Kelli Rocha's Blog » Food

Zucchini for Cookies

Kelli Rocha — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:00:12 +0000

My friend Trish makes the most delicious “triple chocolate chip” cookies. She had posted on Facebook that she was making a big batch to share with some of our mutual friends who are convalescing from surgery so I had to post a reply or two hinting to the fact that I would enjoy a few myself. I’m a sucker for these things. They are the best, and with Sierra gone, I’m at the mercy of others to bake to fulfill my cravings. The idea of getting my hands on some of these cookies began to consume me to the point that they were all I could think about.

I started off with (somewhat) teasing requests for the treats… and even offered to pick them up myself. Now, you have to understand, Trish is a good enough friend that I could call her and ask her to make a batch especially for me and she wouldn’t hesitate a moment, but I was saving that as a last resort. I don’t want to appear too “needy.” (Yeah, right.)

I offered to trade zucchini and she replied back with a positive response, so I jumped on the opportunity. I immediately went out and picked all of the zucchini I could glean from my plants. I picked all of the squash that was ready… and I have to say, they are the perfect size. My plan is to stop by her house on my way to work in the morning to surprise her. If all goes well, she’ll be so appreciative of the zucchini that she’ll offer me some cookies. I’ll let you know how it works out.

Salmon

Kelli Rocha — Wed, 26 May 2010 03:00:50 +0000

I sure wish Steel would have started this cooking thing a bit sooner… I’m really going to miss his mad skills in the kitchen when he leaves for school in August. Tonight he prepared a wonderful salmon filet with a honey mustard glaze. It was Sierra’s first night home from school so it was appropriate that we celebrate with a special meal. It’s nice to have everyone home again.

Tomato

Kelli Rocha — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:00:50 +0000

Ok, ok… I know, you’re probably getting sick of the horticulture stuff right about now… but this is very exciting news. My first tomato of the season is on the vine… Even with all of our wacky weather, my tomatoes are growing! Tomatoes are one of my favorite foods… (who am I kidding… I have lots of favorites) and the best are the ones I grow myself… in my own garden. My mouth is watering as I write this. I’m so excited. I just might plant a few more to make sure I have plenty late into the summer months.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Kelli Rocha — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:00:09 +0000

The last time I left Tammy’s salon (8 weeks ago) I noticed a new store across the street. It was a Nestle Cookie Store. I almost threw the car in reverse, parked and ran the short distance to the inviting cafe. After bringing myself back under control, I decided to check it out on my next visit all the while imagining the wonderful smell of cookies as I drove away.

Today was the day. I could hardly wait for Tammy to finish my hair so I could go across the street and check it out. As I had imagined, the scrumptious smell hits you hard as soon as you enter and then you set eyes on the beautiful display case of freshly baked cookies and creamy ice cream. I could hardy contain myself. For the purpose of this blog, I should have taken some pictures inside the store, but to be honest I was just overwhelmed by the selections before me.

I couldn’t decide between the traditional chocolate chip cookie (which I have long held as the most perfect food) or the tempting triple chocolate… so I got both. I figured if I bought the little ones I could buy twice as many. That’s logical right? As I was paying for the purchase she asked me if I would like the cookies warmed up in the oven. Just like Pavlov’s dog, I salivated instantly but politely declined the offer. I knew if they were warmed up I would have eaten the entire bag before I made it to the freeway.

Monkey Bread

Kelli Rocha — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:00:13 +0000

One of my new favorite Sunday morning breakfast treats is Monkey Bread. This morning’s recipe turned out exceptionally good and was really pretty on my new cake plate. (See 2/27/10 Post.) This is a real, comfort food treat and one that I only make when we have company. I’ve decided that the reason I LOVE cookbooks so much is because of the fantastic photographs they contain. Photographing food is an art. Since I enjoy food so much, it only makes since that I’d appreciate the art (almost as much as I do the food.)

Gridiron

Kelli Rocha — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:49 +0000

We hosted the CCHS Gridiron Dinner once again this year. Dinner was delicious New York steaks cooked on site by Amaro and crew… and the rest of dinner (including her famous appetizers) was catered by Mary Alice. It was great. We had about 110 people there and the evening was perfect. We usually host the dinner just before the Hilmar game, but I moved it up for fear of rain. Just as luck would have it we almost had our first rain of the season, but it held out. Sierra came home from Chico and attended (her first one) and we had other guests including the Almeida’s and Leroy’s parents. Dessert were “helmet” cookies from Mari Varni.