Destination Seattle, WA: Grand Central Bakery

 

All photos by Madeline L.

 Popular by locals with international recognition, the Grand Central Bakery has won the hearts of its customers since 1972. Piper Davis, the daughter of Grand Central’s founder and now the company’s cuisine manager, lives up to her name with award winning artisan baking. Having three locations in Seattle and seven in Portland Oregon, it is no wonder the name Grand Central rings throughout the northwest coastline.

 

One of the many things we'd like to recognize about Grand Central, is the support they give to local farmers, agriculture, and businesses.

An attribute like this won them the Local Hero award in 2013.

 

If you ever want to know were most of their natural ingredients come from, you can find them listed here on the their website.

 

 

This month, our culinary destination takes you to the Emerald City. Seattle is one of the most diverse and culturally enriched cities in the United States; making it perfect for food enthusiasts alike. The original Grand Central Bakery of Seattle is located in Pioneer Square, the oldest neighborhood in the city; where shopping for arts and crafts is a daily event. Down the cobblestone streets you will find shops of every kind, ready to make your acquaintance.

Inside this historic Grand Central Arcade, a cozy brick fireplace is nestled next to a lovely bakery. On a typical day when the arcade opens its doors, the crowds come in at full speed and then leave with the smell of fresh bread as they make their way to and from the shopping center below. Come rain or shine, you can still enjoy yourself on the covered patio with your espresso and almond croissant.

We arranged a time to come here after the lunch rush. This way we could have a more intimate experience with the bakery and its staff.

 

This unique bakery was designed to harmonize with the established architecture, which gives it an inviting and warm environment for its customers.  

If the atmosphere of the bakery doesn't appease you, the luring display of baked goods will do the trick. Grand Central produces daily fresh-baked goods such as cookies, muffins, croissants, pastries and the ever popular artisan breads. Ahh, but the baking doesn't stop there. Grand Central also creates a delicious line of cakes, pies, and seasonal baked goods.

 

In addition to baked goods, Grand Central offers up a great menu full of gourmet hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, and breakfasts.
For a look at the Seattle location menu click here

This classic sandwich was suggested to us by the staff at the bakery. It is obvious why because this sandwich immediately captured our attention with two slices of soft homemade wheat bread, tender smoked bacon, layers of juicy turkey; piled together with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise. Who could ask for more?

The soup of the day was the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup that seemed to serve two purposes: complimenting the delicious sandwich, and warming us up after a walk in the park. We recommend a bowl of this savory soup for those that find themselves walking around Pioneer Square, uncertain of the weather, but certain to find that perfect pick-me-up.    

 

One of our favorite cookies is the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. At Grand Central, you could say these cookies speak to the "Cookies and Milk" lover in you. With each bite, you can taste the buttery sweet combination of this semi-chewy chocolate chip cookie. In fact, we had to justify this cookie with a glass of milk to give our visit here the perfect ending. 

 

If you don't make it to Seattle or Portland that often, or just crave those comfort classics that Grand Central offers, try them for yourself at home. Turn your kitchen into the famous bakery, as you take on the favorites of Grand Central. These recipes are easy to follow, complete with photos, and offer additional baking tips and ideas for the baker in everyone. Written by Piper Davis and Ellen Jackson, The Grand Central Baking Book offers just what you need to complete your kitchen library.

 

Available for purchase at Grand Central Bakeries and online.

 

 

Visit Grand Central Bakery's Website:

 

http://grandcentralbakery.com/

Destination: Salt Lake City, UT - The Sweet Tooth Fairy Gourmet Bake Shop

All photos taken by Madeline L.

Our story begins in the enchanting world of The Sweet Tooth Fairy Gourmet Bake Shop. Our heroin in this story is a girl named Megan Faulkner Brown. Her enticing creations have not only won the hearts of her adoring fans, but have also won the hearts of many baking connoisseurs alike. Media coverage from the QVC and the Rachel Ray Show has brought worldwide acclaim to the Sweet Tooth Fairy name itself; not to mention this self-taught baker brought home the winning title of the Rock of Ages episode on Food Network's Cupcake Wars (2012).  

The Foothill bake shop located in Salt Lake City, is currently one of nine shops throughout the state of Utah (with another shop located in Arizona). The original shop in Provo, UT was opened in 2009.

  The nostalgic atmosphere of these bake shops invite you to once again indulge in your childhood fantasies as you carefully pick that delicious treat that's made especially for you.

Among those treats, are the Sweet Tooth Fairy's famous cupcakes.

Our first visit to this bakery on Foothill, was in 2012; right after the Rock of Ages episode on Cupcake Wars aired. We were able to taste for ourselves how deliciously famous these award winning cupcakes were.

You can also find these flavors when they make their comeback during the special months throughout the year. 

For the Monthly Specials Click Here

*For those with gluten allergies or intolerance, they also offer various gluten free baked goods (including cupcakes) throughout the year.

On our second visit, we enjoyed some of the Sweet Tooth Fairy classics. 

Since then, our many visits to the different shops have consisted of us trying the newest treat. Whether it is a famous cupcake, a giant cookie or bar, or one of the many  delicate cake bites; each one has lived up to it's name of everything Sweet Tooth Fairy.


Our list of favorite treats (so far):

Cupcakes- Creme Brulee, Red Velvet, Strawberry Short Cake, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, and Dulce De Leche.

Cookies and Bars- Sugar, Chocolate Chip, and the Cranberry Bliss Bar.

Cake Bites- Lemon, Red Velvet, Peanut Butter, and Salted Caramel.

For the Everyday Menu click here

 

To find out more about The Sweet Tooth Fairy Gourmet Bake Shops, visit their website:

www.thesweettoothfairy.com

Here I am; a New addition to this Blog for the Culinary Adventures Section

Photo by Madeline L. 2001

What a privilege to be writing to all you readers of this blog! I am Josephine Grey, but everyone in my American family calls me Jo. I currently live in England, but have family in the US whom I visit quite frequently during the cold winter months. While I don't prefer to write much of anything, I do fancy a bit of blogging when it is about food or other creative things. Blogging and other minor computer tasks are my limit to computer skills, so no fireworks from this lady I'm afraid. I am too old to learn new tricks; I leave that to me dogs. This brings about the proposal I was given by Saltbox House to take over the Culinary Adventure section of this blog. Some of our authors have been out and about tasting and touring in their travels and want to share about these places, but find time is not on their side. So, that is where I come in; to write what and where as I research and get the facts from them. 

This concludes my introduction. Thanks to all for having me and God bless! 

Culinary Adventure: Bountiful Baskets

What do these two lines have in common?

All photos by Madeline L.

Answer: They are both waiting for produce!

That's right. Saltbox House would like to recognize a wonderful organization known as Bountiful Baskets. This food co-op has been in the works since 2006. What started between two friends in an effort to find affordable healthy food, has now reach numerous families across 16 states.

How does it work?

Basically, the food co-op gathers a weekly contribution from those who sign in to the website and purchase a "basket" that will contain 50% fruit and 50% vegetables. Those contributions are gathered together to purchase the produce at a whole sale price and then they are divided ans delivered to designated sites that same week.

Volunteers are the biggest contributors of all. There are no employees for Bountiful Baskets. Everything is done through generosity! Because of this, families can get their produce at the same price that is was purchased.

Overall, even when the price of produce will go up in the grocery stores, the price of bountiful baskets always remains the same.

Bountiful Baskets 101:

Some sites may only offer bountiful baskets every other week instead of weekly.

Make sure to check if the site is on an A or B week.

Days to purchase your basket "Contribute"-

Monday through Tuesday (Time of day vary depending on your state)

Day to Pick up basket-

Saturday (Times during Saturday vary depending on site)

There is a 20 minute window to pick up your basket when your pick up time starts

How much to contribute-

$15.00 for a regular basket and $25.00 for an Organic Basket. You can order up to 3 baskets. Sometimes this is great for those that order together in the case that a site fills up too fast.

Additional Prices include-

One time charge of $3.00 for your first basket (To purchase a white holding basket). After the first time paying this, you don't ever have to pay this again, even if you move to another state.

A $1.50 service fee charge (Different sources tell us this is either to help pay for the trucking company's gas -because they offer delivery as a free service- and/or to pay for the credit card companies charges that allow people to make online transactions).  

Any Extras you Purchase. After purchasing a basket, each contributor has the option to purchase additional items that range from baked goods to additional produce.

What Extras can you Purchase-

Here are some of them:

Themed Veggie Packs- Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Tropical that can add variety. Some of our authors swear by these packs because they include so many fresh herbs!

Baked goods- Sourdough bread, 9 grain wheat, and holiday cookies, to name a few. 

Granola

Bulk Produce- These are seasonal fruits and veggies that can be used or preserved for later. Another popular add on by some of our authors. They can preserve anytime during the year this way.

Volunteering:

Volunteers make it happen! This is the perfect opportunity to get some hands on experience in bountiful baskets. Whether your wash baskets, break down boxes, or fill in for a site coordinator, you are all working for the same cause.

How to volunteer

Just show up at your nearest site an hour early to help. As a thank you for all your help, your basket and any extras you purchased will be set aside before the pick up time begins and you will also receive either one large produce item or two small.   

Don't have a site near you? That doesn't mean that it is not possible. You can inquire about opening a site near you and become the site's coordinator. The website has more information about opportunities to start your own site or to petition to open a site in your area. The benefits of being a site coordinator include your basket at no charge.

To learn more about Bountiful Baskets, find a site near you, or to order a basket click below

http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/

Old Fashioned Lime Freeze

One of my favorite restaurants is the Bluebird in Logan, Utah. It's a historic part of the city, and the menu offers ample portions of tasty home-cookin' for a reasonable price. The best part of the place, though, is the soda fountain. (Well, some people might argue that the candy counter just across from the soda fountain is the best part--it's probably a toss-up.) I don't know any statistics on how many old fashioned soda fountains are in operation in the United States, but I'm guessing relatively few in comparison to the numer of restaurants. So it's kind of fun to walk into a restaurant, sit on a spinning stool at a marble counter and order a hot fudge sundae, or a lime freeze, then watch them make it right there.

I haven't been to the Bluebird in years since I don't go to Logan very often. I was feeling really nostalgic yesterday, and craving a lime freeze, so I came up with my own version of one to tide me over until the next time I make a trip to my childhood town. A lime freeze is a pretty basic concoction that tastes sweet, sour and a little bitter all at once. It's like a party in your mouth. Try it! You'll like it!

Lime Freeze

3/4 Cup Tonic Water*

1 C Plain Ol' Vanilla Ice Cream (I used French Vanilla and it didn't taste very good with the lime)

3 Tbsp Lime Juice (juice from about 1 1/2 medium limes)

Dump all the ingredients into your blender and blend until mixture is smooth and all lumps of ice cream are incorporated. Mixture will be of a thin consistency. Top with whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry to make it look authentic! Makes about 12 oz.

*Note: Tonic water contains quinine, which is what gives it its bitter taste, but which also has health benefits if you have muscle cramps or malaria (though, modern day tonic water doesn't contain enough quinine to be medically beneficial). If you really hate the bitter taste in the lime freeze, you could probably substitue club soda on a 1:1 ratio. Click here to read about the difference between tonic water and club soda.

Restaurant Choice: Andina- Peruvian Cuisine- Portland, OR

For our anniversary on Saturday, we ate lunch at the Andina Restaurant in Portland, OR. It was so delicious that I had to mention  it on this blog. My husband and I have had the chance to try Peruvian food many times but, this restaurant tops our list. Not only was the food exquisite, but the atmosphere and experience as a whole made it so worth it. We actually had to make reservations to eat there (it is that popular). Plus, the prices are very reasonable. I took some pictures of what we ate and copied the description from their menu to explain each one.

So, if you ever get out to Portland, you should look this one up.

http://www.andinarestaurant.com/

ESPARRAGOS PERUANOS

Fresh asparagus brushed with olive oil and grilled

AJÍ DE GALLINA

Succulent pulled chicken in an ají Amarillo, peanut, and cream-based sauce served with yellow potatoes, white rice, and Botija olives and hard-boiled egg

ANTICUCHO DE POLLO

Marinated chicken kebobs, served with huacatay-peanut sauce

YUCA RELLEN

A cheese-stuffed yuca with an aji Amarillo and cheese sauce

And for dessert, we shared their seasonal Pumpkin Sorbet.

It was such a treat!

A Few Things to See this Holiday Season

As much as I love to be in the kitchen, there is nothing like taking the night off from cooking. And, there is nothing like cuddling up by the fire with some delicious take out, your companion at your side, and a movie to tie it all together. Of all the movies out there, those that incorporate food seem to feed my passion for cooking while entertaining the little girl in me. However you look at it, here are a few of my picks for great movies to watch on your night off from cooking.

Click Here To View Trailer

Click Here to View Trailer

Click Here to View Trailer

Click Here to View Trailer

All photos taken from their websites and weblinks

A Trip to the Cannery and a Cooking Class

Photos: Mexican Cooking Class I went to
(Making Homemade Corn Tortillas)

If you take a cooking class, or go to a cannery (like shown here), that to me is a culinary adventure, "it is a place where food takes you". Any place that you can go to learn about a food realted things is an adventure in itself. So, if you had an expierence to learn about something food related at church, school, or in the community, share it with us! Your city office buliding should have a schedule of community classes going on in your area. There are also many canneries to go to . Here is a link for a list of  LDS Canneries in the world. http://www.providentliving.org/location/display/1,12568,2026-1-4-39315,00.html. The canneries give you an opportunity to build your food storage and give back by making extras for those who are without food. I have been to a few canneries in my life and I always have something new to learn. I went to one of the four canneries in Oregon a couple of weeks ago and canned dried onions, dried milk, and potato flakes. I use all of these quite often in recipes. In fact, start to look for more recipes that have Food Storage Items written at the bottom.

Food Factories in Oregon

 In the last couple of months, I was able to visit two of Oregon's finest food factories. I hear that there are still more to see but, I wanted to share these two to start. If you have the chance to see a food factory in your area, feel free to share with us!

Tillamook is probably the most popular cheese factory in Oregon. It is located in Tillamook, OR (along the coast). It in known nation wide for its cheeses, sour cream, butter, and especially its ice cream. The tours are self serve (walk through) and they offer samples of cheeses at the end. I've been visiting this factory since I was a little girl and I think it just gets better and better each time. My traditional purchases consist of chocolate milk (which Tillamook no longer makes anymore) and fresh cheese curds. My favorite choice of their ice cream is the Marion Berry Pie. This year, Tillimook is celebrating 100 years!

This year, I decided to try something new. I ordered some clam chowder and a piece of fudge. They both blew me away. I loved how both the fudge and the chowder had a great fresh flavor. I think I might be doing this one again.

This was my first time visiting Bob's Red Mill. It is located in Milwaukie, OR (outside of Portland). I actually found out about this when I read that my friend Amanda had visited there a while back on her blog. So, when my sister Rachael came to visit a few weeks ago (who can't eat gluten), I knew she would be excited to go. They offer a gluten free menu in their little restaurant area. Plus, they have bins with gluten free flours and all kinds of other local natural products. They also offer a walk thru kind of tour for free as well.