Hello spring sunshine!

I made assorted cupcakes to celebrate the arrival of our friends Curtis and Jennifer’s little Blake. The flavors were cocoa almond (Trader Joe’s answer to Nutella), tiramisu, and strawberry jam.

Our seed farm is looking good!

Brunch last Sunday at Kenny and Zuke’s. Salmon hash with poached eggs.

Mulder at a recent trip to Hondo Dog Park. Lately he has not been enjoying the park as much as before. After 10 minutes he stands by the door like this. I think he likes road trips more.

How was your weekend?

I found this recipe from The Best International Recipe cookbook but it is also
available at the Cook’s Illustrated website. I modified it slightly to suit our tastes.
Instead of soaking the bread, I topped each bowl with croutons just before serving.
I also substituted chicken broth for water. This stew hit the spot on a rainy
spring day.

Sauteed onions, carrots, kale, and tomatoes

Croutons sliced from a French baguette then toasted in the oven

Tuscan Bean Stew

Tiramisu cupcakes for dessert

For this post I am experimenting with vintage effects on Photoshop. Let me know what you think.

Marcel finally hit the big 4-0 last weekend! He wants to celebrate for the entire year and this is just a start…

A pint of dunkel by Occidental Brewing Company at Hawthorne Hophouse

A lovely mango weizen by Trade Route Brewing Company for me

Fried brie with roasted garlic and ciabatta bread at Hawthorne Hophouse

I gave him four gifts to represent four decades. A Portland-Opoly board game to represent his childhood, a BEER t-shirt for his partying years, a Chemex Coffee Maker for the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, and the fourth one is for the next chapter of his life. He tells me he wants a kayak. I have the rest of the year to get one

Noodles for long life. Pho Ga at Pho Tango

Let’s not forget the cake. He insisted that I am not to make a cake but never said to not buy any. I really wanted to make this chocolate cake but instead I opted for little treats from Whole Foods Market Bakery -  an opera cake and créme brulée lemon bar.

Happy Birthday Marcel!