Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This week Chris and I are off on a mini road-trip down the coast with stops in Palo Alto, SLO, West Hollywood, San Clemente, San Diego, and Palm Springs. The furthest distance we've driven so far was to Anaheim last fall to visit Disneyland. On that trip we stopped in Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Huntington Beach. I'm excited we're visiting new cities this time! Today we walked by a BBQ place in SLO that reminded me of the delicious pulled pork Chris and I made just before we left.  I love pulled pork sandwiches though have never bothered to make them.

I am kicking myself for not trying earlier! Pulled pork is so easy to make. Especially when you're making it in your slow cooker.

Wedding Cake Calories Don't Count

...and other lies I tell myself.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a wedding cake diet? Sadly, sugar, butter, and flour are things to avoid if you're on a big "d." Cake is not calorie-light but you know what, it's darn delicious! And YOLO (don't judge me). I just like saying that when I know I'm making gluttonous eating decisions. Like should I finish this pint of Ben and Jerry's? YOLO = yes! Works every time.

I've had a great time preparing for my friends' wedding cake tastings these past two weeks. I started baking a few days after I got back from Paris. I have been planning these for some time now. 

Cambridge, UK: A Charming Visit Across the Pond

"What is the one thing I absolutely must do while in Cambridge?"

                 "Punting!"

"OK!...

            ...What is punting?"

A punt is a flat-bottomed boat that typically is found in shallow water. Punting is the act of boating a punt which is steered with a large (and heavy) stick. It's quite the workout.

I had a great week planning and hosting two successful wedding cake tastings! I'll post pictures soon. Now I can relax for a bit before starting on other projects. While in Paris, I made a side trip to Cambridge in the UK to visit Elizabeth, my Boston roomie! I was really excited and so happy I made the trip.

Chocolate Covered Cereal and My Kitchen Disaster

You know when you see on TV someone getting a drink splashed in their face and you think, "that looks unpleasant." Well, it is. Technically I did not get a drink thrown in my face, but a pot of ice cold water did "explode" in my face this past weekend. It was indeed a hilarious moment as I stood in my kitchen soaking from head to toe. This was just part of the string of bad luck I've had lately while baking. Good thing these chocolate-covered cereal do not require any baking!

I first saw these while Chris and I were on vacation in Spain this past winter. Milka is the brand behind "Crispy Snax" which is essentially cornflakes,  raisins, and chocolate. It is so easy to make!

Pierre Sang Boyer: My Favorite Restaurant in Paris

Operation "Bake All The Things" is in full swing. I've had cake for lunch and dinner (not for breakfast, that's just silly) as of late. I am super excited for the upcoming cake tastings! I have discovered this awesome golden yellow cake. It's so good I can't wait to share it. Speaking of things that are so good, I had one of the best dining experiences in my life while in Paris at Pierre Sang Boyer's restaurant.

Chef Sang giving the final topping to his desserts.

Pierre Sang was a finalist on Top Chef Paris! His cute corner restaurant on rue Oberkampf is a must stop if you are looking for a food experience that's like any other. 

Palace of Versailles: Stepping Back Into Time

I'm back in SF just in time for a gorgeous week (temps are in the 70s and 80s)! Chris and I celebrated our big news with some friends at a happy hour at Churchill and at dinner at 1300 on Fillmore. A few people have asked so just for the record, no, I won't be baking my own wedding cake. I will however be baking two other friend's wedding cakes! I am getting ready for their cake tastings which means two things: 1. I started exercising and 2. I will need to find willing mouths to feed any leftover cake. While I turn my kitchen upside down, let's reminisce about where we were just over a week ago: Paris!! 

Chris and I visited Château de Versailles last Saturday. About a half hour train ride from Paris, Versailles is easy to get to and well worth the trip. 

Quelle surprise! Engaged in Paris!

Holy cow - it turned out Chris did come after all. He surprised me in Paris with the help of my friend Jackie and asked me to marry him - we're ENGAGED!

At Le Mur des "J'taime" or "I Love You" wall in Montmarte

It was very deceptive on both their parts. Jackie and I began the day with a croissant crawl (or promenade as I like I refer to it) where we taste tested croissants from seven, yes, seven, different bakeries. You can read all about it here. After we ate our weight in butter we rolled on over to Montmartre where I thought we would be meeting Jackie's friend Diane...