June 1st, 2012
May 31st, 2012
Now for something completely different? Hopefully I don't lose all credibility here. LOL.
This sandwich is a take on a croque madame, which is a ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg and traditionally served on French toast. In this version, however, two original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts kick that French toast to the curb.
Listen, I know you’re skeptical (everyone gets skeptical when they see a doughnutwich, and perhaps that is the most appropriate initial reaction), but the melty Gruyère, salty ham, and creamy “sauce” from the egg yolk are absolutely insane with the sweet glazed doughnut. Maybe I should call this the “Just Trust Me (Again)” Krispy Kreme Doughnut Croque Madame? It’s probably a once-a-year sort of treat, but I hope you’ll give it a try.

( recipe + photo )
To hear why doughnuts caused a rift in my 6th grade class, read more of my Krispy Kreme fangirl gushing, and see more photos, please head over to Willow Bird Baking!
x-posted to food_porn, cooking, picturing_food, and trashy_eats

Snack table
Soon to be filled with a lot more snacks and have another table added.
( Read more... )

A bit weird that I'm writing this 1.5 years since I started blogging as this could well be the first post. This particular borsch is something women in our family make for no less than four generations. There are as many right recipes for borsch as there are families living in Eastern Europe and this is our recipe. We always make it vegetarian and we use no stock whatsoever, but you will be surprised how much flavor this amazing soup has. Especially now, when the newly harvested vegetables are at last available, shiny and irresistible. Read more...
May 29th, 2012
In the meantime. I drank some horrible beer this weekend, lemme tell you.

Thursday Night I-just-got-home-from-Korea beer. The first sip tastes like the devil. So does the second and third. After that you just kinda get used to it, and by the time the second one is opened for you, it's actually quite refreshing.
( long chicago weekend )
May 28th, 2012
Recipe and more photos here
Pre-baking:
I have some strong opinions about this charge, obviously; visit WBB if you want to see my full argument and discuss. In the meantime, love one another and make some eggs.
These eggs begin with aromatic minced shallots and garlic sautéed in butter. Mayonnaise lends a slight tanginess and a gorgeous texture after cooking, and the green onions sprinkled on top round out the delicate onion flavor. You'll love these for breakfast or even as a quick, simple dinner, which is how Mike and I enjoyed them. Don't shy away if you're not a mayo lover -- the mayo adds only a subtle flavor but so much creaminess.

( recipe + photo )
To read my argument against Reiley's assertion that food bloggers are "faking it," throw your two cents in, and see more photos, please head over to Willow Bird Baking!
x-posted to food_porn, cooking, picturing_food, and cookingupastorm
May 26th, 2012
May 25th, 2012

At Hancook restaurant located on the 1st level of the tower, diners can look out over Seoul as they enjoy traditional Korean cuisine in surroundings which blend antique Korean beauty with modern convenience. The most popular choice at Hancook is the buffet, offering a selection of 30 different Korean delicacies.
This Wednesday I took a cable car and then a fast elevator to the top of the N Seoul Tower.
( Dinner in Korea )

I got to visit just two bakeries so far, though London obviously has more. With all its amazing street food options it's hard to cover everything. But there could be no holiday without a good bakery in the capital of five o'clock tea. Read more...
May 24th, 2012
From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
May 23rd, 2012
From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
May 22nd, 2012

Oh my, these are delicious! The crust is buttery and crunchy with oats.
The filling is full of rhubarb and topped with crystalized ginger.
Recipe and more over at The Alchemist.
Three pancakes with warm raspberry drizzle and home-made whipped cream. From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
I had no idea how good their pancakes are. I hadn't tried them until now because pancakes seemed so ordinary. I could eat these without any toppings or syrup. I'd rather have the berries and cream too, though.
May 21st, 2012

I happen to love carrot cake. From American style cakes this one is my favorite. For a long time I kept trying it in Moscow bakeries and I have to say I do like it almost everywhere. I figured out what an ideal carrot cake for me would taste like though. I love when the cake itself is very moist. It easily crumbles and I can recognize coarsely chopped crunchy walnuts. The cream cheese frosting tastes strongly of cheese and is even a little salty. And now, thanks to my beautiful friend Aidina I can make it at home. Read more...
French toast patty melt. From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
The cinnamon was a pleasant surprise, though I should have expected it. It made an great sandwich all the better.
May 20th, 2012
Ajinomoto brand crab shumai dumplings, with soy sauce. Purchased at E-Mart in Hartford, CT.
May 19th, 2012

There's this joint down the street called Fish Bar, and it's a perfect Sunday night meal.
( Amazing Eats and Fabulous Beers )


Chips with the salsa of the day, and an AGAVA burger, medium rare, with fries.
AGAVA Restaurant, Ithaca.
I recently posted a list of 10 coconut recipes on Willow Bird Baking and thought I'd share here, too.
1. Buttery Coconut & Almond Morning Buns
(It's hard to pick a favorite because all the recipes are SO different, but I wish I had some more of these hot coconut almond morning buns with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top right this second.)
( 9 more coconut recipes )
Hope you enjoy :)

( recipe + photo )
To read the story I tell to my students ALL THE TIME, see what I was originally supposed to bake last Sunday, and see more photos, please head over to Willow Bird Baking!
x-posted to food_porn, cooking, picturing_food, and bakebakebake
May 18th, 2012
From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
May 17th, 2012
Everything bagel burger with lettuce, tomato, raw onion, American cheese, bacon, pickles, mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
I won't do that again. Too salty.
May 11th, 2012
May 17th, 2012

This dish might truly surprise you. I never thought that one could get such a bursting flavor and such a lovely texture from pearl barley. The idea came from a British cooking class I took in London couple of weeks ago. I'm saying "risotto" here to refer to the technology of cooking a grain, which makes it creamy, and I don't mean to heart anyone. Anyhow my risotto loving family said this one totally counts. Read more...
May 16th, 2012

Honeydew Ice- The perfect cold treat for the hot weather! Super easy and you don't need an ice cream machine.
Recipe and more over at The Alchemist.
Cheddar, onion rings, BBQ sauce, and bacon. From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
May 15th, 2012

Grilling and Pan Frying for a balance of flavors... Chicken Fried Steak and Honey Glazed Grilled Yams at Unrivaledkitch
Roast beef, ranch dressing, Boar's Head horseradish sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh onions on rye bread, with onion rings. From the Corner Cafe at Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT.
Horseradish and raw onions play very well together. If you ever get a chance to put them together, do it. Likewise, tomatoes and rye bread.
happy
















