The Most Beautiful Day

My day started off with a trip to the lovely Cafe Besalu in Ballard. It's probably one of Seattle's best pastry shops-- so french, authentic and adorable. I loved being able to watch the owner/head chef work his magic behind the counter. Caroline, clad in her red cowboy boots, lit up when I told her she could choose anything she wanted. She went for a beautiful Quince Tart, which disappeared pretty quickly. That night, I met up with James and we dined at La Bete. I've had my eye on this place for quite a while, so I was excited to try it out. The food did not disappoint! Their striploin steak with sauteed kale and chantrelle mushrooms blew me away. We also had some amazing house-made sausage. Such a great day-- full of wonderful company and outstanding food!

Portland Weekend

Oh, how I love PDX. My Mom, Lauren and I went down for the weekend to have an early Christmas with our family. It's incredible how comfortable Portland feels every time I visit. This city is so alive and absolutely stunning. What a treat to spend a whole weekend there!

The Pantry at the Delancey.

Tonight, I took a fantastic cooking class at The Pantry at the Delancey. The theme was holiday gifts, where we learned how to make some amazing, decadent treats. This class was such a dream-- the kitchen was gorgeous and the instructors were a delight! They were big advocates of buying local, which was great. We made Chocolate Fruit Bark (70% dark chocolate, dried apricots, pistachios, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, cocoa nibs, grey salt), Peanut Butter Clouds (meringues with Adam's peanut butter and topped with black sesame seeds), Black Pepper and Cheddar Cheese Straws, and Bourbon Butterscotch Sauce. A night spent drinking wine, making and talking about food, and trying out new baking techniques-- I loved it! I can't wait to take another class at the Pantry!

Sea Salt Caramel Brownies

I used Miss Olivia James' recipe recommendation for my sea salt caramel brownies, and it worked out really well! I feel it is necessary to further credit Smitten Kitchen's awesome caramel sauce recipe (which Olivia recommended)--they kept it authentic and simple, which I love!

(Also see King Arthur fudge brownie recipe)

Tilly.

Other than baking, one of the best things about being home for Thanksgiving weekend was getting to spend time with my parent's dog, Tilly! I consider her a kindred spirit-- she has heaps of energy, is incredibly playful, rarely barks, and when she's tuckered out she becomes super cuddly. I love her.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Adapted from Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Thankful.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. A day that's all about preparing food and spending time with family-- I love it! I decided to make some harvest and holiday-themed crafts for the table, this year. Glitter was involved, and eventually it got all over everyone (Lauren sported a glitter-nose and glitter-whiskers at the table). My mom gave me full reign over the kitchen, Wednesday, so I could make desserts: Pumpkin pie (a classic and a must), pear almond tart, salted caramel brownies and pumpkin cinnamon rolls. I love my parent's kitchen, so it was a real treat to make whatever my heart desired. I'm incredibly thankful for my family-- so glad I got to spend time with my aunts and little cousins! 

Pear and Almond Tart.

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen 

Holiday tunes.

I have to admit, I am head-over-heals with She & Him's Christmas album. I fell in love with Zooey D. in "Almost Famous" and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that she is also a talented musician (loved her vocal debut in "Elf", but it was her performance at Erin Fetherston's fashion show that left me in awe). M. Ward has always been a favorite as well-- an incredibly talented guitar player and his voice has such a rich, resonant timbre. I love their song selection, as it includes some of my favorites! I'm unabashedly in love with this album-- it is definitely one of the best holiday albums I've come across (along with the Beach Boys' Christmas album, of course)!

Life, as of late.

Fall is officially here-- a season perfect for quiet morning walks, late afternoon breakfasts with James, rainy day adventures at the aquarium and dinner with the loveliest of friends. October was a bit tumultuous, with the start of school and readjusting to everyday life (Summertime tends to make me romanticize things, allowing a temporary break from certain realities), but things finally seem to be settling down and balancing out. The past week has been especially beautiful and I'm so grateful to have such amazing people in my life. 

I'm looking forward to the holiday season, as I'm sure it'll be full of baking, dining, traveling, exploring and spending time with the people that make me smile the most!

Spiced Pumpkin, Lentil and Goat Cheese Salad

Recipe from Bon Apetit.

Grapefruit and Anise Macarons. Third Macaron Attempt.

Recipe from Tartelette