"The Earth Laughs in Flowers" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever since I can remember, my parents and grandmother used to garden, every year, in order to provide food for our table. They planted EVERYTHING! Tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, etc. Anything you can think of, I'm sure they've tried it, and with success.


Maybe it's the new generation problems (probably is the new generation problem), but my sisters and I somehow managed to miss this "green-thumb" gene. Not from lack of trying, mind you, but there were times where we tried growing even a small cactus, and that cactus decided that it was dryer than the Sahara Dessert and wilted into nothing. Plus, growing up, we weren't exactly the outdoors people. No matter how often our parents tried, they couldn't get us off our butts to help them garden, only on the occasional mulch laying or harvesting of vegetables. We all understood the concept, like what needed to be done, but it took a little while to get us to actually do it well.

In the last couple of years, especially after attending culinary school, I've realized how embarrassing it was to not know what a cucumber plant, or a tomato plant, or even a broccoli plant looked like. I cook these items every day, and yet, I had no idea where or how they came. I knew I had to educate myself. I started spending more time in my parents garden, as they patiently re-taught me (because I'm sure they had already before) all about gardening. The composting (kudos to my cousin for this one, too, Ms. Organic Agriculturist), the watering, the planting, and even harvesting. I even googled and youtube-d a lot of information so that I can do it the right way, the first time.  I started feeling confident in my skills and I think my plants have felt it, too.

So needless to say, I started my own garden this year. The ever so kind Mr. Whittington and Mr. Matthews came with their heavy duty tiller and broke the ground for me. April was a very wet season, but we managed to get it broken down and dried before the planting season. In May, I went over to Caldwells Greenhouse and bought me an assortment of tomato plants (Roma, Cherry, Oxheart, and Mortgage Lifters), peppers (Banana, Sorrano, and Jalapenos), and Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, and Mint). My dad and Ms. Leah also gave me extra herbs and plants to add to my garden. I was set for the year.

Left First Column: Peppers
Second Column: Oxheart and Cherry
Third Column: Mortgage Lifter and Roma,
Fourth Column: Herbs, Sunflowers, and Morning Glories  

On the first day of planting, I worked on the row of peppers. It took me a while, but as I got the hang of it, I was able to work quicker, finishing the tomato plants in half the time I did the peppers. Next day, I had to leave for a business trip, and when I came back, Hines had put up a beautiful, sturdy, chicken-wire fence around the garden so that animals would stay away. Other than birds, I haven't had an animal problem, yet. I'm thankful for his work and everyone's help and advice on starting my garden. It's been a joy so far and as they continue to grow, I can't wait to share with you all the fruits of my labor.

Happy Birthday West Virginia!

This Saturday, June 20th, marks the 152th birth date of West Virginia. For two years, the loyal unionists from the trans-Allegheny region of the Virginia General Assembly pushed for the secession and creation of their own states, separating themselves from the political elites who chose to join the Confederate States of America. On June 20th, 1863, they were successful and West Virginia was born. For many years after, the people celebrated the date, and in 1927, it officially became a state holiday. 

As someone who grew up in Indiana, lived and worked in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and New York State, I can only say wonderful things about the state of West Virginia. Yes, there are a LOT of hills and valleys here, but hey, that make's for an interesting drive rather than flat, corn country. The people truly make this place worth visiting, as there are kind, friendly people every where. Not to mention, if you are a nature lover, like me, there are over 20 State Parks for you to visit and enjoy.

West Virginia Day Piece*
"Autumn Flame"

Every year, the Blenko Glass Company celebrates the birthday by creating special birthday pieces, only selling a set number. This year, they concentrated on the beauty of West Virginia trees and seasons.

West Virginia Day Companion Pieces *
"Summer Shade"

West Virginia Day Companion Pieces *
"Spring At Last"

The Buffalo Diner will be on site, Friday June 19th, providing food for the employees, as well as those standing in line for their beautifully, hand-crafted glass piece. Each piece is unique and lovely, and it is an event sought after by many. In honor of these beauties, I created a few cookies to match the pieces. If you are one of those waiting in line for that special glass, try the treats out and have a good time. 

These are my attempts at copying the color scheme of the Blenko glasses.
Plus a few originals. 

*Photos courtesy of Blenko Glass Company, posted on their home page http://www.blenko.com/

Baby's everywhere!

I love babies.

There, I said it. I admit that every time I see a picture of a new born baby or ones of the babies growing, I swoon. It definitely gives me baby fever, but that's another story, for another time, far into the future. With the help of Facebook, I get to see my friends, family, and other's babies grow up. Let's face it, if you're a new mom and/or dad, you've posted at least 10 pictures of your baby already. 

Cake for the expecting mother. LOVED making this!

What I love, more, than, seeing pictures of babies on Facebook, is making Baby Shower cakes for the expecting mommies. They are so much fun, and you can't help but get excited with the to-be parents. Recently, I had a chance to make one and I wanted to share with y'all. 

You can't have a party without matching cupcakes!

Buffalo Diner's loyal customer and friend came in and asked for a Baby shower cake and food for her daughter's new boy. She specifically asked for a belly cake, with a baby foot sticking out of the side, and the cake to be in a blue, brown, and white dress. Challenge accepted. And I made matching cupcakes to go with! It was a blast to make, even made Hines blush a little as I was molding the fondant onto the cake. haha. But the point is, it turned out great. Thanks for letting me make this cake. Can't wait to meet baby Landon. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday. West Virginia sure cranked the heat up for the morning, but a quick shower made it nice and cool. Thanks weather!

Since college years, I have not been able to be home much for Mother's Day and spend time with my own mommy. Skyping and calling helps to connect and celebrate the woman who made me who I am, but it still doesn't do a physical hug justice. I do miss you mom and I hope you had a wonderful, albeit busy and full of adventures, day celebrating you and moms everywhere.

My mommy, Kiki and Luciana, also a mommy. 

However, Hines and I do live in West Virginia now, which means that at least he is able to spend it with his mom and family. We had brunch at Bob Evans with his mom, headed over to Denise's parent's house for an afternoon at the Johnsons, and finished the day off at his Granny's house. It was a full day, with lots of food and laughter, and it was perfect. It sure is nice being able to celebrate and recognize the hardwork of all the women who have impacted our lives in some way.

There are so many positive aspects of the day, but I do recognize that, for some, it's not a good day. There are those who didn't have a mother growing up, whether it be for financial, death, or emotional reasons, and it must be hard. I read an article about a young mother who lost her battle with cancer not too long ago and left her husband a widow with four children. My heartbreaks to think of the sadness that these family members must feel, knowing that the one person they celebrated with all these times, isn't there anymore. However, the husband has a beautiful message of moving on and celebrating the memories of the woman he loves. Please check out the article here.

I guess what I am trying to say is, please consider those who aren't emotionally ready to celebrate this day. I know I miss my Grandmothers each and every single day. For those of us who do have their mothers or a mother figure, take a moment and remember how blessed you are. Give your mom and grandmothers an extra hug and don't forget to tell them you love them and that they are beautiful.

Hello, my name is Kikko and I have a bread problem

In light of the Lenten Season, I've come to realize that I have a seriously problem. I am truly addicted to a food item and I can't seem to stop. I've tried all the remedies: wiening off slowly, substituting for another product, even going cold-turkey. Nothing seemed to be working. I truly have a bread problem.

I will say that I've kept my word and not had a bite of gluten since Ash Wednesday (February 18th), but I would be lying if I said it was easy. When you work in a restaurant and Hines makes some of the best Penne Alfredo out there, you can only try not to salivate at the thought. Or when someone orders a cake or pie from me and I have to restrain myself from taking a "tasting" bite to make sure the quality is good (Don't worry, Hines and the girls have all enjoyed doing that job for me). I have succumbed to putting food in my mouth for taste and then spitting it out. Yes, that's what my life has come to. But, hey, I didn't break the rule. It's part of the job.

This Sunday is Easter and I am excited to say that my bread hiatus will be ending soon. And it's not just bread that I've missed so much. I've missed the cookies, cakes, pastas, sandwiches, and even Soy Sauce. Yes, I have not been able to use soy sauce. Not even on my birthday where Hines took me out for sushi. The things I sacrifice. But, I feel good in knowing that I have avoided temptation and truly come to terms with my bread problem.

In three days, I will be commemorating the Rising of Jesus, the pinnacle meaning of his existence and why we celebrate this day every year. I will be commemorating this beautiful day with an Oreo cookie, some sort of Pasta and a nice sandwich. Ahhh, it's going to taste wonderful.

Ombre is my new favorite color scheme!

Enjoy these cupcakes that I've made, (Totally has gluten in it) because I sure will be, too!

Blackberry Filled White Cupcakes. Look at those colors :)

Blackberry White Cupcake
makes 15

Ingredients:

Cupcake: 1 box of your favorite white or yellow cake mix
Favorite butter cream icing
Filling:
1 cup Blackberry (frozen is fine, or fresh)
4 Egg Yolk
1 cups Sugar
2 cups Milk
1/4 cup Cornstarch
Dash of Salt
2Tbsp Cold Butter
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

MOP:
Cupcake
-Bake the cupcakes according to the box instructions. Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 of the way. Pre-heat the oven to 375F. When ready to bake the cupcakes, turn the oven down to 350F. This allows for the nice dome, risen look you want on the  cupcakes.

-Let cool.
Filling:
-In a sauce pan, mix the egg yolk, sugar, milk, salt and cornstarch with a whisk. Bring to stove top and mix on medium-low heat. Stir, using, also, a spatula to get to the corners of the pan. You don't want the mix to burn. Continue to stir until the custard starts to thicken. Cook until bubbling. about 1 minute, continuously. Pour mixtures onto a cookie sheet pan lined with plastic wrap. Quickly cover with another layer of plastic to avoid skin. Place in the cooler for at least 2 hours.

-Meanwhile, pulse the blackberries until nice and smooth. I left the seeds on, but if you are not a fan of berry seeds, you can run it through a strainer and use the juice.

-Mix your cold custard and blackberry together until homogenous. Spoon into a piping bag with no tip. It'll be easier this way.

Assembly:
-Cut into each cupcake in an upside down cone, making a hole. Pipe filling into the cupcake. Replace the cut piece on top. This also helps to create a nice domed look. Color your icing to what you like. I went with blue to purple, as seen on the pictures. Pipe over each cupcake and you are finished! Decorate with small sugar balls or sprinkle, or leave as is.

-Enjoy!

Lenten Season

Every year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (this year on February 18th) and ends on Easter Sunday (April 5th), 40 days and 40 nights of Christian/Catholic observance of Jesus Christ walking through the desert. I, a Catholic, practice giving up an item/ thing that is hard to live without, as a way to understand Jesus and his strength to avoid temptation by the devil. In the past years, I have given up anything from Facebook to food. Food is a popular item to give up, usually a treat that is a favorite. Everyone knows how much I love chocolate, ice cream, and meat, and I have given those items up once or more times in my life. Needless to say, I ended up with chocolate ice cream for breakfast on Easter morning, but who's to judge. This year, I wanted to take a step further and try at giving up something I truly love, bread and pasta; more specifically, gluten.  

The idea came from my co-worker, Denise, who, in wanting to take a step into a healthier lifestyle, decided to eliminate gluten from her diet. As morale support, and because I still needed an object to give up, I vowed to follow the trend with her. Let me tell you one thing: IT IS HARD!! Anyone who's worked in the kitchen knows that you eat what you cook and usually what you can get your hands on. If you don't, you will go hungry and irritable, and no one likes you (okay, maybe that was just me)

Snickers commercial anyone??

Lent has only been 2 weeks and I never realized how much I would miss flour and anything made with it. Put in a baker who has to use the stuff everyday, and it is torture staring at my baked goods case. At least I know I am truly working on my self-control by being able to find alternative foods to eat instead of a sandwich. Good thing I'm Japanese and love my rice!

In the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting foods that are gluten-free friendly, but still delicious. I still have a standard to uphold, of course. Today, I have a flour-less chocolate cake to share. Living in West Virginia, I definitely got some weird stares. "How can a cake be flour-less??" But everyone who tried it said they loved it. Please excuse the lack of picture as smarty here forgot to take one (too busy eating the cake), but a picture will come. For now I will give you this picture from Epicurious who took a beautiful picture of this creation. I made mine with berry sauce, blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry, cooked with red wine. Let me know what you all think. 

FLOUR-LESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

1- 10" cake

Ingredients:

8 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1 cup (2 sticks) Melted Unsalted Butter

1 1/2 cup Sugar

6 Large Eggs

1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

4 Cups Frozen Berries (or 1 cup of each of your favorite berries)

1/2 bottle red wine (Fruity or spicy, I used Shiraz, Pinot Noir will work too)

1 cup sugar

MOP:

-Pre-heat oven to 325F

-In the microwave, melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, using 30 second increments, until chocolate is melted. Mix butter until both are equally melted and homogeneous. With a wooden spoon, mix sugar into the chocolate mix. 

-Crack and beat eggs into separate bowl, until all mixed. Add to the chocolate mixture, mixing with the wooden spoon. Sift and add the cocoa powder.

-Spray a 10" spring-form pan with oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly. 

- Place pan into the oven and bake for 20 min. Rotate the pan and bake for additional 20 min. The center may seem wet when inserted by toothpick, but it will set. The outer crust should be crisp and baked. 

-Let chill at room temperature for 15 min. 

-While cake is baking, place berries, wine, and sugar into a small sauce pot. Set on low heat and stir occasionally. Cook until sauce thickens and becomes syrup-y. 

- Slice a piece of cake, dust with powdered sugar, and pour a spoonful of the berry sauce on top of the cake. Serve to any of your guest and it will be an instant hit!

When your family goes on vacation without you...

It's a mountain of goods my friends

Anyone's family ever decide to go on a big family trip to somewhere and you weren't a part of the adventure? You either had to stay home because you're sick, or couldn't get away from work, or just didn't have the money. Well, 2 out of the 3 things applied to me, and it just so happened that the first did as well, right at the week they all left. Sigh. The vacation Gods were not in my favor this year.

When my cousin got engaged, we were all so happy for her. When the invitation came for the wedding, we just had one stickler, we lived a 9-hour plane ride to a different continent away from them. The good thing about her early announcement was that we had time to plan our trip. My parents, sisters, their husbands, and myself, all knew we wanted to go to Brazil and visit, it all just had to be cleverly done. All of my family were well on their way to creating their plans. I, on the other hand, got my new position at the Buffalo Diner, and with all the moving I did, my bank wasn't all that happy with me. And it would've been impossible for both Hines and I to go together, and not being able to share with him a great part of my life, Brazil, just didn't feel right. Needless to say, while my parents and sisters and their respective family boarded their Delta flights, I was in Buffalo, WV, baking another Red Velvet Cheesecake.

It may be sad, and the only regret I have is to not have been there for my cousin, but I do know that I'm lucky enough to have a family who brings me the goods. And by goods I mean a mountain of candy and local treats we only get to dream of in America.

I definitely broke into all these candies before they made it to my car. 

 The pictures show a fraction of what my parents brought from Brazil. Imagine a group of 15 people, 3 of which are toddlers, raiding each and every aisle of the supermarket store, grabbing anything and everything imaginable; that's my family, pride and joy. Oh and don't forget the image of luggage packed to the brim, and several questionable looks from the TSA Customs person.

Yesterday, being back to work after visiting my family, I had the pleasure of introducing some of the sweets to my dear co-workers. Majority of the questions and comments I got were, "Is it going to kill me?" and "I can't read it and it scares me". I managed to convince them all that I wasn't trying to kill anyone, and to their pleasant surprise, they liked it. My favorites are the BIS ( you can see it in the right hand corner of the second picture) and the Biscoitos caseiros (which translates to homemade cookies). BIS is like a kitkat that has a thinner layer of chocolate and lots more wafer. Crisp and delicious and comes in a variety of flavors. And for the biscoitos, they are like shortbread cookies with assortments of flavors. My favorite cookies are filled with guava paste and they're AWESOME!

As I was basking in the wonderfulness of Brazilian sweets, my dad showed me a cooking magazine he had picked up for recipes. The magazine was for Caseiro-style cooking and it featured recipes from an elderly lady, who I can only imagine had been making those dishes for ages. My favorite is the one below, called Beliscão "Big Pinch". It is filled with the guava paste that I love and it seems so simple to make. I'll definitely be trying it at the Diner. If anyone has questions on Brazilian sweets, definitely comment, or share some of your favorites.

Beliscão 

Beliscão "Big Pinch"

Example of Goiabada "guava paste". I got me a block and it's delicious!

Ingredients

- 4 ½ cups AP Flour plus extra for dusting 

- 1 teaspoon Salt

- 1 cup sugar

- 200g Cold Butter, cut into small cubes

- 3 Tbsp Creme de leite (Located in the Latin section of your grocery store)

- 250g Guava Paste cut into rectangles  (shown on right) 

- Sugar for dusting

MOP

- Pre-heat oven to 350F.

- In a bowl, mix the Flour, Salt, and Sugar. Add the cold butter and cut into your flour mixture until its a cornmeal consistency. I usually use my hand, but you can use a pastry cutter. Add the crème de leite and mix until a dough starts to form. Wrap in plastic and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

-Remove from the refrigerator and, using a rolling pin, flatten the dough until 1/4 inch in thickness. Use a cookie or round biscuit cutter to form circles (Use 2 in-2 1/2 in circles). Place a slice of guava paste into the center of each individual round dough. And as the name will describe, bring to opposite sides of the circle above the guava paste and pinch to secure in place. 

-Put each cookie on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cookie becomes golden brown. Remove from the oven, and let cool for 10 minutes. 

-Now enjoy your new masterpiece and feel pride in tasting a bit of Brazilian goodness. 

"Mommy.... *cough *cough... I'm sick" :(

                                              

I am sick. I'm sitting here with a pounding head, stuffy nose, a throat that won't stop coughing, and a body that seem to have forgotten how to function. Who's to blame? The weather and it's indecisiveness or my outdoor bonfire in 20F, I'll go with the former. Seriously, though, I am in pain, a pain of "trying-to-breathe-through-your-nose-but-can't-and-so-you-breathe-through-your-mouth-and-it's-so-dry-it's-like-the-Sahara-and-you're-slowly-deteriorating-into-nothingness"  and I just want to get better. I just want my mommy here.

Sometime all you want is to be babied and cared for by the expert. Now, I know I gave up that life the moment I moved out to go to school and live else where, but it's beside the point. Luckily, I have my lovely Hines who comes and cares for me when I need him most, but no one serves a bowl of soup with care or stuffs medicine down your throat like a mommy.

You know, when we were all younger, we all fantasized on waking up "sick" so we wouldn't have to go to school (unless you didn't, than, congratulations on being the good kid). A day of sleeping all day, with nothing to do and watching t.v. while all your schoolmates slaved away with homework. As much as I wanted to, I was never lucky to be that kid. My mom and dad instilled in me the importance of "SUCK IT UP" and I went to school anyways. Headache? Ibuprofen. Slight 1 degree fever? Tylenol and Propolis. You just don't feel like getting up? You were ready for school in half the time than normal. It seemed cruel, back then, to have had to go to school in some of those conditions. "That kid just had a headache and their mommys and daddys let them stay home!" But you know what? I've learned a bigger lesson.

As an adult, we are blessed with the term "sick day". It's where companies, following their own terms and conditions, allow employees to take a day of leave for ailments of any sort while getting paid for a regular day of work. Unfortunately for me, and majority of the food industry personnel out there, we don't get sick days. You don't come to work? Oh okay, we will scramble to find someone else to fill your position and I beg you to come back tomorrow. As an employer, too, I've realized how AWFUL having people sick or being personally sick is. This time, you're the one scrambling to find people to keep the business running well while shorthanded. I am proud to say, in the last year, I have only missed one day of work for sickness, and that was 3 days ago. Lord know, I wish I had stayed in bed the last two days too, but that wedding cake wasn't going to make itself. That's where my parent's "SUCK IT UP" lesson comes into play. I did exactly what they made me do when I was a kid: stuff cold medicine, pain killers, and Propolis down my throat and hope I can stay on my feet for the 6 hours I needed to be. Miserable? Yes, but I continuously washed my hands and kept on a good spirit so that the bride and groom would have the wedding they deserved. Now that it's Sunday and we're closed, I can hack, cough, sneeze, and deteriorate all on my own free will. I'll be staying in bed the rest of the day (after  this blog of course) and hopefully I'll be doing less of dying tomorrow.

If you are so lucky to have a special mommy or a significant other who will take care of you, try this recipe to warm you up. My mom always made me this soup whenever I was feeling under the weather. Share some of your favorite sick day food below.

Chicken and Stars Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Half chicken or 2 chicken breasts
1 medium carrot
1/2 yellow onion
2 stalks celery
1/2 bunch Parsley
S/P
1/2 cup Star shaped noodle (Yes, the star shape is important)

MOP:

-In a large stock pot, place your chicken pieces and fill with water until all meat is submerged. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

-While the pot is cooking, peel your carrots and cut into thin diagonal pieces (On a bias). Dice the onions into small cubes (brunoise) and same with the celery.

-When the chicken is cooked, remove from the pot and place in a bowl. Let it cool down until you are able to touch comfortably. Shred the meat, removing the bones, if you have the half chicken. Strain the water and save for the next step.

-In the same stock pot, pour two Tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium high. Cook your onions until starting to brown, then add the carrots and celery. Cook until the carrots begin to tenderize. Add the shredded chicken meat. Add the chicken broth to the pot. Add more water, if needed.

-Turn the heat to medium to medium low and let the ingredients simmer. Pour in the star pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked all the way (10 minutes, give or take) Add more water if needed.

-When the pasta is done and the carrots are al dente, chop the parsley and add to the chicken soup. Taste and add Salt and pepper accordingly.

-Now, grab yourself a bowl, go snuggle up in a blanket, and forget your worries away.

"The importance of star pasta."
: I have tried this recipe on numerous occasions where I didn't use that specific shape. I used egg noodle, orzo, anything, and the soup never tasted quite the same. Maybe it's a memory and comfort thing and you might think I'm crazy (it's possible), but I just don't feel right eating anything but the star pasta.