Gourmet Girlfriend

The Farm, Hog Island Oyster Company

2012-01-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

Friends invited us to go north to eat oysters near Bodega Bay. They were aiming for the Hog Island Oyster Company 'The Farm' on the Tamales Bay, CA (just northeast of Point Reyes N.S.) at 20215 Highway 1, Marshall, CA.

We met up at their place in San Francisco and drove the Golden Gate Bridge north, then traveled over toward the coast. They came prepared with ingredients to prepare sauce for oysters, beer, fruit, cheese and pita crackers. We brought wine, as we didn't know what else to expect.

Upon arriving along the crowded coast (an unusually warm and sunny day for this time of the year), we took advantage of the free valet parking. There is substantial remodeling happening on the property, so fencing barricades lead us north, then west around a building. Our immediate view was of a crowded group of warm (nearly 70 degrees), and sunny revelers. We hunted for an available picnic table.

Note: ~6 picnic tables along the outside (by the fence) are by reservation only (call ahead); ~6 picnic tables + 1 stand-up table 'inside' the semi-circle of outer tables are first-come-first-served (and sharing is encouraged--if not necessary!) The other difference between the outer and inner tables (all outdoor) is that the outer tables require self-shucking of the oysters and have ~89 cent oysters available, and the inner tables have house-shucked oysters for ~$2 each. Obviously each has it's advantage, plan ahead.

Atlantic Oysters

Our host ordered one-dozen barbecued oysters and two-dozen raw small-sized "Sweetwater" oysters. When those were done we had two-dozen raw "Atlantic" (type, not raised there) oysters.

Small Sweetwater Oysters

Temporary storage for harvested oysters, Hog Island Oyster, Co.

All the oysters were fabulous as they're all farm-raised a 100 yards away by 'mud flats'/on oyster beds, then stored a short time in containers where fresh bay water flows in and out (so the water doesn't become toxic).

It was fun to go to the source and drink all the bring-your-own-beverages, and accompaniment food in a relaxed setting. The Bay Area's weekend-idle riche (guy sporting a "Facebook developer" t-shirt, former 'Lehman wife'-turned-'Google wife' with a large ring some would inadvertently assume costume, etc.) unintentionally congregated to this local like Surat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." A french bulldog was our table-mate for the glorious foodie afternoon.

Opening REDD WOOD

2012-01-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

When one has the town with the highest per capita Michelin Stars (due to one demi-god-like chef), there's bound to be competition. Some of said chef's employees were hired to give the north-end of Yountville, CA a young, hip vibe. Was invited to the second night of pre-opening (friends and family) of a casual eatery REDD WOOD at 6755 Washington Street, Yountville.

We woke before the crack of dawn to put in a full day's work, then made the two hour trek north to our 'home away from home.' After more than four days of rain, it finally cleared in time for our drive through San Francisco.

REDD WOOD has a sleek, spare 'clean subway' meets 'rustic elegance' decor within the charming and tiny Hotel Luca complex. We sat at the bar.

Hubby began with a gin drink ('209' gin made by a winery owner nearby--Leslie Rudd) and shared meatballs. These had a texture I admire--meaty, not mushy, and definitely included pork in the ingredient mix.

We sat by the 'meat locker' or curing room.

A shared 5 piece charcuterie featured the house-created cured meats. The restaurant also makes all their bread and the extra-long grissini.

I had the winter vegetable salad with green goddess dressing.

Hubby ordered the lamb bolognese with risotto balls (arancini). The sauce was what one would expect from a nicely textured and meaty-tasting bolognese.

The roasted potatoes were good cold the next day, the fried brussels and cauliflower were excellent and memorable.

For dessert we shared a chocolate caramel tart with hazelnuts and toffee cannoli. The desserts were perfection. It was the best cannoli I've had. The chocolate caramel tart was rich and smoothly textured with the nut and crisp crunchy crust.

Note that the menu will change from day-to-day. Open for dinner to late night. Do serve wood-fire pizzas.

Our evening was so lovely that we were most pleasant to one another afterward. So, I suppose that says something about a meal: one that's better than years of couples therapy (not that we've had any).

In the end, if I had to make a judgment, would say it's a great place to hang out with friends and have a snack. Unable to wrap my brain fully around choosing to dine at REDD WOOD over my favorite restaurant. (note that Bouchon Bakery and Ad Hoc restaurant are both undergoing several months of renovations) Do believe that REDD WOOD restaurant is a fun, comfortable place to enjoy friends and food (+ it has a full bar).

Sunday Dinner & Games with Friends

2012-01-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Friends invited us over for Sunday dinner. We began with a vegetarian borscht (beet soup) made from vegetables from a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Happy we signed up for our 2012 CSA season.

After CSA salad with Companion Bakers bread (with garlic butter) we ate the two crab left from our trip to the Half Moon Bay pier.

While playing Dominion (our board game Puerto Rico was left at another friend's home), we gobbled graham cookies that I'd baked just before leaving for our friends' home. These are some of my favorite cookies.

GRAHAM GOODIES

3/4 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cups flour

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 package (12 ounce) Mini M&Ms

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream butter and sugars well, add egg, milk and vanilla blending very well.

Combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, salt and cinnamon--then add slowly and at low speed to the butter mixture until just incorporated. Stir in the M&Ms.

Drop by heaping tablespoons (I used a level 3 tablespoon ice cream scoop--if less, refrigerate dough until cooled) about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes until set. Do Not Overbake! Cool 1 minute before removing to wire rack, then cool completely.

Note: Baked 1 tablespoon sized cookies which came out very flat and loose--which would have turned out better if those dough balls were cooled in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking. However the 3 tablespoon sized cookies baked well, and didn't necessarily need the refrigeration. There is baking chemistry involved, having to do with how warm the butter is going into the oven, combined with the size of the dough ball.

Crab at the Wharf

2012-01-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Brown Pelican at Pillar Point Harbor

Shortly after New Year's Day, took great aunt over to Half Moon Bay in the afternoon for sight seeing, lunch and a stop by the Pillar Point Harbor's wharf to pick up crab from the boat(s). Our friends in Santa Cruz, CA have purchased crab at the wharf for years. We thought we'd try it and succeeded in bringing home one great-tasting live crab for $11.

Seagull and Black Cat at Harbor in Santa Cruz

The following weekend tried the same thing at the harbor in Santa Cruz, CA without any luck. Apparently a number of the crab sellers there aren't properly permitted and weren't willing to pay fines with the Fish and Game Dept. We settled for sight seeing: the boat pets like the cat above, the squid going on the crab traps below, and a board game of Puerto Rico on the landing.

Squid-loaded crab traps in Santa Cruz, CA

By Mid-month we struck crab gold. Learned our lesson and will stick with the boat at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, CA (45 minutes south of San Francisco, CA). What a difference it makes to show up at the wharf at 10 AM on a Saturday--there were signs for live crab on nearly every boat. (versus arriving in the late afternoon on a Monday = one boat with crab for sale). Excitement could be felt by the large crowds of people lugging giant sacks or rolling ice chests filled with crab!

Boats advertising CRAB in Half Moon Bay

A boat we've purchased halibut and red rock fish from in the past, sold us a bag of crab for dinner. The prices ranged from $10-11 per large crab, which is at least half as much as the local grocery stores, and several hours fresher. We like the boat Seabird because of the small pet dogs, hardworking teen-aged son and fair prices on fresh-caught seafood.

"Seabird" at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, CA

A housewarming was called for with friends who just moved back to the Bay Area. A crew of three cooked, cleaned and cracked the crab for dinner. The fact that the local football team, our San Francisco 49ers, just won a playoff game in spectacular fashion, helped the merry mood. Our hostess made roasted asparagus, and a William Sonoma recipe potatoes; bread was sliced; wine opened. The six of us ate very well (before we began our Resolutions).

Historic Schubert's Bakery in San Francisco supplied a chocolate mousse cake, and I made banana's foster. On the way home, two gentlemen discussed the fact that crab is one of the few proteins that really needs absolutely nothing (salt, etc.) to taste great. It was a seasonal, fantastic housewarming.

Grandma Molly's Date Cookies

2012-01-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays attended a potluck party where a woman brought lovely pecan shortbread cookies that reminded me of a date cookie I made/ate while growing up. My older brother entered the family-recipe cookies (from my paternal great-grandmother) into the county fair--and won first prize.

They're chewy and delicious. I've made them for my husband's coworkers, sometimes substituting dried cranberries for the dates.

GRANDMA MOLLY'S DATE COOKIES

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
1 c. light brown sugar
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional: any type nut)
1/2 c. chopped dates (optional: any dried fruit, like raisins, dried cranberries, etc.)

Cream butter and sugars well; add vanilla, add eggs (one at a time), beating well after each addition. Stir dry ingredients together in a medium size bowl. Add dry ingredient mixture on low speed, don't over mix (makes cookies tough at this point). Fold in dates and nuts. Shape in rolls 6" long and 1 1/2" wide. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake on greased cookie sheet @ 375 degrees F for 8-12 minutes. Cool on the sheet one minute, then remove to a cooling rack.

Saturday, mistakenly put an extra stick of butter in the recipe and came up with very thin, crisp cookies:

Holiday Meal with Friends

2011-12-21T21:59:00.000-08:00

We were invited to celebrate the holidays with friends. I was asked to make the main course, as I said we'd use the pork from the 1/2 pig we purchased. Took the above ingredients (pineapple, carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, etc.) to make a braising liquid for the pork loin steaks.

Our friends made the delicious, perfectly balanced salad. The pears came from their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Made a Caribbean-style rice to serve with the pork. Made up the recipe, adding a little of this, a little of that. The meal was good, but I need to work on the timing.

The evening ended with a delightful dutch apple tart and several rounds of games. Our female friend cook/bakes for a living, so everything she made was perfectly delicious. Dinner was a great way to celebrate with friends.

Vintage Christmas

2011-12-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Real Nobel Fir Tree Decorated for Great-Aunt

Didn't put up a tree of my own this year, but did have the opportunity to decorate two trees for women in their 90s, my parent's tree, and a couple of trees at work. Learned and took note about quite a bit on vintage ornaments. Interesting how everything falls into place.

Have tried for several years to put up my great-aunt's Christmas tree, and this year I succeeded. The cold weather made it convenient for me to get the tree. Rustling through the freezing cold outside storage area, found the boxes of ornaments. Some boxes were found in the bedroom closets, too. Auntie and I had a good time talking about the (vintage) ornaments. Stories about where the ornaments were acquired, their age and condition discussed. We were so pleased with the outcome (and the smell)!

A month ago attended an Estate Sale and lucked upon purchasing several boxes of vintage ornaments with older ornament hooks. Used these ornaments to decorate the trees at work. Saw how the ornaments were nicely made, and their age gave them a look that their new plastic counterparts don't possess. I was so pleased with my finds, especially when my brother-in-law was looking for the vintage glass ornaments with "dimples."

Glass Ornament Tree Topper (with dimples)

My parent's tree features a hundred ornaments made by my grandmother (in the 1960s?), as well as photos of the family. Grandma used silk bias tape (acquired from her friend's funeral home) around styrofoam balls and egg-shapes, then pinned in beads, sequence, etc. She told me that she used to create the tree ornaments on the train on her way to work. Considering other friend's grandmothers made one, thought my grandmother's were very special in the quantity (she made enough to trim both of her children's trees) and quality.

An Angel "Tree Topper" From 1930s Japan

Finally, a woman that I visit through church ministry, had a little tree to decorate. Her son had carefully placed four shoe boxes of ornaments on the table. One box was labeled, "Please do not give to Goodwill, X and I really like these!" The tree was charming, and I was surprised to see ornaments the likes of which I'd never seen. She told me that when she was first married, she'd gone to see her husband's great-aunt. The woman admired the great-aunt's ornaments, and the woman was promptly given the 100+ year-old glass pine cones. Her husband brought back the nylon covered wire angle ornaments from Japan. Again, we were pleased with the tree-trimming results.

Having dinner with friends, we noted their Christmas tree. It was trimmed with ornaments picked especially by the couple. They love buying local, hand crafted ornaments. It got me thinking about how special, well-made, and a great recycling of resources the vintage ornaments are. Next year, I'll go vintage on our own tree.

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

This home reminds me of a gingerbread house, especially charming sitting above the water, surrounded by a forest of trees--straight out of Hansel and Gretel. The lights go up a curving staircase to the home and line the driveway that goes off to the right. In the San Francisco Bay Area it is fun to drive around looking at the Christmas lights.

Hubby's been helping a coworker with a project and she thanked him with the best box of homemade goodies. (The upper three ziploc bags are from my Sicilian stepmother-in-law, which is very sweet, too.) Opening the little cardboard box festooned with a pretty Christmas sticker, well-fit packages of baked goods shown with delight. A little list guided the snack munchers through.

With glee, tried them all! The joy brought by the home-baked goods, caused me to suggest, perhaps she should have these little treat boxes for sale. Obviously a lot of love and care went into the lovely care packages (sent also to her relatives).

A run down of the cookies both unusual and classic:

1.) Pine Nut Almond Macaroons were chewy and had a great earthy crunch from the pinenuts.

2.) Amaretti Balls (Amaretto too!) reminded me of rum balls, smooth and alcoholic. Pretty in the decorative cups.

3.) Ginger Spice Cookies were chewy and spicy, a classic, and a type I like to purchase in good bakeries.

4.) Chocolate Pecan Bars were dipped in powdered sugar for a holiday feel, crisp. Reminded me of the chocolate cookie used at Bouchon Bakery for their TKO--Thomas Keller Oreos.

5.) Cappuccino Caramels (with and without walnuts), great caramel consistency (medium-ball stage) and flavor. Loved the silver and red foil wrapping--felt just like a kid with a huge smile.

6.) Cranberry Orange Pound Cake was moist and visually festive.

7.) Chocolate Spirals are too pretty to eat, though taste great. I've never tried to make these cookies, but have wished.

8.) Cornmeal Pecan Crisps had great linear lines (of cinnamon?), and a fun/unusual crunch with the cornmeal.

9.) Decorated Sugar Cookies looked professional with the white frosted reindeer. The single cookie added a lot of seasonal cheer at the top of the box.

10.) Biscotti Rustica were crispy-cute biscotti, perfect for a tiny cup of espresso.

11.) Lemon Almond Rounds, refrigerator sliced cookies rolled in decorative sugar, also crisp.

12.) Brown Butter Balls reminded me of a 'wedding ball'-type of cookie.

It was such a fun treat for the holiday season. Thank you Pat for the Christmas cheer!

9th Annual Advent Afternoon Tea

2011-12-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Volunteered to set a table for the Advent Afternoon Tea given at the Methodist Church in town. The table took on a dozen versions in my mind before settling on the final. Here one of my cats helps oversee the table setting packing process.

One of my favorite tables at this year's tea featured nativity scenes from around the world. Down at the very end of the table is an unusual Amish nativity. It's brilliant to see the scenes from different cultures. My husband's favorite one had an igloo and fur for the base.

In September I paid $3 for very Christmas-y material, thinking what a great deal, and that it would save me quite a bit of money setting the Advent Tea Table. However, I owned nothing that matched to put on top. Instead, I found this pink linen (that matched some plates I own) that was marked $50 at the same rummage sale. Seemed a mistaken price (given the 50 cent, $2, and $5 prices) so, I inquired. Purchased it for a lot less than the marked price. Had to give a lot of thought about how to give pink, a fruit/Chinese print plate, and pear green not obviously holiday look a Christmas feel. Many guests called it the "sugar plum table."

In addition to the sever California-wide windstorm on Wednesday, November 30th that caused widespread power outages (ours was out 95.5 hours), the hardworking women who put on the tea also had to contend with new, strict local Health Department regulations. They dealt beautifully with both issues. Fancy fruit salad was the first course.

To comply with regulations, no homemade tea sandwiches were served. Instead a chicken salad, made in the one available commercial-grade kitchen (complete with hair nets), was served. It was delicious as well as good looking. The won ton wrapper fan added a great crunch.

Clotted cream was served for the pear ginger scones.

A mini cheesecake, ginger cookie, chocolate caramel cookies and lime bars came out last for dessert.

All told, 40 women (and a handful of husbands) help serve nine tables of eight people at 11 am (and reset for a second 2 pm seating) an inviting Advent afternoon tea.

As the organizer pointed out: tables held china borrowed from a Swedish family, a gift from a husband to his bride, nativity scenes from mother and daughter travels, Mardi Gras items purchased online, depression glass collected through grocery shopping decades ago, antique china purchased after many months of consideration, from a mother-in-law/daughter-in-law team, wedding china, and a careful collection with annual rose corsage napkin rings. Each table was a lot of fun for the guests.

As we packed up to leave, talk of next year's tenth anniversary surfaced. The wheels are already turning.

I ended my hometown visit with a Christmas Home Tour benefiting the local library. Some lovely people decorated wonderfully cozy homes; a few modern, and one reminiscent of Hearst Castle. For all the money in the upscale parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, these may have more character and charm.

Thanksgiving at Ad Hoc Restaurant

2011-11-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

I am attempting to eat at Ad Hoc Restaurant 366 times within mine or the restaurant's life. Each time represents a day during a calendar year. This is a tricky proposition because Ad Hoc isn't open every day (they're normally closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and closed on major holidays. For instance, 2012 is a Leap Year, however February 29th will fall on a regular Ad Hoc day off, so I'll have to wait until 2016 to eat there on a February 29th.

When I heard this past Spring that the restaurant (my favorite) would be open (as a one-off) this Thanksgiving I asked early and often for a seat. We've dined often enough to become pretty good friends with a number of the employees. It feels like family.

Prior to Thanksgiving dinner there were murmured rumors . . . "a whole turkey per table," "Chef wants one of each pie made per table," etc.

Pastry Chef Sarah Z. at 2 am finishing her Thanksgiving pies

Finally, the big day arrived. I ate a persimmon for breakfast and tried not to eat anything else before our 3:30 pm reservation. We drove past our friends' San Francisco apartment and picked up pineapple treats they'd brought back from Taiwan. We each ate one, which saved our grumbling tummies.

Once we arrived, we didn't have to wait long for the great appetizers. Every bit was housemade, down to the crackers. Hor d'oeurves featured olive and eggplant spreads, wrapped bread sticks, stuffed mushrooms and smoked salmon.

White bean soup

The turkey roasted for our table.

Turkey with all the fixings: onions, Brussels sprouts, yams, green beans, bacon celery stuffing, whipped potatoes, cranberry sauce, and little drop biscuits. The mushroom soup on the green beans was out of this world.

Our table of two was served half of each pie--pumpkin, apple and pecan with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream. (Tables of four were given three full pies!)

This was my second time eating in a restaurant on Thanksgiving day. The first time didn't feel like Thanksgiving, this time definitely did. The entire staff went out of their way to devise a plan to make their friends and family feel really, really special. Everything about the meal was planned to create a feeling of home, comfort, memory, etc. We brought home a file box full of leftovers, just like the leftovers of our past Thanksgivings.

Ad Hoc's careful planning succeeded. I felt extraordinarily lucky to have such a love-lavished meal.

Auction Lot

2011-11-13T17:00:00.001-08:00

My husband volunteered to help a friend "crush" wine. This is his second year doing this working vacation. It reminds me of the movie City Slickers--7am-5pm desk job guy goes to the country to wrestle with farm equipment and agriculture.

He thoroughly enjoyed his trip, and learned a lot about wine making. Pictured here, is fermented grape juice rushing from the press/fermentation tanks.

Here the crushed grapes go through a second (machine) pressing after an initial fermentation and crush (first "press" uses only gravity).

After his labor intensive week, a group of people who purchased a fundraising auction lot met us. They signed up for a 'Perfect Day in Napa Valley.' It began at 10 am with a tour and tasting of CADE Winery in Angwin, CA. CADE has a singular view of the Napa Valley (north of the valley, looking the entire length of the valley south).

Turns out, the group of four actually came by the day on accident. The husband had begun bidding on the lot back in February, then decided to stop. The wife came back into the auction room after an agitating call from her son. In the process of telling the husband to stop bidding, the winning bid was placed!

The money went for a good cause and I sincerely hope they had a great day! Following CADE we drove over to Dunn Vineyards to tour the cave and property, then taste '02, '04, '06, '07 Dunn Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; 2007 Retro Howell Mountain Petite Sirah and 2007 Retro Pope Valley Petite Sirah.

A short jaunt over to Summit Lake Winery & Vineyards had us tasting their complete line of offerings: 2007 Cabernet, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah; 2002 Zinfandel Port, and 2010 Rose. As a special treat, great wine country tidbits were plated for lunch: bread, breadsticks, pate, apples, grapes, cheese, housemade beef jerky, and a trio of cakes with homemade caramels.

Since it was the group's first time back to the Napa Valley in nine years, we stopped at Dean and Deluca to look around at the gourmet goodies. Promptly at 5 pm we were seated at Ad Hoc Restaurant. We toasted with wine and beer a relaxing day. The salad featured watermelon (colored) radishes, which have a mild taste.

The chef choose a North African dish of seafood and pork with rice (Pirlau) for the main course.

The cheese board.

The Auction Lot's evening ended with a sweet, deliciously memorable bananas foster for dessert (with a caramelized hazelnut topping). Felt a little badly about cutting out so quickly, but we had to head to work the next day (plus one had a 6 am flight for a meeting involving a pirate outfit).

Honey Caramel Almond Bars

2011-11-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

As they say, the fifth time's the charm, and here is the final product:

Gourmet Girlfriend's Honey Caramel Almond Bars

Time 1 hour, 30 minutes; Serves 24

Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup superfine sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

¼ teaspoon salt

Position rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300° F. Grease bottom and sides of a 9” X 13” baking pan very well.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, salt, and sugar at medium speed until combined. Beat in the vanilla extract. At low speed, add the flour and cornstarch, mix until just incorporated.

Pat the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Prick the dough well with a fork. Bake for 20 minutes, until pale-golden brown around the edges. Cool slightly as you prepare the topping.

Caramel Almond Topping:

4 cups sliced almonds (optional: use less)

2 ½ cups light corn syrup
1 cup honey

4 cups sugar

2 tablespoons butter, unsalted

½ teaspoon salt

4 cups heavy cream, divided

2 teaspoons vanilla

Place the almonds on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

In a very large sauce pan heat the sugar, honey, corn syrup, 2 cups cream, butter and salt on medium heat, stirring, until it reaches bubbling, cover and cook for 3 minutes. Without stirring, when bubbles subside, wash down the sides with cold water. Let boil until the caramel comes to 240 degrees, soft ball stage. Slowly add the last 2 cups of cream, without breaking the boil. Continue to boil until caramel reaches the medium/firm ball stage 244 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almonds. Toss until they are completely coated.

Pour the caramel over the pre-baked pastry base. Cool the bars completely, then cut into 24 triangle bars

(OPTIONAL: let cool 5 minutes to 200°F and use to cover caramel apples).

Halloween Happy Birthday

2011-10-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday after a tour through the Griffin's Summit Lake Vineyard's garden, pulled down the sunflowers pictured, left. It's Heather's birthday, so why not celebrate with the exuberant flowers?

Saturday night attended an October group birthday party. The Angwin neighbors celebrate every year, this year with a pirate theme. It helps when many of the neighbors have winery affiliations and fill a table with great wine. Guests also helped with appetizers, of which there was a large buffet to go with the pork tacos. The hosts love having themed parties for Halloween, so have a great supply. Thanks to their efforts it was a wonderful party.

A little less room in the truck on the way back to Summit Lake Vineyards made it so hubby and I rode in the back of the truck. I haven't had a 'back of the truck' ride in many, many years. The evening was mild and clear, a sliver of a moon and many stars made the short ride back memorable. It felt all was perfect in this part of the world.

After sleeping in an RV, affectionately refered to as "Jeffrey," I was given a tour of the soon to be turned garden. Huge squash had small cracks from the diluge of late rain. One of the butternut squash pictured below came home and was roasted for dinner. The top two long green items are actually loofah sponges (when dried).

The rose garden was in full bloom.

One the way home we had the opportunity to stop and look around. A turn off taken was north of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Marin Headlands. I'd never been before, but we couldn't have picked a better day to investigate. It was absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous! We took a chance and ventured past where most people parked, down an 18% grade, one-way road. It felt like the coolest roller coaster, with a straight drop down on the left to the Pacific Ocean. A trip back on a beautiful fall day to hike around the Marin Headlands is in order.

Caramel Apples

2011-10-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Took a little time off work today to run a bunch of errands. Picked some flowers, visited a friend in the hospital, purchased a pirate outfit for Halloween, bought some apples, picked up the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and headed home. Love that we received pineapple guavas in the CSA--they're wonderful, so fragrant!

Caramel Apples are some of my favorite treats, I'm definitely a sweet tooth. This was the first time I made the caramel from scratch to make caramel apples. They turned out well for my first time.

Mostly used "Mr. B's Caramels" recipe from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.

Caramel Apples:

Caramel (for 12 apples):

1 1/4 cups light corn syrup

1/2 cup honey

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups heavy cream, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the syrup, honey, sugar, butter, salt, and 1 cup of the cream in a large heavy pot. Stir to mix, place over medium-low heat and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cover and let boil for 2-3 minutes, then uncover and when the foam subsides, wash down the sides of the pot with a pastry brush dipped in cold water.

(For me, I layered sliced almonds on a cookie sheet, preheated the oven to 350 degrees and then browned the almonds in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This created a layer upon which to put the carmel-covered apples.)

Continue to boil, stirring without touching the sides of the pot, to the soft-ball stage (234 degrees F). Very slowly, without breaking the boil, add the remaining 1 cup of cream. Then, still stirring, bring up to the soft-firm stage (240 degrees F). Remove from heat for 3-5 minutes, then put on a very, very low heat (or work quickly off the heat).

Using a stick pushed through the center of clean apples, spoon the caramel over a single apple, swirl to evenly coat then place on wax paper or the layer of sliced almonds as prepared above. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying!

CSA & Pig Pick Up

2011-10-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday picked up our CSA. We're contemplating whether or not to get the Winter Share this year, but will definitely get the Regular Season Share next year (beginning in April 2012).

Up at Summit Lake Vineyards the younger Griffin daughter raises pigs for 4-H. The eldest daughter used to raise 4-H pigs, but doesn't any more. Now her pigs are raised for college money. We purchased half a 300 pound pig to supply us with protein for the next year. Not only did we see the pigs when they were young arrive at the farm, we saw them grow up.

Some may have great issue with knowing that one of these sweet pigs ended up filling our freezer. I've said many prayers and given much thanks for the pig. I know they were not overcrowded, that they were fed well, treated well, cared for; will help a talented young, hardworking lady go to college; and I know when, where (at home), and how the animals were shot and butchered. All of it done with much respect for the animals.

On Saturday we picked up our pig from the butcher at Willowside Meats, Inc. in Santa Rosa, CA. One can see the quality of their meats. Having not personally bought a half an animal before, I was surprised to learn we had 19 pounds of sausage (made into breakfast links).

Sunday morning we had sausage pita for breakfast; and a bacon, lettuce and tomato salad for dinner. The sausage was relatively lean, the bacon very lean and meaty, both had excellent flavor. We requested the butcher put the pork into small packages as there are only two of us. I'm sure you'll hear more about the pig in the future.

For the dear pig who gave up it's life

for us to eat and be nourished well.

Dominion & Dinner with Friends

2011-10-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend while dining with friends, we invited them over for dinner tonight. After watching Barefoot Contessa, shopped for a few items for the menu I'd created earlier in the morning. Lately, I've spent hours looking on eBay at beautiful antique china/porcelain. It's been a very long time since the china in our collection was used, so I thought we'd go a little fancier tonight and see some of the pretty plates that usually sit in the cabinet.

Dishes sitting out awaiting their respective course.

Amuse Bouche of mushroom, yogurt and carrot parfait with a squash blossom bought at the farmers market by our friends. This was served with a 2010 Monte Volpe Pinot Grigio from Mendocino (purchased on my parents' 45 Anniversary at Graziano).

Earlier I'd prepared items from the CSA: green beans, eggs, potatoes and lettuce for the Salad Nicoise. In the pantry I didn't find the black (nicoise) olives that I'd hoped, and only found the pimento stuffed green olives, oh well! The tuna was from our local market, and seared briefly on each side.

Tuna salad nicoise served with 2009 Eric Kent Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Scallop with prawn under mashed sweet potatoes, served with a "Root of All Evil," absinthe mixed with root beer.

Preparation of the scallop with prawns.

Braised lamb with roasted sweet and yellow potatoes served with 2006 Retro Petite Sirah Howell Mountain

Cheese course, petite creme with applesauce made by a coworker and toasted Companion Bakers bread, served with Spiced Pear Vodka mixed with gingerale

After the main course, we took a break to play the card game "Dominion," which is a little like Settlers of Catan--without a game board. It's an enjoyable game to play with 2-4 people.

The evening ended with strawberries stewed in a peppered wine sauce with whipped cream and Pocky sticks. A 2002 Summit Lake Clair Riley Zinfandel Port from Howell Mountain was served, though I think it would have gone better with the cheese course.

Surprisingly clean up was much easier than I would have thought, as serving and removing plates was done in an organized manner. Also, it probably helped that there were only four of us.

For an evening that was planned on the fly, seven hours from conception to delivery, it turned out well. Life is what one makes of it.

Feeling Badly

2011-10-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

Strange things are happening on our planet; the country and my psyche seem out of whack. With reports on out-of-the-ordinary weather and natural or man-made disasters, one wonders what is happening? Economic conditions around the world are pushing people to their wits' end.

Wednesday, on the way to work, heard on the radio that a man shot and killed two of his coworkers and a large search party was looking for him. The place of business where this occurred I drive by on the way to work. Schools were, in an orderly fashion, evacuated to escape an unseen man who felt pushed too far.

After two evenings of working late, was tired by the time I picked up the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) on Thursday. Looking at the strainer of half-rotted tomatoes from two weeks ago, was determined not to let the new wonderful produce go to waste. With hubby's help made a huge warming pot of chili.

Beginning . . .

. . . and an hour later.

G.G.'s CSA Chili:

2 lbs ground beef

2 medium red onions, diced

5 lbs CSA tomatoes, cubed

1 lb CSA peppers, diced

2 lbs CSA carrots, diced

2 cans organic kidney beans

1 tbs red pepper flakes

1 tsp cumin

12 oz can dark beer (used friend M. Griffin's Porter)

2 tbs chipotle sauce

1 1/2 tsp paprika

1 1/2 tbs Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp vinegar

1 tsp Grey Poupon mustard

3 tbs ketchup

1 tbs salt, divided

2 tsp black pepper, divided

Brown meat with onion (sprinkled with 1/3 of the salt and pepper) in a large pot over medium-high heat. When brown, add peppers and carrots (sprinkled with 1/3 of the salt and pepper), continue to sautee for a few minutes. Sprinkle the dried spices and stir. Add tomatoes, beer, beans, and all the rest of the ingredients listed. Stir, bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low to simmer, cover for 30 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to ensure nothing is burning on the bottom of the pan. For the last 30 minutes of simmering on low, uncover, stir every 10-15 minutes. Taste for seasoning, if needed, sprinkle more salt or pepper.

For us, this made a great chili that we ate with cheese and bread. Some of the ingredients came about because it's what I sensed the recipe needed, or to substitute for an ingredient we didn't have in the house, or saw that we could do to use-up a product. Will definitely use this recipe again!

By Friday, after watching a true-crime-based movie and the new comedy "Arthur," I apparently began crying for no reason, and cried myself to sleep. Dealing with a tiring and emotional week can bring one to a weekend where clearing cobwebs and creating cozy meals seems just the thing to do.

Anniversary Dinner

2011-10-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

For a year, friends and we discussed the possibility of going on a vacation to Las Vegas, NV. We initially said no, but Southwest had a sale, as did Jettsetter on Ravella Resort. Southwest, for their 40th Anniversary put plane tickets at $40 a piece. Ravella, the former Ritz Carleton Las Vegas, went for $60+ resort fee, and the MGM was $40+ resort fee.

Like much of America, our friends are having a challenging time, too. To help them celebrate their first wedding anniversary we met up in Las Vegas and ate dinner at L'Atelier Joel Robuchon (Joel Robuchon's workshop) in the MGM Grand. As I'm reaching maximum capacity, suggested we do the 3-course $59 menu, but our friends were set on celebrating! Had to give them a break, as they really needed some R&R.

Amuse Bouche of foie gras, port wine and parmesan

Celery, wasabi, beef stew and foie gras

Sea scallop

King crab, vegetables with lemongrass

Onion tart with bacon, quail egg and asparagus

Turbot filet and leeks, butter, lime and ginger

Lamb with eggplant and mashed potatoes

Quail, foie gras with mashed potatoes

Pecan cake with apples, Calvados, ice cream

Coffee service

Orange, caramel and chocolate mousse

Needless to say, they had a great first wedding anniversary. When we arrived home, realized that we had our first meal at L'Atelier two years ago, to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful way for people who enjoy good food to celebrate an anniversary!

School Fundraiser

2011-09-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Elements of a great party:

Location, location, location! In this case a private winery estate in Calistoga, CA on a day where the weather and sunset were among the best on earth.

Attention to detail--optional party cabanas, popcorn and fresh wood-fired pizzas for internally soaking up too much dinner wine, glass of sparkling wine greeting, casino chip pricing to make one feel like they were obtaining a deal, great music/entertainment, and fun guests (all for a great cause--education).

Auction lots that would be great fun if one were fortunate enough to win. Win-win-win-win-win.

Kickerbocker's O.A. Catering provided some of the best event catering I've tasted. Appetizers were passed upon arrival; including, blue cheese/honey with fig, spicy shrimp, roasted peppers, warm pizza crust with spreads, (Hog Island Oyster bar), etc. For dinner, the above pictured heirloom tomato salads were pre-set, then moist chicken breast over roasted potatoes for hundreds.

The fun went into high-gear after dinner: game-gaming continued, dessert of biscotti with a buffet of assorted sweets and s'more makings available by the huge natural fire ring located conveniently close to the dance floor. Two bands played to keep the dance floor full and moving.

Evening wound down at midnight with a hand full of people winning the casino chip raffle of boxes of premium Napa Valley wines.

In the morning we woke to some of my favorite misty weather. Hello autumn!

Waved goodbye to summer and the field of sunflowers as we made our way down the mountain toward home.

Summit Lake Vineyards, Pig Roast III

2011-09-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

On the way to Summit Lake Vineyards in Angwin, CA (northeast Napa Valley); we stopped at Whole Foods in Cupertino, CA. They were celebrating their 4th anniversary with an employee chili cook-off, outdoor music, and merriment. We purchased gelato, tasted the chili, voted, and even received a sidewalk flu shot.

Unaware what time we were suppose to show up for the Wine Club member's annual Pig Roast and Corn Boil dinner, arrived at 5 pm with a salsa I made earlier from CSA vegetables. Mark Griffin stood by the beautiful 120 pound pig he'd babysat since 3 am, which had already been in the smoker for 13 hours. It would go another hour, until the 100 guests arrived at the appointed 6 pm time.

The Brakesmans (founders) / Griffins (founder's daughter's family) at Summit Lake Vineyards at 2000 Summit Lake Drive, really know how to throw parties. Guests were not suppose to bring a thing, SLV had the wonderful evening all arranged. Piles of toasted, olive-oiled and garlic rubbed crostini waited with bowls of assorted crackers on the large barrel-wood kitchen table. Sweet Sophie Lynn (the Petite Syrah is named after her), charged her grandfather and great-aunt 50 cents each to create the pretty garden flower bouquets for the tables. Heather Griffins' two teenaged daughters (the Cabernet Sauvignon's and Port's namesakes) topped the crostini to make bruschetta out of an heirloom tomato mixture made by Bob Brakesman's daughter-in-law Rose.

Mark's bees made the great honeycomb served with blocks of blue cheese and roasted almonds.

Wine and house-made beer flowed. The crowd lined up for buttery cornbread; corn; moist, rich-smelling pork; Caesar salad and chili beans. Four long tables glowed with lines of candles in the open-air. Whispers of, "it looks like a movie set," heard from guests from as far away as New Jersey.

One of my favorite winery dogs, Cody, has no mind mechanism to let him know he's had too much ball/fetch. He'd play himself to death if one let him. Above, he's in his normal stance, staring at a carefully hidden tennis ball. Why doesn't everyone know this is his way of saying, "Hello, throw the ball, so that I can run after it . . . "? When he's desperate, he'll even nose the ball within inches of any guest's feet. He'll stare his message for hours on end, too bad he doesn't speak 'human.'

Early in the evening, saw a visiting dog. Learned she's named Misty, a Whippet. This girl has the softest fur I've felt on a dog, and I'm told she can run 35 mph. Being one of the thinnest dogs seen, glad to see her partaking in pig, too.

Late in the evening I strolled through the picture-perfect property in the bright moonlight. A gentle breeze blew, it reminded us that Autumn is coming.

Quincy, CA

2011-08-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Purchased a night's stay in a cabin near Quincy, CA to celebrate my husband's birthday. Left early enough to arrive at Addendum (behind Ad Hoc) in Yountville, CA to join the 11 am line for a barbecue lunch (barbecue sells out around noon, fried chicken is available usually until 2 pm).

Needless to say, the barbecue was really good. The ribs were spicy and meaty, the corn succotash crunchy and well flavored. The unfiltered ginger ale gave me an idea for an easy way to copy the spiced pear ginger martini at Morimoto: just add Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka.

Four hours on a scenic drive later, we found the new cabin in Meadow Valley, CA. It was super cute, and peaceful.

The cabin included a full kitchen, sitting area/livingroom, bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room.

The built-in desk in the bedroom. There was a closet full of books one could read, too.

In the morning I made 'breakfast pizzas' with the CSA bread, Newman's Own spaghetti sauce, CSA mixed greens and CSA fried eggs.

After checking out of the charming cabin, we drove into the town of Quincy, CA to Traci's Sweet Surprises bakery. There we picked out honey caramel almond bars (shockingly yummy) among other treats.

On the drive back, we again took the scenic route down Hwy 89 to Hwy 49. The second bridge in Downieville, CA had a great view of the creek.

Half way down the mountain, we received a text enticing us to Ad Hoc for dinner. They were serving meatballs! Stuck in the I-80 traffic in and around Sacramento, what should have been a 4 hour drive turned into an 8 hour drive. (Vacationers returning from Lake Tahoe, last hurrah before school starts, and road repairs added to the 10 mph speed.) Finally, we were rewarded with one wholly terrific dinner.

Love Apple Farm - Farm Dinner

2011-08-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

A short drive through the mountains from our home is the new site of Love Apple Farm. Love Apple Farm grows the fresh, organic produce for the highly regarded Manresa Restaurant in Los Gatos, CA. Our new friend works as a farm apprentice there. We hosted her for dinner and card games, and she returned the favor by inviting us to the Thursday night Farm Dinner.

The Santa Cruz County property is gorgeous. Perhaps for economy's sake, it seems a number of organic farms have the more difficult hilly/steep terrain to contend. The garden is terraced and items grow in boxes. The space is really quite lovely.

Inside the seedling greenhouse we tasted some microgreens.

We met the sweet goats, from which we have been given goat milk.

This is a view of the hatchling chicken coop. The coop for grown chickens is further up on the hill, which we pasted on the walk down from our vehicle.

Our new friend with the tallest plant with the most wonderful tasting tomatoes we'd seen.

Vegetables at Love Apple Farm waiting their day in the spotlight at Manresa Restaurant.

We were told that the apprentices normally aren't able to eat the food from the farm for their Thursday Farm Dinners (Manresa and company take virtually the entire harvest), so we really were not expecting much. We were surprised by the huge, wonderful buffet. Cucumber dill soup, roasted garlic on crusty bread, greens with pine nuts and raisins, egg salad, sun dried tomato pesto, salads, meat sauce with pasta, mashed potatoes, barbecue sauced chicken, and minted fruit salad--much of which came from the property.

Dessert was zucchini cake with frosting.

Before the early rising farmers went to bed, a fire was lit in the well-placed fire pit. Hubby and I enjoyed the tasty dinner, great company, and beautiful Love Apple Farm.

Surprising Splendid Sunday

2011-08-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

Grapes at Summit Lake Vineyards yet to reach veraison (onset of ripening). It's been a late season with the semi-abnormally cooler weather, without a proper "warm weather" summer period.

A favorite couple to dine with met us at Ad Hoc for dinner. The four of us were silent while eating the heavenly pork short ribs, with shrimp and pasta supplement.

Peach financier with divine caramel sauce was dessert.

Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, seeing the setting sun glowing through the moody fog and transport boat reminded me of the Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem "Crossing the Bar." There was beauty in the grey mood, and end of the weekend.

"Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea, . . . "

45th Anniversary

2011-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Heading North from Calistoga, we drove to Clear Lake were we renewed our annual State Park Pass at Clear Lake State Park. Wild turkeys crossing the road, like little dinosaurs, greeted us at the gate.

Mid-way point at the lake, we headed up the hills and West. It's surprising how many wine grape vines grow in the Clear Lake area. Stopping toward the top of the hills, we photographed a look back at the lake.

My parents, for their 45th Wedding Anniversary, invited us to Graziano Winery's annual barbecue. In a barrel and production facility, tables were set up. The guests participated in an appetizer contest. Above are the shrimp and grits, mini caprese salad with a crab cake. The winner of the contest (and a large format bottle of Graziano Wine) was "Thai ties" rice wrapped pork.

Here, we tasted from the tank three highly regarded new releases. The winery owners were very generous, giving us six bottles to enjoy with dinner. All in all the event was relaxing and pleasant. Guests enjoyed the appetizer competition and fun wines.

Hitting the Freeway on Friday

2011-08-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Drove up to Summit Lake Vineyards to feed the chickens our CSA ends.

The Griffin family invited us over for their own farm-to-table feast.

Estate/garden grown vegetables and salad, including potatoes wonderfully roasted in grown olive-oil, home-raised bbq chicken--all served with home-brewed beer and estate grown wine tasted delicious.

Had a perfect apple from the tree for dessert.

After the meal, Heather hollered at us to come look outside. Pictured is a rarely seen glow worm. After 40 years on the property, this is only the second one they've seen. It was pretty cool to see the little worm glowing (looks pink in the photo, sitting on the rock).

Woke to a beautiful summer sunrise to go pick up two chocolate donuts (plus peanut butter and jelly donuts) from Bouchon Bakery as an anniversary gift for my parents.