Dutch Baby Pancake

I've never been a huge fan of traditional pancakes because I prefer a more dense, heavy dough. This Dutch Baby is perfectly light but also dense enough to be a great breakfast all by itself! I spread homemade Apple Butter on mine. But you can eat alone or spread with any kind of jam or syrup. This recipe is adapted from Food magazine (March 2009)

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon sugar

1. Preheat oven to 425. In a medium ovenproof nonstick skillet, melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium heat; set aside.
2. In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, salt, vanilla, and 1/4 cup sugar. Blend until foamy, about 1 minute. Pour batter into skillet; bake until pancake is puffed and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
3. Working quickly, dot pancake with 1 Tablespoon butter, and sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon sugar. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
   

Ethiopian Lunch & Coffee

No forks or spoons people! Just tear off a Injera and enjoy the chicken, lamb, spinach & cheese



My friends Gidi and Derartu recently had me over for lunch and coffee - Ethiopian style! Four years ago Gidi was living in Ethiopia, working as a state auditor. Every year the US Embassy holds a lottery and allows 2-3,000 Ethiopians to come to the US. To win this lottery and be allowed to come to the US is considered the ultimate in luck and prosperity. Gidi and his wife, Derartu, went through an extensive application process after winning the lottery and moved to the Seattle area, where they now live with their two beautiful children.





The youngest server, helping Mom make the guests feel welcome.


















Roasting coffee beans that Derartu brought back from Ethiopia

German Chocolate Cake with Walnut & Coconut Frosting

This was a first - the first time I've baked a cake and NOT tasted it! I made (and sold) this cake for a co-worker to give to his wife for a birthday present. I am definitely regretting not making this for myself instead. As soon as I make it again - and it will be SOON! - I will post the recipe.

The Wonders of Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi Cheese: the 8th and most amazing Wonder of the World! It never melts. Grill it in a hot skillet (no need for oil), sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and capers. So far I have only found it at Whole Foods and Thriftway in Renton. Sells for about $8/lb and worth every penny!