HOMEWORK

I have homework.

This past week, I practiced making nougatine and tried my own twist on it. 

Pistachios + Fleur de Sel instead of sliced almonds.  

I made 10 "perfect" cornets and attempted my chocolate writing.  Cornets are cone-shaped pieces of parchment paper that are filled with, in this case, chocolate and used for writing, eventually on goodies.  

I practiced making gingersnaps, all the same shape, size, and color.  

 As the "homework" progressed I realized that it didn't feel like work, it felt just good. These things may seem simple on this digital page; but, in reality the information I am gathering and the tasks I am being asked to execute are complex, a mixture of movement and intellect, of muscle memory, logic, and intuition. 

So, it is safe to say "Yes, Chef, I am loving it so far".

P.S. I will soon be adding recipes to this blog.  yum!

and.... here are all my tools! So far.  I am sure I will need more.  :) 

-

SOMETHING TO PONDER 002

butter is expensive.

FARMER LEE JONES

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of listening to Lee Jones speak about his life as farmer in Ohio.
His family farm, The Chef's Garden, practices sustainable agriculture and farms the land like it should be farmed, like my great-grandparents did: naturally.  He works closely with chefs to grow the good stuff for their restaurants. And, his farm established Veggie U, an organization dedicated to helping kids make healthy food choices. WERK!

When he entered the room wearing his signature red bowtie and overalls,  I thought I might love him and halfway through his talk I knew that I did. The way he spoke about his work and his philosophy made me want to move back home to Ohio and start farming... or, at least, start a garden! My favorite thing he said yesterday was that his farm works in "harmony with nature, instead of trying to out smart it". 

Farmer Lee brought some of his veggies and herbs for tasting. They were charming, jovial, and inspiring, just like him. 

I tasted:
Rainbow Spinach
Popcorn Shoots
Lemon Minimint (what? but, yum.)
Horseradish Sticks (use it to stir your Bloody Mary!)
Mini Rhubarb Skewers
all kinds of Microgreens
Citrus Coriander Blooms (!!!)
Squash Blossoms
Romano Beans
and more and more... Take a gander:

 the spread

 micro, micro, micro

yes, please!

SOMETHING TO PONDER 001

"The universe is nothing without the things that live in it, and everything that lives, eats."
-Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, The Physiology of Taste