Fresh Eggs Make the Best Omelet
My colleague brought me a dozen fresh eggs from her chickens. Thanks S.
I loved how each egg had a date written on the end. I made an omelet this Saturday morning with some Cabot Creamery Extra Sharp White Cheddar. Maybe a tad too much butter. Couldn’t cook and photograph with the cell phone simultaneously. I was told you want “sound” when the eggs hit the pan.
I know the chickens are well cared for and eat organic feed. Fresh eggs make the best omelet. It was delicious. If I were a true photographer I would have made a neater looking one and photographed it again but no one else around to eat the wrinkled one. I went on Google images to see how my omelet fares by comparison and I think it is fine. These eggs are too precious to waste.
Yes, a little too much butter. Eat the toast with jam no butter due to excess amount on the eggs!
Hiding the imperfect folds with the farm grain bread toast. Now to polish the French PepperMill that was a wedding gift in 1974.
Thai Cuisine on Liberty Ave at Pearl Street in Bloomfield
When I got home from school, Steve asked me if I wanted to go eat at the Thai Cuisine Restaurant in Bloomfield. Bloomfield is considered the Italian section of the city and I have blogged the Italian Festival and scenes from the Bloomfield Bridge.
On Liberty Ave at Pearl Street, across from the Bloomfield Laundromat,there’s delicious Thai food in this wonderfully Italian neighborhood.
I was so tired when Steve suggested going out to eat, I thought about lying down and taking a rest instead.
Fortunately, I decided to take him up on his offer and am I ever glad I did. He’d brought home take-out from this restaurant before but had never dined in. He told me how nice they were to him and always remembered his name.
It’s BYOB. They have a vegetarian menu,too. The service -friendly and nice, the food fresh and perfectly prepared. Very tasty. The decor and ambience clean and comfortable. Love the cloth napkins.
We enjoyed our dinner tremendously.
We ordered two dishes to share and the brown rice. There are curries and appetizers, soups and salads and desserts. Spicy Basil Fried Rice seems to be a favorite in the reviews. The YELP reviews = overall four out of five stars. The Urbanspoon seemed quite favorable and highly recommended by the City Paper Critic, too
Ginger Roots Onions, Black Mushrooms, Broccoli, Carrots, Red Pepper, Green Pepper, Snow Peas, with Chicken
Classic Shrimp Pad Thai
The view from my seat in the front window booth.
And the high gloss lacquered table reflecting formerly St. Joseph’s Church
Our server rolled all the silverware in wonderful cloth napkins- stacked and ready to go
And Steve took a shortcut down the alley to get us home. Love being a passenger so I can photograph with the good old iPhone camera. Did not take my regular camera to dinner.
Dinner, Sunday
Late Sunday afternoon, I drove across the river to shop for dinner ingredients and some fruit for lunches this week. The larder was looking a bit sparse. It was either go shop or eat another grilled cheese and/or egg sandwich. M and I had just talked on the phone, earlier in the day about wanting a real meal. She was thinking Thanksgiving like. I opted for meat and potatoes.
At the meat counter I asked the butcher for two petite steaks (on sale). Not too big. It’s funny about meat. Sometimes it actually turns me and I can’t even think about eating it, and other times I am actually craving a serving. It was one of those days of wanting it. Not thinking about it having a face.
Came home and sautéed an organic yellow onion in some Amish butter and then sliced up a box of fresh mushrooms. Baby Romaine salad with Steve’s favorite brown Clamato tomato( I swear they look chocolate) and a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Garlic smashed Russets.
After I plated the food, I used the phone to capture the dinner. Feeling ready for the start of a new week, fortified.
Steak Hibachi Dinner at Ginza
It was Steve’s idea that we should try the new Japanese Restaurant. He brought home a menu that said Grand Opening.
Turns out it opened at least a year ago, but they had a lot of menus printed up with that on the front.
So we headed over for dinner on Saturday night. A clear soup, salad, Steak Hibachi with vegetables and rice added up to $13-
The food was fresh, nicely prepared and delicious.
The server told us there was a bad review on YELP but I checked it out and they are mostly favorable, especially about their Sushi.
Lunchtime meals are about 6 bucks. Really reasonable.
It ‘s a BYOB but we had no B to bring tonight. We are planning a return trip to explore the menu. It’s in the Italian section of the city, Bloomfield.
iPhone shots of the exterior and my dinner below.
Miniature Sprinkles Cupcake and Clementine Scene
Once again inspired by Christopher Boffoli and his tiny food worlds.
I had taken the cupcakes and fruit into school on the student teacher’s last day. The little HO train people were in my desk.
I thought “food scape” and some students photographed the little people shoveling in the icing. But I thought it might look like a food museum and there were falling sprinkles to be mindful of so
the little hand-painted mom picked up her baby out of the stroller and held it close. Maybe she is waiting for transportation.
Raspberries and Blueberries on Vanilla Häagen-Dazs
Accompanied by ginger snaps!
This is the dessert my friend V served at a lovely home cooked dinner last Saturday. It was delicious. A generous helping, too.
A nice finish to a simply perfect meal. Walleye caught by Cousins Jeff and Jeffrey, a baked sweet potato and salad with whisked lemon juice and olive oil dressing. Found this in my phone tonight and was thinking about how everything was so good. She said she was following the same idea my mother used to profess- Buy the best food you can and do as little to it as possible. Good advice.
The Pamela’s Ginger Mini Snapz are gluten free and quite tasty. Hope you have a good day Saturday. HBTY!
Winter Supper Still Life
A friend invited me for a winter supper after school today. A nice invitation as the week was winding down. It was refreshing and delicious.
Doesn’t it always taste better when someone prepares food, sets a table and serves it to you?
Vegetable Soup with Pesto. Bread and Olive Oil. Spring Mix, Tomatoes and Olives with Oil & Vinegar.
Pumpkin Bread and Fruit
Happy Chinese New Year- Year of the Snake
Mine is a single photograph today…..For a beautiful and informative post on the Chinese New Year be sure to click here
Three Dog Ride – Weekly Photo Challenge: Unique
Three Dog Ride in Central Park NYC
WordPress puts out the Weekly Photo Challenge and this week it is UNIQUE.
I tried to find photos that seemed a tad quirky and not an everyday shot.
Some may be familiar to you if you follow the blog. One of a kind?
Fun to go fishing for some examples for unique.
Some kids watching the Penguins at the Zoo. No relation!
Work Boots Planter on Arlington Ave. Pittsburgh
Tree Stump Grinch
At the Food Truck Festival in Columbus. Still don’t get why you’d walk around with a Boa Constrictor draped around yourself.
Why I photographed the twisted carrots on this placemat is beyond me……
Fuzzy Dice in the Fourth of July Parade
Lewis Center, Ohio
Black and Gold Rosary in Bloomfield Religious Store (STEELERS colors for those who don’t live here)
Unique Backpack at the Food Truck Festival Columbus OH
Pink Toilet in the Snow
Kiss My Grits Santa in Roanoke VA
Looks like a stone table in the street
Skumps, Groundhog!
Just a couple of days left to prepare for the big day. Groundhog’s Day! You know he’s going to see his shadow and predict 6 more weeks of winter.
Preparations are in full swing in Punxsutawney PA. There are other groundhogs who try to share the limelight but Punxsutawney Phil is the REAL groundhog prognosticator of the weather. Just about 85 miles Northeast from downtown Pittsburgh.
When Steve and I were at Grant Bar in Millvale, this was the special on the chalkboard. This is a local brew made in St. Mary’s PA at STRAUB. You can take a virtual tour of their brewery here
The bartender brought one out and allowed me to photograph the label. No groundhogs were harmed to make this brew.
Snowy Friday Afternoon in the City
It was snowing and really cold. I actually pulled over,got out of the car and took this pictureI. I was headed home from school on Friday.
The idea of going to the regular grocery store was out of the question although the larder was fairly empty. Had to stop somewhere.
I was in the Bloomfield neighborhood and decided to shop at Groceria Italiana and pick up some essentials.
When I got home I cooked the sweet and hot sausage and added the house sauce I had purchased. (Chicago John avert your eyes- if you click his name you get a recipe for homemade meat sauce)
A little fresh grated cheese and a glass of organic wine. Glad to be in a warm house and it tasted just fine! 
Snow in the door mat!
Parmigiano Reggiano Soup Bones
The only problem is that they are resting in my DIL’s fridge in Ohio and I am back in Pittsburgh. The temperature going down to nine and I am thinking SOUP!
I just got a kick out of the label from their market. Soup BONES?
I had never heard the rinds called soup bones and it struck me funny. I use a rind in my minestrone and it really adds to the body of the soup flavor. Any be any soup will do.
and a prettier shot with the lid off
Christmas Mice to Admire and Eat
Guest Blog from Euthemia where my sister is spending the Christmas holidays.
Her friend Joanne brought these to Christmas dinner . Euthemia emailed me the photo of them and then I wrote back to ask if it would be okay to post. Directions below. Thanks Euthemia and Joanne. 
Home of the 5 lb. Hamburger!
Yes, that’s 80 ounces of meat. But not a photograph to prove it exists. Just this sign on the overhang. A site describes this place as a Sports Bar, a local hangout, a joint!
Maybe the five pound hamburger weighs a bit less after grilling? The way the punctuation goes I’m not sure if there is a five pound hot dog or a five pound pirogue, too
I was at a red light on Friday at the intersection in some traffic. Good timing. When you have a 50mm fixed lens on your camera and you’re in the driver’s seat, stopped, there’s no maneuver room, no way to get more of the establishment in the frame. This is the shot. There was no place to park or get out. I was on my way to see the family. Friday afternoon traffic, bumper to bumper.
But it was the sign that caught my eye. Nobles on Nobles Lane down the street from school. It wasn’t open when I was stopped in front. I know it would’ve been cool to actually go in and order one, document the gargantuan meat.
Christmas Shopping at the Annex Cookery in Homestead PA
After school let out, I drove down to Homestead from Carrick. Judith and Daniel extended a warm welcome and we caught up. I hadn’t been there in awhile but was so glad I went.
I had my Christmas list and wanted to support my Independent Kitchen Store.
First, I ordered the 4 cheese pasta bake with a side of sautéed spinach at the Tin Front Cafe. where I sat at the old Chioda’s bar. The restaurant is vegetarian. A lovely Spring mix salad with balsamic dressing and asiago cheese shavings, a slice of crusty bread.
Yum. I heard about the up and coming new restaurants coming to the avenue in Homestead. Judith showed me the special honor in the Pittsburgh Magazine. Her son, Daniel Valentine, was recognized for his work to rebuild and revitalize Homestead and was chosen as a winner in the Forty Under Forty awards.
“Winners were chosen based on their passion, commitment, visibility, diversity and overall impact on the region.”
Congratulations Daniel!
Then after dinner I shopped in the adjacent Annex Cookery which is the most beautiful store. (Smidge of Just a Smidgen blog would love it!)
You might remember I blogged a visit to both places when Laura visited Pittsburgh.
Supporting independents! Scroll down and see the specials on USA Pans- Bakeware manufactured in Ambridge PA!
Buy three (any shape) and get a free jelly roll pan. (I love jelly roll.) Everyone needs a new cookie sheet!
I can’t say what I bought as that would be a spoiler. You can call Judith 1-800-862-6639 and she’ll ship out in time for the holidays.
All- Clad is manufactured in Canonsburg PA, just down the road from Pittsburgh.
Judith has a Holiday Special on an All-Clad 3 quart lidded saute pan for just 99$! WOW! I love cooking with my All-Clad pans.
This is the store where I bought my Nespresso machine before the display was so high speed.
I hear George Clooney is advertising them on TV in France, oui?
Check out the elegant and classy Museum of Modern Art flower vase. Understated and stunning.
Love the quirky clocks! A 3 cup steamed pudding mold. The Twoolies and the Riviera Bags are one of a kind gifts.
Shop YOUR Independent Store today. Now to gift wrap everything………………..
MOMA vase
Espresso Beans covered in chocolate to see you through the holidays
Setting the Table for Sunday Breakfast
The holly bush outside provide a few branches. Photo by iPhone.
I have 3 Christmas plates in the Naif pattern but they made it feel festive.
Menu was scrambled eggs with a bit of extra sharp Cabot cheddar, toast. Coffee and orange juice. The tangerines looked beautiful but the taste was a bit disappointing.
Nothing fancy, simple but good. And the individual butter dishes from my elegant friend J in Omaha. They inspire me to entertain.
Filled with Irish Kerrygold Butter! You can’t go wrong with Irish butter.
Cheesecake Pie Made with Coconut Palm Sugar
Some of the family is eating gluten-free. You might have seen the crumbled cake top from the other day (which was delicious)
And the family is trying to reduce intake of refined sugar. I wanted to bake something they could eat if they wanted to do so.
My mother used to make this with regular sugar when I was growing up. I just switched to the coconut palm for the body of the cheesecake pie and used a bit of maple syrup for the sour cream topping. I used FULL FAT cream cheese and sour cream. Some free-range organic eggs
I made this for Saturday night after Thanksgiving
This is a crustless pie. Not too sweet. It looks like it has a brown crust but it is just the butter browning the edge and the color of the coconut palm sugar. It’s an iPhone photo today.
Here is the recipe.
Butter a glass pie plate. Heat the oven to 325 degrees. I baked this one at 350 and the electric oven where I was staying is hotter and faster than mine at him and I think it was too hot for it. I think that is why it had more cracks than usual.
Mix well 2 -8 oz. packages of cream cheese (room temp) with 3/4 c coconut palm sugar
Add 3 eggs. Beat well. Add 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract. Mix.
Pour into the buttered pie plate. Bake for 45 minutes.
Take out of oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes, it will deflate and a crater will form for the topping, forming a “crust” without crumbs.
Spread on a topping mixture of 1 c sour cream, 3/4 teaspoon vanilla and 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
Bake for 5 more minutes.
Cool. Serve with sour cherries or fresh blueberries or strawberries or eat plain. Put it in the fridge when cool.
A Failed Cake is a Reminder
What really matters. It’s good to be reminded by the universe. There’s no time for a do-over. Be humbled.
I was so disappointed. Wanted to take this to the feast today and feel I had really outdone myself for them. For me. Or really i wanted to feel good about my offering. I baked a special cake for the gluten free portion of the family. For my grandson Michael.
but the picturebook result did not go as planned. It stuck to the bundt pan despite my preparation. Like cement. A bowl of chiseled crumbs and a raggedy looking cake? It’s gluten free and has a cup and a half of butter in it. Five eggs.
I think a dollop of ice cream, a ladle of crushed berries, and the loving hugs if family will make everything all right.
I’m taking it and we’ll have a good chuckle. The being together and feeling their love and affection is what will feed my heart.
Looks Like South America to Me
I won’t be selling this pancake on ebay. It is not a religious experience but there are a ton of items out there claiming to see a lot of different images in food. This one just looked like South America To me. Pancakes in Columbus OH. The kids ate it.
“Pareidolia = phenomenon when a random stimulus is perceived as significant”
Reverse Root Beer Float at Jeni’s
Columbus Ohio
We got ice cream cones after supper at Jeni’s. Their salty caramel flavor is really good. There was a sign for a reverse root beer float.
Of course, I had to ask…. Cream soda and root beer ice cream. I had a scoop of root beer ice cream along with the salty caramel. Next time I will try the float!
Jeni’s is delicious
Aunt LInda Teaches Anna How to Dip Strawberries in Chocolate
And Maura is taking good notes!
Shot last May in Columbus, the night before Anna’s Communion Party.
Summer Still Life
My friend Barb brought these beautiful figs. I rinsed them and put them in a bowl to take out to the front porch. They looked so lush and colorful, I pulled out my phone and photographed them before we picked one to eat. They were perfectly ripe and delicious.
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