tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18390949674164712662012-01-29T22:50:04.528-05:00Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.comBlogger2271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-13152783306988035812012-01-29T22:46:00.001-05:002012-01-29T22:46:38.607-05:00

I tend to avoid starch and carbs if at all possible. I think I can blame my parents for this. My dad for uncovering a diet that actually worked for him (meat and veg only!) and my vegetarian mother who insisted on having 5 different colored vegetables on the table every night for dinner. For me it's not that hard to forgo potatoes and bread. I'm not one of those people who could live off of

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-47396379409572598002012-01-22T21:49:00.000-05:002012-01-22T21:49:32.636-05:00

Hey guess what? I got a job! I now work at a flower shop! Woo! I also ran out of allergy medecine the day before starting! I just couldn't understand later that night why I kept sneezing in cooking class. I think my classmate was ultimately the one to figure it out. "Do you have allergies?" OH right! I do! To flowers and stuff! I can be so thick sometimes.  Today I made my first bouquet

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-4145139589405787982012-01-15T22:13:00.000-05:002012-01-15T22:13:18.950-05:00

My plan for feeding myself through culinary school was simple: family meal at school, leftovers from class and tuna fish sandwiches. I've done pretty well thus far but it turns out that I've had to change my plans somewhat since it looks like I could pretty mich live off of the bread left out from the bread making class. I've also been eating my homework. Julienned carrots, macedoined turnips or

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-74756109152885494812012-01-06T10:40:00.000-05:002012-01-06T17:37:26.773-05:00

Is it cold enough? Has it ever been this cold? I came to New York prepared but I can't seem to wear enough layers to make it out alive. Luckily culinary school has me running around enough to keep me warm on the walk back home when it's nearing midnight.  Full discloser- it has not snowed in NY. This picture is from THE PAST! This hot water bottle would certainly keep me warm but I gave

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-7181785612331850702012-01-01T15:00:00.000-05:002012-01-02T12:31:06.803-05:00

  SO, I'm in culinary school. My first class was on Thursday. We did a lot of chopping. I got a knife kit and homework (more chopping). I'm living in New York- or rather- couch surfing in Brooklyn- trying to get my life set-up. I still need a job and a place to live... I came here so prepared, right? If I sound a little shell-shocked it's because I am. It's just been such a long month and now

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-21329634170862763682011-12-28T23:08:00.001-05:002011-12-28T23:08:31.259-05:00

Cotton blossoms, white pine, bittersweet and antlers This year Christmas was spent in Chesapeake with my boyfriend's awesome family. A dinner in Colonial Williamsburg was a real treat as I had never been at Christmas and they are quite famous for their natural and authentic decorations- so, word to the wise: be sure to arrive before nightfall- colonial times did not

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-65127911327507586892011-12-20T09:26:00.000-05:002011-12-20T11:46:18.252-05:00

Deciding to make all my Christmas gifts this year has been a lot of fun. And work. But mostly fun. It also means that I'm constantly in a crafty mood and mindset so when I see something cute that I could make, I have to make it. I was explaining to a co-worker that my plan was to have everything done by the 19th so I could sit around and do nothing until Christmas and he

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-44410403879094621962011-12-16T17:01:00.002-05:002011-12-20T09:18:28.858-05:00

 I've been wanting to make my own wrapping paper since last Christmas and since this year I will be strapped for cash (student loans, you know) I decided to make all my Christmas gifts- including the trimmings. I wish I could share some of the awesome gifts I've been making but I can't spoil anyone's surpise- especially since I would bet that about 95% of my readers are people who will be

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-17911557496567183612011-12-08T14:43:00.000-05:002011-12-08T14:43:50.885-05:00

These treats are so god damn good. There I said it. But have you ever had one? I hadn't until Kris and I went to New Orleans for our anniversary back in February. We took a cooking class that I literally had to drag Kris to.. "But it's all old people!" He was glad in the end because we had these and I now know how to make em. Now you can too.  For Pete's (and your teeth's) sake have this

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-17936525629293352892011-12-07T12:59:00.000-05:002011-12-08T18:33:25.330-05:00

Due to tremendous demand, I have pushed aside the PILE of other posts I had lined up and now bring you my now famous and widely coveted Brussel Sprout Salad with Pomegranates and Candied Pecans. I really don't see what's not to like in this salad. Brussel Sprout haters? Bet you've never tried it raw- am I right? And you know what- raw brussel sprouts aren't like raw kale where your jaw gets a

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-38933530282747641962011-12-05T15:59:00.000-05:002011-12-05T16:09:21.586-05:00

Sliders! and Brussel Sprouts!! Did I lose you there? I hope not because the brussel sprouts aren't even here yet- now it's all about a roasted pork shoulder and sliders! This recipe clearly necessitates some planning as it needs 5 hours in the oven, but it is super simple and if you can think to throw this in the oven while making dinner on a Tuesday- you can eat for the rest of the week.

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-5138321430285580942011-12-01T15:57:00.001-05:002011-12-02T16:50:38.683-05:00

Last year I made a nut wreath for my front door. Then I made one for my Secret Santa recipient. See, I worked for a historic site that has a squirrel as a mascot. I thought I was being terribly clever. This year I couldn't wait to pull out the wreath again and when I did I thought that it would be fun to have some mini-wreaths to decorate the indoors.  They are the perfect size for

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-47759666719603084952011-11-23T23:30:00.000-05:002011-12-02T16:21:34.431-05:00

I'm gonna be honest. I've been cooking all day and I've had a few beers but I need to post this cranberry pie because it's awesome, I made it again tonight and no one believes in its awesomeness. This is for tomorrow when people are all: "OMG cranberry pie! Gimme recipe!!" *shoves pie into mouth* If you've got your pie dough down, this recipe is super easy. Ya just mix the

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-18063449298594962562011-11-17T14:34:00.001-05:002011-11-17T15:25:24.646-05:00

The first thing I did with my apple butter was to make some french toast. I know this isn't exactly ground breaking, but it did rock my world. Especially when you have french toast for dinner. with a beer. BAM! And have you ever tried baking bacon? I can't believe how crispy it gets. Next time I need to cook a big batch of bacon, this is surely the way to go.  Crispy, easy bacon

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-40207640651498079382011-11-16T15:22:00.000-05:002011-11-16T18:04:18.892-05:00

I love canning. Let's just get that out there right this second. I will happily make and can jam after a full day at work if my fruit is looking dangerously ripe. You just can't understate the loveliness of homemade canned goods. When I went apple picking back in October and was able to get my hands on some fun and different varieties of apples, I wanted to do more with them then just eat

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-48922712590446419312011-11-15T11:29:00.001-05:002011-11-15T14:03:31.731-05:00

I decided to try my hand at flower arranging. Frankly, I don't know the first thing about the subject, but I thought it would be fun to buy a few bunches at Trader Joe's and try my hand at making something beautiful. For about $20 I bought a bunch of pink tulips, yellow alstroemeria, mini pumpkin branches and a bunch called "Autumn Spice" that included some protea and berry branches. I think

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-81045710804164495952011-11-10T14:04:00.001-05:002011-11-14T16:03:31.875-05:00

If you're lucky enough to work for a governmental institution or one that follows the government calendar (like so many in my neck of the woods) than you probably have tomorrow off. If you don't have the day off, maybe a cocktail will help you make it one more day. I made this cocktail almost every night last week because it is so fresh and zingy. It has a hot pepper simple syrup which adds a

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-41911161202143313092011-11-09T13:32:00.003-05:002011-11-14T16:08:19.310-05:00

I finally have the second part to my pie video up! If you recall the last video, I made enough pie dough for 2 double crusted pies. Well here I show you how to make the caramel apple filling for my favorite 5 Pound Caramel Apple Pie. This time I made a crumble topping for the pie but I think I'll make it a double crusted pie next time. Just can't get enough of that buttery crust! 5 Pound

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-55572453148835288322011-10-31T17:02:00.002-04:002011-11-01T10:41:08.234-04:00

Do you know what's awesome? Halloween. Even in the snow, even when you don't have time to make those cookies you've been planning all month until you're actually in NY, even when those "one size fits all" orange knit tights don't quite fit, even when you have to bully a boyfriend and subsequently his brother into dressing up and donning some makeup, even when people keep guessing that you're a

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-47833165076081351392011-10-29T12:25:00.000-04:002011-11-01T10:40:46.187-04:00

I have one last Halloween idea to share. If you are like my boss who doesn't let his kids carve their pumpkins until the day before Halloween (supposedly to avoid bugs and mold), you can still plan to make these roasted pumpkin seeds. I'm fairly certain I've done roasted pumpkin seeds before but I don't think they were very good (or I would have remembered...). This recipe is the tops. I

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-6856602192628898852011-10-27T13:01:00.000-04:002011-11-01T10:41:58.161-04:00

Tree Silhouette  This year felt right for trying something different on my pumpkins. I really liked the natural and whimsical look of the arrangement on my porch and wanted the carvings to reinforce that feeling. I also figured that since I had spent quite a penny on these gourds, I should try to get them to last past Halloween. I settled on doing some kind of polka dot design using whatever

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-21780384873253016062011-10-26T11:55:00.000-04:002011-10-26T11:56:28.499-04:00

My co-workers always want to know what I'm having for lunch. It usually leads to a soliloquy on How Easy it Was and Oh, These Are Just Some Done-Up Leftovers. My boss recently asked me, in all seriousness: "Do you cook.... every day?" Yeah! Don't you? Well for those who can't wrap their heads around bringing in lunch from home, here are a few of my recent salads. I love a good salad. 

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-46146027518524645432011-10-25T11:00:00.000-04:002011-10-25T11:00:08.175-04:00

I have a thing for owls and the word has gotten out. Last year while Christmas shopping, a reoccuring conversation went something like this: Me: Aaaw look at the owl [insert any object]!! It's so cute! Someone else: And you said you don't have a thing about owls? Me: Nope, I DO NOT have a thing about owls. Later Someone else: Look Claire, an owl [insert any object]! Me: If I had a

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-21107141499829389732011-10-24T16:01:00.001-04:002011-10-24T16:01:48.767-04:00

 I have a monster and it lives on my front porch.  Try not to upset it or it might bite Haunted Hedge from Target

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-23029344711722585302011-10-24T15:12:00.000-04:002011-11-28T09:33:16.740-05:00

I don't think people like pears as much as I do. I know my dad loves them, but he's not around to help me get through a full container of this pear sorbet I recently made.  A great way to use up those less then beautiful pears My CSA recently included some pears in my box but by the time they made it to my door, they were looking rough. I was hoping that I could find something to do with

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-44752126177131605202011-10-18T17:02:00.002-04:002011-10-25T11:40:17.202-04:00

Pumpkin and apple picking last week was a blast and then it rained. And rained. I haven't seen rain like that in a while. I even took a video but it really doesn't come through... so I'll spare you. But here is a picture: Some yellow leaves are appearing and my monster plant is quite happy So for about a week I couldn't do anything with my haul of pumpkins but stare and hope they

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-20098222787952413852011-10-13T16:32:00.000-04:002011-10-18T17:05:27.227-04:00

I had so much fun peach picking this summer that I was determined to go apple picking this fall. I just didn't know when that would be. And then a free day materialized out of a nowhere and so Kris and I packed up our stuff and this time headed North to Maryland's Larriland Farm for some time in the country.  Although the first half of the drive was a little "urban" the last half winds

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-60437186366678071842011-10-05T16:31:00.001-04:002011-10-24T15:18:08.456-04:00

I got this crazy idea over the summer that I was going to perfect my pie making skills. Let me re-phrase that- I had this crazy idea that I would acquire some pie making skills. The Virginia State Fair is this week and I was going to enter a pie. I spent several months getting ready for the fair. I made all sorts of pies: peaches and dream pie, deep dish apple pie, pie dough made with water, pie

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-36058803956150285112011-09-09T20:31:00.000-04:002011-09-09T20:32:06.474-04:00

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-25494752151231928212011-09-02T13:08:00.000-04:002011-09-06T16:11:27.464-04:00

My old hood. Surreal to be back. Especially without the dog that made these backwaters so fun and special. Miss you Nelly.

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-59356806868241889402011-09-02T08:01:00.000-04:002011-09-06T16:05:55.551-04:00

Lunch at Jo Jo's in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Get the Special Omelet and split it. Or order the other half of someone else's

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-66045775040806189662011-09-01T12:37:00.000-04:002011-09-01T13:04:14.420-04:00

“Come at noon and bring a chef’s jacket and knives.”            That line was the entirety of the email I received from the chef of a new and bustling Italian restaurant after asking whether I could spend some time in his kitchen. I had eaten there a few weeks ago and had hidden my bold request within a thank you note for such a lovely meal. I had crafted the email with such precision

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-73373325185827429982011-08-25T16:56:00.000-04:002011-08-25T16:59:13.859-04:00

A glimpse of my weekend which included best friends, beer tastings, a county fair, a demolition derby (!!) driving, good music, illegal Dark and Stormies on the beach, water so cold that your knees shake underwater and my first time at a bed & breakfast. Kris got a commemorative Thermos. I got a commemorative gold plated crab ornament. Classy.

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-67683414826557393082011-08-11T16:40:00.002-04:002011-08-11T16:41:23.443-04:00

Sunday morning we took my mom to the Virginia Kitchen. I love this place. We went a few times in the winter and it was great getting back there. The food is good, filling and cheap. The coffee flows and the waitresses are vintage.   Haven't tried the pie yet...  Doris's Special- Cured ham steak, two eggs any way you want 'em, a fluffy biscuit and some nicely seared hash

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-24114057036425462852011-08-05T11:30:00.004-04:002011-08-05T11:35:29.950-04:00

Wow- It's been so long that either my internet is freaking out and not displaying the page properly or Blogger has gone ahead and changed their software! I guess this kind of thing happens in the summer when every free weekend fills up in about June and you rarely get a day off. It's been busy, loud and awesome. My parents were in town- my mom still is. My sister came to visit. My aunt will be

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-74340433930885197932011-07-06T11:49:00.000-04:002011-07-06T11:49:43.478-04:00

Kris and I spent the 4th of July weekend in New York because that's when all of New York leaves New York. We got to drive around the city and park on the street. It was awesome. We also ate- a lot. We focused the whole trip around "where to eat next?" and "where can Claire buy food to bring home?". This post attempts to answer those questions- in case you cared. Brooklyn SmorgasburgSaturdays from

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-67647698941880410022011-06-30T14:50:00.004-04:002011-08-05T11:45:40.862-04:00

I don't eat much pasta. I love it but it's one of those things I can easily do without, like bread. Maybe it's because it's so often underwhelming. Not much flavor other than gummy bread. Or maybe it's because I first thought I was "cooking" when I doctored pasta from a jar. The boyfriend and I would cook some chicken in a skillet, maybe add some red pepper flakes to the jarred sauce and TA DA!

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-28206085511445640642011-06-23T14:02:00.001-04:002011-06-23T14:04:43.908-04:00

I cried during my commute this morning. Nothing bad happened. I was listening to the latest This American Life which is centered around fathers and their opening story was about a dad showing how much he cared for his daughter by assembling a terrorist attack kit for her to take with her to college in New York. He apparently spent quit some time assembling special equipment for "the box": a NASA

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-54292319637815451572011-06-13T05:48:00.008-04:002011-06-13T11:35:53.092-04:00

This is one of those dishes that seems too simple and then I had my first bite and was blown away. Coming to you from the amazing Donna Hay (hey!), this meal is fantastic and will literally take you 17 minutes to make. This means that my buying habits have changes and I buy baby bok choy whenever I see it. Much like Meyer lemons or the first ripe strawberries.If you've never cooked with bok-choy

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-72387631321919987192011-06-03T12:32:00.000-04:002011-06-03T12:32:25.509-04:00

My boyfriend has set up a movie theater in his basement and it's pretty awesome. I can't help but cater events so it seemed obvious to make it an official part of the experience. So head on over to The Alamo Basement blog to see what drink and nibbles we served for a viewing of the Christian Slater classic Gleaming the Cube.

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-9466771561028237242011-06-01T17:01:00.002-04:002011-06-02T08:36:04.666-04:00

I don't think I've ever been so excited for Memorial Day. I didn't have any big plans, but I have been extra eager for spring's gentle warmth to turn into long summer days. And I was not disappointed this weekend. My (admittedly black) car registered 102 degrees as I was driving down 14th street in Washington on Monday. And while I'm not ready to bow down to the gods of heat and humidity quite

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-24883544360151085792011-05-24T14:58:00.001-04:002011-05-24T14:58:20.136-04:00

Want a way to use up all those blueberries that isn't in muffins or a smoothie? How about something savory! While you may not believe it, this here salad does in fact contain blueberries! No, they're not hiding, I just started making it and realized a little too late that my stash had diminished somewhat. NO matter- it's good with a few blueberries and it's great with a lot of blueberries! This

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-59452576255855685262011-05-20T17:12:00.003-04:002011-06-10T10:31:14.645-04:00

Last week my boyfriend had a birthday and as I tend to do, I made him a cake. Well no, I made him a pie. No, actually, I made him 4 pies- he got 2 of them. Maybe you're wondering: "but Claire, I thought you were on a diet? Or at least attempting to be healthier? this does not seem to fit into that plan!" Well dear reader(s), I was very well behaved. I sampled. I just hope a pie post doesn't make

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-82012484759917090642011-05-17T05:17:00.003-04:002011-05-17T11:18:15.550-04:00

When trying to come up with a handful of healthy recipes I could just keep making over and over again, I wanted to make sure they were delicious. I don't see the point in eating something that isn't awesome. I wrangled together some of my favorites (which I shall be posting soon, I swear) and sought to recreate some tasty dishes I had eaten elsewhere. I started thinking about all the great

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-26946393278654108122011-05-13T05:27:00.003-04:002011-05-13T14:24:14.960-04:00

I have to admit right from the start that I love the name of this dish. I'm so hilarious.I've been on a health kick lately- trying to not "treat" myself as much which can be hard when you like to bake as much as I do. But I've always eaten pretty healthy so it's just been a matter of focusing on all those delicious savory dishes I do and then forget about almost immediately. That's why I started

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-48727410757821227802011-05-09T10:38:00.001-04:002011-05-09T10:41:19.354-04:00

I made a gargantuan effort on Saturday morning to get up before 9am. Full disclosure- when my alarm went off I decided it really wasn't worth the effort to get up after all. But the rest of the house was getting ready and so off we went to the first farmer's market of the year. I had forgotten how much I love it there. And I'm not sure I've ever made it out this early in the year because I can't

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-62286585327676217602011-04-29T23:45:00.001-04:002011-05-03T09:20:17.501-04:00

I didn't get caught up into the whole royal wedding frenzy until yesterday. I knew I was going to bake something for the event and then I figured I could probably rig the big screen TV in our reception area at work to stream the event. Yesterday I went about figuring out when the whole she-bang was going to commence and was faced the realization that it was going to be an early morning affair...

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-68625719711051553572011-04-27T16:14:00.002-04:002011-04-27T16:32:57.973-04:00

To my boyfriend's family, Easter is a big deal. They all get together for a huge pot luck worthy of Christmas and just enjoy each other's company. There is an easter egg hunt where you can rack up some serious dough (especially if you find the gold or silver eggs). There is a grand prize winner. There are little girls in new easter dresses and little boys with new toys to keep them occupied. I

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-17834930000806285362011-04-20T10:33:00.004-04:002011-08-05T09:35:08.840-04:00

The last dish I made for my extravagant (and at this point, super long) dinner was peanut butter truffles. I figured I could make this in advance and they would be the first finished dish and the least of my worries. Through no fault of their own, this did not happen. I just didn't time everything correctly and found myself coating these in chocolate the day before when I should have been

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-5667121560666474422011-04-15T16:43:00.002-04:002011-08-05T09:35:39.611-04:00

I love this desert. Thats' kinda all I have to say about it.  OK I can probably muster up a few more words: fruity, buttery, tangy, cold & hot. Awesome. Does awesome work for you? because it works for me. The amount of work involved was really pretty minimal but the pay-off was huge. Just so frigging tasty! I used the leftover creme fraiche sauce on top of a bowl of leftover strawberry

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-12796452453555556152011-04-08T16:44:00.004-04:002011-08-05T09:36:11.332-04:00

Like making 5 dishes out of the French Laundry Cookbook wasn't enough of a challenge, I decided that the best dish to make as the main course would be fish. I don't even really like fish. But I became a much more open-minded eater after spending 3 months in India where choice wasn't often an option in terms of what we ate that day. I can probably say that I will now happily eat shrimp, lobster

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-1382792557194733332011-04-05T11:47:00.003-04:002011-08-05T09:37:48.683-04:00

Do you know how excited I am to have found a recipe that makes March tomatoes edible?! DO YOU?! I knew from the title that this dish was my going to be my thing. I am a huge tomato fan. Just love em. But I cannot stand a bad one. I won't buy anything but cherry tomatoes at the grocery store, waiting for summer to buy heirlooms and Roma tomatoes at the farmer's market. My opinion is that people

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-40743154480683577102011-04-04T16:24:00.002-04:002011-08-05T09:38:13.670-04:00

 This past weekend was my birthday and as my friend Anna would say- I'm now in her box.. I guess I'm still technically in my mid-twenties, but I've passed the half-way point. I wonder at what age I'll start worrying about being old. Not yet it seems! I think I struck a perfect balance between grown-up and childish fun this weekend. Saturday night was spent with the boyfriend at the Drive-In for a

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-44744727666387711662011-03-29T16:32:00.001-04:002011-04-20T23:50:01.716-04:00

I knew that going to New Orleans would be a culinary adventure- that I would be sampling some truly fantastic cuisine that I hadn't had much exposure to. I didn't know that I would be adding a whole new chapter of food to my internal catalog of recipes. I have made gumbo 3 times since getting back and I'm the kind of person who never makes the same thing twice. I mean, why bother? I wish I could

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-57852211412571803742011-03-17T17:04:00.000-04:002011-03-17T17:04:59.829-04:00

I've been meaning to make this Chocolate Stout Cake for years. I remember seeing it with a white frosting which simulated the frothy head of a Guinness beer but all the recipes for Chocolate Stout Cake seem to have a chocolate frosting instead. In the end I mixed two recipes to get what I wanted and I'd say it was a success. Getting the cake out of it's Bundt pan was a disaster but then it gave

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-55336963855275388812011-03-15T22:13:00.002-04:002011-08-08T15:36:27.688-04:00

I have a new love- New Orleans. What a wonderful place. Lemme show you:   Mardi Gras was just a few weeks away   beautiful architecture   Had to get the gaudiest Mardi Gras beads I could find     great jazz in great location   Bourbon Milk Punch @ Stanley's   Voodoo; real or otherwise Tasty biscuits with dark syrup at a fantastic

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-56675398847235533942011-02-14T14:55:00.001-05:002011-03-07T12:40:04.230-05:00

I just had to sign in very quickly to share this adorable application on the Kate Spade website by which you can send cute E-Cards for free for Valentine's Day. It's not too late to let someone know how much they mean to you! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-13985535574474440132010-11-01T15:23:00.000-04:002011-05-03T16:28:30.476-04:00

Senior year in college I lived in an apartment complex of nothing but students. Halloween evening I'm getting my costume together for the night and making a quick and hearty dinner for my friends to grab on the way out: Blood & Guts Potatoes. As we're getting ready to leave we get a knock on the door. Expecting more friends Kris and I run to open it, to find a 15 year old kid and his fat friend.

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-10355512932942080652010-10-30T17:11:00.003-04:002010-11-18T14:20:09.704-05:00

I sure do love Halloween. This year I had a Haunted Dinner for some friends and also helped organize a Halloween Party which was sorta busted by the cops twice. Now that's the sign of a good party if you ask me.I've been meaning to dress up like Norma Desmond from Sunset Blvd. for years and the Haunted Dinner was the perfect opportunity. I didn't want to buy much to pull off the look and so I

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-69845878367905114082010-10-28T11:02:00.001-04:002010-10-28T13:29:50.385-04:00

I hope you've been enjoying the weather and season just as much as I have. There's just something about Autumn in Virginia. Although I really enjoyed New York and London in the fall, they just can't compete with the luscious landscapes around these parts. I keep thinking that if I'm ever going to get into a car accident, it will be because I can't help but stare at a gorgeous sugar maple or

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-49973179276520750732010-10-21T12:19:00.000-04:002010-10-21T12:19:59.477-04:00

Is there anything more comforting than Chicken Noodle Soup, or Chicken and Dumplings? Or even Chicken Noodle Casserole? I didn't think so. According to a recent episode of Jeopardy, Chicken Noodle Soup is known as Jewish Penicillin. I quite agree. As I mentioned in my last post, I have a sick boy on my hands. Luckily, I had just about everything on hand to make this version of Chicken and

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-67858288274035250452010-10-19T22:22:00.001-04:002010-10-21T13:09:41.856-04:00

The boxes are out and the decorations are going up. I'm feeling especially crafty this year so here is where I've been turning to recently for some more inspiration on decor for the season:Halloween Hang-Ups / Spooky Silhouette Designs / Tombstone Yard Decorations / Bats Mobile Turnip Jack O Lanterns / Felt Pumpkin PeopleHalloween Dolls from American Harvest / Candy Wreath / Scary Message

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-36158544786722012282010-10-18T21:52:00.000-04:002010-10-18T21:52:44.914-04:00

This is such an easy recipe. You should really just make this tonight. And if your fridge is anything like mine, then you already have everything you need: potatoes (maybe a parsnip or two), cream, thyme, salt and pepper. I added dollops of butter on top before putting it in the oven but I think it was totally unnecessary.  I also added jarlsberg on top for the last 15 minutes and this was

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-173522019547290322010-10-13T11:17:00.000-04:002010-10-13T11:17:27.110-04:00

I've a had couple great meals this weekend and some of the dishes have really stuck with me. Oh and look at what I just did, because- ha. ha- both of these recipes are centered around Maple Syrup!  At Birch & Barley in Washington, D.C. I had a ridiculously good side dish of Maple Brussel Sprouts. Kris was literally drooling over them. Each sprout was cut into quarters and seared to the point of

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-7598730684059378512010-10-12T12:24:00.000-04:002010-10-12T12:24:49.760-04:00

How many gourds have you gotten thus far? I can't seem to stop myself. They are all so beautiful and add instant charm to the season. Maggie can't seem to get enough of pumpkins either. I couldn't get a single focused shot of her. Maybe she just likes the attention...  I would really love to try growing my own pumpkins and squash next year and this is where I would go to get some heirloom

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-27483788393159151762010-10-07T10:51:00.002-04:002010-10-07T12:09:35.131-04:00

Sometimes, if it's late and I can't fall asleep, I'll grab my computer and try to find something short to watch like the latest Modern Family or 30 Rock, but not on Tuesday. I got lost on Hulu and landed on the Paula Deen page. Having been deprived from cooking shows for some time, I take pleasure in watching these ridiculous 3min 45sec videos most of which involve frying. I've seen her make Mac

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-62867822939050976942010-09-30T10:06:00.010-04:002010-09-30T11:34:12.572-04:00

I just love this time of year. Even on day like today where the rain won't stop, I just can't wipe a silly grin off my face. The leaves have already started to turn (due to all that drought, no doubt) and it definitely smells like fall. Yesterday was my farmer's market day and I bought a bunch of apples that smelled so good it was out of this world. You just don't get produce that smells like

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-37448537464270896582010-09-27T16:34:00.005-04:002010-10-07T11:04:55.422-04:00

Up at 8am on a Sunday gave me the chance to mess around in the kitchen before people started waking up and if there is any chance that I might be able to bake something before they do wake, I have to at least try. The latest issue of Cooking Light had a couple different banana bread recipes and this is the one for which I had most of the ingredients. Yes, I didn't have peanut butter, but I had

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-11990807453183748542010-09-20T16:17:00.005-04:002010-10-07T11:06:22.977-04:00

Do you know how much corn is in a bushel of corn? I had an idea that it was a lot. If it's a measure of unit used by a farmer, it's probably too much food for my kitchen. "But ya see, it's the end of the day so I can make you a real good deal." I already had 5 pounds of tomatoes, 3 sweet potatoes and 2 white and purple striped eggplants in hand. I had only brought so much cash. "you got a

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-67867942285123385962010-08-29T23:22:00.010-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.178-05:00

When my mom came back to the U.S. for the summer, she was dying to get back in the kitchen and we were both feeling pretty ambitious. We had plans for dinner parties, pickling, jamming, making our own butter and after an incredible dinner at Sean's Panorama in Syndey, a hankering to make some homemade goat's curd.Trader Joe's happens to sell goat's milk and we thought the battle was already won

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-670862096731274762010-08-24T11:12:00.000-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.172-05:00

Good grief do I have a doozy of a recipe to share! And it all started with a wedding. Oh no, not me! But one of Kris's close friends is getting married next year and it got me thinking about what I would maybe one day want should I ever decide to get hitched. The first thing to consider of course, is the food. I think some good ol'country food would be grand. Maybe with a French twist as an

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-27060109615747980262010-07-19T22:38:00.001-04:002011-12-08T14:07:46.688-05:00

Vive la France!Pastis- like the old French men like it!the farmer claimed these were a red pepper/ tomato hybrideither way, these were perfect for a Ratatouille. The trick? Cook the vegetables seperately and reassemble at the end to avoid sogginessRatatouille the following day wishing these were melons de Cavaillion Le Clafoutis aux Cerises Whole Lemon Tart

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-74279135064121142482010-07-15T22:40:00.006-04:002010-07-16T11:35:02.595-04:00

In this season of birthdays, my brother was next. His birthday seems to lose some of its sparkle due to the inconvenient time of year; in France it was usually the last day of school- in the US, friends are away on vacation. But this year we tried to make it an affair and the boy did end up having 4 different birthday cakes within a few weeks. I'll admit that this awesome cake idea was all Kris's

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-2393327764676384582010-07-08T11:14:00.003-04:002010-10-07T11:08:34.534-04:00

It has been hot hot HOT in Virginia. Days have been reaching the triple digits and my office just lost air conditioning- so there is clearly no better time to fire up the stove and make some jam!My first batch of jam was back in May at my boyfriend's parent's house at the height of strawberry season. There had been a death in the family and having never been through this kind of situation before,

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-62069533348678115442010-06-25T10:24:00.005-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.166-05:00

I've wanted a kitchen garden or at least an herb garden for as long as I've been cooking. And it just hasn't happened yet. I have had too many dried up basil and mint plants and too many dark kitchens. But through no effort of my own, I am now the proud owner of a huge forgotten mint plant and a gargantuan basil plant growing in containers on my porch. Ah to reap the benefits of other people's

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-58602913809658516432010-06-22T14:21:00.005-04:002011-04-20T19:59:52.187-04:00

Hey! It's been ages! How have you been? Me? Yeah, I know, I've been out of touch for a while. But you know how it is - life - it got the better of me. From just reading my blog, one would think that I went to China and never returned. I have so much to tell you and we have so much catching up to do! Here is an attempted recap in pictures:Since Hong Kong, I visited my parents in Hainan, China

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-825092434248481812010-03-21T15:45:00.003-04:002010-08-01T16:58:42.117-04:00

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-32247449733603005262010-02-28T16:13:00.006-05:002010-02-28T23:34:21.428-05:00

My brother and I went to visit the parentals for the holidays in China. We spent a couple days in Hong Kong on our way to Hainan. Here is the first installment of our trip.Side street marketsThe view from our hotelThe Zoological and Botanical Gardens The Lippo Center (aka The Koala Tree)Noodle bowlGetting LostCan you guess which one is my brother?Lost again45 degrees up the side of a mountainThe

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-62393149672034286442010-02-04T11:00:00.007-05:002011-05-03T16:30:19.188-04:00

Just wanted to drop in to share my menu for the Super Bowl! Just in case you're still looking for inspiration. Let's get excited!!The Pioneer Woman's Drip BeefI sent the link to the BF yesterday and he pretty much freaked out and send it to all his friends. The recipe is super simple (place ingredients in pot- cook for 6 hours) and there are step by step picture instructions so there are no

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-75654624774351257422009-12-23T12:15:00.001-05:002011-12-08T14:09:24.184-05:00

Hello Daring Bakers!! I can't believe I wasn't able to participate for these last few months and I had to set aside my only free weekend (the first one in December) to tackle this challenge! But I'm not here to complain because this was such a fun task- even if it did kill my hand mixer...The December 2009 Daring Bakers’ challenge was brought to you by Anna of Very Small Anna and Y of Lemonpi.

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-89037016657289368172009-11-28T09:38:00.001-05:002009-12-06T23:25:55.103-05:00

This year for Thanksgiving, the BF and I were pretty excited about being together, staying in NYC and having friends and family over. The big plan? To attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I'm not sure I've ever woken up early enough to even see the parade on TV (*shame*) but somehow waking up at 5:30am to actually see it in person became the mission. And I would say it was worth all the

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-45283328716740449402009-11-18T21:56:00.000-05:002011-12-08T14:09:24.160-05:00

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-73446022373045277332009-10-31T17:27:00.003-04:002010-10-07T11:04:55.424-04:00

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-24297705940560001172009-10-31T17:21:00.000-04:002010-10-07T11:04:55.426-04:00

Kris was ashamed of his awesome costume at first But he got over it. Here he is with Random-Picture-Taking-Stranger Did I mention it rained?

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-67468522389059986872009-10-14T21:32:00.001-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.175-05:00

I wish Martha had featured these in her September issue- as these delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints would be a perfect way to start off a new school year (not that I'm in school anymore...)Peanut Butter and Jelly ThumbprintsFrom Martha Stewart Living October 2009 Make 401 1/4 cups all purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt3/4 cup smooth peanut

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-38399205937807580612009-10-11T22:33:00.004-04:002010-10-07T11:04:55.429-04:00

The boyfriend isn't a very religious man, but he is a firm believer in pork products. More specifically ham. I'm pretty sure he would have ham everyday if he could. For several Christmases now I've had the privilege of sampling the yearly Smithfield Ham while visiting the BF's family near Smithfield, VA. While this Ham in Coke might not be as festive or revered, it's easy enough to make on the

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-91246224499841210082009-10-07T13:17:00.000-04:002011-05-03T16:37:26.710-04:00

My dad says that as a kid, my mom fed us omelets and scrambled eggs so often that my brother and I developed an aversion to eggs in any form (well except in cakes, ice cream, custards ect....). I vaguely remember this typical dinner of a simple omelet with a piece of toast cut in triangles, slathered in jam and placed on either side of the plate.I'd like to think that since my stay in India, I've

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-65543363409150658822009-10-04T23:12:00.004-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.169-05:00

This time last year, I was still living in London which is definitely one of the nicest places in which to enjoy autumn. Between the amazing colors of the trees in Kensington gardens to city-dwellers seemingly dressed for a foxhunt to enjoying a cream tea at a small shop in the Cotswolds; I very much enjoyed my last few weeks in England.The TV wasn't bad either. The Brits are funny about their '

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-19283450855537713282009-09-29T21:22:00.008-04:002011-05-03T16:31:20.137-04:00

I promise to give you the play by play of this recipe once I get home and have a minute to sit down. Right now, I need to get the heck out of work!!!Later- You know what? These pictures are a pretty good play by play on their own- So I'm leaving it as is. Kinda like magic!Beouf BourguignonAdapted from Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol I by Julia ChildFor 6 People6 oz bacon1 bt olive oil3

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-60861856124870787012009-09-27T12:24:00.004-04:002011-05-03T16:31:20.139-04:00

I mentioned in my last post (almost a month ago....) that my French grandmother is one of the only people who has been able to make me eat fish- largely due to the incredibly buttery sauce that always came along side it- but every once and a while she'd try to get us to eat shrimp and Coquille Saint Jacques (scallops) too which was a whole other level of gross to my 11 year old self. In comes the

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-80774647085508518142009-08-30T19:14:00.002-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.187-05:00

When my parents flew back to the US for the summer, they stopped off in Paris to visit my French grandmother Suzanne. We call her Mémé and she is known- above all else- for her cooking. She is the only woman who could get my 12 year old self to eat fish. How? By whipping up one of those famously French, sinfully delicious white butter-laden sauces .But I'm here to talk about her clafoutis which

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-79993602869416298852009-08-14T13:56:00.006-04:002011-05-03T16:34:26.815-04:00

A couple weeks ago my brother and my boyfriend became a little obsessed with a website called Cheese & Burger which seems to have been set up by the Wisconsin Cheese Company. It's a very flashy website which proudly promotes 30 different cheeseburgers, most of which one person cannot eat alone. A very manly-man's voice announces each burger as you click through the pages and drool over the

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-5899068600625777922009-08-11T15:19:00.005-04:002011-05-03T16:34:26.816-04:00

Again inspired by the Pioneer Woman, last weekend we actually made an effort for breakfast. As much as I love the super-easy Egg in the Hole from last week, this is a great breakfast when you're starving and need your stomach to be appeased for the next several hours. Plus, the effort involved is indirectly proportional to the tastiness yielded. I hope we're all on the same page because we're

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-59370011331927200172009-08-04T20:49:00.004-04:002011-05-03T16:34:52.156-04:00

I've seen the Pioneer Woman make these jalapeno poppers for just about every big even she's hosted- Christmas, people visiting the ranch, maybe even Easter but most importantly 4th of July. I can see how these would become a 4th of July tradition. You can cook them up on the grill, they're easy to make, don't fall apart once they're cooked and are nice on a burger. I wasn't head over heals for

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-1243033903426721792009-08-04T08:13:00.004-04:002011-05-03T16:38:42.092-04:00

Yes, I know it hasn't been oppressively hot lately, at least not in New York- but it's hot enough that I sure don't want to turn on the stove. Mark Bittman wrote this article for the New York Times a couple weeks ago and I because I couldn't stop thinking about it, I just printed off a copy to hang on my fridge until the weather cools. Who knew there were this many easy salads to make? Hope you

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-70882244799165286692009-07-31T16:29:00.003-04:002011-05-03T16:34:26.819-04:00

Just wanted to post this in case you woke up tomorrow morning wanting brunch and realizing you have an empty fridge. With just 3 ingredients and a pan you can make something so darn satisfying that you might not even need lunch. So I hope you're reading this my little brother Tristan, because even you can make this!!Egg in the Hole has quickly become our go-to breakfast on weekends when we want

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-52925214956304368742009-07-27T12:27:00.000-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.163-05:00

The July Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Nicole at Sweet Tooth. She chose Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies and Milan Cookies from pastry chef Gale Gand of the Food Network.Summer has been slipping by me and this was another "last minute" challenge- I was very lucky that it didn't turn out to be that challenging and let me tick off "Home Marshmallows" from my list of things to learn to

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-494798683084865442009-07-26T16:48:00.003-04:002009-07-26T17:20:41.468-04:00

The train ride on the other hand, was quite an experience. I still think back on it as if it were a dream because it lasted from 9pm to 9am and I was half asleep most of the time anyway.Six out of the seven of us were in one compartment that meant that we each had a bench on either the bottom, middle or top (my area) in a room the size of a closet. And although the filth was concerning, the fact

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-69873754590487205972009-07-17T17:08:00.005-04:002011-05-03T16:37:37.421-04:00

I am home visiting the parents this week and it so happened that I would be here for "Le 14 Juillet" or Bastille Day as non-french folk may call it. As I am never one to pass up the opportunity for a fête, I went to work planning a menu for our little 14th of July festivities.Last year, the 14th was spent in FranceAs far as my family is concerned, a french meal always starts with an aperitif

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1839094967416471266.post-36558880472970102252009-07-11T17:49:00.004-04:002011-12-08T14:09:24.157-05:00

When my mom and I where given the task of providing desert for our 4th of July celebration down on the farm, we thought long and hard. I was set on making some sort of ice cream. Whether it made it to the farm or not, I didn't really care. So we settled on that American staple: chocolate chip cookies and for the ice cream we decided to use the cherries we already had on hand and ended up with

Claire Gogethttps://profiles.google.com/114734553780888130591noreply@blogger.com0