Pancakes for Easter

Heading over to my mom's house soon for our annual mimosa brunch but I couldn't help sharing this gorgeous pancake breakfast tablescape first by Design*Sponge with Jesse from Our Labor of Love and Ashley of The Flashdance. And saving this for future inspiration!

Happy Easter! I hope you have a day filled with family, friends and jelly beans!

Design*Sponge, Via Once Wed

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Really enjoying this new series, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Jamie Oliver, who if you recall used to be called the "Naked Chef" recently won the TED prize and his plan is to revolutionize the way we eat and feed our children in America (he's British). This is a cause near and dear to my heart so when I heard he had a new TV show, I was game. So far, I'm enjoying it. I might update this post at a later date once I've had a chance to digest the series.

Below is Jamie's TED Prize Plan and if you want to sign the petition to join the food revolution in America's schools (like me!), click here.

The Plan

Set up an organization to create a popular movement that will inspire people to change the way they eat. The movement will do this by establishing a network of community kitchens; launching a travelling food theater that will teach kids practical food and cooking skills in an entertaining way and provide basic training for parents and professionals; and bringing millions of people together through an online community to drive the fight against obesity. The grassroots movement must also challenge corporate America to support meaningful programs that will change the culture of junk food.

Rainy Day Recipe: White Wine Coq au Vin

To celebrate finishing Julia Child's "My Life in France" and today's rainy weather - tonight I made White Wine Coq au Vin from this month's Sunset Magazine. It was delicious and super easy to make. Our apartment smelled like heaven and the aroma even brought the neighbors over to see what I was cooking. Ok, so I don't even know if coq au vin is in any of Julia's cookbooks but I can say that after reading her book every night before bed, I'm feeling more inspired than ever to try French cooking.

White Wine Coq au Vin

via Sunset Magazine

Ingredients

4 1/2 tablespoons flour

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

4 slices bacon (1/4 lb.), chopped

1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 cups peeled baby carrots

3 stalks celery

1 medium onion

1 1/3 cups Chardonnay

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley sprigs

1/4 cup lightly packed fresh tarragon sprigs

Preparation

1. In a plastic bag, shake flour with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and the herbes de Provence; set aside.

2. In a 5- to 6-qt. pan over medium-high heat, brown bacon, stirring occasionally, 6 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, cut chicken into 1-in. chunks, then shake half at a time in flour to coat.

3. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon from pan to paper towels. Brown half the chicken in bacon fat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding oil to pan. Meanwhile, cut carrots in half lengthwise and cut celery into diagonal slices. Chop onion.

4. Add vegetables to pan with remaining salt and pepper and sauté until onion is golden, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave wine and broth until steaming, about 3 minutes.

5. Add broth mixture, chicken, and bacon to pan, stirring to loosen browned bits. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop parsley and tarragon. Stir them into stew.

I joined a CSA.

Photo by if time exists, on Flickr.

Last night I finally did it! I joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) group.

Joining a CSA has been on my mind since I first got my own place last year and after reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" I've been more inspired than ever to eat local, seasonal and organic produce. Not only will I be eating healthier but I'm looking forward to expanding the variety of produce I cook with. Can't wait for my first "what do I make with dandelions?" moment.

On top of all this, I was handed a promo code for $10 off my first box at REI.


I joined the Farm Fresh to You CSA for several reasons.
1. I can switch my service type or end my deliveries at any time, they also have a good account section on their website so I can postpone deliveries if I'm on vacation, etc.

2. Almost all the produce will come from Capay farm, 90 miles outside of SF. I wish it was a little closer, but it's greener than shipping produce from Mexico.

3. I can visit the farm. There are three farm tours left this year and I fully intend on checking it out for the Halloween or Winter farm tour.

I'll be sharing my weekly deliveries and corresponding recipes, can't wait for Friday!

Sunset Magazine, I'm learning to love you.

Photo by monitorpop, found on Flickr.

I didn't realize until earlier this Spring that Sunset Magazine is published in the Bay Area. I thought it was based in Seattle. Regardless, I think it's pages capture the essence of everything I love about living on the west coast. Fresh, seasonal food, outdoor adventures and travel. Sometimes it's a little thin for the price in my eyes but luckily, their website is filled with great content.

Like this great article, on how to eat from the farmer's market. Which is perfect for me. Most weekends I walk through the market looking at all the beautiful produce but stick to only what I know I will be using. I think this is a great reference for anyone to use, after they found the most beautiful, in season whatever at the market. And since I joined the Farm Fresh to You CSA last night, I'll be using it a lot myself.