Winter 2011 and other stuff...

Thought I'd change things up a bit with some photos of winter here on cape cod, what I've been up to, foods that made me fat this winter, fun stuff, neat stuff, etc... Photos taken with my iphone, so they aren't the best. Enjoy.

First up, the infamous Nauset Beach from cape cod national seashore. A stunning place to go to in the winter because it's so remote, quiet, raging, unpredictable, fierce and calming all at the same time. Very cold too. Even on the hottest of days in summer there is always a chill in the air along with the wind. This winter I braved it and went for a walk. It was so cold, the wind literally cuts your face. You have to be well prepared with layers of clothes and depending on the wind, a face mask. But as the old saying goes, a walk on the beach really clears the head.

There is a secret private beach club on cape cod that is a playhouse/clubhouse for the uber-rich to go to in the summer. Obviously no access is allowed in summer to the public, but this winter the gate was wide open for construction. Of course I had to sneak in and walk around--who wouldn't? This place is stunning. I'm not allowed to mention the place, where it is--I was asked not to. But here is a sneak peek of what the rich do in the summertime. This photo shoot was one of the highlights of my winter--stunning place.

the detail in masonary of this seawall was amazing.

not only are the homes on the beach, but they have a whole other section of private beach.

This winter I gained some weight....

2011 superbowl munchies!

Who is having a superbowl party? Tell me your address so I can show up and eat. I will bring whatever you want. I want to watch football this year. No I don't do I? I'm just there for the food man. It's all about the food. I just want to eat, and Superbowl day is a darn good excuse to pig out silly. Get your stretchy pants on and eat baby.
Well, if you still need some ideas on what to make AND want some easy recipes, I think I can help you. I've put together a few of the good munchies that are easy to create. If I had to choose: artichoke bread with hummus, pimento cheeseburgers, cheesy tater tots (those were gone in minutes so make a ton), and those fudge puddles. Seriously.

clockwise: meatloaf bread, artichoke bread, cheesy tater tots, and sweet potato quesadillas with fig reduction & corn relish.

left to right: espresso cream cheese brownies with salty shortbread crumbs, peanut butter fudge puddles, coconut cream cheese cookies.

clockwise: cheesy reuben calzone, reuben dip, frito salad, buffalo chicken chili with blue cheese drizzle.

left to right: devils food cupcakes with salty mascarpone frosting, pumpkin spice cookie bark, peanut butter and chocolate chunk cookies

left to right: pimento cheeseburger with tomato-balsamic reduction, ham and cheese sliders

best of the best

Never been one to have a long list of new year's resolutions since they become hard to keep because the list is too long thus overwhelming. This year, like last, my list will be small, but powerful.
Want to work on: my recipe creations (do more, make more), my health and getting back to california. My baking has grown, orders are coming in; so I hope to keep focused and grow that even more. Health is always top priority as I get older and being a baker/chef/recipe creator the weight is very easy to put on since food is everywhere, and everything gets tasted, retasted, devoured--and fast. Sugar is a hard lil guy to keep at a minimum isn't he?
Happy New Year everyone. And thank you for being here, in my lil corner of the world. Oh how I love it when you come for a sit and chat. Enjoy a few collages of years past of my favorite creations AND some of my favorites things in life. Oh there are movies, beach maps, and some shiny things. Nifty stuff, kind of long but worth the ride. Come on!

My other 'job' is critter care. Wouldn't give that up for the world. Here are a few of the lil critters I care for & love. Clockwise: Denny & Leo 'almost human' maine coons. My tater tot Tiki. Neighbors crazy badass rooster (how I love that fascinating creature, if you want to see a video of him busting a move click here). Dexter & dixie who make sure I get enough exercise. Anderson the cutest puppy that ever lived. Tomo the gentle giant Akita. Penny (rest in peace baby). Banshee the cat who loves to pose for the camera each & every time (rest in peace lil man). And my tiki is quite possibly the worlds cutest napper.

Some of the food finds that I dig. Clockwise: crazy dragon roll at sushi joy in plymouth, ma. Giant cupcakes perfectly decorated by the talented/fabulous people in the bakery at Whole Foods in Hingham, MA. Infamous Kelly's Roast Beef, Revere, MA--if you ever come to Boston please make sure you go here, you will remember the food, forever I promise. Cupcake Charlies on Cape Cod, MA: I am thankful they are on cape cod, hostess with the mostess cupcake is top winner. More cupcake charlies. My local Starbuck's who always remember who I am. Dim Sum at Golden Dragon at Foxwoods Casino, CT. Whoopie pies the size of your head at Dennis Market, Dennis, MA. Fried shrimp at Lindsey's Restaurant, Cape Cod, MA, family owned for decades and the recipes and portion sizes never ever change, thank goodness for that.

Betsey Johnson is a place where I spend way too much money and time. That bench is just fabulous--must have that.

Some of my favorite creations. Clockwise: general 'dawn' tso's chicken. Dark & white chocolate pb cups. Greek nachos (you must make these at least once in your life). Devils food cake w/ cream cheese peanut butter filling & ganache.

These are what my blog stats say you like best. Left to right: Creamsicle cheesecake. Devils food cupcakes with salty mascarpone frosting. Pumpkin and white Oreo ice cream.

More fan fav's: left to right: Pumpkin pop tarts with buttermilk glaze. Asian beef shortribs with warm balsamic potato salad. And the infamous levain bakery clone-like cookies--the most famous recipe of ALL time here on vanilla sugar.

More of my favorite creations. left to right: Espresso bars with cinnamon glaze. Pimento cheeseburger with tomato-balsamic reduction. Banana shortbread. Pumpkin cheesecake w/ nutella ganache.

Winter on cape cod. Clockwise: East sandwich marshlands at high tide. East dennis ghost town: Chapin Beach area. Ice on the ocean, it was that cold to freeze the ocean waters. Sandy Neck Beach in east sandwich where I love to walk. But during the winter its hard to walk there as the wind is so strong, so cold it literally slaps your face.

Summer is coming! I can't wait. Clockwise: Dennis beach, a "secret" lil area on the map in between corporation and howe st. My pool/my toes--I miss chilling in the hot sun. My hydrangeas which I did not kill. Here is a lil movie I did on cape cod traffic. Dig it!

More summer fun, hard to be patient for summer when it's 20 degrees outside and snowing.

I totally got published in this wild, fun, addictive ebook by a bunch of some the great top bloggers. I have two chapters, yep, two. Neat huh? It's a great read. It has recipes, photos and the best part stories from the chefs on how and why their recipes came to be. Click here if you want to buy one. And if you did buy one already. THANK you. I mean that :-)