Farmer's Market Pasta

Do you ever hit a road block when you're trying to figure out what to make for dinner?  It happens to me on weeknights here and there, but it hardly ever happens when I know in advance that people are coming over.  In fact, I get really excited about the prospect of cooking for others and have so many recipes I want to make that I have to reign it in.  Yesterday, however, was totally different.  I must have flipped through 15 or so cookbooks, spent a good hour on Foodgawker, yet nothing grabbed me.  We finally decided to hit the Pasadena Farmer's Market and hoped inspiration would hit while we checked out the produce.

Mother Dough, Los Feliz

The second I read about a new, wood-fired pizza place opening up in Los Feliz, I bookmarked the page and made a mental note to get there as soon as possible.  First of all- the name of the restaurant- Mother Dough- just grabbed me.  You see, the dough is- by far- the most important element of any pizza (to me, at least!) and after reading about how their recipe was sourdough-based, I knew we had to try it.  J LIVES for sourdough and he also loves a good, thin crust pizza, so there was no question- we were going.

Breakfast: Bagels, Coffee Cake and My Favorite Scramble

Just a quick post to catch you up on what I've been making lately.  Sorry to have not posted in a week, but it seems all I've been making are those Peanut Butter Crispy Bars which I've already blogged about twice!  I did take some quick pics of other things I'd made, so although a proper post is coming up, I wanted to fill in the gap with these breakfast items.  

Bakesale for Japan: Success!

Just a quick post to give Los Angeles a big 'ol pat on the back for raising a whopping $15,484.00 during the Bakesale For Japan for Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims, which will be distributed via Peace Winds Japan.  Who would have thought that image-conscious Los Angelinos loved sweet baked goods so much, ha?!  I'm happy it was such a success, and I had a fantastic time participating.  Thanks SO much to everyone who came out, said hi at the Pasadena location, and tweeted about the event.  I'm eagerly awaiting the final total for the entire, nationwide bakesale, and I think it's going to be a BIG number!

Highlights from the Pasadena location (Chef's Center of California):

 Look at all of the homemade goodies!  WOW!

 My little friend H is doing a little quality control.......

Sampling to make sure it's good.............

It's approved!  Just look at that smile!

Some of the most creative and fun treats included these amazing sushi cookies from Sabrina's Sweetery

I picked up a few to share with the sushi chefs at my regular spot, and they loved them.

Can't wait until the next Bakesale event!  Ciao!