Brandi‘s Stuffed French Toast:

Sabrina‘s Egg White Veggie Frittata Muffins:

Frog Hollow Farm‘s dried fruits (and Warren pears! So amazing).

Frog Hollow Farm also had a variety of chutneys and conserves, which were incredible. This was my favorite booth of the afternoon.

Some kind of shrimp and scallop ceviche from Fuego (can’t find a link):

A cool table with non-traditional shortbread made by Botanical Bakery:

Handmade marshmallows (pumpkin was one of the flavors) by Gateau et Ganache:

Chocolate covered nuts. I brought some of these home for Bobby and he has been calling them "poo balls". They are delicious despite their odd nickname.

My favorite candy of the day, made by Nina. Her Single Malt Scotch Bar was awesome.

Annie the Baker‘s cookies. Amazingly buttery and delicious. They tasted just like cookie dough.

p.o.p. candy‘s toffee – I had so much of the chai one. It had nuts and dried fruit.

Yummy (and pretty) chocolates.

Fabulous spreads.

479 Popcorn. My favorite was the curry (odd because I don’t like Indian food).

My other favorite dish of the day – Vineyard Pantry‘s Autumn Savory Tartlets (little pastry filled with wild rice, butternut squash, blue cheese mustard, cheese, and more). I can’t wait to experiment with their products.

A crazy cool beet meringue goat cheese savory dessert thing. It was a work of art (and quite tasty).

Olives.

Shannon‘s savory bread pudding.

I still have pictures from dinner, but I’ll save them. I met so many amazing people, including Emily from Foodzie – what a cool woman. That is a company I would love to work for.

A big thanks to FOODBUZZ for an amazing weekend.

In other news… wish me luck – we’re moving this week. (We’re taking off Tuesday instead of Monday.) Road trip from Sunnyvale to Princeton with two cats. Will be interesting.

Happy Monday! (Or Sunday, if you’re up late.) What did you do this weekend?

Like this post? Check out...

• May 12, 2010 -- Recipe: Grilled Portobello Kale Salad
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• January 21, 2010 -- Thursday Treats
• January 17, 2009 -- Annoucement… and dinner!

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Tonight we drove up to San Francisco for the first Foodbuzz Festival event. The welcome reception was from 5-7pm at the Hotel Vitale. This wasn’t the main food event of the day, but they did have two cool appetizers: gruyere gougeres with bacon and mascarpone and pork rillettes. They were provided by midi.

I tried the rilletes. Pretty good, but kind of salty. I didn’t try the puff things, but they looked cool.

After the reception we headed over to the Ferry Building for an amazing dinner event. Foodbuzz rented out a portion of the building and had restaurants serving food all the way down the alley.

As soon as we entered I saw mini cupcakes, and I couldn’t resist. Dessert first! I tried the pumpkin cupcake, but they also had red velvet, chocolate cinnamon, and an almond flavored one. I had an almond one on my way out for my real dessert. These were provided by Mission Minis.

I also tried this delicious vanilla bean ice cream by Straus Family Creamery. Awesome.

Then it was time for some real food. I had a bean burrito from Tacolicious. It wasn’t that good. I wanted chicken, but they were out. They had cool shirts though.

I also tried these savory vegetarian and meat pies from Pie Truck. Pretty yummy!

And a raw oyster from Hog Island Oyster Co…. awesome.

I passed on these chicharrones (fried pork chips) but they were cool looking. From 4505 Meats.

Alive had a selection of raw foods – 2 raw pizzas and raw cheesecake. These were okay. Not my favorite, to be honest.

The best items of the night: Spencer on the Go‘s Beet Salad with blue cheese and "far west fungi vol au vent" (creamy mushrooms on top of a puff thing). I went back for seconds on both of these.

Then there was some incredible thin crust pizza from Pizza Politana. This was the best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy and New York. And I didn’t think I was a pizza person.

Lastly, there was a cool pork sandwich and potatoes from Roli Roti. This seemed to be really popular with other bloggers, but I thought it was just okay.

They had this funny shirt: "I heart Crispy Skin". (TWSS? Not.)

My favorite of the night was absolutely the mushroom dish from Spencer on the Go (second favorite was their beet salad). Holy amazing yum. On the way out I snagged some more ice cream and the almond cupcake.

Don’t worry, I didn’t finish everything pictured. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for tomorrow… Happy Saturday!

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• April 17, 2008 -- Edamame Lemon Salad
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• June 3, 2009 -- Bag of Cheap Food
• May 15, 2008 -- Baked Oatmeal

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We didn’t get any kiddies last year, and I don’t know if we will this year either. Do you get trick-or-treaters?

Earlier today Bobby joked, “Maybe the reason Americans are becoming obese is that we focus on candy for every holiday and on Halloween we buy too much so we have extra left over. I bet other countries don’t do this.” But he’s right. Trick-or-treating is a very North American thing (Canadians do it too). It’s done in the US, the UK, Canada, parts of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Ireland. Apparently it’s been introduced in Italy and New Zealand (because of American culture infiltrating the media), but it’s been pretty controversial. Stuffing your face with candy seems to be a uniquely American thing to do.

As a kid I loved halloween. I don’t think I cared too much about the candy, to be honest. I did love dressing up. My mom always helped me and made elaborate costumes. I’ve been everything from a witch, to a pumpkin, to a bag of jelly beans (so cute), to a little Dutch girl with clogs, to a witch again, to a hippie… Well, you get the idea.

Of course I ate my candy – who wouldn’t? But I remember saving it for ages (I always “save” things for the “best” time) and ending up throwing most of it away after it went bad a few months later. This is the same way I treat most nice things I own; I save them for opportune times, but often the opportune time never comes and I regret saving whatever it is. Living in the moment is probably a better idea, anyway. And who wants to save something like calories? That shouldn’t doesn’t make sense.

But back to Halloween – it’s a shame that we can’t give out candied apples or homemade cookies anymore. I think that would be the best way to celebrate.

[Aside: we just got a kid! A little alligator! So cute.]

Am I being too cynical? Should I just accept that (most) Americans glorify unhealthiness because it’s “the land of the free” and we can pretty much do what and eat what we want without thinking of the consequences? I think I’m getting too pensive for a Saturday night, so I’ll stop there. Hope you all enjoyed your Halloweens.

Like this post? Check out...

• January 14, 2009 -- Vegetarian update and some good eats
• November 22, 2010 -- Healthy Monday: Semi-Homemade Fried Rice (Vegetarian)
• March 10, 2009 -- Walking the walk
• April 26, 2010 -- Recipe: Miso Eggplant Soba Noodles
• October 18, 2008 -- Lentil Leek Soup (Blogger Secret Ingredient)

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Quick summary of our day: This morning my midterm went fine; I think my bowl of protein powder oats gave me some good brain power. We didn’t really do anything else terribly exciting today because I had to show our apartment at 1pm. We got Chipotle for lunch (Dad’s first time) – I got a veggie salad, Dad got a chicken bowl, and Bobby got a chicken burrito. After the showing we headed to Santana Row, an upscale shopping area in San Jose.

Sorry in advance for the crappy pictures – left my sweet camera at home and used the small one.

Tonight we went out for dinner with out cousins. We got Vietnamese at Pho Nam in Sunnyvale. This place is great. I got #52, the Vermicelli with Shrimp. It came with veggies (lettuce, cilantro, carrots, cucumber), vermicelli (rice noodles), grilled shrimp (with oil), and a yummy fish sauce topping. We got (unpictured) spring rolls (fried and fresh) for the table as well.

I thought this meal was fab – fresh, light, and pretty healthy. Dad got pork and shrimp vermicelli (similar to mine) and Bobby got beef pho (noodle soup). Bobby also got a strawberry shake – I thought it was pretty so I snapped a picture (and had some of course).

Dessert was lots of fresh pineapple from Safeway (Thanks, Dad!).

Just a reminder – I don’t post about everything I eat; don’t think this was everything I ate today

I have been eating this awesome smoked mozzarella cheese on apples. I’ll try to remember to take a picture next time I have it. And I still have to share that crazy chocolate treat that I got recently too.

Have you had any cool new food finds lately?

Like this post? Check out...

• August 31, 2010 -- Reviews, Activia Desserts, & Eating To Feel Good
• September 6, 2008 -- Goodeats for 9/5/2008
• April 4, 2010 -- Why Do Sundays Have to End? Parks & Recreation & Books…
• May 12, 2011 -- Video Post: Thursday Latelies!
• September 22, 2010 -- Say Yes to Butternut Oat Bran Breakfast

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This was one of the demo recipes that Jill and I saw on Monday. Jill made it that very night and raved about it so I knew I needed to make it to. I had this last night for dinner. Yum. I also had a crazy cool dessert but I will share that later. I’ll give you a hint – it has something to do with chocolate.

Goat Cheese Zucchini Onion Red Pepper Frittata

Ingredients

• 3 whole eggs
• oregano, salt & pepper, to taste
• 2-3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, sliced thinly (I cut it in half and did half-moon shapes)
• 1/2 small red onion
• 1/2 medium red pepper, sliced up
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• a few scallions, sliced

Directions

1. Beat the eggs together with the oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a metal pan over high heat. Add the zucchini, onion, and red pepper. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
3. Add the eggs (do not mix it up). Cook it for another 3-4 minutes, or until the eggs start to firm up.
4. Turn the broiler on high. Sprinkle goat cheese and scallions on the frittata and put it under the broiler (in the pan – make sure you don’t use one with a plastic handle) for another 2-4 minutes, or until it starts to brown.
5. Serve plain, with a salad, or of course organic ketchup (click for my recipe).

I had half of this guy for part of my dinner and Bobby had the other half when he got home from band practice. Silly boy decides to tell me now that he doesn’t like goat cheese. What is up with that? I love goat cheese. You could have this for leftovers and I think it would also make a wonderful breakfast.

What is your favorite cheese? I think mine might be raw blue cheese, but this goat cheese is a close second.

Like this post? Check out...

• April 9, 2009 -- Pasta with Tomato & Parmesan
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• June 14, 2011 -- On Waking Up Early & Summer Challenge
• September 16, 2008 -- Birthday Eats for 9/15/2008

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I love it. What do you guys think?

My own crazy love is helping me change up my diet. I’m trying to eat pretty much the same stuff he does. For breakfast we made grilled cheese on Nature’s Pride bread. I had the 2 heels from the white one and he had 2 slices of the brown one. Cheddar oozed out the middle as we grilled them on the waffle maker. The outsides are lightly buttered for extra flavor. Bobby’s is in front; mine is in back.

I had coffee with breakfast; I have finally forsaken tea for coffee. I’m not sure what took me so long.

I was pretty starving for lunch. We made chicken burgers from Trader Joe’s. I sauteed up some veggies (Brussels sprouts, red pepper, burdock, collard greens) in chicken broth and added some Asian salad dressing. I had my burger on top of the veggies with some extra parm and ketchup; Bobby had his on bread with some cheddar and veggies on the side. He also had 3 pieces of veggie bacon (unpictured).

I got these yummy Pepperidge Farms cookies this morning at CVS, so we each had one for dessert. They are trail mix flavor – chocolate, raisins, and almonds.

Tonight we are making dinner for friends and we’re debating between baked French toast and my classic pizza recipe. Right now we are leaning towards the pizza because it’s always a hit.

What’s your favorite dish to make for friends or family?

In the news today…

• 6 year old boy missing from an experimental hot air balloon (UPDATE: he was found alive)
• It’s global handwashing day
• Report links smoking bans and heart health

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• August 22, 2008 -- Maggie’s "Panzanella"
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• August 18, 2008 -- Dad’s Buttermilk Pancakes
• August 19, 2008 -- How to roast peppers

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This is a bowl of cereal – peanut butter chocolate balls (Leapin Lemurs I believe), kamut puffs, sunflower seeds, a banana, and kefir (watered down a little bit to be more milky). I had with it some delicious cookie tea from Lupicia.

This next bowl is more cereal in a yogurt mess – kamut puffs, granola, sunflower seeds, a banana, and Oikos Greek yogurt. The granola has pumpkin seeds in it. It’s from Nature’s Path. Again, served with cookie tea.

I’ve also been digging popcorn (topped with cinnamon, salt, and chili powder).

Bobby loves homemade ramen – just fresh noodles, shoyu sauce, celery, and tofurkey slices. We get the noodles in the refrigerated section of the Asian market.

And we all know I love salads. This one is topped with lots of olives, pickled beets using Clare’s recipe (more on that later – delicious), pickles, parmesan (duh), and Newman’s Own lowfat sesame ginger dressing (it’s back!).

I’ve been using a cool site called Meals Matter to try planning more of my meals. It makes me branch out and I’ve been less inclined to snack at night when I know what my breakfast the next morning will be. Though… I have to admit. Last night I had a little bit of a snack attack with apples (the ones we picked) and a Vosges Black Pearl Bar (chocolate with wasabi, ginger, black sesame seeds – I swear it’s awesome). I did make it 2 whole days with no night time snacking, and that is big for me.

What was the last thing you indulged in?

Like this post? Check out...

• February 15, 2009 -- Oat Bran Mini Scones (Macrobiotic)
• December 4, 2008 -- Lovely day
• November 7, 2008 -- The 12-mile Friday
• January 26, 2009 -- I like breakfast.
• July 12, 2010 -- The Perfect Slice – of UES Pizza

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I have a new favorite product, and I have no idea where to get it.

Heather sent me this for my birthday and now I’m addicted. It’s a Vosges Goji Bar. I’ve been trying to savor it slowly, but I think it’s doomed to be finished today. I made it last almost a week, which is good. I’m going to check Whole Foods and Cost Plus first. I hear it’s also sold at Nieman Marcus, so next time I’m in the city (San Francisco) I might try to find it there.

The bar has a hint of salt, which brings out the amazing goji berry flavor. Vosges seems like a pretty cool company; they have other crazy flavors like bacon (!), oaxaca, ginger & wasabi (called black pearl), and woolloomooloo (hemp, macademia nuts). I love it. Thank you Heather!

Another thing I’ve been loving recently is Bare Minerals makeup. I’ve been making an effort to feel great about my appearance ever since my birthday and my abandonment of raw foodism. This includes wearing makeup, wearing clothes that make me feel cute, and eating things that I love. I got the starter kit ($60) and I’m so glad I did. I know that Bare Minerals is not the best natural makeup (it does have a few scary chemicals), but it has been working for me. It even came with a DVD that explains how to put it on! This is my new prep station:

My skin is generally quite problematic, but I’ve seen a dramatic improvement over the last few days due to half a dozen things I’m trying: MSM supplements, Maca powder, new makeup, Origins oil-free thing (in picture), not touching/picking at my face, and no more detoxing (see, I really did mean half a dozen = 6 things). I don’t know which one of these things fixed my skin, so I guess I’ll have to keep doing all of them.

I mentioned cleaning and organizing a few days ago (I spent my birthday night cleaning – by choice). A clean and clutter-free house makes for a very happy Maggie. I have a few bags in the back of Bobby’s Saab to take to Goodwill and I made this jewelry box so that I can access my jewelry quickly and easily. Organization makes me happy.

This was so simple to make. I took a cardboard box (I think it was from freeze-dried apple chips; yum), and stapled tissue paper on it. I save tissue paper from my purchases (Anthropologie has the best). I hung my dangly earrings on the sides and put the other stuff in the middle (I made that brown dish in ceramics).

Bobby has a class all day today, so I’m on my own. I’m gonna work out, drop off an application, eat some Greek yogurt (yes, dairy is back), and chill out. I’m also going to listen to songs from this website. Heather’s brother started this awesome site (Start My Song) where songwriters can upload their new songs – a lot of them are really good. I’m listening to the Country station now.

Enjoy your Saturday! What was the last thing you did to make yourself feel beautiful?

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• June 13, 2008 -- Happy Birthday, Bulgar Salad, and Weekend Herb Blogging (Bacon Avocado)

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My favorite meal to order there was this Fruit & Nut Plate. It’s yogurt, granola, nuts, fruit, and honey. The fruit varies every time you go.

This falafel salad was always a winner as well. Bobby even ordered it several times.

And the desserts can’t be beat (chocolate mousse cake)…

Here are some word origins:

• school. the oldest meaning I can find is “to hold, hold in one’s power, to have”. the word scheme shares this root. that root comes from Proto-Indo-European.
• favorite. this comes from French, and it means “to favor”.
• fruit. this is from Latin. it comes from the same root as frugal; the root meant “to use, enjoy”. up until ~1225AD it also meant vegetables!
• dessert. this is also from French. it means “last course”, and literally means “removal of what has been served”. it’s from the verb desservir, which means “to un-serve”.

If you’re graduated, do you ever miss the “back to school” feeling? Or if you’re still in school, are you ready?

P.S. Want another book rec? I started Panic in Level 4 last night and am about to finish it now. It’s by Richard Preston, author of The Hot Zone. It’s several long essays on crazy science things – nonfiction. I liked it a lot. He’s an amazing writer.

Like this post? Check out...

• February 22, 2008 -- NYC food
• June 18, 2011 -- sapphire blue memories*
• July 16, 2008 -- Watermelon Blue Cheese Salad and WHB – amazing.
• February 21, 2009 -- Macrobiotic Wrap-up
• January 24, 2009 -- Mushroom “Risotto” with Brown Rice – Simple!

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Banana-Avocado-Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients (serves just 1)

• 1 banana
• 1/2 small-ish avocado
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1-2 teaspoons raw honey

Directions

Mash everything witha fork, or if you want to be snazzy use a blender/food processor.  Enjoy.

I will be back soon with somewhat of an update, and hope to be blogging more regularly again soon as well.  Here’s to a great new week!

Like this post? Check out...

• October 6, 2009 -- A Stir fry & Apple picking
• August 31, 2010 -- Reviews, Activia Desserts, & Eating To Feel Good
• October 16, 2010 -- What’s Up Saturday – 10.16.10
• January 2, 2011 -- Happy New Year! A Year In Review.
• July 28, 2009 -- More new things

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