New Matchbox Kitchen Blog

Please visit the new home of Matchbox Kitchen!

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http://saratso.com

Moving my blog home!

Please visit the new home of Matchbox Kitchen!
 

I've decided to combine my personal blog and cooking blog into one, so please come visit my new home!

Changes

Things are going to change around here, and I'm super excited about it!  Once I've ironed out the details I'll share more. Can anyone recommend web designers that are familiar with Wordpress? In the mean time, things might be a little more quiet here than usual.

Here are a few snapshots of food I've made recently. Are you on Instagram? If so, my username is scriptandserif, feel free to add me! And while I'm at it, are you on Twitter too? My username is scriptandserif there as well.  And Pinterest too!

smore package

I had quite of bit of extra marshmallows and graham crackers so I though I'd pack them up to give away. I've already eaten my fair share of marshmallows in the last few days! Plus, it's time to move onto something new to make and eat ;)

I didn't have very many packaging options to choose from without leaving my house, so this is what I ended up with.  I have to remember to order boxes so I can give away all the goodies I've been making, or else I'd just eat them all.  I wonder if it would be possible to send these through the mail (in a rigid box of course). I would love to share the things I make with others.  Is this something you'd be interested in?  Probably would have to be within the US, and I wouldn't charge or anything (just need to figure out how much shipping would be).  I do make these in my home after all but I keep a clean kitchen I promise!

This also gave me a chance to practice taking more photos.  The more I learn my camera the more fun I'm finding it. I still need help in the styling department but hopefully that's getting a little better as well. I took all these photos in full manual and in RAW! Now I just need to buy more memory cards because these files take up so much more room!

S'mores

I'm trying not to cross post things from my food blog but I really loved this one and wanted to share!  I just made s'mores with homemade graham crackers and marshmallows and they were absolutely delicious. Click here to check it out :)

Miette

How cute is this video?!  Seriously a dream come true right here.  Just last week I purchased the Miette cookbook and have tried out a couple recipes so far.  I have come across some errors but Chronicle did publish list of errata on their website.  The cookbook is seriously cute, from the 6 inch cakes to floral endpapers and the whole book having scalloped edges!

Gary and I are finally taking a trip back up to San Francisco to visit some friends and have lots of eating excursions (and also celebrate my birthday, I guess).  The last time I went Miette was on my list we didn't have time to make it out to the Ferry Building.   This time both locations are on my to-do list! 

Have you gone to Miette? What are your favorite things to get?  I browsed their Yelp photos and love that you can order panna cotta in a little glass jar.

When it comes to baking, cakes are my weakness. And while I haven't made a complete mess of one in a while, they never come close to what I'd imagined in my head. This cake was just a hair too dense while the frosting/filling was too soft in comparison. I think a stabilizer would have been nice but I am very much a novice with cake baking.

And of course, leave it to me to take photos of the side with the chunk taken out by my finger! The camera and I have not been the best of friends lately, hence the lack of posting and photos. Hopefully this shall be rectified this weekend.

Son of a Gun

 

 

Friday was Gary's 25th birthday so we had a weekend filled with festivities. This is what I wore to dinner at Son of a Gun. Gary is a big fan of Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the chefs and owners of the restaurant (as well as Animal). The meal was absolutely delicious and we can't wait to go back again. The highlight for both of us was the lobster roll, which makes me want to go to Maine and have a real one!

Anyway, I had to crop my face out because the sun was a little too bright and I desperately need a hair cut, but I really wanted to show off these new shoes. Rachel Comey Hitch boots in Caramelo. I wore them all weekend and didn't complain of any foot pain whatsoever. The height of the heel is just about perfect. I love the color but now I'm sort of itching to get a pair in black as well.

Peony

Sometimes I have nothing to say.

Gratitude - June 10

 photo: unknown source via Walking Around Where the Sidewalk Begins

+ donut making until midnight.  who wants to be a taste tester?
+ going complaint free for 3 days and counting!
+ watching Kung Fu Panda 2 (loved it), The Hangover 2, and Easy A on netflix
+ guacamole taco, one of my best ideas yet (although I'm sure I'm not the first!)
+ your sweet comments on my last post, thank you!

As of right now, I can't think of any plans I have for the weekend, but I'd love to pack a straw bag like the one above.  The weather has been a little unusual in LA but hopefully the sun will come out again. Other than that, I'm hoping to fry up more donuts and make other goodies. What do you have planned?  Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Casual

As hard as I've tried, I've never been much of a put together an outfit sort of person.  All sorts of amazing fashion blogs have inspired me to layer, try out different trends, mix textures and patterns, but at the end of it I end up feeling self conscious and uncomfortable.  It wasn't until recently that I realized the clothing I feel best in are the most simple pieces.  I don't like to draw attention to myself, and even though I live in LA (land of lots of strange dressers) even something slightly flashy will draw attention (remember when everyone wore lamé leggings? Yeah, I had a pair and only wore them once).  Casual button downs, jeans, and tennis shoes (or moccasins) have been my go-to weekend outfit, but as plain as it is, I feel happy and confident wearing them.

One thing I've been having a lot of fun with lately is adding a bright pop of lipstick.  The one pictured here is NARS Schiap and it's surprisingly wearable! It feels so fun but not too over the top paired with my casual clothes.  I've also recently acquired this Panama hat.  It's still taking a little getting used to but as the salesperson said, the key to wearing this hat is confidence!  I just have to remember to put it on straight.

I am constantly thinking about the state of my wardrobe. Sometimes I get frustrated and just want to cave in, go to Forever 21, buy maxi skirts and cheap sundresses.  But then I remember the environmental impact of shopping fast fashion and what my money is supporting and I have to snap out of it.  Not to mention the quality of craftsmanship and fabric.  I need to remember to save my pennies and buy from independent shops and designers (I have my eye on Hetterson's Brocius dress)! Even when I decide to cave in and shop at chain stores I end up disappointed.  This happened to me the last three times I tried to go shopping!

Whoops, I sort of went a little off tangent there. Anyway, I have a feeling this shirt, hat, and shoes are going to be in high rotation this summer! I want to document more outfits but I'm still working on being comfortable in front of the camera.  These were the few that made it out of 50 (+?!) photos.

NEET!

I'm so excited to share that Matchbox Kitchen was a part of N.E.E.T magazine's June issue! I worked really hard on this and came up with a million different recipes but in the end a simple tart worked out best. I hope you try making it because it's easy but sooo good. Coming up with my own recipe (albeit a simple one) was so much fun and made me realize how much I enjoy cooking more and more. And although the photography was a struggle I think these are my best photos yet. I will share more notes and some other shots on Matchbox Kitchen!

Neon

Currently enjoying pops of neon. Nail polish from American Apparel, pink lipstick is NARS Schiap, and orange is MAC Morange.

Moon River

Gratitude - May 20

Some things that made me smile this week...
+ getting an old disposable camera developed.  the photo above is from three years ago!
+ completing a little project that I can't wait to share with you guys (in June!)
+ coming up with donut catering ideas... yum. 
+ Vosges bacon milk chocolate bar 
+ learning how to use my camera in RAW
+ jogging for 30 minutes straight! first time in my life, really.
+ receiving a pair of beautiful shoes!! (pictures this weekend?)
+ making gougeres!

Tomorrow I get to dress up as a book character for work, which I'm a little excited about.  It's so fun watching their faces light up and getting tons of little hugs. What do you have planned this weekend?  Hope you have a lovely one. 

Thoughts

Croque Madame + Micro Green Salad

Things have been pretty food-centric here lately, and I apologize for that since I have a separate food blog!  But it's pretty much all I think of in my free time.  There is something about cooking (and baking, more specifically) that I've really felt a new level of calm and happiness.  Everything about the process makes me filled with joy but not excitedly so (that kind sort of gives me anxiety). From carefully measuring out each ingredient in its own bowl to putting on the finishing touches, I revel in it all.  Even the most monotonous tasks like greasing tart rings is enjoyable!

One thing I've always struggled with is that I'm always trying out a new craft.  One week it's fabric dying the and the next it's stationery.  As much as I enjoy dipping my toes in all sorts of mediums I've yet to focus on a select few to move it into more than just a hobby.  I never know if I love something enough to make it a career.  Part of it is laziness--sometimes I really need to push myself to complete a project, even if in the end it's satisfying.  But when it comes to baking I hardly need much of a nudge.  Perhaps it's the one thing that I can move out of hobby limbo.

Heirlooms

Mini Heirloom Tomatoes

They were too pretty not to photograph. I picked my favorites and ate the rest like grapes.

Croissants

I made croissants from scratch! It took about forever but I think well worth it. As they were proofing I got a little worried because the recipe said they would triple in size, but they didn't. Thankfully I didn't throw it out at that moment because they came out nice after their time in the oven. They are by no means perfect but am satisfied with my first attempt. I can't wait to try again!

More on Matchbox Kitchen

Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese

Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Steak and Salsa Criolla Panini

Here are the last three things we made on Matchbox Kitchen! Click on the link for more photos and maybe a recipe.

Summertime

I don't know if it's because of Matchbox Kitchen (probably!), but I've been eating a lot more sweets and butter and bread lately.  I am usually pretty good about my diet and maybe it's because I'm getting older, but my body is starting to show it as well.  Good thing my boyfriend Gary is also a certified personal trainer.  He just started training me this week.  Let's just say by the second session I could hardly walk or even bother to pick anything up off the ground!  But as sore as I've been the last few days I need to keep my eye on the prize, namely this swimsuit and Nadinoo crop top. I'm excited to see what I'm capable of as I've never had any sort of exercise regimen before.

As for my diet, I will continue to bake since I love it so much.  I just need to practice self control!  I may or may not have consumed all of the puff pastry I made a few weeks ago... (which included 3 sticks of butter!!).

(Photos: Anthropologie and Nadinoo)

Silver Lake Meadow

Over the weekend Gary and I went to the new Silver Lake Meadow.  It's only been open for a couple weeks so the grass was fresh and new! It was so pleasant and peaceful.  There were lots of groups having picnics, playing frisbee, and general laying about on the grass.  No dogs are allowed since there's a dog park down the road, and you're allowed to go barefoot!  The grass felt so nice.  I hope it stays this lovely for a long time.  And although it's next to a busy street all the trees they planted blocked out most of the sound.  If you're in LA it's definitely a nice place to relax.  I'm already planning another trip there this weekend for a picnic!

Girl and the Goat

As promised, here are all the dishes my friends and I ordered at Girl and the Goat. Such a delicious meal. We were feeling particularly indulgent and ordered three desserts! I loved they decor and our server was awesome. My friend Sandra brought her Polaroid camera and he was so excited to take a photo of us with it.

Here's a rundown of what we ate, left to right, top to bottom:

• goat carpaccio with tongue-olive vinaigrette and salsify chips
• hiramasa crudo with crisp pork belly, aji aioli, caperberries
• ham frites with smoked tomato aioli and smoked swiss dipping sauces
• kabocha squash ravioli with mushroom raisin ragout, brussels leaves, shroom creme fraiche
• grilled pork ribs with tomatillo-mushroom slaw and grilled scallion vinaigrette
• wood oven roasted pig face and sunny side egg, tamarind, cilantro, potato stix
• sesame semifreddo with pork fat donuts and sambal pineapple
• blood orange sorbet with parsnip pot de creme, pistachio cake, three sisters cornmeal crust
• bittersweet chocolate cake with shiitake gelato and toffee creme fraiche

If I had to choose favorites, I think it would be the grilled pork ribs and the chocolate cake dessert.   The dessert totally reminded me of a grown up version of dirt cups! And the ribs just fell off the bone and was a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

Chicago food

Here are some phone snap shots of the food we ate at XOCO (minus the hot dog).  I love that place.  Rick Bayless was actually working the kitchen right when we got there!  Needless to say I got a little star struck.  This restaurant is reason alone to go to Chicago again!  I ordered the pepito torta (bottom right) and churros to share, and a lemongrass jamaica drink which isn't pictured. 
The hot dog was a little place by my friend's school.  I need to eat hot dogs with this many toppings all the time. Next up I'll share photos of all the food we got at Girl and the Goat.

last dessert for a while

I made mille feuille with the puff pastry I made from scratch.  As much as I love sweets I need to take a break from all the butter!  Click here to see the rest of the post.

Chicago

I'm back from Chicago!  It was such a fun, relaxing trip.  I'm usually the type to plan every thing down to the minute but decided let my friends have a say as well (haha).  So the trip wasn't jam packed with activities but we still did lots of fun things.  We went to Art Institute Chicago during their free Thursday hours, took lots of pictures at the bean in Millennium Park, took the train up to Wrigley Field on opening day (hoards of people!), and ate lots and lots of food.  The highlight of the trip was definitely all the food.  Will have a separate post coming up on that soon!

Pizza

 

My posts have been pretty food-centric lately but unfortunately I haven't done anything too creative outside of the kitchen.  I'm hoping to remedy that soon (like...now! I just need to get off the computer).  Here is what I ate for lunch though.  Click here for the rest of the post!

Donna Hay Seasons

My mom just got back from Australia and brought me all kinds of goodies.  Tim tams, crumpets, freddos, smarties, all of the things I miss that can be brought back on a 12 hour plane ride.  Unfortunately double cream and meat pie couldn't come. But one thing that she really surprised me with was this Donna Hay book, Seasons.  Just a few days prior to her arrival I was pining for this book over at Hermine's blog! It's like my mom read my mind from thousands of miles away. Here's a peek at a few pages.  Everything is absolutely gorgeous. Oh, and I'm showing off my new favorite nail polish in a couple of these photos. It looks sort of blah but absolutely beautiful in person. Sand Tropez by Essie.

Light Macaroni and Cheese

I made a healthier, lighter version of macaroni and cheese.  For more pictures and a recipe visit my food blog, matchbox kitchen.  It's pretty tasty!

Let's Get Lost

I recently favorited this card on Etsy and I can't stop going back to admire it.  Just might have to purchase and frame it! Made by Bread + Butter.

Valentine's Treat

This is the brown butter ice cream I made recently.  I love ice cream but can't eat more than one scoop of this.  There's a whopping two sticks of butter in here!  Honestly, it kind of leaves a film in your mouth like you just ate butter straight.  I attempted to make some turtles/pecan caramel clusters but they didn't come out exactly like I wanted. But I think they make a good match for valentines day!  Gary and I didn't exchange gifts this year, just little things for each other.  I made him this paper cut out and he got me some rescue remedy pastilles. 

Matchbox Kitchen

If you look over to the right side of my blog you'll see a new link called Matchbox Kitchen. It's a new blog Gary and I started. So far it's mostly sweets I've made, but soon enough Gary will be contributing as well. He makes the savory dishes while I make desserts and bread.  I'll still post some photos of my food here but I'm going to start adding recipes and tips to Matchbox Kitchen as well.  Take a look and tell us what you think!