tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8731676941691627722012-02-16T18:55:33.037-08:00one bite at a time... living the experiential lifeJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.comBlogger1591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-72156814978598356442011-03-07T21:57:00.000-08:002011-03-07T21:57:06.730-08:00

Hi, guys!! I've finally made the move!! Please visit me [and my latest post, Almond Tea Cake] at www.devourtheworld.com Please be sure to subscribe over at the new site, too!!!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-12894691967181579922011-01-24T21:19:00.000-08:002011-01-25T07:51:13.845-08:00

Blogger Special: $27.99 if you purchase by February 10th at www.ifpinc.com I first met Carrie Vitt nearly a year ago through a mutual friend, Helen of Tartelette, who photographed Carrie's book.  Helen told me that I would love Carrie. She wasn't kidding - Carrie is one of the most genuine, thoughtful people I know...and she has this wicked ability of really seeing you and hearing what you're

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-51777014326340270422011-01-03T08:41:00.000-08:002011-01-04T09:23:29.035-08:00

I don't know how it happened. Another year slipped by right out from under me and I'm not 100% sure I was fully conscious for parts of it.  Like summer.  I don't think I had a real summer. The cool summer weather in Southern California was much more recognizable as Fall or Winter than of an actual summer, hence my feeling of being cheated out of a summer.  Since my battle with time is a losing

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-31209785617210237622010-12-19T21:57:00.000-08:002010-12-22T09:34:29.985-08:00

Every year, I host a Christmas brunch or dinner for a few of my girlfriends.  This Christmas season seems to have gotten away from me and left me feeling a little under the weather.  I decided that quick and easy was the way to go. One thing that was ridiculously easy but so tasty was my pomegranate yogurt parfait. Personally, I suspect it may have been the dollop of whipped cream that was the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-30837221209145860002010-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T09:20:05.664-08:00

More than 17 million children struggle with receiving regular nutritious meals every day.  This doesn't happen in some far off land.  It happens right here in the USA.  During the season of lavish parties, gifts, and merriment, many are struggling with receiving the most basic of needs.  How you can help: go to the Share Our Holiday Table's donation page and PLEASE make a donation.  How I'm

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-45702304918010530952010-12-05T21:27:00.000-08:002010-12-06T08:06:53.983-08:00

I had the most amazing Agedashi Dofu the other night. My friend's [Fuyumi] mom is an incredible Japanese cook so when Mrs H asked me if I'd like to help out at a dinner she was hosting, I jumped at the chance. One thing to note about Japanese Cuisine is that it is very labor intensive.  Making renkon [lotus root] and carrots look like little flowers may have looked lovely but I was ready to stab

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-91545373331630328002010-11-30T23:37:00.000-08:002010-12-15T12:36:48.554-08:00

While I can not say that I'm a travel expert, therefore knowing exactly what constitutes "essential" travel items, I can at least say what works for me on my [mostly] business travel. I can't believe I travel with all this stuff but most of these things I need for my work, sanity, or pleasure.  1.) USB Charger/Travel Plug Adapter: $10 - $20. This is my non-sexy item, I've had it for years but I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-13088351856724958412010-11-07T21:20:00.000-08:002010-12-06T08:06:17.775-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I truly dread and loathe putting myself into new situations where I don't know anyone? Yes, I realize most people are like that but those people are smarter than me - they find a buddy.  My answer is to usually thrust myself into the thick of things, flailing and grasping, acting like I'm not a total awkward nerd, lost in Food Blogger Land.  Brooke, Food Woolf, will

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-72085396566150798952010-10-31T21:10:00.000-07:002010-12-06T08:06:04.895-08:00

La Ramblas Barcelona, Spain3 days in Barcelona is just not enough.  There’s far too much to eat [and drink] to do this city justice.  From the proliferation of the alien-like formation of Gaudi’s buildings dotting the west, beaches and the Mediterranean Sea spreading across the east, and the rich and vast wealth of food everywhere in between, it’s a city that just doesn’t have time to allow for

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-90192003984218855602010-10-24T21:32:00.000-07:002010-10-24T22:00:48.933-07:00

The Food Ninja Challenge is being hosted by my friends Rachael [Fuji Ninja], Paula [Bella Ninja], and their friend, Linda [Salty Ninja].  I think it's pretty clear that I'm a Food Ninja. When I first took the plunge to travel internationally, I didn't choose the mainstream vacation destinations like London, Paris, or Rome.  Nope, I chose places like Belgium, Prague, and Vienna.  Why?  I wanted to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-64801558008885612732010-10-18T07:32:00.000-07:002010-10-18T07:32:11.546-07:00

I travel to Oklahoma City a few times a year.  When I first started going there, I went to two places - the office and the hotel.  Then I began to realize that I was missing out on a big opportunity to explore some place that I wouldn't normally choose to visit.  While Oklahoma still isn't my idea of a fabulous vacation destination - it's got its share of exotic and interesting sites.  I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-77104276389093277102010-10-13T02:56:00.000-07:002010-10-13T02:56:07.257-07:00

I live in a constant state of panic. It's exhausting. It's thrilling. It's nerve wracking.  It's exhilarating.  It's like a drug addiction [or so I've been told by concerned friends and family members].  I love Meeting and Event Planning. I love seeing months of work culminating into one event -  a visual confirmation of all your efforts.  I love the idea that one little mishap, one little screw

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-33532647577104750452010-09-13T05:46:00.000-07:002010-09-13T05:46:00.188-07:00

Castelos de Mouros, The Moorish Castle. Last November, I went to Lisbon and Barcelona on a quick trip out of he country.  What a wonderful trip that was!  After spending a couple of rainy days in Lisbon, we thought it'd be a great idea to check out Sintra, just outside of Lisbon, hoping to escape the rain.  No luck.Our first stop was the Castelo de Mouros [Moorish Castle].  Charming, old, and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-59080250312005512032010-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:002010-11-12T09:52:19.851-08:00

Golden Gate Bridge Traveling to San Fran for the first time? Unless you have a ton of luggage, I highly recommend the BART! Fast, easy and generally the best [and cheapest!] way to get into the city. F Line Muni Streetcar from Embarcadero to Castro District; $2 for 90 minutes of travel. Enter from the front door & pay the driver with exact change. SFO Arrivals:Upon arrival into SFO, after

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-68220151416320358472010-08-30T07:39:00.000-07:002010-12-06T08:06:30.255-08:00

Rachael's amazing sushi rice.  I have to admit the Zojirushi rice came out spectacularly - there was no burn or browned spots that I normally get from my rice cooker.  The Induction Heating rice cooker did everything but dry my hair!!   I may actually breakdown & buy one...but please don't tell Rachael, or I'll have to hear her telling me that she told me so. I was a spoiled brat.  When I was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-62856965297991347172010-08-26T07:18:00.000-07:002010-09-08T21:42:55.549-07:00

I worked in a bakery in high school, with occasional appearances in college.  I never baked anything [I would've burned that place down] but worked the counters selling stuff. Even though I have the worst sweet tooth, I have a hard time going into any bakery because of its cloyingly sweet smell.  Oh, the dilemma - The need for sweet vs the smell of a bakery.  That's probably why I started baking

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-38096399661654113272010-08-23T08:06:00.000-07:002010-09-01T08:34:34.804-07:00

I know I must have mentioned that I'm a kuishinbo a dozen times.  I love to eat.  I had a list of places where I wanted to eat that was a mile long.  I only had at most 12 meals that I could play around with and that's if I was able to keep my game face on.  I'm good, but I'm a gal who needs some recovery time in between - some longer than others. I broke it down into several categories: Off the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-11878034524966096212010-08-17T22:19:00.000-07:002010-08-17T22:19:46.815-07:00

Who knew that Portland offered such a wealth of activities? Probably everyone BUT me.  Oh, and most of the people I talked to about my mini vacation.   "Where are you going?" they'd ask."Portland! I'm so excited!!" I'd gush."...For...work??" they'd respond slowly, completely mystified."No! for VACATION!"Silence............"Why?" was their only response.Ok, so maybe Portland doesn't make most

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-40508343099909549822010-08-08T21:25:00.000-07:002010-08-08T21:25:32.252-07:00

My mom is pretty convinced that I am this close to being diagnosed with diabetes. She has begged me to stop baking for my own good before the decision to stop eating sweets is taken away from me. I tried. I really did. I just don't get the same thrill cooking as I do when I bake.  So I've just taken to baking without letting her find out.  The only problem is that I can't hide that extra 10 - 15

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-55791054603666188672010-08-04T20:10:00.000-07:002010-11-03T07:51:33.449-07:00

"Where is your family from?" they ask."Japan," I reply."Right, but where in Japan?" they persist.I let out a mental sigh trying to figure out the best way to describe the geography of Japan, knowing that nine times out of ten they will have know idea where I'm talking about."They're from Okayama...it's a small town in between Osaka and Hiroshima," I gamely try to explain, "and the town is known

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-87070990294359279372010-08-02T05:43:00.000-07:002010-08-04T09:12:58.497-07:00

Every time I go to Japan I try to make it to Kyoto.  I see the same things time after time - Kiyomizudera, Gion, Kinkakuji, Arashiyama...beautiful sites not to be missed but it's important [for me] to remember that there's more to Kyoto than just the historical sites.  As I've mentioned before, my family [and our traveling friends] are a bunch of Kuishinbo's and we love food.  Nishiki Market was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-7425130329006428532010-07-29T22:10:00.000-07:002010-07-29T22:10:44.745-07:00

I'll admit it. I'm still in Japan mode. My family and I are still coming off our high so when I saw this month's Daring Bakers' Challenge, I decided that I needed to make something with some of my spoils from the trip - Green Tea, Sakura Essence, and Azuki.   The July 2010 Daring Bakers' Challenge was hosted by Sunita of Sunita's world - life and food. Sunita challenged everyone to make an

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-13002029488040550092010-07-29T05:30:00.000-07:002010-07-29T05:30:01.772-07:00

My brothers and I have fond memories of eating Okonomiyaki as children. We had some discussions [me not remembering much at 5 years old but still being insistent anyhow] about where and with whom we had our Okonomiyaki's but the one thing we all agreed on was that we wanted to try both the Hiroshima style as well as the Osaka style in a head to head match up THIS time around.   Our first city was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-11357827228765727932010-07-24T05:15:00.000-07:002010-07-24T05:15:00.466-07:00

The world famous Tsukiji Fish Market.  A busy and bustling auction house filled with darting carts and some irritated Japanese men.  The crowds at Tsukiji Fish Market had gotten so out of hand that the Administrative offices were forced to set up ground rules for visitors.  There are now 2 viewings for the market 5:00am and 5:40am.  Visitor reception [located at kachidoki gate] is open from 4:

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-44043260386059796922010-07-19T08:34:00.000-07:002010-07-19T08:34:02.464-07:00

Make Someone Smile Week [MSSW] was created in 2000 by Teleflora in an effort to bring smiles to the faces of those who are hospitalized, in nursing homes, VA hospitals and other places where people may not usually receive bouquets.  Now in its 10th year, the goal is to deliver 50,000 bouquets [10,000 more than in 2009] during the week of July 18 - 24, 2010.  This is the largest charitable project

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-38402371051459019532010-07-18T18:01:00.000-07:002010-07-20T08:39:58.086-07:00

Omiyage. The gift of giving.  The Japanese have elevated the art of giving gifts to ridiculous proportions.  They give a gift for EVERYTHING, as evidenced by the ridiculous availability of gift items everywhere - on street corners, temples, train stations, stores.  I can't walk 25 feet without being faced with gift options [many times in the form of food].  Whenever I  go to Japan, it's usually

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-48402669894091733992010-06-29T08:37:00.000-07:002010-06-29T08:37:03.853-07:00

I've been traveling to Japan since I was a small child. There was a time that I used to have my mom and uncles take care of everything for me.  Then I turned into an adult with adult responsibilities and somehow overnight, I turned Type A [shut up, friends who have known me for decades] and had to start planning EVERYTHING.   Suddenly, I'm the one planning our HUGE family trip to Japan.  Here

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-36259197379802487642010-06-21T23:59:00.000-07:002010-09-15T08:27:30.370-07:00

Dear Mi Amigos: I've been a busy little bee lately.  Last weekend I was learning how to make soba and completing my very first triathlon.  Now I'm back from Cabo San Lucas, a very welcome reprieve from my oh-so-difficult-life [especially before my Griswald Family Adventure].  I haven't been here since 2004.  Boy, has it changed a lot. The streets are so much wider than what I rememberd. People

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-13036480709189636432010-06-13T21:26:00.000-07:002010-06-23T23:23:45.882-07:00

My family is a noodle family - ramen, udon, somen, soba, chow mein, lo mein, spaghetti - there isn't a noodle that I've met that I haven't liked.  My dad, a traditional Japanese papa, loves noodles so much that several decades ago, he actually bought a pasta maker and buckwheat just so that he could make his own from scratch.  It was so much work for as much soba that he ate that he eventually

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-19956686056265105172010-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-23T23:24:13.090-07:00

Dear [whatever the heck your name is]:June. In Arizona. What was I thinking? I was lucky that it was early June so while the weather was warm it was actually very comfortable! I had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful dinner out on the patio served by Hilton's Chef Stephen Crossett: a trio of Bison over Sweet Potatoes with a splash of molasses, Lobster Tamales, and Seared Ahi Tuna with Chili

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-41196890189702208782010-05-31T19:26:00.000-07:002010-05-31T20:27:13.592-07:00

Bagels.  I love bagels.  Until I spied Kamran Siddiqi's [The Sophisticated Gourmet] bagel post, I didn't think it was possible to make myself!  I've been very, very behind in my efforts at HB in 5 so when I saw that Cinnamon Raisin Bagels was next on the list, I had to clear my schedule! I mixed up a batch of the WW Master Dough and allowed it to rise while I was off playing in San Diego for the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-15265223647013085132010-05-27T06:45:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:49:51.095-07:00

The May 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Cat of Little Miss Cupcake. Cat challenged everyone to make a piece montée, or croquembouche, based on recipes from Peter Kump’s Baking School in Manhattan and Nick Malgieri. I've been a very bad Daring Baker. I joined 3 months ago and I've only completed ONE challenge. I will do my best to do better. Really.I have to say, I love Choux Cream

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-60326214915610075062010-05-24T06:51:00.000-07:002010-05-24T09:28:44.017-07:00

My mom and dad's fondest wish has been to bring their kids and grandkids to Japan.  I don't ever remember a time that all 5 of us have traveled to Japan together. It's probably with good reason since traveling with the K's [whom I shall dub the "Krazies"] is never a good idea.  We all turn on each other and it becomes very, very ugly. My parents aren't getting any younger so we decided to pull

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-60816977530982087792010-05-13T08:10:00.000-07:002010-06-23T23:24:13.092-07:00

Dear [fill in your name]: It's been 5 years since I was last in Maui.  So far, everyone has been so friendly!  I'm hardly ever on the receiving end of fabulous trips since I'm usually planning them so it's been great not having to do anything! It seems like I've been eating every couple of hours. Which is good because we've been on the move since I landed.  One of my friends even arranged for

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-33274969318119858062010-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:002010-05-10T12:43:49.662-07:00

Some might think that spending 7 nights at a luxury hotel would be really great.  Those people would also be spending time outside of my windowless office at the said hotel. I didn't think it was possible but I may have actually been paler when I got home than when I left for Miami. The one outdoor event that I allowed myself was the opportunity to take a cooking class with Chef Thomas Connell. I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-2332328056065516902010-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:002010-05-03T08:15:39.108-07:00

One thing I like to try to do on my travels is to take a cooking class. For me, there's nothing that's a better outlet for my creativity or easier to "pack and take home" than learning how to make something regional from the place that you visit. I found Cook and Taste while doing a quick search on Chowhound for my trip last December. The price for the class [and visit to the boqueria] was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-85276067622439802792010-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:002010-04-29T05:00:05.892-07:00

Another good title for this post could be "Jenny in Hog Heaven".  I had read some articles on Cochon Butcher before going to New Orleans and just loved the irreverent nature of the joint.  I mapped out the location and found that it was a little over a mile from where I was staying.  In between all my meetings, I didn't think I'd be able to make it over there.  That was until my contact at the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-88562470339711183532010-04-26T05:10:00.000-07:002010-04-28T22:07:01.260-07:00

In lieu of a regular post, I am sending you a postcard from New Orleans.  Dear [fill in the blank]: Wow! It's been 5 years since I was last in New Orleans and it feels like I've never left it.   This time I brought my entourage with me.  Although, I could have sworn they were supposed to be attending ME and not the other way around.  But it's ok.  I plan on feeding them to the alligators while

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-37616015028119637332010-04-21T20:44:00.000-07:002010-04-28T22:07:51.638-07:00

Nothing conjures up the taste, smell, and images of Hawaii than the taste of Lilikoi [passion fruit].  Well, nothing except for the smell of salty sea air, warm balmy breezes, tuberose, shave ice, and plate lunches, of course.  Combine the tart sweetness of Lilikoi curd, airy clouds of whipped cream, with a chiffon cake and you've got yourself a recipe for a little taste of fluffy heaven.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-80443898515010128682010-04-19T13:18:00.000-07:002010-06-05T21:06:06.477-07:00

For those of you who have not met Gaby Dalkin of What's Gaby Cooking, you could not possibly understand what a machine this girl is.  I've had the pleasure of working with her previously on our macaron class with Sweet Tartelette and her energy just amazes me. I have yet to have an email or phone conversation with her where she was just relaxing away the day, doing absolutely nothing. If I had 1

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-55338728477540923252010-03-28T23:00:00.000-07:002010-06-05T21:06:25.494-07:00

Hi, my name is Jenny and I'm not a food blogger. Sometimes I am a food blogger stalker or an event planner or a traveler. To say that I am a food blogger is a gross exaggeration of reality [on account of the fact that I can't really cook].  But I desperately want to be one.  Here is my shortlist reasons why I want to be a food blogger:1.) The People:  First and foremost, these people are just so

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-47647258374406919412010-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:002010-04-28T22:09:12.023-07:00

Growing up as a Japanese American in a large Japanese community, there were a lot of opportunities for various potlucks - church, community centers, sport teams, Japanese school, dance group, and on and on. The unspoken rule was that each family should bring enough food to feed their own family.  Each potluck brought a vast array of home made foods causing the tables to groan with the weight. 

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-43396035096756711742010-03-14T20:32:00.000-07:002010-04-21T19:48:18.709-07:00

Macarons, the most amazing delicate cookie I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. It's been a source of great joy...and the greatest frustration.  I even took a group class, thinking, "ok, i got this..."  I got home and thought, "oh fuuuuuudge...i don't got this..." What did I do wrong?? Over and over and over and over and over again [that WAS 5 times, right??], I tried my hand at the macaron. 

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-23622584061730034262010-03-09T08:21:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:53:02.551-08:00

Boy and Girls, Ladies and Gentlemen: Let this be a step by step tutorial for you on how NOT to host the Tartelette. It all started when I went to pick her up from the airport - clutching my camera in one hand and my [work] crackberry in the other.  As I waited for Helen to arrive into the baggage claim area, I was neurotically checking my crackberry.  Somehow, that wiley cat managed to slip

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-10438834817831760192010-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:09:25.464-07:00

I love the cherry blossom season. We get it a little early in Los Angeles and since my parents are the only ones on the block who HAS a Sakura tree it's not quite the same as what you'd see in DC or Japan.  I still love how beautiful and delicate our tree looks! More than just simple beauty, it also gives me the leaves for my sakura mochi.  Why are you people tormenting me in this get up?? I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-54933883834594724842010-02-28T15:21:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:10:04.204-07:00

The first time I tried Leonard's Malasadas in Hawaii, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  The hot, soft pillows of deep fried goodness brought a tear to my eyes. I can still picture that first bite...not even my first experience at Cafe Du Monde's Beignets could take this place.  I've made variations of Okinawa Dangos/Andagi before, but never Malasadas [you know...my whole fear of yeast

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-4024947160394252002010-02-27T09:45:00.000-08:002010-02-28T12:06:17.501-08:00

The February 2010 Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Aparna of My Diverse Kitchen and Deeba of Passionate About Baking.  They chose Tiramisu as the challenge for the month.  Their challenge recipe is based on recipes from The Washington Post, Cordon Bleu at Home and Baking Obsession. I first heard about Daring Bakers about 6 months ago.  I've been lurking around for 4 of the 6 months.  I've

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-20774659753848776442010-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:002010-08-04T21:49:37.272-07:00

Dear Friends: I'm excited to be writing to you from Oklahoma City [ok, not really...it is work and all].   There are so many dining options and opportunities out here [if you like a lot of fried fattening foods, otherwise you're S.O.L. for the purposes of this particular postcard.].  Take for instance, the Steak and Catfish Barn.   When I was here last October, I made a trip up to Edmond to visit

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-33155858538641557982010-01-31T21:50:00.000-08:002010-02-28T12:07:32.848-08:00

I love sandwich bread.  Ok, that's not exactly true.  I love grilled cheese sandwiches, which happens to use sandwich breads. I was really excited about this particular challenge because it was a win-win situation. I got to learn to make a whole wheat sandwich bread and got to eat a grilled cheese sandwich on top of it [yeah, yeah...i'm trying to eat healthier this year...but really, WHOLE WHEAT

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-6773475576459122992010-01-31T15:47:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:10:45.174-07:00

I have to admit, my cousin's wife [who IS Chinese] makes the best Chinese chicken salad. Ever. No question. In spite of having the recipe, I can't seem to make it like she does.  I think she's holding out on some secret ingredient.  Some day, I promise to share this crack like salad with you guys...but not just yet. A close second to this dressing is one that I normally use for my somen salad -

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-30361126926428310372010-01-13T21:41:00.000-08:002010-01-15T07:47:44.853-08:00

I am the worst when it comes to sticking to a timeline. I find them too restrictive.  So  not surprisingly, here I find myself on Wednesday night, the only night I have available before the January 15th due date for the first bread braid.  There is NO way I was going to flake out on the very first project of the year. I mixed up the dough on Tuesday evening, understanding that it was going to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-2262285399076785942010-01-11T08:15:00.000-08:002010-01-14T15:34:43.488-08:00

I will be the first to admit it.  I am a total Macaron retard. I am now officially down 5 against the macaron.  I have actually been beaten by a baked good.  WTH?? My quest for the perfect macaron began after my trip to France in 2008 but took full steam when I first sample Miette's Macaron.  I had emailed Helen of My Tartelette and she patiently answered my questions but it wasn't the same as

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-4554139186365287512010-01-06T18:30:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:12:39.507-07:00

My friend, whom we'll call "Bron", was dating this girl, whom we'll call "Bemily", who I wasn't totally crazy about.  However, the one thing she could do well was BAKE.  Amazing bites of deliciousness.  That's what I remember most about her [other than the fact that I didn't care for her very much].  This pear square recipe had to be one of her best and I was able to get it before they broke

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-14231039828674644812010-01-04T01:21:00.000-08:002010-01-04T21:10:34.947-08:00

It was so wonderful having my cousins all under one roof for New Years Day again.  It had been 20 years since we were all together under one roof for the New Year. The only other times we're all together is either for funerals or weddings, so this was such a joy to just hang out and catch up.  It was with a lot of anticipation that my mother & I worked for several days just to get the menu done

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-53489129977049121632009-12-31T12:43:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:12:06.469-07:00

I used to work with a woman who was a wonderful cook.  I stole every recipe I could wrest from her grasp.  I even tracked her down about 5 years after I stopped working with her just so that I could get more recipes from her.  Unfortunately, I've lost contact with Myra over the years but there are a few recipes that I still hadn't tried [and it's been almost 10 years since I last stalked her].

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-32662826029339833542009-12-29T12:37:00.000-08:002009-12-29T12:37:45.880-08:00

Every year from the time I was born [and before, since I'm the youngest grandchild], my first [and sometimes second] cousins would come together and celebrate the New Year's Japanese style with an Osechi Ryori.  When my grandmother was still alive, she, my mom, and my aunts would cook for days before hand to prepare the bountiful meal, each dish symbolic of something. Over the past 10 years

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-21107266641924429552009-12-21T07:53:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:12:39.508-07:00

Just a quick update this Monday morning. Thanks to Alice at Savory Sweet Life, I was won one of 3 prizes for our company bake off! Just check this photo out...oooeeeey, gooooeeey bacon-y deliciousness.  Bacon Caramel Pecan Bar and here's the recipe. My Pres who was one of 3 voters at the blind tasting [he asked which one was mine so he could vote against it] was not amused when I jumped up &

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-74863460020077360862009-12-16T08:02:00.000-08:002009-12-26T00:47:45.743-08:00

Oh my gosh. This is technically my 3rd time working with yeast. For the purposes of this post, we will not revisit my old high school Chem 101 phobia of yeast.  I just had a great time with this particular recipe.  It was easy enough for me to do, a newbie in the bread baking world.  I've made bread from Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois's book Artisan Bread in 5 and that was a [tasty] breeze as

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-83721590543461373942009-12-14T14:33:00.000-08:002009-12-14T14:33:11.598-08:00

I remember being a little girl barely able to see over the floured table that my mom, her friend [Mrs S], and Mrs S's sister in law working quickly and efficiently rolling balls of mochi.  I tried to "help" by making a mess of everything I touched [ahhh...some things never change].  Over the years, I had gotten quite good at rolling the mochi but began to hate going.  The thought of having to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-51805041065349773132009-12-10T05:19:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:13:52.845-07:00

I have to say one of the easiest and most tasty things I make during the holiday season is Caramel Chex Mix.  When I bring this tasty treat into work, it's demolished within minutes.  I can sit down and eat this whole batch myself but I don't because I really need to fill those darn gift baskets with bulky items. Caramel Chex Mix On stove-top: 1 cup     Butter 1 cup     Light brown sugar 1/4

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-50089549524821644282009-12-08T07:23:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:13:52.846-07:00

Ok, i guess the ingredients listing is a no brainer, right??  I mean, I pretty much spelled it out on my title.  Yup, that's me...marketing GENIUS. I've been trying to come up with a cookie recipe that would win me $100. I'm not sure if this one will do it but judging from the 5 or 6 different batches that I've come up with, each one of them have been devoured by the office crew with a big

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-86801912626829700272009-11-29T19:32:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:13:52.847-07:00

A couple of months ago, I hosted a brunch for a few of my friends from high school [well, technically we've all known each other since elementary school].  One of my friends brought a coffee cake to the brunch.  All of us were slowly eating it because it tasted so darned familiar. "I've had this before..." i said, "but I can't figure out WHERE." Jana smiled at me and said, "think down memory

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-89441235891476470662009-11-26T00:30:00.000-08:002009-12-10T11:45:32.231-08:00

I had finished the cranberry sauce, the dough for the dinner rolls, candied yams, apple pie and was waiting on the pumpkin pie when disaster struck.  Have you guys ever seen what a pumpkin pie looks like upside down on the floor?? Well, now you have. It looks like BARF. Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. * No family members were hurt during the filming of this disaster.  Although my

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-3680857705021358152009-11-24T13:34:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:13:52.848-07:00

I'm not a big fan of mousses, parfaits, or anything like that.  This week has been insane for me [as it is with many people throughout America] so when I first heard of the office potluck, my first inclination was not to participate. That is, until my friend and colleague, Suzi, from Oklahoma City decided to send me her recipe for Cookies and Cream.  She promised it'd be a guaranteed hit. I was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-70766285724403334382009-11-22T21:54:00.000-08:002010-06-05T21:07:16.793-07:00

I didn't even know about Food, Home, Photog blogger Ree Drummond's book signing until Saturday night when I saw it tweeted by @WhatsGabyCookin. I had a copy of Ree's book that just needed to be signed.  The only thing is that I've never waited in line for anything other than a Sample Sale. I just don't do lines very well unless I know for fact that I'm going to get a HUGE bargain on something.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-56179252477954379512009-11-19T05:34:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:13:52.849-07:00

I'm about 3 weeks away from a Bake Off Challenge at my work.  Prize is a $100 gift certificate.  I can't lose this.  I need to win.  For no other reason than I'm just that kind of person.  I'm searching through my recipe box and am ramped up to be in a frenzy of baking. I used to work with this wonderful cook/baker/entertainer at my first job out of college.  I don't know where she got this

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-3990459705970031322009-11-16T05:23:00.000-08:002010-09-08T23:20:56.444-07:00

I had no idea what to expect when I first hit the "purchase" button on my flight to Lisbon [and returning from Barcelona].  Lisbon had been on my "places to visit" list mostly because I didn't know a proliferation of people who'd actually been there. So, on to my Top 5 reasons [in no particular order]: Reason #1: An interesting way to tour around Lisbon - Go Tours They've got GoCar Tours in

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-34094302353199000942009-11-12T09:51:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:54:31.998-08:00

I am compulsive about printing out labels with addresses of my friends and family.  That's usually one of the first things I print out and it's the 2nd thing I take care of on my vacation. So you can imagine how horrified I was when I realized that I totally forgot to print out and bring my labels.  I decided to send postcards via my blog, generic though it may have to be. Please fill in the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-52104997131448140632009-11-11T14:18:00.000-08:002010-09-08T23:20:56.446-07:00

Admittedly, I probably should have practiced or learned some key phrases in Portuguese but it appears my mix of English, Spanish, Italian, & French seems to be working for me.  Well, kinda.  I probably shouldn't try to mix it all in one conversation.  That's probably working more against me than it is for me. Moving right along, I decided to try something different for my trip to Europe this

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-83134533962425159152009-11-05T23:12:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:13:52.850-07:00

I love sweets.  I just can't get enough of it.  I'm sure that I'm going to have diabetes within the next 5 years.  I'll still be shocked and dismayed when it happens.  One of my favorite sweets to nibble on are chocolate chip cookies.  Crispy, chewy, chocolate-y. I can eat a dozen of them all by myself.  In one sitting.  A 5 minute sitting at that. I'm leaving for Lisbon and Barcelona soon so

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-6850992821792474612009-11-02T05:50:00.000-08:002010-04-28T22:17:53.213-07:00

I was fortunate to make it to this year's annual Hollywood Farmer's Market Cookbook sale.  I scored some great books including a full year's worth of 1963 Gourmet Magazine for $5.  I've been flipping through and marking the recipes that I want to make! Besides my bagel experiment, I've never really made bread before. Due to an unfortunate High School Chem Lab mishap, I've been emotionally

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-16253752622582286452009-10-18T19:45:00.000-07:002009-10-18T22:00:11.530-07:00

I don't really like to leave my house.  I live a very comfortable life as a hermit and am quite happy to hunker down for an entire weekend in my jammies.  I do, however, like going to farmer's markets.  Every Saturday morning, I go to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market on Arizona to pick up my produce for the week. I decided to change up my Saturday morning routine by stopping off at the beach

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-68111492968790409572009-10-15T07:18:00.000-07:002009-11-24T21:42:10.844-08:00

I need you to know that I really debated on stalking this kid versus just making the darn oatmeal cookies that just looked so freaking delicious that I almost started it at midnight.  I mean, really...how creepy is it to stalk a kid who is almost young enough to be your son...assuming you had a baby when you were a [very, VERY young] teenager.  Probably no more creepy than me leaving a comment

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-63974823243767949502009-10-10T05:12:00.000-07:002009-10-11T16:13:18.135-07:00

On my last trip up to Napa, I swung by the Ferry Building during a non-farmer's market day.  I missed out on some fabulousness. Emily from Foodzie recommended that I get to Primavera for their Chilaquiles.  Come on, NACHOS for breakfast? Of course I love this stuff.  It's one of my favorite meals of all time. I first became aware of Frog Hollow from a friend who I thought was calling it, "

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-83168750537575939702009-10-07T20:40:00.000-07:002009-10-07T20:40:00.336-07:00

I'm constantly on the move in my job.  My brain tends to move faster than my body, which causes a problem for me in terms of coordination skills [i'm freakishly uncoordinated.  something you wouldn't expect from a person who did gymnastics for years!]. This is a direct result of my trying to think faster than my body can move: I've been duct taping my ankle since I don't want word getting out

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-75546570098187412522009-10-05T06:48:00.000-07:002009-10-05T06:48:00.638-07:00

Last weekend, I was living the high life in San Fran - views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge from my hotel room; eating at Contigo with some of the most exotic dishes I've had in years; and meeting  some of my blogger heroes at the Food Blogger After Party.  In stark contrast, this weekend I've got a view a hotel parking lot and miles and miles of flat, grey, rainy scenery.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-77513023639853909312009-10-01T21:23:00.000-07:002009-11-24T21:42:35.923-08:00

I was originally going to do another segment of the Stalker Series but I had an attack of conscience on the person I wanted to stalk.  I need to battle out the argument "for" and the argument "against" in my brain. Until the issue is resolved [both moral and legal], you'll just have to be patient with me as I try to quench my cravings for a really good oatmeal cookie like the one I saw on this

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-13169420389395231342009-09-28T08:22:00.000-07:002009-09-28T08:22:56.160-07:00

 ree [the pioneer woman], elise [simply recipes], jaden [steamy kitchen] Wow.  I don't even know where to begin.  I don't want to make myself sound like a total kiss @$$ or a name dropper but seriously.  SERIOUSLY, HONESTLY, TRULY.  These are 3 of the most amazing women in the blogger world.  I don't really follow many blogs outside of the food world  but working with them the past four weeks

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-21225146020682165932009-09-24T18:36:00.000-07:002009-09-24T18:36:19.504-07:00

Sorry, my 3 friends who read my blog.  Things have been crazy busy for me this week!  I'm heading out of town tomorrow. Can you guess where??   I'm excited to finally meet some people I've only talked to over the phone or via email [no, i'm not going to the BlogHER Food conference...not really, in any case]...but I will be within stalking distance! I hope to update you when I get back!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-51184912627041904812009-09-19T10:07:00.000-07:002009-09-19T10:07:45.499-07:00

In my 5th installment of the JENNY STALKER SERIES, I chose to stalk someone I had just "met".  This is not what I had initially planned to do.  I was planning to go through my list of bloggers systematically one by one.  Three little words changed all of that. Luckily, my next victim is a teacher. My 11 year old mentality should've could've been the perfect fit.  The only problem was the time

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-76326538083694205552009-09-13T17:06:00.000-07:002009-09-13T18:37:30.408-07:00

I decided to join the Live Strong with a Taste of Yellow 2009 very late the night before I was scheduled to leave town. I know I don't technically qualify since my entry is not a dish but rather a way of life that my dear friend, Beth Allison DiPardo, had instituted for us called, "Margarita Mondays".    Margarita Mondays was our time to spill our guts and talk about all that was on our minds

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-79047354123804148802009-09-10T05:34:00.000-07:002009-09-10T05:34:00.577-07:00

In Part IV of the Jenny Stalker Series, I chose my next victim with great care and contemplation.  There are so many great food bloggers to stalk out there and so little time to do the job justice. After many nano-seconds of deliberation, I decided to stalk the oh so handsome, Zen Chef.  I chose him because I complained about his recipes being 100 times above my skill levels and his only

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-67421483270132137432009-09-07T22:41:00.000-07:002009-09-08T09:34:34.363-07:00

Soybeans soaking in water overnight - see how big they get compared to the dry soybeans Part I in my series was stalking Tartelette's amazing Tarts she made...so I tried her recipe in combination with what I learned in my class.  Part II in my series was stalking La Fuji Mama and Rasa Malaysia with the homemade gyoza wrappers/shrimp filling combo.  Today, in Part III of my stalker series, I'm

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-405420422961893302009-09-03T06:26:00.000-07:002009-09-03T06:55:32.965-07:00

One the most fun trips I've ever taken was to Costa Rica back in 2005.  A couple of co-workers and I were talking about taking off for a weekend just to kick back and relax.  I found a flight to CR for $265 round trip on American Airines, non stop.  We could not possibly pass it up...and thank goodness we didn't.I'll admit that I had a lot of pre-conceived notions about the country - mostly

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-72161973186972672632009-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:002009-08-31T07:31:57.938-07:00

I was seriously contemplating whether or not to post this.  I didn't want everyone to know that I was actually older than I behaved.  But then I remembered that I was only 10 years old when I wrote this.  Yes, a 10 year old with access to a think tank University research department that helped develop the WWW to what it is today. Riiiight.  [it WAS an after school job, by the way!!!]  I admit it.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-38738631189182287452009-08-27T05:42:00.000-07:002010-09-15T08:27:30.371-07:00

One of the major perks of my job is the travel.  I get to travel to some pretty great destinations - Bahamas, Grand Caymans, Hawaii, Cabo, and Cancun to name a few.  Over the years, one of the most important aspects of travel for me has become the food.  When I first started, the one thing my President said was, "you need to taste the food.  it has to be good."  That was one sacrifice I was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-61112081892452630282009-08-24T05:39:00.000-07:002009-08-24T05:39:00.937-07:00

When I was a kid growing up, my favorite thing to eat [besides Top Ramen and Kraft Mac & Cheese] was a raw egg and shoyu over rice. I loved how the gooey, slimey raw egg just coated the rice making everything slide down the back of my throat so easily. After salmonella became a concern, I decided to give up my favorite meal. My fear of killing myself with salmonella poisoning didn't take my

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-34092130424123106172009-08-20T05:27:00.000-07:002009-09-08T09:25:58.498-07:00

I'm still hi-jacking this travel site and in the full spirit of the hi-jacking, I've decided to post up my gyoza adventure. La Fuji Mama has the most wonderful post on how to make gyoza wrappers from scratch. I looked at it, marvelled at how beautifully perfect her wrappers had turned out, and dismissed it as too much trouble. Then I mosied over to Rasa Malaysia and saw her post on Shrimp & Chive

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-71003439286648754092009-08-17T05:27:00.000-07:002010-04-28T22:17:21.929-07:00

Key Lime Tart with Mascarpone MousseI have hi-jacked my own website. This is supposed to be my travel blog and all I want to blog about is baking. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I haven't traveled anywhere but seriously...I'm sure I can pull a story out from one of my previous trips. Oh well. tough cookies...or tarts in this case. Goat Cheese Mousse tart with mulberry and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-39219809736571949302009-08-14T06:16:00.000-07:002009-08-14T06:16:00.187-07:00

I wish I could say that shopping is a dirty little secret of mine but unfortunately, everyone knows and when everyone knows, it ceases to be a secret. I wish I could say definitively that my Senseless Desire to Acquire Syndrome (aka SDAS) was caused by one specific thing but it's probably actually several reasons: 1.) the thrill off the hunt, 2.) new hobbies that must be pursued to the fullest

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-50175881785519971672009-08-12T05:19:00.000-07:002010-04-28T22:16:55.182-07:00

Once upon a long time ago, I spent a lot of time hanging out at my friend, Miles' house. His mom used to [and still does] keep a tupperware filled with cookies on the kitchen counter. Each week, the cookie selection would change. I was there so often, I would frequently help myself to some of those cookies.One afternoon, I swung by the house and waited for Miles in the kitchen. As I plopped

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-85288738584725489442009-08-10T05:10:00.000-07:002009-08-10T05:10:00.240-07:00

My latest quest to feed my Type A [but inherently lazy] personality is to figure out how the heck to make a macaron. I hate paying $2.00 +/- for each cookie so I figured, I'm a smart girl...I can LEARN how to make it. I used David Lebovitz's recipe for the French Chocolate Macarons with instructions from My Tartelette in Desserts Magazine. The only thing I added was infusing the powdered sugar

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-56979192164977122022009-08-03T05:58:00.000-07:002009-08-03T19:22:38.000-07:00

I don't know what has come over me. I think it's reading all these darn beautiful food blogs but I'm like a woman possessed! I have to, have to, have to...BAKE. My boss, Michael, had his birthday on Friday and I offered to bake his birthday cake. I asked him what he didn't like, what he liked...and then I picked something that I liked better. Whaaaat?? I have to at least make him think that he's

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-65639585813549427412009-07-29T20:52:00.000-07:002009-07-30T18:38:09.317-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the ProExports Colombia to attend an event to find out more about Colombia as a MICE (meetings, incentives, congress, expo) destination. A few people that I work with have gone to see rose growers in Colombia and have expressed what a beautiful destination it is. While they never had any fear for their lives, they understood that the concerns were

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-69693681127207600192009-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:002009-07-27T22:20:10.992-07:00

I've been traveling from as far back as I can remember - first in those dreaded (now looked upon with fond memories) road trips in the station wagon with my brothers, then on my first flight to Japan, first solo trip (sans parents) to Hawaii, and beyond. Through all my years traveling, I've learned the difference between being a spectator and being a participant. It took me a heck of a lot of

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-25927936396348943982009-07-26T18:49:00.000-07:002009-07-27T22:20:35.038-07:00

Normally, I avoid the Obon season like the black plague. I hate running into people I haven't seen in years...mostly because I can place a face, but not always a name to a face. Oh and the small talk. I hate the small talk. It's always the same: "So, how are you?" [Fine]; followed by, "What have you been up to??" [ummm...not much...work...travel...enjoying life...]; followed by "so do you have

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-40167086000795416192009-07-11T21:51:00.001-07:002009-07-13T08:23:14.331-07:00

There's a reason why people like me should not be allowed to surf the internet. One, my house is a disaster and I really need to tame it before it overcomes me and eats me alive. The other reason is that I find sites like White on Rice and surf around on their site. Do you know what I found??? the Victory Garden. Darn them and their stupid pretty photos...and their inspirational quote, "We

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-53309948858647554212009-07-09T06:45:00.001-07:002009-08-01T20:40:38.361-07:00

I'm one of those people who is usually just one (or 5 steps) step behind any trend. I'm usually pretty suspicious of anything new and need to scope, study, research, hold, smell, shake, and kick it until I'm absolutely sure. Well, that's pretty much what happened with the Girl and Fig in Sonoma. I've heard about this place for years but just didn't feel it. Inspiration struck this time around and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-46091514375488325572009-07-07T06:17:00.001-07:002009-07-12T11:05:39.666-07:00

Ferry Building Marketplace, San FranciscoIn an attempt to find Andante Artisan Cheeses, I stumbled across the Ferry Building Marketplace. Miette, Ciao Bella, Frog Hollow, Boccalone Salumeria, McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil amongst many other vendors. This is the first (and only) place we hit in San Francisco on our way up. While I probably would never shop here on a regular basis with these prices, it

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873167694169162772.post-61703172890962290402009-07-06T09:46:00.001-07:002009-07-12T11:05:39.680-07:00

This was vastly different from my other trips up to Napa/Sonoma Wine Country in that it wasn't a back to back race from winery to winery. Instead, E and I visited only 3 wineries: Peju, Frogs Leap, and Ravenswood.I wanted to restock some wines from Peju so we headed down there and were lucky enough to see Alan, the rapping, yodeling, representative of Peju. Luckily, I had called them ahead to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676782477781065527noreply@blogger.com0