Photograffiti

 On Tuesday we visited the California Museum of Photography in Riverside. We often joke that there is no culture in the IE, but of course that isn't always true. Not only were we able to cut our traffic time in half, but the parking and admission prices were a steal. It was only $3.00 to get in and it was definitely worth more. They had three exhibits going on in addition to the camera displays which were my favorite part, the sneaky spy cameras in particular. We couldn't use flash so my crappy camera skills were even crappier. I didn't notice until after loading photos to the computer that my reflection is in almost every picture I took. However there was one that was almost impossible to mess up and that was from the camera obscura. There is a small room-sized one built into the front of the building which you can go inside and have a look at. Then you can look outside and see the image that has been captured right side up.

 After the museum we went to Oasis Cafe at La Sierra Natural Foods. Everything I read online said to get the steak burger, so I did, but the carnitas also sounded tempting so I ordered those as well. The fries on my tray are for sharing with the girls. Next time I wouldn't get as much food, but it was decidedly delicious. My only true regret was not adding avocado, won't make that mistake again.

The store was having a sale on books so I started rooting through the piles hoping to get lucky. Most of the books were to do with health or allergies, but I did find Nonna's Italian Kitchen by Bryanna Clark Grogan. I have way too many cookbooks, but I couldn't pass up the bargain. I looked around to see if there was anything else I needed but their prices were a bit higher than other stores so I decided to pass. That was until my sister pointed me in the direction of the Soy Curls. I snatched up two packets and hit the check stand. I can't wait to cook with them. The Couricos Tacos from Vegan Brunch will be the first thing I make, already started rounding up ingredients.

p.s. Can someone tell me what that bit of bathroom writing is supposed to be? I remember people doodling it on their folders in middle school. No one ever said what it was for, but they were all writing it.

  

Egg-cellent!



The Money Shot


When I read the recipe for these, it seemed relatively simple. The only problem I thought I would have was the waiting, as each step is separated by a few hours to allow the eggs to chill/set. The recipe said I could use brown rice syrup or corn syrup so I thought I would use brown rice syrup since that was at least organic. I'd feel slightly less horrible for serving a ball of sugar wrapped in chocolate to my niece who already has 3 cavities (she didn't get her mother's teeth-none of us have ever had a cavity).


I am glad I put in the labor to try these at least once. I think this was one of those times where I was nervous throughout the process because I didn't know what to expect so I couldn't tell if I was doing it right or not. Thankfully I had the presence of mind to try it early in the week so that I could make attempt number two on Friday if necessary. Luckily, they turned out just as I had hoped so the only reason I would have to make them again is if they don't survive until Sunday, or if I want to share some with friends.

Here is my short list of what I'd do differently next time:

1. Use corn syrup instead, the brown rice syrup was really heavy and I had trouble creaming everything together, which could also be due to...
2. An old hand mixer that probably needs to be replaced. I think I almost killed it yesterday. It's 20+ years old.
3. I would skip refrigerating and go straight to the freezer. I chilled my yolks/whites for two hours and they were still not firm enough to work with.
4. Roll faster or enlist a friend. I had to keep putting everything back in the freezer, so it took me 3-4 rounds to get all my eggs together.
5. I would also lightly lube everything, hands included, with shortening, that stuff can stick!