Friday, November 12, 2010



Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Recipe from The San Fransisco Chronicle II
(bought at a used book sale, of course)

Fresh From the Oven

Served on the coffee table with French
Pressed Coffee for me and a pot of
Hot Chocolate for my son. 
The Pumpkin was mild but gave the rolls an
incredibly moist texture. 
We froze half the batch, so we will see how that holds
up this winter. 
Any book site would have this cookbook, any fan of
San Fransisco should have it in their library! 


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Autumn Days

Today is the idyllic autumn day, warm air with that crisp undertone.  Sunshine, incredible blue skies, crunchy leaves underfoot.  Full of promise.  Time to put the garden and gazebo to rest and cook, cook, cook.  Wanting to make soups, pastas, and "put up" the bounty to unearth on a cold winter's night.  I have been trying to work with seasonal, locally grown(or as close to local) foods I can get.  My system actually craves what is in season.  I am in the mood for squashes, apples, pears, and fine greens.  It is amazing to me how much we respond to seasonality foods! I am toying with making the pots de creme from Cannelle Vanille along with her Pumpkin, Quinoa and Hazelnut Gnocchi, follow link to pots de creme first, then to her home page for the gnocchi.  http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2009/03/simple-chocolate-and-raspberry-pots-de.html I can't think of another, better way to end a day of gardening!  Except maybe Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls rising overnight for a lazy Sunday breakfast. Happy weekend.  Happy fall. 

Friday, November 5, 2010

I was editing out the pictures on my computer this morning and
ran across this that I downloaded from somewhere, I apologize to the original person who posted this! 
Each time I read it, it means more to me.  "If you are" resonates with me.  Gives validity to "What Comes Around, Goes Around" doesn't it? 
Happy Friday, do something to earn your good Karma for the day! 
Rescue a kitten (I am doing that!), donate to the local food shelter, donate your time if you have no money, and think good thoughts!  They are powerful!  

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Our Lab, who doesn't possess a single retriever
characteristic, doing his part to keep our rivers clean.  After what seemed like hours, he worked up the courage to retrieve this
plastic bottle for us to recycle. 
GOOD BOY, SCOUT, GOOD BOY!  

Monday, November 1, 2010

A San Francisco Turn-of-the-Century Kitchen

A San Francisco Turn-of-the-Century Kitchen


As a kitchen designer, I am often asked what style defines me.  My answer typically surprises people.  I love a mix of old and new and English Service Kitchens just make me happy.  At work I can easily adapt and love many styles with abandon.  That is the luxury of my job.  In all the years I have been designing kitchens, I never, not once, discovered a publication that screamed at me, until House Beautiful published this a couple of years ago.  Please follow the link to see the rest and, of course the proper credits!  The Le Cornu Range is to die for, along with the cooking lessons that accompany the purchase!  This kitchen has inspired me to stay true to myself and stay all white!  Thus leading the kitchen transformation to white and black.