Another connection to home- Wine and Food with Chef John Ash

As much as I've loved my culinary classes, and all the cooking we've done, the 9 week introduction is over after exams. (The week looms in front of me…. Report on that to follow shortly). Beginning on Monday, we will be in Wine Studies, which is the initial reason I wanted to come to Greystone. The class will be an intensive course on all things related to wine, including food and wine pairings. The curriculum for the class was designed in part by John Ash, who was a favorite faculty member in the wine studies program here at Greystone in the 1990s. Chef Ash has an extensive background in food, wine, and California cuisine, and has left a legacy around the valley. I regret that I won't get to take a class from him myself, but I expect a full report on the wonderful class he will teach at In Good Taste on September 29. I wish I could be there! Luckily, I'll be following a similar class at the origin of those delicious recipes here in Napa.

Don't miss this opportunity to "travel" to Napa !

-Josie

Flourless Chocolate Cake

The recipe yields 6 cakes, which should probably be cut into eight slices each. In my world, each cake would be cut into 3 slices each if I had my way. (Luckily most chocolate cakes are pre-portioned).

I love chocolate. That said, this cake is the quintessential flourless chocolate cake- chocolate, butter, eggs and sugar. It is completely unadulterated by other flavors, ingredients or decoration. I make flourless chocolate cake year round: in the summer, I serve it with lightly whipped, unsweetened whipped cream and raspberries. In the winter, it is perfect with powdered sugar, a bit of spiced whipped cream, and a nice shot of espresso.

When I was growing up, my favorite restaurant had the most amazing dessert selection. (They doubled as a wedding cake bakery). I would go there for special occasions- birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, prom, etc- and order the same thing every time. The layered, flourless chocolate cake is rich beyond belief: four layers of flourless chocolate cake, sandwiched with dark chocolate ganache. I would savor it, knowing I’d have to wait until the next big event to have another slice.

After I moved away from Seattle, my best friend (who had frequently witnessed me devouring the cake), would bring me a piece every time he visited. The cake was unbeatable. The week that I moved to Las Vegas, a whole flourless chocolate cake, packed in a refrigerated box, arrived on my doorstep as a housewarming gift.

This cake is special to me: both for the fond memories created by the events surrounding it, and the gifts of friendship that brought it to me. Plus, I just love chocolate.

-Josie

Josie's Chocolate Cake, adapted

San Francisco Farmer’s Market

Photo courtesy of Rizzo Studios

We took the most amazing field trip to the San Francisco market yesterday! I loved it, and bought so many delightful and unusual things. It was the perfect escape from the daily grind of cooking from dawn to dusk, studying and homework.

At the market, I was immediately struck by nostalgia: it was so Portland. All the people perusing the stalls and aisles, eyes wide with wonder, baskets full (or close to it), hands reaching for more. Children with sticky fingers, big smiles, and a new appreciation for a fresh peach, parents pleased with the variety and appearance of all the goods. I miss home! As much as I loved being there, I think that the Portland Farmer's Market on Saturdays is more energetic, full of conviviality and community. Portland is such a friendly city, where shopping is a social activity as much as it is a necessity. People go to the market with an agenda- meet friends, find inspiration, have lunch, gather for the evening soiree. You select what appeals to you, plan your menu from there, stop for a bottle of delicious wine at any of the local shops (boy do I miss Oregon Pinot! Napa has good wine, but their Pinots can't compare..... :-) ), and wait for your guests to arrive. I love the connection between food, friends, family and the farm. It's found worldwide, but (in my biased opinion) Portland has some of the best to offer. Keep shopping, eating and cooking.

-Josie