Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberries have always been one of my favorite treats. For my birthday breakfasts growing up I was treated to strawberry shortcake and I remember one year in particular when the strawberry fairy visited and left an entire flat of berries on my front porch. Best present-ever.

So, you can imagine how excited I was to head upstate for some strawberry pickin'. The rain that has been falling steadily for the past few weeks did not scare me, in fact we managed to time it so we were picking during a break in the clouds and the lovely wind that swept through kept us and the berries at a perfect picking temperature. The conditions were so ideal, we managed to pick over 30 lbs of berries, exciting while we were at the farm (and once we realized we could take Emma's car home and not lug 30 lbs of berries on the train and multiple subways). Not so exciting last night, when 30 lbs of berries had to be jammed. Strawberry/Balsamic, Strawberry/Rhubard, Early Glow (small, sweet berries--the most labor intensive to pick), and just plain old Strawberry Jam were all made last night. And now they are resting comfortably ("setting"). Stay tuned for more jamming adventures, this is just the beginning.................

Photos courtesy of the very talented Emma McCarthy

Ways to Charm Me

Excellent t-shirts for sale on Houston.

In Other News

June has been a VERY rainy month.
So much so, it may be the cause of this building collapse right around the corner from my apartment. I must add that this building housed one of my favorite bars in the neighborhood.




I am beginning to think that summer has been cancelled.

On Ferries

The wind blowing through one's hair while sitting on the top deck is almost as good as driving with the windows down on Highway 1. Almost, but I'll take it.

Modes of Transportation

One of the nicest thing about the new job is getting to leave Manhattan. I'm sure this novelty will wear off but I'm kind of enjoying learning what is beyond the the MTA subway system. And I'm discovering all sorts of other ways to get around to NJ, Long Island etc. I've taken trains, buses and best of all, ferries.
There is something so enjoyable and civilized about traveling over water on a ferry. Cup of coffee in one hand, the other busy keeping the hair from blowing into ones eyes. Plus it affords you new views of a pretty spectacular skyline.

Thinking

About changes and trying new things. I've never really thought of myself as a baker. A cook, yes, I know how to chop and season and put ingredients together but the idea of measuring and exact amounts has always made me avoid baking. Yesterday morning I woke up early and embarked on an epic baking adventure. I have been eyeing some serious carrot cakes lately and thought I would try to make my own for Laena's birthday party. Once I got started I couldn't stop (that or the caffeine was kicking in) and cupcakes were the next order of the day--chocolate and vanilla with fancy frostings. Finally a reason to use the rosewater I bought at Wegmans in Rochester last December!. The finished product, well you can check it out below. The true success--nothing but clean plates to clean up this morning (as in licking the plate good).



Which brings me to the thoughts about changes. This new job (2 weeks in) has me feeling kind of stressed out and unsure of myself. I have been attempting to slow down and remind myself that this is in fact a new job and I'm not expected to be perfect-yet (the desire for doing things perfectly is my issue, not the jobs). Just like baking a cake, I can do this as long as I follow directions and not deviate too far in the my own direction-not yet at least. For someone who claims to not be able to bake and not be fond of change yesterday was proof that I can do anything, as long as I am patient and am willing to learn new things. The bonus? I might even find that I enjoy it (if only working came with icing and a cherry on top).

Shameless Self Promotion

In case you haven't already heard, Anarchy in a Jar is gearing up for the summer picking and preserving season. You can keep up with us here.


Photo Courtesy of the very talented Emma McCarthy

(and isn't it kind of creepy the way the eyebrow blends in with my hair? just sayin')