All posts filed under: coffee and tea

Fog, Puff Pastry and a Cup of Tea

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I woke up Tuesday feeling out of sorts – especially when I made quick turns or bend downward. It turned out I was having a Vertigo episode – which I’ve had for several years, where the world around me turns upside down and I am unable to find a solid ground to stand on. These Seabands help for sure to alleviate some of the symptoms, but a few days of rest and calmness is best, along with this exercise, in case you find your way in the same Titanic as me. The worst I think is the inability to focus, or, in my case, sounds and quick movements around me flare up my queasiness. Nevertheless, I have responsibilities, work, caring for my mother and an aging dog – so I am doing my best to stay solid. Ginger tea and lemongrass help apparently. I read also foods to avoid during an episode. So, with that long intro, I am going to effort this puff pasty at some point, maybe tomorrow, but figured I’d share the …

Food: For The Love of Cake

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Cakes are the simplest of all baking you can possibly do, if you are pressed for time when asked to bring something to a holiday get-together. This recipe is literally an easy one to follow – measuring the ingredients and either whisking by hand or using a fancy mixer to blend together, pour into a baking pan and bake. A sprinkle of powdered sugar is the quickest of all decoration, and a good option for the holidays and first time bakers.. so follow along: Ingredients  9 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 pinch salt 1 cup fresh ricotta Zest of 1 lemon   **** I use Meyer’s lemon 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 apple, peeled and grated (should yield about 1 cup) Confectioners’ sugar for serving  {more}  

Lifestyle: Best of Coffee Across America

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This morning while commuting to work, a woman got on the train and sat next to me and all I could focus on is the beautiful smell of coffee, and from the to-go cup, I couldn’t tell who and where she got it from. It didn’t smell like Starbucks or Pete’s but a brew so unique, I am kicking myself for not finding out what it was. On Friday while walking to the neighborhood grocers, I noticed a long line in front of a mom-and-pop coffee shop where my mother gets her blend especially made, and the beans bagged on the spot, and I smiled at the sign proudly announcing how they have been a neighborhood coffee house for over 50 years, and to be truthful, a part of our family for just that long. All this got me thinking about coffee shops, and how is it that they thrive no matter where. Of course opening up my own coffee shop has been a dream for the longest time and until then, here’s the best …

Travel: Best Breakfast in San Francisco Past the Tourist Trap

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San Francisco is an easy city to explore on foot, or a bus, or Uber or any means to get past all the tourist areas and the best way to plan it, is to start out with breakfast to some of my favorite and tested spots  in my city and the rest of the list of many others I plan to explore eventually:

Food: Apple Cider French Crullers

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Yes I am on a French kick today for sure.  This morning I was craving something sweet, and as always the internet knows exactly what I am thinking because there is this recipe I found which will certainly satisfy the sweet cravings: Ingredients 1 cup apple cider 1 stick butter 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3-4 eggs Chai Glaze 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon all-spice 1/4 teaspoon cardamom 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food: Cake And More Cake

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In light of my faithful or most loyal friend’s birthday today – he is 12 or 84 as in dog years :(.  I’ll take 12 since I can’t bear the thought of life without him aging, in my opinion too fast. Anyway, as I swallow the boulder now lodged in my throat for the sentimental thoughts going through my head, I want to share with you two cake recipes I see myself baking, and taking to an old traditional tea party  penciled in on my calendar sometime for late fall or a simple human birthday celebration.      

Recipe: Zucchini Oat Cake For Breakfast

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This the season I crave more substance, not feeling salads or just boiled eggs, a slice of chicken. I need comfort food mostly saturday mornings,  a piece of toast perfectly spread with Mascarpone and Cherry Jam, a slice of lemon cake from Starbucks paired with a warm cup of tea, while I type away my next novel. In light of my craving, I stumbled upon this cake, surely including many healthy ingredients, so I don’t feel so guilty devouring a slice and yes with my favorite English breakfast tea infused with a cinnamon stick.