I have not been updating this blog as often as I would like, since creating the Tamela Wolff Photography Blog. http://tamelawolffphotography.blogspot.com/
I have also been busy starting my career in Photography. I still enjoy food and cooking, but I feel my passion is with making images and that is my media of expression. If you are interested in viewing my photographs they are on the photo sharing sit Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheftami/ and on my professional site at http://tamelawolff.photosite.com/ I hope to see you there. Until then Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
4 Potatoes (peeled & shredded)
1/2 Onion,
1/2 Apple
2 Eggs (lightly beaten)
1/4 cup flour
1 Lemon (juice of 1 Lemon)
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
two tablespoons butter
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
Preparation
1) Grate the potatoes into a medium size bowl filled with water with a box grater using the side with the largest holes. 2)Dice the apple and onion into small pieces and place in a second bowl and reserve. 3) Remove the grated potatoes from the water and squeeze the water out. Use a thin mesh strainer to remove any excess water over the bowl of water. (Keep the bowl of water it has the potato starch) 4) Place the grated potatoes, diced onion, diced apple, salt, pepper and the juice from one lemon into a bowl and mix together with a fork. 5)Drain the potato water over a fine mesh strainer and pour it out over the strainer obtaining the potato starch. Add this goodness to the potato mixture. Then add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and mix with fork. If the mixture is too wet add a little more flour. Refrigerate covered with plastic wrap until the pan is ready.
6) Prepare a large frying pan and heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil and two tablespoons butter until it sizzles. Drop a tablespoon at a time of the potato mixture into hot oil. Flatten with a pancake turner. When bottoms are brown turn them over. When done remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Serve with applesauce, sour cream or just plain. Serve immediately.
Note: Peanut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil. Once the potatoes are shredded they will start to brown so make sure to keep them covered in water. The potato pancakes can be made large if desired. Fresh or dried herbs are also nice if you have on hand.
4 Potatoes (peeled & shredded)
1/2 Onion,
1/2 Apple
2 Eggs (lightly beaten)
1/4 cup flour
1 Lemon (juice of 1 Lemon)
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
two tablespoons butter
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
Preparation
1) Grate the potatoes into a medium size bowl filled with water with a box grater using the side with the largest holes. 2)Dice the apple and onion into small pieces and place in a second bowl and reserve. 3) Remove the grated potatoes from the water and squeeze the water out. Use a thin mesh strainer to remove any excess water over the bowl of water. (Keep the bowl of water it has the potato starch) 4) Place the grated potatoes, diced onion, diced apple, salt, pepper and the juice from one lemon into a bowl and mix together with a fork. 5)Drain the potato water over a fine mesh strainer and pour it out over the strainer obtaining the potato starch. Add this goodness to the potato mixture. Then add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and mix with fork. If the mixture is too wet add a little more flour. Refrigerate covered with plastic wrap until the pan is ready.
6) Prepare a large frying pan and heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil and two tablespoons butter until it sizzles. Drop a tablespoon at a time of the potato mixture into hot oil. Flatten with a pancake turner. When bottoms are brown turn them over. When done remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Serve with applesauce, sour cream or just plain. Serve immediately.
Note: Peanut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil. Once the potatoes are shredded they will start to brown so make sure to keep them covered in water. The potato pancakes can be made large if desired. Fresh or dried herbs are also nice if you have on hand.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For cupcakes
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 can 15oz. solid packed pumpkin (1 3/4 cups)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (optional)
2/3 cup walnuts (optional)
For frosting
14 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped
12 oz. cream cheese, soft, room temperature, cut into small pieces
12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperture, cut into small pieces
food coloring (optional) orange for (Halloween)
colored sugars (optional)
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line three 12 cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
To make cupcakes, in a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Toss the walnuts and raisins with the flour mixture. (Helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins)
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Add the flour mixture in three additions, stirring with a plastic spatula. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill the muffin tins about three-fourths full. Bake until the cupcakes are golden and toothpick inserted in the center of cupcake comes out clean. The muffins take 20-25 minutes. Transfer the muffin tins to a wire rack and cool for ten minutes. Then remove the cupcakes from the tins and let cool.
To make the frosting, in a double boiler, melt the white chocolate, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool until slightly warm to the touch. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on a medium high speed until smooth and blended. Add the melted white chocolate and beat again until smooth. Use the frosting immediately, coloring it as desired with food coloring. Orange food coloring is wonderful for Halloween. Colored sugars can also be used to decorate the cupcakes.
Yield 36 cupcakes.
For cupcakes
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 can 15oz. solid packed pumpkin (1 3/4 cups)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (optional)
2/3 cup walnuts (optional)
For frosting
14 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped
12 oz. cream cheese, soft, room temperature, cut into small pieces
12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperture, cut into small pieces
food coloring (optional) orange for (Halloween)
colored sugars (optional)
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line three 12 cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
To make cupcakes, in a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Toss the walnuts and raisins with the flour mixture. (Helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins)
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Add the flour mixture in three additions, stirring with a plastic spatula. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill the muffin tins about three-fourths full. Bake until the cupcakes are golden and toothpick inserted in the center of cupcake comes out clean. The muffins take 20-25 minutes. Transfer the muffin tins to a wire rack and cool for ten minutes. Then remove the cupcakes from the tins and let cool.
To make the frosting, in a double boiler, melt the white chocolate, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool until slightly warm to the touch. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on a medium high speed until smooth and blended. Add the melted white chocolate and beat again until smooth. Use the frosting immediately, coloring it as desired with food coloring. Orange food coloring is wonderful for Halloween. Colored sugars can also be used to decorate the cupcakes.
Yield 36 cupcakes.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Sweet Potato Pone
I checked out the cookbook Sweets Soul Food and Memories by Patty Pinner at the library recently. I highly recommend it if you like old fashioned Southern desserts. I wanted to pass on the recipe for Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pone a family recipe from Patty Pinner. It is interesting, because unlike sweet potato pie filling it is firmer and can be sliced.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups milk
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softned
Procedure
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Pour the milk into the prepared casserole dish. Stir the grated sweet potatoes into the milk; this will prevent the potatoes from turning dark. In a mixing bowl, beat the egss well. Gradually add the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, mixing well after each addition. Add the nutmeg, orange zest, and pecans. Mix until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into the potato mixture and mix well. Dot the top with butter. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set. Remove the dish from the oven. Let the pudding stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Serves 6 to 8
Recipe courtesy Patty Pinner the author of Sweets Soul Food Desserts and Memories
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups milk
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softned
Procedure
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Pour the milk into the prepared casserole dish. Stir the grated sweet potatoes into the milk; this will prevent the potatoes from turning dark. In a mixing bowl, beat the egss well. Gradually add the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, mixing well after each addition. Add the nutmeg, orange zest, and pecans. Mix until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into the potato mixture and mix well. Dot the top with butter. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set. Remove the dish from the oven. Let the pudding stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Serves 6 to 8
Recipe courtesy Patty Pinner the author of Sweets Soul Food Desserts and Memories
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Hot Lava Chocolate Cake
Hot Lava Chocolate Cake
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
with Ice Cream and candle. My brother Jonathan and my Mom and I went to Morton's Steakhouse to celebrate my birthday in Seattle, WA.
7-Up Cake
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup 7-Up
Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease ad lightly flour a 10-inch tube pan. Set it aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour. Than add the lemon and vanilla extract. Beat well. Gently fold in the 7-Up 1/4 cup at a time. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Transfer the cake from the oven to a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Unmold the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Transfer to a serving platter and dust with confectioners' sugar.
Makes one 10 inch tube cake or bundt pan.
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup 7-Up
Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease ad lightly flour a 10-inch tube pan. Set it aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour. Than add the lemon and vanilla extract. Beat well. Gently fold in the 7-Up 1/4 cup at a time. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Transfer the cake from the oven to a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Unmold the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Transfer to a serving platter and dust with confectioners' sugar.
Makes one 10 inch tube cake or bundt pan.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Turkey Sandwich
Turkey Sandwich
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
Went to Gilbert's Main Street Deli in Bellevue, WA and ordered this tasty Turkey sandwich with Cheddar Cheese on Sourdough.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Moon Cake
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Beautiful Duck
Beautiful Duck
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
This beautiful duck was spotted at the Bellevue Beach Park and I could not resist taking this photograph.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Cocoa in the Bathtub!
Cocoa in the Bathtub
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
I have been having fun with photoshop lately. Here is one of my latest of my sweet Cocoa the pug!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Baby!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Food Photography!
1. Quail Up-Close!, 2. Wild Salmon, 3. 4th of July Corn on the Cob, 4. Filet Mignon with Potato Croquettes, 5. Tempura Shrimp, 6. Seared Sea Scallops, 7. Butter Lettuce Salad with Dijon Ranch, 8. Swiss Cheese Fondue, 9. Delicious Calamari, 10. Crab & Shrimp Tater Tots, 11. Cioppino, 12. Pina Colada, 13. Ham & Cheese Fried Crepes, 14. Scallop Salad, 15. Petrale Sole, 16. Crab Wontons, 17. Crispy Honey Shrimp, 18. Mongolian Beef Up-Close, 19. Crab Dip! Yum!, 20. Meatballs!, 21. Fried Mozzarella Marinara!, 22. Stuffed Mushrooms!, 23. Four Cheese Macaroni, 24. Filet Mignon with Demi Glace, 25. Seared Ahi Tuna
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Chef Tami's Easy Peach Cake
Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/3 cup Splenda
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, plus 1 tablespoon sprinkle for garnish
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 Ripe peaches (peeled, pitted and sliced)
1 Ripe peach (pitted and sliced) for top garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 10 inch cake pan with Pam baking spray. In a large bowl, combine the eggs with the splenda and brown sugar with a whisk. Than with a large spoon add the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda and sliced peaches. Pour into prepared 10 inch cake pan. For Garnish, place sliced peaches in the center of the batter making two decorative circles and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes and be sure and check at 45 minutes. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Yield 14-16 servings
Fondue
Went to the Melting Pot in downtown Seattle and had a lovely fondue meal. We started with the Swiss Cheese Fondue with bread, granny smith apples and veggies. Next we had the Pacific Rim special with shrimp, chicken, teriyaki beef, pork and potstickers dipped in hot oil. The food is mouthwatering and the atmosphere is unique. I recommend it for anyone who loves fondue. They have quite a few locations and are in several states.
Cow Chip Cookie!
Cow Chip Cookie
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
Cow Chips Cookies are the ultimate indulgence! The cost $2 dollars each, but it is worth it they are to die for! They have a few locations in the greater Seattle area. A store downtown Seattle in Pioneer Square, at Kent Station and Redmond Town Center.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Delicious Calamari!
Delicious Calamari
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
Went to Harbor Lights tonight and had this delicious calamari, it was excellent. If you visit Tacoma, Wa be sure and visit Harbor Lights.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Flickr Interestingness!
1. Cocoa Yawns!, 2. Sushi, 3. Driving the Pink Cupcake!, 4. Reflection on the Building, Clouds, Clouds, Clouds!, 5. I Love You Box! They sell them at Fireworks!, 6. Cocoa the Pug!, 7. Julie Walsh Wedding Cake from the World Pastry Forum!, 8. Dessert,
9. Food Network Cupcake Competition!, 10. Dragon Ball!, 11. Zodiac Lion Bread!, 12. Wedding Cake Extravaganza!, 13. Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cakes!
Flickr Interestingness!
Flickr Interestingness!
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
My current flickr Interestingness of my photographs on flickr!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Trader Vic's
According to Saveur Magazine, Trader Vic's is a whole new world-fragrant, romantic, an adventure. The legendary Trader Vic's is a Polynesian restaurant and bar that specializes in serving island cuisine and exotic cocktails. The food is a compination of Pacific Island, IndoChinese, Japanese and Creole flavors. The service is first rate and the food and drink is exotic and mouthwatering. We started of with Pina Colada's Non-Alcoholic, the Succulent Scallop Salad, the Crab Ragoon Wontons and the Ham and Cheese Fried Crepes. For the main course the Crispy Duck which we wrapped up into dumplings and the Petrale Sole.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
PF Changs China Bistro
The dinner out started with Crab Wontons with a spicy plum sauce. Next the Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Salad with Mixed Greens. Than the Crispy Honey Shrimp and Mongolian Beef arrived at the same time, perfection! The Crispy Honey Shrimp is lightly battered and quick fried in a flavorful sweet honey sauce. The Mongolian Beef is quickly cooked steak with scallions and garlic. Not just a dash of garlic, but lots of garlic. The ingredients used to make all of their sauces is top secret. If someone has dietary concerns they will give them more specific information regarding their sauces. Let me tell you their sauces are addictive, leading me to believe they put sugar in them.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Crab Dip! Yum!
Crab Dip! Yum!
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.
I took my Dad out for Father's Day to Ivar's Acres of Clams in Mukilteo, WA. This Crab Dip was to die for and it was made with dungeness crab, cheese, herbs, spices, and mayonnaise. I highly recommend ordering it and of course the clam chowder that Ivar's is famous for that and the fish and chips.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Blackberry Cobbler
Ingredients
Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
4 pints blackberries
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Ginger cream:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons finely diced candied ginger
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cobbler: Beat the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer using the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer for two minutes. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mix milk, egg, and vanilla extract together in another bowl. Add a third of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed, then a third of the wet mixture. Continue alternating until all are combined.
Butter a 5 X 9 inch Pyrex dish, and sprinkle with sugar to coat. Toss the blackberries with the sugar, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cornstarch to coat and transfer to the Pyrex dish. Spoon the topping over the berries. Bake for 45 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden.
Ginger cream: Whip the cream and the powdered sugar. Fold in the candied ginger. Serve the cobbler warm topped with ginger cream.
Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
4 pints blackberries
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Ginger cream:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons finely diced candied ginger
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cobbler: Beat the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer using the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer for two minutes. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mix milk, egg, and vanilla extract together in another bowl. Add a third of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed, then a third of the wet mixture. Continue alternating until all are combined.
Butter a 5 X 9 inch Pyrex dish, and sprinkle with sugar to coat. Toss the blackberries with the sugar, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cornstarch to coat and transfer to the Pyrex dish. Spoon the topping over the berries. Bake for 45 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden.
Ginger cream: Whip the cream and the powdered sugar. Fold in the candied ginger. Serve the cobbler warm topped with ginger cream.