SacFoodies

Jingle Bells and Holiday Bites

by SacFoodies

Kim concert pic

This is me at my Kindergarten Christmas concert. As you can tell, I’m a bit of a ham. I’ve always loved the Christmas show at my elementary school and this year may be the most special because it’s my first as a Kindergarten parent. In just a week, I’ll be front-and-center as my son starts his own Christmas concert tradition and I’m just hoping I’ll keep it together long enough to not make a blubbering fool of myself. No one wants to hear my sniffles over a rousing rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
But what also excites me about this experience is what comes afterward – the Holiday Cultural Feast. One of things I love about living in West Sacramento is its cultural diversity and my son’s class is no exception. They’ve asked the parents to bring bite-sized portions of holiday dishes that best represent our child’s culture and I’m looking forward to seeing the melting pot of foods from around the world that the kids will share and try. Personally, I’m a bit conflicted on what to bring. My son is about half German, so we could whip up Pferffernϋsse cookies, but I think the teacher would be none too happy with my choice of a very messy cookie. I could channel his quarter Portuguese side, but I’ve found that some of the Portuguese cuisine I enjoy is not exactly kid-friendly. That leaves his other fourth which is a mish-mash of English, Italian and Choctaw Indian. So many choices, and I’m looking forward to getting creative. But where do I start?
That’s where you come in! I would love your ideas on what would make a delicious and kid-friendly treat to share that’s a nod to our German/Portuguese/Italian/English/Choctaw heritage. Let me know your thoughts and I’ll be sure to post a pic on the SacFoodies Facebook page as to what we shared.

10 Things You Don't Know About…

by SacFoodies

Kim pic

  1. I don’t like food with a middle. Yes, one could argue that all food has a middle. But I don’t like the messiness of eating off a bone, cob or stick. If ribs are advertised as “fall off the bone” that works for me.
  2. I’m really digging the Sacramento-area craft beer scene. Especially in West Sac where I live. Jack Rabbit, Bike Dog, Yolo. So many great new breweries. Support local breweries!
  3. Chicken Strips and Rice-a-Roni is my go-to comfort food meal. And not just any Rice-a-Roni, it must be Chicken Flavored. Oh, and don’t forget the honey for the Chicken Strips that just barely seeps into the Rice-a-Roni. Must. Have. Now.
  4. With three little kids, I’m basically a short-order cook. I always said I wasn’t going to be “that mom” but I totally am. Breakfast on any given morning at my house could be scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal and/or waffles. It’s a miracle I make it to work on time.
  5. Frozen meatballs, Heinz Chili Sauce, grape jelly and a Crock-Pot. You’re welcome.
  6. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen every episode of “Saturday Night Live.” This is a pretty huge feat considering the show started the year I was born. Don’t ask me to name my favorite cast member. It’s impossible.
  7. I like magazines…a lot. I’ve actually had to scale back considerably but currently subscribe to nine and often pick up a few at the store as well. And yes, I do read them all.
  8. Agriculture is in my blood. I worked with many agriculture industries from olives, honey and pistachios to peaches, plums and nectarines. But did you know that I was raised among the lettuce fields of Salinas, Calif. aka the Salad Bowl Capital of the World?
  9. I make the best Chocolate Chip Cookies. And I have the Monterey County Fair blue ribbons to prove it.
  10. Ina Garten is my spirit animal.

West Sac Veggie Trike

by SacFoodies

west sac trike collage for sacfoodies

As a working mom with three little kids, it’s often difficult for me to get to the farmer’s market. I always have good intentions, but sometimes life gets in the way. That’s why the West Sac Veggie Trike is the best thing to happen to West Sacramento foodies since the Nugget opened. Now, I just have to simply walk outside (shoes optional) and have my pick of some of the best produce in the area.
Meet Collin, the mastermind behind the West Sac Veggie Trike. He pedals fresh fruits and veggies, local honey and eggs around the streets of West Sacramento, all for very reasonable prices. One day you may find him on the state streets and another out in the Bridgeway Island neighborhood. It’s always easy to find him thanks to Facebook and Twitter.
If you live in West Sacramento, supporting a local business is a must! Collin also finds his way to Midtown from time-to-time, so be sure to stop, say hi and pick up some fresh goods.
West Sac Veggie Trike
www.facebook.com/westsacveggitrike
www.twitter.com/veggietrike

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Coffee Crawl Sacramento This Saturday

by SacFoodies

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There are just a few tickets still available for the Coffee Crawl Sacramento this Saturday, September 6.  Crawlers will start at Insight Coffee Roasters for event bags full of swag and kick off presentations before heading out by car or bike to experience the magic at other participating shops, including Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, Fluid Espresso Bar, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative, Son of a Bean Coffee House, and Temple Coffee Roasters. The Crawl After Party, hosted by Roaster Sponsor Temple Coffee, will conclude a great day for Sacramento coffee lovers.
Tickets are $32 and available here (note: only tickets for routes 5 and 6 are still available).
 

Making Memories in Tahoe

by SacFoodies

Tahoe Treats KB

My family loves Tahoe summers. You can escape the Sacramento triple-digit days and soak in the cool mountain air while dining by the lake or taking in a few holes of miniature golf. So when a very significant birthday of mine was on the horizon, I knew a long week in Tahoe was exactly where I wanted to be on my special day.
While there are many amazing restaurants in Tahoe perfect for a special occasion, I have three kids under 5, so going out for a fancy meal isn’t always an option. Thankfully my thoughtful husband took matters into his own hands, and hired a chef to cook me the ultimate birthday dinner at the house we had rented in Tahoe City. Chef Derek Hagglof of Real Tahoe Food created a custom menu that was incredible starting with nibbles on the patio with a glass of Champagne and heaping spoonfuls of Burrata atop crisp grilled bread with homemade tomato jam. Pure birthday bliss! Chef Derek even enlisted the help of my very curious 4-year-old in the preparation of my birthday cake, which warmed both my heart and my belly.
Being able to celebrate my big day with friends and family in the comfort of home (with “Toy Story” quietly playing in the background) made this a birthday I will never forget.

 Kim’s Birthday Menu
Burrata with Grilled Sourdough, Tomato Jam, Roasted Garlic, Oven Dried Grapes, Honeycomb
Crab Fritters with Tarragon Aioli
Roasted White Corn Soup with Caramelized Shallots
Maple Pork Belly Risotto with Chive Oil
Braised Short Rib with Cauliflower Mash, Grilled Asparagus and Buttermilk Onion Rings
Molten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and Espresso Ganache