Pancake Day

Today is Fat Tuesday: a day of festive attire, music, celebration and indulgence.

In many parts of the world, mainly Europe, pancakes are the food of choice during this last hurrah.

Will you partake in eating these fluffy, buttery treats?

1. If you're in L.A., track down the Buttermilk food truck. Pictured here are the pancake bites- just the beginning of the delicious breakfast menu.

2. If you're tired of circular pancakes, fear no more. Find adorable pancake rings here.

Happy Pancake Day!

Eat Like A Pro

Sushi was included in the array of delicious Thanksgiving dishes at my family's celebration.

Just in case you were wondering...

Autumn Eats

I know I've mentioned before how much I love the comforting flavors of Fall. Here's a collection of seasonal treats that you can't miss. Click the links below for the recipes. I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

1. Baked Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar

2. Pumpkin Ginger Pancakes with Ginger Butter

3. Nutella Bomboloni (doughnut holes) with Hazelnut Sugar

4. Spiced Marmalade from Jamie Oliver

5. Spiced Pear Bread

Hibiscus Tea

I really wasn't a big tea person until a co-worker introduced me to hibiscus tea. I've finally met my match. Forget tea bags... just add hot water to dried hibiscus petals, (found in grocery stores) and you'll get a tangy, fruity, juicy tea. It's perfect for these rainy days.

Movie-Album-Food

ps- I finished Igor Stravinsky and Coco Chanel the other day. A passionate and concise read.

More Macarons!

I've gone a little bit crazy since I've successfully made macarons. Here are some more flavors I've made...

1. Chocolate with Mocha Creme

2. Lemon with Lime Zest Creme

3. Mint with Chocolate Creme

I can't get enough! Tell me what flavors to make next.

Gearing up...

Don't forget that the 82nd Oscar Award Ceremony is this Sunday! Steven Martin and Alec Baldwin will be co-hosting this year. Shamefully, I have not seen all of the nominated films, but I cant' wait!
True confession: I often get misty-eyed watching these award shows. I mean, who didn't last year when Heath Ledger won Best Supporting?

Monday M-A-F

A movie, album and food that must be experienced simultaneously. This one is for Jennie!

Happy birthday, girl! Love you!

Macaron Success

I've attempted to make French Macarons several times, and they always came out flat and crackled. After some research (thanks, youtube!) and some help from I Love Macarons, I decided to channel my inner "Suzie Homemaker" and get it right once and for all. Well, last night was the night! I made a basic macaron with dark chocolate filling... Stay tuned for more flavors! Happy February!



The secret: Don't over beat the batter!

Would you eat it?

I came across these cookies inspired by Lady Gaga's flamboyant wardrobe, and thought they were clever. Would you take a bite out of this pop artist?

I'm not a big fan a pop music. Actually that's an understatement... I'm not a fan of pop music at all. Buuuut I'll give Lady Gaga some credit for having genuine talent, outrageous creativity, and knowing how to please an audience. Apparently she attended Tisch! Girlfriend milks her fame for all it's worth. (I would too!) All in all... I'd eat that.





ps- Check out this video of Stefani Germanotta during her "pre-Gaga" days.


pps- I can't get Bad Romance out of my head.

Movie-Album-Food

A movie, an album and food that should be experienced simultaneously. Volver is one my favorite movies of the decade. Any suggestions on what to do for next Monday?

Hotchocspoon

These delectable chunks of chocolate are tacked onto the end of a spoon, ready to sweeten any cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They are created in the Netherlands by the The Chocolate Company. I really appreciate the plethora of exotic flavors they come in... forty-six to be exact. There are classics like hazelnut, espresso, and tiramisu, but there are also daring flavors like chili and wasabi. Some even come with a shot of whisky or amaretto! I can't pass up sharing a great chocolate creation.

Movie-Album-Food

The Monday ritual has returned! This one is for you, Brittany Murphy.



Sex. Clothes. Popularity. Is there a problem here?

Coffee Mug Gingerbread Houses

I thought this was a creative, tasty idea for the coffee drinker. Go to notmartha.org for directions on how to make them!

A Return to the Blogosphere

I've officially awaken from my blogging slumber! It was hard to stay away for so long, but I needed to focus on completing my undergraduate degree! Just some quick updates...

I had two great Thanksgiving dinners- one with my family and one with Marc's. I love all the dishes of a Thanksgiving dinner, and wish I could eat them all year round!

On the left is the lovely centerpiece Marc brought to my house.

But the BIG NEWS is that I GRADUATED! Finally, finally, finally.

(Sorry about the photo quality!)

My family, including Marc and my aunt and uncle came to celebrate. We had a graduation dinner at Ella in Sacramento, which I HIGHLY recommend. The tuna carpaccio I had was topped with an assortment of herbs such as dill, mint, and cilantro, mustard dressing, and a poached egg. A flavorful combination. I also recommend the hazelnut gnocchi! The following morning we went to Zocalo for Mexican brunch... another excellent restaurant.

Feels good to be back!

Movie-Album-Food

In honor of Fight Club's 10th anniversary. One of my personal favorites.

Sweet Packaging

Deliciousness matched with excellent packaging presentation.


1. Consuelo Castiglioni, owner of Marni, designed these chic golden boxes for Paris' Ladurée pastries. Inside this treasure chest are eighteen maracons, each adorned with a golden leaf. Luxurious! These boxes with matching macarons will be available for the 2009 holiday season.

2. Brooklyn based Mast Brothers Chocolate pride themselves on being the only "bean to bar" chocolate makers in the Big Apple. These chocolate artisans make every bar by hand! The wrappers remind me of darling Christmas presents.

3. Gü is a UK Pastry company specializing in Belgian chocolate. This packaging is simple, sleek, and the dark chocolate souffles on the front make my mouth water. PLEASE visit the site and take in all of the incredible photography! YOU. WILL. DIE.

SF Food Wars

This past summer was the founding of SF Food Wars - an organization that hosts a series of themed cooking competitions for amateur and professional chefs alike. People who aren't as good in the kitchen (me) are invited to the Stable Cafe in the Mission to sample and judge their creations. Two competitions have already taken place- one centered around mac and cheese, and the other, mini cupcakes. A third will be held on December 6th, when the competitors will create their most comforting holiday side dishes! Tickets go on sale Monday!





Blueberry Dragon Fruit Chocolate Ganache Cakes- first place winner!

Movie-Album-Food

I've been slacking!

Pumpkin Treats