COCOBEAT

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] We have passed the summer solstices last week and it is now officially “ summer season ’’ on our calendar but here in Bay Area, we already had record high of scorching hot days weeks before. It is now that the air is hot, the sun is high, but smell of varieties of fresh summer fruits, and scent of summer flower, such like Jasmin are fantastic. We are having perfect California weather this week (hot days and cool night). Summer means no doubt for great fruit season. Strawberries are all over the market, cherries and plums are ripe, apricot, peach and nectarine have started...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” module_alignment=”left” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] When I was living on a hilltop in San Francisco, in the area called Russian Hill, I had a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay through huge one-piece windows from both the living and dining rooms of my apartment. The apartment wasn’t that big, but it was a fantastic living space with an almost unbelievable view that was like watching a never-ending film, every single hour of each day for two ...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] Strawberry Shortcake is one of the best American dessert classics, along with Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler, Banana Bread, Pecan Pie, Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies, and it is my favorite for spring. Fresh local strawberries are starting to appear in our local market. They are not quite great yet, but I could not resist getting some for their vibrant color and gentle fragrance. Plus it was only $2.99 a pint at my local Whole Foods Market, where the berries have a nice smell, unlike the strawberries that most supermarkets carry all year (with virtually no fresh smell). I ha...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] Cookie or mini cake? Whatever they’re called, Madeleines stand out as a great baked pastry. The beautiful classic, scallop-shell shape, tender warm texture, fresh citrus and slightly sweet natural honey flavor… it’s all part of the allure of Madeleines. Colorful and light Macarons became the “it” cookies in recent years, but you cannot talk about French pastries without a huge shout-out to Madeleines. I have been a big fan of Madeleines since my first bite one spring in Paris many years ago… it was instant love. I never get bored with Madeleines. However, when ...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” module_alignment=”left” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] Tarte Flambée or Flammekueche is a very tasty pizza-like flatbread topped with a mixture of fromage blanc (similar to yogurt or cottage cheese) and crème fraiche , sautéed onion and bacon. It is a very popular specialty of Alsace, a region that borders France and Germany. It’s a perfect appetizer for a dry, light white wine such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris or Riesling in spring, summer or almost any time of the year. O...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” module_alignment=”left” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] We moved our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time last weekend. It seems early, because it has still been a bit chilly outside even here in sunny Northern California (in addition to a lot of rain this winter), and the first day of Spring has not yet arrived. The old plum tree in my backyard is already full of white blossoms that have started falling like snow. The cold rains last week did not destroy their flowers t...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blog text about recipe with images” background_layout=”light” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] Hot Chocolate is such a wonderful beverage in cold weather. It’s easy to prepare and it warms your body instantly with a deep rich flavor. Today there is a wide variety of fine chocolates available to enjoy this way. Just heat up some milk or half and half, then stir in chopped chocolate of your choice: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or maybe mix both; or use a flavored chocolate. I often make a milk tea (1 tablespoon of dry tea leaves for one cup of milk) and then stir in the chocolate. It’s a great opportunity to discover and enjoy chocolate in a different (weather-defy...