Eat Real Festival -- SO GOOD!

The Eat Real Festival was amazing!

Saturday morning dawned nice and hot -- so rare in San Francisco. I put on a sundress and a hat, slapped some sunscreen on my shoulders, and we headed to the East Bay for the entire day.

First we ate farinata "5e5" -- chickpea flatbread seasoned with salt, pepper and rosemary (from FARINATA ON WHEELS).

Then (hot already!) we had a spitzy ginger ale and padron peppers, pan fried, and sprinkled liberally with salt (from LOCALICIOUS). They are a favorite of M's from Spain and are hard to find. They are like little pepper poppers and are very tasty.

While we were in line for the peppers M. hopped over to the next booth and came back with a taste of something delicious. Very sadly, I don't know what it was, nor do I know which vendor it came from. M. called it Indian snack food -- a mix of daal, peanuts, the tiniest cubes of fresh veggies, and some crunchy sticks of ricer cracker. It was all wrapped up in small cones made from Indian newspaper -- so charming! I loved it and would love to know how to make it. If there hadn't been so much good food I would have eaten lots more of this.

Next we had an amazing taco from CHOP BAR. Thicker, almost pita like bread cooked on the grill held big chunks of pork and a bevy of salsas, grilled peaches, and peppers. This was another good one stop... we wanted another, but continued on.

(At this point you might be wondering if I stretched my stomach for Saturday. The answer is no. The best thing about Eat Real was that nothing cost more than $5; thus, the serving sizes were very small. I had a bite, maybe two, of everything. It was like a roving tapas feast.)

I had just a bite of pizza from PIZZA POLITANA -- I'd been standing in line for beer -- then two small fried fish while dipping my feet in a fountain on Jack London Square.

Now we were starting to feel a little full. We had the tiniest cup of diced beets, hummus, and falafel from LIBA FALAFEL TRUCK, then stood in a long line for something to-die-for: fresh pulled buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. It might have been my best tomato-cheese-basil moment of the summer. It was so salty and tasty I almost wanted to eat the compostable plate.

Finally, it was time to think of something sweet. I had a perfect melon horchata popsicle from JAYME'S POPSICLES. M. had an avocado kefir lime pop which was amazing too. Very refreshing for a hot summer afternoon.

The lines were growing longer which, if you just arrived, could be a negative, but for us was perfect. We had time to walk around, pick our next bite, then stand in line for a bit and let some room in the belly develop.

Our final bites were the tiniest (only about 2 inch square) bambini goat milk ice cream sandwich, and a small scoop of Cajeta de Leche frozen goat milk yogurt with chunks of texas toffee brittle from LALOO'S. The toffee spiked caramel yogurt was unbelievably good and I don't think it can ever come in this house or I will risk eating the entire delicious pint.

Our favorite beer of the day (consumed out of charming eat real mason jars): Organic Golden Wheat from Thirsty Bear.

What we did next: crawl to a movie theatre in Berkeley to watch "Funny People." It was cool and dark and, in a stroke of luck, was one of those theatres with couches so we could lounge and relax for the entire movie.

It was an amazing day!

Eat Real Festival -- This Weekend!

What we're doing this weekend, aside from two (yes two!) wedding celebrations:

www.eatrealfest.com

I can't wait for all those street food carts though I am sure I'll be tempted by way too many things.

The weekend looks warm and lovely with sun and blue sky -- a bit of summer, anyone?

Julie, Julia, and Me

I finally saw it -- loved it, loved it!

First we had dinner downtown at the super-divey Tu Lan. This place is ghetto. There was actually someone passed out right outside the entry to the restaurant. But it is Julia Child sanctioned -- she visited Tu Lan and loved it, especially the beef lemon salad, which is a favorite of mine.

This is usually a lunch spot for us. At noon it is packed. At night there were empty tables. The food was good, but not great. Maybe it is better for lunch than dinner? Maybe we expect less from our mid-day meal?

But it kept us full and satisfied though all those delicious food scenes.

I left thinking that M.F.K. Fisher went to France a full 20 years before Julia. Cooking classes weren't even an option for MF. She had to take French classes and art classes. She strolled through markets and wrote letters home about great meals instead of enrolling in Dijon's version of Le Cordon Bleu. I'm not sure she would have liked cooking school though -- she wasn't as energetic, competitive, and rule bound as Julia.

M.F.K. Fisher preferred to eat. Long, slow, rich meals. She enjoyed every morsel. And then she wrote about them in exquisite detail. What a life.

Cooking from an empty cupboard

It's almost pathetic how little food we have. There's the essentials: coffee, milk for coffee, granola, oatmeal and fruit, plus bread that can be layered with cheese, tomatoes, and avocados for lunch. But when dinnertime hits, we are woefully unprepared. I have had so many salads with so many tomatoes. I have been munching on chocolate after dinner to fill the void.

M. has been out (bachelor party, dinner with friend from out of town, dinner with foreigners tonight). Tomorrow night is the first of four evenings out as we party it up at two different wedding celebrations.

So you can see, despite the fact that there's no food, there was no use going to the store. I was inspired this morning by Smitten Kitchen and a hacked caprese salad. I decided to do the same thing with Mexican flavors: black beans, cubed tomatoes, cheese, and the last of my beloved homemade cilantro pesto, all served over chopped romaine lettuce. Sadly, it wasn't very good. All the best parts (large chunks of tomato and zesty pesto) were hidden by the bland canned beans. The best part was the corn tortilla I had pan fried. It was warm and extra salty which was delicious. I had to stop myself from frying up a few more and just eating tortillas for dinner.

Really. I considered this.

Cooking from an empty cupboard can be a challenge, especially if you aren't inspired. I usually fall back on scrambled eggs and toast, rice with sauteed veggies, or a warm open faced sandwich. And you?

It's nights like this when I am also reminded to stock the pantry with things that aren't great dinner for two, but are a super foundation for dinner for one: soup, canned beans, and treats from trader joe's.

I can hardly recall what I used to eat when I was single and living alone. How did I survive?

PS I got a fancy new computer but it doesn't like my camera. No photos for awhile -- or maybe I'll get creative and put up some old photos I never got the chance to share.

Healthful Breakfast Treat

To continue with my 'i love bananas and nuts' theme, here is a recipe from O Magazine a couple of months ago. The recipe accompanied an essay by a woman who wondered if it was ok to admit that she was a feminist who loved baking. The article irked me -- of course you can be a feminist who also likes to bake! -- so I almost didn't clip the recipe even though it looked like it might be a recipe ripe for modifying, adding, and changing.

But then one morning there was very little in the house and I was in need of a nice muffin to munch on and voila -- these little things baked up just beautifully. I am posting the recipe now because although the original recipe was a bit fall-ish (calling for orange zest and cinnamon and nutmeg), it also calls for applesauce. And just the other day I purchased a fat jar of apple-blackberry sauce that would make these muffins perfect for serving on a late-August-is-it-fall-yet-day.

Can't wait.

Spiced Banana Walnut Muffins
1 cup whole wheat or all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (I think all these spices can be played with, depending on your other add-ins)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup stick softened butter (or vegetable oil)
1 cup (2 to 3 whole) very ripe mashed bananas
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (or pecans would be good too!)
1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or grease well and set aside.
2. Put flour, baking soda, spices, and salt into a large bowl and set aside. Put sugar and butter or oil into a second large bowl and beat until well combined (I did this by hand, or you can use a mixer.) Add bananas, applesauce, zest (if using), and egg to the sugar butter mix and beat again until combined. Add flour mix to banana mix in three parts, stirring well after each addition. Fold in walnuts.
3. Spoon batter into prepared tin, bake until a tooth pick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temp.
Makes 6 -- I wanted the perception of more muffins so I made them in my mini muffin pans and got at least a dozen +. So cute and good -- and healthy-ish too.

In truth, blueberry muffins are probably my favorite, but I love the fact that if you have browned bananas you can make muffins or bread with them -- such a great way of extending a food that is a bit past its prime.

I Heart Bananas & Nuts

Did I mention my little car was the victim of a hit and run last week? It was minor unless you count the missing the left side mirror, gash in the fender, scratched bumper and messed up hubcap. It was drive-able, yet un-drive-able, if you are me and still getting used to the big city and the hills, and the other crazy California drivers.

After I dropped my car off to be fixed on Tuesday, I wet to Rainbow, my favorite liberal hippie food co-op in town. I hadn't been in months and I was feeling a little down on the world so I engaged in some retail therapy, food style. I bought huge brown turkey figs (the first of the season), almond milk, trail mix stuffed with dried mulberries and gogi berries and cacao nibs, ginger peach tea, a vegan turnover filled with onions, potatoes, and rosemary, yummy wheat bread, a kombucha, apple blackberry applesauce, and some granola bars.

It was cheaper than shoes or clothes people -- and much cheaper than my $500 deductable.

Today I brought one of the granola bars to work for a snack. I am glad to report this banana nut granola bar was so good. It actually tasted a little sinful. I wasn't expecting it to be that satisfying, so the fact that it was made me happy. And happiness has been an elusive emotion this week. So now I am happy that the week is almost over, and extra happy with my Kardea banana nut granola bar.

It almost makes me want to pack a bag and set off for a hike or a road trip. But alas, I think this weekend will be spent in The City.

Happy trails to you...


PS I am kind of a granola bar addict and wish I could make my own. Any tips/ or tips on granola bars you buy at the store but don't taste packaged and yuck?

Missing Portland: Old and New

The other morning the alarm rang very early. It was dark and cold and a weekday. Something about the combo reminded me of life in P-town and how I used to wake up so early to start my day, and do my commute, and get to work on time.

I have lived in San Francisco for almost one year, and haven't missed Portland that much. I think part of it is because everything was so new: new house, routine, new book contract, new projects, and the newness of blending a life with my love. I knew him well before we packed that u-haul but he still took a little getting used to.

But on Monday morning I missed Portland and the feeling hasn't gone away. I am dreaming of farmer's markets and eating outside at my favorite restaurants, and Powells, and shopping, and of course -- friends.

It is a good thing to remember. Life is more than food, and bills, and computers that won't work, and parts of book chapters that get deleted, and hit and run accidents.

P.S. I am eating leftovers this week. M has been on the road and has a good friend in town. Thankfully the fridge is stocked with not-too-exciting but need to be eaten things. Lunch today: sliced of whole wheat firestone bread with cilantro pesto, sliced yellow tomato, and cheese (what kind? who knows. It was just a nubbin.) For dessert, sliced cantaloupe. I am contemplating an afternoon jaunt to a coffee shop for a little sip & write, but we'll see.

Beans Really Aren't So Attractive Anyway...

This stretch of August has been busy with so many house guests and obligations and things to do. I have barely had time to cook, but somehow have found plenty of time to eat (and drink!)Last week I made this bean dip spread to serve for lunch alongside a huge greek salad and homemade rosemary-olive oil crackers. I used dried white beans and soaked them for several hours before cooking them and then mashing them to perfection. Then I added the olive oil and herbs, cutting down on the garlic a bit.

I have enjoyed it day after day, spread on toast, alongside a salad, and sometimes (one late afternoon pre-yoga) straight from the spoon like savory bean-y peanut butter. It was so easy it might become a fridge staple. My next stab, I think, will be black beans with a bit of that cilantro pesto mixed in. Imagine that spread on a tortilla for lunch or snack. Yum.

White Bean Dip
From Can It Pickle It Cure It by Karen Solomon (this is my new favorite cookbook!)
1 cup dried cannellini beans or one (15 ounce) can, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup loose packed fresh sage leaves
salt and pepper

Cook beans if you are using dried beans. Once the beans or done or you have opened the canned beans, put the beans in a bowl and mash them with a fork and set aside.
Place a small frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm, then add the garlic and the sage. Stir constantly for about 4 minutes, or until the garlic is brown, but not burned, and the sage is crispy.
Pour the hot mixture over the beans and stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate up to one week; makes about 1 and a quarter cups.

PS I can't post photos for the moment, so words will have to do.
PPS This post is kind of like these beans. It might seem a little boring, but mix up those beans and you'll be glad you did -- they will add delicious late summer nourishment to your world.

Lunch Alone

All the house guests and travelers are finally gone. The day is sunny and the house is quiet, only a little rustle of leaves here and there.

For lunch I ate cold roasted chicken, standing up, in my kitchen. I plucked little pieces from the bone and licked my fingers. Delicious.

This is not a meal for every day! But today it was perfection.

Things that should be illegal: salted caramel ice cream

There are blog posts and articles all over the internet about the fact that it's August and too hot to eat and all anyone can think about doing is collapsing and eating cold cuts, and composed salads, and popsicles.

Not so in San Francisco! This morning I woke up early -- so early. 5:45 to be exact. There was lots to do and I am most productive in the mornings, so my morning had to begin while the house was still blanketed in a thick white layer of fog.

We have not been cooking because there has been way too much to do on the to do list. The house painting continues -- will it ever be finished? The computer continues to slow and then stop -- a new one will arrive soon. There are projects to work on, people to answer to, etc. etc.

Yesterday I lost my resolve at about 9:30 PM to this: salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery. It is so soft (because of its high sugar & fat content) and so smooth, it just rushes down your throat. Before you know it you can consume much more than you intended to. Trust me.

It is just so sweet, salty, carameley good. So good it is on the 100 things you must eat in San Francisco, which is how it came to arrive in my freezer -- a treat for my parents before they leave SF today.

I am never going anywhere near Bi-Rite again -- I don't have the resolve to resist this frozen treat. Oh and I got a $48 parking ticket while I was getting the ice cream. The nerve!

Au Revoir Chez Violette

It is taking Fritz the house painter days longer than he promised, but soon our house will be purple no more.

When I first met M. and discovered he lived in a purple house, with purple accents, and purple bougainvillea climbing up the front I promised myself I would never move in until the house was a different color.

Promises are made to be broken, folks!

I kind of got used to our cheerful purple house.

But I will be very very happy to see our new sophisticated house when I turn down the street -- and I think 99.9% of our neighbors will be too!

Photos coming as soon as the house is not the motley house on the street with various colors of trim, primer, purple, etc.

Chilled Avocado Soup

In addition to book writing I have a couple of other projects that help pay the bills and keep food on the table while I slave away at the computer. One of my jobs is personal assistant to an elegant woman who is perfectly proper. One day she served me chilled cucumber soup with a few sprigs of chives carefully tied in a little knot and placed on top of my pastel soup. I had never had chilled cucumber soup, but I liked it quite a lot. We ate it outside, in the sun, with matching china and silver. I felt as if I was a little girl at a very grown up tea party.

That meal is what inspired me to make chilled avocado soup.

This recipe was very easy, very green, and very healthy with all those good fats you keep hearing about. Plus it was light and filling and you feel oh-so aristocratic as you eat it, almost as if you should head out to the lawn after you're finished for a nice game of croquet.

Cheers!

Chilled Avocado Soup from this month's MS Living
serves 2 -- easily doubled
Blend one peeled, seeded English Cucumber (cut into chunks), 1/2 avocado (peeled and pitted) 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk, 1 small garlic clove, and one tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a blender. Season with salt and pepper and thin with water if desired. Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least an hour. Serve cold.

I garnished mine with cilantro pesto because we are far more spicy and unruly than perfect and proper. Surprisingly, the soup kept well in the fridge for over a day -- still bright, still green, still delicious.

Things I will never make again: marshmallows

Never make marshmallows "just because."

I am still wondering just what inspired me to take on this project at 8 PM on a lovely Monday evening, after a lovely dinner, while M. was outside tearing vines off the house in preparation for a new paint job.

Was I bored or just clueless? Maybe a bit of both.

The marshmallow making affair of August 2009 turned into twenty minutes over the hot stove with a candy thermometer waiting for the molten mess of corn syrup and sugar to reach 240 degrees, eight minutes of mixing the molten mess into the gelatin and watching it morph into gooey, shiny, mallow fluff, and a solid thirty minutes of fighting with the fluff. It was endlessly ropey and sticky. A spatula dipped in water did nothing. Neither did a spatula coated in oil. Forget about using spoons, or fingers out of desperation.

I ended up with a spatula in two pieces (no kidding! it came apart in the gooey mess), numerous bowls with sticky mallow or hardened corn syrup to clean, and a mixer coated with marshmallow and an overheated engine.

And then there were the marshmallows: thin and floppy, they do taste like marshmallows and are pretty cute. This morning I cut them and tossed them in powdered sugar and thought "it wasn't that bad, was it?"

But it was, and I will never ever make them again. I will happy pony up 99 cents for a bag of perfectly fluffed Stay-Puff Marshmallows. And I will have serious reverence for those perfect cubes of homemade marshmallows you see at upscale grocers.

The s'mores for this weekend better be worth every graham-chocolate-homemade-marshmallow bite.

Something new: Tweet Tweet!

In an attempt to find even more ways of procrastinating my book writing days away, I have re-booted my twitter account.

My last entry was 8 months ago -- the evening I made polenta and veggie ragout and went to see Milk at the Castro Theater. Boy, my life is thrilling!

Follow me @marmalade_ink, if you dare.