Monday, November 16, 2009

Fall and Camping


The weather has been perfect. After a sweltering summer, the cooler weather has been truly a blessing! So off we go camping. Let me clarify, that neither of us have really been camping. Slowly, but surely we are getting the hang of it.

And there is nothing better than a steak over an open fire and a great bottle or maybe two of wine.
Another thing that we really enjoy is taking nice green peppers that have a little bit of kick, and grilling them as well(that is what the picture is). After almost burning the outside, let the peppers sit in a plastic bag or covered bowl to sweat. The outside of the pepper will easily come off and you can then slice them up with a little olive oil, garlic, maybe some chili pepper flakes, then serve over your steak! Delicious!

What are your great camping stories?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Pretzels!


Oh so yummy! These are pretty close to the real thing, German bretzel. I really didn't think that I could pull these off. I am only beginning to learn how to bake, so I felt that these were a challenge. Oh my! Delicious. And I have it, on good authority(from several Germans!) that they are good! the only difference that I am aware of is that instead of boiling in lye and water(which can make you ill if not done right) I boil in baking soda and water. I would really like to learn how to do it the old fashioned way, but that may take some practice. I also haven't gotten the hang of how to make the perfect pretzel shape. Oh well, I can't be perfect :)
Here is the recipe, give it a go and let me know how yours turn out!


1 package of Active dry yeast
1 c Warm water
2 1/2 To 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tblsp of Salad oil
1 Tblsp of Sugar
6 Tblsp of Baking soda in 6 cups water
Coarse salt (un-ground sea salt works great)

In a bowl , dissolve yeast in water. Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour,
the oil, and sugar. Beat for about 3 minutes to make a smooth batter.
Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth and satiny
(about 5 minutes) adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Place dough in a greased bowl; turn over to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour).

Punch down dough, turn out onto a floured board, and divide into 12
pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball by gently kneading. Then roll
each into a smooth rope about 18 inches long, and twist into a pretzel
shape. Place slightly apart on a greased baking sheet turning
loose ends underneath. Let rise, uncovered, in a warm, draft free area
until puffy (about 25 minutes).

Meanwhile, in a 3-quart stainless steel or enameled pan (not aluminum)
bring soda water to a boil; adjust water to keep water boiling gently.
With a slotted spatula, lower 1 pretzel at a time into pan. Let simmer
for 10 seconds on each side, then lift from water, drain briefly on
spatula, and return to baking sheet. Let dry briefly, then sprinkle
with coarse salt and let stand, uncovered, until all have simmered.

Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until
golden brown. Transfer to racks; serve warm with butter, mustard or
even cream cheese. Or let cool completely, wrap airtight, and freeze.
To reheat, place frozen on ungreased baking sheets and bake in a
preheated 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until hot.
Makes 1 dozen pretzels.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Dinner and Love


Eating, for me, is one of the most important things in life. Not eating for nourishment sake, but for the sake of enjoyment, love, fellowship, community.
Almost every night we cook, laugh, eat, love. Sometimes it is just the two of us, many times there are great friends and wonderful conversations.

What I want to make perfectly clear, is that it is less about what is on the plate, than who is sitting next to you. Take away Chinese food, Mac n' Cheese, or a five course feast, whatever it is, do it with love, eat it with love. Enjoy.

Forget about all of the things that have to be done first thing in the morning, forget about the crabby co-worker or upset customer. Remember, that food is meant to be enjoyed.
So, what is for dinner tonight?

We had yummy salmon with fresh green beans. Usually, I prefer the salmon on the grill. But tonight is was just easier to pop it in the oven. Still tasty.

Next time you fix salmon try this.
Mix together, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, fresh ground black pepper, white pepper, wasabi paste and chopped garlic. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, but not longer than 45 minutes. Throw it on the grill and eat!

How do you like your fish?

Friday, September 18, 2009

Yummy!


While "working" today, I came across a great recipe for bread sticks that I just had to try. A fellow Etsian was kind enough to let me share the recipe with you!

By the way, she has a great shop that you should check out here. KarenElizDesigns

I must admit, that I am not much of a baker, probably not enough patience. We don't even own any teaspoon or tablespoon measuring thingys. But I was able to whip these out without a problem! Try them yourself and let me know how it goes.

1 pkg. active dry yeast
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup warm water
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1 cup shredded old cheddar

Combine yeast and warm water in a measuring cup and let
stand 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour
and spices. Add 3 tbsp of the oil. Stir the yeast mixture
into the flour mixture to make a shaggy dough. Mix in the
cheese with your hands. Knead for 5 minutes, then let rise for
1 1/2 hours. Punch down the dough, then divide it into 32 pieces.
Roll each piece into a long, skinny stick approximately 12 inches long.
Place the sticks on a cookie sheet, brush them with the rest of the
olive oil, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Too Early!



I know, I know, I know. It is much too early to be thinking about Christmas. However, I found the sweetest little red cardinals the other day and I have been singing Christmas carols ever since! I figured the best way to get it out of my system was to make a little bit of holiday cheer, maybe that would stop the Jingle Bells ringing in my ear. It didn't work, now all I want is a Christmas tree!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Interview!

Last night, I got a very great request to be interview for a fantastic blog! What an honor!
Check it out here...

http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3248

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Something New


I love my Etsy store. It has provided me with endless hours of creative enjoyment. However, recently I have been feeling creatively challenged. Maybe it's the heat. That's it, I will blame it on the heat.
So I decided to try something new. At least for my shop. It has been awhile since I have made a wreath, so I was a bit nervous. Hopefully, it turned out well. What do you think?


Check out some of my other creations here http://www.emilywootton.etsy.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Finally


Well, it is about time!



I posted about pizza dough months ago, now you get to see the final product.
I have recently been rather obsessed with making my own pizza, and must admit that I am becoming somewhat of an expert. Take a look and drool!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Raising the Dough


Pizza day! Always one of my favorite days. We got a brand new stand mixer and went kinda crazy with the dough. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic of the yummy yummy pizza, but you can imagine. Just take a look at that roasted garlic in the tomatoes. Does it make you hungry just thinking about it?
My favorite pizza ever is with roasted tomatoes, black olive, anchovies(that's right, Anchovies) and onion. Don't judge! But tell me your faves!
With a nice glass of red red wine, all the windows open, and laughter, what a great evening!

Twit, Twit, Twit

Right now, that little four letter word, is a Big four letter word for me! In fact, I may start using it, instead of the many other four letter words available. I am sure it wouldn't offend my mom as much as *&!@ and !$%* or even @*^!

Why? You may ask. To tweet is such a beautiful thing...
I wouldn't know. I have been attempting to sign up for this Twitter thing all morning with no luck. Is it just me, am I just that illiterate when it comes to technology?
I have grown up with this stuff, all of my friends do it, Twitter is meant to be great for business. But maybe not so great for me...
What do you think? How has your twitter experience been? As soon as I get it all worked out, I will let ya know!

It is a beautiful day though!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Adventure!

Welcome to my new adventure! I realize, that starting a blog does not seem terribly adventuresome. People do it every day...
However, what could be more of an adventure, than to share your life, thoughts, triumphs and failures with people all over the world.
This is a spot that I want you to come to relax, take a breath and share as well.

A little about me:
I am Emily. I have recently become a Southern Californian. In fact, as of June 5th, I will have been here for a full 6 months. Since I have moved to this part of the world, I have begun my own little on-line store. http://www.emilywootton.etsy.com So part of this blog will be my adventure of starting my own small business. Stay tuned, to hear of my quest for trying to stay creative and sane, while trying to make a go of it!

Another part of this blog will be food! My wonderful boyfriend, is an even more wonderful cook. He has taught me so many things about cooking and loving food, that if I couldn't share that with you, it would be a very sad day!

Who knows what else will be here! Everyday, will be a new day and a new thought! Let's Adventure together!
Emily