Monthly Archives: December 2013

Pumpkin Spice Mini Cakes That Are Maxi Moist

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Pumpkin and eggnog in one moist little treat.

Pumpkin and eggnog in one moist little treat.

These cute little cakes combine two of the holiday season’s most beloved ingredients: pumpkin and eggnog.

“Pumpkin Spice Minis” is from the cookbook, “Cake Simple” (Chronicle Books) by cookbook writer Christie Matheson, of which I received  a review copy.

I took the liberty of swapping out the buttermilk in the cake recipe and the milk in the glaze recipe for eggnog instead.

Eggnog’s inherent richness is even too much for me at times just gulped straight. So, I prefer baking with it instead.

Organic Valley eggnog for the holidays.

Organic Valley eggnog for the holidays.

That’s just what I did when I recently received a sample of Organic Valley eggnog. Made with organic eggs and milk, plus fair trade sugar, vanilla and nutmeg, this is a decadent tasting eggnog. A quart is $3.49 at most Whole Foods stores.

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Your Chance to Win A Copy of My “San Francisco Chef’s Table” Cookbook

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SanFrancisoChefsTableCover

After doing so many giveaways on this blog, I’d be remiss not to do one for my own new cookbook, “San Francisco Chef’s Table” (Lyons Press), wouldn’t I?

So, here’s your chance to win a copy of the book that I will autograph to you or to whomever you please.

The cookbook is a tantalizing compilation of 54 restaurants and 79 recipes from the food-centric San Francisco Bay Area.

You’ll find everything from trendy new places to landmark establishments — along with dishes that exemplify their individual spirit and unique cuisine.

Each restaurant entry is illustrated by gorgeous photos, too, by award-winning photographer Craig Lee.

I’ve been having a ball hosting cooking demos and signing events with some of the featured chefs, and look forward to many more in the new year to come.

Yours truly, flanked by chefs Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone of Ame and Terra restaurants. Taken just before the start of our Macy's Union Square San Francisco event. (Photo taken by Craig Lee)

Yours truly, flanked by chefs Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone of Ame and Terra restaurants. Taken just before the start of our Macy’s Union Square San Francisco event. (Photo taken by Craig Lee)

CONTEST: One lucky Food Gal reader will win a signed copy of my new cookbook. Entries, limited to those in the continental United States, will be accepted through midnight PST Dec. 21. Winner will be announced Dec. 23.

How to win?

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Time to Enjoy Holiday Teas, Christmas Ales and More

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Afternoon tea hits the spot during the holidays. (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)

Afternoon tea hits the spot during the holidays. (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)

Holiday Tea Time at The Ritz-Carlton SF

If you need a respite from all that holiday shopping, head to the swank Ritz-Carlton San Francisco for some soothing tea.

Take a load off at the 3 p.m. afternoon tea in the lounge, available daily through Dec. 24.

You’ll enjoy a pot of tea, savory finger sandwiches, scones, macarons and other sweets while live music entertains.

Price is $65 per person.

The little ones are sure to love the Teddy Bear Tea, available 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 20-24.

Children can bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Terrace Room to meet Stretchy the Elf, Holly Berry and the giant Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear. They’ll also get to partake in holiday story-telling, sing-a-longs and a photo session with the Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear. Holiday treats will be served, too.

Aww, how cute is this Teddy Bear Tea? (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)

Aww, how cute is this Teddy Bear Tea? (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)

Price is $110 per person. A portion of proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area foundation.

For reservations to either tea event, call (415) 773-6168.

Winter-Christmas Ales at The Trappist

The Trappist in Oakland is celebrating Kerstbier, a two-day Bacchanalia today through Saturday that spotlights a bevy of winter-Christmas ales, including a tap take-over with 25 featured beers.

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A Chocolate Cookie That’s Almost ALL Chocolate

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You won't believe how much chocolate is in these cookies.

You won’t believe how much chocolate is in these cookies.

 

Are you looking for a can’t-miss chocolate cookie to bake this holiday season?

Look no further than this beaut.

This is one of the most chocolatey cookies I’ve ever had.

Consider: There are 1 3/4 pounds of chocolate in them — and only 1/2 cup flour.

Leave it to Pastry Chef Belinda Leong of San Francisco’s incredible B. Patisserie to come up with these decadent delights.

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Memories of Stone Crab Claws and A Food Gal Giveaway

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Now, that's a holiday seafood platter, wouldn't you say? (Photo by Carolyn Jung)

Now, that’s a holiday seafood platter, wouldn’t you say? (Photo by Carolyn Jung)

 

Having grown up in San Francisco, I am an avowed Dungeness crab gal through and through.

Some people may consider lobster the ultimate luxury ingredient. But I think Dungeness is far superior with its fluffy, sweet meat.

That being said, though, I have dabbled with stone crab claws.

When you worked in South Florida for four years as I did, you can’t help but fall for these big, meaty claws.

On a lowly newspaper reporter’s salary, pricey stone crab claws were a rare treat.

But the once or twice that I did splurge on them, I must say they sure satisfied, especially dunked in mustardy mayo.

Thanks to Anderson Seafoods, I got to relive that memory recently.

The Orange County seafood distributor, which overnights fresh and frozen seafood right to your door, sent me a sample of real-deal Florida stone crab claws to try.

They’re ready to eat once they arrive. All I did was whip up my own mustard-mayo sauce before digging in, happily.

I may be a California gal, but there just might be a little bit of Florida still in me. Just maybe.

CONTEST: One lucky Food Gal reader will win a $300 credit from Anderson Seafoods to enjoy whatever seafood you please. Entries, open only to those in the continental United States, will be accepted through midnight PST Dec. 14. Winner will be announced Dec. 16

How to win?

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