Category: dessert

Blackberry Cobbler or What to do during an eclipse

Blackberry Cobbler

I have been very excited to write about this recipe ever since seeing it on Pioneer Woman (Food Network) this past weekend and then making it that very day. Blackberry Cobbler brings back memories from my childhood.  Growing up in Placerville, CA (which is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas near Tahoe), it was hot and dry in the summer.  Perfect weather for blackberry bushes.  In fact, most people around here consider them a nuisance because they can very quickly take over huge chunks of land.  I have one in my yard that keeps trying to grow and take over and I keep whacking it back.

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Karen Schmautz36 Comments

Salted Caramel Ice Cream or Making Brown Ice Cream Look Good

At long last I present Salted Caramel Ice Cream produced by Yes!Chef! and myself!  Ta Daa!  Yes, it was a collaborative work.  It got a little dicey a couple of times during the process, but the end result was great.

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Karen Schmautz8 Comments

Funfetti Birthday or Cute Cupcakes Quest finally makes some headway

Funfetti Cupcakes for the birthday boy

If you have read any of my past posts, you know that I am always on the quest to make and photograph cute cupcakes.  You know what I’m talking about, don’t you.  You see these adorable cupcakes on the web or in a magazine or cookbook and you say to yourself, “I am going to make those cupcakes because they are just so adorable.”  Well, at least I say that to myself and, really, anyone else who will listen.

I had another opportunity to make cupcakes because it was my oldest son’s birthday and the family celebrated it on Sunday.

Christopher, age 6 months or so.

The above photo was taken a few years ago.  But here’s another more recent one.

Continue reading “Funfetti Birthday or Cute Cupcakes Quest finally makes some headway” →

Karen Schmautz4 Comments

Visit to Zac Jack Bistro

UPDATE 05/09/12:  More pictures added from the photo shoot I did at this wonderful bistro located in Cameron Park, CA.

Chef and Owner, Chef John Evans and some of his creations

Chef John welcomed my husband and I into his bistro with a friendly smile and big hug.  Yes!Chef! (Corby) interned with Chef John for over a year learning much from the Cordon Bleu (France) graduate.  Chef John’s use of fresh ingredients and elegant cooking style is something you just don’t get in many restaurants.  The food tastes as good as it looks.

I will be going back as a customer and to photograph his lunch and breakfast foods.  A very yummy assignment!

Karen Schmautz10 Comments

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes or Cute Cupcake Quest Continues

Cute Cupcake Dreams

I’ve mentioned on other posts that Yes!Chef! does not like to bake.  He doesn’t even like to make desserts, even if it does not involve baking. Many years ago, when he was just learning to cook, he had a very bad experience with a dessert that involved gelatin and he has not liked to make desserts ever since that time.  He told me that making desserts takes away his creativity because one must follow the directions exactly.  I have a tendency to agree with him.  But, I went ahead with my cute cupcake quest anyway.

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It’s Cold Enough for Oatmeal or Can I have an Oatmeal Cookie for Breakfast?

Hot Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Milk

Yesterday, we awakened to snow.  It wasn’t a lot at first and there was still a little snow on the ground from the day before.  But, as the day progressed the storm increased and the snow continued to fall all day until we had almost a foot of snow. The Sierras have been suffering this winter from lack of snow and when it doesn’t snow we worry about having enough water in the summer and, since I live in the forest, we worry about fire.  So, the snow was a welcome relief. Continue reading “It’s Cold Enough for Oatmeal or Can I have an Oatmeal Cookie for Breakfast?” →

Karen Schmautz11 Comments