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Bridge Watching and other scary things.

February 22, 2010 by Joy the Baker 82 Comments

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Let’s talk about this weekend’s adventures.  There were highways, gas stations and bridges.  I might have a made friends out of strangers although there was too much wine to be clear on that.  Aaaaand!  I taught my first cooking class.  In Sonoma.  That happened.  

Take a peek!

San Francisco and Sonoma 

San Francisco and Sonoma 

I spent an evening in and around San Francisco.  The Golden Gate Bridge.  It chokes me up.  It makes me a little teary eyed.  It’s just a bridge.  Why would a bridge make me want to cry?  Weirdo.

San Francisco and Sonoma 

I stayed at a lovely resort tucked just behind the Golden Gate Bridge.  I got lost trying to find it.  So lost.  But look at this place?  Doesn’t it look like where you’d want to fall in love with Ryan Gosling if you were Rachel McAdams?  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Long grass.  It’s got character.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Birds.  Boats and buildings.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

I spent the rest of the evening in the city without my camera.  If you are two of the three women that were with me that night… you should be glad I didn’t have my camera.  I’m just sayin.  Wow.  Wine.  Wow.  We all have our ‘too much wine’  moments.  I remember mine:  in front of The Pioneer Woman and Steamy Kitchen.  Oops. 

I made my way to Ramekins in Sonoma.  Above is James.  He was my hype man.  He said nice things and introduced me to the class.  Awesome.  Thank you. 

San Francisco and Sonoma 

The kitchen at Ramekins is gorgeous.  My kitchen is never this organized.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Nor does it ever have this many people in it.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Cameron is making Creme Fraiche Quiche.  She’s a dear. 

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Jessica is peppering some biscuits.  Rad.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Danielle is cutting biscuits.  Nice form. 

IMG_5950 

Jessica brought Tom.  He’s the silent type.   He got his hands dirty.  

IMG_5951 

Everyone gathered ’round the griddle making pancakes for themselves.  I’m pretty sure I’ve found heaven.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

Meet Annie.  She’s the most dear, lovely and gracious lady I’ve ever met.  Annie, thanks for your endless help and support with this class.  Thanks for the hospitality and for loving macarons enough to stop a taxi.  You’re great.  

San Francisco and Sonoma 

And… this is what the drive home after a crazy weekend looks like…

San Francisco and Sonoma 

… but this is what if feels like.  And.  Yes.  I did sing every Fiona Apple song I know on the drive home.  I also ate a cheeseburger.  And chocolate.  

Thank you to all of you shining people who came out to Ramekins for my first baking class.  Big hugs of appreciation to the fine folk at Ramekins who made my class run like an absolute dream.  I’ll be back.  April. 

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  1. Toni Vallen

    November 21, 2011 at 4:38 am

    I haven’t checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend :)

    Reply
  2. Evan

    February 26, 2010 at 6:22 am

    That’s awesome lady! Great job and beautiful pictures, as always.

    Reply
  3. Nicole

    February 25, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    Congrats! on your first class. seems like everyone had a fabulous time

    Reply
  4. annie

    February 25, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    YOU were fabulous, as was the weekend & your class! We had so much fun working with you, and can’t wait to do it again. Everyone! April! Sonoma! Lemon whoopee pies! Whoopie! xxoo

    Reply
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The To-Do List can wait until after cookies, amiri The To-Do List can wait until after cookies, amiright? 
⁣
Two Giant Peanut Butter Cookies⁣
(or four smaller cookies) ⁣
⁣
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted⁣
1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed⁣
1 large egg yolk⁣
A splash of vanilla extract⁣
1/4 cup peanut butter⁣
1/2 cup all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend⁣
1/4 teaspoon baking soda⁣
1/4 teaspoon salt⁣
Coarse sugar and/or sea salt for sprinkling, optional⁣
⁣
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. ⁣
⁣
I’m a medium bowl, whisk together warm melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Add the peanut butter and mix to combine. ⁣
⁣
Add the dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold all the ingredients together. Divide in two big portions (or four smaller portions) onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar and salt if you’d like. ⁣
⁣
Bake two giant cookies for 12-14 minutes, or four cookies for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with cold milk.
You know those particularly messy sandwiches that, You know those particularly messy sandwiches that, when you pick up, you know you can’t put down until they’re good and gone? These Milk and Cereal Bars are the ice cream version of that sensation. So crunchy creamy sweet, with a hint of salt and spice. ⁣
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Three Mostly Store-Bought Homemade Ice Cream Treat recipes are linked in the profile. It’s giving Semi-Homemade without the tablescapes or vodka. Iykyk.
I spent the weekend with Will and my family in Sou I spent the weekend with Will and my family in Southern California and there were sailboats, and vintage cars, and paddle boarding, and so many family laughs, and cookouts, and holding hands with my handsome boyfriend in a backwards baseball cap (WHY IS THAT SO SEXY?) but - the way we ordered a second TOWER OF ONION RINGS for the table at lunch was like…. BEYOND. 🥲🥰🥹😅🥳
Raise you hand if you secretly love a boxed cake m Raise you hand if you secretly love a boxed cake mix? Me: 🙋🏻‍♀️
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My favorite version is this Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake baby topped with cream cheese frosting and extra fresh 🍓🍓. Perfect for the holiday weekend amiright? ⁣
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Full recipe linked in the bio!
I woke up a year older and wiser today and the onl I woke up a year older and wiser today and the only advice I have for you is this: stay busy makin’ your own dreams come true. ⁣
⁣
xo
Just in time for your holiday weekend dessert plan Just in time for your holiday weekend dessert planning - my very favorite Blueberry Cobbler. The secret is a generous handful of blackberries, lemon zest, and sugared drop biscuit topping! 🫐 Find the full recipe linked in the profile! Xo
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