Man struggles to find life outside himself, unaware that the life he is seeking is within him

-Khalil Gibran

Music and Running

About this time last year I realized that music can be a really motivating tool for running- I know that I am a late bloomer on this one. But for years I had resisted to adopting it as part of my running routine. My previous reasons ranged from abstract to practical- including wanting to have some good ol' fashioned peace and quiet.

I guess I got sick of so much peace and quiet and I started to carry the ipod under certain circumstances including: running in the gym and when I am going out for a multiple hour solo run. With that said I will not listen when I am with friends or on the trail.

Here is a list of some of the albums that I listen to most frequently. Generally, I rely on these for different reasons.

Q-Tip The Renaissance
Favorite song: Track 10 Life is Better

I feel bad ass when I listen to this album. Consequently I seem to run my fastest when I am listening to this album. I mostly listen to it when I am running in the gym- probably for two reasons both related to fast running. 1. I hate the gym and want to get it over as fast as possible. 2. Admitting to my vanity- I want to look like a serious runner and don't want my students to see me moving like a slug (I know- I shouldn't care about that).

The XX

I love the sound of this group. It is mystical, raw, and reminds me of youth (I know- I am not THAT old).
Perfect to be included in the long run. Eventually I find myself day dreaming when I am running far- this album helps to transport me to that dreamy state of mind.

Amelia: Somewhere left to Fall

I admit - I list to this album when I am feeling nostalgic, sad or craving some kind of nurturing. With that said- I listen to this album when the run is for therapeutic, restorative purposes. This album helps me to sort out my thoughts. The sound of her voice has a way of wrapping me up in one bug musical hug.

I think of my sissy when I listen to Amelia- I think that she would really dig her.

Last but no least...


Wilco! Summerteeth
favorite song: Shot in the arm (I know- it is about heroin)

All time favorite album to listen to for all of the above reasons and more.

Wilco has a special place in my heart. There are a lot of wonderful memories connected to this music- mainly including my favorite running partner and her super amazing German Wired Haired Pointer "Wilco."
I listen to this album on my long runs. Although I have been running way to long without her when I listen to Summerteeth is pulls me through the most challenging sections of my long runs substituting the boredom, pain, fatigue that I may be experiencing with joy.




T & K post run giggle attack!


Other albums that didn't quite make the cut but awesome to run to: Radiohead (anything), Blackalicious, Beck, Swell Season, Joni Mitchell, Laura Viers, Ceelo Green, Ryan Adams, Eagles of Death Metal and of course Queen!

Brady & Heather's Wedding

As many of you know, I was asked by my bro-bro to make his wedding cake! I was at first a little nervous- I have never made a wedding cake before! On top of that the wedding was in Arizona so I needed to figure out how I was going to do this away from my own kitchen. Minor stresses aside, I was thrilled to do something so special for the beautiful couple- it was the least that I could do!

So here are some pictures from their beautiful day showcasing the 3 tiered wedding cake that I threw together for them. The majority of these pictures are the professional photos from their big day- photographed by  Christopher Leigh Studios, Scottsdale, AZ. They did an incredible job!

To get your salivary glands going - It was a chocolate butter cake with whipped chocolate ganache and raspberry coulis filling, and all wrapped up with a white chocolate cream cheese frosting. It had a pink ribbon on each tier with hand-placed edible pearls lining the ribbon. Lastly, it was further embellished with chocolate initials and chocolate leaves to compliment the fresh flowers.

Heather and Bridesmaids!

I just had to include Matt- he is so handsome!

Cutting the cake!

Tastes Good!!!

Beautiful Happy People! Congratulations Brady and Heather! I love you!

Birthday Cupcakes!

Over Spring Break I was invited to help a friend frost and decorate cupcakes to celebrate her daughter's first birthday! We had a blast and most importantly her friends and family were able to enjoy these precious individual desserts while celebrating the beautiful Daphne! Here are a couple of pictures showcasing the cupcakes prepared that day.



Baconne Dolce

Oh sweet victory! Alas, I was successful at created this magically divine dessert. While conceptually it is very simple, I never had the patience to allow the Crisp French Meringues to fully dry. I hope you enjoy the pictures and may perhaps be adventurous enough to whip it up yourself. Or, if you happen to live in the best city of the world, Portland, Oregon, you can just make your way to Papa Haydn's and order a slice of your own. 

Crisp French Meringue

makes 9 nine inch discs (I just made individual size discs as I wanted to create two personal desserts)

4 large egg white

1/2 t cream of tartar

1/2 c plus 1 T superfine sugar

1 cup of lightly spooned sifted powdered sugar

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (ah ha! it does make a difference- for those who remember my first baconne dolce attempt!). Preheat oven to 200F. In a large bowl mix the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar. Mix until soft peaks. Add the superfine sugar in 3 increments. Whip until stiff peaks. Gently fold in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Use a piping bag or carefully scoop the meringue into discs and then spread the tops evenly using a spatula. 

Bake for 2 hours to 2.5 hours. Turn he heat off and allow to sit in the oven with the pilot light on for 4 hours or overnight. This allows the meringue to dry fully. 

Now it is time to assemble! Whip up some fresh whipped cream, slice some seasonal fruit, and melt some chocolate. While the meringues are still on the pan, drizzle the melted chocolate over each disc. Layer the discs with whipped cream and fresh fruit! 

Voila- you just created my favorite dessert. Expect to be transported to a magical fantasy land where your taste buds will frolic about the fresh fruit, whipped cream, dark chocolate, and crisp meringue. Does it get any better? I think not. 

Happy Eating food friends! 

Peace and love, 

Kara

A picture says a thousand words

Pretzel Rolls!

I was inspired to bake up these delicious pretzel rolls using Alton Brown's soft pretzel recipe after watching Dale on Top Chef All stars made a Philly Cheese steak using pretzel rolls from Whole Foods! Who would have thought that the secret to soft pretzels was to boil them in baking soda water?They ended up being a delicious component for our vegan Sloppy Joe's Tuesday night but I must say that I do prefer them fresh out of the oven plain. 

Enjoy!