Daniel 25.0

Here are some shots of Daniel's surprise birthday party. He looks ready to pounce on that chocolate cake. We had an amazing turn out of friends that amiably packed into our little apartment to wish Daniel Happy 25th Birthday. The menu : Double Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies, Caramel Popcorn, Maple Glazed Pecans, Devil's Food Cake, Roasted Banana Ice Cream, Balsamic Strawberry Sorbet and Port.

Brit 25.0 // March 27

One year ago, we spent my birthday in Point Reyes National Park where Daniel surprised me with a camping trip and a ring. Remaining true to Daniel's nature, my birthday was not without surprises. Daniel cooked a delightful breakfast of blueberry scones, omelet, bacon, fruit and yogurt. At noon we enjoyed a picnic lunch in Union Square and some shopping.

For dinner Daniel took me to Dosa for Indian food. It was an incredibly thoughtful pick. Growing up, every year Mom would ask me what I wanted for my birthday dinner..... and every year it was curry and rice, a recipe that has been passed down through our family for years. By the time I was a teenager she no longer needed to ask. It's still a dish that gives me warm feeling all the way down to my toes. Nothing will ever have the power of Mom's curry.

After dinner, Daniel took me to the San Francisco Ballet to see Little Mermaid. It was a stunning interpretation and the theater was beautiful. I was so grateful for my husband, for my journey and for my lovely city. It was a magical birthday.

A NEW FAMILY MEMBER!!!!!

Brit and I are so excited to announce a new addition to our family. We felt like the blog was the best way to announce to the masses our excitement over this unexpected change in our lives! ..................................................................................................................................

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That's right folks, while out and about yesterday we happened upon this Le Creuset #22 on consignment, and we knew we needed a new sibling for our children. Like a puppy in a kennel we could not just leave this cute little thing all alone in that shop. Join us in welcoming our new addition.

Momofuku days and picnics

Poached egg over asparagus and miso butter "carbonara"

Lemongrass pork sausage lettuce wraps with pickled carrots and daikon and fish sauce vinagrette

The absolute BEST pulled pork...... Rub a 7lb pork shoulder with a mixture of 1 part sugar, 1 part kosher salt. Let sit covered in fridge overnight. Roast in 250 oven for 6 hours basting every hour. What you get is melt in your mouth heaven and lots of beautiful USEFUL rendered pork fat (awesome with potatoes, eggs, everything)!

We are now internet friendly.

Now that we have internet, I no longer have an excuse for not posting! Oh happy day! We took the plunge and signed up with Comcast. No more cramming the laptop up against the kitchen window and rearranging furniture to block the fridge just so that I can check email!!!!

Check out our newest posts....

More Sunday Bread

Homemade Pizza

Valentine's Day 2010

Time for another post...

So, I'm putting up meatballs. Like other people put up jam, I put up my meatballs. I make big cookie sheets of them and a huge pot of 'gravy'. Half of them make it into a big bag in the freezer and the rest don't make it through the week. We've been known to make spaghetti, meatball sliders, sandwiches or even just as they are. Yum.

So I've update our flickr site... which is HERE. You can see some of the moments we've captured from our adventures in the "Adventures with Brit and Dan" Set.......In January we went skiing in Tahoe with some friends, Jen and Arthur. More technically snowboarding. Daniel had to go to board school but he was a trooper and wore a smile, most of the time!

In February we drove to Napa for the weekend and went wine tasting and enjoyed some very wonderful food. It was a retreat from work and the city.... it was relaxing to get away.

In the beginning of March we flew out to meet Daniel's parents and Aunt and Uncle in the Bahamas. We all tucked cozily into Jan and Alan's boat. It was like camping on the sea by the beach. Rough I know....

then Brystal came to visit us later in March which was so wonderful. I missed her face off! We went exploring, shopping, eating and enjoying each others' company. She armed herself with fab clothing for her senior photo shoot (which turned out amazing, get a peek HERE).

Nothing like handmade pasta

BOLOGNESE SAUCE (Adapted from Bon Appetit)

• Serves 10
• I actually halved this recipe and did a mixture of pork and beef. About half and half. So I did about 1 1/2# of each. But this is an amazing way to use your Christmas deer besides jerkey (all you guys in OK). The sauce can be made a couple days ahead, let cool an hour and then chilled.
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• 5 tablespoons butter
• 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 1/4 cups chopped celery
• 3/4 cup chopped carrot
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 pounds antelope sausages or spicy Italian sausages, casings removed
• 3/4 pound ground venison or ground beef
• 3/4 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
• 3/4 cup tomato paste (about 7 1/2 ounces)

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  Melt butter with oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add next 4 ingredients. Sauté until vegetables are soft but not brown, 12 to 14 minutes. Add meat. Increase heat to high. Cook until meat is brown, breaking into small pieces with back of spoon, about 15 minutes.

  Stir in milk, wine, and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low. Simmer until sauce is thick, flavors blend, and juices are reduced, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  
  

  Serve over HOMEMADE PAPPARDELLE pasta

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