Yosemite

We just came back from a family trip to Yosemite.  It was so beautiful.  My favorite part was watching the sunset at Glacier Point and then stargazing! 

A & her cousins at the bottom of Yosemite Falls

more pictures to come!

summer days

Last weekend we went to 3rd street Santa Monica.  I love the farmers market there. 

lovely!

There was some health fair going on so Tony from P90X was there doing a demo.

It's the first summer that A has free days (meaning no therapy).  On Tuesday, we headed off to Terranea Resort. 

Walking the trail along the coast.

Summer eats....

make your own pita sandwiches & quiche

Back to Portola Coffee Lab. 

Mango Passion Cake at Christopher Garren

Nectarine Cake

& summer continues...

Please excuse the holes in my cake :)

Nectarine Cake

adapted from Dorie Greenspan

 

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Scant 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, I did not use it)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 cup flavorless oil, such as canola or sunflower

Grated zest of 1 orange (I only had a lemon so I used that)

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 nectarines, pitted & sliced

1.  Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan, dust the inside with flour, tap out the excess and put the pan on a baking sheet.

2.  Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cardamom, if you’re using it.

3.  Working with a mixer, beat the butter at medium speed until it’s soft and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar and beat for another 3 minutes, then add the eggs, one at a time, and beat for a minute after each egg goes in. Still working on medium speed, beat in the oil, zest and vanilla—the batter will look smooth and creamy, almost satiny. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing only until they are incorporated.

4.  Run a spatula around the bowl and under the batter, just to make sure there are no dry spots, then scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Arrange the sliced nectarines in the batter.

5.  Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is honey brown and puffed around the nectarines and a thin knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 

summer continues...

July is almost over.  A has been out of school and is thoroughly enjoying her summer.  

Giving up coffee for a bit...

chamomile tea

Took my nephews out to 5 Guys...I prefer In n Out or The Habit.

Hanging out at the beach...

Our awesome canopy kept us cool.

Ending the day with a BBQ

13th

We celebrated our anniversary a little late this year. 

This was our favorite dish.  Blackened chicken in avocado cups.

Then off to Portola Coffee Lab at the OCMart.

Lovely succulents throughout the OCMart

Christopher Garren opened up a dessert shop at the OCMart. 

Final destination....85 bakery for some cake!

Mango Blossom

annual summer trip & pasta

We been going to Palm Springs every summer for the past several years with our close friends. The kids have a blast swimming every day and so do us adults.  For E and I it's a great time where we can just relax! Thanks D &L! 

The kids taking a break from the pool

We pretty much took over the whole pool.

Feeding 12 kids!

Here are the 12 rascals!

Simple Pasta

All you need:  Broccoli (I used one pack of Trader Joe's brand), 6 cloves of garlic thinly sliced, a handful of tomatoes (optional) & bread crumbs.

Cook spaghetti noodles and set aside.

Saute the broccoli and the garlic generously in olive oil.  Saute for a couple of minutes and then add the tomatoes.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Once the broccoli is slightly tender remove from heat.  

In a frying pan, toast a handful for breadcrumbs until it is light brown.  Then  add the pasta to the broccoli mixture.  Add salt and pepper to taste and even some more olive oil if its too dry.  Then sprinkle the bread crumbs on top!

**You can use any vegetable spinach, onions, mushrooms and even bacon to add more flavor!

summer

I hope you are all enjoying the summer as I am!

watermelon juice

A taking swim lesson

a big straw hat to keep the sun out!

roma tomatoes

heirloom cherokee tomatoes

morning glory