Peace

Sometimes I have questioned having food be the center of my universe, my career my everything. Other times I have has positive thoughts on how it sets me apart from the rest of my family. Now I feel at peace. Food doesn't set me apart, it doesn't make me better. Life isn't about being better than the next, yet it is about challenging yourself and being the best you can be. Why not be the best. Why settle in work, love and life. I just had this overwhelming feeling about what I do and what I want two nights ago. I realized that working in the creative living industry is important to me, but I should not feel like it is what I should do over cooking. I should cook, I love to cook and will continue to do so through all of the fanciful packaging concepts, crafts and entertaining. Being creative and driven and getting the big picture is what I want and what I do. Whether it be during a dinner service or on a walk with a friend or sitting at my desk and writing. All good things will come too, especially when you stop the fighting mentality. Let it be and your finances will work out... letting it be also means being responsible so don't let the bills be.


I love desserts. Two nights ago dinner service had "the flow." I felt gangster with the plating and movement through the kitchen. Gangster is my new word by the way. A perfectly accented tort, a flick of the wrist with a sauce, and expertly tied ribbon all make me happy. You and I will have our cake and it it too if we keep moving forward with electricity. Don't run, enjoy.

Have some of cake monger's cake and eat it too while you are at it

Remarkable Jam

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a few pints of Persian Mulberries at the Farmer's Market last week. At the restaurant we have seven pound cases delivered weekly. Yes you heard right, cases of this prized berry. Especially during this fruitful season, I always stop for a moment to recognize just how blessed I am to be around cases of Mulberries, Raspberries, Figs and the like. Back to Persian Mulberry land. Persian Mulberries', aka Morus Nigra, were originally cultivated in Southwestern Asia and have been naturalized all over Europe since the 17th century. The small jam like dark berry is so intensely sweet and unique, one might not dare to consume it outside of the raw state. Alas I had hit the end of my mulberry consumption for the week and decided a remarkable jam was in order. I have to admit, this was a bit of an off the cuff preserving session, however I recorded my actions in the hopes of all of you being able to get your pastry paws on some incredible mulberries.

I must re-state that there is absolutely nothing like a Persian Mulberry.

Remarkable Mulberry Jam
240 grams Persian Mulberries (this is a baby batch)
25 grams Rose (or whatever leftover champagne or red wine that you have)
Juice of One Lime
Pinch Fleur de Sel
75 grams granulated sugar
4 grams pectin

1. In a heavy bottomed sauce pot, combine berries, rose, lime and salt.
2. In a separate bowl mix together the sugar and the pectin.
3. Over medium heat bring the berries to a light simmer. Sprinkle in the sugar mixture while stirring with a heat proof spatula. **No whisks here
4. Bring the mixture back to a simmer for two minutes to release the liquid from the berries and gel the pectin.
5. Pour into sterilized jars and screw on lids.
6. Simmer jars in boiling water for one and a half minutes to seal jars and sterilize.

Save the jam for ice cream toppers, morning scones or enjoy this decadent jam straight out of the jar.


The packaging was created using trusty iridescent cellophane, along with wire form used for mask and mold making. Be sure to seam any cut edges so you don't nick the fingers of the jam eater.

Is It Possible?

An alkalizing pie crust? That means wheat free....both a savory and sweet version....it is possible?
Stay tuned.

Hungry For Change?

I find that I do not shop in regular supermarkets. There are on the surface reasons and then subconsciously I tend to steer away. Why do you ask? Well I pondered my subconscious and my thoughts came out to be; All of this food and all of this variety overwhelms me and at the end of the day all of this variety looks exactly the same. Everything is the same and it is all going to have the same effect on my body, and I am not talking positive. Watching Food Inc. completely validated my already present thoughts. No I am not crazy and not snobby for not wanting to decide between Wheat Thins and Cheez Its, because I don't want either and they are both going to do the same thing to my digestive system and effect my overall health in the same way. Give me some triple cream cheese and call it a day. I not only recommend going to see Food Inc., I demand it. Nothing will be shoved down your throat, this is not a "born again" type documentary. These are facts. Facts about what is going on in our economy, our farms, our world. With some insight into what is presumably detrimental to our future as human, the film also spotlights people doing it right. Raising animals the way they naturally are supposed to be raised, and at the end of the day being the most efficient about the whole process. Repercussions are inefficient people. Don't get me wrong you can be taller faster better stronger, but if it comes at the cost of environmental damage, lawsuits and the like, you don't win.