104112">to try making</a> it as a novelty if I had a lot of spare molasses on hand for some reason.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-12591105816269053202009-11-23T16:53:00.003-06:002009-11-23T17:15:01.730-06:00Its time again to vote!I was SO busy last week. In addition to putting in my normal 40 hours at my day job I launched my new photography website, <a href="http://kngsommers.com">KNG Sommers Photography</a>.<br /><br />I also had fun on shooting at the farms of 1000 Hills beef cattle (article to be released on <a href="http://www.simplegoodandtasty.com">Simple Good and Tasty</a> soon). I<br /><br />Then shot, edited and wrote about the canning of 21st Amendments new beer Monk's Blood for the <a href="http://heavytable.com/monks-blood-brewing-at-cold-spring/">Heavy Table</a><br /><br />Finally, I met my deadline for submitting my photo for the Marxfoods Vanilla Bean Contest. I know you feel compelled to <a href="http://marxfood.com/stunning-vanilla-bean-photos/">vote for my pretty picture</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4129495938/" title="katesommers by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/4129495938_42f0d54a0a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="katesommers" /></a><br /><br />Today I brought a can of <a href="http://www.foundshit.com/canned-brown-bread/">Brown Bread</a> because it looked too terrifying to NOT try it. I plan on preparing it in all of the recommended ways listed on the can. Baking, toasting microwaving and slathered with cream cheese. Since the purchase I've been warned the stuff is awful, and this may actually be the end to my <a href="http://imagespetites.blogspot.com/2009/03/cream-cheese-challenge.html">Cream Cheese Challenge </a><br /><br />If all goes well, I'll be inviting you all to follow me over to my new domain name by the end of this week! I'm stunned that I got the domain name I wanted, and can't wait to bring my blogging to the next level (whatever the hell THAT means)! <br /><br />In summary, be sure to check out my new <a href="http://kngsommers.com">photography website </a>(and subscribe to the blog while you're at it) and<a href="http://marxfood.com/stunning-vanilla-bean-photos/"> vote for Kate Sommers</a> at Marx Foods!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-62489396470898540762009-11-13T13:36:00.003-06:002009-11-13T14:11:16.720-06:00Pressing the reset buttonEveryone once in a while it's really good to sit back and take a good look at the way your life works. Reflection (as some cheesier than me might call it) is really important when major life changes happen. Like you get a new job and your husband starts school full time. WHAT A GREAT TIME TO REFLECT. Clearly things have been different in my life since I started my new job. <br /><br />Like the fact that I have a social life. I honestly can't remember the last time this was really true. Fall of 2005? That sounds about right. Since then I was inundated with overcommitment (not that I'm not overly committed now, because trust me, I am!) a brief stint at returning to school, working 2 jobs, starting a business, planning a wedding, getting married, buying a really old house and preventing the fixer-upper work that surrounds me everyday. But now I actually work normal hours (for the most part) and have more time to do things like edit during the week so that I can see people on the weekend.<br /><br /><br />Additionally, I have a normal sleeping and eating schedule. This has actually been the most difficult transition I've had to make. I have to plan my meals, and I actually have time to cook. When I was working at Trader Joe's, sometimes I would just eat one meal during the day, and stuff my face with sliced mango and candy cane Joe-joe's during my work hours. I would sometimes go to sleep hungry because I was just too tired to eat. I often had things people would consider dinner foods for breakfast because I had my lunch break at 9am. <br /><br />Ultimately I think this has made my cooking extravaganzas less interesting, which is probably why this blog is suffering. I also work for a prepackaged food company so for product knowledge sake (and the 25% discount helps too) I was eating a lot of frozen foods.<br /><br />Then something just switched in me and realized I felt like crap. My clothes didn't fit the right way anymore. I didn't like ANYTHING I owned. I KNEW I had gained weight, and even though training for a 10 mile run this fall, I really wasn't in very good shape. At Trader Joe's I was on my feel 10 hours a day and lifting 40 pound boxes fairly frequently. Now, the heaviest thing I lift is my messenger bag. Pathetic. <br /><br />So I re-upped at the gym (I took off the summer months because I don't like to lie to myself and pretend I would go) and I'm purging my body of my sugar cravings. I know that I am very sensitive to sugar and it's nearly impossible to control unless I start from scratch. One of my least favorite words in the English language is "carbs" but yes, I am for all intents and purposes denying myself of SIMPLE carbohydrates for two weeks. That doesn't sound so bad, but then when you realize wine, all forms of bread, pasta and cookies fall into that category, well shit. <br /><br />It's actually been remarkably easy this time around. I did have a bit of a "holiday" from my cleanse (as I like to call it) last Saturday. I also cheated last night because I attended the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction last night thanks to the lovely <a href="http://twitter.com/cafecyan">Crystal</a> of <a href="http://cafecyan.blogspot.com">Café Cyan</a>, and you just can't attend those things without a glass of wine and a bite of potato. But otherwise it's been great. I have more energy, I'm happier and I'm way more productive. Weird how eating healthy has more than just physical side affects. Now, to get back to my pre-married weight... hmm<br /><br />For lunch today I thought I'd share. I pretty much ate entire bunch of rainbow chard. No, not JUST chard, but chard with butter and leeks, salt and pepper. Unlike spinach which can sometimes get chalky when sauteed, chard retains its crunch and is SO good for you not to mention delicious and gorgeous. According to the iPhone locavore app we have two more MONTHS of chard season in Minnesota (I'm pretty sure mine came from California... what's the deal <a href="http://wedge.coop/">Wedge</a>? Where is my local chard supply when I want it?). I'm not sure where these leafy greens are going to be coming from in the middle of January, but I do know the Kale hanging out in my garden has survived quite a few frosts up until this point. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4100642841/" title="rainbowchard by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/4100642841_d06eb39553_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="rainbowchard" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's about all I have for today. I'll keep you posted on my healthy goals and think I just poured about a months worth of words into this post, so I'll conclude it by saying "Hi" to my newest connection, Summer from <a href="www.summerharshbotanicalartistry.com">Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry</a>. Check out the centerpieces she donated to the March of Dimes Dinner last night<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4101398034/" title="whisk by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4101398034_cfe655ef41_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="whisk" /></a><br /><br />I just love the whisk! <br /><br />And make sure you check out Crystal's blog over at <a href="http://cafecyan.blogspot.com">Café </a><a href="http://cafecyan.blogspot.com">Cyan</a>. She's always coming up with great ideas in her kitchen. And she's also very awesome... even if she lives in the suburbs.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-60947768915592836362009-11-06T11:31:00.003-06:002009-11-06T11:42:56.988-06:00Two more things
<br />A few things I forgot to mention in my earlier post.
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<br />1) <a href="http://www.marxfood.com/">Marxfoods</a> is having another contest. This time it is photography related, so all you budding (or professional) photographers out there that have blogs, here is a great opportunity to stock up your pantry with delicious vanilla beans right in time for the holiday baking season. What more could you ask for? Read the details at their blog <a href="http://marxfood.com/photo-contest-vanilla-beans/">Marxfood.com</a>
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<br />2) I just contributed to this new magazine based out of Brooklyn <a href="http://www.remedyquarterly.com/about/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Remedy Quarterly</span></a>. There are various incentives for contributing, and I love the vintage look and illustrations they feature on their site. Get involved and help them meet their financial goal!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.remedyquarterly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/remedy_031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 625px; height: 469px;" src="http://www.remedyquarterly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/remedy_031.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-26161206734729834112009-11-06T08:12:00.004-06:002009-11-06T08:28:44.688-06:00Return of the OmnivoreI made <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pork-Chops-with-Leeks-in-Mustard-Sauce-352613">this</a> delicious recipe on Wednesday night.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4080583628/" title="porkchop by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4080583628_865e8d512e_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="porkchop" /></a><br /><br />It called for leeks, and it just so happens we have a bunch of leeks we never harvested from our garden. Mostly because they are pretty lame leeks, the largest having a one inch diameter, most only hovering around half an inch. I was determined to use at least a few before the frost got to them and this yummy pork chop recipe allowed me to do that. So I went outside, grabbed four, shook off the dirt and game inside. After their initial rinse I put them on the cutting board to cut off the long tails and roots. <br /><br />Then this happened<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4079823603/" title="sam by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4079823603_dc7546c414_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="sam" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sam reigns supreme as Omnivore of the Week! <br /><br />The leeks were only on the cutting board for 20 seconds before he decided to nibble at the greenery. He hasn't seemed very interested in any of the winter squash we've been hoarding from our last CSA. Probably because they aren't feathery and delicious the way kale, corn and leeks are. <br /><br />And just for the sake of it, here are some leaves covered in yesterday morning's frost. It's just a matter of time before they are covered in a different cold white substance. Ugh. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4080586186/" title="leaves3 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4080586186_c45cc41b0f_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="leaves3" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4080585446/" title="leaves by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4080585446_6c41323e8c_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="leaves" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4080585698/" title="leaves1 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4080585698_f521e4203c_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="leaves1" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-21409824826194135022009-10-29T20:35:00.005-05:002009-10-30T10:45:18.142-05:00Progressive DinnerKyle would tell me to "stop apologizing" but I can't help it. I suck at blogging this month. SUCK. And I'm sorry. But look, another blog post! I honestly feel like I am doing injustice to myself when I only blog once a week. But it matters to someone right? Mom? You care, right?<br /><br />Okay, enough of that. In the interest of moving forward, and knowing that one snowy day in January I'll blog about New York City and 30 meals I've made between now and then, this post is about the progressive dinner we attended this past weekend in our neighborhood. Fun times with fabulous Minneapolis friends. Aside from a few slim pickin's, most people I spend social time with now live within walking distance of our house, which makes it easy to travel from house to house, enjoying numerous different courses and beverage accompaniments.<br /><br />Things started at our place, and being busy (read: behind schedule) hosts, I didn't take any pictures at our house. Kyle made baguettes and gougères, and I made a terrine with veal, pork ricotta and ham as well as wild mushroom crostini, and alongside, champagne.<br /><br />We then treked it one block north to Talia and Jay's apartment.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057223330/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4057223330_23d394c53d_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057223478/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/4057223478_ac1d0daf9f_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="600" width="900" /></a><br /><br />Jay didn't come to our place as he was at home making their baked mac and cheese prepared in individual baking pans and muffin tins. Amazing. Delicious.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057223608/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2729/4057223608_7d17bbd119_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />Armed and Ready<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056485953/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/4056485953_deb819e9dc_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Great detail by Jay. I love the scallions, and I really could never pass up extra cheese sauce<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056486045/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/4056486045_13abc94635_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056486171/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/4056486171_55969bd56f_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Talia gets excited<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057224128/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4057224128_3392975671_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Making our way over to Danielle and Chuck's, we had to first load up our pockets (and a hand or two) with cold beer on the porch<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056486335/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/4056486335_f9f0dc9d90_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056486437/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4056486437_6f320dda4d_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056486523/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/4056486523_f6fa101c62_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />First we had to cross the tracks<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057225034/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4057225034_57e8809f3b_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />and then make the two block walk down 2nd<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057224548/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/4057224548_64c9c86533_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />I got kind of involved in a conversation about video games (don't judge me) at Chuck and D's and didn't take any pictures there. I will also blame this on my leaving early to help Becky with her roasted chicken. Danielle made gorgeous rustic tartes and they were served with boozy homemade chai (courtesy of Criste). Where the hell was my camera? I think this is when I first had some brandy.<br /><br />Becky had never roasted a chicken before and was roasting TWO leading to certain amounts of nervousness. They turned out better than you could ever imagine, juicy and tender with crispy skin and perfectly browned veggies, I could swear she was a seasoned chicken roaster... but she did need help carving.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056487337/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4056487337_a7ef82fe9a_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://amandahankerson.com/">Amanda</a> had clearly shown up by this time, as I actually got to star in a few pictures here<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057225266/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4057225266_f1584e72b5_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Becky was the only gorgeous soul who adorned a Mad Men costume. It was really a great idea for the weekend before Halloween to all dress up, but alas my lack of <a href="http://www.jewelrygalblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/mad_men_joan_hollyway_necklace.jpg">Joan</a> dress (god, I could SO pull that off), or spanks for that matter lead me to wear a simple red dress. Becky went all out and found the most amazing outfit at <a href="http://www.viasvintage.com/">Via's</a>. Check out this head piece.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057225362/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4057225362_c90ac27bd9_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />MEAT!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056487681/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4056487681_09455211d3_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />In her vintage housewife glory<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057225694/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4057225694_8c9a5c9986_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Amanda didn't dress up. She just rocks vintage day in and day out.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057225810/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4057225810_c6184e7432_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="900" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057225878/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/4057225878_578641bce3_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Next up was dessert at Katrinas. She made TWO, apple pie and pumpkin bars. There was definitely brandy in my coffee at this point.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056488147/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4056488147_b5e54fec49_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="600" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056488229/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4056488229_b860120f04_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />Claudia's house was meant for after-dinner drinks and games. If you haven't experienced 3-D chalk before, to quote myself "it rulz". More brandy.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057226192/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/4057226192_a9551ca5df_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="Progressive Dinner" /></a></span><br /><br />You do need to wear the magic 3-D chalk glasses to truly get it though<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057226288/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/4057226288_a9c84afe39_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br />I'm sure Zach wrote something inappropriate<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057226392/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4057226392_7c6b71ea54_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056488661/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/4056488661_b0c9579a6b_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />And then... we played "writey-drawy-foldy". Essentially the premise is to write out a sentence. Any sentence about anything. Then hand it to the person to your left (you're sitting in a circle). Everyone then receives a piece of paper with a sentence written on it and underneath make a drawing depicting the sentence they read above. Then they fold the sentence under before handing the paper to the person to your left so that the person they are handing it to cannot see the original sentence. They then write a sentence depicting the picture that you drew while you draw a picture depicting the picture the person to your right drew. Get it? It's like an alcohol induced game of telephone on paper. And it is amazing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056488773/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/4056488773_39083a77b8_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056488865/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/4056488865_c0f7089713_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />The game ends when someone realizes the piece of paper that is in their hands was the one they had originally. Very rarely is it remotely similar to the original sentence, but it is pretty awesome what people come up with.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056488999/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4056488999_2820808a8b_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="900" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057226998/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/4057226998_2704a0f36e_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />The best part may be going through the train of thought of 10 or so people as you describe your sentence and its path to the whole group.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056489195/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/4056489195_cfb8ec5fff_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056489309/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4056489309_408203e4c4_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057227376/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4057227376_9c4bd30ec0_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057227552/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/4057227552_e3a009cb62_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="902" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4057227450/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4057227450_407326a2bf_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4056489747/" title="Progressive Dinner by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4056489747_27b7ba3633_o.jpg" alt="Progressive Dinner" height="599" width="900" /></a><br /><br />Happy Progressive Dinner Everyone! Leave the brandy at home next time.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-90927564290890297132009-10-19T19:17:00.005-05:002009-10-19T19:59:07.832-05:00Anniversary WeekendKyle and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary this past weekend. Last year we took a little holiday to celebrate in Western Wisconsin, and were planning a similar concept until Kyle came up with the brilliant idea for us to stay at home and cook fabulous food all weekend with no distractions. So cook we did.<br /><br /><br />First, we studied<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027941886/" title="_DSC3445 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4027941886_53c2f88595_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3445" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />Kyle made bread<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027186769/" title="_DSC3453 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4027186769_a3448e977a_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3453" width="900" height="600" /></a></span><br /><br />We had ravioli for lunch<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027186931/" title="_DSC3455 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4027186931_dde08a8cf6_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3455" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br />None of those wonton wrappers for us! We DID live in Italy after all<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027187147/" title="_DSC3461 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/4027187147_a32963847c_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3461" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />I'm a little embarrassed about our non-fluted pastry cutter<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027189851/" title="_DSC3464 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4027189851_237fd798b4_b.jpg" alt="_DSC3464" width="681" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />But it did taste pretty damn good<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027945548/" title="_DSC3467 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4027945548_00bc45d0ac_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3467" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />What is romance without a steak dinner?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027190441/" title="_DSC3473 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4027190441_4fd6e3e2ed_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3473" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />Kyle baked some more! This time, brioche<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027190743/" title="_DSC3485 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/4027190743_daf6aa957d_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3485" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />And then we made croque monsieur for breakfast<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027946556/" title="_DSC3495 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2186/4027946556_79d0f2cd62_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3495" width="600" height="900" /></a></span><br /><br />And because I'm me... some foie gras torchon, even though they weren't very pretty....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027946712/" title="_DSC3512 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/4027946712_d5c65f425a_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3512" width="900" height="600" /></a><br />They tasted damn good with some truffle salt sprinkled on top<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4027946942/" title="_DSC3522 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/4027946942_d908a2a66a_o.jpg" alt="_DSC3522" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Things I didn't spend the time to take pictures of: the copious bottles of wine consumed, and two other lovely baking projects of Kyle's. Fortunetely, we still have all of the bottles and left overs of the other two projects, so I have more material to post this week (oh, plus the New York pictures, squash soup terrine, and numerous other files clogging up my hard drive).Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-30105714078197972792009-10-13T22:25:00.004-05:002009-10-14T07:26:31.417-05:00Week of Eating: NYC Day 1The only significant meal I ate my 1st day in New York was at Jean George. I woke up incredibly early for my flight in, had breakfast at the airport around 5:45am central, and had 2:30 reservations at Jean George for lunch in NYC. After a very humid and warm trip from JFK to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UWS</span> (Yeah, for all of you non locals? uh, the Upper West Side, like, duh.) I was ready to be treated well. Jean George has a $30 lunch special: any two entrees for $30.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4009826447/" title="Jean Georges by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/4009826447_e76403b196_o.jpg" alt="Jean Georges" width="600" height="901" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Foie Gras Brulee with Pistachio and Dried Cherry<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4010593288/" title="Jean Georges by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/4010593288_c6aef90b74_o.jpg" alt="Jean Georges" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Sautee of sweetbreads with arugula and pickled peaches</span><br /></span><br /></span>If you order <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Foie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gras</span> and Sweetbreads and you order a glass of chardonnay you might as well just write "asshole" on your forehead. I ordered a lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Alsatian</span> Riesling to compliment my dishes. And dessert? Oh no... I'm sure I don't... what's that? you have a cheese CART?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4010593534/" title="Jean Georges by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/4010593534_c8915d1cc5_o.jpg" alt="Jean Georges" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />Done and Done. And a glass of Côtes du Rhône to compliment. Great. Thanks!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/4009827095/" title="Jean Georges by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/4009827095_f61820f4ef_o.jpg" alt="Jean Georges" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />My very reasonably priced meal all of a sudden became a $100 lunch for one (including tip, thank god).<br /><br /><br />Now I know what you're thinking. I took pictures in this place? Well I certainly wasn't going to, but then EVERYONE ELSE was. It turns out fabulous cameras are as common as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hot dogs</span> in NYC, so while I VERY quickly (and sneakily I might add) took the pictures of my entrees (I hadn't yet worked up the courage to shoot my lovely assortment of amuse <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bouche</span>) I flat out said "screw it" when they wheeled out the cheese cart. It was gorgeous, and honestly? Everyone is a tourist.<br /><br />My server was lovely. A Florida native (and FOUR years younger than me. What would I do if I had a gig like that at the age of 23? I'd think I was the shit. That's for sure) we chatted about the service industry for a while before he had to depart (oh wait, split shifts DO suck and I'm very happy to have bid "adieu" to waiting tables).<br /><br />Oh and the food. Was. AMAZING. Just do yourself a favor, get a glass of ice water and enjoy this place for $30 next time you're in Manhattan.<br /><br />But be aware. I made reservations 3 week in advance for lunch, and they only had an 11am and a 2:30, so it apparently fills up pretty quickly.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-33010422726921214902009-10-12T13:10:00.004-05:002009-10-12T13:15:10.646-05:00Another chance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://marxfood.com/wp-content/uploads/RecipeContestBadge-cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 148px;" src="http://marxfood.com/wp-content/uploads/RecipeContestBadge-cake.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now it's <span style="font-weight: bold;">my </span>chance to win a contest. Head over to <a href="http://marxfood.com/vote-for-the-best-recipe/">Marxfood.com</a> to vote for my <strong><a href="http://imagespetites.blogspot.com/2009/06/marx-food-challenge-sausages.html">Green Garlic Stringozzi topped with Foie Gras Duck Sausage and Rhubarb Confit</a><i><br /></i></strong>previously posted on my blog.<br /><br />Here is a quick reminder of how delicious it looks<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3596654932/" title="sausages! by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2452/3596654932_e9b276a614_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="sausages!" /></a><br /><br />Now get over to <a href="http://marxfood.com/vote-for-the-best-recipe/">Marx foods</a> and vote!<br /><br /><br /><strong><i><br /></i></strong>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-16566676090213351012009-10-09T12:15:00.003-05:002009-10-09T12:43:24.040-05:00Winner!I'm happy to announce a fellow Minnesotan as the winner of the <a href="http://imagespetites.blogspot.com/2009/09/better-than-christmas-give-away.html">Better than Christmas Giveaway</a>. Soon <a href="http://knitthink.typepad.com/flyoverland/">Amy Rea </a>will have a big ole box of goodies on her doorstep! <br /><br /><br />Thanks to Marxfoods.com for sponsoring the give away and an even bigger thank you to all of you who entered, tweeted and facebooked about it. If you didn't win this time, fortunately you can <a href="http://marxfoods.com">BUY</a> all of those wonderful products and follow their <a href="http://marxfood.com">blog</a> to find out about their own fun and special giveaways.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-8917649554767387282009-10-06T23:26:00.002-05:002009-10-06T23:39:50.434-05:00Once upon a timeI went to New York City, took generic photographs like this one<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3988476939/" title="_DSC0797 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/3988476939_86d9cd8327_o.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="_DSC0797" /></a><br /><br /><br />and then didn't blog anything else about it.<br /><br />Okay, I promise I'll blog about my big trip soon enough. <br /><br />But if you know me, you know I can't resist new things and meeting new people. Tonight I went on an outing with <a href="http://tcfoodies.ning.com">tcfoodies</a>, run by <a href="http://www.google.com/profiles/jeremyiggers">Jeremy Iggers</a>. Jeremy <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/11415911.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU">reviewed</a> one of the two Twin Cities restaurants I helped to open, and it was exciting to meet him and the other tcfoodie nerdbots like myself. I blogged about it <a href="http://tcfoodies.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-anchor-fish-and-chips">here</a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-91219974160955735882009-10-05T20:52:00.005-05:002009-10-05T21:12:46.941-05:00A sad dayWhen I read this morning that Gourmet was shutting down I could feel nothing but guilt. <br /><br />This was a little unreasonable. <br /><br />I did my part. <br /><br />I paid for my Gourmet subscription (my first real adult subscription) and proudly keep every copy stored away in the bookcase in the living room. <br /><br />I frequent gourmet.com almost daily (definitely weekly) and have the app on my iPhone. <br /><br />But it just wasn't enough. <br /><br />The true reason I feel guilty is that I blog about food. Along with thousands if not millions of other people around the world I, even in the tiniest part, participated in the killing of Gourmet Magazine. It is hard to deny that blogs haven't ruined print media and it will be sad to see an important institution go. <br /><br />I can't think of one blog, amongst even the most prestigious of food <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blogs out there,</span> that I would rather read than taking the time to flip through those gorgeous glossy pages, whose recipes I would trust enough to cook in my kitchen, or whose food photography could push my creative limits to a new dimension. <br /><br />I'll miss you Gourmet.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-22290135028541558622009-09-27T21:57:00.002-05:002009-09-27T22:08:57.927-05:00Guess where I am...If you haven't been clued into where I am currently located in the world, these two pictures show the vast diversity of this crazy crazy place.<br /><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3960625029/" title="NYC by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3960625029_f23b769a98_o.jpg" alt="NYC" height="600" width="399" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3961397116/" title="NYC by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3961397116_88070f63b1_o.jpg" alt="NYC" height="598" width="900" /></a><br /><br /><br />Also, as I am using my company computer so have no access to photoshop. If my pictures look like shit, blame the PC. (Perhaps this should be Apple's new ad campaign)<br /></span></span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-26758009676256918012009-09-20T19:56:00.008-05:002009-10-09T12:00:08.351-05:00Better than Christmas: A Give Away<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938855919/" title="giveaway by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3938855919_0e604d0a38_o.jpg" alt="giveaway" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm happy to announce Les Petites Images second<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span> and most delicious give away to date.<br />The amazing <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Marxfoods</span></a> has graciously provided me with the goods to give to one of my very lucky readers.<br /><br />When the box arrived here I was in awe. It's simply ridiculous how many great things there are. It seemed like I just kept digging and digging as though it was Mary Poppins handbag. Though sample sized, these goodies could keep you busy in the kitchen for six months and will certainly spark some creativity.<br /><br />The sweeteners alone are enough to make any sweet-tooth's mouth water...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Granulated-Honey"><span style="font-size:85%;">Granulated Honey</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937413121/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3937413121_a6f970103f.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Demerara-Sugar"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Demerara</span> Sugar</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938191806/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3938191806_38b7ab44d1.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Vanilla-Sugar"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vanilla Sugar</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938192012/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3938192012_df6a58f4df.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">All of them together looking pretty</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937413625/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3937413625_1612e47a76_o.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br />And then there were the salts: a plethora of specialty, rare, beautiful and oh-so-different types of salt. Salt you can use to make an extra special margarita, or add a spicy crunch to the top of a fabulous appetizer, or even as an addition to a fabulous home made truffle.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A "palette" of different flavors and colors</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938192286/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/3938192286_7ba21e3683_o.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Hawaiian-Red-Sea-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Hawaiian Red Sea Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938192434/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3938192434_e2fed212e7.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Espresso-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;">Espresso Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937414685/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3937414685_d4a6422d18.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Smoked-Sea-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;">Smoked Sea Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937415039/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3937415039_0ac34b0717.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Bulk-Lime-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lime Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938192994/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3938192994_10a808f25f.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Gray-Sea-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gray Sea Salt</span></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937415219/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/3937415219_269a722a22.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Szechuan-Pepper-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Szechuan</span> Pepper Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937415511/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3937415511_1dd7a8c489.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Hawaiian-Black-Sea-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;">Hawaiian Black Sea Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938194016/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3938194016_b2319f1e12.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Habanero-Salt"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Habanero</span> Salt</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937415909/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3937415909_119a8f5f80.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's quite a good give away isn't it? Salt and sugar? I guess spice would be an appropriate addition. So why not add, say, eleven types of dried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">chiles</span> from around the world? Sure, no problem.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938196450/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3938196450_ed937e8e48_o.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Clockwise from far left: <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-New-Mexico-Peppers">New Mexican <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Japones-Chilies"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Japones</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Organic-Aji-Cereza-Chiles?sc=2&category=22412">Organic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Aji</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cereza</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Ancho-Chilies"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ancho</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Aji-Panca-Peppers"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Aji</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Panca</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Habanero-Peppers"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Habanero</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Puya-Chilies"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Puya</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Chipotle-Chilies"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Chipotle</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Chiles</span></a><br /><br />and a few more...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937417885/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3937417885_54e00aac64_o.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="600" height="900" /></a><br />Top to bottom: <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Ghost-Chilies">Ghost <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Serrano-Chilies">Smoked Serrano <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Chiles</span></a>, <a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/Dried-Pasilla-Negro-Chilies"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Pasilla</span> Negro <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Chiles</span></a><br /><br /></span><br />And then... (can you believe there is more?)<br /><br />Finally there are the mushrooms. We all need a little <a href="http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umami"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">umami</span> </a>in our lives right?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-shitake-mushrooms"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Shiitake</span></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937416077/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3937416077_9f644230f9.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-cultivated-maitake"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Maitake</span></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937416259/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3937416259_dcdc4e7a0a.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-oyster-mushrooms"><span style="font-size:85%;">Oyster</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937416483/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3937416483_aff7b3f6ee.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-porcini-mushrooms"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Porcini</span></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937416745/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3937416745_e512582e2c.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-wild-trumpet"><span style="font-size:85%;">Black Trumpet</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937416879/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3937416879_4384773308.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-lobster-mushrooms"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lobster</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938195282/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3938195282_3d131f0a41.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-chanterelle-mushrooms"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Chanterelle</span></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938195444/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3938195444_9cc237df4a.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marxfoods.com/dried-matsutake-mushrooms"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Matsutake</span></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3938195928/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3938195928_e22c02ef31.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><br />And that people, is the greatest giveaway this blog has ever seen. Granted it's only the second giveaway I've done around here, it's still totally boss!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To qualify:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Leave a comment telling me which of the above products you are most excited to try in your kitchen and how you would use it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Comments will close at 12pm central time on Friday October 9</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">th</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. The winner will then be selected at random using the random integer generator at random.org to select one person by their comment number. If you blog, tweet, tumble or </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">facebook</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (or any other form of social media for all I care) about this give away, leave a comment linking to your shout-out and enter to win up to 3 times!</span><br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3937418385/" title="Giveaway extravaganza by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3937418385_156ea202f8_o.jpg" alt="Giveaway extravaganza" width="900" height="599" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-1051256838549653922009-09-11T11:06:00.004-05:002009-09-11T23:13:24.979-05:00Kate Takes California: Part IIAfter another full day of meetings, we all really needed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">som</span></span>e R&R. Wednesday night we hit up the traditional "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Irish</span></span> pub" of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Petaluma</span></span> (what?) and enjoyed sitting on the patio until the sun went down and the temp dropped to the 40s. It's true that I deal with temperatures this low 6 months out of the year, but in California in August? I had just about enough of that. I made everyone go inside so my poor flip-flop-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cladden</span></span> feet could warm up.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897077168/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3897077168_43c7302d17_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This looks like a scene from the birds, but it was really cool to watch these guys swoop around for 5 minutes, go back to their perch, and then back to the swooping thing. Strange creatures.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897077664/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3897077664_2ce7d69c2d_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897077884/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3897077884_db896628db_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Thursday we had another long day ahead of us. That's right. It was beach day. A pretty heated east coast v west coast volleyball game ensued (I picked east coast as my team, as I hand spent time hanging out with them during the week, and they are a much smaller sales team. Good thing too, because the west coast was ALL talk. I think it ended up 3-0 East coast. Way to go my friends.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896298887/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3896298887_aa6b115eec_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897079096/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3897079096_36275d2a35_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896299329/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3896299329_6ddf40d7ec_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896301089/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3896301089_dc07768593_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897080758/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3897080758_92f78441f9_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally the competition subsided and the relaxing part of beach day began. Some people kayaked (and got to see seals 10 feet away from them, awesome!) and my bosses daughter Madelyn got her first taste (literally) of the ocean sand.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896301979/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3896301979_669497e013_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="1127" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897081656/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/3897081656_73c2920b30_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="1019" height="679" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897082024/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3897082024_3b4bda9f99_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897083696/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3897083696_4043b85fdf_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897084030/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3897084030_4ea990155a_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br />seriously how cute is this?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897084374/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3897084374_902aa6fd1b_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896305613/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3896305613_c4c082e6ba_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="1210" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897085960/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3897085960_5f6770906e_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><br />After a fun trip back into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SFO</span> on hwy 1 (Read: not fun for the weak of stomach, including yours truly) we spent a short period of time in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">touristville</span> USA, ate at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McCormicks</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kulitos</span> (and had what was truly the best Halibut of my life) in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ghiradelli</span> square and bought some sourdough to throw in the freezer at home.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897086582/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3897086582_af6a56a76a_o.jpg" width="900" height="597" alt="Work Trip to CA" /></a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897086814/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3897086814_1be8948469_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="674" /></a><br /><br />Of course I grabbed a quick shot of this bride and groom<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896307503/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3896307503_96d8c7ebe8_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The next morning, after the panic of an ammonia spill (and the possibility of being stranded at the Airport hotel) I finally got to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SFO</span>, bought a few pounds of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Peet's</span> and got a free cup to go (apparently when you spend $30 some dollars on coffee they'll give you a free cup). This was when I realized that I couldn't actually BRING my DAMN coffee with me to the terminal because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Peet's</span> was in ticketing. DAMN YOU <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">TSA</span> and your crazy 2oz bottle rule.<br /><br />This gave me the opportunity to relax under what turned out to be a pretty cool sculpture hanging right outside of the terminal. Fine, I guess I'll forgive the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">TSA</span>, but only this one time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896307789/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/3896307789_ae045c70c5_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="884" height="1193" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896308131/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3896308131_a09fc48d11_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="1194" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897088026/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3897088026_bf6e63f6a4_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="1215" height="904" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-2693583223498439412009-09-07T20:44:00.004-05:002009-09-08T05:46:00.925-05:00Kate takes on California (Day one)I know what you're thinking. Kate starts a new job, Kate stops blogging. Guys, it's not true! There is no doubt I've been busy. Learning a new job does take up time and energy. Add that to a couple of weddings and baby shoots, plus a trip to sunny CA and a bout of the stomach flu and there you have it. Bad blogging. Now I'm not making any promises. I have a bunch of things coming up pretty soon here. But I am going to give it a concerted effort to be better. In the mean time... here is a glimpse into my "work" trip to California.<br /><br /><br /><br />My company is based out of Petaluma, CA, which ensures a trip through San Fran. I love this city, but since I was riding with others, I didn't really have a chance to do anything on my own. No worries. We at least stopped at a "scenic overlook"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896277607/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3896277607_9deaaebcd5_b.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /><br />My 1st day of the sales meeting was tough. A plant tour in the morning, followed by long lunch and 3 hours of meetings afterwards (I know you're feeling my pain right now).<br /><br />Now I realize I told you I wasn't going to mention the company I work for. The same holds true today, but if you figure it out from a picture or two I'll just think you're REALLY savvy.<br /><br />The sales team (well, 1/2 of us)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897057594/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3897057594_42a86964a1_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mmmm, veggie burgers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897059044/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3897059044_c24cc333f1_b.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="680" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />The beginning of cheese enchiladas<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897062252/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3897062252_3dcc33287f_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />The amazing thing about this company is that so much is still done by hand.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897062634/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3897062634_d434277356_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896284001/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3896284001_b2cdfed80b_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897060872/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3897060872_2d041a6100_b.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896282601/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3896282601_42e6377124_b.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="680" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896284813/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3896284813_da1cf5b5f5_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br />The last thing I expected a plant to smell was pleasant. Today it smelled like the inside of a Mexican grandmothers kitchen. Not bad!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896284169/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3896284169_fab89fb431_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896285529/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3896285529_a59ba408be_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896286057/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3896286057_c9b34a0c11_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />There is a ham in every group<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896285357/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3896285357_4824e0f898_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br />Get this. They make their own tofu... by hand. We ate some right off the pressing block (this was the 1st delicious step towards me having a very full and bloated soy belly by the end of the week).<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897065896/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3897065896_114db6ecc3_o.jpg" width="900" height="597" alt="Work Trip to CA" /></a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897066238/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3897066238_79ab242018_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896287281/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3896287281_a8ca1e80b1_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br />We didn't get to see any soup being made, but the set up looked pretty cool<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896287755/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3896287755_3c4c684aee_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897067242/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3897067242_499e5187b9_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><br />After our three long treacherous hours of meetings (you hate me, don't you? Hold on, it gets better) we headed off to a ranch about 10 minutes from downtown Petaluma.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896288589/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3896288589_e10930122f_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br />complete with pomegranate trees<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896289383/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3896289383_bf4dd13e07_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br />.. .and a fully equipped bakery<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896288917/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3896288917_1bde3ea121_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896290953/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3896290953_cb69f96c6c_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896291275/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3896291275_673a97f4db_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897070718/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3897070718_d4f9ed8f77_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897070942/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3897070942_1bc650e297_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897071116/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3897071116_247a291340_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896293491/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3896293491_7f787c397d_b.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="680" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897073116/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3897073116_2fec0aab68_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />... and scenes that look right out of an Anthropologie catalogue<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897069596/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3897069596_1ebb44b1ce_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897072764/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/3897072764_873c3c4aaf_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896294571/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3896294571_b14fcc7d84_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br />... and chef preparing us produce purchased at the farmers market that morning<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896290683/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/3896290683_2233622838_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896294823/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3896294823_d9b3186ca6_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="900" height="597" /></a><br /><br />We stayed until dusk, filled to the brim and more content than ever before. Seriously this place was so incredibly beautiful. I'm thinking about getting our marriage annulled so we can get married all over again at this place. I can't even imagine what it would be like to live on the premises (three families have small cottages on the land, that are just as cute inside as they are out)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3897076432/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3897076432_37acb081cf_b.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="680" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3896297485/" title="Work Trip to CA by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3896297485_8810cbc244_o.jpg" alt="Work Trip to CA" width="600" height="904" /></a><br /><br /><br />Up next: Beach day!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-42647456195707058452009-08-23T14:40:00.002-05:002009-08-23T14:51:25.575-05:00CSA goodiesIn our last batch we got some beauties:<br /><br />Oh-so-sweet corn<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3849745982/" title="_DSC9797 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3849745982_d721d730ee_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="_DSC9797" /></a><br /><br />Cabbage (little friend no-extra charge)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3848950321/" title="_DSC9803 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3848950321_565f3ed373_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="_DSC9803" /></a><br /><br />zucchini, peppers, onions, garlic, cucumbers, and broccoli. Since we haven't gotten any tomatoes yet I've been supplimenting with farmers market tomatoes. <br /><br />It turns out <a href="http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x1507909996/What-to-do-with-all-that-zucchini">this soup</a> (we recently bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764578650/ref=s9_simz_gw_s4_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0649BSZ6907SZDH45ZC7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">How to Cook Everything</a> at 1/2 priced used books) is REALLY REALLY GOOD. We polished off every last drop. Go make it tomorrow!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3849746702/" title="_DSC9816 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3849746702_18af2eb6c6_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="_DSC9816" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-19895408621758833292009-08-18T19:54:00.003-05:002009-08-18T20:01:59.964-05:00Sam: Reigning Omnivore of the Week ChampionWell, this week there were 3 contenders for omnivore of the week:<br /><br />Last weeks champion, Sam:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3834711039/" title="W/E 08/23/09 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3834711039_7356998714_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="W/E 08/23/09" /></a><br /><br />(How cute is that tongue? Even if it's blurry. Don't judge me)<br /><br />Rose stepped up to the plate<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3834711209/" title="W/E 08/23/09 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/3834711209_e9548616f3_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="W/E 08/23/09" /></a><br /><br />but then Sam butted in and scared Rose away (she's a very very strange cat. Not skiddish, but mayyyybe just a little inbred)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3834710635/" title="W/E 08/23/09 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3834710635_9f76e6150f_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="W/E 08/23/09" /></a><br /><br />If we were similar in size and I saw this guy wanting to munch on my dinner? I guess I'd run away too.<br /><br />Tallulah thought about it, for approximately 1/100th of a second<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3834710507/" title="W/E 08/23/09 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3834710507_abf6ae132f_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="W/E 08/23/09" /></a><br /><br />but the king reigns supreme:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3834710829/" title="W/E 08/23/09 by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3834710829_a163cb3043_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="W/E 08/23/09" /></a><br /><br /><br />You can even see Tallulah's tail as she walks away from the King eating his dinner<br /><br />Next week we'll find out if Sam likes anything besides Kale. <br /><br />Tomorrow, a really cute inch worm and some pretty soup.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-72132071869333792282009-08-12T17:45:00.002-05:002009-08-12T17:50:00.690-05:00Sam: Omnivore of the weekWhen I bring new things into the house, the cats always have to investigate.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809469437/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3809469437_1f77c1519b_o.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sam decided he would try out the goods<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810282214/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3810282214_3810cb4332_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><br />And apparently he really liked it. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810281990/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3810281990_a52961ed57_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br />Too bad I didn't have more time to set up the shot. Hopefully he'll be just as eager about next weeks bounty.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-55997063030936884742009-08-11T20:22:00.003-05:002009-08-11T21:08:37.875-05:00Back to the basics<span style="font-style: italic;">Let me preface this post by saying I know all you fabulous foodies have been blogging about your CSAs for weeks now. Just think of it as "reliving" your first delivery all over again, with the fabulous bounty that mid-summer brings...</span><br /><br />Once upon a time Kate and Kyle lived on three different organic farms in Italy. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809467335/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3809467335_e053cd5702_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br />Along the way they learned about the language, culture, and cooking associated with living on a working farm. Kyle continued on for another 3 weeks on an organic (and nudist {this was not mentioned in the WWOOF description of the farm}) farm in Wales. It was then that they caught the farming bug. And it's one of those bugs you live with for the rest of your life. Always there being tamed by nothing but"rational" thoughts of friends, families, mortgages and student loan payments...<br /><br />After much deliberation Kyle and I painfully decided not to join a CSA earlier this year. We wasted so much (well, our compost appreciated it) last year because of our busy lives, and with Kyle in school and my work load getting nothing if not larger, we knew we'd be kidding ourselves trying it again this year. We planted a garden. And then that damn sun just didn't shine. We've harvested a couple of small treats, but only enough to constitute a meal once or twice. And the poor little farmers that live inside of us were sad.<br /><br />Then, tada! I got a new job. And it just so happens that job thing occurred simultaneously with a Simple Good and Tasty post by <a href="http://simplegoodandtasty.com/2009/07/20/jackson-hollow-farm-now-offering-a-limited-number-of-midsummer-shares">Lee</a> about <a href="http://www.airstreamcomm.net/%7Ebrianandlaura/index.html">Jackson Hollow </a>expanding their CSA and accepting mid-season shares. Uh... Duh? Where do I sign?<br /><br />Yesterday was our first pick up and just look at all the beautiful stuff we got!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809470295/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3809470295_0c85774331_o.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and how I love that basket!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809470527/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3809470527_4da2716c67_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810282878/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3810282878_1f09795162_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809470867/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3809470867_f6e2f1b4e1_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809471191/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3809471191_4d0372bc84_o.jpg" width="600" height="902" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810283608/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3810283608_bbbf904c53_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><br />We got some gorgeous green beans too, but I didn't realize Kyle had snatched them up for snacking while I was taking these pictures. <br /><br /><br />On my way home from picking up our share I was inspired to make Broccoli and Gavadeals (Cavatelli for the non New Jersey readers out there) though had a sneaking suspicion the Eastside Co-op didn't carry Cavatelli (named after small hollow sea shells). No matter, I bought chiocciole (named after snail shells). At least I was in the same genus. I also grabbed some <a href="http://www.prairiefare.com/pastureshp.htm">Pastures a Plenty</a> Spicy Italian Sausage and went home to whip up our first veggie CSA dinner of 2009. <br /><br />There is no tried and true Broccoli and Cavatelli recipe I can give you. Kyle's dad makes it the absolute best I have ever had it but if I told you how much fat he adds to it, it would flat line you then and there. Instead, as I love to do, I'll give you approximates. Let it be known I cooked the entirety of the bag of pasta and didn't really need all of it. Fortunately I made pesto earlier in the week, so once we pick out all of the broccoli and sausage, we'll have a whole new meal out of the leftovers. <br /><br /><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />Broccoli, cut into slightly larger than bite sized pieces<br />1 pkg Italian Sausage, sliced on the bias (I prefer spicy, but you can always use sweet)<br />Cavatelli (substitue any tubular medium sized pasta if you can't find Cavatelli)<br />Garlic, smashed with a knife, skin removed<br />Red Pepper for spice<br />Your favorite italian style grating cheese<br /><br />Set water to boil in large pot<br /><br />Saute the sausage in a heavy bottomed until well browned<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810283768/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3810283768_a6b3c9fce6_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809471825/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3809471825_9ae21f324d_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br />Remove sausage from pan and set aside leaving browned bits and fat in the pan<br /><br />Add pasta to pot and cook according to package. Drain, reserving 1/4 to 1/2 cup cooking water<br /><br />Add broccoli and garlic to sausage pan and cover. Stir every 3-4 minutes until broccoli is tender but not over cooked.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810284378/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3810284378_3a47c08549_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br />Toss it all together and season according to taste. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810284694/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3810284694_18cb395d52_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br />Drizzle with olive oil and cooking water if desired. Sprinkle with cheese. Eat it up!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3809472715/" title="1st csa by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/3809472715_7c8d07021e_o.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="1st csa" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tomorrow: My cat eats Kale and I've got pictures to prove itKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-53628504725298917402009-08-06T07:58:00.005-05:002009-08-10T21:57:00.864-05:00Onward, UpwardHi this is me... well, It's a self portrait after hours of drinking and eating... so yes, This is me!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3810385080/" title="kate by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3810385080_8e0cd3ab6f_o.jpg" width="900" height="599" alt="kate" /></a><br /><br />Today was my first day at my new job.<br /><br />What? I got a new job? Yes it's true and being the busy individual that I am I haven't found the time to blog about it. Last Wednesday was my last day at Trader Joe's. <br /><br />There, I FINALLY mentioned where I work on my blog. <br />Aren't you proud? Well if you think I'm going to tell you the company I got a job WITH, you have another thing coming.<br /><br />For the past three years and four months I worked for what is truly a spectacular little grocery store. I learned a lot about food, was constantly praised for both my knowledge and my skills, was given ridiculous raises and benefits, and built very meaningful relationships with numerous amazing people.<br /><br />I also learned what I want to do when I grow up, which has lead me to where I am today. I learned at the ripe age of 27, that without a doubt, I will always be working with food. I knew I didn't want to go back into the service industry, and let's be serious: retail is a bitch. Granted, Trader Joe's is probably the only form of retail I could or would ever work, and is GREAT retail overall. <br /><br />But I also knew that one day I wanted to have a family and that 50 hour work weeks, all or most holidays and lots and lots of weekends was not conducive to being the type of parent, spouse or daughter that I wanted to be.<br /><br />This led to a job search. I had no idea what I was looking for, and quite honestly I wasn't feeling very optimistic. A lot of what Trader Joe's provided me with was really hard to put on paper.<br /><br />But I persevered. <br /><br />I read <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Craigslist</span> ads with the search term "food". I sent my resume to a friend that works in Career Counseling. And I (wait, don't laugh) had patience. <br /><br />I would like to encourage you to go search on monster or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">craigstlist</span> with the search term "food" to see what I was up against.<br /><br />Food: Yes! Food service: NO!<br /><br />Shuffling through dozens of daily listings can make you eyes go crossed : Manager, host, food runner, line cook, food service director, merchandise coordinator, serving position. WAIT! Go back to that second to last one. Merchandise coordinator? That was a good title! Tell me more!<br /><br />Giving little indication as to which company the add was for, the job sounded interesting at least. "Develop relationships, price comparisons, organic foods, yada yada". I closed my eyes, threw together a cover letter, shuffled some things around on my resume and sent the email. I had applied for a new job. I had no idea what to expect<br /><br />A waited a week or two and heard nothing. I was angry that I didn't get a call back and had no idea what I would do if my well manicured resume couldn't even get me a call back. <br /><br />I'm not one to dwell, so I moved on, perused <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">craigslist</span> a couple days a week and ACTUALLY moved on. That's when things happen right? When you move on? That's when I got a call. And then an interview, and then another. All of a sudden they wanted to fly me to Chicago. And finally, two and a half weeks ago, an offer.<br /><br />It sounds like a whirlwind, and in retrospect it was. But at the time the anticipation was killing me. I couldn't talk about it at work. I had to keep a secret. I HATE keeping secrets. The whole process lasted just over two and a half months and friends and family had to listen to my anxiety during the whole thing.<br /><br />I was terrified of leaving Trader Joe's. Talk about job security in the year 2009? I continuously received fabulous reviews from a company that is growing a million miles a second. That is job security in a nutshell. What did I know about this new company, would Kyle and I be safe financially?<br /><br />The company well, it's well known, so that's a good start. It's privately owned by people with a very German sounding last name. Well shoot, that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_Albrecht">sounded </a>a LOT like Trader Joe's. But I did more research. I needed to be sure. <br /><br />Most of their products are organic and are sourced from within 500 miles of production. They don't allow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GMOs</span> in their ingredients. They are ecologically sound. They give back to the community. I even asked about the companies growth over the past few years. The percentages were good... Very good. It was a fit, and when I received the offer there wasn't hesitation. I went without eating for about 20 hours so as not to throw up when giving my notice, and all of a sudden my life totally changed. I had phone calls to make and loose ends to tie up. And now, today I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">officially</span> an employee of a new company! So insanely crazy. I can't even begin to explain...<br /><br />My hopes are that my new position will (with will and organization) help me meet my personal goals. Things I have missed so much during the past 3.4 years. Cook more, be healthier (that's right, no more Maple Leaf cookies on a moments notice), blog more, train for long distance runs, photograph food and spend time with my family... oh and maybe even have a family of my own one day! So wish me luck, and have patience as I learn who I am all over again while you sit here and read about it.<br /><br />Tomorrow, my first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CSA</span> dinner of 2009 and the eat local challenge!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-61792769885175401202009-08-02T08:21:00.007-05:002010-03-22T16:54:09.080-05:00Outstanding in the Field: MN Edition<span style="font-weight: bold;">EDIT: Please read this post on my new and improved food blog, <a href="http://www.forkknifeandspoon.com/blog/2009/8/2/outstanding-in-the-field-mn-edition.html">Fork, Knife and Spoon!</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br />On Friday as I drove my parents and Kyle farther West into the Minnesota heartland than I had ever been, my mother and I discussed how we had heard about Outstanding in the Field. She was certain that I, being "in-tune" with food culture, had told her about it. I, on the other hand, believed that she told me about it last year when her Houston goat cheese supplier (Blue Heron Farm) had their cajeta featured at the 2008 Outstanding in the Field in Texas.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781784094/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3781784094_4c0642d4b4_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="799" /></a><br /><br />Regardless of how we had heard about the meal, the four of us we were headed to Riverbend Farm in Delano, MN to experience our 1st farm dinner. The mission of Outstanding in the Field is simple: <span style="font-style: italic;">"To re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it."</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781784676/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3781784676_aea6769c27_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="633" /></a><br /><br /><br />If that doesn't line up with my philosophy I don't know what does. The chefs, Scott Pampuch (owner and Executive Chef at The Corner Table) and Mike Phillips (Executive Chef at Craftsman Restaurant) teamed up with Greg Reynolds and his wife, the proprietors of Riverbend Farm. Both Pampuch and Phillips are well known in the Twin Cities for their commitment to fresh, local and organic ingredients, and Riverbend Farms are one of their go-to suppliers. In addition to supplying restaurants, Riverbend products can be found at local Twin Cities co-ops and they offer a CSA to a lucky 80 participants that signed up in March of this year.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780973421/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3780973421_7d276bce18_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><br />But enough with the small talk, onto the food!<br /><br />When we arrived at the farm there were two options of beverages being served: 45h Parallel Spirits and Il Follo Prosecco.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781783364/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3781783364_05203e9667_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="673" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781786416/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3781786416_7d287886ba_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="1049" /></a><br /><br /><br />The lemonade vodka's being served by distiller Scott Davis were refreshing and smooth, but the prosecco was the best accompaniment for the Charcuterie being served up: headcheese (which is really becoming one of my favorite parts of charcuterie) coppa salame, MN cured prosciutto, Pork Rillette with spicy mustard and rhubarb compote, and house made mortadella. I've been a sucker for mortadella since I lived in Italy, and this provided me with a good fix.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781783790/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3781783790_498e8839da_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="853" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />After we socialized a bit in the field, we heard from <a href="http://outstandinginthefield.com/bios.html">Jim Denevan</a>, the founder of the nationwide dinners and <span class="heading"><a href="http://outstandinginthefield.com/bios.html">Katy Oursler</a>, Events Director. They gave us a brief background of how Outstanding in the Field was formed, their mission, and their travels. You can read more about much of what we learned<a href="http://outstandinginthefield.com/about.html"> here. </a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780974703/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3780974703_bacc00e707_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="840" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781787464/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3781787464_50d703d4a7_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="699" /></a><br /><br />From there we split into two groups and toured the farm. My group toured alongside Greg Reynolds, as he explained to us the theory behind his<a href="http://www.rbfcsa.com/Site/Crop_Rotation.html"> crop rotation</a> while we got to enjoy the gorgeous July air.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780976079/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3780976079_2bc63e12be_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="848" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780976583/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3780976583_32f25ed04f_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="632" /></a><br /><br />Finally it was time for dinner. Just the anticipation of walking up to the gorgeous table set for 150 people made the price tag alone worth every dime. I immediately headed to the cooking tent where dinners were encouraged to watch the makings of the upcoming feast.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781789268/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3781789268_a059a4dfb5_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="669" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780977747/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/3780977747_0e06066392_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="801" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780978761/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3780978761_b1ce956dba_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="898" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781802234/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3781802234_65979d7be0_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780979269/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3780979269_b4a7084dfd_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="942" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781792136/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3781792136_c143fca86e_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="915" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Our 1st course was a Farmer's Salad, composed of carrots, beets, potatoes, sheep's milk ricotta, pheasant eggs, salad greens, and a fresh shallot vinaigrette. There was a delicious blue cheese included too, but sadly it wasn't listed on our menu. The entire dinner was paired with Miner Family Vineyards Wines, which was a great flashback to California Wine Country. With the salad we were served a perfectly balanced Napa Valley Chardonnay. We got to hear from Pat Ebnet from Wild Acres talk about his poultry production as well as from Joe and Lou Jones from Idle Hands Farms, potato growers extraordinaire.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780982163/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3780982163_9c9bd5158e_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="850" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780980411/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3780980411_1a4376fee6_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="848" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781792972/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/3781792972_a19aae4972_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780986407/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3780986407_ab5bb0035b_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><br />It was around this time that Kyle noticed darkening clouds in the distance. I was skeptical they would ever reach us (have we had ANY rain in Minnesota this year, after all?) but it definitely made us wonder where 150 people would eat if a storm came our way.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781793516/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3781793516_9b1c708dfc_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="853" /></a><br /><br /><br />Up next was cured Star Prairie Trout with cucumber, breakfast radish and cabbage coleslaw.<br />The fish was incredibly tender and mild, while the slaw provided a nice refreshing and light course, well paired with the Miner Viognier: clean, bright and citrus-y.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780981887/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3780981887_d7381b72d2_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My wonderful parents who get to enjoy Outstanding in the Field in Houston this September</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781797170/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3781797170_20c3138ce4_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />On to true Minnesota Fare (and who in Minnesota doesn't love sausage?). Next was Fischer Farm Fennel Sausage, served with a kohlrabi puree and braised greens tied together with a Honey Gastrique. Given the opportunity, I could eat this for dinner on a daily basis. The sausage was a coarsely ground pork and the fennel was brightened by the licorice flavor from the fennel. The kohlrabi was as smooth as the best mashed potatoes with a slight sweetness brought by the gastrique to tie it all together. The Miner Merlot was oaky, dry and full bodied with blackberry undertones.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781797796/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3781797796_506d840955_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="635" /></a><br /><br />It was around this time we realized those ominous clouds were definitely coming towards us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780985857/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3780985857_ec18ed2172_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />Never you mind, the next course was served without any hesitation. Large portions of Mark Simon veal served with a Riverbend swiss chard and a cornmeal "tamale" served on a bed of sweet corn, black turtle bean, succotash, veal demiglaze and herb butter. The tamale was a beautiful and delicious creation, with fresh sweet and creamy Minnesota corn. The veal was beautifully smokey, though I have to admit it was pretty hard to cut with my butter knife. Being the driver of the evening I only had a drop of the sangiovese, but recall a dark, earthy and dry wine. A clear cousin of a good Tuscan sangiovese, with the twist of American terroir.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781798478/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3781798478_d8b09ea6d9_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="852" /></a><br /><br />At this point the storm was upon us. The wind picked up and it was announced that dessert would be served in the greenhouses. The whole lot of us made the trek with the lightning flashing behind us. Many of us lingered outside of the greenhouses until the 1st drops of rain started to fall. The food, wine and weather combined made some of us a little loopy.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The storm approaching</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780988581/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3780988581_a25a4b6f35_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="633" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Getting my toes dirty</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781799166/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3781799166_3124b57817_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">All messed up on good food and great company</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781799392/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/3781799392_41959a782a_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Encountering friends</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3781799614/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3781799614_70dcb24d24_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780987633/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3780987633_f7a66688e0_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Lighting strikes in the distance</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780989215/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3780989215_6f708eed31_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="803" /></a><br />Dessert was the most unique of all courses: Riverbend cornmeal and Start Thrower farm sheep's milk cheesecake with sour cherry sauce, raspberries, black cap berry sauce, ricotta and honey ice cream. I didn't taste the ice cream, but at that point I was too infatuated with the storm to care.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />A patron silhouetted by the outside barn light with rain battering the outside of the greenhouse</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780989367/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3780989367_8690f1c33b_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The Greenhouse, lit only by lightning</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780989621/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3780989621_2fddb6329a_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="900" height="672" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A man lit just by the light of his cell phone</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3780989711/" title="Outstanding in the Field- MN by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3780989711_369898085f_o.jpg" alt="Outstanding in the Field- MN" width="600" height="900" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-76741725475414898842009-07-30T16:15:00.005-05:002009-07-31T07:48:33.811-05:00Recap of Simple Good and Tasty Dinner: Red Stag Supperclub<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772563913/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/3772563913_690ea429e4_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br />If you know me on a personal level or have been reading my blog long enough you know that <a href="http://www.redstagsupperclub.com/">Red Stag</a> is my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773369558/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3773369558_c410f29abb_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Perhaps it would not be the restaurant I would go to all the time if I had indispensable income. But for where we live, what they offer, and their dedication to the environment and local food, it's a slam dunk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772562705/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3772562705_aea617e9fc_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br />I've recently partnered up with Lee from <a href="http://simplegoodandtasty.com/">Simple Good and Tasty</a> regarding his local food endeavors.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772564391/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3772564391_76c3970096_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br />Due to some exciting news (TBA really soon, I promise) I will hopefully have more time to be more frequently involved in the works of SGT in the near future. If you didn't know about SGT (as I fondly call it) it's a new project of this incredibly nice guy named Lee, he's smart, incredibly friendly, and totally ambitious. He started SGT from the bottom up, knowing little about the "<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locavore">locavore</a>" movement (now in the Merriam Webster... this is the real deal people) and soon approaching expert level status. The dinners he arranges on a monthly are a great many things, but to keep things short the things I appreciate MOST about them is that they are:<br /><br />1)Economical: $35 for four-course meal at the Red Stag is amazing, not to mention the optional beer or wine pairings you can add on based on your desires.<br /><br />2) Friendly: Everyone attending these meals is prepared to sit at a table with strangers. This pretty much ensures little social awkwardness.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772564701/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/3772564701_72e7a99402_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br />3) Like minds: If you don't care about local foods, there is really no reason to be there. You don't have to worry about your table partner being a McDonald's shareholder. They probably have a garden or csa, or they at least know what a co-op is and appreciate a good meal<br /><br />4) At amazing restaurants. The list of restaurants that have so far been on the SGT line up have been places I would recommend that out of towners go to try out true Minnesota fare.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Locally sourced Arugula and Broccoli used in the Red Stag Kitchen</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773369400/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3773369400_69c65f555e_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773369268/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3773369268_0367d0b19d_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br />If you're not on the mailing list you can email Lee at info@simplegoodandtasty.com and you can prepare yourself for up and coming locavore events by checking out the new and beautiful <a href="http://simplegoodandtasty.com/events">Simple Good and Tasty Calendar</a>.<br /><br />In lieu of describing the dinner, I'll allow my pictures and <a href="http://simplegoodandtasty.com/2009/07/30/recap-of-the-729-simple-good-and-tasty-dinner-at-the-red-stag-supper-club">Lee's recap</a> to walk you through the deets.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Chef Hauke on the line</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772564059/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3772564059_242e4b0289_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772565267/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3772565267_e8e25e1038_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773371860/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3773371860_37a983eb89_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773372216/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3773372216_3e7377568b_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773372382/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3773372382_bd086e6864_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773372506/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3773372506_5244d9d17b_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="600" height="902" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3772566377/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3772566377_ddf58aa98c_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773372806/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3773372806_04cd3c15d1_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="599" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagespetites/3773372918/" title="sgt blogsized by newb0040, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3773372918_0e4c09c5bd_o.jpg" alt="sgt blogsized" width="900" height="599" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809959137405594112.post-62588002456508931292009-07-23T18:45:00.002-05:002009-07-23T18:46:53.115-05:00CultureMy mom subtly reminded me of this fabulous clip from Sesame Street. It is still, to this day, my favorite thing from the show, and proves that you can train your children to both like food, and give money to public broadcasting. Good job, parents!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z8TqOTe3ODc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z8TqOTe3ODc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09747787875607985002noreply@blogger.com0