I Left My Heart Back In San Francisco

This is one of the best vacations I ever went on. I have always wanted to go to San Francisco but no specific reason. I finally went just this past September long weekend with 3 other girlfriends. It was the best time ever. We still talk about it every now and then. It was the perfect group size and perfect weekend to get a taste of San Francisco. Here are some pictures of our fabulous weekend.


Eerily quiet as we approached the famous prison. But it was one of the best tours we went on. So informative and well organized.

The famous cell that housed one of the prisoners that broke out.


This is the kitchen and mess hall. There was a board in the kitchen that outlined the knives used so it was an easy and quick reference to see which knife was missing. For some reason that didn't solve the problem of knives growing feet. The mess hall was equipped with tear gas outlets. There were to be used if there as ever a riot during meal time.


Our first stop to a famous restaurant made famous by the Food Network Show, "Diner's Drive-ins and Dives". We got up early and waiting in line for 45 minutes but it was worth the wait. Watching the owner/head cook and his sous chef cook was such a treat. They maneuvered around that 3 feet by 2 feet area with such grace and purpose.


Can't miss this part of San Fran. The tour guides informed us that tourism is the largest industry in San Francisco. It beats finance and parking fees. I guess parking is not something they like to highlight.


The fog was rolling in from the north so we couldn't see the tops of the bridge towers. That was one of the coldest and longest ride to the north side (to Sal Sausalito).


This is Sal Sausalito. My future home. I thought the fog would have covered this little town but because the town is in the bottom of the valley, the fog just rolls over. San Francisco was around 15 degrees Celsius but Sal Sausalito was at least 10 degrees warmer. We drove pass this building on the outskirts of the town. It has been the site of many restaurants that have tried and fail. I told the girls we are going to buy that building and start our own restaurant. Or better yet, start a bed and breakfast.


I can't remember what the name of this tall building is but the tour guides told us that the top part is used for storage of extra boxes.


I miss you Tiffany.


I think we were the only people on the tour bus that under stood the significance of these houses. The other people just thought they were pretty but it brings back fun memories of watching "Full House".


I didn't know Popsicle sticks originated in San Francisco. This was part of the bread museum while we waited for our table.




Cioppino. YUM! Seafood stew with tomato base. It's a foodie's paradise down there. So much in so little time.


Chinatown for all our souvineur needs.


Busy, busy, busy.


Since coming back, I have been begging to go back. I was opting to go back this November since there was a seat sale. But I was told there were more important things that need our attention. Yeah, so what if the bills need to be paid? So what if our main door has gaps that is letting in cold air and is spiking our heating bill. And I thought I get away with a sale option. I promise San Francisco that I will be back again and it will be longer then a weekend.

Get Well Soon!

For a good friend. Wishing you speedy recovery. I used my usual hat box but it's so versitile. I am considering making it a signature container? Maybe?






These were the extra and gave it to a lovely couple. It so happened to be their wedding anniversary.

Welcome Fall, But Not Ready For Winter-Sorry Old Man Winter

This was last month's little cooking project. I wanted to make/bake pumpkin cookies but with the real thing. Making pumpkin puree is not hard whatsoever but does it ever smell funny. Don't get me wrong. I love the smell of pumpkin cookies/pie in the oven but the smell of just pumpkins is not something I like to bottle it up.








The hard part was not scooping the flesh but it was the squeezing the extra water using cheese cloth. Gross. I can do without that part.

I used the puree for pumpkin cookies. They were a hit at work and with my dad! Love how moist the cookies came out. I tried 2 cookie recipes, one using butter and one using vegetable oil. I was hoping the one with vegetable oil would taste better but i guess nothing beats butter. The recipe using oil made it more cake like so I guess it depends on what you prefer.

After some expert advice, I guess the can stuff makes no difference on the taste. So now I can say I did it and we will have to see what my mood will be next year. If I have the energy, I might do it the old fashion way but I can not guarantee I won't be tempted by the can stuff.

FINALLY!

I finally finish the second "stacking coins" baby quilt. The only reason that I finished was because I had a 3 day deadline. All I had to do was sew the 3 layers together and be done. Easier said then done but I made the deadline.


Front of the blanket.


Back of the blanket. Use the leftover pieces to make the flowers and extra stack of coins.


Sorry for the blurry pictures but I wanted to show the details of how I sewed the pieces together. I wanted to get away from the same old straight line stitch and so I chose a cross stitch. Since the fabric was very country like, the stitches were very fitting.

$20 Project

After we had finally finished painting the hallways (don't ask about the bathrooms or the bedroom), we wanted to make the house more of a home. We have artwork picked out but that is another project another day. There was always talk about possibly putting plants in our house but what do we want. I'm better at the cut stuff but not when it comes to nurturing the actual plant. So we did some research and thought a terrarium would be a good start. Very little watering requirements and plants that don't need direct sunlight. Sounds good to me.


All the supplies were less then $25. Ikea, dollar store Home Depot and Home Sense never fail me. Home Sense has become one of my favorite stores.


The plants we chose are maiden hair fern, club moss and some tropical leaves that added some colors. Maiden hair fern is one of my favorite green leaves that I would love to incorporate in my arrangements. Something about them is so feminine and lush.


I couldn't take pics while I made the little terrarium or else I still be busy getting all the dirt out of the camera.


Close-up. I hope to take some pics as I see growth in the jar. Crossing my fingers that I don't kill this thing.

How Much is Too Much?

Today was a trip down memory lane. When I was young, one of the best meals my mom made were eggplant croquettes. She pulled out the big guns cause company were coming over. They were so crispy on the outside but so soft and cheesy on the inside. I got in trouble cause I hung around the dining table after dinner and kept nibbling on the croquettes. I touched every croquette that was left so no one could have any more. I thought it was a good idea but I guess it wasn't what others where thinking of.




Recipe asked for parsley but I only had cilantro. It still worked out great.


I was even being a good girl and went the healthy way. Dusted the George Foreman Grill and just used it to toast the outside. I was even more suprised at how quick it came together. It only took half hour to make. Definitely going to make it in big batches next time.


OMG! My mouth is watering just typing this post. I only bought one medium eggplant so I can't make anymore. I need to get to the store asap. Honey...are you busy tonight?
If there were no more meat to eat tomorrow, I can turn into a vegetarian no problem. But only if there were no eggplant crisis simultaneously.

Who's the Cutest Pumpkin?

I don't know why but I have been on a cooking frenzy. I made cabbage rolls yesterday but with chicken gravy instead of tomato sauce. The sauce needed more flavour but the inside was surprisingly decent. I didn't take any pics cause I was worry it would not come out right.

I am planning to make some eggplant croquette/patties later this week and make my own pumpkin puree, hence the pumpkin pic. Just to let you know, I have been waiting almost 2 weeks for pumpkins to be on sale at the store. This pumpkin obsession started cause some girls at work want to put on a "pie party". Each person is to bring in a different pie for the party for this coming weekend. So I was researching on how to make one of my favourite pies, pumpkin pie. However, I think I won't try a pumpkin pie for this weekend. I want to save the pumpkin puree for cookies and a cake roll. Mmmmmmm! I want to make a rustic tart filled with pears, pecans, caramel and brie. We will see how that turns out. I remember eating a grilled chicken sandwich with brie and apples and it was one of the best things I ever ate. Wish me luck!

Do Apple Fritters Count as a Serving of Fruit Per Day?

Recipe # 2: Apple fritters

I found this awesome website with beautiful pictures of her farm, family, kids and food. She has a super easy fritter recipe and had to try it out. Her website is The Pioneer Woman.com. The woman behind the site is Ree Dummond who used to live in the big city but found her cowboy and turned into a pioneer woman that cook, blogs and writes cook book. She loves butter like Ina Garten and Paula Dean but looks like Giada De Laurentiis. So jealous.



I just realize how blurry the close up picture is. There is so much dusting of powdered sugar that the flash reflects off of it. Opps.

Would someone please tell me if eating apple fritters counts as a serving of fruit per day. Or at least tell me what I want to hear and not what my belly or blood sugar level will reflect.

Can you Do the CanCan?

My parent's apple tree exploded and I am challenged to find new and tasty apple recipes.

Recipe # 1: Apple Chutney

This is my first time canning. (By the way, it doesn't count if you helped your mom make raspberry jam when you were younger). Just saying.


I didn't add the making of the chutney process cause it was messy. And to be totally truthful, the batch you see is the 2nd batch cause I accidentally doubled the ginger amount. The recipe was for almost 22 cups of chutney so I halved the recipe. I halved every ingredients but didn't for the ginger. When I tasted the first batch, the ginger was so strong that before I tasted the sauce, the ginger scent was going down my throat.





The best part was hearing the "ping" of the lid when they vacuum seal itself after boiling the cans. And to top it off, they all stayed sealed in the morning. YAH!!!


Just the finishing touches for the pretty little jars. I used the left over paper that I recently used for the wedding card and some green ribbon in the ribbon stash.