Chocolate Chip Cookies – Thomas Keller Style

Fall and winter always seem to be the “baking” seasons. Perhaps because the weather is actually cool enough to stand the oven being on in the house (oven at 400*F + 100+*F summer weather = HEAT STROKE at home). Perhaps it’s the overwhelming desire to give homemade baked goods as gifts rather than store-bought. Whatever the reasons may be, I have developed a HUGE desire to bake. More so than usual, because usually I just ignore it and continue working out. This time… I HAD TO SUCCUMB!!!

I decided on Thomas Keller‘s Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Ad Hoc At Home Cookbook. I figured what better way to kick off “baking” season than with the basic chocolate chip cookie. It’s a crowd pleaser and it’s a good recipe to have in your arsenal. I’m not going to re-print the recipe, but you can find it here.

The Ingredients - Thomas Keller Chocolate Chip Cookies (from Ad Hoc at home)

I was heading over to Michele’s for the new FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS!!! (second installment) and brought much of the ingredients (ok… ALL) and equipment (stand mixer, rubber spatula, cookie scoop, parchment paper) over there since I knew she didn’t have any of this stuff. Plus, had to bring the cookbook… and myself. I would have brought the hand mixer (smaller and more portable and not heavy) but my sister put it SOMEWHERE (i.e. not a logical place) where it was impossible to find.. so I had to carry over the stand mixer. If I really wanted to go OLD SCHOOL (like pre-electricity old school), we could have mixed it all by hand… but I wasn’t ready for that exercise.

Supplies and equipment packed up to head to Michele's

Soon to become part of some DELICIOUS cookies

The cookie dough is simple enough to put together. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream together butter and sugar. Mix in eggs to butter/sugar mixture. Mix in flour. Mix in chocolate. The dough looks heavy on the chocolate chips, but it ended up being the perfect ratio of chocolate to cookie.

Almost wanted to make little balls to freeze for ICECREAM... next time...

I used a 1 1/2″ scoop to make the balls, but I used MOUNDING scoops. The original recipe says it would make 30 cookies… I ended up with 23 (just shy of 2 dozen). I think next time I’l use flattened scoops for more cookies at a smaller size, though these turned out pretty good.

Scooped, placed, and ready to BAKE!

Popped these suckers in the oven for 12 minutes (rotated pans halfway through), and they came out PERFECT and smelled DELICIOUS. I almost wanted to eat one right away, but knew that I’d probably burn ALL the tastebuds in my mouth (and then wouldn’t be able to enjoy anything later).

Chocolate chip cookies.. straight from the oven..

We let them cool on top of the stove for a few minutes before transferring them to our makeshift “cooling rack”…. which ended up being the plastic lid that came with the new cookie sheets she had. Perhaps not the best way to “cool” the cookies since the air isn’t really circulating all around, but it was all we had.

"Cooling" on not a rack.. because we didn't have one on hand..

In the end, the cookies turned out pretty much PERFECT-O! They were soft and gooey in the middle, but had a good crispness on the outside. The cookies were still slightly warm when we ate them, so the chocolate was still all melty…. mmm…

I left some with Michele (only four… she seriously said, “If you leave more, I’ll become diabetic.”.. hahaha) and took the rest home to share with Minh and my family. They were still good in the morning too… still soft and chewy.

A good dozen... saved for later...

The recipe was so simple, I’ll definitely be making these again. I really want to try out chocolate chip cookie brownie bars… wherein you make a brownie mix, but also drop in chocolate chip cookie dough into the pan and bake it all together. Can you even imagine how delicious that would be using Thomas Keller’s recipes???

Wishlist: More Useless Kitchen Goods

Adding to the wishlist today a few more useless kitchen goods.

Awesome stacked cups available for pre-order from the..

Stacked Cups from the.

Even MORE AWESOME anti-theft lunch bags, temporarily out of stock, but available for pre-order from the..

Anti-Theft Lunch Bags from the.

And LOVE these Dressed for Dinner plates by Marianne Van Ooij, not yet available for purchase, but still a cool idea.

Dressed for Dinner Plates by Marianne Van Ooij

Wishlist: Two from Merchant no.4

As a lover of useless kitchen goods.. here’s are two gift-worthy things from Merchant no.4 that I wouldn’t mind showing up under my tree on Christmas Day.

London Life Utensil Set by Chabatree

Balloon Shakers by Masayuki Kurokawa

Love-Hate Relationship with Ironman

UPDATE: Looks like all the ranting on the internet (Facebook, Twitter, and blogs) has paid off and we can now all celebrate the short-lived program that was Ironman Access. See the official statement from WTC CEO and President Ben Fertic here: http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/ironman-access.

The WTC has been busy lately… what with announcing a new olympic distance series, stepping on some toes when moving the 70.3 championships, and now launching a ridiculously expensive membership club??? There’s definitely more ranting than raving going on with regard to the latest news stories.

Adding up the Costs

Triathlon is expensive enough as it is. First you need to pick a race and register. Depending on the race (distance, location, popularity, and who’s running it), this can be as little as $60 (this is the LEAST I’ve ever paid for a sprint triathlon) or as much as $575 for an Ironman (if you’re lucky and fast enough to nab a spot at any of their races) or EVEN MORE if you’re going for a foundation spot or a longer race (yes.. those DO exist).

Next.. get yourself some gear. This is where you can spend as little or as much as you like. Basically, all you need is a swimsuit, goggles, running shoes, a bike and a helmet. That’s the bare-bones of it. But, once you’ve been bitten by the triathlon bug, there is NO END to wanting to upgrade parts, buy the newest shoes, get the snazziest (yes… I use that word) kits, plus all the accessories and non-gear needs … anti-friction lube (Glide ), special shampoo and conditioner to get the chlorine out of your hair (my choice is TriSwim), customized sunglasses (Oakley Jawbone), Garmin (so many to choose from), Yankz!, etc.. etc… the list goes on and on.

Now add to all that gear (which is used on race day) the gear that you’ll use during training. I’ve got training shoes and race shoes for running. I’ve got an indoor trainer for the bike with it’s own wheel (so I don’t wear out the wheel I actually use on the road). I’ve got a treadmill (ok.. I didn’t technically buy this one, but I use it… so it counts). I’ve got numerous books regarding training plans, strategies, skill specific workouts, injury prevention, nutrition, stretching, and more. I’ve got recovery apparatusses (apparati??) including The Stick, massage ball, compression tights, ice packs, and EMS.

All that seriously adds up to thousands of dollars over the course of one year. Some people do it for much less… some people do it for much much more. I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, due mostly to Minh’s bargain-hunting skills and nose for sales and coupons (we NEVER buy anything full price). Now WTC wants me to add $1000 to that? Are you KIDDING ME??

What will $1000 get me?

1. Exclusive advance registration to Ironman events
2. Second chance in the Ironman Lottery Program
3. Two VIP passes per registered event
4. Official member ID Card
5. One-year subscription to LAVA Magazine
6. Discounts on Ironman partner products at shopironman.com and at Ironman’s on-site event retail stores
7. 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship NBC broadcast on DVD.

Let’s break that down into what really matters

1. This one’s helpful because Ironman events sell out so quickly now that you have to commit before you even know if you’re going to be ready for it. Case in point, Ironman 70.3 California. I just realized TODAY that it’s SOLD OUT and I hadn’t even registered for it yet. Even the foundation slots are sold out. RIDICULOUS! Scratch that one off my race calendar for 2011…. grr…
2. Another chance at the lottery is a perk, but the lottery is also STILL very expensive (and you don’t even get that money back if you don’t get a spot). Plus, I’m a firm believer that participants in the World Championships should deserve it, not win a spot out of luck.
3. The VIP pass probably consists of entry into a special food tent and drinks (if that). Not really worth it, especially if you’re bringing out MORE than just one friend or family member.
4. Yet another thing to add to my stack of useless cards.
5. Yet another yearly subscription that I won’t read because I get all the same information on the Internet.
6. A discount perk that may be worth it at times, but probably won’t compare to the discounts and deals we can find on eBay or with some good searching.
7. A show that you can stream for FREE on the internet (or probably even download if you’re so inclined). I’ve got all of them starting in 2005.

So… it would seem that the only worthy perk to membership in Ironman Access is the ability to register early for events. But is that really worth $1000?? I think most of the triathlon community is on the same page about this topic.. and the resounding answer is… NO, it’s totally NOT WORTH IT.

You can read more rants here, here, here, and on Facebook.

Bikes, Barriers, Beers, and.. Pandas?: SpookyCross 2010

Having never experienced (seen or ridden in) a cyclocross race, Minh and I decided to head out to this year’s SpookyCross – race #5 of the Socal Cross Prestige Series. Since we were there anyway, we decided to volunteer to course marshal for a little while. You’d be surprised at how many people think they can “beat” a racer crossing the course. Craziness!

BEST COSTUME OF THE NIGHT!!! too bad (or perhaps a good thing) he didn't ACTUALLY race..

Ready.. Aim.. FIRE!!!

Someone ACTUALLY had a kid in one of these bike carrier things.. NUTS!

Dude on a UNICYCLE!!! Only in cyclocross!

These wrestlers were SMASHING the pumpkins they had out as a bonus "barrier" on the course.. TOO FUNNY!

A moving cyclocross COURSE.. talk about CREATIVE!

Here are the videos.. turn the volume WAY WAY DOWN if you don’t want to hear the cowbell and Minh laughing HYSTERICALLY in the background…

APOLOGIES: We forgot the “good” camera in the car, so had to settle with taking pictures with my dinky point-and-shoot. After using the “good” camera, the little camera is so unsatisfying. Most of the pictures came out blurry (During a race? Go figure) and the camera speed is so slow that some of the pictures are either too far away (timed early) or too close (timed late). Also.. once darkness fell, the ability to take pictures dropped exponentially. I had to resort to video, which turned out better (I think).

Here are some pictures from the Elite Women’s Race.. Seeing these women race made me kind of wish that I was out there racing, too.. instead of just spectating. Maybe next time…

Justin "Super"Mann chasing after wife and pro Allison (of Rock'n'Road) during the Elite Women's race

Elite Women's leader Coryn Rivera of Peanut Butter & Co

Allison Mann (of Rock'n'Road) hopping up the "steps"

Carolyn Reeves, representing the TEAM (Sho-Air/Sonance/Velosport) in the Women's Masters 45+ race

Beth Walsh (Nytro) in her FIRST EVER cyclocross race!

I gave up on pictures after the Costume Race.. so the Elite Men’s Race ONLY has video. We didn’t stay for the whole thing since Minh had to go close the laundromat.. but we DID catch the first couple laps. Man.. those men can FLY!!!

On the podium: (5) Brandon Gritters of Rock’n'Road, (4) Brent Penzlow of Celo Pacific, (3) Brian Lopes, (2) Sid Taberlay of Sho-Air, and (1) (Top 10 Tour de France Finisher) CHRIS HORNER OF TEAM RADIOSHACK!!

Riding the Road to Silverman

With the BIG RACE less than two weeks away, I feel probably equally as prepared as I did for Ironman 70.3 California (Oceanside), which is not necessarily a good thing, but makes me confident that I’ll survive the race. I should be tapering, but we all know that “tapering” isn’t really necessary for me. Tapering would be necessary if I ever followed the basic training cycle (Base, Build, Peak, Taper, Race), but if you’ve been reading my training posts at all, you would know that I’m not. Suffice to say that I am not “tapering”.. I’m “maintaining”.

Last Sunday, Minh had me do Hill Repeats on the bike in preparation for the hills that will be waiting for me in Henderson. There’s a nice hill out at Fairview Park that we used. It’s about 1/3-mile long, and a good grade (I couldn’t really tell you what it is right now, but it was good for repeats). Went up and down that 13 times before my legs refused to do anymore.

GOING UP: just keep spinning... don't lose momentum...

GOING DOWN: Not a long enough hill for proper downhill recovery...

and back UP AGAIN.. and again.. and again..

Saturday, we were supposed to do two loops through Santiago Canyon, but it was raining. Rather than scrap the ride altogether, we took the cross bikes out for a long-ish ride. Headed through Huntington Beach to Sunset Beach. Stopped at the Secret Spot for a breakfast burrito. Headed up to Belmont Shore (Long Beach). Slow ride through 2nd street (with sharrows!!). Turned back to head home, then realized we didn’t get enough miles in, so did another small loop around Huntington Beach. Overall it was a good ride, though we were getting pretty tired towards the end.

Took the cross bikes out for a rainy spin...

Stopped for breakfast burrito at the Secret Spot

Pretty good soyrizo in this almost vegetarian breakfast burrito (with eggs)

This upcoming weekend (weather permitting) the plan is to do the two loops through the canyon that we had originally planned for this past weekend. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

Mile-by-Mile: Crystal Cove

Sunday I had to get in a long run. Minh said to put in the effort, since the race is two weeks away. The plan was to do the 10-mile loop around Back Bay + some to get a full 13 miles in. But, when I got up on Sunday (after laying in bed for a couple hours), I decided that the day was too nice to spend running around Back Bay (which is nice, but can be boring at times). I decided instead to do a trail run through Crystal Cove. Trails were pretty nice after the rain, and I knew I would get a good workout with the hills. I ended up doing just shy of 11 miles in 2 hours and 30 minutes (ish). Slow.. but mostly because I stopped every mile to take a picture and I took a break at the ranger station around mile 5. Here’s my run, mile-by-mile…

Mile 0: Start at Ridgeview Park Entrance

Mile 1: Just hopped into Crystal Cove State Park for an "easy" downhill to the Ranger Station

Mile 2: A little bit of single track to keep me on my toes..

Mile 3: Beautiful skies and bits of grass growing from the recent week of rain

Mile 4: Breathtaking view of the ocean on the final downhill before hitting the Ranger Station

Mile 5: A new(ish) bridge and some construction for the new parking lot and picnic area

Mile 6: At the base of "I Think I Can"... will I make it up?

Mile 7: Almost at the top of "I Think I Can"... soo tired...

Mile 8: A nice steady descent after the "big climb"

Mile 9: Rolling hills all the way back to the car

Mile 10: Last bit of single track to finish up the run.. And we're in the HOME STRETCH!

FINISH: And we're DONE!!!

It just so happens that Crystal Cove is actually A LOT more interesting than my pictures show. But.. the interesting parts didn’t exactly line-up with my mile-marks. Oh wells… better pictures next time.

Wishlist: Vase & Leuchte

I’m definitely someone who claims good multitasking abilities. But, as studies have shown, no one can TRULY multitask. I think actually that I’m a bit more inefficient when I attempt multitasking than when I just focus on one thing at a time. It would appear that inanimate objects have a much easier time multitasking than us mere mortals (I think the correct term is “dual-use”??). Case in point…

Vase & Leuchte by Miriam Aust

Is it a light? Is it a vase? IT’S BOTH!!! Vase & Leucht byMiriam Aust (via NOTCOT)

Wishlist: Pantone Folding Chairs

A gift for the future hostess in me.. these colorful folding chairs (from Pantone) are an AWESOME alternative to those typical metal folding chairs. If I start buying one a month (or even one every two months), I’ll have a good collection by the time I have a place of my own. Hmm…

Pantone Branded Folding Chairs

Pantone Branded Folding Chairs (via How About Orange – via Simply JudyBligh). Buy them online at Broadway Paper ($76/each) or Heliotrope ($69/each) or A+R Store ($94/each).

Wishlist: Cake or Pie(chart)?

Wishlist: Cake or a Pie (Chart)?

How awesome is this cake pan from Danklhampel Design (via Tasteologie by NOTCOT)?

Each part of the of the cake can be a different flavor of cake, which would be awesome for a dinner party where one person likes craisins, but another wants chocolate. Not sure where to buy it, but perhaps it’s something I can make at home.