Saturday III

Merry Christmas

St.Louis

Sunday

After a record snowfall this weekend we spent a couple hours on Sunday trekking around the District. I really love how the first big snow of the year infects everyone with this giddy youthfulness. It's a shame it happens here only once every 80 years!

Saturday II

Saturday

Lavender Salt Bread

I've been kicking around the idea of making this no knead bread recipe for about two weeks now. I finally had enough incentive after I returned from visiting Jess in San Francisco with a jar of Lavender Salt I bought at the Ferry Building farmer's market. A loaf of coarse sea salt bread was always on the menu of our too infrequent dinners when Jess still lived in DC so this one's for you bestest.

I messed up a ton of steps in this process. My house is too cold, I left the dough too long, wrapped it in plastic wrap for 2hrs instead of 15 mins, didn't have the right pot, was convinced the Pyrex with "NO BROILER" stamped on the bottom would shatter everywhere... but here I am two days of my life later and I've got this great crusty hunk of bread that I can't wait to break into tonight.

Scott Spencer of Spencer's Pantry came over and cooked an elaborate, absolutely delicious 5 course meal. Spencer loves to cook but not on the line so he's taken his passion on the road. He charges only for the cost of produce (for now) and spends the evening answering your cooking questions, partaking in the wine, and hanging out. He also does all the dishes. Did I mention, he's totally rad?

On our menu:
Parmigiano Reggiano Butter

Porcini Mushroom Soup with Truffle Shitake Foam

Baby Beet Shoots, Pickled Carrots and Beets, Grits with Truffle Oil, and Pork Belly topped with a Sherry Vinaigrette and Pickled Mustard Seeds

Hamachi stuffed with Israeli Cous Cous topped with White Miso Sauce and baby Wasabi Greens

Homemade Pasta with Duck Confit, Fois Gras butter, Fresh Garbanzo Beans, and Arugula, topped with a Slow Poached Egg

Homemade Corn Ice Cream (no added sugar), Grated Corn, Fudge Cake with a Molten Salted Caramel middle, and Madeleine


Check him out if you're in the San Fran/Oakland area!