Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

It's been a while since my last note to you all and for that I must apologize.  Life has taken me on a journey this year and these last few weeks have been no exception.  I wish I had a career in the culinary arts, but for now that dream is at bay.  Instead, I have two normal jobs which have lovely and difficult parts to them.  Hopefully after this week life will slow down a bit and I will be able to spend more time in my little neglected kitchen. 

Ironically, it's been raining cook/nutritional books of late and I am just antsy to break into them and put their recipes/nutritional theories to the test.  As you may have gathered from reading my notes, I am slightly obsessed with books, especially any that share nutritional/food information.  I love to learn new or even old ideas, just the thought of it gets me excited!  Today I am sharing with you the result of a delicious bread.  The recipe comes from one of my old favorites, NYC Babycakes, and surprisingly I actually followed it almost to a tee! I exchanged the rice milk with almond, but that's it.  It really was quite out of the ordinary for me!  

{Banana Chocolate Chip Bread}

Since I did create the bread straight from Erin's cookbook and I believe in supporting chefs that create the seemingly "impossible" recipes {in other words the delicious treats that are free of dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, etc.} I will not be posting the recipe for you here.  I want you to find her cookbook and find it yourself.  It's designed beautifully and the bakery is promoted by many of its celebrity fans.  Believe me the book is so worth the expense and there are many more wonderfully yummy recipes for you to try too. Erin, you make a perfectly fluffy, sweet and satisfying Banana Chocolate Chip Bread.  Thank you for your many labored hours in that little New York kitchen of yours! 

Linked to Slightly Indulgent Tuesday

Chocolate Chip Gingersnap

As I have said before, the bakery BabyCakes has stolen my heart.  San Diego born Erin McKenna created a delicious and delightful sactuary for the allergic and intolerant.  Since moving back to San Diego from my four year stint in L.A. for school, I have already missed the tasty goods Babycakes had in plenty.   It seems.... since Erin was raised in San Diego she might consider it for her next location? I can only hope! Would it be too much to ask dear Erin?

Yes, I am pining after a bakery, but just you wait.  On your next trip to LA or NYC take a stop and try a few of her treats.  A thickly, frosted vanilla cupcake...gluten-free/dairy-free/egg-free...or a moist rich brownie bite...gluten-free/dairy-free/egg-free...or perhaps a tasty slice of cornbread for later.  Did I mention these are all gluten-free,  dairy-free and egg-free? Still gets me giddy! Believe me, your life will truly never be the same after you visit.  Fortunately, for the many that do not live within driving distance of her two bakeries, Erin has written a cookbook that includes most of the treats she sells daily in her shoppes.  

The Gingersnap recipe I bring you today is an adaption of Erin's fabulous recipe.  I altered it a bit to fit my own dietary needs, but please feel free to find Erin's original in her cookbook, available online or in your local bookstore.   It comes decently priced on Amazon.com  and I have even seen it at my local Anthropologie store.  It's worth the investment!  Enough said, here is my scrumptious recipe for a tasty,Monday night treat.

A day at the Grove...

Although I have technically lived in Los Angeles for almost four years now, I have never been to the Grove.  A beautiful slice of L.A., the Grove is a place everyone should experience at one point or another.  I went with friends today and it was lovely.  I received a taste and now plan to return with a camera, cash for the market and no set expectations.  L.A. provides the ideal setting for individuals like myself.  The people watching is exquisite and everywhere you turn there is an amazing angle or arrangement to photograph.  This is why I should go alone next time...I could hardly keep up with my girlfriends because I was so struck by the colors and textures and variety of faces and dress.  Oh, to have a real camera! My little point and shoot was just not enough to capture the beautiful diversity around me.

The permanent farmers market towards the end of the Grove had an array of international foods and unique trinkets.  I could have milled about there for hours.  A vintage boutique was filled with delicate treasures, jars of knick knacks from decades past and classic, glass bottles lined up along the walls.  

I was in heaven when I past by a few produce booths. 

My favorite subject to photograph, the vegetables and fruit, were rich, vibrant colors.  I could not pass by with out capturing a bit of the fresh, simple beauty.

Evian, I am impressed.  I almost fell over when I found their beautifully designed, glass water bottles...just lovely.  The striped bottles immediately made me think of a summer party in my backyard, with colorful dish-ware, Crate and Barrel style.

The Grove livens up at night.  People are milling about, everywhere.  Again, so fascinating! I sense a strong individuality among these people.  They put forth so much effort to be original in their dress and look.  Respect is given or withheld depending on your image.  Outsiders are easily identified, as it takes a well-developed knowledge of current, urban fashion to blend in.  The women rock amazing heels with almost any and every outfit.  Men look polished, whether they sport the grungy, rolled-out-of-bed-on-purpose look or the designer jeans and shoes ensemble.  Today,  I was reminded of the general rule, never look too put together...it screams "trying too hard".  

Speaking of style...the Anthropologie at the Grove is just gorgeous. fell in love with the layout of the store and their spring collection is absolutely lovely.  Anthro you have perfected the look of feminine delicacy and mystique through your clothing line.  Thank you.

Soon West L.A. I will return and, perhaps, a stop by Babycakes for a tea and treat before hand might perfect the day.  Done!, Babycakes and the Grove will be my next adventure.  A delightful plan, yes?  Well, so long and to all who celebrate it...happy Saint Patrick's Day!

My LA Adventure...

{Courtesy of BabyCakes}

Babycakes, oh glorious bakery of goodness...as I told my sweet friend on the returning drive, you satisfy something deep within my soul...

For those of you who are yet unfamiliar with this little taste of heaven, let me introduce you.  Babycakes is an allergy-sensative bakery in the hub of New York city.  The owner Erin, a San Diego native, has had such success  there that she decided to open another bakery in L.A. Needless to say, when I discovered her plans I was ecstatic.  My friend Kristina and I share the gluten-free lifestyle, so she of course was the perfect pal for this adventure! We made the trip into the city last Friday and I am still raving...

Besides the expected grumbles about traffic and parking, oh and the few close-to-death-experiences driving amongst LAers, we arrived alive and quite giddy.  I felt like a little girl again, on the eve of Christmas morning.  After parking, we entered the quaint, little shop on 7th street.  The classic, neon sign welcomed us as the cute, little, window decor made us, yes, almost squeal.  Walking in I was overwhelmed by the delicious smell.  A beautiful layout of gluten-free goodness was before me...oh blast.  I had to make decisions! I knew this would prove difficult.  I leaned over the counter to get a closer look at the tasty cinnamon swirls, heavenly! 

It took  a bit of courage to say no to a few, but I was finally able to get down to a more reasonable selection...or so I told myself.  One carrot cupcake with lavender, colored frosting (a traditional favorite of course), one red velvet cupcake (something I have never tried before), a double chocolate chip cookie, the famous cookie sandwich (which, may I say, is still rocking my world!),  an agave sweetened brownie bite, a slice of chocolate chip banana loaf and finally some 1/2 off cornbread....pretty much I left with enough pastries to last me the next few weeks.  Obviously, this was the apparent outcome of a seriously indecisive nature and a general deprivation of deliciousness.  

Savoring every single bite, I slowly enjoyed my carrot cupcake and sipped the refreshing, mint tea they had available.  The scene was perfection itself, my cupcake resting on a delicate, tea plate with an elegant, victorian style, silver fork ready to fill my mouth with pure goodness, interesting and rare people to observe and a wonderful friend to share it all with.  

The shop itself was retro 50's vintage, full of "stylish" LAers acting, as only LAers can act.  It held a certain charm that was inescapable.  The girls serving the pastries were friendly and cheerful, ready to offer information about the shop's upcoming growth and any other inquires.  

Thank you Babycakes for considering the West coast just as worthy of your treats as the East coast! The cookie sandwich has been by far the most delectable goodie I have ever, yes, ever had.  I can see why it is a favorite of regulars. 

{Courtesy of BabyCakes}

 Believe it or not, I am still slowly nibbling away at the treasury of goodies I brought back. It is almost unexplainable the utter joy I feel when eating something so divine and experiencing nothing, but a desire for more of it afterwards.  Well Babycakes, you have impressed me and I will have to return! After all, my birthday is coming soon.....

To check it out yourself at www.babycakesnyc.com

{Courtesy of BabyCakes}