tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88451642968001706902024-03-05T00:53:25.933-08:00Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-90989014242787155232011-07-03T09:03:00.000-07:002011-07-10T13:32:53.363-07:00CSA Eating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhh1Pbli9GNqFiOx4WvJwBHxZqwwPQ69eqJusX492xwNziaw5wuhik1WVDAE_HL9u7Z6mIAw0YBN8Sn4mzMFak8egCmBiQAT3VeJsETzNFtjxUDHY8W5o_FHj2tIvrtc9-Tg1_hVH/s1600/P6160643.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhh1Pbli9GNqFiOx4WvJwBHxZqwwPQ69eqJusX492xwNziaw5wuhik1WVDAE_HL9u7Z6mIAw0YBN8Sn4mzMFak8egCmBiQAT3VeJsETzNFtjxUDHY8W5o_FHj2tIvrtc9-Tg1_hVH/s200/P6160643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627807675550014530" border="0" /></a><br />This summer, thanks to the company sponsored CSA (= Community Sustained Agriculture) program, we receive fresh organic produce twice a week. About 15 of us share a couple of bagful of mystery vegetables just dug up in that morning. Displayed in communal table, they look big & wild, somewhat gnarly, still full of dirt & occasional bugs are included. So far we ate radishes, arugula, variety of lettuce, pan di zucchero chicory, green cabbage, savoy cabbage, nappa cabbage, kabu, turnip, eggplant, beets, sugar snaps, English peas, string beans, fennel, tatsoi, bok choi, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, basil & cilantro, and totally unfamiliar leaves that resemble giant dandelion (they look & smell "bitter green" all over) called Chickendive. There was no taker, so I end up taking them home. And yes, the leaves are extremely bitter, I couldn't eat them raw.<br /><br />So there is a new agenda: "Make meals with whatever already in the kitchen first" because eating up all the vegetables became my mission. I wasn't really a salad person before, but it is a good way to systematically go though the large amount of leafy greens.<br /><br />I made a salad of chopped lettuce & shredded beets with mustard-ponzu dressing (whole grain mustard, ponzu, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil). Sweet & Sour & Hot dressing (hot sauce, garlic sweet chili paste, rice vinegar, fish sauce) is perfect for a slaw of nappa cabbage & shiso leaves. Red skin potato, tomato & parsley salad can be dressed with simple Lemon Oil dressing (lemon infused rice oil, rice vinegar, salt & pepper). If I need the protein, I add hard boiled eggs, bacon, smoked fish, chopped peanuts, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, etc. If I want substantial meal, I mix Korean style vermicelli, ramen noodles (without soup!), small shaped pasta, kasha, or potato. So every morning I consult my mood and decide what to make, that are relatively balanced in nutrients, flavor and volume. I am taking my mantra "East what I make" to the next level. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iAs-HxjJnVVFPBLyfO-PbpCy9mlNINMo19ALOsVnvUtkowIer4Elh_5fcfE2kw48zTWkjdELtZRB5Pezh80REo9RfzCFdXt-TtsccvY93jSJdlfdubYnAw8LPmLn-iTyN6EfyNxL/s1600/nappa+slaw.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iAs-HxjJnVVFPBLyfO-PbpCy9mlNINMo19ALOsVnvUtkowIer4Elh_5fcfE2kw48zTWkjdELtZRB5Pezh80REo9RfzCFdXt-TtsccvY93jSJdlfdubYnAw8LPmLn-iTyN6EfyNxL/s400/nappa+slaw.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627820655929619794" border="0" /></a><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-76377384682212793462011-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:002011-02-24T13:50:14.219-08:00I Came a Long Way<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxQyReCfjTB-_nj5C810QKPHS00QX-GnsMABdRn8NPFuzXsb2Nv34VbKkdwaUARok2ylK1nVcqVc0u1rvFFJommjnExKmRNWmaTT15agI85BHS3Hvkq5-lbuBiam2Gx8tEox2X2_W/s1600/oatmealsweet.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxQyReCfjTB-_nj5C810QKPHS00QX-GnsMABdRn8NPFuzXsb2Nv34VbKkdwaUARok2ylK1nVcqVc0u1rvFFJommjnExKmRNWmaTT15agI85BHS3Hvkq5-lbuBiam2Gx8tEox2X2_W/s200/oatmealsweet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577353423471420898" border="0" /></a><br />Remember I used to have <a href="http://kucakes.blogspot.com/2008/01/oatmeal-seaweeds.html">strange aversion to oatmeal</a>? Well, maybe my taste buds have matured... or my mind became more flexible... In any which way, I am very happy to admit that I now enjoy a sweet version of cooked oatmeal. <br /><br />Lately, I am incorporating more soy milk into the diet because of some health benefits. OK, I draw a line, though, for adding soy milk into the coffee. (NEVER!) But it's easy to replace, either partially or entirely, the cream or milk with soy milk when you're cooking. I made soy milk white sauce, chicken dish instead of yogurt marinade, and red curry soup with soy milk with satisfying results. Then I decided to give the hot oatmeal a try, hoping I outgrew the fear I had.<br /><br />I prefer the soy milk unsweetened so I can control the degree of sweetness, which in this case, comes from a ripe banana. Mash the banana, combine with soy milk, and if there's an apple or pear lying around, by all means add to the mix. Add oatmeal and cook it until it's piping hot. Well, the rest is all free style: sprinkle cinnamon, ginger powder, sea salt, drizzle the honey, maple syrup, top with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or pepitas... For the extra oomph, I sometimes add peanut butter into the mixture before the cooking process. <br /><br />Since the weather turned cold, there are much discussions among the food sites on the best take-out oatmeal breakfast around town. Although some looks really tempting, there is really no need. I mix everything, except for the topping, in the morning and carry it to the work uncooked. By the time it reaches the microwave, oatmeal has nicely absorbed the liquid and ready to go.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-39742630029567261022011-02-06T17:44:00.000-08:002011-02-06T19:07:22.270-08:00Seriously Chocolate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEGZ1zuShSRXGlMldJZ-s4Q3VOMIrxl9ffq-1c57uY1A8HotBBseSk5r0E4CnLSW2x1jCPWF2IQVYHXneGMu6Z5W3gUXb3_F5H0yTWdendAOoNx2romY42WDK09C8WCsBSnqUidil/s1600/Gateau_au_chocolat.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEGZ1zuShSRXGlMldJZ-s4Q3VOMIrxl9ffq-1c57uY1A8HotBBseSk5r0E4CnLSW2x1jCPWF2IQVYHXneGMu6Z5W3gUXb3_F5H0yTWdendAOoNx2romY42WDK09C8WCsBSnqUidil/s400/Gateau_au_chocolat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570770358069583778" border="0" /></a><br />February seems to be the last chance for baking something so dark and deep. That only means chocolate, folks! I don't think it's a coincidence that someone decides chocolate is the official currency of Valentine's Day. Well even without it, I wanted to try something new, a little more complex, and definitely more decadent, chocolate dessert.<br /><br /><span>Gâteau au chocolat</span> came to my mind.<br /><br />Usually I resort to more simple recipe in which one ingredient is added to another until the batter goes into the oven: too lazy to separate the egg yolks and whites, not to mention whipping it! So until now, there was no angel cake or soufflé or anything requires a meringue. Well, it's time to conquer the fear of vigorous whisking.<br /><br />I was afraid of facing a lengthy recipe, but it turns out rather simple: dark chocolate (using 70% cacao), heavy cream, butter, sugar, eggs, cake flour and cocoa powder. We don't need any exotic ingredient. The resulting cake is surprisingly airy in texture. But that is rather deceiving; the piece I took (and it wasn't that big!) was so rich, it is almost qualifies for a small meal. <br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-83800086558543426162011-02-04T16:05:00.001-08:002011-02-04T16:49:17.588-08:00Setsubun - 節分<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eM656Eh3VKVFkLCdoyVRjBp5XZGpSX_p7BCi2du3ELxy1bOxQOTp81Y6Zge8FGCRCGm4pSAhKN-pYbGs7cTx7uuLSzqg3_VsIlkcGgpSpPsNYma6ojtllFJKCm270KlrAEqHxRln/s1600/setsubun2011.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eM656Eh3VKVFkLCdoyVRjBp5XZGpSX_p7BCi2du3ELxy1bOxQOTp81Y6Zge8FGCRCGm4pSAhKN-pYbGs7cTx7uuLSzqg3_VsIlkcGgpSpPsNYma6ojtllFJKCm270KlrAEqHxRln/s200/setsubun2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569990322643811698" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I still don't know exactly how this prediction business works - it only means that particular morning is either sunny or cloudy, doesn't it? - but I simply take the Groundhog Day as another step toward the spring approaching. The day also reminds me to buy some dried soy beans.<br /><br />The day of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsubun">Setsu-bun</a> usually falls around this time. This year it was yesterday, the 3rd day of February. I opened the front door, grabbed some beans and threw them outside: "Oni-wa-soto!" Grabbed more beans and this time, threw them inside over my shoulder: "Fuku-wa-uchi!" There are a few rituals I am meaning to keep doing it, no matter where I am, and this is one of them.<br /><br />Inside, Jumpy is delighted to dig up and play with the beans all over the floor. Outside, hungry birds flatter to peck on the beans scattered around the icy pathway and snow covered yard. Another sure sign that says: "Just hold on, the spring is coming!" (Apparently, in less than 6 weeks!)<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-29837136743574199972011-01-01T11:03:00.000-08:002011-01-01T11:20:41.230-08:00New Year's Resolution<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFwiFjcthExqML-EhAee_-PxKa_kiAraAnHOwpk8-r44WmE_EAcEZPRxWljmWnRczXnNEmCUIasjulSjB8WDsEa2vVc12QVjMq8gU2aAWfAvMXSRrqPpHN3po7K7jgutlvhhPuhp2/s1600/NewYear2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFwiFjcthExqML-EhAee_-PxKa_kiAraAnHOwpk8-r44WmE_EAcEZPRxWljmWnRczXnNEmCUIasjulSjB8WDsEa2vVc12QVjMq8gU2aAWfAvMXSRrqPpHN3po7K7jgutlvhhPuhp2/s400/NewYear2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557298883468049746" border="0" /></a><br />A Happy New Year!<br /><br />We have a new baking wish for 2011: to become a friend with Yeast. We would love to bake our own bread! Or make pizza from scratch! And there is a cinnamon buns recipe we'd like to try!<br /><br />As for the rest, the <a href="http://kucakes.blogspot.com/2010/01/daikon-ashi.html">last year's resolution</a> still stands...<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-53001236393226115992010-12-29T13:30:00.000-08:002011-02-24T13:52:44.446-08:00Snowed In: 2010 Christmas Edition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQp8YzrwdM0dy39EPCnst8uNgNmhrQRhSqHiK1zg1ae2eS2c2KxpKZMFEEYL2UBQrOHQyy-Snn2w2SJNlXpWJG7Pc6hlLSAlQeToMnAQvG81Up0AxT-Fpk53rtTL4KmZVjMbQbf4O/s1600/snowdayDec2010.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQp8YzrwdM0dy39EPCnst8uNgNmhrQRhSqHiK1zg1ae2eS2c2KxpKZMFEEYL2UBQrOHQyy-Snn2w2SJNlXpWJG7Pc6hlLSAlQeToMnAQvG81Up0AxT-Fpk53rtTL4KmZVjMbQbf4O/s200/snowdayDec2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556220428438011842" border="0" /></a>Doesn't this picture look familiar? ....Oh wait...yeah, <a href="http://kucakes.blogspot.com/2009/12/snowed-in.html">here it is</a>...<br /><br />Some of us wanted to have the White Christmas, and think we had our wishes, well almost, come true. The snow storm came roaring in NYC on Sunday, the 2nd Day of Christmas, and it did not stop until the next morning. As always, all the drifts from adjacent school parking lot ended up in our yard. It measured 80cm pileup.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PA7JTAUYLnuRqaiWWDo7z-gJW-o4ht7GU1AUSJ7uWo_QFpWJCWsoniBFzOuQ5TCpeoCJq9E6Cysb1fRUDVjVLMm7YoXR6tPB5jzAWCiT8mR498F7KWK7Pr6MDsEZjhq6nCncSpK0/s1600/Guernsey.2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PA7JTAUYLnuRqaiWWDo7z-gJW-o4ht7GU1AUSJ7uWo_QFpWJCWsoniBFzOuQ5TCpeoCJq9E6Cysb1fRUDVjVLMm7YoXR6tPB5jzAWCiT8mR498F7KWK7Pr6MDsEZjhq6nCncSpK0/s320/Guernsey.2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556220299680309138" border="0" /></a>We did not step outside since Christmas Eve - busy cooking and baking and playing with the new cat - but finally emerged to get to the grocery store and saw the street is snow-blocked. This photo is just taken this afternoon, around 2:30pm on 12/29. And when did it snow? 3 days ago? We kept hearing some parts of the City was neglected in terms of snow removal, but didn't think our street was one of them... The blockage spans almost 2 blocks. Sure we had some heavy snow storms in the past, but can't really remember the street was left untouched for 3 full days after it stopped!<br /><br />Glad we didn't have to go anywhere. But for those who had to travel, please be careful!<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-89714046601999188042010-12-28T14:12:00.000-08:002010-12-28T15:02:34.051-08:00He Came in Peace...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnueMAYM8VlGdiv_YUiqhKZZh6LfYfl_DIHp4ADX0www772m57w6kFMEiX7GtySQl0TBZ-a7TXMHoC4nbwz4wF5QVp5hCHYnJdJcq7U-BAJA912HqR5zMCJvuUxfG4hKtSDV6mcnkt/s1600/icameinpeace.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnueMAYM8VlGdiv_YUiqhKZZh6LfYfl_DIHp4ADX0www772m57w6kFMEiX7GtySQl0TBZ-a7TXMHoC4nbwz4wF5QVp5hCHYnJdJcq7U-BAJA912HqR5zMCJvuUxfG4hKtSDV6mcnkt/s200/icameinpeace.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555861288802404338" border="0" /></a>The backyard kitten of the summer is now officially welcomed into our household. <br /><br />For weeks we contemplated the manner of taking him in. The process of indoctrination started as we put the food dish inside and leaving the window open. The kitten comes inside but he jumps back outside as soon as finished eating...so we weren't sure if it would stay indoors. Then one weekend, we were hearing a whiny meow all night without seeing the kitten. Turned out he was trapped by the neighbor (he keeps a sizable flock of pigeons in adjacent backyard) and was about to be sent far away, who knows where! Sensing the urgency, we went to retrieve the kitten, even though it was not technically ours, yet. The kitten escapes the cage and hides in the backyard for another day.<br /><br />Next day he came inside the house to eat the food. That moment the window was closed shut.<br /><br />To make the long story short, he has not stepped outside since. Well, except for the trip to ASPCA... Maybe when the weather gets warmer we'll let you run around the front yard.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-59068169488588166172010-11-09T19:32:00.000-08:002010-11-09T20:04:17.841-08:00Pumpkin Goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZrPxMviHEalIUQeByt-eNonfFB4FWTVlJA-xkZPB3BfupEP0SoF7yd8-DZ1PVAz1ZtxmbYnW3HZJuJd4mEYtqSvetJSFAeehRlGiQBQcxHEiOpyu9N7oLtzjL1RdkbKmzniuMd1h/s1600/pumpkinbread.2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZrPxMviHEalIUQeByt-eNonfFB4FWTVlJA-xkZPB3BfupEP0SoF7yd8-DZ1PVAz1ZtxmbYnW3HZJuJd4mEYtqSvetJSFAeehRlGiQBQcxHEiOpyu9N7oLtzjL1RdkbKmzniuMd1h/s320/pumpkinbread.2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537765084157399266" border="0" /></a><br />I love butter. And eggs. And sugar. And cream. In other words, I love any dessert comprised of these sweet ingredients. But lately I am slowly branching out, exploring alternative recipes because some of my colleagues are vegan, lactose intolerant, allergic to nuts, etc, etc... I want to bake something they can have a taste, too. Although I will not convert all my recipes, I am finding some good ones that are not compromising my taste buds.<br /><br />This pumpkin bread is one of those happy recipes. It is dairy-free, so light, moist and delicious as is. But with cream cheese-y frosting (made with Tofutti, vegan friendly!) it really sings! I'm so glad to add it to my roster.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-57218965760186616062010-10-10T14:00:00.000-07:002010-10-10T14:30:14.720-07:00Autumn Baking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHcYxX8Q7gQl0v40jGCOISkUtLPJExCVe_DKhPsrM-jaM4hTuHCBS2D-sLY_Wo4vPZ_5u6XZRme2oSIFJRk1A9WdNBu9cIaMT1yS2J7UWVyq4WNk4SjBzt4U9olvrUHSDsdco9Ewy/s1600/apple-pear-cran.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHcYxX8Q7gQl0v40jGCOISkUtLPJExCVe_DKhPsrM-jaM4hTuHCBS2D-sLY_Wo4vPZ_5u6XZRme2oSIFJRk1A9WdNBu9cIaMT1yS2J7UWVyq4WNk4SjBzt4U9olvrUHSDsdco9Ewy/s320/apple-pear-cran.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526532286973415986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think I mentioned this before, but this apple coffee cake is the hands-down my favorite. I must have found this one while looking for a basic pound cake batter recipe, and somewhere along the line stumbled onto it. It well could be a newspaper clipping. Or maybe from <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/">Penzy's catalogue</a>? (This catalogue is a treasure trove of quintessential 'home made' recipes....) Original recipe calls for a cinnamon streausel topping. I omitted that, and with a whim, mixed in a bunch of chopped apples. And the result was... oh it was so good, I instantly fell in love. Since then I am using this batter recipe for various flavors and mix-ins. Really, it's that versatile. So far I've made: blueberry, strawberry, apricot, pear, Earl Grey, Green Tea, rum & raisin... the possibilities are endless!<br /><br />This time I baked it in a sheet for the masses. Apples and cranberries are baked in the batter, and thinly sliced apples and pears adorn the top, adding the caramelized crunch. I had to secure my own piece before the whole thing is devoured.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-22686019983816752342010-08-29T08:36:00.001-07:002010-08-29T09:09:19.654-07:00Peaches!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05kF3rJWuSTMTbetA2zjlO_VB8_ug3Xz64AUEAcJYWmoAT4R5OcWSGm0sQS3TgSOKKo_MzCuHlFfLhaWYrOMY8BnWAoK4UwiZtIUX-ynWx72lBY-S-IbU_o3-5DaHWeBSM5pipICF/s1600/crostata2010.1.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05kF3rJWuSTMTbetA2zjlO_VB8_ug3Xz64AUEAcJYWmoAT4R5OcWSGm0sQS3TgSOKKo_MzCuHlFfLhaWYrOMY8BnWAoK4UwiZtIUX-ynWx72lBY-S-IbU_o3-5DaHWeBSM5pipICF/s200/crostata2010.1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510860460060680706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiJYn_hYAlgsmRLlcKIav5sdt90nyxZZ9GWJ1How_exjC05NYnfJ23D7vdW5ax1toqi4gWjODvJp2DjBwVTk_Gx6rNtQsHm8qqKUJxaFPswKe4T1ha7pGBTHZKLlo2s0K_PyWoTRg/s1600/peaches2010.1.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiJYn_hYAlgsmRLlcKIav5sdt90nyxZZ9GWJ1How_exjC05NYnfJ23D7vdW5ax1toqi4gWjODvJp2DjBwVTk_Gx6rNtQsHm8qqKUJxaFPswKe4T1ha7pGBTHZKLlo2s0K_PyWoTRg/s320/peaches2010.1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510856791109899426" border="0" /></a><br />This year, all the stone fruits taste particularly wonderful, surely due to a hot & relatively dry weather during August. Apricots, plums, nectarines and yes, peaches... every one of them are plump, juicy and fill the mouth with deep sweet-tangy flavor.<br /><br />My favorite sweets to bake in the summer is this Peach Crostata. Its crust can be prepared in 5 minutes. The best part is you can just press it against the baking dish and pop right into the oven. No need for resting and kneading and more resting like a regular pie dough. I clipped the recipe from the Daily News may many years ago (<a href="http://www.foodmaven.com/soup/crostata.html">by Arthur Schwartz</a>) and ever since it became almost a ritual to bake this dish, at least once, in summer. <br /><br />So I grabbed the window of opportunity last week when the heat cooled a bit. It's fantastic as is, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the height of decadence. (And I should stop doing that... soon!)<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-14351529677870436442010-08-08T10:11:00.000-07:002010-08-08T10:43:49.609-07:00More Bounties from Yard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImLFCd3Ov-WGhUj_AY-PaYbSZldRPl8FfDxYOYbB6IqmOMF8k8ccatZYAy37ys7Txlhe0fZu2WJwe0REFDKOUJzisrFy6FU_sSfKK1CXso8Xnmpw_CsPMu__4vpgJb_YUOwQ_sDdc/s1600/blueberry2010.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImLFCd3Ov-WGhUj_AY-PaYbSZldRPl8FfDxYOYbB6IqmOMF8k8ccatZYAy37ys7Txlhe0fZu2WJwe0REFDKOUJzisrFy6FU_sSfKK1CXso8Xnmpw_CsPMu__4vpgJb_YUOwQ_sDdc/s200/blueberry2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503090633301087234" border="0" /></a><br />I had this blueberry plant for 15 years that never produced a fruit. So this spring I transplanted it to another spot where it can get a little more sun. Boy that made such a difference! The new branches started shooting up, and yes, finally I was able to collect a handful of blueberries. It wasn't even a bowl full; but enough to adorn the morning cereal. So precious!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2S1B_TnIGqLbVhmVh7nTg_r1VZAn0ib421qOybIiI3F64azU94nMimx8qHgTmYKVYRi5pi3z0dssg6jVVaY5Els4oMkaEBnicsnRNaZbpsprBD5Wc4LD6bMEb4BofYOt8Ftr44oq/s1600/P7040678.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2S1B_TnIGqLbVhmVh7nTg_r1VZAn0ib421qOybIiI3F64azU94nMimx8qHgTmYKVYRi5pi3z0dssg6jVVaY5Els4oMkaEBnicsnRNaZbpsprBD5Wc4LD6bMEb4BofYOt8Ftr44oq/s200/P7040678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503090366010910306" border="0" /></a>These brown heirloom tomatoes are called Cherokee Purple, about a size of palm full. I kept making the simple sandwich of toasted English muffin, schmear of cream cheese, basil and thick slices of these sweet tomatoes for the morning. Lettuce leaves, also picked from the yard, accompany many sandwiches during the summer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM5Eb_eSoYvJOUkU2H_CMZzghOmK1I2RIvlv2vr5iMkkjv3cOfgz1SvTglyhIR40HsGFZSwQP2x4AAyZqwaORKhlz7oQMoeRg6NAaXSUGs6rq0Vh5ljKhVAT3dzePs2dsEkQ3ye8N/s1600/P8070575.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM5Eb_eSoYvJOUkU2H_CMZzghOmK1I2RIvlv2vr5iMkkjv3cOfgz1SvTglyhIR40HsGFZSwQP2x4AAyZqwaORKhlz7oQMoeRg6NAaXSUGs6rq0Vh5ljKhVAT3dzePs2dsEkQ3ye8N/s200/P8070575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503089921237336210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW46WYk4DztNa1OkT5wfkyJrvvKaJERZJ01p8qO0EPG1d97gVTrzADX8pdVLRjG_sruo29BBDc_oVOiDpfwniztAr1EGzkiTxXHgnrXeyOtDyiAkPe1b6RpErI0rOJYzKU3sFdlA_g/s1600/jalapeno2010.2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW46WYk4DztNa1OkT5wfkyJrvvKaJERZJ01p8qO0EPG1d97gVTrzADX8pdVLRjG_sruo29BBDc_oVOiDpfwniztAr1EGzkiTxXHgnrXeyOtDyiAkPe1b6RpErI0rOJYzKU3sFdlA_g/s200/jalapeno2010.2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503089731037514402" border="0" /></a>Each year my landlord (we share the yard) plant three things: tomatoes, hot peppers and cucumbers. And this summer they are particularly bountiful; perhaps benefiting from the hot weather. So, yeah, something good does come out of the sweltering climate...<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-64981803847510196832010-07-18T10:04:00.000-07:002010-07-18T10:46:15.880-07:00Foraging the Yard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc7RwnShbwaqzCTSHsS7HAjGhasf8TFLmyJ7IDWAxeX3CpdMTKJ4MdaVEt6JdFuy9LayvEiA0VRCOFuCPPcWJgXWUhYSCpqTCupodDfkGiyIbOLwrVCXAXeQgHK5_vwHhIrI6Nr6d/s1600/edibleweed2010.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc7RwnShbwaqzCTSHsS7HAjGhasf8TFLmyJ7IDWAxeX3CpdMTKJ4MdaVEt6JdFuy9LayvEiA0VRCOFuCPPcWJgXWUhYSCpqTCupodDfkGiyIbOLwrVCXAXeQgHK5_vwHhIrI6Nr6d/s200/edibleweed2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495297232126931010" border="0" /></a>There are a lot of weeds growing in the yard. Most of them are systematically pulled before they get out of hands. However, there are few weeds that I intentionally leave alone because they are edible.<br /><br />On the right: Dandelions, hated by many homeowners with meticulous front lawn. On the left: Purslane, unfamiliar and indifferent until I learned they are edible and good source of Omega-3.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rbEy7s90EGukLIIcPq4QwbWR-zsME5ZQlKciGTfN-aTGeh44RfHQM570JIfn_bOCozZ_jaK78oQurA_O6kq7CS9LKYX03W1hTfwncrP2e5JTZ8gR4Hl_Y79FaBckGYo3ingzo1eO/s1600/parslane+salad.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rbEy7s90EGukLIIcPq4QwbWR-zsME5ZQlKciGTfN-aTGeh44RfHQM570JIfn_bOCozZ_jaK78oQurA_O6kq7CS9LKYX03W1hTfwncrP2e5JTZ8gR4Hl_Y79FaBckGYo3ingzo1eO/s200/parslane+salad.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495296963435742066" border="0" /></a>The salad of purslane and tomatoes is very simple. All you have to do is make a dressing (a clove of garlic & small chili pepper minced, olive oil, vinegar, salt & pepper), chop the parslane and tomatoes, and mix them in the bowl. It was delicious, albeit pungent! I waited until most of the co-workers have left the building to start the meal.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-44305728280967431922010-07-18T08:52:00.000-07:002010-07-18T09:37:57.812-07:00Gratuitous Kitten Pix<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfweCIu6H6kNepIF5pBtKyfRSa4KTcyEibeW0yV_4Z-cptbpBY1uio_4d0dfEpNqmH7DZw8i_3Mf-SEyyj8Xdz2nRspsqSaMQ87mFWzskWG2GcZCJtG2ROzG19hNmRfEwPddGlzss/s1600/cute071010.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfweCIu6H6kNepIF5pBtKyfRSa4KTcyEibeW0yV_4Z-cptbpBY1uio_4d0dfEpNqmH7DZw8i_3Mf-SEyyj8Xdz2nRspsqSaMQ87mFWzskWG2GcZCJtG2ROzG19hNmRfEwPddGlzss/s320/cute071010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495275883855791634" border="0" /></a><br />The Backyard Kitten is growing up fast! Somewhat feeling responsible, I am putting out the food twice a day. I think they know they hit the jackpot! For the feral cats not have to worry about food and shelter must relieve a huge percentage of their daily struggle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuytcBhMJY-Uh7stwpPKrUc7YJ-6tbRBTYv1paX6sXBvneNy2RmTVU0IXk3wUWju7xqHB0xp4ZJjhfNqehgfWPeVdY3OoAgUQxFm_qCzIXzP4NjUrX0zHqzwFHiyQ-G6JuMyv2VY-8/s1600/MomHiss.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuytcBhMJY-Uh7stwpPKrUc7YJ-6tbRBTYv1paX6sXBvneNy2RmTVU0IXk3wUWju7xqHB0xp4ZJjhfNqehgfWPeVdY3OoAgUQxFm_qCzIXzP4NjUrX0zHqzwFHiyQ-G6JuMyv2VY-8/s200/MomHiss.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495275415705803010" border="0" /></a>Protective mother still approaches with hissing and caution. The baby is imitating the cute hiss, but then comes running toward the food bowl. So much for the lesson in caution...<br /><br />So I'm calling the mother Nom Nom and the kitten Jumpy, for now. I don't think they know nor don't really care, though.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-88548088977457608112010-07-08T18:29:00.000-07:002010-07-08T19:52:14.384-07:00Hot Weather, Cold Noodles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6geEALwuoa9tksWG8Xe-3Fx7z9ReCWZ1grKc6NYssE-jWq0tPFuJZ4Dei6-yfe8OQrUzcy4Frj2pFiSAKBzvCN9hJ_cj10VgR8h7DlvD6FXkhLwoZs3dsTCVl6oDyF6vIcQdsq7xY/s1600/hiyashichuka.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6geEALwuoa9tksWG8Xe-3Fx7z9ReCWZ1grKc6NYssE-jWq0tPFuJZ4Dei6-yfe8OQrUzcy4Frj2pFiSAKBzvCN9hJ_cj10VgR8h7DlvD6FXkhLwoZs3dsTCVl6oDyF6vIcQdsq7xY/s200/hiyashichuka.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491713318606724578" border="0" /></a><br />Oh my, it's too hot to even stand in the kitchen!<br /><br />Every morning I prepare all the food for the day. For breakfast I pack either cereal or <a href="http://kucakes.blogspot.com/2008/01/oatmeal-seaweeds.html">oatmeal</a>, for lunch I make a sandwich with whatever the protein I have in the fridge, and cook a supper. Well, in 100+ degrees temperature, no one wants to turn on the gas. And if you absolutely must use the stove, let's minimize it. <br /><br />So I turn to this cold noodle dish "hiyashi-chuka", the dish that personifies Summer. It's basically a cold noodle salad. You cook the noodle and just add any toppings you like. Drizzle the tangy sesame oil dressing and voila! I like it because I can use just one pot to make the whole thing.<br /><br />Yes, a true life saver when the heat is on.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-77423033209230158492010-06-27T11:15:00.000-07:002010-06-27T12:30:30.549-07:00Yard Update: June 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrzEAhYw7E4SUcLW5QaeYy2ZB8islULfPnn5q746Yok5GLqeqqLXexTMO3N-dcFCYsrjFm8NjX5SOWmbkh6qBW6-dpH3h9o8GOiMHIkGelSL9tYeEj7xGDDkWC-5dpRyCCt5FRDWB/s1600/yardJune2010.1.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrzEAhYw7E4SUcLW5QaeYy2ZB8islULfPnn5q746Yok5GLqeqqLXexTMO3N-dcFCYsrjFm8NjX5SOWmbkh6qBW6-dpH3h9o8GOiMHIkGelSL9tYeEj7xGDDkWC-5dpRyCCt5FRDWB/s320/yardJune2010.1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487520246661656434" border="0" /></a><br />So...a month later, the yard looks much more lush in green. Thanks to cleome (pink & white flowers) and orange mint, the garbage can is now invisible beneath the thick green curtain. The hostas are about to flower (foreground). Lettuce plants in the green planter (mid-right) are providing enough young leaves for a sandwich everyday.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9-_OAj9WEe_DNVfFAPm9rizPGgX8LnXT39BVOKDZTmgnQTU947JbKR-T1xWnwdJXPkVGjDgcJuiTmGGaKIxSvE2rO7aKgltIaRvmXDSr6ux-vrLHGQNjRTXpT3p2pcv0b9eNyBJC/s1600/yardJune2010.2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9-_OAj9WEe_DNVfFAPm9rizPGgX8LnXT39BVOKDZTmgnQTU947JbKR-T1xWnwdJXPkVGjDgcJuiTmGGaKIxSvE2rO7aKgltIaRvmXDSr6ux-vrLHGQNjRTXpT3p2pcv0b9eNyBJC/s200/yardJune2010.2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487519736522945394" border="0" /></a>Some of the early tomato plants are getting bigger! Next to the tomato pot, sunflowers are totally loving this spot where strong sunshine is abundant.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho26Phd38TvY7Az86_daCUBPQ8e7Hv8ZjKmSwYjKbjW5wUYPgzus4u-A5hb5o6W_7XWbjW5R7ulNThgzvoZ74jn2EuG8D7dsg2edSStqWPwjk5fjGDH3B00xhCOhsn4TtxgOqa0_s5/s1600/yardJune2010.3.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho26Phd38TvY7Az86_daCUBPQ8e7Hv8ZjKmSwYjKbjW5wUYPgzus4u-A5hb5o6W_7XWbjW5R7ulNThgzvoZ74jn2EuG8D7dsg2edSStqWPwjk5fjGDH3B00xhCOhsn4TtxgOqa0_s5/s200/yardJune2010.3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487519519581679842" border="0" /></a>Closer look at the cleome flowers: in between you can see the deep purple cluster of lavender flowers as well. Orange mint is really going strong - almost too strong - so I cut back quite often. Then I let the bruised leaves infuse the water, mix in some lime juice and bit of sugar. Very refreshing.<br /><br />So far, so good. It's easier to control the weeds this year because the allotted area is significantly small. Yeah, that was a good plan.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-9347302396015410472010-06-20T06:03:00.000-07:002010-06-20T10:19:00.814-07:00To The Dad...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi14NYPQVmb42SfE0vlyD6GPuxOXf3zC9XER_EQJKM2wCVr_b3ZM-B9xZyAG_6sHPTpqn7zzOiq3Go39OcVQ5QC_fEkGd6p3uivGsTdmgJ_rZue1P5MDe_po6ZMh_4mlXvAhnXqeXI/s1600/DadDay10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi14NYPQVmb42SfE0vlyD6GPuxOXf3zC9XER_EQJKM2wCVr_b3ZM-B9xZyAG_6sHPTpqn7zzOiq3Go39OcVQ5QC_fEkGd6p3uivGsTdmgJ_rZue1P5MDe_po6ZMh_4mlXvAhnXqeXI/s400/DadDay10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484906256966603026" border="0" /></a><br />Mother's Day gets all the attention...<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-58542487911066642462010-06-18T18:17:00.001-07:002010-06-26T15:55:43.624-07:00Rooftop Farm!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8EVluDwPSHQJTd87Rs6itH09lVJVl6aQmReogeorH6tekExNPS96I7P5-slwOY5EqFOBwJ255i-ALbGBjcAjYCU1aVtc4XDyX1pVfcr1FkdLpqLLW6D9RbAzMclBY-rfpRx0RTG2/s1600/P6130658.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8EVluDwPSHQJTd87Rs6itH09lVJVl6aQmReogeorH6tekExNPS96I7P5-slwOY5EqFOBwJ255i-ALbGBjcAjYCU1aVtc4XDyX1pVfcr1FkdLpqLLW6D9RbAzMclBY-rfpRx0RTG2/s200/P6130658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484291699636166546" border="0" /></a><br />A few Sundays ago I participated in the free composting seminar held at the <a href="http://rooftopfarms.org/">Eagle Street Rooftop Farm</a>. I heard about this place a while ago, and ever since I have been very curious. So it was a great reason to finally check out this operation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR2_ZRxsHQ526OkrM0Q1077333JUaCCrUVUYAA-gDtnueiSf5uHr_Di8qlhLWvX9jOYc9hSbT4UcmrDoCUJPbnTwpStRCvqUwPbV2HIfm0HvRBDVM0QJRIGxDpW2KtB4pKcE2fbf2/s1600/P6130665.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR2_ZRxsHQ526OkrM0Q1077333JUaCCrUVUYAA-gDtnueiSf5uHr_Di8qlhLWvX9jOYc9hSbT4UcmrDoCUJPbnTwpStRCvqUwPbV2HIfm0HvRBDVM0QJRIGxDpW2KtB4pKcE2fbf2/s200/P6130665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484291565482263954" border="0" /></a>I used to get invited to watch the rooftop viewing of glorious July 4th Fireworks up close when this building was an AIR. Now it is a converted shooting studio and full-fledged, albeit small scale, farm overlooking the East River on top. Somehow it feels fitting; to see the rows of growing vegetables against the Manhattan skyline evokes comfort and strange satisfaction.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl6Z04k_luIEfFmFEWxnjaESygA0yXcXo4CcHKdr6kafDLr7xdQSiIr8WXCUt2pp2mXy8_DMFz50YNe69SwockOxUyIIBSn0DRExWkUDmOETvmN3nHvWjh2BQ9ssNoyWUi48s-Vij/s1600/P6130653.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl6Z04k_luIEfFmFEWxnjaESygA0yXcXo4CcHKdr6kafDLr7xdQSiIr8WXCUt2pp2mXy8_DMFz50YNe69SwockOxUyIIBSn0DRExWkUDmOETvmN3nHvWjh2BQ9ssNoyWUi48s-Vij/s200/P6130653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484291431136193746" border="0" /></a>Yes, chickens live there, too! <br /><br />Plenty of practical information was given at this seminar. Now I'm ready to fill my compost bin in the yard! Sounds like I can put almost anything from the kitchen and the yard: fruits & vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds & filters (great!!!), seaweed (wha...???), and food-soiled paper towels & napkins (good news because these cannot be put out to recycling in NYC), dead leaves, pine needles, etc. Technically grains, cereals, breads are OK to compost too, but probably wise not to because these foods attract unwanted attention from certain small creatures. Well then I can feed them to the sparrows, blue jays and cardinals instead.<br /><br />Now, let the compost begin!<br /><br />Ku Cake<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ84fBT9uFQEzPTCGw-0PGhtqXNpU7RIVsss8KQbo4E7aM-6IjSl77Kx0q2foWtVNMvfNrBCeyGd4_ik_-Cw-mOvj6xyi-E00HbUxUKqbQe2ET-R9-0OZo3DuwheaXx7DZt6hbnuU/s1600/P6130658.JPG"><br /></a>Ku Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-18098562244171949642010-06-17T18:53:00.000-07:002010-06-20T11:02:04.763-07:00Faux Gras<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzFeJojP1jTzubZvxXL_tDcRV0-2PA-E0a_CC8q5oGG7tfuoSjGu7Lcp9zKlANmybSjiXzWr9DnPGS6fduBghBuZk7RiS7O8tg3EygcCbK1Gux2yL7RPwBDQPm7gxuI_wlXf1BXG2/s1600/ankimo+pasta.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzFeJojP1jTzubZvxXL_tDcRV0-2PA-E0a_CC8q5oGG7tfuoSjGu7Lcp9zKlANmybSjiXzWr9DnPGS6fduBghBuZk7RiS7O8tg3EygcCbK1Gux2yL7RPwBDQPm7gxuI_wlXf1BXG2/s320/ankimo+pasta.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483926499879886258" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, ok, I have to admit it's not the greatest pun... Well, the point is: I love monkfish livers! I consider them as "foie gras" of the sea.<br /><br />In Japanese restaurants you may encounter them as "ankimo", often steamed and with grated daikon radish and dipping sauce. But my favorite way of cooking this rich, sweet liver is to quickly pan fry it (dredged in thin layer of flour) and marinate a la escabeche, in hot & sweet soy sauce vinaigrette - nanban style.<br /><br />Its flavor is thick, almost sea urchin like briny sweet mousse, so a few pieces goes a long way. Not metallic or bitter at all; the characteristic sometimes associated with the liver from other species. This dish came together as I sometimes get the illogical craving for spaghetti. So I simply combined the said marinated monkfish liver and broiled squids. For the green, because you need some greens in your lunch, I sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and hot pepper flake. A pickled ramp bulb completes the ensemble.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-30873797957289863312010-06-06T16:57:00.001-07:002010-06-06T17:30:39.411-07:00Kitten Dilemma<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHzJpvdkRd8cqhiJIVLkNojaQ7K7jeyhDz0ro6QR9s0-4XdBBKDoLJddR-v-mWsSWPF8K5IvyJb7anGCKHdQF1IOR6dwxv20vG-cSFDckhO-E2po9xJ6ChXKGvb5Xm8OZry_TlrXV/s1600/P6060723.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHzJpvdkRd8cqhiJIVLkNojaQ7K7jeyhDz0ro6QR9s0-4XdBBKDoLJddR-v-mWsSWPF8K5IvyJb7anGCKHdQF1IOR6dwxv20vG-cSFDckhO-E2po9xJ6ChXKGvb5Xm8OZry_TlrXV/s320/P6060723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479814629581650882" border="0" /></a><br />Look at this cute kitten! Just look at it!<br /><br />Well, we spotted <span style="font-style: italic;">it</span> (not sure if it's a boy or a girl) in the backyard with its nursing mother on Friday morning. Then it got us terribly worried: The mother disappears hours at a time, leaving the baby by itself. The internet tells me the baby should be fed every few hours at this stage (we're guessing, about 3 weeks old). What should we do? Intervene? Leave it alone as the nature takes its course?<br /><br />There are numerous cats roaming our neighborhood. Some are house cats allowed to spend time outdoors. Others are feral, fending off on their own. This kitten's mother is clearly the latter. That means this little one will follow her <span style="font-style: italic;">pawsteps</span> and grows to become another feral cat, procreating the offspring at will. But if it's given the proper food, shots, necessary surgery and home, we think it may live a long and considerably happy life. Or is it just our arrogance to think that...?<br /><br />Well, right now we're leaving it alone. It's probably better to have the mother nurse it until it can eat the solid food and learn about the certain facts of life. But the situation is closely monitored. And we're ready to step in when necessary.<br /><br />Our weekend was totally ruined! Total distraction! Oh well...(but we didn't mind.)<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-61108164505616787102010-05-16T11:58:00.001-07:002010-05-16T14:19:17.908-07:00Getting There...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TWRulmB1H-nO56h_5X_PkHqsQWPZMfoYxk3sB1rBhnf0AOulREFTEkKAC6lsVIYdHOHiy2ragMTlg38tgWj7I_iJgINT-cHIl916eV17H3BZRA0M9vKn1ZJfP25wWGvh4bc3qBY7/s1600/yardMay2010.3.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TWRulmB1H-nO56h_5X_PkHqsQWPZMfoYxk3sB1rBhnf0AOulREFTEkKAC6lsVIYdHOHiy2ragMTlg38tgWj7I_iJgINT-cHIl916eV17H3BZRA0M9vKn1ZJfP25wWGvh4bc3qBY7/s320/yardMay2010.3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471964462627700834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EOt7t44-RhibV2gjCpSlugrEz1ePFIXG94nu2NcIsucl_KSnkQOmrshXsdDB-UBRefzEEXtrlpzElnu9g7qhA-_q3COCpXm4H_KbPEuXtI2YA2-25Dix0CwkfIF7OrUH05LQxN1J/s1600/yardMay2010.1.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EOt7t44-RhibV2gjCpSlugrEz1ePFIXG94nu2NcIsucl_KSnkQOmrshXsdDB-UBRefzEEXtrlpzElnu9g7qhA-_q3COCpXm4H_KbPEuXtI2YA2-25Dix0CwkfIF7OrUH05LQxN1J/s320/yardMay2010.1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471945649761043650" border="0" /></a><br />The month of May is, perhaps, the most crucial. Because this is when the decision is made: what to plant this year.<br /><br />Right now it looks like this. The perennials are almost reaching their full size: you can see two kinds of hosta plants in front. Farther back, you can see the long, narrow leaves of, what I think are related to, day lilies. Their leaves grow so fast in early spring (seriously a few inches in a day!) till June, by when they become all yellow, brown and eventually dry up. Suddenly in early- to mid- August, bunch of stalks shoot from the ground, almost overnight. And only for a few days the delicate pale pink flowers blossom. There are three kinds of evergreens in this tiny yard too. They provide the partial shade that is much needed in this otherwise totally sunny yard. Some of the weeds - peppermint, lemon balm, aster and green/red shiso - are allowed to stay, though in 'designated' areas.<br /><br />This year's big addition is the compost bin. It is really exciting that all the vegetable scraps that used to go to waste can be recycled! Also a big change in planting location this year: normally occupied by the tomatoes (and eventually overtaken by evil, evil weeds), I'm experimenting the front area to be flower- and herb- centric. You see; the plantable area is not that big because there are many perennials already staking the room. On top of it there is a chunk of concrete foundation buried in the middle. So when I found a discarded metal trash can on the street the other day (yes, I am a proud dumpster diver!), I got an idea to use it as a raised planter that can also cover the foundation. Right now it still looks like a trash can half sticking out of the yard (=ugly!) but, I'm hoping, in a few months, the creeping rosemary and orange mint will nicely trail down the side. The cleome flowers, supposed to grow tall, are all around it.<br /><br />Well, it was utterly satisfying planning, clearing, buying and planting for the past few weekends. But the 'instant gratification' moment is over. Now you have to be patient. I will post another picture in a few weeks to see the progress...<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-75842599201749962152010-05-09T04:22:00.000-07:002010-05-09T04:28:38.606-07:00To The Mom...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRMj3isEBlmzIxlj1Z5EB9wUTDm4ct0oQKWTdXeLXMpgkqB0hannJI1pYuVfAix9UwLnRpS1IRwrELvnSUGQHYQgHeotIJmluZqPXU1qCi2m83P13JRc6txPtZmrrkaKDfzK8qUee/s1600/MomDay10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRMj3isEBlmzIxlj1Z5EB9wUTDm4ct0oQKWTdXeLXMpgkqB0hannJI1pYuVfAix9UwLnRpS1IRwrELvnSUGQHYQgHeotIJmluZqPXU1qCi2m83P13JRc6txPtZmrrkaKDfzK8qUee/s400/MomDay10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469230633833337202" border="0" /></a><br />with Love,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh584F7-09j0vV_M4HfVoldOR1sJobYenlGrc86X-I3SccN5YBH8tAegYIdQyu_5QwUf2xe2WKBIV3EVELNBq9CPT7hJhXKZ68kLUa7c_hrI5X0YFn-h8BCCeeCXBvHTO6lJaWui4-e/s1600/MomDay10.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ku Cake</span><br /></a>Ku Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-64468111505684739382010-04-28T18:17:00.000-07:002010-04-28T18:48:03.864-07:00Au Naturel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEFIwyl4B33dNrTcd6cPJpjuzELATomB3sZK2tfB0-vK02xIDe1tOXliNhWaxg0c6sGMG3wSLK6k6aSJ9ZJgLSwUWy9h9oH95lAcr1rnwZMLA-aK2RDh6cKoQ0HWc5rF0qe_oKsfF/s1600/au+naturel5.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEFIwyl4B33dNrTcd6cPJpjuzELATomB3sZK2tfB0-vK02xIDe1tOXliNhWaxg0c6sGMG3wSLK6k6aSJ9ZJgLSwUWy9h9oH95lAcr1rnwZMLA-aK2RDh6cKoQ0HWc5rF0qe_oKsfF/s200/au+naturel5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465363020641890482" border="0" /></a><br />The scene at the Union Square Greenmarket is getting robust each time I visit there. Ramps showed up a few weeks ago and they are still going strong. Asparagus made its comeback this week. Flowers & herbs are everywhere. I just saw rhubarb, too! <br /><br />To welcome back these vegetables, today I prepared a dish that is uncomplicated, minimally seasoned. So ramps, whole carrots and a Yukon potato (both skins intact) are pan-roasted with little olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. I also sprinkled some dried thyme flowers I harvested from the yard last season. After 20 or so minutes of roasting, arrange the vegetables in the container. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and about a tea spoon of <a href="http://www.ronnybrook.com/">Ronnybrook</a> garlic butter into the pan, and continue cooking down until it thickens. Then drizzle the sauce over the vegetables.<br /><br />That is it! How much simpler could it be? <br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-49150953918878573332010-04-18T05:23:00.000-07:002010-04-20T18:19:44.239-07:00Red Velvet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqb8mzz7s_TX1N-WvgfAhGEGkv7uIFwhv6_E5ECH2qUsYOc9I8vzAJxdJOkF1ilbi15lH0NwHd1aAW9xVOogclfNzJk_iDm79o9sBQvsghZ-01JtDHODt-HMFEArrLBs-dgtGkp10/s1600/redvelvet3ed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqb8mzz7s_TX1N-WvgfAhGEGkv7uIFwhv6_E5ECH2qUsYOc9I8vzAJxdJOkF1ilbi15lH0NwHd1aAW9xVOogclfNzJk_iDm79o9sBQvsghZ-01JtDHODt-HMFEArrLBs-dgtGkp10/s400/redvelvet3ed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461459215069313714" border="0" /></a><br />There is definitely something very seductive about this cake... The color (=red), the aroma & flavor (=hint of cocoa), the texture (=moist and fluffy) all come together to usher a moment of such pleasure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoworel8l0V0NCEYcsVF6JPJkXn7F9LX_C1EHv-__hjYL7Gn340Nvp-iaa4KqJKyn1xAAM4fNWViYaFgsjePNF6IXfg-SuF8gc26SNp-_OTCTrqFnTxLq6Cx1FzWBVbiMDrk-bWMRZ/s1600/redvelvet2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoworel8l0V0NCEYcsVF6JPJkXn7F9LX_C1EHv-__hjYL7Gn340Nvp-iaa4KqJKyn1xAAM4fNWViYaFgsjePNF6IXfg-SuF8gc26SNp-_OTCTrqFnTxLq6Cx1FzWBVbiMDrk-bWMRZ/s400/redvelvet2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461455214427899314" border="0" /></a><br />The basic cream cheese frosting compliments the cake perfectly... The color (=white), flavor (hint of sweet-tangy), and the texture (creamy) truly enhance your sensation.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-66257436865568408452010-04-16T18:38:00.000-07:002010-04-17T14:24:36.950-07:00Mike & Son Sharpening Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxRLOZ3_3MRhB9tioAFBYp_vLctb_aMBeZGZuL6xGMNvX7NwXRHKiwEIRRq847RDdexFGCL7PGtD2LZ5GLmy6Rxi15_4SRegfFjLnRs9pn88M9RwPjSgXvKKd_-xWejZsxbEj2vNJ/s1600/knives1.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxRLOZ3_3MRhB9tioAFBYp_vLctb_aMBeZGZuL6xGMNvX7NwXRHKiwEIRRq847RDdexFGCL7PGtD2LZ5GLmy6Rxi15_4SRegfFjLnRs9pn88M9RwPjSgXvKKd_-xWejZsxbEj2vNJ/s200/knives1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461205340709075922" border="0" /></a><br />These knives are over 20 years old. It started as a very basic variety; a chef's knife, a boning knife, a carving knife and a paring knife. One by one, a Santoku knife, a bread knife, a cleaver and a small paring knife joined the line up that makes up the entire set today. Naturally, some of them are becoming dull, even though they went through professional sharpening numerous times. So, reluctantly I had to consider retiring these old ones.<br /><br />A few weekends ago I noticed an old-fashioned truck parked across the street. As I am always curious about everything 'antique', I took a closer look of this vehicle. Turns out: it is a mobile knife sharpening service operating out of the truck that goes around all over Brooklyn. The truck is barely big enough for one person to move between work tables (equipped with several grinding machines and sanding tool). Its interior is lined with wooden panels that are covered with small tools, dusts and grease. The father operates the machines while the son deals with customers. I also counted three bull terriers keeping their company. Apparently they are the 5th generation in business since 1941. <br /><br />I ran home, grabbed the knives and returned to the truck. "It'd be a few minutes wait" while they finish someone before me. Sure! I used to employ the sharpening service in the City that requires a week to complete. So I can definitely wait for "a few minutes", no problem! Mere 5 minutes and $12 later, my knives are all sharpened as good as new. The old man told me to be careful now that these are "very sharp". Well, the knives are more dangerous when they are NOT sharp! <br /><br />I am very happy to report; Mike and his son saved my knives. And how would you find them? Call the number: 212-365-4903. I know I will.<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845164296800170690.post-11814206030044959742010-04-04T06:54:00.000-07:002010-04-04T07:23:17.575-07:00Bunnies! Carrots!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnBUCoNES-KRj5zv-bHL2suuGFkt0W1lnjxT1seG_IyCjcdz5gTlyVXVn_AuQU9vLSNDfhom3BQ8_p-hfh0Dbius4PYBesNPCkFe7qjwt304juyS4rTCqWPLk9OmVwhM6byeTIKoF/s1600/Easterbasket2010sm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnBUCoNES-KRj5zv-bHL2suuGFkt0W1lnjxT1seG_IyCjcdz5gTlyVXVn_AuQU9vLSNDfhom3BQ8_p-hfh0Dbius4PYBesNPCkFe7qjwt304juyS4rTCqWPLk9OmVwhM6byeTIKoF/s400/Easterbasket2010sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456280747984017970" border="0" /></a><br />An untested carrot cake recipe turned out quite lovely...<br /><br />Happy Easter!<br /><br />Ku CakeKu Cakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847873784204541837noreply@blogger.com0