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Cakes with Panache

Published April 17, 2012 by monicastangledweb

Just before my daughter headed back to school last month, we went shopping and, on our way to the department store, we passed a cookware store. It was bustling, and unusually thick with customers for an early Saturday morning. With our curiosity piqued, we ventured in. Turns out, an author was there, getting ready to sign her cookbook, Extraordinary Cakes.

“Extraordinary Cakes?” I eagerly inquired at the counter. “Any connection to Extraordinary Desserts, the restaurant that serves sumptuous delights?”

And, lo and behold, there was a connection! For the author, Karen Krasne, is the genius behind the two Extraordinary Desserts restaurants in San Diego, as well as the creator of the fabulous confections they offer, including, of course, cakes. Her trademark—which is what makes these delicacies so breathtakingly beautiful and truly extraordinary—are the flowers and edible gold leaf she uses to adorn them.

So, we purchased a book and joined the cue, because if you know anything about my daughter, you know that she loves to bake–a win-win for our entire family. The cookbook is divided by seasons, and features photos and recipes for cakes boasting such evocative names as Passion Fruit Ricotta Cake, Lemon Praline Torte, Strawberry Poppy Seed Cake, Chocolate Nirvana, Versailles, and Love Is Chocolate.

The book signing we attended offered an array of Krasne's extraordinary cakes. We sampled them all!

Last week, I had the opportunity to chat with Ms. Krasne, about her cakes, her must-have ingredient, and her pursuit of a spiritual life.

MTW:  How long have you been baking and how did you discover your talent for creating and decorating extraordinary deserts?

KK:  I’m from a family of bakers. As early as 11, I’d cook with my mom, aunts, and grandma, who all loved to bake. Some of my first desserts included apple dumplings and caramel cheesecake.  It was fun for me and everyone loved my cooking. In college, while I was pursuing a degree in nutrition, I found a part-time job working for a bakery in Honolulu.  I enjoyed it so much, it led me to study pastry-making at the Cordon Bleu in France.

MTW: Please share something many may not know about you.

Photo taken during Krasne's recent trip to Bali.

KK: I’m shy, and I love to be alone. I also love quiet time, to be far away in the world, in a secluded locale. Two weeks of being anonymous, helps you get to the true essence of who you are. My husband understands my need to travel solo once a year, and is very supportive.

MTW: So, you travel by yourself? For women who might be more hesitant to do so, what’s your secret?

KK: Thanks to my parents, I am fearless about traveling on my own. I started when I was 14. At 15, I went to Mazatlan with  three other girls and we rented a condo. Dad would tell you I walked to a different rhythm, that I was an older soul. I wasn’t a saint, and I was somewhat reckless. But I was very intuitive about character, and my parents knew they could trust me. It’s an adrenalin rush to land in places like Cambodia or Morocco. These trips are filled with spiritual growth and can be so stimulating.

MTW: Aside from the basics (flour, baking soda, etc.), what is the one ingredient you must always have on hand?

KK: I highly recommend keeping on hand many different kinds of chocolate—milk, dark, extra dark, white, light milk, etc.

MTW:  Any trade secrets or helpful hints for baking?

KK:  My recipes can be complex, with many steps involved, so make sure you have all the ingredients measured and weighed out before you start cooking. Review the recipe a few times, so you don’t get lost. Map it out.

MTW: Is there any ingredient that you’ve been dying to try in a dessert or are curious to find out how it would taste in one of your confections?

KK: I’ve dabbled in many flavors. I don’t get too esoteric, trying weird things, like cheese and chocolate. That’s not what my clients want. I have played around with yuzu (about the size of a tangerine) from Asia; and matcha tea, a green tea from Japan. We do have a tremendous number of clientele that like this.

MTW:  Your cakes are like a work of art, as if they belong in a museum. If they were to be displayed, what collection do you think they’d most fit in and are there any painters’ who inspire your work?  

KK:   I decorate my desserts with flowers from the South Pacific, so I’d say Gauguin. Also, Monet and other artists inspired by the Giverny Gardens. Each year, I make sure, too, to visit San Diego’s Art Alive, a celebration of floral interpretations of great art. It’s very inspiring.

MTW:  In your estimation, what would be the perfect meal to go with one or any of your cakes?

KK:  I’m a strict vegetarian, and I like to eat healthy. Light picnics are one of my favorite meals. You don’t feel guilty about eating dessert afterwards. I serve food fresh, so I don’t use the oven much (except for cakes, etc.). I love tomatoes, cauliflower, salads with strawberries, steamed veggies, tofu, pesto, and brown rice.

Name three famous people, dead or alive, who you would love to invite over for cake and conversation. What would you serve?

KK:  (Comedian/actress) Sandra Bernhard; (renowned author and mind-body healing pioneer) Deepak Chopra; and my daughter, too, who is eight years old, as I’d want her to meet my heroes.  I’d serve a three-course dessert buffet. Best to add my husband. I can’t possibly leave him out!

MTW:  Where do you find your bliss?

KK:  When I’m walking along the ocean, or doing yoga. Also, a day off with my husband and daughter. Finding my spiritual moments. Now, that’s bliss.

MTW:  What book are you currently reading?

KK:  I’m reading two. The End of Illness by Dr. David Agus, which is all about preserving our health and happiness, and Living with Gratitude: A Journey That Will Change Your Life, by Angeles Arrien. This is a wonderful book; I’ve given several away as gifts. For each month of the year, it tells you what’s going on in the universe. I just read April, all about spring, greenery, and flowers. A great book, with sweet messages.

MTW: What do you hope people will take away from your desserts and your cookbook?

KK:  I hope my cookbook helps people learn something new. It’s easy to read and shows them how to make the actual cakes we sell in the restaurant, so there’s lot of enjoyment after all the hard work. At some level, I hope my desserts bring people pleasure that they haven’t had otherwise.

I Want My Warm Weather Back!

Published March 19, 2012 by monicastangledweb

To all of you living in Chicago, New York, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and the like:

Here in Southern California, we haven't seen temperatures above 60 degrees ever since our warm weather was kidnapped and moved to Chicago, New York and the like. (photo: Lee Wag)

I know where your cold weather went. It’s here in San Diego, and it’s waiting for you to claim it.

Yep, I saw what you did. Don’t think I can’t see you, wearing your tees, flip-flops and shorts on Lake Michigan, thinking you’re so cool enjoying your unusually mild weather. Sure, there you are, playing Frisbee, which is so out of the norm where you live. But trust me, it’s par for the course here. All YEAR ROUND. At least, it was until you absconded with it!

So give it up, hand it over and stop your tomfoolery. Stat.

For, I know what you’re up to. You are holding our warm, balmy weather hostage and we’re not falling for it.

Furthermore, the ransom you are requesting is moot. Non-negotiable, as we, who live in Southern California, already pay a heft price for the privilege of our warm, comfortable climate. The rent alone is highway robbery. And our motto is: Not a penny more!

So, give us our weather back now. After all, we don’t do well with these blustery, icy-cold record low temps we’re having. We’re absolutely freezing here! We don’t own the wardrobe for this kind of weather—and we don’t know how to drive in it. Do you know how many accidents we had this weekend, all because of the freezing rain and hail? Well, I don’t know either, but I’m pretty sure it was at least, a gazillion.

What’s more, there’s been a shortage of hot cocoa mix in the grocery stores and a run on umbrellas and scarves since your cold weather arrived. And, last I checked, they’re no longer making fur-lined bikinis, for those daring enough to still go in the ocean.

So, whatever you did to get rid of your lousy weather, undo it now. Hop on a plane and come pick it up, or give us your mailing address and we’ll get it shipped back. Heck, I’ll even cover the costs of overnight shipping.

And in return, all we ask, all we want, is our WARM WEATHER BACK! And that includes the sun!

Now, if you still insist on keeping our weather, then don’t come back and whine when you start experiencing wild fires, mudslides and earthquakes. After all, these little bundles of nature go hand in hand. Quid pro quo.

So, I’m closing my eyes and counting to 100. And, when I open them, my good weather better be back and your icy temps gone, once and for all. No questions asked. Let bygones be bygones and old acquaintance be forgot, and, well, you get my drift. Deal?

Hawaiian Eye

Published February 7, 2012 by monicastangledweb

I’ve known my friend, Keoni, who hails from Hawaii, for a long time. We’re talking over a decade, actually. We work together, though in different departments, but I don’t get to see him everyday. Though when I do, he always cracks me up. Keoni has an offbeat, off kilter, quirky way of looking at life, and I just adore quirky. If you ask me, having a great sense of humor goes a long way.

But in all the time I’ve known Keoni, turns out I didn’t know one thing—the man has talent! I learned this recently, when I had the opportunity to pop in his office, located on the floor below mine. I’m not normally in that area. Make that, I’m NEVER in that area. It’s kind of out of the way, and akin to me swinging by Vancouver, B.C., on my way from Southern California to New York.

Anyhow, here’s what happened when I walked into his office:

My jaw dropped.

Turns out, in addition to his office job, he’s a painter and a photographer. And, if you ask me, he’s got an eye for both!  A Hawaiian eye, that is. A few of his paintings hang in his office and they are breathtaking. Keoni works with acrylics and bold colors in a style that is truly modern.

After “oohing” and “ah-hing,” over his art, he showed me his photos. There are so many, and each has a story. I asked Keoni to choose his top five so that I could post and share with you. Here they are, along with a sixth one that I added. The accompanying stories are in his own words. I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Title: America Goes Green

Photo #5: The above photo was taken at San Diego Mission Bay against a gorgeous blue sky. Between Hawaii and San Diego, I have lived under beautiful baby blue skies my entire life. So, I decided to change this one to green.

Title: The State of America

Photo #4: A floor display in an Apple retail store. My brain associates this image with such diverse things as: Communism, the media, mind control, drones, Big Brother, space aliens, billiard balls and eggs.

Title: Lucifer's Shade

Photo #3:  Why this shot? Because some look for the devil in everything, including pretty trees.

Title: Family Values 2.0

Photo #2: You wouldn’t know it, but an abandoned World War II bunker hides in the shallow hill above the sprinting, shin-guarded keikis; echoes of Pearl Harbor too faint for the little ones to hear.

But I do.

On this very spot in Kapolei, my nephew, Kainoa (far right), gives everything he has to prove his mettle to his teammates (and possibly show off to his uncle, back visiting from ‘The Mainland’). But fútbol, in my pre-Internet, matching sunny days, would have been impossible for me.  Back then, this area was caked with patches of sugar cane, deep, red powder dirt, deformed rock, and infinite mixed brush, bickering ruthlessly with one another, each trying to edge the other out.

And I loved every acre of it.

My finger gun pointed upward, the humidity of Oahu’s Leeward side, ignored and time uninvented, I spent what seemed like two school years trudging through the denseness on one too many weekends.  It was only when keawe thorns pierced my skin that my critical role of “Child Soldier, U.S.A — Defender of The Islands!!” … momentarily dissolved.

Title: Katrina Killed the Klown

Photo #1: I took this photo in 2010, by sneaking into an abandoned Six Flags amusement park in New Orleans, compliments of 2005′s Hurricane Katrina. A park that, at one point, sat beneath 8 – 10 feet of flooded waters. Sometime after drying out, someone spray painted, “Six Flags 2012 coming soon” on the wall above the downed, and dearly departed, clown head. But they were clownin.’ Six Flags will never rebuild there.

AND ONE MORE (Editor’s prerogative!):

Title: Dog Peer

The dog’s owner says that he and his wife bring their Bull Terrier here nearly every day at sunset. The dog goes wild, running back and forth between either end of this short, shallow pier, just past the San Diego Mission Bay Visitor Center.The dog is looking for fish that occasionally jump out of the water. A couple of times in the past, this here dog dove in after the fish, but never had luck catching any. Each day, this dog can’t wait for his trip down to the pier. Goes crazy over the jumping fish.

Word has it that Keoni is a poet, too! So maybe, just maybe, he’ll let me share some of his poems here soon. In the meantime, Keoni has all his photos posted on Flickr and welcomes their use by any blogger. Just let him know and include a link to his page.

I’d love to know what you think of his photos, and what thoughts go through your head when you look at these.

What Makes a Leader?

Published September 30, 2011 by monicastangledweb

What does it take to be an effective leader today?

If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said experience, vision, and the ability to motivate and inspire.  Not to mention, the capacity to guide staff in times of change. This last one is très important because, if you ask me, the times are always a-changing.

Kim Nguyen and Stephanie Scollo, LEAD San Diego staff.

Finally, I would have thrown in, a side of moxie, simply because that’s my specialty.

Yet, while these qualities can be found in the finest of leaders, I now know, there’s so much more to being a leader today.  For, after spending my first day in a leadership development program called “Impact San Diego,” I see now that it’s not enough to strive to be the best in your job.

An effective leader needs to look beyond his or her responsibilities at work, and consider their responsibilities to their community. Their diverse community, that is. A leader should look for ways to contribute and help find solutions to issues and concerns that are impacting the region in which they live.

I’ve been a director in my job for more than a decade, but despite this, I know that I can always use more training. And now that I’m working in the area of diversity, it seems to me, this is as good a time as any to expand my understanding of my community and the diverse people who live here.

Which is why, I recently joined 59 other civic- and community-minded individuals in our first IMPACT San Diego class. This is a 10-month program offered by LEAD San Diego.  We’ll be meeting monthly through June 2012 and, together, we will discover a whole new side to our city. I’m hoping to gain a better understanding of many of the issues that impact this region, including the economy, education, the military, the environment and health care. And as long as I’m learning to become a good leader, I might as well blog about the process.

Emmanuel Arellano, San Diego Housing Commission, is also a member of the Class of 2012.

So I’ll be reaching out to my fellow students, who represent a broad spectrum of area businesses and non-profits.  I’m really looking forward to getting to know them, and I hope they don’t mind me being nosy and asking them lots of personal and irreverent questions, or taking impromptu photos of them, like this photo to the left that I took of Emmanuel, who I got to know a little bit on our first day. Yes, they might as well all know that I’m planning to take lots of pix–all for the sake of my blog!

As you can imagine, I was very nervous going to the first session. For starters, the class begins promptly at 7:30. In the morning! Which totally does not take into account the fact that I often am blogging until 2:00 am.  Plus, unlike most people who can jump out of bed, take a shower and be at work by 8:00, I first have to walk Henry, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. That dog descends from royalty and likes his walks on a certain schedule. Needless to say, these wee hours are going to do a number on mine.

Which is why, to help me make it through my first day, sleep-deprived and all, I went ahead and asked some LEAD alumni for much-need advice. Here’s what they had to say:

Bryan Lubic, San Diego State University:  My advice is to have fun, enjoy, and meet everyone. (Over time, not all today!). Great people, great program, so glad you’re a part of it!

Myrian Solis Coronel, REI:  Congrats!!! You’ll love the program and people. My only advice: Be in the moment and don’t get distracted by your phone. This is your time.

Cathy Lloyd Bauerle, CBS Radio’s KyXy and Sophie 103.7:  I totally agree with Myrian– the work will still be there when you get back to the office! You’ll LOVE LEAD! Can’t wait to hear more about it.

Audrey Patterson, Ark Marketing & Media Solutions:  How wonderful that you are in LEAD this year. Get to know everyone throughout the year and really take it all in. It’s so much fun. And a huge learning experience. I still am friends with some of the people I met through LEAD.

Leah Singer, San Diego State University:  Yes, have fun. Do everything they tell you with enthusiasm. You’ll be glad you did. And enjoy! It’s an amazing experience!

Tami Sandke, Estate Planning Attorney:  I agree with all of the above. Take advantage of every single opportunity, both educational and social. The small group work with non-profits is key. Have Fun!

So, it looks like fun seems to be an essential part of making the most of my experience in LEAD. And, thanks to all the encouragement, I’m now ready for the coming year.  And, if you play your cards right, I’ll be sure to let you know what else I learn about being a successful leader.  In the meantime, I hope you’ll share here, on what you think makes a strong leader. Oh, and, wish me luck!

The Book Shopaholic

Published August 11, 2011 by monicastangledweb

Be warned: Do not enter my home. Not if the thought of seeing stacks and stacks of books, piled three and four feet high, terrifies you.  You see I have a penchant for buying books. Every time I see or read about a book that piques my interest in any way, I have to have it. I think I have a deep down fear that, if I don’t purchase the book, by the time I am ready to read it, it’ll be out of publication.  So, I add it to my pile, because when push comes to shove, the pile’s the thing until I find the time to read.

Which is why, this year for my birthday, I’m putting 20 hours more each week, on my wish list. Yes, I want 20 more hours per week for my birthday!  Please note, that’s in addition to the 168 hours I already get each week. I need the extra 20, and preferably not all in one day.  But attached to the weekend would be perfect. Oh, and I’m not greedy. Heck, I’d take 10.  So, what would I do with this time?

Satisfy my addiction to books. I’d read the books on my to-do list.  Here it is, but again, be warned:  My taste in books runs the gamut.

Adventures By the Book Experience:  How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway

My friend, Leah, was the first to recommend this book to me. Then my friend, Susan, who runs the remarkable Adventures By the Book, told me about her upcoming event with Margaret Dilloway, which is set to take place August 26th in San Diego’s Japanese Friendship Garden, complete with a Japanese lunch and intimate conversation with the author.  I, of course, adore the idea of an after-lunch constitutional through the historical Friendship Garden. It all sounds too divine, if you ask me. If you’re in the area, be sure to reserve your spot, by visiting the Adventures By the Book website.

As for the book? I’m already halfway through it, as I love learning about other cultures. Margaret Dilloway’s How to Be an American Housewife, which brings thoughtful insight into the Japanese way of life, is largely set in my neck of the woods, San Diego. It is about Shoko, a Japanese woman who marries an American GI and, as a result, struggles to be a proper, American housewife. It is also about Shoko and her relationship with her decidedly American daughter, Suiko.  Leah calls it “a wonderful story, especially if you like tales of mother-daughter relationships.” She also points out that People magazine gave the book four (out of four) stars! And that’s good enough for me!

Other books that have piqued my interest:

The Creepy:  Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

The rights for this book, which was released in June, have already been sold to 20th Century Fox to be made into a movie. It is a sinister, spine-chilling tale about a 16-year-old who witnesses his grandfather’s horrifying death and, in searching for the truth, finds himself in an orphanage populated by children with incredible powers, including levitation and invisibility. The book is sprinkled with photos of these children, adding to the realism.  I’m already shaking in my boots.

The New Generation of Nancy Drew’s:  The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag by Alan Bradley

Move over Nancy Drew! There’s a new girl-sleuth in town and her name is Flavia de Luce. I read the first book in this exciting series, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, and found Flavia to be quick-witted, clever and cunning, served up on a platter of genuine humor.  She’s a real kick and an empowering sort of girl.

Social History:  At Home by Bill Bryson

Bryson dissects what many of us take for granted, our homes, and sheds light on how our homes came to be how they are today, including the conveniences that seem routine today, but were once considered only for the very rich.  All in all, Bryson has developed a fascinating social history of the home.

The Dog Lovers’ Book:  Dog Sense by John Bradshaw

Now, when it comes to my relationship with my dog, Henry, I know we’re not perfect. There’s room for improvement—Henry tells me that everyday. Bradshaw’s book addresses just that, how we treat our dogs versus how we really should be treating them, showing us, as best he can, life from a dog’s perspective.

The Environment:  The Big Thirst, The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water by Charles Fishman

Our most precious resource can also be the most fascinating. Fishman pours through our strange and complex relationship to water and makes you appreciate just how precious it really is. Water, life’s elixir!

Romantic Fun:  The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman

I actually read this book several summers ago and plan to read it again. It’s so entertaining, right from the very first page, reading like a frothy romantic comedy.  Set in the early sixties, it’s about young love, the Catskills and anti-Semitism.

I have many more books on my list, but I’ll save them for another time. Now, what’s on your reading list?

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