Monday, November 13, 2006
Happy Monday!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Saturday
Friday, November 10, 2006
hard night
I am doing some competitive research...Eating out as much as I can, copying menus and prices. I had a papaya smootie C700, coffee C350, no refills, eggs with black beans and rice C1200 with avocado C350....About USD 6....I will have free refills for sure....
The other thing is smoking...everyone smokes here, including tourists...Though all my tables are outside, Organico will be smoke free...
Heading out to the cafe...it started raining outside...it is so hot, rain is good...it means we will have water in April...No complains...
Pura Vida!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Day by Day
I can see the ocean from my bed...there is a warm breeze and a nice turning thing on the ceiling...(no idea what it is called, but I am glad I have it, because it is hot)..
I arrived yesterday at 1pm, my 4 bags didn't make it to the small plane from San Jose to Tambor. Per Sansa, the regional airlines, it should be here in 40 minutes. They were supposed to be here by early morning, but everyone tells me I should forget about the time for a while...things here run by Tica time...
The guy who picked me from the airport yesterday is going to get them for me and bring it to my casa...People are nice and friendly here. Two minutes ago, I got my first call from a local friend, Maritzio...It is amazing how happy I felt when that phone rang. He just called to check on me and see if I heard from the luggages...He is the one who taught me how to surf when I was here in August. If my stuff arrives, we will go the beach tomorrow.
I didn't make any arrangements for a place to stay but lucked out on this really nice one bedroom. Apparently, most places are sold out for December and January already because of the holidays and the high season...(good for the business!)... The casa comes with a shower, bathroom, kitchen, a walk in closet (!!!) and a nice veranda with a great big wood table. When saw the hammock, I could not believe my eyes...I came here mostly for love, love of food, love of hammocks and love of papayas...I had my first papaya for lunch today...so I can't complain...
I have a lot of work to do. I am planning to take over by December 1st. I went there this morning and was really upset to see that she is taking her kitchenaid with her...It was listed in the inventory list, so i left mine with Ann, good thing I didn't sell it because they are really expensive and even more expensive here...If I knew I would have brought it with me...Sucks big time...I need the kitchenaid for cakes and cookies most of the time. Anyway, on the bright side, I did have a special bond with my kitchenaid and it would be great to see him again.
Oh, before I forget, whoever comes first, gets a special on the menu named after him or her, or a name that you like. For tickets from the US, call TACA. Their service have been extremely helpful and the seats are very comfortable. You will get to San Jose and then take SANSA (regional airlines) to Tambor.... That's it...directions to heaven....
Now, got to go and open a bank account...Wish me luck! Adios!
Day 3:
Each day gets better. Talking to friends on the phone and getting emails helps so much. I got my luggage yesterday and unpacked most of my stuff. It is so nice to see my old stuff...I thought I had no attachments to things, but scratch that...I love my life, I love San Francisco, I love my friends and family. Sera made a very good point that I am not here forever. She even said she never expected me to be here for a long time. I am here on a bootcamp...I love bootcamps. It feels much better and lighter to think this is an adventure, not a permanent stop. As Lane said, the sooner I start doing things I like, the better I will feel...So true...I can't relax on vacations, I need to do things, like work or run around, just keep occupied...Sleeping under the sun is not my thing, but I do enjoy an afternoon nap on the hammock.
I got the bank account and they got me a debit card in one day...Now I am in Cobano, the big town and found high speed internet here...It is great....Will try to download some pictures....
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I am in Montezuma
Sunday, November 05, 2006
I fucking love this city!
joy
"don't cry, it's only music,"
someone's voice is saying.
"no one you love is dying."
it's only music. and it was only spring,
the world's unreasoning body
run amok, like a saint's, with glory,
that overwhelmed a young girl
into unreasoning sadness.
"crazy," she told herself,
"i should be dancing with happiness."
but it happened again. it happens
when we make bottomless love--
there follows a bottomless sadness
which is not despair
but its nameless opposite.
it has nothing to do with the passing of time.
it's not about loss. it's about
two seemingly parallel lines
suddenly coming together
inside us, in some place
that is still wilderness.
reaching for the shimmering notes
while our eyes fill with tears.
48 hours...
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Organico Darling!

I got my business cards! Lane designed these for me and they are perfect. I am officially a baker and I love it. My family is not that happy with all the baked delights that are available 24/7 but I do enjoy feeding them with tofu, in the shape of chocolate mousse, vegan cakes and cookies.
It also helps that I have so many people from craigslist come over to take a look at my stuff, we don't have a left over problem! Seriously, I will be in Costa Rica in less than 2 weeks and the only thing that I know is I am going to take a week off and just surf and read! Moving sucks, saying goodby is even worse and i am tired...
Lemon-Mint Sorbet

I love using my ice-cream machine for healthy treats. This lemon sorbet recipe is a snap to prepare and is perfect in between meals (before real dessert:)
3/4 cup of sugar
1 cup of lemon juice
1 cup boiling water
zest of one lemon
bunch of fresh mint, chopped fine (optional)
Mix all the ingredients, chill for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight. Use an ice-cream machine according to directions.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
the secret
The movie The Secret has been a huge underground hit. In the legacy of What the Bleep!?, The Secret entertains, educates and inspires viewers by showing them the true possibilities of the Universe. I watched the movie about 1 month ago by paying $4.95 and viewing it online. It was totally worth it! It was a great and inspirational film that doesn't necessarily teach you something new, but rather reminds you of what you inherently know. And just what is that? Well... you'll have to watch to find out!
Check this out!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
on being human
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
5 Things to eat before you die...
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Organico Recipes: Julayne's Blueberry Muffins
Julayne started blogging about her experience in Cambodia. Her blog is really cool and I can't wait to see her pictures. I met her through Lane and she has been such an inspiration to me on this Costa Rica deal...Quoting wonderful Ann, cheers to the citizens of the world!
Julayne loves blueberry muffins and she is on the Organico menu, as long as she keeps her promise to come and taste the real thing:)
I used Mendocino Mornings cookbook for the base recipe and veganized it by replacing the egg with flax seed, milk with soy milk, butter with coconut oil and mashed bananas...I also used a mix of corn meal and wholewheat flour with regular flour...It is fun to be a fairy!
Also, special thanks to Phil for the latest and the greatest addition to my bakeware collection...The ultimate muffin pan- in red and silicon...It rocks!
And also special thanks to Mama Boothby for lending me the cookbook. Highly recommended!
Berry Cheesecake (Shhhhhh, it is raw!)

The raw cheesecake...Keep on reading, seriously, it is not a joke. Compared to my old favorite (8 packages of 8oz cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, butter), this gem recipe only has raw ingredients that blends smooth like silk (Vita-Mix again) and it is just a pure pleasure to eat. Even in the shape of a skull...Come'on now, that is something!!
Step by step pictures from Matthew are here. All you need is almonds and date paste for the crust, fermented cashews, agave nectar, lemon juice, almond milk, vanilla for the cheesecake. You get the ingredients ready, I will post the recipe later tonight.
You are Dead to me NOW!
What's up with the skull? I changed my religion, I now worship the God of Pinwheels and the almighty has requested this cake on May 19th...

Credits on the handsome marzipan skull go to Fagerstorm. We first tried to do a free hand model but it was hard to get it smooth. So, we decided to roll it and pressed it right on to the model...That worked like magic!
The cheesecake took 10 minutes to prep, and we used strawberries with some cherry pie filling for a more realistic blood look. And, it also helped that I cut my hand while opening the damn can! It turned out really ugly, I am so proud of it!

They are dead to me now...There were tears at the airport, but it is all good, quoting Rumi, death is our marriage to eternity (via John).
God of Pinwheels and Cupcake Laniest...
Monday, October 02, 2006
Adventurous Stranger
strike the bell and bide the danger
or wonder, till it drives you mad,
what would have happened if you had"
–the quote is from C.S. Lewis, author of
"The Chronicles of Narnia".
Begin it now...
Until one is committed,
there is hesitancy,
the chance to draw back,
always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts
of initiative and creation,
there is one elementary truth
the ignorance of which
kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur
to help one that would never
otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events
issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner
of unforeseen incidents,
meetings and material assistance
which no man could have dreamed
would have come his way.
Whatever you can do
or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius,
power and magic in it.
Begin it now.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Finally....

I am finally doing it...Moving to Costa Rica and opening my own place. Got my ticket for November 7th. There is a lot of work to do, but I am so ready, (and relieved!)
Bhavatu sabba mangalam.
"May all beings be happy."
Update: See my first post from Costa Rica...I can't believe I am doing this!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Happy Friday!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Mom's Most Requested Recipe (in love)

Mom doesn’t like to experiment with different recipes, but she does have specials that are very good! I remember her crème caramels, (we even had individual metal molds), her tiramisu is also very good and this sour cherry dessert is probably the most requested recipe from her.
When I saw this picture on Flickr, I emailed it to her immediately. Cenk has been asking for it for a long time, but the recipe had some problems so we couldn’t share. It is the damn sour cherry pudding! They took it off the shelves a couple years ago. (We were probably helped them clear the inventory in less time than they have forecasted. I remember dad running around every grocery store to find the last remains of this treasure. Of course, they didn’t last long.)
Until now…We are proud to bring this dessert back to life…with a homemade cherry pudding…I haven’t tested this recipe yet, but it looks very good on my sister’s blog…Mom is coming next week, so I will make sure to lock her in the kitchen…Crap…sour cherry juice…..is as hard to find as the pudding itself…Will figure out something…
1 pack of cookies (petit beurres work the best, LU brand is good)
1 pack of pudding (make according to directions)
1 envelope of gelatin
1.5 table spoon corn starch
1.5 tablespoon sugar
2.5 cups sour cherry juice
Line a 9 by 13 baking sheet with the cookies.
Pour the warm vanilla pudding on top. Let it cool for 10 minutes and add another layer of cookies.
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1 tablespoon of cherry juice and let it dissolve, appr. 10 minutes.
Cook the sour cherry pudding by mixing all the ingredients over medium heat.
Carefully pour the pudding over the cookies.
The jelly hearts are so adorable, but I don’t have a clue how to make them. Cutting heart shapes from strawberries sound extremely difficult...but I will try it soon:)
My sister used cherries instead, it looks nice but hearts are just so adorable...They also topped this with a spoon of vanilla ice cream….Needless to say, we don’t mess around when it comes to dessert!
Photo Credit: Varf
I can't post from Flickr...something wrong with the beta settings...Don't switch to Blogger beta...Be warned.
A happy day...
The overcoming of sensual desires;
But the abolition of the conceit I am --
That is truly the supreme bliss.
Udana II, 1
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Request for better food!
P.S:Lane, lets change that hummingbird with Apollo-13:)
Featured Shake: "Phraxos Nights"

John requested a shake to be named after him back in Montezuma, but John Sullivan as a shake name, ummmm not that catchy??? Hence, Phraxos Nights, for him!
1 small papaya
Friday, September 22, 2006
Yummy Posts!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Quote of the Day....
thing at once." I am struggling with this one....
Saturday, September 09, 2006
You are an adult now!

Sutter is 30....I don't believe that...(see picture on the left!)
Still, happy birthday! He has requested this wonderful cake from me a while ago, but took of with Lane to party in the Midwest...So, no CAKE!
(Lane's photo)
Raw Chocolate Mousse and Happy Saturday!

I went to a raw dessert class with Sera and Chrisann a couple weeks ago and met Matthew, Cafe Gratitude's dessert chef. He is hot and super super friendly! We made several of Gratitude's desserts and my favorites were Chocolate Mousse and the Berry Cheesecake. Absolutely fantastic desserts! Pictures from the class are on Flickr!

So, last night Aaron and I made Matthew's killer mousse. It turned out almost as good as Matthew's and I had it for breakfast this morning. I am feeling a little sick now, it is hard to stop eating this thing.
I am pretty sure you would not be able even tell that this is a raw recipe, which means no processed sugar, eggs, dairy or tofu...Wanna bet?
Here is the recipe:
1 oz. Irish Moss (you can buy online @ purejoylivingfoods.com)
1/2 cup water
4 cups almond milk (better if you do your own, but we used store bought)
1/2 cup date paste (you can make your own by blending pitted dates)
3/4 cup agave
salt, vanilla
3/4 cup raw cacao powder
3 TB lecithin (you buy online or Whole Foods has it, note that 30% of our brain's dry weight is lecithin!!!)
1 cup coconut butter
Directions:
. Blend soaked Irish moss and water really well...One of the reasons why you need Vita-mix (see my note below)
. All all the other ingredients, except lecithin and butter.
. Keep blending until the mixture is smooth. Takes only 30 seconds or so...
. Add lecithin and butter and blend another 20 seconds.
. Pour the mousse into cups and decorate as you wish...I used organic roses, you can use cacao nibs as well...

Just a warning, you really need a Vita-Mix or any other high power blender for this recipe...or a good friend who has one ;)
With all his attachments cut,
with the heart's pining subdued,
calm and serene and happy is he,
for he has attained peace of mind.
Samyutta Nikaya I, 212
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Friday, September 01, 2006
Gmail as recipe organizer
Gmail to the rescue again! This time, as Ashley's recipe organizer:
I use the Internet to find almost all of my recipes [ Fridge Googling! -- Ed.] . Now, I email myself the recipes to my Gmail account and I have a quick easy way to organize them. I apply a 'Recipes' label to them to keep them from cluttering the Inbox and then I can use Google's handy Search Mail feature to find the recipe I need. The sponsored links section has even shown me some other nice sites to find recipes. Sharing recipes has never been easier too!
Organic Food Movement!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Raw/live Food Revolution: The next generation in health food products
From We like it RAW blog....Very interesting!!!!!
The raw food movement has been producing a lot of green recently, and I'm not talking about kale and cucumbers.
As the term raw food has gone mainstream most of the major players in the industry, such as Nature's First Law and Larabar, have seen tremendous growth. So its no wonder that major food companies are starting to take notice.
Take a look at this $1440 report whipped together by Business Insights and In-Food Consultancy, (link courtesy of Sarma):
Raw/live Food Revolution: The next generation in health food products
Consumers have grown weary of diets like Atkins and South Beach and are beginning to see natural options like 'live food' and 'Ayurvedic' diets as sustainable, long-term choices for maintaining health and weight. The growing demand for both allergen-free and less processed foods is also driving consumers towards this new health regimen. Raw/live food revolution is a new management report published by Business Insights in association with In-Food that analyzes the fast growing raw and live food market. This report provides analysis of raw and living products found in health food stores and forward-thinking supermarkets in the US, Canada, Australia, France and the UK. It details the leading products and manufacturers in the market and the key issues and trends that will shape its future. The raw and live food market is yet to be dominated by major players and provides profit opportunities for all food and drink manufacturers and retailers. This new report will help you identify, understand and exploit the new product development potential of the raw and live food market. Full PDF Summary
It is clear that the growth of the raw food movement is going to attract its fair share of vultures and value-adders. Although there is the potential for a conglomerate to swoop in and try to mass-market and dilute the integrity of the raw food movement, I think anyone who tries to do that is in for a surprise.
The raw food community is one of the most educated and viral group of "consumers" in almost any industry. That's one of the main reasons that raw food has grown so quickly! We have opinions and aren't afraid to tell our friends because we've seen first hand the results that are possible.
So in this green movement know that you also play an important role. Keep both the established companies and the newcomers on their toes by constantly questioning and researching their standards. Push for transparency and reward the companies that do with your dollars.
p.s. $1440 is quite a bit for a report, but I'm sure worth it if you need to get raw strategic with your company. If anyone ends up buying it please do send us your review.
Just wanted to share...
good is contentment with just what one has;
good is merit when life is at an end,
and good is the abandoning of all suffering.
Dhammapada 331
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Have a papaya and save your seeds!
P.S. Posting photos on blogger is not an easy job these days...I made a wrong decision to switch over to Blogger Beta and it doesn't support Flickr or Picassa yet. So, think twice before whining to your friends at Blogger:)
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Very Healthy Macaroons!

This is the easiest cookie recipe you will ever find on this blog. So mark it! It is from the Real Food Cookbook, from Pure Food and Wine in NY. I have never been to this restaurant but if you happen to be in NY, you must check it out. At least get a menu and mail it to me:)
Chocolate Macaroons:
1/2 cups shredded dried coconut-unsweetened
3/4 cup cocoa powder1/2 cup maple syrup, I used agave nectar
1 tablespoon coconut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt
My trusted tasters (Lane and Sam) found the original version way too bitter for, so I would suggest to add a little more dried coconut or almonds (experiment with tablespoon increments). For the almond version, substitute ground almonds instead of cocoa. Mix everything together and form balls, one tablespoon each.If you have a dehydrator, dehydrate at 115 for 12-24 hours. I don't have one, so I heated the oven to 200 and kept the cookies there for 15 minutes....Then kept them outside overnight...
If you still think you won't be able to make these, you can buy them online...
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
New Love: My Ice-Cream Machine!
I resisted to add another appliance to my beloved kitchen for a long time but finally gave in to this beautiful red Cuisinart. From the Chicago Tribune:
"The need for ice cream makers baffles many: "Another appliance in my kitchen?" they wail. But skeptical frozen-treat lovers may want to reconsider. These machines offer an excellent way to put seasonal fruit to work in luscious and creative frozen desserts." and my love got 4 scoops!!!
I tried an amazing frozen yogurt recipe from Delicious Days and used agave syrup instead of honey (you can also use maple syrup) and it worked great. Adjust the sweetness as you like it. This was my second try though, I used non-fat yogurt on the first version, but it didn't work as well, lots of ice crystals. Lesson learned, you need some fat to turn the yogurt into creamy goodness...so go for the full fat and sign-up for a spinning class at Connect 18!
Pistachio-Yogurt Ice Cream
Serves 4, or if you are me, serves 1:)
3 cups (450 gr) yogurt (Greek yogurt from Trader's Joe rocks!)
1/2 cup chopped unsalted pistachios, (use ground pistachios if you like your ice cream green)
5 tbsp agave syrup (adjust as you like)
1 tablespoon vanilla
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the chopped pistachios, put them into your ice-cream maker and watch it churn and churn and churn...at least 15 minutes...then add the pistachios and churn for 5 more minutes. Get your favorite ice-cream spoon and dig in!
I have this blueberry sorbet and watermelon sorbet next up on my list....
Have a cookie, sweat it and ask for the second one in SPANISH!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Master Cleanser Lemonade Fast
good for?"
"It is very good, sir. When a person has nothing to eat, fasting is the
smartest thing he could do. When, for example, Siddhartha hadn't
learned to fast, he would have to accept any kind of service before this
day is up, whether it may be with you or wherever, because hunger would
force him to do so. But like this, Siddhartha can wait calmly, he knows
no impatience, he knows no emergency, for a long time he can allow
hunger to besiege him and can laugh about it. This, sir, is what
fasting is good for."
"You're right, Samana. Wait for a moment."
Friday, August 11, 2006
Bill Buford gushes about Harold McGee over at NPR
Bill Buford gushes about Harold McGee over at NPR: "Bill Buford gushes about Harold McGee over at NPR. If you don't have McGee's On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen in your kitchen, you are missing a critical component of your food library. Every time I open it, I'm lose myself and just want to read forever. It's perfect for melding of my geeky side and my food side."
Happy Quote from Evhead
Happy Quote: "'Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive.' –Harold Whitmanvia WorkHappy "
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Roasted Plums with Spices
This week's star at the Noe Valley Farmer's Market was plums and I made this dessert for Cindy and Rod's BBQ. Grilling fruits for dessert is a very new concept to me but its been so hot in San Francisco in the last couple of weeks, the idea of turning the oven can make you lose friends...(when Rod heard that I was going to bake, fumes were coming out of his head)
Since they have a fancy restaurant style grill, (those stainless steel, multiple layer grills with gas), we decided to give it a try and roast the plums on the grill. It took about 30 minutes, on medium heat and they were juice and the backyard smelled amazing with all the spices!
The recipe for this dessert is so easy...I got the basic idea from Keiko, and sprinkled all the spices I had at home; Juniper Berries, Cardamom Seeds, Star Anise and Cinnamon Sticks...I also added a few splashes of vanilla...Don't skip this step, the smell is out of this world...
Now, we are not done...You can serve this dessert over store-bought ice-cream or try a homemade frozen yogurt as an alternative. I got a new ice-cream maker this weekend and made my first ever frozen yogurt with pistachios...Recipe will follow soon:) The juices of the plums thickens as the fruit roasts and almost becomes like caramel, but a plummy caramel...Top the ice-cream with this sauce and dig in!
Monday, August 07, 2006
A sad goodbye...

I just came back from a great trip to Costa Rica and learned that Cici has passed away. She was sick for a while and I knew she wasn't doing well.
I am happy that had a full and a great life. Her influence on me is huge, she is the baker in our family, though she had a law degree and worked for the municipality. One of her signature cookies is the "world" famous "Un Kurabiyesi", like the Russian tea cookies but ours have almonds on top. I will make some and post the recipe soon.
By the way, the purple ring that I wear almost everyday, that some of you make fun of it since it really has a huge stone (!!!!) was hers...
I love you and miss you very very much. Have a safe journey and may you be in peace wherever you are. My family is having a service for her tomorrow and she will be burried next to her beloved husband, granddad Rahmi...
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Hola from Costa Rica!
Canopy (zip lines over the rain forest) was damn scary but there was a dog with us, Luna and he was my hero the whole time.
I can now proudly say that I can SURF!!! Well, correction, I can surf a wave, can't paddle my way and pick a wave yet but it is sooooooooo much fun!
It takes 30 minutes to hike to the Playa Grande (no access through cars)...There are mango trees in the hotel I am staying and mangos are falling down every 10 seconds BAM!!!! Squirrels are eating almonds like crazy, they don't even stop and breath. The green here is something else, you just have to come here. My Spanish is improving, people are so nice, so far I have been randomly invited to several gatherings, did art work, had coffee, hanged out, all those fun things that you can do when you are travelling alone with open eyes!
I have been doing yoga everyday, except for one morning, where I had to go and surf! When it is the right wave, you just can't wait!!! and I am much more comfortable with my headstands. Dagmar is such a gifted teacher. We connected really well and she is off to a Vipassana course in India in a couple months...Life is good!
Pictures will follow and I am sailing to Tortuga Island for snorkelling and beach volleyball.
Pura Vida!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Do you know?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
At Sadaharu Aoki's
Paris'te bir pastane....
Fotograftaki pastane Paris'teki Meshur Sadaku Aoki...Ayni bir sanat galerisi gibi, her pasta ayri bir degisik...Ilk once yesil cayli opera pastasini daha sonra da siyah susamli ekleri denemek istiyorum...Becerebilir miyim o ayri:)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Berry Crisp
For the topping:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup melted butter
1/3 cup raw sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup nuts (pistachios or almonds)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
For the fruit base, mix any fruit you like. For a 9 inch pie pan, you will need 3 cups of fruit...Here are some ideas...Mix and match as you like...Experiment....Have fun!
Mangoes and Peaches
Peaches and Apricots
Blueberries and Peaches
Plums and Berries
Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries)
Apples and Grapes
Pineapple and Mangoes
Mix all the topping ingredients and sprinkle over the fruit. Bake for 35 to 40 minuted in 350 degrees or until the topping gets CRISP!
Turkish Coffee in San Francisco...
San Francisco'da Turk Kahvesi...
Bir arkadasim cekmis bu fotografi...Turk kahvesini Orta Asya kahvesi diye satiyorlar....
Friday, July 21, 2006
Do you know...
Are you a gourmet snob?
Thursday, July 20, 2006
YE:12 Sutlu Tatlilar

Ye:12’nin konusu “Sutlu Tatlilar”i konularina gore siralamaya calistim. Tariflerin hepsi birbirinden guzel ve lezzetli. Katilan tum arkadaslara tesekkur ediyorum ve onumuzdeki ay Salatalarla bulusmak uzere diyorum!
Pudingler/Muhallebiler

Bereketliolsun: Muzlu Puding
Guliz : Krokanli Kayisili Muhallebi
Sihirli Mutfak: Karadutlu Vanilyali Puding
Bahar Cicegi: Iki Renkli Pudding
Hanimis: Su Muhallebisi
Cafe Fernando: Blueberry Mango Ahududulu Puding
Portakal Agaci: Cukulata Tabanli Karamelli Puding
Zeynep'in Mutfagi: Kayisili Muhallebi
Gelincik: Prenses Muhallebisi
Mutfak Guncesi: Cukulatali Hareli Puding
Zeytindali:Cay Aromali Krem Ole
Yemek Kokusu: Meyveli Kup
Kuplar

Hanimis: Neskup
Hanimis: Bogurtlenli Kup
Lezize: Cukulata ve Sade Kup
Acik Bufe: Visneli Tiramisu
Bahar Cicegi: Cilekli Tiramisu
Sutlaclar

Annemin Mutfak Kokusu: Flaman Sutlaci
Peynir Gemisi: Visneli Sakizli Firin Sutlac
Devletsah: Firin Sutlaci
Gelincikler: Sakizli Firinda Sutlac
Zeytindali:Kheer (Hindistan Usulu Sutlac)
Irmikli Tatlilar
Zeytin Tanesi: Meyveli Sutlu Irmik Tatlisi ve Etimek Tatlisi
Limon Cicegi: Meyveli Sutlu Irmik Tatlisi
Ozlem'in Mutfagi: Sutlu Irmik Tatlisi
Sutlu Borekler

Kuzine: Laz Boregi
Ebruli Lezzetler: Sut Boregi
Tatlilar

Pinar’in Kulubesi: Yalanci Profitefol
Miss Cilek: Kartopu Keyfi
Sweet Kitchen: Kar Toplari
Mekanimiz Mutfak: Visneli Vanilyali Tatli
Zeytin Tanesi: Etimek Tatlisi
Yemek Sepeti: Karamelli Karadut Tatlisi
Pesto-Pancetta: Creme Brule
Ozlem'in Mutfagi: Krem Karamel
Has Mutfak: Lokum
Baking Fairy: Lavantali Panna Cotta
Yoresel Tatlilar
Yemek Kokusu: Babaruva
Incik Boncuk: Osmanli Usulu Keskul
Aintab Sofrasi: Visneli Fistikli Haytalya (Kilis Tatlisi)
Aintab Sofrasi: Sutlu Nuriye
Mutfak Sohbetleri: Sutlu Nefise
Defne Nur'un Mutfagi: Esmer Sutlu
Derya'dan Lezzetler: Gonlu Ferah
Dondurmalar

Peruze: Dondurmali Sandvic
Zeytin Agaci: Sakizli Dondurma "Tatlilarin Kralicesi"
Hindistan: Parfe
Pastalar

Nane ve Limon: Sarlota
Yagmur Damlasi: Asure Pastasi
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Djalma's Vacation Cake
Djalma'dan Tatil Pastasi....
Flickr arkadasim Djalma'nin pasta dekorasyonlari inanilmaz guzel...Mutlaka bakin....Birgun beraber calisma planlarimiz var, belki Brezilya'da belki San Francisco'da...Simdilik hayal tabii bu dusunceler!!!!
Monday, July 17, 2006
My Nano will tell me how far I ran....
Have you grilled peaches?
It is so hot out!
Mutfakta Randevu
Bourdain in Beirut
Inspiration for the Week....
In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer
anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away.
—Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I am looking for good coffee and just signed up for Blue Bottle
monthly delivery at www.bluebottle.net
Lavantali Panna Cotta
Iste tarif:
1/4 bardak soguk su
4 cay kasigi jelatin
4 bardak sut (isterseniz 2 bardak hindistan cevizi sutu ya da badem sutu, ya da soya sutu, ya da krema kullanabilirsiniz).
1 bardak seker
1 tatli kasigi bal
1/4 cay kasigi vanilya esansi
1 yemek kasigi lavanta
1) 1/4 bardak suyun icinde jelatini yumusatin (10 dakika)
2) Kisik ateste jelatin iyice eriyene kadar karistirin, yaklasik 1 dakika
3) Baska bir tencerede sut, seker, bal, lavanta ve vanilyayi karistirin, kisik ateste kaynatin ve atesin altini kapatin.
4) Jelatin karisimini sut karisimina ekleyin.
5) Karisimi elekten gecirin ve fincanlara dokun.
Uzerine lavanta cicekleri ile susleyin, bal ile ikram edin.
Afiyet olsun!
YE 12 icin katilim harika. 50 tane sutlu tatli posta kutumda okunmayi bekliyor. Haftasonuna kadar tarifleri organize edip, yazmayi planliyorum, simdiden sabriniz icin tesekkurler. Herkese iyi haftalar....
Lavender Infused Panna Cotta
Here is the base recipe I used...
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/103466
I will be doing a round-up of the 50 entries I received for the event, so long nights are ahead....Then I am off to Costa Rica....! Yay!!!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Gateau Basque with Strawberry Jam and Vanilla Ice Cream

The original of this recipe comes from southwestern France near Spain, where this tart/cake is usually eaten with jam on the side. This version combines the jam with the tart and makes it a very delicious picnic treat.
I used my mom's homemade strawberry jam and it was delicious. My new roommate and her boyfriend also loved it, so it is definitely a keeper. Next time I will try with less sugar and rock the pastry cream recipe with almond milk!
Thanks Scott for sharing the recipe!
PASTRY
4 ounces (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 extra-large egg
1 extra-large egg yolk
11/2cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
FILLING
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 extra-large egg yolks
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
1 tablespoon light rum
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup black cherry preserves (I used strawberries)
1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
Makes 1 nine inch tart
1. To make the pastry: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, lemon zest, and salt on low speed, until smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk and mix until blended. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into two pieces. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.
2. To make the filling, In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of the milk and whisk until smooth. In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 1/1/2 cups milk with the vanilla bean and its scrapings, until steaming. While whisking, pour 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the yolk mixture. Whisk the yolk mixture back into the hot milk and cook over medium heat, whisking, until boiling and thick, about 4 minutes. Strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the vanilla bean. Stir in the rum and almond extract. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 325". Set a 9-inch-diameter flan ring with 10-inch sides on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the inside of the pan with vegetable oil spray. Working between two pieces of plastic wrap, roll out the larger disk of dough to an 11-inch round. Remove the plastic wrap and ease the dough into the flan ring, pressing it into the corners and leaving the overhang. Spread the preserves evenly over the bottom of the pastry shell. Add the pastry cream in dollops and then carefully spread it over the preserves. Working between two more pieces of plastic wrap, roll out the second disk of dough to a 10-inch round and lay it over the pastry cream. Press the edges of the top and bottom crust together and cut off the overhang using the back edge of a knife. Using the tines of a fork, lightly score the top crust in a crosshatch pattern. Brush the top of the tart with the remaining egg wash. With the tip of a knife, poke three holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake in the center of the oven for g! minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the tart cool completely.
Serve at room temperature or chilled...Go a step further and scoop your favorite ice-cream on top. Have one slice per day only:)
Recipe from The American Boulangerie, more pictures on Flickr!
Do You Know...
What vitamin is found in rain?
"Vitamin B12. This nutrient, necessary for healthy blood, becomes
naturally airborne and is brought to earth by wind and rain." From
Martha Stewart...
We got soaked this year in San Francisco.Dad will be happy to hear
that I got fueled on B12:)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Amore Italia!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Next Martha?
BLOGHER: "It’s July, and that means Blogher in San Jose. Are you coming? If so, I’m moderating a panel on Saturday, July 29. It’s called “Is the Next Martha Stewart a Blogger?” and I’ll be talking to designer Andrea Scher of Superhero Designs, gardener and author Gayla Trail of You Grow Girl, foodie Pim Techamuanvivit of Chez Pim, and knitter Marnie MacLean of MarnieMacLean.com. If you’ll be there, come introduce yourself and join in the conversation. "
Monday, July 03, 2006
Jihva for Strawberries Part 3

Here are the last entries for the Strawberry Event that I hosted a month ago. Thank you everyone for joining and see you next month at Sauilu's.
1. Smorgasbord: Strawberries and Wine and Strawberry Yogurt
2. Luv2cook: Strawberry Spinach Salad
3. Out of the Garden: Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake
4. Anu-sachin East2West: Strawberry Tiramisu
5. En Ulagam: Strawberry Pachadi (Relish)
6. Happy Burp: Berry Easy Yoghurt Cake
7. Green Jack Fruit: Strawberry Buttermilk Ice
8. Food Newbie: Strawberry Pie
9. and finally from the Baking Fairy: Strawberry Spark Cake
You can read the previous entires here (Part 1) and here (Part 2)