Fig Jam

Thanks to Ms. Betty's suggestion as I'm sitting at school eating figs right from the carton, I made this fig jam to spread on fresh bread with butter.

It's as simple as this....

Fig Jam
1 carton of organic figs (They were only $2.99 at Whole Foods)
2 t. white sugar
pinch of salt (I think a tiny bit of salt with fruit always brings out the flavor)

1.  Slice the figs in half or in quarters depending on the size.
2. Place in pan with sugar and a pinch of salt.
3.  Cook on low for about 8-10 minutes, using a potato smasher (or whatever it's called), to make into a jam like consistency.

If you cook it for about 3-4 minutes and don't smash it, and maybe add a little bit more sugar, it would be really yummy on some Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream.  But, alas, I don't like sweet things, so much to Trey's chagrin, we will be eating it on salty buttered levain toast.

Penne with chard and sausage

This is one of those recipes that I always skip over in my favorite cookbook, The Art of Simple Food.  I decided to make it when all I could find in my refrigerator and freezer and cupboard were the exact ingredients that went into making this meal.  We loved it, and I'm sure you could make it vegetarian friendly with a bit more olive oil or butter.  I do think that the Italian sausage made it that much better.  It's a good one for weekday dinners, which have hit me like a ton of bricks.

Penne with Chard and Sausage
slightly adapted from The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters

1 large bunch chard, trimmed and chopped
1 pound Italian Sausage, rolled into small balls
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
salt
pepper
red pepper flakes
1 pound penne, cooked al dente in the same water as the chard
Parmesan cheese

1.  Cook greens in salted boiling water until tender.  Remove from pan and set aside.
2.  Heat olive oil in pan.  Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.  Remove from pan with drippings.
3.  Add onion to pan and allow to slightly caramelize.  Then add the greens and sausage with drippings the pan for a couple minutes.
4.  Cook pasta in salted boiling water.  Drain and return to pan.
5.  Add onions, greens, and sausage to the pasta.  Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6.  Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

new blog...

One of my favorite breakfasts.

Another blackberry buttermilk cake with my tea.

As I am preparing myself for school to start I have been inspired to start a weekly blog about recipes we try in the classroom. The recipes will be categorized by practical life activities, i.e. whisking, sifting, pouring, etc. We are going to cook on Tuesdays and taste on Thursdays. I'm thinking our first recipe will be cherry tomato pasta, and our first tasting will be heirloom tomatoes. And of course the long standing rule applies: You have to take a bite. :)

Here's the link to the new blog.

Summer Squash Galette and Blackberry Buttermilk Cake

Thanks to one of my very best friends, I was reminded of the blog Smitten Kitchen. It's great because it is seasonally and farmer's market inspired, so it makes my life easier in terms of grocery shopping. I did have to buy a lot of non-farmer's market cheese, but it was well worth it. It's also vegetarian, which makes me feel better, despite the massive amounts of dairy products involved. I did not write out the whole recipes below because I changed very little.

Zucchini Galette

(I used summer squash and about 1/4 cup more ricotta and definitely use really good parmesan as it adds a really nice saltiness that isn't overpowering)

Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

(I used blackberries)

I will definitely make another one of these before the week is over. It is so light and delicious. You could use any fruit. The sprinkling of sugar before it bakes adds a bit of a sugary crunch once baked.

Vegetable challenged

I can't seem to grow a tasty fruit or vegetable, but at least I can grow zinnias to make me smile after I cry from disappointment at the rest of my garden...

The best of the west...or maybe just California.

Mojito and Red Tail at Cesar in Berkeley, California

Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, California

Best Chai ever at Peaberry's in Oakland, California

Ice Cream at Ici in Berkeley, California

The dessert menu at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California

Chilaquiles and Mexican Hot Chocolate at Tacubaya in Berkeley, California

Salumi Cone at Boccalone at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, California

Acme Bread in San Francisco, California

Donut Muffin at Bette's Diner in Berkeley, California

Ham & Cheese Croissant from Belwood Bakery in Los Angeles, California

Wish I could eat it all again right now!

My favorite website

(photo by my Mommy)

A link on my favorite website about small things you can do to help the earth.

Happy Earth Day a few days late!!!!