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Welcome! I’m here with my friends & contributors to capture food stories on the road & bring them home to you. Susie Norris

Author Susie Norris discusses A BAKER’S PASSPORT
Featured at Barnes & Noble …
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Athens
Atlanta
Barcelona
Bergen
Berlin
Bogata
Boston
Budapest
Buenos Aires
Brussels
Cairo
Canaina
Cape Coast
Caracas
Charleston
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Hanalei
Helsinki
Hollywood
Honolulu
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Lima
London
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Marrakesh
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Montreal
Moscow
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New Orleans
New York
Oaxaca
Oxford
Oslo
Paris
Prague
Quebec City
Reykjavik
Rio de Janeiro
Rome
Saigon
San Francisco
San Sebastian
Sao Paulo
Savannah
Seattle
Seoul
Shanghai
Sienna
Singapore
Stockholm
St. Petersberg
Sydney
Tokyo
Toronto
Turin
Vancouver
Venice
Vienna
Zurich







February 16, 2015
Very well written and a testament to your triumph and the many more to come! Can’t wait for the next batch of bruised, unique, imperfect, delicious happy chocolates and the next stories they will tell!
February 20, 2015
Love!
February 25, 2015
How great of you to focus on the Viennese coffee house culture — one of the last havens of old world civility and truly elegant pastries! I studied in Vienna during college and loved being able to listen to live classical music while I read and enjoyed a delicious piece of apple strudel. I’ll eagerly await your reports on where to find the best linzertorte, strudel and coffee. Until then, auf wiedersehen! — Janet Hill
February 25, 2015
Absolutely loved your book. It was so fascinating to learn about the history of chocolate, along with your very thoughtful and entertaining personal connection with chocolate’s many incarnations. And the recipies I tried were out of this world! I’m so happy to know that you’ll be writing a book on desserts that hail from European cities — what a great idea! Am looking forward to learning more and trying the recipes you discover.– Janet Hill
February 25, 2015
This sound like a beautiful shop. I have a cousin who lives near Quebec, and I’ll be sure to suggest that she check it out if she hasn’t already. I found your tips for chocolate shopping so helpful — I’m always too quick to buy gift boxes without really knowing the taste of what I’m buying, and the tips for insuring that the chocolate really is “handmade” are quite useful — thank you!
February 25, 2015
Thank you, Janet! I hope your cousin enjoys the shop as much as I did.
February 26, 2015
Great reminder that there is the ‘other’ side of Hollywood. Is the Dresden Room on Vermont Ave still around?
February 26, 2015
The Dresden Room is still legend. That strip of Vermont also has more pubs, sushi, vintage and vinyl and Skylight Books has two storefronts now. Time to revisit 🙂
February 26, 2015
You know what they say. If you don’t fall at least once you’re not trying hard enough. Sounds like you earned the hot cheese!
February 26, 2015
Word.
February 26, 2015
Grilled cheese and red velvet cake… mmmhmmm But what.. pray-tell, is “Sex Toast”?
February 26, 2015
I’m going to get my courage up and go into that Picnic Cafe and inquire about the Sex Toast. Hope it is worth a new blog post 😉
March 2, 2015
Yummy, especially when paired with your chocolate fondue recipe!
March 2, 2015
Sweet 🙂
March 27, 2015
So much history, intrigue and sensual pleasure wrapped up in this cake! All comes alive in the writing–and, I’m sure, in the eating!
April 30, 2015
Great blog post! It was such a nice day and I left inspired. I hope to go back next year. I really liked that it was a smaller group and with a good mix of attendees.
March 10, 2020
Yes, it was an impressive group and an impressive lunch!! See you again soon I hope.
May 4, 2015
Snazzy food trucks. I’m going to head over to Wilshire tomorrow and see for myself what this L.A. ‘Truck Stop’ is all about.
May 4, 2015
You go!
May 31, 2015
A beautiful description of an area of the city I know well. LA is making a comeback – a couple of years ago the city was broke and all the headlines were about people moving away. Lately it feels like there’s been a resurgence and a new appreciation of the place. It’s a blessing indeed that our city is inspiring such brilliant cooking and such brilliant writing….
June 17, 2015
Great photos and thoughts of ghosts of sandwiches past.
June 17, 2015
Ahhh, the ghosts!
June 19, 2015
I was in London a few months ago and thrilled to see that the local market food movement is thriving. Can’t wait to read about your experience at the vibrant Borough Market and Neals Yard Cheese Shop!
June 24, 2015
Miss Nancois, I will be thinking of you in London and planning recipes, photos, book design and more. Many stories to tell. Berlin by the weekend – ciao!
June 24, 2015
Love, love, love all of these pictures and people!! I’ve heard about Nobu and now know what to order. Will make a point of observing and eating many veggies. Love the skirt but not as much as Natalie — all are gorgeous!!
June 24, 2015
Haha! When are we going to Nobu? Soon, I hope. There is a rivalry between Katsuya Hollywood and Nobu Malibu. Who will win?? I’ve been using my Katuya birthday journal – thank you and bon mots to you.
June 24, 2015
Great photos that make me nostalgic for the elegance of London and the enduring treasures of old markets and old friends. Amazing to think of a market existing for so many years — perhaps a testament to the Brits’ love of tradition. May you enjoy the company of your friend and all the sights and tastes of London. Hope you have time stop at Fortnum & Mason’s for tea!
June 24, 2015
Thank you, Janet. You are a well-travelled woman. 🙂
June 24, 2015
What an inspiring and uplifting story, and how heartening to think she’s being cared for across continents. I look forward to reading more about her and her work on vanilla — the most essential of flavors. Enjoy the conference, and if you have time, check out the Old Parsonage Hotel — a charming place that serves a delicious high tea. I studied briefly at Oxford in the summer, and that was the place we went for special tea-time occasions. Enjoy!
July 25, 2015
Paradox indeed! What is their secret? Do they skip meals, take potions, or have insane metabolisms? One thing for sure: Susie Norris shares the French sensibilities for elegant ingredients and dresses.
July 26, 2015
Nancois. You are a darling.
September 8, 2015
This is very powerful, Susie. And important. Thank you.
We all have to figure out ways to participate and help this horrible and devastatingly sad situation. I am reminded again and again of my mother as a little six year old being put on a train. It’s not that different.
September 8, 2015
Excellent and inspiring essay. All politics is local. What is so shocking, of course, is that just as Europe starts to accept its responsibilities to Syria’s dispossessed, America is in the grip of anti immigrant hysteria from the far right. What’s worse is that US foreign policy in the middle east created, in part, the current refugee crisis. All politics is local, as they say, and this essay gives me hope. Let’s see what happens when the Pope gets here — maybe the compassion and wisdom of this author will become more commonplace. I hope so…
September 8, 2015
I like your politics, Big Wind.
September 15, 2015
Felt like I was there.
September 16, 2015
🙂
September 16, 2015
🙂
October 28, 2015
What a wonderful write up.
October 28, 2015
Hey this is great. Picture of me isn’t even that bad…
October 28, 2015
Looks like it was great fun! What a wonderful adventure. Thanks for sharing.
October 29, 2015
It has been many years since I reviewed food professionally, but I think I shall begin again with this appetizer. And how a wonderful trip it seems. Sorry for any of the spelling if in error.
October 30, 2015
Glad to hear it, Alonzo! Let me know how the batch turns out 🙂
November 4, 2015
Wonderful entry and tribute. Thank you.
November 5, 2015
What a beautiful and heart-warming piece.
November 18, 2015
You are crazy for those suckers, aren’t you?
November 19, 2015
You know it.
November 18, 2015
So excited for your next venture!! Can’t wait to read the book when it comes out…and, in the meantime, I’ll be following your blog!
November 23, 2015
🙂
December 19, 2015
Your posts are dangerous!
December 19, 2015
I like dancer-size….but don’t confuse it with jazzercize.
January 14, 2016
Happy New Year! Hope your holidays were lovely and filled with chocolate.
January 24, 2016
I love what I’ve read here, already being in a chocolate mood. Last night, my own serious taste-off among many iterations of the German chocolate, Ritter Sport, just illustrated the point that there are as many versions of chocolate as there are people who love them and love to argue over them. And how great that after years of having to listen to Europeans debate the superiority of chocolate from one Euro-zone over another, we Americans are at last fully present in the competition!
TCHO, we are so proud of you and your delicious American cousins!
January 25, 2016
And what do you make of that Ritter Sport? I’ve was on a Milka kick myself and then realized is now run by Kraft Foods which is now known as Mondelez International, who bought Cadbury several years back. Hard to know who to trust in this world…but I trust TCHO and also trust that I will break bread or chocolate with you soon. 🙂
February 8, 2016
There’s CAKE FLOUR in those pancakes? Who would have known.
I’m definitely adopting your Chinese New Year’s resolutions!
February 8, 2016
Yes I believe dumplings & Tsingtao are in our future….
February 14, 2016
Happy Lunar New Year! Other than drinking Asian beer—I don’t like beer—I concur with your resolutions. In Shanghai we went to two of the city’s eight Din Tai Fung restaurants! YUM!!!
Cheers
March 10, 2016
Everything looks wonderful. Tell Chris I say hi (worked w him on Capital News). Give my best to Jacob. I worked w Tommy Lynch this year up in Toronto. As if no time had passed. Sending love from Charlottesville, VA.
March 10, 2016
How delightful to hear from you, Jessica! We stroll the knoll with you in mind. Hope you are well. Back to the neighborhood soon?
March 15, 2016
First of all, congrats on the (not surprising) award! Those of us who read your blog regularly saw this coming.
Secondly, though I have always wanted to like champagne more than I do (too much of the trashy, low-rent version in high school), your celebration of it, especially in connection with desserts–especially chocolate desserts–made me want to reconsider. Have to say, Gypsy, it’s fun following where you go…
March 15, 2016
Now I’m curious about what kind of trashy, low-rent champagne you were swillin’ back in the day! Seems to me you were avant-garde on the high/low trend. And, many thanks for your kind words, Miss Susan. We must go back to that Indian restaurant soonest.
March 17, 2016
Wonderful.
March 27, 2016
UPDATE:
Report from the field: the textures are so different – the local dobos is a dry, bisquit-like cake with liquid, perfect chocolate ganache. The crumb on mine is spongy, moist, yellow almond cake. Both symphonic, in my opinion.
April 10, 2016
Great post
May 5, 2016
Great recipe and great menu, Ms. Gypsy, and am I ever in the mood now for the Cinco de Mayo-Mother’s Day harmonic convergence! But I have to ask, since you have given me some of my favorite sweets recipes, where’s the dessert on that ole menu? Do you happen to have any cookies up your sleeve?
May 6, 2016
How did you know that I’m testing a recipe for Mexican Wedding Cookies this very evening? If it works, it is yours!
June 6, 2016
Lots to think about here, and eat, always. Off to get cornmeal…
June 6, 2016
I admit that I have not been able to get “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves” off the soundtack in my brain for days and days….
June 8, 2016
Fabulous! I’ve always been fascinated by gypsy culture. “Bury Me Standing” has long been a favorite book of mine.
June 13, 2016
Fun to read and made me wonder if the Gap Year, Burning Man etc. are our way of ‘playing gypsy’ for a while.
June 14, 2016
Seems a wise way to go…..
July 1, 2016
Finland looks great – and this post really brings it to life. Wonderful write up and great photographs.. It is very cruel to eat bears though – and until this practice is banned I am boycotting that country.
July 1, 2016
I have it on good authority that you need a license to kill a bear, and then you have to use all of it, hence bear soap. No relation to the Bear Claw pastries of Denmark, however. I agree it is sad – maybe meatless Monday this week?
July 1, 2016
Sounds like you had quite the adventure! I want to hear more about the cabbie you almost punched. : ) And the food, too, of course.
Welcome home.
July 2, 2016
I’m with Jacob Epstein about bear-eating, but cloudberry jam? I wish I had some of that for my toast and were enjoying it in Finland right now. I was right with you on this one, smelling, tasting, staying up all night… Where are you going next, Gypsy?
July 4, 2016
Hello, hello! I think I gotta go back! But there’s Copenhagen calling me, and Iceland, and the cherry blossoms of Kyoto and the cacao plantations of Ghana. Guess its lucky my phone is still busted …..
July 11, 2016
Looks delicious! I can’t wait to get some fresh strawberries from the farmers market. I’m thankful I don’t have to wait as long this year.
July 11, 2016
They were looking good at the market yesterday. Hope you find a few you like.
August 1, 2016
Nice to think that when the Brits are rueing their own isolation, they can still find comfort in a familiar breakfast! One additional thing I remember from those rather shocking morning offerings was rock-hard fried mushrooms! Thanks, Gypsy, for another cross-continental food trip!
August 1, 2016
Right! Those weird mushrooms….
August 2, 2016
Hmm… Salt Beef Bagels… Really? Did you try them? With or without fries?
August 2, 2016
Oh yes I went there…
August 2, 2016
…and fish & chips still safe as the national dish.
August 4, 2016
So, the real question is where in NYC can one get a real English breakfast. Every now and then I would kill from the kind of breakfast meats depicted here.
August 4, 2016
That’s the kind of enthusiasm I like, Bob Halper! Yelp says start your day with bacon AND sausage in NYC like so:
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=full+english+breakfast&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY
August 15, 2016
Fantastic! This is so you! I feel like I’m in your back yard, chatting over a glass of bubbly.
August 15, 2016
🙂
September 12, 2016
I had heard about this tomato pie but the idea of the mayonnaise put me off, especially since I seem to remember an earlier version of the recipe given to me by a friend that had much more mayo in it–as much as 3/4 cup. This one IS much healthier. And the crust recipe would work for a lot of savory pies, so thanks for that too, Gypsy!!
September 12, 2016
You are so right, Susan! 3/4 cup mayo is a thing of the past.
September 12, 2016
Oh sooz. I can’t wait to try your version!
Love all the pics.
September 12, 2016
What a surprising and vivid post about a place that I have dreams about but have never visited. You bring the region, the culture, even the colors of the harbors and storefronts to life. And of course the food. I feel like eating some salmon but the only salmon we get here at the supermarkets are died with pellets and don’t taste like anything unless you put blackening spice on it. For those of us who are homebound and sedentary your posts are a thrill. It’s not envy for your nomadic lifestyle – but admiration. Thanks.
September 12, 2016
“dyed” not died.
September 12, 2016
I die a little when I think about people dying a perfectly good fish. Hope you find your way to the nordic waters soon.
September 12, 2016
That Tomato Pie sounds so delicious!
September 22, 2016
Oh Gypsy, So much that is sweet and sad here. Your mother, what a beauty.
And how far we all go to come back to the food of home. I love how much butter makes its way into even the corn and green beans of Kentucky!
Very moving.
September 22, 2016
Sweet! Sad! Butter!
September 24, 2016
Beautiful… and poignant…
Ahh, life…
September 26, 2016
Ahh, life indeed.
October 2, 2016
So interesting, Gypsy! You know, I’m sure, what it makes me want to reach for…
October 2, 2016
…dark & dangerous….
October 12, 2016
Brings back fond childhood memories of our hometown and your sweet mother 🙂
October 13, 2016
Susan! Those were happy times for all of us. Miss you!!
October 21, 2016
What we all need more of in this election season, Gypsy! With all this beautiful chocolate in the world, there’s hope ❤️
October 21, 2016
hope springs chocolate!
October 25, 2016
There is no substitute for chocolate when the craving strikes.
October 27, 2016
No substitute!
November 12, 2016
Now I’m hungry
November 14, 2016
What a picture you have painted here! All I can think about is getting my hands on a canolli…
November 14, 2016
Let’s go to Sicily right now.
November 16, 2016
I am so ready to try these recipes!
November 19, 2016
Yet another delicious read—thanks!
December 11, 2016
Not sure that I really need to go now after sampling the sumptuous desserts and colors. And all are calorie free from this distance. Love all the history too.
Love the blog and loved our visit last night, thanks to Tracey and Christian.
December 11, 2016
Many thanks to you, Elisa! Glad we are friends in food & travel adventure.
December 12, 2016
A cookie recipe, mmmmmmm… You get around, Gypsy! Now I know what treacle is…
December 13, 2016
Ya’ know, treacle is such English icon in the dessert business, probably because of “Treacle Tart”. Molasses is the closest substitute, and dark corn syrup is good too here the states. For a lighter taste, there is Lyle’s Golden Syrup which you can find as an English import in upscale groceries or online (or from amazon & walmart, too!) It is sweeter than corn syrup with a honey-like color, lighter than treacle, and even has a honey-like flavor. If you are inclined to obsessions, you might as well just order the Lyle’s Golden Syrup Cookbook at http://www.lylesgoldensyrup.com
January 29, 2017
What strange times we live in now, those of us us confronting both middle age and the Trump revolution. This essay contrasts the tumult and confusion of our present moment with sharp reflections of the author’s youth and coming of age in Cincinnati and in prep school . Maybe all of us look back and think times were simpler way back when, in the days of Johnny Bench and Pete Rose. And maybe they were, although the Vietnam war, the political assassinations and the Watergate scandal that defined our childhoods make me less than sure. In any case, the constancy of baseball and Reuben sandwiches gives us a rock to stand on. This too shall pass.
A wonderful and evocative essay. And a great recipe for a great sandwich. Thank you.
January 29, 2017
Andy, the Vietnam war & Watergate are apt analogies. I especially liked how many young kids were part of the protest. Past is prologue, but let’s hope for evolution of morality and peace. Failing that, revolution?
January 30, 2017
That Saturday march seemed to have been immeasurably magical everywhere it happened. I will never forget the way it was in L.A. and loved hearing about your Cincinnati experience. I think we are all figuring out how to move ahead on its energy and drive–and finding our ways.
January 30, 2017
Amazing show of force in LA. One of my many friends who marched there just came back from a letter-writing group targeting Congress yesterday and has organized support for the ACLU. As they say at USC, fight on!
January 30, 2017
I loved reading about all our experiences in Cin City. It was the best I have felt since the election. Especially once back at the hotel, I was shocked at the world protests. I really had no idea that this was on an international level. It gave me some hope.
In the meantime, it’s important to remember that actions speak louder than words as Susie so apptly put it. During this time of facism in this country, it is essential that we all do our part to ensure that the middle class does not become extinct. The threat of the rich getter richer and the middle class getting poorer is overwhelming. And in that, we need to come together in our communities to ensure that the poor still get access to birth control and all the benefits that Planned Parenthood provides. We can do this by donating funds and more importantly, our time. Everything that gets taken away can be replaced by giving back in actions, to our communities. We cannot allow this Administration to defeat us and we will not.
So with that in mind, it’s nice to know that there are people far and away that also support us in these endeavors. The outpouring of support was so encouraging on January 21, 2017.
Now it is time to get busy writing your Senators and Congressmen, making sure that we vote out a lot of these people in two more years and thinking about who can beat Trump in the next election.
Keep calm and March on.
January 30, 2017
Sage words, my dear one! Ready to march again!
January 30, 2017
This is really good. So insightful, thoughtful, and smart. Very impressive.
January 30, 2017
Grateful for your comments, and glad you are a believer in the cause 🙂
April 6, 2017
Sweet! Lot I didn’t know here. And special thanks for that Derby Pie recipe. My lips are sealed…
April 6, 2017
🙂
April 6, 2017
Wonderful evocation of old life/new life and reconciliation with the past. Really fascinating stuff about Bourbon culture and, as usual, great recipes. Shouldn’t this be in a book?
April 6, 2017
It’s gonna be a book someday, Andy! I hope to have juicy details soon.
April 7, 2017
Great pictures. Great to be able to say you come from Kentucky. It’s beautiful country.
April 7, 2017
Right on, Bob Halper!
April 8, 2017
Loved all the recipes and amazing writing!! Such fun to see all the hometown pics!! I look forward to Susie’s next adventure!!
April 10, 2017
:):):)
April 10, 2017
Loved your new post!
May 2, 2017
Oh, what evocative images and memories you’ve shared! I love the pictures of the horses as well as the beautiful food. It’s been years since I’ve travelled through Kentucky, and this post makes me want to go back. I look forward to reading your next book.
May 4, 2017
Thanks to you, Janet Hill. Hope to see you in Kentucky!
May 2, 2017
These various desserts are exquisite! How did I travel in Italy without tasting any of the treasures you’ve showcased here? I must go back — leave the job, take the cannoli. Bravo!
June 26, 2017
Sweet!!
June 5, 2017
Great idea to highlight Borough Market and great pictures.
June 5, 2017
Thanks, Bob. Too many meaningful public places (Christmas markets, train stations, night clubs) have been scarred by terrorism. So, we gather anyway. Onward!
June 5, 2017
Hey I saw your chocolate video on FB! Posted a message. You have a nice warm presence; maybe you’ll become social media celeb.
June 5, 2017
Arthur, you are a positive force of imagination! I like it!
June 19, 2017
The colorful photos make me so happy!!! I want to go to the Oxford Symposium.
When, when when? Is it every year? We barely know each other, but I love your life.
xoxox, elisa
June 25, 2017
So happy to hear from you, Elisa! Let’s go to the Oxford Symposium next year!! Sending you info…
June 26, 2017
How do you ever sleep with all that strong coffee in the afternoon? Or do the pastries cast a belated soporific spell just as you’re\getting into bed…?
June 26, 2017
Sleep is out of fashion under the midnight sun. What a place!
June 26, 2017
Pictures as usual are great. Maybe my favorite part of the site. Someone knows what they’re doing. I also like Fika. Should be tried more often in the States.
June 26, 2017
Thanks, Bob. Learning a little more every day. Shooting video with no crew & no camera is the part that gets me – just people and iphones these days
July 2, 2017
What a pleasure to read. Wonderful appreciation of a very different way of life. What is wrong with Americans that they can’t find a way to live in this kind of harmony? Agree that the photos are very good.
Look forward to next installment and glad you aren’t running out of countries.
July 2, 2017
Don Wedge = gentleman + scholar.
July 8, 2017
FF: How can you not love a country that has a specific tradition for “sitting down with friends or colleagues for strong coffee and sweet pastries?” Great pix too!
July 8, 2017
LV: Beautiful article and such enjoyable photos! Susie, when I grow up, I want to be you!!
July 8, 2017
haha! too many beautiful posts of mountain views from you to be true!
August 19, 2017
What a strong evocation of a beautiful area. I spent time in the Berkshires and you capture the magic of it. Wonderful tribute also to the brilliant cooks and artisans of the region. Makes me want to go up there and try out some of these places. Congratulations on some wonderful writing – and from where I sit in the suburbs of Indianapolis, what looks like a fortunate life.
August 19, 2017
Hope you make your way back to the Berkshires soon, Don!
August 19, 2017
Gorgeous and so enticing! Looks like a fairy tale. It makes me want to visit the Berkshires again; I’ve only been there in the winter. The photos were amazing, and I enjoyed seeing the pics of the family. Sounds like there are good eats that I must try!
August 20, 2017
You must try the eats! I await your return, Miss Lynn!
August 20, 2017
Your writing is so you! I can hear the words spilling out of your mouth. You make everything sound so yummy and appealing.
August 20, 2017
Love this blog post!
August 21, 2017
I’m in the Berkshires at least twice a year. I almost have more friends there than in NYC where I live. It’s a great respite from city life.Good story and good pictures. Thanks.
August 21, 2017
🙂
October 1, 2017
Like the chef;s tips.
October 1, 2017
I’m not a baker and will never be one, but if someone is in need of a taster, I’m your guy.
October 1, 2017
The world needs more of these right now.
Thanks for this timely post!
October 2, 2017
Peace & cookies…
October 4, 2017
SO FUN to see you yesterday! I hope you sold a ton of books and life is good. Happy chocolate tasting!
October 27, 2017
What a wonderful entry about a place I have always wanted to see. Surprising to think of Iceland as so expensive you had to eat at gas stations, but the portrait you paint and the great photographs make me think that it must have all been worth it. Brilliant posting, Gypsy. One of your best – or anyway, one of my favorites. (Write a book, for crying out loud!)
October 27, 2017
Got it, Don. I will write on!
October 28, 2017
Great article Chef on your vivid visit to Iceland, honored you could stay in my guesthouse and to be part of your experience.
October 28, 2017
Most delicious!
Especially those thermal waters. : )
October 29, 2017
I too longed to BE here as I read. Of course, curious: How IS the chocolate in Iceland? And what about the cookies? Travel on, Gypsy.
October 29, 2017
Great piece, great pictures. Almost makes me want to go to Iceland, not the highest place left on my list.
November 4, 2017
Your blog is so winning. I really love it.
December 2, 2017
Me too!!
December 2, 2017
I might not have been in a holiday mood before, but I am now! Thank you, Gypsy, for showing the way to the true heart of this season!
December 3, 2017
Yes, the heart of the season beats in those desserts!
January 15, 2018
The question is, where can I get some of those Happy Chocolates?
August 22, 2018
And how the season rolls around … darling girl …
February 11, 2018
I haven’t been to San Juan Capistrano in years, but this review inspires me. I will definitely try this place. I travel the 5 Freeway from Los Angeles to San Diego a couple of times a year and tend to drive straight through. I once went to a very dramatic Mexican restaurant near San Clemente where President Nixon used to go. I haven’t been back there in years. Thank you, Chef, for alerting us to the lost (or as yet undiscovered) treasures of the 1-5 corridor.
Just a note – I didn’t recognize the feature photograph at first. Took a while to realize it was a portion of fish.
February 11, 2018
I think they drink cabbage soup, and nothing but cabbage soup, for a few weeks every year… The saleswoman was right, though. You might have regretted by-passing this fetching item forever. And forever is a long time…
February 11, 2018
Right you are, Susan Heeger!
February 11, 2018
I especially loved your sauces summary, Gypsy, very helpful. Of course, my heart yearned toward Chef Olhat’s desserts…
Really great to know about this place. Orange County isn’t much covered in LA media. As always, so wonderful to have you out there on these culinary reconnaissance missions!
February 11, 2018
Sending hearts to you!
February 11, 2018
Both of you, Don & Susan 🙂
April 18, 2018
Very comprehensive and enlightening, Chef. I will try your recipes this weekend, for sure. Biscuits are among my all time favorites and it is hard to arrive at those with that soft, almost cottony interior…. Thanks for this. Your site is a miracle.
April 18, 2018
Hey Don – a light-handed biscuit man, I suspect!
April 19, 2018
When I first ate these biscuits, courtesy of the Gypsy herself, I couldn’t
stop thinking about them. I love biscuits just about more than any other bread,
and I’ve made them many ways. But this way is the best! They are light, flaky,
buttery and BIG, so eating them is a lingering pleasure.
I can imagine a modern Southern cookbook being your next project, Gypsy—possibly?
I hope so. I’m ready.
April 19, 2018
On to more cookbooks!!
May 4, 2018
At Gerbaud’s as with many cafes in Budapest, it is a 5 layer cake plus the caramel top. I wouldn’t call it simple as the layers are very precise (about 1/4 inch) and the caramel layer also requires technique. The original recipe requires two different types of sponge cake. This variation brings more texture into the sponge with lemon and almond, and a hint of brandy in the chocolate. It is modern adaptation – try it!!
December 1, 2018
Congratulations, Susie! Love it!!
January 22, 2019
Love to ya!!
December 7, 2018
Also The Professional Pastry Chef by Bo Friberg also has a nice recipe, too, and it features lemon!
December 7, 2018
You’ll regularly find lemon and almond regular featured in dobostora recipes 🙂
January 5, 2019
Wonderfully written. I loved the photo of Libby who is missed by all.
February 20, 2019
What a wonderful book. It just arrived on Saturday and I have it out on my kitchen counter and I’ve been experimenting. It’s got everything – breads, appetizers, main courses and of course, an amazing array of desserts. Pies, cakes, gateaux, cookies – I am a little intimidated to try them since these are pretty exotic confections. Will write more after I see how I do… What’s surprising is I’ve been reading it for pleasure which is unusual for a cookbook. The author’s voice is very strong and you feel as if she’s talking you through it. Also, there are tons of pictures and the book is beautiful and dense It’s very well written with lively anecdotes and personal stories but mostly, it’s the recipes which are very straightforward and clear. And the stuff came out wonderfully. I am pretty utilitarian when it comes to cookbooks – I look up what I want to make and follow the instructions. But this book is a lot of fun and will be a steady companion going forward, along with some of my other favorites. Congratulations to the author and her extensive creative partners. It looks like you guys had fun – and it shows.
February 20, 2019
Thank you, Don! So glad you like it and I have faith that you will conqueror your fear of pies, cake, and cookies! And I had terrific partners on this book – so glad you appreciate them.
February 21, 2019
Congratulations!
February 21, 2019
Just ordered mine!
May 2, 2019
I feel as if I’m right there with you!
Such beautiful pics, and such a beautiful book you’ve produced.
Can’t wait to try the strawberry tart. Now about that chocolate gateau…
May 2, 2019
Aaah! Let’s discuss that chocolate gateau!!!
May 2, 2019
Hooray! At long last. amazon will deliver my copy by Friday. See you on Sunday for your signature.
May 2, 2019
yum!
May 2, 2019
This is a wonderful piece and the photos are great. But is spring peak strawberry season?
May 2, 2019
Only in the greenhouses. Full season is June.
June 24, 2019
Boy, what great photographs. You really get a sense of the distinct colors – and the delicacy – of Japan. Would like to hear more about the trip. Of course, the heart of these witty celebrations are the recipes, and I am going to try the cod recipe this week. I’ve had it in restaurants but you are such a clear and straightforward guide, I feel as if I can make that for people this weekend. Will report back if there are any problems. Great to have a new entry from you, Chef. How is your book tour going?
June 24, 2019
I read Dan Barber’s article in your newsletter. The politics of food will only become more important as the planet’s population grows. Hence I have decided to continue to buy organic vegetables and grass fed animals, rather than praying for a pandemic, a democratic lead Supreme Court,
or death to Monsanto/Bayer.
If you have other suggestions, please pass them on.
June 24, 2019
I’ve heard several sustainable food advocates talk about the need for us to vote with our forks (and wallets.) We can shop at farmers’ markets, buy organic and local foods, and help make people aware of the dangers of the corporate food system. I’m hoping to pick up some good tips in Denver and will pass them along 🙂
September 17, 2019
This is the right sensibility for our food system. If we’re not thoughtful about what we put in our bodies then we are victims of powerful corporations who control what we put in bodies and who are not concerned with nutrition, nor in public health, but solely but in how little money they can spend for the maximum profit.
September 17, 2019
Amen to that, Doug Beard! And we can fight back by making our favorite dishes from scratch. Food fight is on!
October 17, 2019
We often spent time in the Berkshires when I was a girl growing up on Long Island. Thank you, Chef, for this gorgeous reminiscence and memories of such a happy time. Am I crazy, I can still tase the Apple Cider donuts they make up there, and of course the wonderful fresh vegetables – and of course, pumpkins! I live in Louisiana now but I miss the east coast. Of course, we have farmers’ markets here also, and I’ve come to truly love the local food and traditions. But my soul is in New York and New England. Come on down sometime and I’ll show you around! xx Miranda E.
October 17, 2019
I know how it is to have a soul in New England! Thanks, Miranda!
October 17, 2019
Thank you for this little trip to the Berkshires during apple season!
October 17, 2019
…one of my favorite road trips!
February 5, 2020
Very happy Happy Chocolates was out in force but I am wary of the idea of food ‘trends’. Aren’t people mostly excited about foods they love? This experimental aspect of the food industry is kind of fascinating but also worrying. Shouldn’t innovation be left to Silicon Valley and the scientists rather than people interested in eating pickles? I like pickles that taste like a pickle. And maybe that’s why I love your chocolates so much, since they are classic, subtle, well crafted and the best in the country. I don’t care if they’re trendy, just delicious!
February 5, 2020
Thanks, Warren. Glad you like the chocolates and glad you are a purist. No food trend spotting for you – although I think you might like those dill pickle-flavored
peanuts.
March 10, 2020
This is my favorite post!
April 15, 2020
Wow, this is wonderful. And the videos are extra helpful, so much better as instruction than traditional recipes. I don’t know which are more delightful, the pictures of the kids, especially the Lacrosse Team player, so intent on this new skill, or the beautiful crusty breads that are the reward to the baker. What an uplifting and cheerful posting at this scary and isolating time. It reminds us of the simply pleasures that come from staying home, spending time with our families and leaving the world and all its terrible problems beyond the door. Thank you for reminding us of this.
April 16, 2020
Thank you, Philip! Bread can transport us to a better place somehow, it’s true.
April 15, 2020
I’ve got to try the sourdough starter. Brilliant 🙂
April 16, 2020
Oh, and some of my readers are really curious about sourdough starters now. Technically, they are “wild yeast” starters because they collect yeast that naturally occurs in the air. Strange times to think of these microbes, but breadmaking and science class should be taught together more often. Even with this simple formula, you can develop a wild yeaster starter for more complex bread at home:
1 cup bread flour or all-purpose flour (unbleached)
3/4 cup water
Mix these two together in a glass jar or bowl, then add 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup water everday. For a boost, add in about 1/2 cup of bread crumbs from your last loaf or store-bought bread that has been around your kitchen for a while….gather wild yeast.
April 16, 2020
Of course, you are a culinary trendsetter! I think it interesting as a metaphor that we capture the ‘starter’ from the air at this time. Maybe that is the hopeful root or just a need for that warm toothy tang beneath the crust. To be honest, I ate an entire loaf of sourdough with my cioppino last week–some bites well-buttered and some dunked in the fish stew. That big pot recipe pretty much cleaned out the freezer of any leftover scallops, shrimp and cod, as well as the cupboard for clams and clam juice. I’ve avoided the store for several weeks but I think it’s time. So, what’s for dinner tonight?
April 16, 2020
Now I want some of that cioppino!
April 16, 2020
The video is fantastic. I just watched it. I don’t know how I missed. It was perfection. Congratulations.
April 17, 2020
Ooo, the one one the home page! So glad you liked it, Miss Tracy!
April 16, 2020
Just seeing all this is a comfort right now, whether or not one is even able to FIND the flour! Thanks so much, dear Gypsy. You have lit up my day.
April 20, 2020
yummmm. I’ve been making sourdough for the first time! It’s been such a delight… remember when gluten was “bad”? Now I spend inordinate amounts of time refining my techniques to improve the gluten structures of my bread!
June 10, 2020
So lovely. Vive la France.
June 18, 2020
Thanks for all these recipes! Love them!
November 10, 2020
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