On Roasting Chicken...

Of all the cooking techniques that I've learned, I think one of the most important is roasting a whole chicken. It's really easy, really tasty, and one chicken can lead to multiple meals. Sure, a lot of grocery stores offer rotisserie chickens and they're great, but roasting my own means the chicken's never met a heat lamp or tray.

Read more...

Seattle: Trabant Coffee

Life has been insane. I'm doing everything I can to stay organized and complete as much as possible, but it's one of those times when I'm constantly working and nothing seems to get done. I submitted my primary application a bit later than I wanted to and currently trying to turn in my secondaries as soon as I can. My health has had some issues lately and part of it is an inability to completely de-stress.

Read more...

Seattle So Far...

Not a lot to say, but a ton of pictures from Seattle. It's a bit of a working vacation. D. has a conference and I'm working on secondary applications. Our friend APH has been very kind to take us around town when it's a hojillion degrees outside.

From the ferry to Bainbridge Island:

Read more...

More blueberries

The last of the blueberries went to a blueberry buttermilk tart.

Had leftover filling due to my tart pan being a different size than the recipe calls for. I didn't want to waste it, so it went into two little dishes and became blueberry buttermilk puddings.

It's going to a friend's dinner party tonight, so I'll report more soon.

Blueberry Crumb Cake

I love crumb toppings. There's just something about sugar, flour, and butter baked together until it's crunchy. I'm especially fond of coffee cake, with the dense moist cake and dry crumbly topping. With my massive box of blueberries waiting in the fridge, Ina's blueberry crumb cake was definitely a recipe to try.

Read more...

What does one do with 2 3/4 pounds of blueberries?

There are many options, but there's at least two courtesy of Ina Garten.

Blueberry buttermilk muffins with streusel (from Back to Basics)

Blueberry sour cream crumb cake (from episode "Weekend Lunch" and Barefoot Contessa at Home)

More to come soon.

Anniversaries

Lots to celebrate here at AoaAF.

One year ago, I married my best friend and the best teammate one could ask for. He's still putting up with me, so something's going right.

Three years ago, I decided that I should write about what I eat. I'm floored that there are people out there who read the swill I post and for that, I thank you all.

One year ago, Bear passed his Canine Good Citizen test, proving that old dogs can learn new tricks and that a little faith can bring one back from the brink.

One year ago, I had no idea I'd dig up the cajones (finally!) to take the MCAT and (finally!) apply to medical school.

One year ago, I was on my way to the most beautiful place on Earth.

A lot happens in a year and it's been one hell of a ride.

Our celebratory dinner was steak frites with maître d'hôtel butter from the Bouchon cookbook. Fries from a newly acquired trick. Corn from the Hillcrest farmers' market.

Read more...

AleSmith Lunch at Farmhouse Cafe

Ah, beer. I like beer.

I also like beer/food pairings, which is much newer concept than wine/food pairings. Can't say I know a ton about pairings except that I am not a big fan of believing in hard and fast rules when it comes to pairings. Above all, it should taste good. Sometimes, being too technical about it takes the fun out of it. C'mon, how bad is great beer + great food?

Read more...