Amaretto & Red Currant Cake

For not really being a "food blog" I've certainly come to be known for my offerings of sweet treats. I think it's fair to say that I have a big love of baking and that love is something I got from both of my parents. My mom made some killer banana bread in her day and her cheesecakes were did-you-really-make-that perfection. My dad, while having his hands in every sort of cookery, will probably go down most notably for his dutch babies, cinnamon rolls, pies, and holiday fruitcakes (hey, don't knock 'em 'til you try 'em). God, I have such fond memories of the smells that emanated from that kitchen and all the love that went into those efforts. And that's why baking brings me so much joy. 

Trophy Cupcakes & Parties!

I love cookbooks. LOVE cookbooks. But adding one more to an already bursting-at-the-seams assortment hardly seems necessary in my case. That said, when invited to be a part of the virtual book tour with the chance to get a pre-launch sneak peek at the new book Trophy Cupcakes & Parties! by Jennifer Shea of famed Seattle cupcakery Trophy, I mean, I had to at least look! Right? (Um, yeah!) Well, this freshman entry into my cookbook collection catapulted straight toward the top of the senior class, kids. Lemme tell ya. And that is because it is so much more than just a cookbook.

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote

As much as I love rhubarb I still hang on to the false idea that it is associated it with summertime rather than spring. I suppose it's the classic pairing with strawberries that makes me hold on to that misinformed thought since strawberries are a quintessential summer fruit. Or it could be that once the grey skies of a Northwest winter roll back I just get greedy for the arrival of summer and skip past thoughts of spring altogether. In any case, when I see those rose-colored stalks of rhubarb appear at the market I experience a simultaneous seasonal sigh of relief along with a little mouthwatering.

I love that special piquant zing of rhubarb that pairs so well with any number of sweet flavors. And I love that it's so easy to work with to add its distinctive touch to even the simplest dessert. A quick rhubarb compote is amazing when barely folded into sweetened whipped cream for a 'Rhubarb Fool' or just slathered warm on top of good vanilla ice cream. But given that its culinary bestie is the strawberry and with Mother's Day coming up I thought I'd combine the best of all worlds - easy and elegant - in a strawberry panna cotta with rhubarb compote.

Recipe after the jump...

Screening Process: A Visit to Portland's Screen Door

 

When not writing wordy posts about quotes from hot professors and past meditation experiences, papa likes to eat. I'm sure that it comes as no surprise that I enjoy a good meal from time to time. But, in an effort not to drive people completely bonkers and, on occasion, eat a meal while it's still hot, I don't always bust out the camera and blog about my culinary consumptions. Not today, kids. Not today.

On a recent trip to visit the family down in Portland, we checked out the Screen Door restaurant for some Northwest Southern food. (I know, right? Sounds almost philosophical, huh?) Anyhoozles, I do love serious comfort food and Screen Door certainly delivered. Granted, a "Breakfast Corn Dog" didn't quite live up to the expectations of my "squeeeeaaaalll!!!" when I saw it on the menu but they let you sip on Bloody Marys street-side while you're waiting for a table so I can easily let that one slide. Plus, everything else was pretty super tasty. (You'd think I was a professional food writer with that wouldn't you? "Pretty super tasty." Wow. I'm good.)

I wasn't that hungry so I just ordered the Fried Chicken & Waffles which would have made a light snack for, oh, I don't know... a wedding reception?!! This baby was big. BIG. And it was also big on flavor so, y'know, a perfect combo all around, y'all. Seriously, seriously yum. Oh yeah, there were leftovers.

 

Apparently, we were all in a serious carb-loading mood that morning as it was waffles all around at this family table. We were all happy with our choices but no question that the praline bacon number you see up there was a strong contender in the "I think mine might be better than yours" category. I'm still putting my bets on my Fried Chicken & Waffle. Maybe with a side order of the praline bacon next time? (What?!! I'll share! Relax. Jeesh! As long as you share your Bananas Foster French Toast? Deal?) 

Technically, this picture of the oh-so-delightful-why-yes-I'll-have-another Gin Bloody Marys should be at the top of this post since we were sipping these down long before waffle time. But I want to keep my pristine reputation in tact and it seemed a bit more appropriate and graciously Southern to offer y'all a "Cheers!" at the end of all of this. Y'all come back now! (I know I will.)

 p.s. - I just so happen to be writing this post as I'm beginning a juice fast. Darting glances between images of golden waffles and a glass of green sludge. Glutton for punishment, I am.

In a Pickle: Gorgeous Gifts from House of Brinson

It's moments like these when you know that the blogosphere is an awesome place. I recently received the nicest, sweetest, most you-shouldn't-have-but-I'm-so-glad-you-did package from Susan and William of blog fave House of Brinson. I mean, get out! Four beautifully packaged jars of some of Susan's culinary handiwork: Dill Pickles, Pickled Carrots, Apple Butter, and Strawberry Black Pepper Jam. Wowza! And, why did I receive such a bounty? Just 'cause. See what I mean?
  

PHOTOS BY UNCLE BEEFY

 

I Got Sunshine

Happy Beefday!

The super cute present from Kristine! In my favorite colors! I want a tie like the ribbon!

She's My Cherry Pie

Yes, photos styled and shot by your Uncle.

A slap in the... cake?

Should I tell you that "Midnight at the Oasis" was the impromptu theme song during this photo shoot?

All images are by your Uncle.

Whimsy & Spice

Beefy Go Seattle Go Boom

From Beefcake to Cupcake

(You can click on the image to enlarge.)

Frankly, the only thing that got blown away were the candles.

Beefy's Bon Birthday

With all this talk of food from yesterday's post, I realized that I hadn't given you any indication of the gastronomical delights that I had on my birthday in July. (One month into 40 and I take great relief that bodily functions and teeth are remaining intact. Whew!) So here is the glorious shindig and the accompanying photos of the amazing dinner prepared by my friend and fellow foodie Georgina (now a CIA graduate!). It was amazing! But I'm guessing you're about to figure that out on your own anyway. Bon appétit!

That "B" could have stood for "birthday", "Beefy", "Bradford", or "breakdown".
If ever the emotional comfort of food was felt... this was the time. Sigh.