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	<title>Not Without Salt &#187; Word</title>
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	<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com</link>
	<description>“Where would we be without salt?” - James Beard</description>
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		<title>secrets from the kitchen</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/04/16/secrets-from-the-kitchen/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/04/16/secrets-from-the-kitchen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:16:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=3779</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[*This post was sponsored by ARM &#38; HAMMER® Baking Soda, an ingredient and tool I use daily. The story and images are my own. There are many secrets of the kitchen that are often not taught. Techniques and tricks that become inherently a part of those who work and live in the kitchen. We glide [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/04/16/secrets-from-the-kitchen/' addthis:title='secrets from the kitchen '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/04/16/secrets-from-the-kitchen/6925662732_ed0f2a9bc5_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3783"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3783" title="6925662732_ed0f2a9bc5_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6925662732_ed0f2a9bc5_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><em>*This post was sponsored by ARM &amp; HAMMER® Baking Soda, an ingredient and tool I use daily. The story and images are my own.</em></p>
<p>There are many secrets of the kitchen that are often not taught. Techniques and tricks that become inherently a part of those who work and live in the kitchen. We glide across our limited kitchen space employing numerous short cuts and skills that have been collected along the way like memories.</p>
<p>Lately I’ve been trying to become more aware of those subconscious tricks that I use in order to run my very small home kitchen more efficiently. In doing so I hope to do a better job of passing along such tricks.</p>
<p>Much of what I know about effective kitchen management I learned while working in a restaurant where pushing out over 250 desserts a night was not out of the ordinary. In order to perform such a task everything must be impeccably organized and everyone must follow the same plan. Every movement is calculated and every action is scrupulously examined to ensure that it is performed in the most efficient way possible.</p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/04/16/secrets-from-the-kitchen/6925658126_e803cb5938_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3781"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3781" title="6925658126_e803cb5938_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6925658126_e803cb5938_b-625x465.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="465" /></a></p>
<p>But it’s the moments in which I recall a trick I picked up from my grandmothers or my mom that remind me of the real power of the kitchen. In those moments I feel a great sense of honor and duty in continuing the tradition and passing along skills in the kitchen to my children. I can’t help but think of how the future wives of my boys will thank me for showing my son&#8217;s how to finesse flakes out of a simple pie dough. And how my daughter’s husband will benefit from her lack of fear in the kitchen just as my husband has.</p>
<p>In the kitchen of my childhood I could only reach the front burner but I didn’t let that stop me from “helping” with dinner. At the cusp of learning how to multi-task and just beginning to hone my skills in having the kitchen run like a well oiled machine, I neglected to stir the pot and directed my attention elsewhere. By the time I returned to the pan a deep layer had crusted to the bottom and the evidence of burnt on food was in the air. My mother noticed what was happening at the same time but rather than scolding my negligence she reached for the golden box with the muscular arm while at the same time teaching me one of those invaluable kitchen secrets.</p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/04/16/secrets-from-the-kitchen/7071734679_1c34cfa99b_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3780"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3780" title="7071734679_1c34cfa99b_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/7071734679_1c34cfa99b_b-625x465.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="465" /></a></p>
<p>She proceeded to boil the pot with a heavy dose of baking soda and by the end of the evening the pot contained no evidence of what was to be the first of many (many) kitchen mistakes.</p>
<p>Years later, while working in a high end restaurant, a similarly burnt food-crusted pan appeared on our station. Rather than whisk the pan away and let the dishwashers deal with the mess, I passed along the baking soda trick to my pastry chef and felt swollen with pride while doing so.</p>
<p>The ARM &amp; HAMMER® Baking Soda box represents many of those tricks I learned at a young age. Imagine my delight when I was able to return the favor to my mom and share with her one of my favorite uses for this iconic ingredient. She was unfamiliar with the idea of adding a touch of baking soda instead of sugar, to tomato sauce for the purpose of reducing the acidity. I thought for a moment what that pan-burning little girl would think knowing that decades later she would have something to share with the woman who taught her how to move in the kitchen. She would be proud, I’m quite certain. Just don’t tell that little girl how many more pans she’ll burn in her kitchen career.</p>
<p>What are some of your favorite uses for baking soda in your kitchen? Share your tricks on <a href="http://beyondthebake.com/">beyondthebake.com</a> for a chance to win.</p>
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		<title>A word on travel</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:32:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[belgium]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[netherlands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[st. lucia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=3636</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott describes the process of writing to that of watching a Polaroid develop. Once the photo has been taken the image remains unclear for what often feels  like a painstakingly long time. As with writing it’s only the faint shadows of a story that first emerge. The image and words [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/' addthis:title='A word on travel '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997827121_ce59df0ef4_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3648"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3648" title="6997827121_ce59df0ef4_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997827121_ce59df0ef4_b-625x465.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="465" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997840069_e21a836ed5_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3639"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3639" title="6997840069_e21a836ed5_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997840069_e21a836ed5_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6851713094_5db1a4dbcd_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3638"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3638" title="6851713094_5db1a4dbcd_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6851713094_5db1a4dbcd_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p>In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385480016/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0385480016">Bird by Bird</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0385480016" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" />, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ANNELAMOTT">Anne Lamott</a> describes the process of writing to that of watching a Polaroid develop. Once the photo has been taken the image remains unclear for what often feels  like a painstakingly long time.</p>
<p>As with writing it’s only the faint shadows of a story that first emerge. The image and words are monotone and lacking in details but with perseverance, and in my case often, frustrations, the arduous process slowly starts to reveal a complete picture with stunning details, vivid colors and a scene that you couldn’t have even imagined.</p>
<p>When you try and look at the Polaroid before it’s fully developed or finish a story without working it out and giving it the time it deserves then you miss out on much of the detail that gives the piece life.</p>
<p>I can’t help but think that this analogy also works with traveling too, probably because I’ve been doing a lot of it lately and while reading this part of the book I was sipping Rum Punch while the Caribbean sun wrapped me warmly. I give you permission to roll your eyes in my general direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6851700812_89a257daeb_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3647"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3647" title="6851700812_89a257daeb_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6851700812_89a257daeb_b-625x465.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="465" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997846423_2284b51127_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3642"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3642" title="6997846423_2284b51127_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997846423_2284b51127_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997823431_7007faef21_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3637"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3637" title="6997823431_7007faef21_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997823431_7007faef21_b-625x465.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="465" /></a></p>
<p>With each recent trip I assigned the adventure an already formed Polaroid without my even realizing it. I had set aside expectations and pre-conceived notions of what I should expect and what I planned to glean from the trip before I had even packed my bags.</p>
<p>On many of my recent trips I spent the first few days frustrated that the reality didn’t resemble the image that my Polaroid so clearly displayed. I fussed over failed expectations and tried my best to control the outcome until I finally realized (and realized again, sometimes it takes me awhile to learn a lesson) that I need to allow this experience to tell me it’s story rather than force one on it.</p>
<p>Once I allowed myself to simply experience I was open to changing of plans, fully experiencing the beauty of that place and the differences of culture. I was able to clearly listen to the story of the trip and the blurry scenes of the Polaroid began to reveal themselves into an image that exceeded my previous shallow expectations.</p>
<p>While I realize that it is nearly impossible not to enter in without some expectations, my hope for future trips is that I can quickly forget my Polaroid in order to make way for the one that is yet to be revealed.</p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997848203_7e51d43142_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3643"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3643" title="6997848203_7e51d43142_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997848203_7e51d43142_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6851720280_a2630830c3_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3641"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3641" title="6851720280_a2630830c3_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6851720280_a2630830c3_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997842755_6366ae8cd6_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3640"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3640" title="6997842755_6366ae8cd6_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997842755_6366ae8cd6_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997849347_5c3aff1ae6_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3644"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3644" title="6997849347_5c3aff1ae6_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997849347_5c3aff1ae6_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6851726680_37c2e05d77_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3645"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3645" title="6851726680_37c2e05d77_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6851726680_37c2e05d77_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2012/03/19/a-word-on-travel/6997853111_f4006af8c7_b/" rel="attachment wp-att-3646"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3646" title="6997853111_f4006af8c7_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6997853111_f4006af8c7_b-625x416.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" /></a></p>
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		<title>Goodbye 2011</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/12/30/3384/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/12/30/3384/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:14:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miscellaneous]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=3384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For the first time in my life I&#8217;ve kept a journal. I have repeatedly tried and with great excitement I would carefully select a fabric bound notebook with hundreds of blank pages and infinite possibilities. I dreamed of the words that would fill those pages with images of an older me reflecting on the memories [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/12/30/3384/' addthis:title='Goodbye 2011 '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3385" title="6213188038_5828ecb298_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6213188038_5828ecb298_b-625x414.jpg" alt="6213188038_5828ecb298_b" width="625" height="414" /></p>
<p>For the first time in my life I&#8217;ve kept a journal. I have repeatedly tried and with great excitement I would carefully select a fabric bound notebook with hundreds of blank pages and infinite possibilities. I dreamed of the words that would fill those pages with images of an older me reflecting on the memories and my poignant words that would turn those memories into lessons that shape who I am today. I would painstakingly choose a pen with a black point &#8211; not too thick, not too thin &#8211; and begin to fill the pages. Closing the book with a sigh eagerly anticipating what the next entry would hold. Returning to the journal I re-read the entry and push aside the book with embarrassment as to what I wrote. This is why I have stacks of journals with hundreds of empty pages and a few torn pages marking where the single entry once lived.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3408" title="6193756395_7da641249f_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6193756395_7da641249f_b1-625x416.jpg" alt="6193756395_7da641249f_b" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p>This blog has become my first journal to extend beyond the first page. Truth be told I have done the equivalent of ripping out some of the pages but many have remained despite my deep desire to not ever have to look at my images from the first four or five years.</p>
<p>I imagine you readers don&#8217;t view these pages as journal entries as they often don&#8217;t go beyond our dinner the night before but I look through them and each entry, each meal, each photo marks a place in time that I can now draw from because I recorded it here. Little pudgey fingers that enter the frame as I&#8217;m trying to photograph cookies and eager eyes peering over my set, words that hint at our days and the reality of what life looks like in those moments. There is a part of me that feels selfish for including all of that. The words that are found in many how-to writing books instruct to think of the audience but the truth is many times I&#8217;m thinking of myself.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m imaging myself scrolling through these pages after years have passed recalling every sense that the images provoke and laughing over the stories scattered throughout the pages. Remembering the times that were hard, appreciating the good and trying so hard to refrain from deleting the entries that no longer meet my standards.</p>
<p>In no way do I dare discredit your part in all of this, dear reader, but when I think of my audience many times it&#8217;s my family and me, much older.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3391" title="5333941493_7c2295664a_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5333941493_7c2295664a_b-1-556x835.jpg" alt="5333941493_7c2295664a_b (1)" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p>During the days leading up to Christmas my husband and I looked through images from the Christmas a year before. And while it seems it was only yesterday the images tell a different story. My baby girl was actually that &#8211; a baby. One that lays content on the ground and where her smiles are still so new to us. The boys were both a bit more round containing the last little bits of baby pudge and now they are boys; tall and slender, strong and tender.</p>
<p>The years pass more quickly than I ever thought possible and yet in their pages are hundreds of memories and the evidence that much changes in a year.</p>
<p>So forgive me while I have a moment and read through my journal over the past year. It&#8217;s been a great one, hasn&#8217;t it?</p>
<p>2011 exceeded my wildest expectations. We started the year off with lofty and well thought out goals. Many achieved, some were tried only to find that a better option was prepared for us, and some I&#8217;m still working through.</p>
<p>In the midst of it all we ate well.</p>
<p>There were quick meals and lingering date nights.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3386" title="6236795488_d9b41b934a_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6236795488_d9b41b934a_b-1-625x468.jpg" alt="6236795488_d9b41b934a_b (1)" width="625" height="468" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/10/12/dinner-in-15/" target="_blank">Quick Garlicky Noodles</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3409" title="6034686024_f28944eeb5_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6034686024_f28944eeb5_b1-625x471.jpg" alt="6034686024_f28944eeb5_b" width="625" height="471" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/08/12/dating-my-husband-peanut-butter-pie/" target="_blank">Dating My Husband: Peanut Butter Pie</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: left;">There were birthdays and cakes. Lots of cake.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3404" title="6152060334_180550b7ba_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6152060334_180550b7ba_b1-625x468.jpg" alt="6152060334_180550b7ba_b" width="625" height="468" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/09/17/video-gradient-cake/" target="_blank">Gradient Cake</a>. <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/09/08/shes-one/" target="_blank">For her 1st.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3398" title="5759332777_16e6093f3f_b (2)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5759332777_16e6093f3f_b-2-556x835.jpg" alt="5759332777_16e6093f3f_b (2)" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/05/29/poppy-seed-cake-mascarpone-frosting-strawberries/" target="_blank">Poppy seed cake with mascarpone and strawberries</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3396" title="5728857751_b2e37749d7_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5728857751_b2e37749d7_b-1-625x603.jpg" alt="5728857751_b2e37749d7_b (1)" width="625" height="603" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/05/17/legopirate-party/" target="_blank">Lego/Pirate party</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And oh the sandwiches.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3407" title="6168028309_87a022951e_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6168028309_87a022951e_b1-625x469.jpg" alt="6168028309_87a022951e_b" width="625" height="469" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/09/22/falls-sandwich/" target="_blank">Ham, gruyere, and arugula</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3395" title="5616525849_e2f7be2d42_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5616525849_e2f7be2d42_b-1-625x463.jpg" alt="5616525849_e2f7be2d42_b (1)" width="625" height="463" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/04/13/banh-mi-with-pork-meatballs/" target="_blank">Pork meatball Banh Mi</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And then there were opportunities that I never dreamed would become a reality.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3402" title="5986231444_5d52a13999_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5986231444_5d52a13999_b-1-625x416.jpg" alt="5986231444_5d52a13999_b (1)" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/08/08/behind-the-scenes/" target="_blank">I&#8217;m on TV, whee!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3397" title="5751504803_9898b569aa_b (2)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5751504803_9898b569aa_b-2-625x416.jpg" alt="5751504803_9898b569aa_b (2)" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shot for <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/" target="_blank">BonAppetit.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I was reintroduced to film.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3403" title="6081035332_30185bce5a_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6081035332_30185bce5a_b2-625x470.jpg" alt="6081035332_30185bce5a_b" width="625" height="470" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Of course there was chocolate. There&#8217;s always chocolate.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3400" title="5917213069_90a5b9365b_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5917213069_90a5b9365b_b-1-625x416.jpg" alt="5917213069_90a5b9365b_b (1)" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/07/11/homemade-butter-finger-candy/" target="_blank">Butterfingers</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3394" title="5598661225_4798083e20_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5598661225_4798083e20_b-1-625x477.jpg" alt="5598661225_4798083e20_b (1)" width="625" height="477" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/04/07/homemade-cadbury-creme-eggs/" target="_blank">Cadbury Eggs at home</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3387" title="6252442013_4e34ef2693_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6252442013_4e34ef2693_b1-625x416.jpg" alt="6252442013_4e34ef2693_b" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/10/17/random-acts-of-cookies-revisited/" target="_blank">Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And a few incredible trips.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3393" title="5555266460_dfeda76f26_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5555266460_dfeda76f26_b-1-556x835.jpg" alt="5555266460_dfeda76f26_b (1)" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/03/28/road-trip-portland-3/" target="_blank">A coffee tour of Portland</a></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3390" title="6423191521_74e9aaeb7d_b (2)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6423191521_74e9aaeb7d_b-2-625x416.jpg" alt="6423191521_74e9aaeb7d_b (2)" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/11/02/morocco-day-1/" target="_blank">Morocco</a></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3389" title="6359071695_49486eca0a_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6359071695_49486eca0a_b-625x469.jpg" alt="6359071695_49486eca0a_b" width="625" height="469" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3388" title="6334995831_edb9c211f4_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/6334995831_edb9c211f4_b-625x416.jpg" alt="6334995831_edb9c211f4_b" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p>Thanks for reliving these moments with me. Such a blessed year. So much to be thankful for, so much to learn from and make me stronger.</p>
<p>If at the end of the year you can say you&#8217;ve laughed, cried, and became a bit wiser than I consider it a successful one. And if there was chocolate, there must always be chocolate.</p>
<p>Happy Goodbyes to 2011. Hello 2012.</p>
<div class="printfriendly alignleft"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/12/30/3384/?pfstyle=wp" rel="nofollow" ><img src="//cdn.printfriendly.com/pf-print-icon.gif" alt="Print Friendly"/><span class="printandpdf printfriendly-text"> Print <img src="//cdn.printfriendly.com/pf-pdf-icon.gif" alt="Get a PDF version of this webpage" /> PDF </span></a></div><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/12/30/3384/' addthis:title='Goodbye 2011 '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Film Friday: love and coffee edition</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/17/film-friday-love-and-coffee-edition/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/17/film-friday-love-and-coffee-edition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:49:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=2711</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This post is part of a series entitled, Film Friday. All the images you see here were taken on a Canon EOS ELAN 7E using Kodak Portra 400. As one of the bench markers testing this relationships longevity, I asked Gabe if he liked The Simpsons shortly after we started &#8220;hanging out&#8221;. He seemed indifferent. [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/17/film-friday-love-and-coffee-edition/' addthis:title='Film Friday: love and coffee edition '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>This post is part of a series entitled, Film Friday. All the images you see here were taken on a Canon EOS ELAN 7E using Kodak Portra 400. </em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2722" title="5841025771_c294ed788a_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841025771_c294ed788a_b-625x414.jpg" alt="5841025771_c294ed788a_b" width="625" height="414" /></p>
<p>As one of the bench markers testing this relationships longevity, I asked Gabe if he liked The Simpsons shortly after we started &#8220;hanging out&#8221;. He seemed indifferent. &#8211; this was, at the time, a big deal for me as it was nearly an institution in our family. Sundays were not just “Nacho Night” they were “eat-nachos-in-front-of-the-tv-while-watching-The Simpons-night”. To not like The Simpsons was, in a sense, to not like a part of me. Luckily, I’ve changed.</p>
<p>He also didn’t like coffee. Luckily, he’s changed.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2718  aligncenter" title="5841575912_a8ed11245d_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841575912_a8ed11245d_b-553x835.jpg" alt="5841575912_a8ed11245d_b" width="553" height="835" /></p>
<p>This is what happens when you marry young. You know one another before you really know yourself. People warn you to live your life first, to discover who you are before the marriage seed is planted in your mind, and for some, that is probably a wise decision, but we were a different story. We met, hung out for a couple years, I moved to Italy for 6 months, and then I realized I would be crazy not to spend the rest of my life with this guy. This “Mexican with a beard”, (which is how I first described him to my parents when telling them of my crush) who wore two button-up shirts at one time, carved his beard into the most creative forms imaginable, played the bass (hot), and loved me in a way that I never thought possible.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2721" title="5841026327_b6a1045d54_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841026327_b6a1045d54_b-1-625x414.jpg" alt="5841026327_b6a1045d54_b (1)" width="625" height="414" /></p>
<p>I was 21 when I told Gabe I would spend the rest of my life with him. He was 22. It never felt like a fairy tale, I couldn’t and wouldn’t tell you that Gabe was the only one for me but what I could tell you was that I loved him enough to choose to make this commitment and I vowed to make that choice everyday for the rest of my life. As life has carried us through different seasons of joy and sadness, as life has a way of doing, it becomes more and more clear to me that Gabe is indeed the one for me.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2715  aligncenter" title="5841026659_bd4fecd9b3_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841026659_bd4fecd9b3_b-553x835.jpg" alt="5841026659_bd4fecd9b3_b" width="553" height="835" /></p>
<p>And now he drinks coffee. He also slurps coffee producing an even spray across the tongue in order to best taste his brew. This is not how he always drinks coffee, thank goodness, instead this sort of seemingly rude behavior is reserved for cuppings &#8211; a session in which one tastes multiple coffees and then rates and discusses them at great length, marking their sweet, sour, and bitter notes on a scientific wheel while jotting down scribbles such as “shoe leather, fermented blueberries, and tobacco”. He liked that particular cup. I did not.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2717" title="5841026969_c4a89153f8_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841026969_c4a89153f8_b1-625x829.jpg" alt="5841026969_c4a89153f8_b" width="625" height="829" /></p>
<p>When we were first married I was just beginning to fall in love with food. He patiently waited as I labored over cake batter tweaking and tasting, baking and re-baking, all the while he just wanted cake. Seven years later I still love food and I still love him even though it takes him a solid twenty minutes to produce one cup of coffee in the morning &#8211; you know what? I love him BECAUSE it takes him twenty minutes to skillfully brew his morning cup.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2712" title="5841025471_676dab72a1_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841025471_676dab72a1_b-625x468.jpg" alt="5841025471_676dab72a1_b" width="625" height="468" /></p>
<p>Gabe has grown to appreciate all that goes into a single cup of coffee. He has traveled to Guatemala and met coffee growers. He returned with stunning images and the excitement of a young boy explaining to me the process of turning the red coffee cherry into a green bean ready to roast. And now I watch this man that I’ve known for nearly 11 years as he slurps, spits, and scribbles down notes in his journal that is in existence solely for the purpose of recording coffee flavors and I can’t help but fall in love with him more.</p>
<p>Never would I have imagined that my husband would be schooling me in the subject of coffee nor did he know what he was getting himself into but we made that commitment to love and support one another wherever that takes us. If I can love him in-spite of his undying devotion to nacho-cheese sauce that squirts out of a pump found at sporting events or gas stations then I’m pretty sure I can love him through anything.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2713" title="5841026037_0aae8ac9bb_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5841026037_0aae8ac9bb_b-625x463.jpg" alt="5841026037_0aae8ac9bb_b" width="625" height="463" /></p>
<p><em>This cupping took place at <a href="http://www.onyxcoffeebar.com/">Onyx Coffee</a> which is located in Bellingham, WA. If you are ever in that area you must stop by. Their passion for coffee education is unmatched in the area. They are coffee purists encouraging you to leave the cream and sugar in order to taste the coffee the way the growers and the bean intended it to taste. Stop in for a coffee flight or just to hear Edwin and his crew speak about coffee with such passion and authority.</em></p>
<p><em>Previously on Film Friday</em></p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/02/film-friday-2/">1</a>, <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/09/film-friday/">2</a></p>
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		<slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Film Friday</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/02/film-friday-2/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/02/film-friday-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:24:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=2682</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While on our weekend away Gabe and I wondered into a few antique shops before stumbling on the find of the day. A Canon A1 circa 1980 with a 50 mm 1.4 for $40. Today I saw my first roll of film from this camera. My expectations were low as the camera tech warned us [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/02/film-friday-2/' addthis:title='Film Friday '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While on <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/01/dating-my-husband-a-getaway/">our weekend away</a> Gabe and I wondered into a few antique shops before stumbling on the find of the day. A Canon A1 circa 1980 with a 50 mm 1.4 for $40.</p>
<p>Today I saw my first roll of film from this camera. My expectations were low as the camera tech warned us that the lens was not functioning beyond f1.4. This, was told to us after I shot an entire roll.</p>
<p>We anticipated each frame to be drastically over-exposed. As you can see here, that is not the case. Maybe they had some magic machine that managed to save my film. Whatever the case, I&#8217;m happy.</p>
<p>Gabe is to blame for my rekindling love of film. Last year he picked up his Pentax and shot a few rolls. The images that came from that camera remain to be my favorite pictures of our kids &#8211;  as you can imagine we have a few (hundred thousand) pictures of those three so that is saying quite a lot. Digital photography, in my opinion, has yet to capture the depth of color that is visible in film.</p>
<p><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/01/dating-my-husband-a-getaway/">Wednesday</a> we talked endive. I shot identical shots, one digital and one film. Compare.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2670" title="5774479921_9d28229c42_b (1)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5774479921_9d28229c42_b-1-625x418.jpg" alt="5774479921_9d28229c42_b (1)" width="625" height="418" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>digital</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2673" title="5792690984_f618b6d18e_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5792690984_f618b6d18e_b-625x419.jpg" alt="5792690984_f618b6d18e_b" width="625" height="419" /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>film (scan, processing done by <a href="http://www.pandalab.com/">Panda Lab </a>in Seattle. Besides some very minor cropping, I did no retouching)</em></p>
<p>Now granted I need to work on the manual focus of my new camera but don&#8217;t you see the difference?</p>
<p>While I&#8217;m not planning on making the jump to film I do really love to have the option. Digital and film both have pros and cons and I get giddy shooting with either.</p>
<p>So I thought it might be fun to regularly share a few film shots with you. If you&#8217;ve been around here for awhile you may have noticed that I&#8217;m not so good at keeping up with blog series&#8217; that I start. So while I&#8217;d love to assure you there will be a film photo every Friday I wouldn&#8217;t hold your breath. Especially since said camera is now in the shop for 3-5 days while she gets a full inspection. And also, said film camera requires film and processing that requires cash.</p>
<p>Regardless, I hope you enjoy them and most likely, there will be more &#8211; I just don&#8217;t know when.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2672" title="5792690742_f1e95e70c4_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5792690742_f1e95e70c4_b-625x460.jpg" alt="5792690742_f1e95e70c4_b" width="625" height="460" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2671" title="5792691088_9c3bc301a1_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5792691088_9c3bc301a1_b-625x463.jpg" alt="5792691088_9c3bc301a1_b" width="625" height="463" /></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2674" title="5792131305_3a26556184_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5792131305_3a26556184_b-625x454.jpg" alt="5792131305_3a26556184_b" width="625" height="454" /></p>
<p>Happy Weekend!</p>
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		<title>q&amp;a</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/04/15/qa-volume-1/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/04/15/qa-volume-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:08:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I love getting questions from you people. It reminds me you&#8217;re there and you are listening. Some of you reading may be asking yourself, &#8220;Wha?! I asked her a question months ago and she never responded.&#8221; It&#8217;s true. I&#8217;m sorry. In the jungle of my inbox I have been known to let a few emails [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/04/15/qa-volume-1/' addthis:title='q&#38;a '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">I love getting questions from you people. It reminds me you&#8217;re there and you are listening. Some of you reading may be asking yourself, &#8220;Wha?! I asked her a question months ago and she never responded.&#8221; It&#8217;s true. I&#8217;m sorry. In the jungle of my inbox I have been known to let a few emails slip through the vines. If one of those emails was from you, I&#8217;m so sorry. Please feel free to resend.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There are some questions that I get repeatedly. In which case I figure there is probably more than a couple of you wondering the same thing. So why not answer a few of those questions right here for all to see?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Everything I know about food, parenting and life in general I&#8217;ve learned from someone else. One who has been there before me, paved the path, made mistakes, and has learned from said mistakes. The people who have taught me mean more to me than I could ever possibly express. Their vulnerability and willingness to share their talent and secrets with me is a gift I don&#8217;t take lightly. I still have much to learn (much) but there is little that makes me happier than being able to inspire others with the gifts God has blessed me with and share the lessons I&#8217;ve learned along the way.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So if you have questions please don&#8217;t hesitate to ask. I can&#8217;t promise I&#8217;ll get to them all but I will sure try.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Here&#8217;s the first question I&#8217;m going to tackle:</p>
<blockquote>
<div><em>&#8220;I am interested in becoming a baker and/or chocolatier,</em><br />
<em>however the only school in my town that offers a Culinary degree has a</em><br />
<em>schedule from 9 to 4 Monday thru Friday. I&#8217;m unfortunately not in the position</em><br />
<em>yet to quit my current job, so in the meantime I&#8217;m hoping to train myself as</em><br />
<em>much as possible at home and take any community classes I can. Do you have any</em><br />
<em>books you recommend that will help me learn the science and proper techniques</em><br />
<em>behind baking and chocolate making? Thank you!&#8221;</em></div>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">Good for you. I did the very thing. Studied like crazy at home while working at bakeries and restaurants. My first night working at Spago I quickly realized (or it was sternly pointed out to me) I couldn&#8217;t quenelle if it saved my life. At 2 am I stopped by Ralph&#8217;s and picked up a gallon of ice cream. I didn&#8217;t go to bed until my quenelle&#8217;s were perfectly formed scoop after scoop after scoop.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0936184752/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0936184752">Baking Illustrated </a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0936184752" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" />is a wonderful book. Brought to you by the people of <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/cpa/3/2/default.asp?extcode=K00GDAC00">Cooks Illustrated</a>. In it there are very basic baking recipes from scones to cookies, cakes to crumbles. By their very nature they&#8217;ve exhaustively tested each recipe and explain their choices in offering up the recipe they liked the best. Through simply reading through the book you will get a better understanding of common ingredients and how they interact with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I often tell my students in my classes that you have to be prepared to make mistakes. I do it all the time! It&#8217;s what you do with those mistakes that makes you a great baker. Understanding your ingredients is crucial. YOU control the ingredients &#8211; don&#8217;t let them control you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So to that end I also recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471405469/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0471405469">Understanding Baking</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0471405469" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470392673/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0470392673">, How Baking Works</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0470392673" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471405256/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0471405256">Baker&#8217;s Manual (5th Edition)</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0471405256" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" />. All of these are great resources in getting a better idea of the chemistry involved in baking. Baking <strong>is </strong>a science &#8211; that&#8217;s exciting, not scary. Sticking to a basic ratio (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416571728/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1416571728">Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1416571728" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> &#8211; a must!) you&#8217;ll have great success and can insert much creativity from there. But you must first know how it all works.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You can also buy the textbooks that are used in Culinary school.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047005591X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=047005591X">Baking and Pastry: Mastering the Art and Craft</a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=047005591X" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471359254/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0471359254">The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry, 4th Edition</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0471359254" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">These are exhaustive books that cover all basic baking recipes. They are great foundational books to understand the classic pastries and the basic ratios of the recipes. Having a solid foundation of classic baking will allow you to be more creative and give your pastries a unique twist.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To whet your creativity, look to the pros. They&#8217;ve studied pastry for years and offer an unending source of inspiration and encouragement. Some of my favorites &#8211; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580087817/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1580087817">Elizabeth Falkner&#8217;s Demolition Desserts: Recipes from Citizen Cake</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1580087817" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> So creative and fun.</p>
<p>And of course both books by Sherry Yard are fantastic and I&#8217;m not just saying that because I worked with her and helped on the second book. I can attest to her recipes and she offers solid practical tips and advice.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618138927/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0618138927">The Secrets of Baking: Simple Techniques for Sophisticated Desserts</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0618138927" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618515224/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0618515224">Desserts by the Yard: From Brooklyn to Beverly Hills: Recipes from the Sweetest Life Ever</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0618515224" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>Alice Medrich&#8217;s recipes are flawless. Classic, simple and most often the best sweets I&#8217;ve had.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579651607/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=artiswee-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1579651607">Bittersweet: Recipes and Tales from a Life in Chocolate</a><img style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artiswee-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1579651607" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">She has so many great books. This one is one of my favorites. Of course I adore chocolate.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Speaking of chocolate &#8211; that&#8217;s really how my passion for pastry began. I started a handmade chocolate business. I had a bit of training while working at The Essential Baking Co. in Seattle but really most of what I learned I read in forums online. Specifically <a href="http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?app=core&amp;module=search&amp;do=active">egullet.com</a>. There are thousands of members and many of them are so generous with their time and talent. They put together pictorial tutorials that make learning how to use cocoa butter transfer sheets a breeze &#8211; for example. <img src='http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My last bit of advice is to do just what you are doing. Ask questions. I&#8217;m honored when people ask questions of me. I think I can speak for many in this industry when I say our passion for food pours freely and the more people that we can get excited about cooking and baking the better.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This work is hard and it must be fueled with an immense passion because you will get burned &#8211; physically and emotionally. You will be exhausted in every sense of the word. You will forget why you ever fell in love with sugar in the first place but as with all things in life don&#8217;t forget to step back to gain perspective. Sometimes you&#8217;ll need to put down the whisk and go find the very source of inspiration that started this whole crazy process. When periods of doubt hit and I&#8217;m debilitated by my exhaustion I am inspired by others &#8211; their books, their food and their passion. I&#8217;m refueled and can return once again to the kitchen with more energy and creativity. For that I am so grateful for this generous community. Glean from it, grow from it and when you are able give back to it.</p>
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		<title>Road Trip &#8211; Portland</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/03/23/road-trip-portland/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/03/23/road-trip-portland/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:27:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=2389</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our taste buds determine the route and this time they were screaming for coffee. Portland has become a mecca for good tastes and lucky for us it is only a few hours away by car. Timed perfectly those three hours could be a pleasant, stop-less drive, giving Gabe and I plenty of time to talk [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/03/23/road-trip-portland/' addthis:title='Road Trip &#8211; Portland '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2391" title="5554333630_deae6b8fb3_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5554333630_deae6b8fb3_b-625x416.jpg" alt="5554333630_deae6b8fb3_b" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Our taste buds determine the route and this time they were screaming for coffee.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland has become a mecca for good tastes and lucky for us it is only a few hours away by car. Timed perfectly those three hours <em>could </em>be a pleasant, stop-less drive, giving Gabe and I plenty of time to talk and plan out our tasting strategy. If we miss our perfect drive-time window we bring ear plugs to mute the three passengers sitting directly behind us.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This weekend was a complete success &#8211; the drive was nearly silent thanks to naps and iPhones and the coffee did not disappoint.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We visited three coffee shops &#8211; <a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/">Heart</a>, <a href="http://baristapdx.com/">Barista </a>and <a href="http://coava.myshopify.com/">Coava</a>. There are so many more to try but there really is a limit to how much coffee one can drink in a day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Our strategy was this. Across the board we ordered a macchiato. That drink, consisting of a single shot of espresso topped with a smidge of milk and a dusting of perfectly frothed foam, was the constant in our tasting. We would then get a drink that sets that particular shop apart from any other. For example if they were famous for Ethiopian Harar Longberry that was brewed with Unicorn tears (happy tears of course) then that is what we would get.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Before we get started I must apologize for that lack of detailed tasting notes. Between trying to take photos and wrangling three kidlets who had their fair share of hot chocolate as they trekked with their coffee-loving parents from place to place &#8211; I didn&#8217;t take great notes. My purpose here is to introduce you to three of the many great coffee shops that are brewing all over Portland. All of these places produce exceptional cups of freshly roasted and expertly brewed cups. The passion that is poured into each shot is savored &#8211; they take their job seriously. I find that incredibly inspiring.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So let&#8217;s get to it. We&#8217;ll start with <a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/">Heart</a> as that is where we started. Makes sense.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2399  aligncenter" title="5553765845_14090bdc77_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5553765845_14090bdc77_b-556x835.jpg" alt="5553765845_14090bdc77_b" width="556" height="835" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2397  aligncenter" title="5554361018_24f207c070_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5554361018_24f207c070_b-556x835.jpg" alt="5554361018_24f207c070_b" width="556" height="835" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The kidlets enjoyed a weekend full of hot chocolate and baked goods. They are becoming quite the connoisseurs. I&#8217;m quite proud.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2393" title="5553760043_092e91182d_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5553760043_092e91182d_b-625x416.jpg" alt="5553760043_092e91182d_b" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">See the heart? Not the best I&#8217;ve seen but &#8220;A&#8221; for effort. She knew it wasn&#8217;t her best heart as she was quite disappointed.  I love that they take latte art so seriously.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2394   alignnone" title="5554353446_cac1138f80_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5554353446_cac1138f80_b-556x835.jpg" alt="5554353446_cac1138f80_b" width="556" height="835" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This Mr. Barista was kind enough to give my brother-in-law and I a lesson on how to brew a cup of siphon. Yes, we do have that brew system at home and no, I don&#8217;t think the neighbors think it&#8217;s a coffee brewing system when they see it in our window.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2392   alignnone" title="5553756233_f699a71e92_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5553756233_f699a71e92_b-536x835.jpg" alt="5553756233_f699a71e92_b" width="536" height="835" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2396" title="5554359552_9be22ba3c1_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5554359552_9be22ba3c1_b-625x466.jpg" alt="5554359552_9be22ba3c1_b" width="625" height="466" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Heart is one of the few shops that brew siphon (or vacuum) coffee. I&#8217;ll let <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_coffee_maker">Wikipedia</a> explain because it&#8217;s a little beyond me. &#8220;A <strong>vacuum coffee maker</strong> brews <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee">coffee</a> using two chambers where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor_pressure">vapor pressure</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum">vacuum</a> produce <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee">coffee</a> which is clean, crisp, rich and smooth compared to other brewing methods.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I do know that it is very pleasant to drink. Very smooth with minimal residual grit or grounds that are present in a French Press brew. Nothing against French Press &#8211; it&#8217;s just different.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-large wp-image-2395   alignnone" title="5554355482_6b5442761f_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5554355482_6b5442761f_b-556x835.jpg" alt="5554355482_6b5442761f_b" width="556" height="835" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Someday we&#8217;ll graduate from the <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/01/27/simple-home-coffee-roasting/">popcorn popper</a> to this bad boy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2398" title="5553782427_93d227cb45_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/5553782427_93d227cb45_b-625x464.jpg" alt="5553782427_93d227cb45_b" width="625" height="464" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">He&#8217;s so handsome.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I love that he loves coffee.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;">At Heart we drank -</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Doppio Macchiato -<a href="http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/blends/510869"> </a><a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/products/Stereo-Blend.html">Stereo Blend</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://heartroasters.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/luis-alfredo-rojas/">Siphon &#8211; Colombia</a> Which is described on their <a href="http://heartroasters.wordpress.com/">blog</a> &#8211; &#8220;Flavors of pomegranate fruit, hard candy sweetness, and winey, with a clean green apple like acidity.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;">I&#8217;ll tell you about Barista and Coava soon. I took far too many photos for one post.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/"><strong>Heart Coffee Roasters</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>2211 E Burnside </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Portland, OR 97214</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Phone: 503-206-6602</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
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		<title>Hoping for chocolate</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/02/14/2305/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/02/14/2305/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I had plans to bring you chocolate today. It is Valentine&#8217;s day after all. I have plenty of ideas as to what I was going to make you but when it comes right down to it I would rather someone else make it for me today. Of course you all know how much I love [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/02/14/2305/' addthis:title='Hoping for chocolate '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2306" title="396227160_f015982024_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/396227160_f015982024_b-625x416.jpg" alt="396227160_f015982024_b" width="625" height="416" /></p>
<p>I had plans to bring you chocolate today. It is Valentine&#8217;s day after all. I have plenty of ideas as to what I was going to make you but when it comes right down to it I would rather someone else make it for me today.</p>
<p>Of course you all know how much I love being in the kitchen, baking and cooking for friends and family, but even the cook likes to be served every now and again. Fortunately I am surrounded by much talent in the kitchen and do get to eat others&#8217; food on a regular basis so really I have no excuse for this pathetic little pity party but alas here I am.  Would you believe that I don&#8217;t have people lined up at the door wanting to bake something for me? The nerve.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2307" title="3477525401_b57202febb_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/3477525401_b57202febb_b-556x835.jpg" alt="3477525401_b57202febb_b" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p>So today there are a few people out in Internet land who I would like to ask to come and bake for me. In return you will get a happy me, lots of sweet snuggles from the cutest little Valentine I&#8217;ve ever seen and you&#8217;ll probably get tackled by some crazy little wrestlers. Sounds fair right?!</p>
<p>Jen. Please come make this <a href="http://userealbutter.com/2011/02/13/pistachio-creme-brulee-recipe/" target="_blank">Pistachio Creme Brulee</a> for me. Thanks.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://hudauploaded.com/blog/2011/02/i-cant-believe-cake/" target="_blank">&#8220;I can&#8217;t believe I made that cake&#8221;</a> from Huda is amazing. I&#8217;d love a slice of it&#8217;s deep dark chocolate cake with ruby red raspberries and perfect chocolate curls.</p>
<p>A cup of <a href="http://66.147.242.155/~smellsl2/2011/02/decadent-double-chocolate-mousse/" target="_blank">chocolate mousse and whipped cream</a>?! Now THAT sounds like V-day to me. <a href="http://66.147.242.155/~smellsl2/" target="_blank">From Tara at It Smells Like Home.</a></p>
<p>Gaby, I&#8217;d be happy to take a <a href="http://whatsgabycooking.com/giant-mm-cookies/" target="_blank">cookie (or two</a>) off of your hands. Really.</p>
<p>While I&#8217;m chocolate-less today. Let&#8217;s not forget some of the chocolate we have shared together.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.artazza.com/recipe_aer_dec08.php" target="_blank">Drinking chocolate</a>. Remember? <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2008/02/16/course-confusion/" target="_blank">Or there&#8217;s this version</a>. Either way, prepare yourself for a perfectly dark, nearly spoonable (?) drink. Add a touch of Cayenne to turn up the heat.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2308" title="3802418488_8c5045cbcb_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/3802418488_8c5045cbcb_b-556x835.jpg" alt="3802418488_8c5045cbcb_b" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p>You know, I just had a brilliant idea (actually I had this idea awhile ago but I just reminded myself &#8211; thank you blog). I don&#8217;t need to bake in order to enjoy an abundance of chocolate. <a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2009/02/18/tasting-chocolate/" target="_blank">Chocolate tasting!</a></p>
<p>While eating chocolate is extremely important (not just on Valentine&#8217;s day) my greatest hope for you on this day is that you feel and give love.</p>
<p>Happy Valentine&#8217;s Day friends!</p>
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		<title>that&#8217;s me, next to cat cora</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/02/06/thats-me-next-to-cat-cora/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/02/06/thats-me-next-to-cat-cora/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 07:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miscellaneous]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=2267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I feel like I should have my mom write this post. She does a much better job of talking about me than I do. So I won&#8217;t say much but she would be quite upset if I didn&#8217;t share this with you all. See that little photo of the blond with the glasses? That&#8217;s me. [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/02/06/thats-me-next-to-cat-cora/' addthis:title='that&#8217;s me, next to cat cora '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I feel like I should have my mom write this post. She does a much better job of talking about me than I do. So I won&#8217;t say much but she would be quite upset if I didn&#8217;t share this with you all.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2268" title="photo 2" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/photo-2-625x466.jpg" alt="photo 2" width="625" height="466" /></p>
<p>See that little photo of the blond with the glasses? That&#8217;s me.</p>
<p>I was asked by Glamour how I stay fit while being surrounded by food all the time. Hahaha. I told them that I walk to the bakery rather instead of driving <img src='http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>I have been asked this before and I often don&#8217;t know what to say. You see, I just make little choices. It&#8217;s the little things like choosing the stairs rather than the elevator, eliminating a bit of sugar from some recipes (I also don&#8217;t like things very sweet so it works both ways) and yes, I do in fact do some squats while cooking, holding my baby and blow drying me hair. It&#8217;s true, I do. But you will have to take my word for it as there will never be any photographic evidence. Hear me, dear husband. NEVER.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t have much time for the gym and extended work outs so I try and fit in little bursts of exercise. I keep a set of five pound weights handy and if the kids are content for a few minutes I might just squeeze in a little bit of a workout. I think it is also important for my children to see the importance of moving, exercising and trying to stay healthy.</p>
<p>I have to continually keep myself in check and maintain a healthy balance as I have, in the past, gone too far into the world of diet and exercise. There was a period in my life where I really struggled with eating and trying to attain the &#8220;perfect&#8221; body. I became too thin and yet I still managed to find areas of my body that needed improving. See, that&#8217;s the point. There is no perfect. Don&#8217;t bother trying. What there is is acceptance that will eventually turn into confidence. Once I freed myself with the all the self-consuming thoughts I had more energy to love others and be loved in return. Much, much better.</p>
<p>You must get to the point where you feel healthy, happy and confident about the body you have been given. Life is too short to fret over it. There are too many incredible tastes to savor and much more important issues to put your energy toward.</p>
<p>Moderation is key, making small choices that add up to big ones and a few squats and leg lifts now and again never hurt &#8211; unless you pull a muscle, that hurts. But I think you get the point.</p>
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		<title>Sharing</title>
		<link>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2010/08/14/sharing/</link>
		<comments>http://notwithoutsalt.com/2010/08/14/sharing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:18:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Rodriguez</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://notwithoutsalt.com/?p=1998</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although I&#8217;ve let this place go quiet I wanted to let you know about a few things I&#8217;ve been working on that are floating around the internet. First let me introduce you to one of my favorite Summer treats. Coffee Granita. You&#8217;ll find the recipe on Artazza.com (in fact you can find several of my [...]<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:url='http://notwithoutsalt.com/2010/08/14/sharing/' addthis:title='Sharing '  ><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="button_count"></a><a class="addthis_button_tweet"></a><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style"></a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although I&#8217;ve let this place go quiet I wanted to let you know about a few things I&#8217;ve been working on that are floating around the internet.</p>
<p>First let me introduce you to one of my favorite Summer treats. <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=244726&amp;u=334285&amp;m=20669&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Coffee Granita</a><a href="http://">. </a>You&#8217;ll find the recipe on Artazza.com (in fact you can find several of my recipes there and some incredible dishes too). It&#8217;s light, refreshing, doesn&#8217;t require an oven and so easy you can make your kids make it for you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2009" title="4892732584_3a1136442b_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/4892732584_3a1136442b_b1-556x835.jpg" alt="4892732584_3a1136442b_b" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2007" title="4892732064_e3a65e930b_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/4892732064_e3a65e930b_b1-625x416.jpg" alt="4892732064_e3a65e930b_b" width="450" height="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2002" title="4892134297_eb0848333e_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/4892134297_eb0848333e_b1-556x835.jpg" alt="4892134297_eb0848333e_b" width="428" height="644" /></p>
<p>Secondly, I came up with 15 quick and easy breakfast ideas that are quite delicious and perfect for those frantic mornings where you find yourself eating in the car. <a href="http://www.parenting.com/recipes-gallery/Recipes/On-the-Go-Breakfast-Recipes/" target="_blank">You&#8217;ll find those at Parenting.com.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2010" title="4892735386_56c7707cc8_b(2)" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/4892735386_56c7707cc8_b2-556x835.jpg" alt="4892735386_56c7707cc8_b(2)" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2008" title="4892137547_6bb2f1c270_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/4892137547_6bb2f1c270_b1-556x835.jpg" alt="4892137547_6bb2f1c270_b" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2000" title="4892135301_9dd847b052_b" src="http://notwithoutsalt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/4892135301_9dd847b052_b-556x835.jpg" alt="4892135301_9dd847b052_b" width="445" height="668" /></p>
<p>I never meant to let my last post linger for so long but as it turns out I&#8217;ve been quite busy and also incredibly tired. I can only imagine (and vaguely remember) the tired I&#8217;ll feel in a couple (or 4) weeks with a new born in the house. But for now I feel as if my body is preparing me for sleepless nights. I&#8217;m also just savoring these last few weeks. Holding on to my limited time of just having two kids to tend to, enjoying her every move from inside my belly and imagining what she will look like on the day that we finally get to meet our daughter.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m staying cool by hogging the kiddie pool and drinking plenty of icy non-alcoholic beverages. I have many fun things to share with you all but for now do me a huge favor and check out those links.</p>
<p>You are all too kind.</p>
<p>Which reminds me, I&#8217;ve been meaning to thank you. Your comments and emails mean the world to me although you&#8217;d probably never know it by my lack of responding. But please don&#8217;t stop. I read each. and. every. single. one. and they all bring a smile to my face (except the mean ones &#8211; those make me cry) and fill me with great joy. You all are such a motivation for me to continue to come to this place to share, teach, chat and learn. I&#8217;m so grateful for it and for all of you. So please keep it up and I hope that when more energy strikes me (in about 5-10 years) I will be able to respond to all. So thank you, thank you.</p>
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