LoveFeast Table

There are many things that inspire me…colors, textures, sounds, art, and yes, even scents.  I try and bring the outdoors in as much as possible.  But, it’s too early for the scents from my garden of roses, Walker’s Low cat-mint, lilacs, herbs, and irises here in Minnesota.

You see the grass is just beginning to turn green.

But, I can smell the earth and the damp mud of spring coming through my newly opened windows.

While I wait for the garden a beautiful orchid in my dining room teases me with the scent of summer.

And, daily I spray myself over with this garden of my favorite French perfume!

But, alas one can’t just spray and play and linger in the garden all day.  Not if they have the laundry of a family of six!  Everyday around here is laundry day!  Who can resist the scent of fresh towels?

Scents in your home most definitely bring a mood of possibility, inspiration and beauty. However, the most delicious scent in my home to me is the smell just under the chin of one of my family.  That’s what makes me happy.

The inspiration for this post came from Sandy over at the The Reluctant Entertainer!

OK, so we left off yesterday gearing up to make Joy The Baker’s lovely Avocado Pound Cake.  All of you that did not have the proper gear had an assignment to go out and buy yourself a descent sifter-a sifter that isn’t plastic, wimpy, or has a half peeled sticker stuck on it for approximately 19 years.

My basic plastic sifter model became a violent weapon with the ability to blind.  This is an example of the shrapnel leftover after the “accident”.

Just to remind you…a heap of this was blasted at me.

Now, protection is necessary.

Now to say that it got easier after that…would be a bit of an exaggeration.  We don’t call these posts Boulangerie ya’ baby! for nothing.  I have, if nothing else, honesty.  I have no doubt you can improve upon my methods.  But, to ease your mind and bolster your confidence let me say I doubt very much that your eggs and sugar will do this like mine did.

Your flour, I will assure you, will not whip all over your counter like a dust storm.

Eventually you will get a nice light green batter–no doubt sooner than I.  It is only a testament to Joy’s superb recipe creation to say that even after all my accidents and catastrophes I still eventually got these two, albeit concave loaves.

All was not lost.  They sliced up nice.  They are a lovely light green.  They sort of taste like lightly avocado flavored corn muffins.  In a good way-in an I want to eat them for breakfast, snack, and before bedtime kinda way.  So, be good to yourself.  Make these Avocado Pound Cakes from Joy The Baker.

Recipe from Joy The Baker

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups sugar

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup buttermilk

flesh of 1 1/2 ripe avocados, just over a cup of avocado, mashed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour two 9×4×3-inch loaf pans and set aside.

In a medium sized bowl, sift together flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda.  Set aside.

Set the four eggs out on the counter to come to room temperature while you beat the butter and sugar.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter on medium speed until softened and pliable.  Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.  Add the avocado and beat another minute to incorporate.  Scrape down the side of the bowl to ensure that everything is thoroughly mixed.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating 1 minute after the addition of each egg.  Beat in vanilla extract.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add half of the flour mixture, all of the buttermilk, and then the rest of the flour mixture.  Beat just until combined.

Divide the dough between the two loaf pans and place in the oven.  Turn the oven down to 325 degrees F.  Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.  Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Want some more Avocado Pound Cake inspiration?  Check this out!  Joy’s beautifully catered event The Violet Hour~ an On The Lamb Food and Beverage event.  Couldn’t you just die of party jealousy?  I wonder if I could get invited?

And get yourself a decent sifter…pronto!

There was something about this month that had me craving avocados.  I found myself coming home from yoga–peeling them open and scooping out their green goodness.  I even have proof that this was going on because I tweeted it.

“I just finished yoga and then I attacked an avocado.” 12:59 PM Mar 4th via web

Then, later on that same day, say about 7 hours later, something of an avocado/twitter/matrix/phenomena happened and I saw this tweet:

“i made avocado pound cake… lots of amazing. http://tinyurl.com/yjf5rqx” 8:08 PM Mar 4th via web

It was tweeted by Joy, of the adorable and inspiring blog Joy The Baker.  And, it contained a link to her unique lightly green pound cake.  Weird, right?  All kinds of weird “coincidences” happen like that on twitter all the time.  But, clearly this loaf was meant to be made by me.   And, thankfully I hadn’t eaten all the avocados in the house.  I had exactly one and a half left…enough to make the pound cake.  And, miracles of all miracles I even had cornmeal and buttermilk.  It was Avocado-Pound-Cake-Time…game on.

Eventually I did get my little slices of green love.  But, it took some trials and I’ll be honest some safety gear to get me going in the right direction.   Heed my warning.  You could lose an eye making this loaf.  Especially if you are using a plastic sifter to sift cornmeal.

Here’s what happened.  It all started with the cornmeal.  I’ll be honest, mine seemed chunkier than normal.  And, let me just tell you right off the bat I realized that getting to a cup was going to be a little more tedious than I expected.  Teaspoon by tedious teaspoon I sifted for awhile.  Occasionally the little pathetic plastic blade would get stuck and I would jam the lever and bang it about to free up the blade again.  I’d squeeze a little harder on the handle and it would break free until finally on one good squeeze the feeble plastic blade shattered and exploded cornmeal out of the sifter.  The cornmeal flew straight out like buckshot with shocking velocity.  This, my friends, is where I was almost blinded by this near pea size cornmeal crumb below.

You’d think it would be fairly easy to sift a cup of cornmeal with any ole’ sifter.  This line of thinking is  exactly where I went astray.  Like I said, word to the wise…if you own a plastic sifter.  It’s time to upgrade.

Hence, the protective eye-wear.

Now go, do yourself a favor and get yourself a decent metal sifter.

And, stay tuned for another bite tomorrow.

‘Cause I’m not going any further ’til I take a drink ’til you gear up!

Todd was in town a few weeks ago.  We have a tradition of meeting him in Washington, DC and finding an interesting spot for dinner! Last time, Chris Ann was with him and we checked out Potenza.  This time, Todd had CityZen on the radar.  CityZen is at the Mandarin Hotel in DC.  It was the middle of the week and the streets were quiet, so was the hotel.  We were greeted kindly by the doorman and walked in.  The matrie d’ greeted us and politely explained to us that we would have to sit at the bar.  You see, Devon and I had jeans on…expensive, Joe’s jeans, but in CityZen world, jeans are jeans.  We glanced around and quickly assessed it wasn’t too busy, there were empty tables.  But, matrie d’ went on to explain that if he made an exception for us, he’d have to do it for everyone.  We looked behind us to see if there was a line that had somehow formed without our knowledge.  Nope.

Devon and Todd indignantly took their seats at the bar.

And when we were handed the “bar menu” that is only for those step children banished because of their jeans, the boys were ready to move on to a more welcoming jaunt.  But, me, being a blogger, sniffed a good story in what was unfolding!  We stayed.  After asking the bartender, Sharon for the “real” menu, explaining our money was as good as suit-wearing-dude’s seated in the main restaurant, she excused herself to see if an “exception” could be made.

She returned with new menus.  My camera came out.  She asked to take our drink orders and we asked what she recommended.  She quickly explained the beauty of the Manhattan she had mastered.  The tension began to dissipate as we settled in and watched her work her magic!  Todd and Devon were still exchanging a few remarks under their breaths, “This better be as good as they say!”

One sip of the Manhattan and we began to open our minds to CityZen a little.  I have to pause here and tell you, typically, Devon and I enjoy sitting at the bar of a restaurant because the bartender usually is loaded with information about the establishment and willing to talk.  You see, we like it relaxed ie jeans, but we also appreciate the finer things!

The menu really was masterfully put together! But, what do you expect from a James Beard award winner?  Chef Eric Zeibold won the “Mid-Atlantic, Chef of the Year” James Beard award in 2008, among many other awards!

We began to pour over the menu. The decisions were hard, but the three of us chose different items in order to sample everything our heart’s desired!

Our appetizers were served.  I ordered the Warm Salad of Butternut Squash.  Oh my!  The cipollini onions were like candy!  Those coupled with butternut squash pierogi, fennel and baby mache made me swoon!  This was no ordinary restaurant.  This dish was created by an artist.  It was immediately apparent Chef Zeibold’s techniques were honed and refined!  Devon agreed.

He had Confit of North Atlantic Octopus.   This was an elegant dish of fresh octopus with fingerling potato confit, preserved meyer lemon and bottarga de mullet.

Todd started with Clam Chowder Crepe Soufflee.  This amazing dish was balanced with salty, flavorful applewood smoked bacon and fresh clams in a soft crepe.  It was a soft envelope full of love.

We ordered a bottle of 2007 Catena Malbec.  Andy Meyers, sommilier presented and served the wine.

…all joking about jeans had dissipated.  We were being won over.

The second course was ushered out with “white glove” excellence.  Our eyes began to sparkle as we set them upon the latest gifts.  I had Crepinette of Florida Red Snapper with caramelized savoy cabbage, applewood smoked bacon, pearl onions and grain mustard sauce.  This snapper held it’s own and tempered the powerful flavors the other ingredients brought to the dish!

Devon had the Roasted Elysian Fields Farm Lamb Rib-Eye.  This crispy lamb flank was served with toasted farro and baby turnips.  I’m not sure Devon wanted to share bites with us.  He kind of went into his own little world, savoring every bite!

Todd was presented with Beef Tenderloin with abalone mushrooms.  It melted in his mouth!

Can I just pause again?  When our meal was delivered, so was a little wooden box.  Another present!  I carefully lifted the lid and was delighted with mini, steaming, Parker House rolls.  This dinner elevated to a whole new level!

With dinner done and plates licked clean, (ok, not really, but those rolls soaked up every last drip!) I ordered coffee.  To me, if the meal finishes with a good cup of coffee, if every step of the way is thought out, then they are exceptional! (There is nothing worse than having an incredible meal and it’s finished with a cup of freeze dried coffee! Ugh!) Can I just say, not only was my coffee delish, but they brought my cup out with a small plate of cardamom cakes!  Ok, now the banishment because of our jeans had faded like a distant memory and was replaced by jewels…little, spongy, delectable, cardamom jewels!  Chef Zeibold, for me this little gift was the highlight of my visit to your table bar!

We did have amazing desserts to round out the evening!  I had the Mont Blanc Souffle.  The Valrhona Chocolate Ganache, kissed the souffle!

Devon had Banana Fritters with Creme Brulee ice cream and mocha coulis.

AAA gave CityZen five diamonds in 2008 and 2009.  I couldn’t agree more…ok, maybe four and a half…a half taken off for not allowing us the full experience of sitting in the dining room!  Nonetheless, this was a denim to diamonds experience for us!

I love the pictures on my walls.  They each have a story.  Like this one.  It was given to me by my husband on our first anniversary.  It hangs above my bed.

This one that my mother took.  It reads like a miniature oil painting and captures a moment with my son and baby daughter.

Teapot, that daughter has grown and painted me this little number.  It sits on my kitchen windowsill.

This was taken when my oldest, Drama Boy, was about 7.  I always think of U2′s War album.

This little watercolor I picked up when traveling in Italy.  I love artwork that reminds me of  where I’ve been.

It’s pretty isn’t it?  I think you should look a bit closer!

Or these colorful pieces picked up in China.  They hang in my guest room.

This is a sweet little bowl I brought back from South Africa.  It makes me want to go back!

My dad painted this for me. It makes me smile.

This was our coffee shop, Jahva House.  It had three floors, was packed with art and creative guests.  One of them took this for us.  It hangs in my living room.

Another customer drew this for us.  It’s a rendering of my husband and an employee playing chess during some down time.

Don’t you love the bridesmaid’s dresses in my grandparent’s wedding? They are just plain fancy!

What pictures do you have hanging in your house?  What stories do they tell?

Anytime we are asked to make a dish, this is what we turn to.  It’s our “Go To” pasta dish!  It’s delicious, impressive and incredibly easy! It is best made the day before, but usually we can’t wait that long and dig right in!  I have to admit, it isn’t always the same.  We sometimes substitute ingredients for others in our pantry, but this recipe will give you the gist!  All of these ingredients can be found at Trader Joes!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe:

1 lb. hearty pasta (rigatoni is good!), cooked and cooled

1 jar of roasted red peppers (drain juice)

1 lg. jar of marinated artichoke hearts (cut down into bite size pieces) *use juice in the jar!

1 jar of chopped sundried tomatoes packed in olive oil (for this salad, I used oven dried tomatoes…oh my, so good!)  *use the oil in this jar!

1 jar of pitted kalamata olives (drain juice)

1 C. of fresh mozzarella cut in cubes (or use mini balls)

3 C. fresh arugula

1/2 C. chopped fresh basil

4 grilled chicken breasts, cooled and cubed

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 C. Newman’s balsamic dressing

3 Tbls. of extra virgin olive oil

5 cloves of minced garlic

Toss all the above together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you substitute oven roasted tomatoes, you will need a bit more olive oil.

We have used jarred marinated mushrooms or fresh mushrooms.  We have used fresh thyme in place of basil.  We have added 1/2 C of fresh pesto to the mix.  This mix can be changed around and fresh ingredients can be substituted for jarred.  We try and keep these pantry items available in a pinch!  Be creative!

Our Baltimore Urban Party Peacock is here to announce the winner of our 2nd Ace of Cakes book GiftAway!

The winner is Cyndy N!!  Congratulations Cyndy!

The drawing was held by Random.org and our book was provided by the publisher!!  OK, hon?

Fancy Friday has come again!!  There is a lot that has been inspiring!  February and March were jam packed with tons of inspiration for us at LoveFeast Table. I attended Blissdom and was inspired by Kevin Carrol’s keynote on finding your “red rubber ball“…. that which gives you passion and makes your work feel like play.

Meeting other bloggers that you have befriended online is inspiring. I got to meet Sandy of The Reluctant Entertainer at Blissdom.   She has a blog about hospitality and sharing meals.

Speaking about sharing meals….after I returned from Blissdom, Suburbia Man jetted off to Washington, D.C. and met Devon and Kristin for dinner at CityZen.  I heard it was one of the most amazing and inspiring meals they all have ever had. I was robbed. I am so happy they had a great time and got to be together!!

Apparently, the Parker House Rolls from CityZen are the bomb.  Let’s take their word for it.  Nice box.  I want one.  It’s late.  I’m blogging.  I’m tired.  I want one now.

When my husband came home he brought this gift from Kristin. It’s a peacock blue vintage coat from the 80′s!!  I was inspired to wear it to the English Beat concert we went to, just like last year.  Kristin and Devon went to Jennifer Knapp at the Ram’s Head that same week.  Music-inspires.  So does blue!

Obviously, I do have some coping skills.  I’ve learned that when life gives you dirty crusty mounds of melting snow and the clocks have to be pushed back…look on the bright side!

And buy lamps.  Lots of them.  I did even though I have no end tables-because I was inspired.

Kristin was inspired recently when she attended Bloggy Bootcamp!  She had a great time meeting lots of different bloggers and learning tons of blog stuff.

We know we have lots to learn.  But it’s about the climb!

And, the cappuccino..’cause these Mamas need to have their java.

The sun and warm weather inspires.  Mexico inspires!  Ola, Spring Break!

That’s my random Fancy Friday about what’s been inspiring us! Where have you been getting YOUR inspiration lately?

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Coming up this week!  Our Ace of Cakes GiftAway winner announcement!

Kristin has a delish meal of Mediterranean Pasta Salad to share!

And, when I come back I’ll share a yummy bite of this Joy The Baker’s Avocado Loaf with you!!

Well…I got out Tuesday night!  And…not just out….out-out! Sort of left my bubble…as some would say! Suburbia Man came home from work…I put on my new top from Hot Mama and hit the road on my way to the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis.  I was headed to a Minnesota Blog Pantry event at A La Salsa.  The event was planned by Molly of Tastebud Tart.

Kristin and I have been on a blogging events roll….first with me attending Blissdom.  Then, Kristin attended SITS girl’s Bloggy Bootcamp.  And, now I was at this event for the Minnesota Blog Pantry group of women bloggers.  For those of you that are readers and not bloggers…let me tell you that meeting other bloggers in person after you have met them online is quite the fun!  I was so excited to meet Kate from Kate In the Kitchen in person.  Kate was our first guest blogger.

Allison of O My Family came out.  I met Allison last fall at MckMama’s Mudd Lake gathering.

Across the table from me sat Trish who writes Off Camera.  The margaritas were delish! Cheers, Trish!

And, the food was great as well!

Finally, I got to meet Liz, The Kitchen Pantry Scientist and Creative Mama blogger for Hot Mama.

Lenore of Mom Culture chatted with Jennifer of Unplanned Cooking.

There was a bit of Twittering underway!  And, Kate let her wild side out!

Also in attendance was Cindy of From Seeds to Sunflowers, Crystal from Cafe Cyan, Kathy of A Good Appetite and Ellisa of Little Bean Photography.

Then as the evening came to a close Molly handed out a Midtown Global Market swag bag!!

The evening was over and as I was driving out of the parking ramp I saw one blogger I didn’t get a chance to meet!  I made a quick decision to pull my van along side her car and introduce myself.  It was Stephanie the writer of Fresh Tart.   We had a nice long chat as you can see!

Then, I drove home listening to U2 and when I got there I opened up my swag bag filled with this…

and promptly took my Salty Tart Bakery treat and hid it in a tall cupboard where no one can find it.

The Salty Tart’s tarts were something I had waited a long time to try and it was gonna be mine all mine!

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Thank you to Molly and Jennifer for planning a great night out for us all!!

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There may be a few of you that I missed in my post…if I did, please leave a comment, introduce yourself and leave a link to your blog!!