Anjou Bakery

If you haven't had a chance to take a trip on Highway 2 recently - out to the center of Washington state - put it on your list. If for no other reason than to visit Anjou Bakery http://www.anjoubakery.com/ in Cashmere, WA right between Wenatchee and Leavenworth.

I spent three summers in Wenatchee some time ago and had the pleasure of delighting in this bakery more times than I should admit. I also got to see the bakery go through several transitions and this most recent visit completely floored me. The space itself has always been comforting and begs you to stay and recline for as long as you can. The pastries and bread are what brought me back time and again, but this time the bread - oh my god the bread - seemed to stop time for me!

My mom and I ordered the baguette with brie and tomatoes - I must admit - this was perhaps the best baguette I have eaten in this state hands down. The scoring on top created perfect "ears" - as they say - and the coloration of the crust was near perfect. The whole experience from start to wonderful finish was more than memorable. I would argue that this bakery could awaken even the sleepiest of appetites! The photos might do enough justice to entice you to make the trip!

Cupcakes, Stolen Babies, and Erectile Dysfunction!

My first movie night at The Shop! How could I have been missing out on this??? First, cupcakes of a caliber I did not know possible, served up by the lovely Hoo-Dena Carr - were the first high of the night. This sweety delight served up with an adoring movie night crowd and fans of Whiskey Dick Mountain made the whole evening magical. The band played their last show with heart-felt goodbyes to band mate Heron and his beautiful family - solemnly sending them off to the East Coast. Hopefully this band has some crazy reunion show in the not so distant future.

This is one red hot group of bucks and I gotta say that organ player seems awfully spry and sultry despite the band name's implication of over-indulgent, alcohol- squashing libidos, but I digress.

All age groups came together for this event but it was the real young crowd putting everyone to shame with some seriously bitchin' dance moves.

Even the martial arts school across the street had to come out shake their asses because the vibe was so appealing! This was also a nice added treat to the evening - at least for me.

And, although I did not stay for Raising Arizona - one of the best films ever made, I left feeling more than fulfilled and certainly delightfully sugared from those god-damn good cupcakes!

Pastry Pictures!

This might be one of my favorite things I have eaten...... ever! A Baba Savarin! Saturated in vanilla, dark rum syrup - it is a lusty bread with dried fruits folded in. Simply a Creme Chantilly and a single raspberry to entice you....wow. This beautiful photo taken by one of my classmates -Yuting - is one of many of the incredible photos she took during our classes. I truly hope to share more of her artistry soon! But just this for now....

one little brioche

Such an unassuming pastry...I love to eat a brioche that is beautiful and soft and alluring....mmmm. Even more satisfying to make one!