Roasted Garlic

I am currently roasting about 3.5 pounds of fresh garlic to puree into a ready-to-go-for-me paste. I don't think my family is going to be happy with me when they get home from their bike ride.

Roasted Garlic

I am currently roasting about 3.5 pounds of fresh garlic to puree into a ready-to-go-for-me paste. I don't think my family is going to be happy with me when they get home from their bike ride.

Christmas Day Feast and Gratitude

Gratitude. That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Christmas Day yesterday. My home was filled with family and great food and a warm fire and lots of love. I am very grateful to have had everyone and to be able to cook for everyone. When they got here I told them that I had a lot of food and they needed to pace themselves. Most of us made it through the day. Some couldn't make it through the pasta round.

•salad•marinated mushrooms•roasted red peppers•kalamata olives•artichoke hearts•white bean hummus with basil•gorgonzola torte with hazelnuts and cranberries•pita chips with garlic and parmesan cheese•pretzel crisps•spicy crab dip•marinated baby octopus salad with squid tubes•CIOPPINI with mahi mahi, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, squid tubes•HOT CRUSTY BREAD•spaghetti with white wine and clam sauce,•WARM gingerbread with fresh homemade whipped cream•coffee

Thank you.

Christmas Day Feast and Gratitude

Gratitude. That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Christmas Day yesterday. My home was filled with family and great food and a warm fire and lots of love. I am very grateful to have had everyone and to be able to cook for everyone. When they got here I told them that I had a lot of food and they needed to pace themselves. Most of us made it through the day. Some couldn't make it through the pasta round.

•salad•marinated mushrooms•roasted red peppers•kalamata olives•artichoke hearts•white bean hummus with basil•gorgonzola torte with hazelnuts and cranberries•pita chips with garlic and parmesan cheese•pretzel crisps•spicy crab dip•marinated baby octopus salad with squid tubes•CIOPPINI with mahi mahi, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, squid tubes•HOT CRUSTY BREAD•spaghetti with white wine and clam sauce,•WARM gingerbread with fresh homemade whipped cream•coffee

Thank you.

A New Batch of 'NOLA!

I will be baking another batch in January, and wanted to let you know in case you'd like to order more. The bags may be a slightly different size, and the fruit in the fruity one may change slightly as I find the perfect formula. The price per ounce will remain approximately the same. Remember there are two types- Nutty 'Nola and Fruity 'Nola!!

If you are interested in a bulk order or just a bag for breakfast, please let me know by January 7, 2011. January is a special month for baking so that I can be sure it is sold fresh within a few weeks. After this, the seasonal farmers markets open again in March and my intent is to get into them and sell my 'Nolas there.

You can reach me at yummy@leafandloaf.com

A New Batch of 'NOLA!

I will be baking another batch in January, and wanted to let you know in case you'd like to order more. The bags may be a slightly different size, and the fruit in the fruity one may change slightly as I find the perfect formula. The price per ounce will remain approximately the same. Remember there are two types- Nutty 'Nola and Fruity 'Nola!!

If you are interested in a bulk order or just a bag for breakfast, please let me know by January 7, 2011. January is a special month for baking so that I can be sure it is sold fresh within a few weeks. After this, the seasonal farmers markets open again in March and my intent is to get into them and sell my 'Nolas there.

You can reach me at yummy@leafandloaf.com

Graduation

Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill gave an amazing Commencement Speech. Amazing. The chef in the photo is Chef James Morris- I had him for lecture and again this past quarter in the kitchen. He is wonderful and a great instructor. Thanks, Chef! The last picture is one of my little turkey chefs. Eva- 5 1/2.

Graduation

Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill gave an amazing Commencement Speech. Amazing. The chef in the photo is Chef James Morris- I had him for lecture and again this past quarter in the kitchen. He is wonderful and a great instructor. Thanks, Chef! The last picture is one of my little turkey chefs. Eva- 5 1/2.

Catering a Christmas Luncheon

Catering a Christmas Luncheon

Completion. AAaaaaaa.

I took my last culinary final exam today. I went right from there to meet the Executive Chef at a Buckhead Life Restaurant, and from there to Restaurant Depot where I bought my products for a Christmas Luncheon I'm cooking for. Friday is GRADUATION. And on top of all of that, I only have about 5 bags of granola left!!! I sold 40 pounds of granola in 3 days. I hope that keeps on. It was a fun and rewarding experience.

For those of you who have been wondering where I'm headed.. I DON'T KNOW. I've got my finger in a bunch of pies right now to see where I really belong. It may take some time, but that's OK. I'm so interested in so many culinary adventures right now that I don't want to take one single path, and may never.

As far as my food truck and restaurant go, these last few weeks have shown me that now is not the time for giant adventures like that. It has been difficult enough to balance my mornings, get the kids off the bus at 2:30 and have time and energy for my husband when the day is done. So... maybe that becomes my 7 year plan and I'll work my way towards that slowly and consistently. For now I'm going to simply enjoy all of these little side paths and being at home with my family at night.

Thank you to all of you (you know who you are) and especially to Sharon P. who was the beginning inspiration for me to make serious changes in my life. THANK YOU ALL. (Now I'm all teary just thinking about the support I've consistently received, and what I've accomplished in 9 months. I'm pretty proud of myself, actually.) Thank you Jason, for being by my side this whole time. Here comes our next adventure!

Completion. AAaaaaaa.

I took my last culinary final exam today. I went right from there to meet the Executive Chef at a Buckhead Life Restaurant, and from there to Restaurant Depot where I bought my products for a Christmas Luncheon I'm cooking for. Friday is GRADUATION. And on top of all of that, I only have about 5 bags of granola left!!! I sold 40 pounds of granola in 3 days. I hope that keeps on. It was a fun and rewarding experience.

For those of you who have been wondering where I'm headed.. I DON'T KNOW. I've got my finger in a bunch of pies right now to see where I really belong. It may take some time, but that's OK. I'm so interested in so many culinary adventures right now that I don't want to take one single path, and may never.

As far as my food truck and restaurant go, these last few weeks have shown me that now is not the time for giant adventures like that. It has been difficult enough to balance my mornings, get the kids off the bus at 2:30 and have time and energy for my husband when the day is done. So... maybe that becomes my 7 year plan and I'll work my way towards that slowly and consistently. For now I'm going to simply enjoy all of these little side paths and being at home with my family at night.

Thank you to all of you (you know who you are) and especially to Sharon P. who was the beginning inspiration for me to make serious changes in my life. THANK YOU ALL. (Now I'm all teary just thinking about the support I've consistently received, and what I've accomplished in 9 months. I'm pretty proud of myself, actually.) Thank you Jason, for being by my side this whole time. Here comes our next adventure!

My First Granola Sale

Things I learned today- quickly typed in.

-the price does not seem to be an issue. most sold were the large bags.
- venues with crafts are not where i need to be. farmers markets seem to be more appropriate. (duhhh)
- if i can get a 16 year old boy to bring his mom back to my table telling her he HAS to have my Nutty 'Nola because he loves it, i've succeeded. now all i need to do is get this kid hooked so he has to buy 3-4 bags a week to keep up his healthy growing habit. : )
- my display/ setup was good. got lots of great comments.
- very unique
- everyone loved the flavors and crunchiness of both the fruity and nutty 'nola

questions people asked:
- what is the shelf life (most wanted it to ship for Christmas)
- what is the sugar content for diabetic information? (i offered to get that information to them, but they said they were just curious. nobody in the house is diabetic.) i can come up with an alternative to the maple syrup and honey, but not sure anything will stick together.

My First Granola Sale

Things I learned today- quickly typed in.

-the price does not seem to be an issue. most sold were the large bags.
- venues with crafts are not where i need to be. farmers markets seem to be more appropriate. (duhhh)
- if i can get a 16 year old boy to bring his mom back to my table telling her he HAS to have my Nutty 'Nola because he loves it, i've succeeded. now all i need to do is get this kid hooked so he has to buy 3-4 bags a week to keep up his healthy growing habit. : )
- my display/ setup was good. got lots of great comments.
- very unique
- everyone loved the flavors and crunchiness of both the fruity and nutty 'nola

questions people asked:
- what is the shelf life (most wanted it to ship for Christmas)
- what is the sugar content for diabetic information? (i offered to get that information to them, but they said they were just curious. nobody in the house is diabetic.) i can come up with an alternative to the maple syrup and honey, but not sure anything will stick together.

Sleepy

I'm sleepy. So much great stuff going on. One cooking practical (final) left on Tuesday and I'm done with school! Tomorrow I make my first debut at selling my granola. Tastes will be available! Sunday I am preparing lunch for a group of about 25. Making my many-bean turkey chili with cornbread and salad. Monday I will be making Christmas cookies with my good friend SB to celebrate my finishing school. I'm so excited for this time to spend with her in her kitchen! Then on Thursday I cater a lunch for around 25 people. Then I guess I should start thinking about Christmas cards??? Gifts??

Sleepy

I'm sleepy. So much great stuff going on. One cooking practical (final) left on Tuesday and I'm done with school! Tomorrow I make my first debut at selling my granola. Tastes will be available! Sunday I am preparing lunch for a group of about 25. Making my many-bean turkey chili with cornbread and salad. Monday I will be making Christmas cookies with my good friend SB to celebrate my finishing school. I'm so excited for this time to spend with her in her kitchen! Then on Thursday I cater a lunch for around 25 people. Then I guess I should start thinking about Christmas cards??? Gifts??

Whooped......

I just made the granola. A LOT of Granola. LOTS. Please come out to the Secret Santa Workshop on Saturday at St. Catherine's on Holt Road, Marietta, 30068 from 9-1 and buy a bag of Granola. They will make great gifts for teachers, family, friends, something to bring to a party. And you'll be supporting a local foodie.

Whooped......

I just made the granola. A LOT of Granola. LOTS. Please come out to the Secret Santa Workshop on Saturday at St. Catherine's on Holt Road, Marietta, 30068 from 9-1 and buy a bag of Granola. They will make great gifts for teachers, family, friends, something to bring to a party. And you'll be supporting a local foodie.

LABELS!!

My labels are finished. Thank you my wonderful husband!!! Tomorrow I go to the commercial kitchen and bake, hopefully, 20 bags of Nutty 'Nola and 20 bags of Fruity 'Nola. Each bag is 15 oz.

LABELS!!

My labels are finished. Thank you my wonderful husband!!! Tomorrow I go to the commercial kitchen and bake, hopefully, 20 bags of Nutty 'Nola and 20 bags of Fruity 'Nola. Each bag is 15 oz.