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″] Autumn is beautiful. The weather is wonderful, the air is clean, the sky blue, and the food is great. It is probably the best season to enjoy Pinot Noir wine. I enjoy all kinds of wine at any time of the year, but for me autumn always calls for Pinot Noir. People often tell me that they love Pinot Noir, but rarely can they explain why. Perhaps it’s a fashion/trend, or maybe there is no particular reason other than its appealing taste. Pinot Noir is becoming increasingly popular in America, and it is definitely one of the most celebrated wine varietals. Pinot Noir is the gr...

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][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″] Figs are very interesting fruit that their fruits and leaves have been depicted in many arts (e.g., Adam and Eve paintings) and surrounded with mysterious stories from medicinal remedy to poisoning substance.  Figs have been growing since ancient times around the area of moderate climate in Asia and Europe. Their soft and honey flavor are goes well match to some savory ingredients like prosciutto ham to pungent anchovies to make great Italian classic starter. Today prepared fig products are available all year around as baked goods, preserves and dried fruit, however we don’t see fresh fruits coming to the market so often in their season (early summer to early autumn in California). Bec...

[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″] It was a bit cooler last week, I felt fall is coming near, but hot and dry heat is coming back again in SF Bay Area. The summer is not quite over yet. It means still abundant colorful summer fruits and vegetables are heavenly, lusciously displayed  in the farmers market. I always enjoy all kinds of noodles; rice noodles or wheat (which made with egg or without), Asian style preparation or Italian. Where I was growing up summer was very hot and terribly humid. So eating cold noodles are very common and it is soothing to summer heat particularly for lunch. My favorite 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” _builder_version=”3.0.83″] I haven’t gone to wild strawberry picking but I have been tasted and enjoyed their elegant (subtle) sweetness and mild flavor. However, a friend of great organic farmer Curt and his family have been growing petite strawberries like wild strawberries for many years. His strawberries are normally coming late to the market, around the middle of June and it is now at the best time of their short season. They are very popular among local admires, everyone knows it. So if I am coming late in Sunday morning to the market, they are gone for sure, perhaps till next week. I usually ...

[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″] Peaches are in their season. They look beautiful, smell wonderful, taste sweet feminine and flavorful. I love it all my life ever since I first tasted. I still remember that it was very hot and muggy summer day when I was a little boy, remember that my grandmother picked up a peach from an ice-water filled porcelain bowl and then halved and peeled it for me to enjoy with her endless love. I was sweating; an old electric fan was making a bit noise but sending cool air. It was delicious and I loved it. We always peel peach, apple, pear, persimmon… and we use a utensil to ea...

[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″] Blanc-manger is a simple French dessert and easy to make but it is a classic. This is one of the desserts I learned when I was training as a cook in the restaurant and also it was popular at the time. You can serve with different fruits depend on seasonal market availability. Blanc-manger can be made a day or two in advance and decorate with fruits just before serving. I personally enjoy having Blanc-manger in summer season with fresh berries. Well chilled Blanc-manger is a treat in hot summer.  Here is the interesting story of Blanc-manger by Dorie Greenspan , in...

[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″] A good friend of mine read my last post about rosé wine. In the post I mentioned  “ i t’s good with lemon tart ”. He told me I should make one for him, so he can taste it how good with rosé wine and he wants to prove I am right or OK.   It has been very hot here in San Francisco Bay Area and it doesn’t make me a good mood for baking at moment but I told him “why not”. I found a tart shell in the freezer (sweet crust with a half butter and vegetable oil), so all I had to do is to make lemon custard , easy piece, plus I also had fresh blueberries in my...