Red Wine and Narrow Roads

It’s now been four days since I’ve returned from Italy. It has been more than enough time for my trip to become a haze. It’s a weird feeling coming home from time abroad; you would think that spending a month in another country would be hard to forget and it is. However, there’s a weird normalcy of coming home that causes all memories to become a blur. Each photo taken is a reality turned into a story. I want to burst with stories but at the same time its hard to piece everything together. I thought that because I wasn’t gone for a whole semester that everything I had heard about how hard it is to return wouldn’t apply to me. It does! 

Don’t get me wrong. I’m SO happy to be home. I love my bed and my favorite coffee shop and my roommates. But I’m having a hard time grasping the fact that I spent so many days traveling through Italy. Sweet sweet Italy. I dreamed of how wonderful it would be to study olive oil and wine and parmesan in one of their birthplaces. I got to do that. I had a month long food journey. Bear with me because as I’m typing I’m finally starting to process (slowly) through all of this. I visited Venice, Parma, Modena, Sorrento, Capri, etc. I drank a lot of wine, I ate a lot of pasta, I walked everywhere. I took nice trains, I took sketchy trains. I had a shot of espresso every morning. I learned to ignore street vendors and not to use public bathrooms (mainly because they cost $$). I biked through Chianti and wine tasted in castles. I had pesto pizza, a cannoli, bruschetta, lots of tomatoes, truffle gnocchi, and lots of gelato. Italians like to feed you. Italians like to wear black. Italians like to express themselves and have conversations with their neighbors across the sidewalks. Roads are narrow and moped drivers are crazy. Some people don’t like Americans, others are extremely hospitable. Trying to speak Italian is a good thing, even if you screw up. They put Nutella in everything. They eat local as much as they can. A meal is an event and if they feel like closing their store in the middle of the day for a couple of hours they will. Wine is a respected part of the meal and is always necessary. 

Italian men on motorcycles are indeed beautiful. Gelato shops are on every street corner. It’s impossible to get sick of standing on one of the bridges on the Arno river watching the sunset. It’s easy to become immune to the detailed churches that grace each piazza. Being homesick happens. Even with the romantic thoughts of living in Italy, sometimes you can’t get home out of your head. I’m so gleeful that I got to have such a cool experience, with a professor who loved the topic and fellow students that I loved getting to know. Please ask me about Italy because I will be more than happy to tell you about it. I want to keep learning from it, even back here in sweet Minneapolis. 

Suggested Music -- Cannonball // by: Skylar Grey, X Ambassadors 

Suggested Recipe -- Chocolate Biscotti  

May your wine be shared with friends and coffee taken black,

Sarah

Different

I've been wanting to write for a month or two now because little thoughts keep coming to me. Thoughts of depth and thoughts of excitement. But when I write I feel like I need to be going through a breakthrough of sorts in order for me to share it with you. So here it is. Me, sitting in an airport, again. Reflecting on everything in my life and wishing for something different. Why is it that we experience so few times in our lives where we feel truly happy? Why is it that we are always wishing for at least one thing to be different? These are questions I really wish I didn't have to answer. Yet here they are, looking me in the face and telling me to think. Right now I want to be in San Fransisco. In this very moment. Last summer I spent less than two days in that glorious city with my family and right now I'm looking into how I can move there. But I know this moment will pass. Right now I want school to be over. I long for a vacation I can come back from where homework and deadlines aren't confronting me. But I know this moment will pass. Right now I feel like crying; because things aren't as I want them to be. Even though if I were to leave the life I had at this moment I would miss it, I still yearn for a different time. But I know this moment will pass. 

This is a place I wish never existed. This place forces me to believe that what I have right now isn't good enough and that there is always something better. When that is a blatant lie. I hate it when I believe it. Right now I am trying with all I have to find joy in the things of now and be patient for the things of the future. I think often I miss out on the glorious moments of the present when I desire other things. Just now I witnessed a 3 year old blow a kiss to her dad as he left the gate area. And that is the sweetest thing that I could have seen at this time. Innocent and loving now. That is what I strive for on Wednesday March 16th, 2016. A clear mind and a loving disposition. I know I will always look to different things, and I think that is a part of life. But my present is my life and I want to live there. Will you join me in that? I know I'm not alone. 

Suggested Music -- Colour // by: Bright City

Suggested Book -- Miles to Cross // by: Mike Howerton

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah 

Tears

"But I'm learning. It's human to struggle. It's human to nurse a broken heart, to wonder if the pain will ever let up, to howl through your tears every once in a while. And the best, most redeeming, exciting thing I can imagine, from the smashed-up, broken place I've been, is that something beautiful can blossom out of the wreckage." - Shauna Niequist 

I was recently a bridesmaid in my very good friend’s wedding this past weekend. I don’t think I fully prepared myself for how much reflecting I would do in the process of that weekend. I’ve known this friend for almost 18 years now and only see her a couple times a year. This means each time I see her is precious and wonderful. Her wedding day is something we’ve both been dreaming about since we were young. Needless to say I was honored to be a part of it. To put into perspective my emotional state just hear this: the day before the wedding we went to the church to set up and within a minute of walking onto the stage where she would soon say her vows, I started to cry. It wasn’t even my wedding! But I always forget how easily I cry until moments like these arise. 

Tears are a special thing. They allow you to come to grips with all the words whirling around your head. They allow you to show other people how you are truly feeling. They allow you to release hard emotions, whether positive or negative. I cried countless other times during this weekend. I cried during my toast at the rehearsal dinner. I cried in the bridal suite with her while we talked about her beautiful, God-woven relationship with her soon to be husband. I cried when she walked down the aisle. I cried when she proclaimed her promises to her husband. And I cried when she danced with her father to a hand crafted song. There were moments where I tried to hold back from letting it all out at once for the sake of both my make-up and my dignity. But sometimes its good to let it all out. On my way back home I went to the bathroom in the Portland airport and cried in one of the stalls, releasing everything built up and giving myself a fresh start. 

These times were some that I will never ever forget, ones I already hold close to my heart. I long to replay some of the precious moments I shared with my friend this weekend. And tears were a critical part in the closeness I felt with her in this joyous weekend. Admittedly some of those tears were happy and some of them were me coming to grips with the reality that I am not getting married any time soon. But either way, letting those tears leave my eyes was an incredibly wonderful thing. I firmly believe this season of life I am entering is one of extreme growth, independence and confidence. I am realizing that growing up is just more reason to let the tears flow, because its hard. And amidst that difficulty is a sweetness that I just can’t let go of; a sweetness I can only attribute to the joy of life the Lord has given us. 

Sugessted Music -- Send Off // by: Explosions In The Sky 

Suggested Book -- Bittersweet // by: Shauna Niequist 

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah 

Drained

When you’re already in a teary mood, I don’t recommend watching the finale of Friends. In just the last hour I have realized this: humans crave to be loved. We so much want to hear affirmation from others that we are special to them. Sometimes I don’t like being a girl because I feel like I take this characteristic to the level where I even drive myself crazy. I hate to admit it, but I have found that a lot of my worth in the past 5 years has come from people affirming me. Whether that be from a guy or a good friend. Either way it feels good, but when it goes away, it hurts. It really hurts. Sometimes I even push it away. There have been moments where it’s there, and then its gone. A fleeting moment that I wish I could capture in a jar and let it out whenever I needed it. There have been moments where I know I’ve made the right decision (i.e. in a relationship), but I suddenly want to change them, simply for the reason of being affirmed again. I know that these feelings are not necessarily wrong; we were created as beings who have deep love imbedded in our hearts. However, when the affirmation becomes my identity (which I see in my life in neon letters right now), I believe it becomes draining. And that’s exactly how I feel in this moment: drained. For trying too hard to mend something that doesn’t need to be fixed. And for trying to make something work that never will. 

So please hear my heart as I tell you this. I am a broken college student who desires love. I search for it every day of my life. And each time I look, the only thing that stays constant is the promised love of Jesus. I run away from it daily, but He’s always there calling me back. Join me in this battle. 

Ephesians 3.17-19

“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” 

Suggested Music -- Here For You // by: Kygo, Ella Henderson

Suggested Recipe -- Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Sage Cream Sauce

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah

#twentyone

I recently turned 21. This, as do many birthdays, has caused me to reflect. Things for me are going to change quite a bit. I will soon be the only member of my family living in the Twin Cities. I am going into my second semester of my junior year of college. The list could go on. I'm beginning to realize that my life is truly becoming my own now. Yes, my parents still pay for some things, but my day to day decisions and actions are all warranted by myself. Its kind of scary, but adulthood is here. "Going home" for the weekend is no longer a thing. My home is HERE. My home is where I'm stationed. I have other homes around the country, but right now, my placement is Minneapolis. 

// With this in mind, I have a new initiative for myself as I go into the year of 2016 and my twenty-first year of life. It's my #twentyone initiative. I've realized that I've been stationing myself and not allowing my relationships to progress or my goals to be achieved. My initiative is this: 1. Look to the Lord for my purpose, not people 2. Start thinking of myself as an adult, because it's here 3. Be willing to take risks, whether big or small, relationally or emotionally // 

Over the next year I will probably add countless things to this list. However, these are the things in my heart at this moment. My years have been hard, but so good. The people I love are still with me. My love grows for more people every day. And I'm constantly seeing God's grace in my life. 

I encourage you to look as well. A new year always brings new things, whether you want them to come or not. So let them in and see what they have to offer. 

Suggested Music -- Joy to the World // by: Sufjan Stevens
Suggested Recipe -- Soft Ginger Cookies 

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah

College Is Hard: Jesus and Coffee Help

College has become one of the most humbling things I have ever experienced. To date, I have a failed class in my record. I have a dropped class due to failing in my record. I have too many C's to count in my record. I have "barely passed" in my record. I have failure (according this world) in my record. This is something I never experienced in my school career until I came to college. 

I had nearly flawless grades all through my middle and high school years. It was a source of pride for me, a source of life, a source of happiness. There is nothing wrong with working hard in school in order to do well, it's what we should be doing. However, there is a point where grades become more important than learning, and getting the highest grade possible becomes an obsession. I didn't realize the hold that school had on me until all those things were stripped from me. I suddenly had to look at the GPA requirements for scholarships. I had to retake a class in the summer (and have another one in my future). I had to come to grips with the fact that just because I like statistics and am good at it, doesn't always mean I'm going to ace it. Just because I'm qualified to be in a class whose title some people don't understand, doesn't mean I'm going to pass it. 

The satisfaction from school lasts a short amount of time. But, can I tell you about something that lasts longer than a treacherous semester? Yep, the Lord. At the start of this semester I became really consistent with reading the Word. I actually started to read and dig into it. Let me tell you, THAT is what has changed me this semester. I feel like for the first time in my life my heart is tied to Jesus. He is teaching me things that follow me longer than a D on a test. And although my grades still aren't the best, I have learned to accept the challenge the Lord has let me face. 

Suggested Music -- One Million Bullets // by: Sia
Suggested Beverage -- Spyhouse Coffee 

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 


PS: see? I can write about more than just food :) 

Around the Table

I wish cooking for friends and family could be a paying occupation. It's truly one of the things that gives me the most joy. There's something about serving your heart in a bowl and hearing the extroverts rave about it and the introverts enjoy in silence as they all finish with a smile. It fills my soul. Yesterday I cooked for my roommate's parents -- they basically let us take charge of their kitchen, something I feel honored to do. 

A kitchen is a sacred room of the house, one where so much takes place. This is a room where holidays are made, tears are comforted and mornings are started. It is a room I take very seriously. Good food can somehow cause you to forget about the hard things in life for a little while. And preparing it is apart of that experience for me. Sometime I struggle with my introverted personality because I feel like I can't do ministry the way I see others do it. It's a lie that I constantly have to work through with the Lord. But then I get in a kitchen with a towel over my shoulder, some music playing and a sharpened knife ready to chop. All the fear disappears. I love discovering the passions the Lord places in my life because I see how they contribute to bringing joy to others. Like the simplicity of a meal. We all need to eat, so why not prepare the most flavorful, fresh and handmade things?  

The table is where it all comes together. We call to those in the house, we stop what we're doing and we rest with each other. We thank the chef, we thank the people partaking in our food, and we thank the Lord. The flavors are all experienced in a different way, but they are all experienced around the same table. And that, to me, is special. Let's stop our busy lives for 30 mins and sit at a table, rest, and enjoy the fruits of a good recipe with other beautiful souls. 

Suggested book -- Bread and Wine // by: Shauna Niequist 

Suggested music -- Stay With Us // by: Seoul

                             -- Pumpin Blood - Acoustic // by: NONONO

Suggested recipe -- Beef Bourguignon http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe.html

May your coffee be caffeinated and your food well seasoned,

Sarah

Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar // Minneapolis

Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar
4208 28th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406 
Would I go back? Yes

    Its been a while since I blogged about one of my favorite things in the world. I thought it was time. Angry Catfish is on that top ten list I've been going through. To be honest I was sorta avoiding it because I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. A coffee shop that is also a bicycle shop? Its a concept not heard of very often and I wasn't sure how they would pull off. But it was on the list for a reason -- good coffee and great atmosphere. So I checked it out! As blustery of a day it is today, I would have gotten coffee at a gas station if that was what I had to do to get some caffeine. Thankfully, my fate was sealed very well. 
    This place is great. Yes, the bicycle shop is prevalent, but they did such a good job separating the two places at the same time. And hey! If you bike and love coffee, this is THE PLACE for you. Its nestled in a cute neighborhood near Minnehaha Falls. The coffee is wonderful. They serve Intelligensia, so I was automatically hooked. And look at those cups! Aren't they great? The only criticism I have is there isn't a lot of seating compared to other shops I have been to. Other than that, this place is great and would highly recommend it if you are in that area. 

May your coffee be caffeinated, 
Sarah 
    

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar // Minneapolis

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar

1500 Como Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Would I go back? Definitely 

     So…big surprise, I actually haven't been to all the coffee shops around the University of Minnesota. I know I know. If you know me you might be shocked. But there are still more to experience! I recently went on a Saturday morning adventure to Black Coffee and Waffle Bar in the Como neighborhood with a couple friends to study and drink delicious coffee. I found myself wanting to stare at the awesome store and people watch instead of do my homework, but nonetheless it was successful. This place is awesome. A gem I wish I had found last year! First of all, they serve Dogwood Coffee -- basically the best coffee you've ever put on your tastebuds. So naturally I went for a classic cup of black coffee and I couldn't have been happier. And as a bonus, my friend got a waffle, so I got to try an incredible bite of food. This waffle was the weekend special and was pretty much pumpkin cheesecake and caramel on top of a waffle. How could you go wrong there? It was awesome. 

     The design and feel of this place is great. Very hipster, but comfortable as well. It's a little more like a restaurant than a coffee shop (at least in the mornings) because of the menu they serve, but its still a great place to study or hang out and have coffee. I still can't believe I get to live in an area that has such great places like this one and I'm definitely going back soon! So, if you live near the University of Minnesota (or, seriously if you don't) you need to try this gem.  

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah

Quixotic Coffee // St. Paul

Quixotic Coffee
769 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55116
Would I go back? Yes

     I parked a block away adjacent to the cute street of Cleveland Ave. Busy, yet quaint, it made me fall more in love with St. Paul. Quixotic Coffee sits in the midst of it all. I started my morning there with a currant scone infused with earl grey from a local bakery. YUM. Have I mentioned how much I love that we accept eating cake-like things for breakfast? Its awesome. This coffee shop is great. They have ample seating and a very minimalist style going on. I enjoy the amount of bar-style seating they have. Not all coffee shops have this and its something I really like to see. I, however, chose the couch because why not? On the walls they have hanging by an industrial wire, beautiful photographs. My guess is they come from local photographers. Although its something I've definitely seen before, it worked very well with the shop. The photos gave the store a warmer feel that I really enjoyed. 
     My friend and I both got a pour over. Quixotic has a fairly minimal menu which is a green light for me because that means they do the classics and they do them well. A good pour over is always a gem to find. Each cup they pour they fresh grind the coffee. Thumbs up for that. Good work. I was able to see the barista make it right in front of my eyes at the front of the counter. I appreciate being able to watch artistry. Yes, coffee is an art. A tasty art. It was an extremely enjoyable cup of coffee. If I'm ever in that neighborhood again, Quixotic will definitely be on my list to go to again. It will be a good addition to your day of shopping at the local bookstore (not that I did that or anything). 

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

J & S Bean Factory // St. Paul

J & S Bean Factory
1518 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105 
Would I go back? Yes

     I love St. Paul. Its a city with old charm and character, something you can't find everywhere. Most of the coffee shops I have explored have been in Minneapolis so I was excited when I got to venture back to St. Paul to try J & S Bean Factory. This place is so funky and eclectic. I had to get a coconut latte because when I find a place that makes them I always pounce on it. They are my favorite in the summer. The latte was delicious, but what made it so great was the mugs they serve their coffee in. The mug you see in my photo was one of many kinds and designs. They have a mismatch of mugs and that is so fun. When you think of your coffee mug collection at home, most of us don't have a set of twelve identical mugs. We have a mismatch of designs and each have story of where we got them and why, etc. I can imagine the people of J & S being able to tell similar stories about their mugs. It was a perfect morning to sit outside so my friend and I took advantage of the very large outdoor space they provide. I felt like I was in someones backyard; it was great. The shop is nestled at the end of a cute neighborhood street which made it feel even more quaint. There were lots of people outside, but I didn't feel like the table next to me was going to hear my conversation, it was very comfortable. 
     Something I have yet to try of J & S is their bean selection. That's what they are known for.  An adjoining room to the coffee bar hosts a wall full of different beans they roast in house. You can even take a peak into another room where they roast the magic. They always have a special roast for the day. I am definitely going to go back and buy some beans and do some tasting. Nothing like a cup of black coffee to charm the senses. A place like this would be good to try your hand at black coffee because they have so many choices. You can choose one that resonates with you. Good work J & S! I'll be back.

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

Peace Coffee // Minneapolis

Peace Coffee
3262 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Would I go back? Probably

     This place is unique. I want to meet the person who designed Peace because they nailed it. The style isn't for everyone, but for the neighborhood its located in, its perfect. It matches the name perfectly. I can see this place nestled in a quaint area of Portland, Oregon. The style is hippie and very eclectic, and they pull it off famously. I imagine the designer going to random shops finding unique items and pairing them together, wanting mismatched colors and fun patterns. It works. Like I said, not for everyone. Although a place like this isn't my first choice, I always like exploring shops outside my normal scope. The only reason I said "probably" on if I would go back is because of its location. Its not in my favorite area of Minneapolis and a little out of the way for me to go just to grab a cup of coffee. The neighborhood is quiet which is nice if you aren't looking for a bustling area. The coffee, though, is ON POINT. I respect places that make their own syrups for drinks which is exactly what Peace does. Vanilla, caramel and chocolate are the three on the list. I had a classic vanilla latte and it was superb. I exclaimed out loud when I took my first sip, just ask my friend. You could see the vanilla bean specks in my latte, exactly what should be. Although I probably won't be back here soon, that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. After going to so many places, I get picky and I learn what I like the most for my particular taste. The beauty of today is the vast amount of choices we have for coffee shops. Peace Coffee deserves the recognition it has already received and hopefully will continue to receive. 

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

Bob's Java Hut // Minneapolis

Bob's Java Hut
2651 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 
Would I go back? Absolutely

    There are SO MANY coffee shops out there today. Sometimes they run all together and you can't find something thats truly unique. Go to Bob's Java Hut. This place is great. So unique. I think one thing that makes it so great is they chose their motif and rocked it, right down to a garage door that opens into the shop. My friend and I sat at the bar that opens out to the street and it was glorious. The weather was perfect and it was so nice to sit down on vintage (yet surprisingly comfortable) chairs and look out onto the uptown bustle. Everything they have is vintage biker stuff, so awesome. They even sell cigarettes that people gladly smoke outside the shop, which would normally bother me when I'm enjoying coffee, but it just works. Its all a part of the experience. 

     I went simple on my coffee this time with a classic cold-press. There aren't many better things than cold-press on a summer day. A splash of cream and simple syrup made this 20 oz wonder even more fabulous. Simple syrup is so much better than putting straight sugar in your iced coffee - get used to using it (make it at home, its so easy). So do yourself a favor and check this place out. The coffee is delicious, the environment is killer and you will feel awesome when you walk out. I love it that much. 

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah 

Dogwood Coffee Bar // Minneapolis

Dogwood Coffee Bar
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Would I go back? Yes

     There is no question that Dogwood coffee is among the best around. It is served in many of my favorite coffee shops in the Minneapolis area. If you want quality beans for your personal cup of joe at home, buy Dogwood coffee. There's something about the roast I can't put my finger on, I just know the coffee is prime. And the other drinks (such as the latte pictured) are delicious as well. I was very excited to visit the coffee bar that carries such a namesake brand. The shop is almost more exciting to me than the coffee itself. Atmosphere is key. The Dogwood style came through very well and whoever designed the special touches they have is very talented. I enjoy the style very much, but the location is left to be desired. I personally don't like where they chose to house this incredible coffee. Its in the middle of the shopping on Hennepin Ave and is open to the rest of the indoor shopping. To me, this makes any shop lose its charm. Its like a bank that is housed in a grocery store -- the personal feeling is lost. Although dogwood did a good job making the space their own, I still can't get over the fact that its not a full store. I would go back again for the coffee, but next time I want a good place to read or study, I will not be choosing this location. 

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah 

Bull Run Coffee Bar // Minneapolis

Bull Run Coffee Bar 
3346 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Would I go back? YES 

     The first thing I noticed when I walked in to this awesome place was a couple people playing cards, which immediately made me smile. I love stuff like that. What does that mean? Its a great place to hang out long after you've finished your cup of joe. What I noticed was different about Bull Run from other coffee shops I've been to was their efforts to design an eye-pleasing environment without looking like they tried too hard. There are urban touches here and there including old school-room look alike chairs and pipe shelving. However this did not command the space. It was very comfortable and low key. I didn't feel like I walked into a place where the baristas thought they were above me; they were there to make me a cup of coffee, and make it well. The baristas seemed approachable and that they enjoyed their job. I really like seeing that at coffee shops. Since I enjoy coffee so much, I get a lot out of employees who will match my excitement for it. Another unique part of this shop are the ceilings which I give you a picture of. With the simplicity in design of the rest of the shop, these are a really awesome touch. Also, they had a World Cup game playing on a laptop, which I thought was just great. 
     As for the coffee, I enjoyed a latte. My first sip was a surprise. Delicious, yes, and very strong. Which I love! I like a latte where the milk doesn't overwhelm the espresso. The milk should be there to enhance the coffee and not cover it up. This latte was just that. Thank you, Bull Run. I can see myself pouring over statistics homework here with a cup of black coffee this fall. The location is in my favorite part of the Uptown area with a park right across the street. So get yourself over to Bull Run Coffee Bar and enjoy yourself.

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

Urban Bean // Minneapolis

Urban Bean Coffee 
2401 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405 
Would I go back? I already have 

 

     I frequently miss my second bus on the way home from work which can be extremely frustrating, like today. Except for the fact that there's an Urban Bean on the same corner as my stop. That makes it a little better. Although this place didn't make the top ten list, who cares. It's rockin. The name speaks for itself, and urban it is. For starters they have the cutest  logo and the hippest atmosphere. As I sit here writing this, to my left is a giant chalk board wall and straight ahead I'm looking out the big window onto the quaint street corner. And did I mention the espresso is slap you in the face good? Because it is. You need a kick? Get a macchiato. None of this large caramel crap. A REAL macchiato. You know...double shot with a touch of milk and foam. Yeah, I'm sure half this country doesn't even know what a traditional macchiato is because of the commercialized Starbucks macchiato. Friends, don't be lied to anymore (Can you tell I'm passionate about this?). To the right is a photo is one of these amazing macchiatos. Just look at it, beautiful right? And if you can stand espresso, don't put a drop of sugar in it. I want you to experience a macchiato the way it should be. Watch them make it too, its an art form, and I'm obsessed with it. Anyways, they only have one location and it's so worth it. And they serve cold press in mason jars, so what's not to love? Don't expect cheap and economic because, after all they serve dogwood coffee. But do expect deliciousness. 

May your coffee be caffeinated, 
Sarah 

Kopplin's // St. Paul

     My journey this summer is to explore the coffee shops of the Twin Cities. My fascination isn't just with the taste of the coffee, but with the atmosphere of the shop. Every detail makes a difference. The chairs, the mugs, the lighting, the music, the location. I've been in places where the music is so loud I can't even put headphones in and silence it, some locations are really inconvenient for parking and some places have chairs that will make your back stiff in a matter of minutes. To me, its the places that pay attention to details like these that make it on my list of places to return to. I found a list online of the top ten coffee shops in the Twin Cities to try, so I am going to go through that list along with others I have found. 

Kopplin's Coffee
2038 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 
Would I go back? YES 

     I didn't research this place really at all before trying it. My friend found it on the top ten list (it ranks #1) and suggested we go. I've been to so many places sometimes they run all together, but I have to admit, this place is adorable. I would definitely classify it as a neighborhood coffee house. The atmosphere felt very down to earth and comfortable, they had nothing to hide and weren't bogged down by big name higher-ups. The front of the shop has a counter with a couple bar stools, a nice couch and coffee table and some other little tables. The back of the shop has ample more seating. Perfect for an afternoon of studying (which is a key thing for my current college days) or just reading or chatting with a friend or two. Details: mason jar water station, a weakness of mine, I just love stuff like that. The coffee was superb. I always like to try the latte of any store I visit because it shows the basic but necessary skills of the barista. There was nothing to disappoint there, the foam art was beautiful and the espresso nutty. Although the prices were pretty much normal for these days, a 12 oz latte was $1 more than the 8 oz, which seemed a bit pricy for me. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a comfortable place to relax or study. The neighborhood is cute and easy to get around. However, if I were to make a top ten list, this would not be on my #1. Although they didn't do anything wrong, there wasn't anything to wow me or put it over the top. Try it out for yourself. You can always use another cup of coffee. 

May your coffee be caffeinated, 
Sarah 

I'm Back and I Made Gnocchi

I'm sitting here in a coffee shop sipping a macchiato and realized I haven't posted in 9 months. I guess going to college had something to do with that. Let me tell you, the dorm is not the easiest place to cook and blog about it. My taste buds had to take a break and learn to eat food I wouldn't necessarily pick right off the bat. But what else is college about? Summer is upon me once again which means I can cook to my hearts content! 

To start off my cooking endeavors I made potato gnocchi. This is such an easy thing to make and it looks fancy. I have made gnocchi before, just with mascarpone cheese instead of potato, but I think this is my favorite! I adapted a recipe I found on foodnetwork.com -- just type gnocchi on google and there you go, but here's what I did: 

• 3 potatoes (I used a combo of russet and yellow because that is what I had on hand)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• Kosher salt

Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Poke holes in your potatoes and place them on a pile of kosher salt on a baking sheet. The salt helps dry out the potatoes and keeps them from browning too much. Bake them for about 45 minutes. I found for the size of potatoes I used that this wasn't enough time, so check by poking a hole in them. They should be very pliable and a little overcooked. You want them to be very soft. Once they cool, take the flesh out and put it through a ricer. Mix with the egg, flour, a teaspoon of salt and mix with your hands until the dough comes together. Split the dough into 6 pieces and roll into 6 snakes about 1/2-1 inch thick. Cut them into 1/2 inch pieces. Boil a pot of salted water and cooke the gnocchi letting them rise to the top -- once they do that cook them for another minute. Strain and enjoy with your favorite sauce! I used butter, sage and parmesan cheese. 

A Typical Day of Bliss

Finding things that make me truly happy is so exciting. Today as I embark into my new life in my new city, I've realized the simple things - and that is what makes me happy. My brother and I like to nerd out in conversations about food - and how much we are in love with cooking it! Now that we are back in the same city we have the opportunity to nerd out in person. And I just love the typical days in our house. Bliss.

Starting out with a simple beverage of fresh picked mint, lime juice and sparkling water. Divine and simple! We watch Frasier and roll out the fresh pasta dough into beautiful sheets, fit for vegetable lasagna. My brother was the master of the stove tonight and he cooks zucchini that he picked from his backyard garden. He arranges the array of pasta, sauces, cheese and vegetables into a baking dish. In a matter of time, the taste buds are ready to take off! It's that first bite of depth that gets you. The first time your taste buds experience that particular array of flavors. This is something I live for. And of course, what does our conversation entail? Food. What else? Our words are accompanied by the jazz music in the background - lovely. Brother and sister. Blood connected by family and hearts connected by food. Oh and the food tasted pretty darn good. Everything from scratch. Down to the vegetables growing footsteps away. That is my typical day. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

  

Fresh Bread

There's nothing like the smell of fresh bread wafting through the air of the kitchen. To me there's not many things I like more. I think there is a preface that says baking your own bread is something unimaginable and too hard. After all, you can just go to the store and buy some, right? Go ahead, buy some. But, you will never get the satisfaction and in my case the joy. This time around I made a basic sandwich bread that I found in Baking Illustrated. This book is incredible. It houses numerous recipes. The coolest thing about it is that they tested every which way that a recipe could go and found the best way possible. So the recipes you are getting are top notch. If you are interested enough, BUY IT. Or you could get it at the library. This bread is extremely easy and doesn't take more than a couple hours total to make. Most of that time is waiting for it to rise. See! Bread isn't difficult! And let me tell you, it tastes delicious and you get so much pride is saying that you made it.  

 

I Made Crepes!

Making crepes has always intimidated me. I like things to go perfect the first time I try them and I knew that crepes needed time to perfect. But, me loving French food, I had to conquer the crepe. My friend convinced me to make them for breakfast one day and I'm never going back! I really don't know what I was afraid of. The batter is extremely easy to make; almost every baking book and cooking website has a recipe. The trick is to be gentle and not afraid to throw away a crepe or two. You will mess up. The flipping might not go right, the crepe may be too thick or too thin, or a number of other things. That is okay! Be patient. The toppings are one of the best parts. I put Nutella, strawberries and bananas on mine. Other good ingredients would be lemon curd, jam, or even some savory things. 

Learn Your European Measurements

I made brioche for the first time. This eggy, buttery bread is found everywhere in France and there is a reason why. Ever since I made it I have gone back to it dozens of times just to smell it in all it's glory. The ingredients are simple and so is the technique, but in the process of making it, I ran into one curveball that I didn't research quite enough. 

Growing up in the US I have used cups in measuring dry ingredients and have never used anything else. But in using various cookbooks, weight measurement has come up a lot. Using a scale to measure dry ingredients is much more accurate and precise. I, however do not possess a scale and thought I knew the conversion when I made this brioche. I did not. After rising the dough for the first time, I realized it looked more like a batter than a dough and there was no way I could knead it properly. Apparently 16 oz of dry ingredients is the equivalent to about 4 cups. Don't make the same mistake I did and think that one cup is 8 oz! Thankfully this mistake was easily fixable and I just kneaded the extra cup of flour that I needed. Find a good recipe and try this bread, it's one of my favorites! Makes me feel like I'm in Paris again! 

Mocha Macaron Madness

The first time you do something is usually the time it doesn't always turn out the best. I have experienced this many times in the kitchen. My personality gets really frustrated when things don't turn out right the first time, but I have to push myself to keep going. Today I attempted the French beauty: the macaron. I found this cookbook by Michael Paul called Sweet Paris that I just love. Definitely a good place to start for me given that I have never made any kind of French dessert before. The actual recipe isn't hard, a few steps and not that many ingredients; but just like all French recipes its the technique that needs to be mastered. After making these I realized the taste is there, but the presentation maybe not so much. 

Looking at a picture in the book of these things and then looking at the ones I made made me a little sad, but it was the first time! If you ever attempt French macarons, pipe more of the mixture onto the baking sheet than you think should be. I made them too small and they ended up a little thin coming out of the oven. Find a recipe and try them! I made mocha macarons (of course with me there had to be coffee). 

I Love Paris

I sit here writing this and I dream. I dream about walking the streets of Paris taking it all in. Watching those crazy drivers and mopeds go by, hearing the European sirens, and smelling the cigarette smoke and fresh bread around the corner. This is what I dream about. There's something magical about it all for me. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is, but I can tell you one thing: I love Paris. 

I've been to Paris once (once is enough to fall in love). I think one of the most magical experiences I had was one evening after dinner. I went to a café for a late night cappuccino that had an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. As it started to get dark, the tower started to illuminate. To me it wasn't a touristy event; it was an event that any Parisian could experience on any given day. I was sitting outside enjoying my favorite beverage and gazing at some of the most beautiful city lights I have ever seen. How could things get any better? It's the small moments that get me. Yes, I went up the tower on the trip, but for some reason even that couldn't measure up to the moment at the café. That is what Paris is to me. Not the places all the tourists go, but the moments that make Paris your own. 

Follow me this summer as I journey through cookbooks and memories of my favorite city in the world. 

Roasted Tomato Salsa

This salsa is a perfect match for chips, fish or anything that needs a fresh zing. So simple, so delicious!

• Half an onion, minced
• 1 package grape or cherry tomatoes
• 2 limes
• 1 jalepeno, minced
• Salt and pepper

Half the tomatoes and roast them with salt and pepper at 375 degrees for 15 min. Combine the onion and jalepeno with a the zest and juice of the limes. Add the tomatoes and salt/pepper to taste. It's that easy! Enjoy!

Chocolate Cake Decadence

Chocolate cake is probably one of the most loved desserts of all time. How can you go wrong? I have found a way to make it even better by adding two simple ingredients to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor. Trust me, you will never go back after this.



My chocolate cake recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. I substituted 1/8 of that with my mayan cocoa. It makes such a difference! Mayan cocoa has a spicier and deeper flavor than regular cocoa. I get it at my local spice market here in Seattle. The second ingredient I use is instant coffee. I put about a teaspoon into my batter and though you can't taste the coffee, it makes the chocolate taste better.

I topped my cake with a raspberry chocolate ganache, but there are plently of options you can make such as peanut butter or chocolate frosting (those are my favorite options). Play around with it, chocolate can stand up to many flavors!

Garlic Confit

Garlic is one of my favorite ingredients of all time. In certain instances it can be very strong. Confit is the perfect way to tone down the strongness and keep the garlic goodness we all love. Confit means cooked in its own fat. Since garlic doesn't have its own fat, cook it in vegetable oil.

Take twenty cloves of garlic, peeling them and cutting the nubs off the ends. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with vegetable oil. Bring to barely a simmer and keep it that way for about 40 minutes. You do not want this to boil or get to a strong simmer, the key is low and slow. The garlic will be very soft and the flavor will be incredible! Use in anything you would use garlic in for a sweeter garlic flavor.

Compound Butters

 Learning how to put together compound butter is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your recipes. It adds flavor to many things such as steak, corn on the cob, etc.

Shallot, garlic and thyme (courtesy of Richard Gray)

To start, let your unsalted butter come to room temperature so it is easy to work with. Add your ingredients of choice (there are hundreds of possibilities) and salt/pepper to taste. Place on parchment paper and form into a log (see top left photo) and chill in the fridge until hard. For steak, I like to cut a pat and put it on top. For corn on the cob, I spread some on the corn before cooking it and then chill the rest of the butter for after the cooking process. Use your creativity to come up with your own combos!



Garlic confit (recipe posted), lemon zest and paprika

Chicken with Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese

Chicken can be really boring, but on the other hand it is one of my favorite ingredients to work with because it is a blank canvas. There are so many flavor combos and cooking techniques to be used with it. Tomato, basil and goat cheese is one of my favorite combos and goes great with chicken. This recipe came about as I was making the dish and I must say I am very proud of it. Please try it out!

• two chicken breasts
• two tablespoons tomato paste
• olive oil
• chicken stock
• salt and pepper
• 1 small log of goat cheese
• 1 large handful fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl mix the tomato paste with 1 tablespoon of both olive oil and chicken stock to thin it out. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Take your chicken and rub both pieces on both sides with the tomato mixture. Heat one tablespoon of oil on medium-high heat in an oven proof pan, I like to use a cast iron skillet. Make sure the pan is hot so you can get a good sear on the chicken. When the skillet is hot enough sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, you want some nice color without burning. When this step is done kill the heat and make one slit in the middle of the chicken (or two if the piece is bigger). Take one basil leaf and one tablespoon of goat cheese and stuff it inside the slit of each piece of chicken. Put the pan in the oven and bake the chicken for about 15 min, making sure the temperature of the meat reads about 160 degrees, they will continue to cook after they come out of the oven. Make sure you use a pot holder to take the pan out, it's easy to forget that the handle is hot!

Take the chicken out of the skillet and place under alluminum foil to stay warm. Put the pan back on the stove and place under medium heat. pour in about 3-4 tablespoons of chicken stock, the garlic and one tablespoon of goat cheese. Stir this until all the ingredients become a beautiful sauce. Place the chicken back in the pan and spoon sauce onto them. Chop up the rest of the basil and sprinkle on top. You are ready to serve, enjoy!

Summer Corn with Lime Butter

Summer is full of such wonderful flavors. It's amazing what a few ingredients will do to a simple thing like corn-on-the-cob. Here is a recipe that is extremely easy and will guarantee to make your tastebuds happy.

For the butter:

• 1 stick unsalted butter at room temp
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 lime zested
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Add all your ingredients to the butter and mash until combined. Husk your corn, this amount of butter can serve many depending on how much you like. Spread a thin layer of the butter onto the corn. Grill the corn for up to ten minutes, turning often. If the grill starts to flame up don't worry, just keep an eye on the corn, turning it and distinguishing any unwanted flames. The char gives the corn a fantastic flavor. When the corn is done, serve with more butter on the side, it needs more! Enjoy, this goes perfect with ribs!