My friend Kim just blogged the other day about the charming Fanny at Chez Panisse cookbook by Alice Waters [copyright 1992]: http://blogsgotnotitle.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-of-my-favorite-cakes.html. It's a story with favorite recipes from Fanny, the chef's daughter. The long loved restaurant is in Berkeley, California.
I've had Fanny's tale on my shelf for a while--it was a Christmas gift for Figgy and me from someone whose brother [a chef] works closely with Ms. Waters. The illustrations are colorful and sweet, and Kim was raving about the 1-2-3-4 Cake she makes for her own daughter's birthday.
So tonight I made the gingersnaps, but not without taking note of this disclaimer at the start of the rather slim Birthday Cake and Treats chapter:
Good, ripe fruit is usually all my mom lets me have for dessert, and it doesn't need sugar or anything else. I love fruit, but sometimes it's fun to cook and eat special desserts. And you have to have a birthday cake for your birthday.
Sweet Innocence
I love the idea of gingersnaps, b/c they're not all over-the-top decadent, with hunks of melting chocolate. They seem simple and old-fashioned, and like you won't want to binge on them. I've made them before, but what's nice about this recipe is that it's an icebox cookie; you make three slender logs and freeze until ready to slice and bake.
H. and I both approve of the results. Thank you, Kim, for taking me back to Alice Waters. I've never eaten at the great Chez Panisse, but hope to someday. For now, I have a taste of it in my humble New Jersey kitchen.
Good night. H. out for a beer with his friends, and I'm cuddling up with this whimsical read, and my fluffy dustmop doggy.
P.S. Speaking of recipes, I've been totally enjoying Amanda Hesser's blog: http://www.food52.com/. Under SHOP, there's a rave for the Theo Bread & Chocolate bar--it's petite, but I found it at Whole Foods today. Again, H. and I approved. But I don't want you to think I haven't been eating healthy foods also, now that I'm 50. Tonight I made wild sole with a squeeze of Meyer lemon, fresh spinach salad and polenta and even had a few strawberries. Props for that, right?
I've had Fanny's tale on my shelf for a while--it was a Christmas gift for Figgy and me from someone whose brother [a chef] works closely with Ms. Waters. The illustrations are colorful and sweet, and Kim was raving about the 1-2-3-4 Cake she makes for her own daughter's birthday.
So tonight I made the gingersnaps, but not without taking note of this disclaimer at the start of the rather slim Birthday Cake and Treats chapter:
Good, ripe fruit is usually all my mom lets me have for dessert, and it doesn't need sugar or anything else. I love fruit, but sometimes it's fun to cook and eat special desserts. And you have to have a birthday cake for your birthday.
Sweet Innocence
I love the idea of gingersnaps, b/c they're not all over-the-top decadent, with hunks of melting chocolate. They seem simple and old-fashioned, and like you won't want to binge on them. I've made them before, but what's nice about this recipe is that it's an icebox cookie; you make three slender logs and freeze until ready to slice and bake.
H. and I both approve of the results. Thank you, Kim, for taking me back to Alice Waters. I've never eaten at the great Chez Panisse, but hope to someday. For now, I have a taste of it in my humble New Jersey kitchen.
Good night. H. out for a beer with his friends, and I'm cuddling up with this whimsical read, and my fluffy dustmop doggy.
P.S. Speaking of recipes, I've been totally enjoying Amanda Hesser's blog: http://www.food52.com/. Under SHOP, there's a rave for the Theo Bread & Chocolate bar--it's petite, but I found it at Whole Foods today. Again, H. and I approved. But I don't want you to think I haven't been eating healthy foods also, now that I'm 50. Tonight I made wild sole with a squeeze of Meyer lemon, fresh spinach salad and polenta and even had a few strawberries. Props for that, right?
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Yes, good job on your healthy choices – now that you’re 50 and all. Does that mean that I’ve been doing it all wrong for the past 7 years? And that food52 website is really nice. I am going to try one of the chicken recipes. Love, Lin
ReplyDeleteGlad you opened it up again, Alice! I haven't tried her gingersnaps, but I love that kind of thing, so I will!
ReplyDeleteHi Lin....thanks for the encouragement. i struggle so much with making the right meal/snack/drink choices. but i do my best. i find that food52 site strangely addicting. Kim, thank you! the snaps are good, nice buttery note once they cool. i forgot to say that the sole i made last night was also the recipe from that book, with the homemade breadcrumbs love alice
ReplyDeleteLove Food52...I want to be Amanda Hesser when I grow up!
ReplyDeleteLisa...absolutely, positively! :)
ReplyDelete