Photo Therapy Returns

When I made the decision to take a photograph everyday to post on my blog I didn't realize how hard it would be, especially when it won't stop raining. It is a struggle to create each day but I wanted the challenge. I wanted to push myself past my comfort zone. So, after a two week hiatus, I am back with more photos to share. Here goes nothin...

Since Monday was a holiday and the sun was shining, James and I and a few friends went for a 'hike' in San Francisco up to Twin Peaks. We walked through neighborhoods I had never been to and discovered the Rooftop Alternative School. This place looked amazing with gardens everywhere you looked and art all over. I have to learn more about what is happening at this school.

 

After our hike, James and I went to see the photographs on exhibit at Pier 24. This was a really special experience for me because a number of the photographers that I truly admire had photographs in the collections. Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, Diane Arbus, to name a few. The show is comprised of Randi and Bob Fisher's private collection and is free to the public with an appointment. I loved seeing these pieces of art at this gallery. The gallery was not crowded because your time slot is limited to 20 people and I could take pictures of the photographs! I will not be posting any of the photographs because I am not sure if I even legally can but to have some of the most famous images from these photographers is truly exciting. I snapped the above photo after leaving the gallery from the pier. A self-portrait for my collection :-) And another from a sunny day in Berkeley.

These boots are made for walking...

Ground Beef

I am an estate sale junkie and a few months ago I picked up a vintage meat grinder for $8. Man, am I glad I did because we just made one of the most delicious burgers I have ever had.

Grinding meat is one of the easiest things I have ever done. I think it took all of 10 minutes and then we tossed in s&p and some minced garlic, made some patties, and then threw them on the griddle, and wallah!!

SO GOOD...

Photo Therapy

This is really teaching me to see my neighborhood from a different perspective every day.

Friday...

Beef take 2

Last night we prepared two beef dishes. One will be ready in 5 days. More about that dish to come.

 

The second was beef chili. The recipe came from 'The New James Beard' cookbook. I came across this gem while digging around my local thrift store. Cookbooks are an awesome thing to look for at thrift stores. 

The recipe originally calls for pork and beef but we opted to omit the pork. In the book the chili is described as akin to the Mexican Mole. I conquer. It was different than your average beef chili and oh so good! Without further ado, here is James Beard's Beef and Pork Chili, sans Pork and tweaked a little.

The Goods:

3 pounds beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes

Flour

2 large onions, chopped

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

5 coves garlic, finely chopped

1 to 2 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup tomato puree (preferably homemade)

1.5 cups beer (can also use 1 cup dry white wine)

2 cups beef or chicken broth

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1/2 ounce cocoa powder (around 3 tablespoons)

Dredge the meat lightly in flour. Saute onion in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until golden in large dutch oven. Lower heat and add the chopped garlic. Cook 3 or 4 minutes. Remove the onion and garlic mixture and set aside. Quickly sear the beef cubes in dutch oven. When browned, remove from pan. Add the onion and garlic mixture back to the pot along with the beef, salt, chili powder, oregano, cumin, tomato puree, beer, and broth. Cover and put in a 250 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and test the meat. If it is not tender, cook for another 20 minutes, or until quite tender, then add the sesame seeds and cocoa powder. Stir in well and cook for another 30 minutes. (The chocolate acts as a liaison that pulls the flavors together, and is a slight thickener.) Taste before serving and correct the salt and chili powder content. Garnish with cilantro or green onions and a dollop of sour cream. (I use plain yogurt)

Isn't this plate awesome? I got these for James' birthday. Had to show off the beef...

Photo Therapy

Day 4 and 5...

Something about this ad was so 50's.

BEEF!!

Perks of dating a farmer's market manager; loads of cheap/free, delicious food.

James came into 60 pounds of organic beef this last weekend in the form of four primal cuts. Equipped with the internet, a borrowed cleaver, and a rubber mallet, he butchered all four primal cuts and we are now swimming in delicious, high-quality beef.

Next task; figure out what the heck to make with all this beef. Since Sunday was the Super Bowl we cooked up a 15-pound brisket. After all, football and meat are one in the same, right? It was a hit and there was even some meat-mouth toss action.

Plans for beef this week; beef broth, braised short ribs and probably a stew or chili. More to come from our meaty adventure...

A photo a day therapy

My mother used to ask me, when I would call her all stressed from life, 'have you done anything creative lately'? Her prescription for a balanced life is to spend at least two hours per week doing something creative. She is a very wise women.

So, here goes nothin. I am vowing to take a photo everyday for the next 365 days and post them for your viewing pleasure. Hopefully my collection will give a snapshot into the things I come across day to day.

Day 1, 2, and 3...