Thursday, October 18, 2012

Udder-less-ly Delicious

As a working class foodie, I love a good pizza and a good challenge. Can pizza be just as good without the pizzazz of cheese and meat?  Sacrilege, you say?

Last week, I treaded on this treacherous territory with some homemade vegan-ish inspired creations made my way. You might be thinking of the taste of card board boxes right now. But oh no, amicis! I knew that the secret had to be: 

1. Awesome dough (nicely rested dough. Rolled out thin, then on a heated pizza stone - everything in the oven no more than 10-12 mins on 500F). 

2. The toppings (fresh, tasty, seasonal ingredients from the farmer's market and local stores. Again thinly sliced).

So, as a baker, there was some dough I made with home brewed yeast conveniently sitting in the fridge. I had some fresh, post summer vegetables from the farmer's market. And some homemade pesto and red pepper sauce. Thai peanut sauce anyone? Surely, I was ready to make proper homage to the pizza gods.

As a lover of all food, I was highly, highly skeptical! But darn it, if you start with the best ingredients,  you won't be missing a thing. In fact, the pizza love ranneth over!

Here's some evidence. Can you just smell it? Sending you a slice :)

Buon appetito!

My name is alota...alota veggie....

zucchini, portabellas, peppers, red onion on homemade pesto and dough 
eggplant on red pepper sauce - before oven
after the oven - forgive me, some cheese was added on the other half for the boy 
thai peanut sauce, zuchhs, cilantro, whole wheat crust

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Pink!

Pink oyster mushrooms from the Alemany Farmer's Market


Even prettier on a bed of homemade pesto with spaghetti!


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Brunch Session...my, oh My!

On sun-kissed Cupertino Sunday, I had the sweet and gratifying pleasure of catering a brunch for an old college roommate, My. Now, do not be fooled by her cute little exterior, for My has a deadly talent. She can eat. I mean seriously EAT...anyone and I mean anyone under the table WITHOUT gaining 1 single pound. So, if scientists could isolate this unique gene of hers, bottle it up...she could very well be on her way to world domination.

Lately, I've been playing around with a brunch catering idea - something that combines both my passion (obsession really) for baking and food. So, as I was thinking of this experiment, the image of My popped into my head. She invited friends, some with kids in tow and amidst paper planes, DuckTales and feasting, an excellent experience was being savored and treasured.

My and I go waaay back. (Actually, I knew "of her" even during my senior days in high school. Although we went to different schools, a mutual friend put us together. In hindsight, I think he probably had a little crush on her ;) Anyways, she left such an impression on him that he was emphatic that I meet "My!" - especially since we were going to go to the same college. Long story short, we talked for hours over the phone, kept in touch throughout college, probably walked on the beach during sunset and lived together for 2 years after we graduated from Santa Clara University. We had a lot of fun in those days - many parties and culinary dinners that involved exotic ingredients like beets. 

Today, she's married, has 2 lovely boys (who I want to kidnap) and a really cool hubster by the name of Alex. It's a wonderful pleasure to cook for people you care about and who care about you and who knew you when you were just a young thing. Much love My & Alex!

Now, for the food...

Le Brunching Menu for 8
2 Poulet encroute - chicken baked in bread
2 Cinnamon roll loafs with cream cheese frosting
1 Galette des rois with creme d'amande (equal parts almond flour and pastry creme) + raspberries
2 pitchers Orange Julius with freshly squeezed farmers market oranges

Bon appetit!


panzanella salad - heirloom tomatoes, basil and the bread crust (soaked in chicken juices!) 
special galettes des rois with creme d'amandes et framboise
so light and fluffy - these are my killer cinnamon rolls
me and mz My in front of the spread (plus devilish eggs made by "beet" man Ed)

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