Bakery – Page 18

2014 Tournament of Roses Parade float decorating (and meals in Pasadena)

December 26, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! the food blog is written by a few people who do more than just eat. We (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma), Cathy and others) have professions, jobs, hobbies and various interests. The end purpose of each post is to share some sort of food and/or eating experience. Today's post, written by Cathy, is a compilation of food and interest…

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day! The year has really flown by and in less than a week- it's 2014. The year will begin in Southern California, as it has begun for the previous 124 years, with the Tournament of Roses parade and football game.

If you follow the blog, you know I've been sharings 2014 Rose Parade float road tests with you all year and finally the time arrived for decorating the floats. The Mister and I volunteer with the Petal Pushers, who assist in decorating floats which are parked in the Rose Palace Barn belonging to Phoenix Decorating Company and sign up for the days we want to volunteer months in advance.

The Saturdays before Christmas Day in December are "Detail Days" (and used to be called 'dry decorating days'). "Detail Days" are for cutting, shredding and gluing. Lots of gluing. It's when The Mister and I volunteer and perform repetitive, tedious, necessary tasks for eight hours. Needless to say starting today, "Decorating Days" begin- from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.(or later) every day until the floats are finished and ready to be judged on the morning of December 31. Decorating days are when fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers are being placed. Many of the flowers (iris and roses) need to be cut then placed into water filled vials (which are all filled as one of the many tasks) then onto the floats. Thousands of fresh flowers are being delivered on the day after Christmas as well as on the 27th, 28th and 29th. This Banner Float will be the first float you see in the 2014 parade, announcing the theme. The floats are 'colored in' both as a guide and in case some sort of disaster befalls the float and flowers or dry materials wash off; you'll still see color.Here are some views inside the Rose Palace. There are eleven floats being decorated. Another perspective. You can see the scaffolding is set up for the gluing that was to be performed this day.

Some of the many dry materials being prepared for gluing. The statice are delivered in three main colors (pink, light blue and dark purple) and only the flower petals are cut off and used. The bags filled in the third photo are the results of about ten of the five gallon buckets being cut, or seven hours of cutting performed by ten people.

Yellow straw flowers are in abundance here, petals are cut off, then pulverized in Blendtec Blenders (a Christmas gift this year, by the way) and the resultant powder as well as centers are glued onto the floats for both color and texture. The shredded ends(palm fiber) from palm bark are also peeled off and ground up in the whirring blenders.

The seed chart shows all of the dry materials which are used (and excess stored) during Detail Days.

Here's the City of Glendale float (with Meatball the Bear), which I first showed you during the August road test (last two photos on the post) and in it's coccoon stage during the September road test (the eighth photo).

The City of Los Angeles float (which will need a *lot* of the purple statice for the LA Lakers portion of the float)

Here's some detail of flower pots being covered with braided dry materials, called Pac-Pac.

Only three people are allowed on a scaffold at a time (this is the Western Life Assurance float). Scaffolding is moved and lowered a bit each week.

The Shriners Hospital for Children float, is a superhero bear bounching off a giant heart with detail on the back of the cape.

This is the back side of the heart that the bear is bouncing from-covered meticulously with cut red straw flower petals…

The Lions Club International had many volunteers show up from Lions Clubs all over Southern California.

Farmers Insurance is one of the last floats built and road tested and wasn't quite ready for decorating on the day we were here. It's theme of "Thank a Million Teachers" is based on a three year program the insurance company has been promoting.

The Centenniel of the City of Beverly Hills is a magnificent float.

Of course we had breaks before and after this day of gluing and cutting. Above is outside the Rose Palace decorating barn when we all took a lunch break. {See that large doorway? That's the maximum height and width a float needs to contract, so it can fit under the street and signal lights along the parade route.} The Pizza Hut a block away provides a personal pizza and beverage for $3.50 (you order when you sign in to work) and donates $1 from each order to the Petal Pushers. The Mister and I had brought our own lunch…

We had stopped at Mr. Goods Donuts on Colorado Boulevard before our long day.

The shelves were full, but we only (of course) bought the wonderful ham and cheese filled croissants sold here, to be part of our lunch.

Mr. Goods Donuts 1840 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena 91107

After a long day, we left and parked around the corner from this old design McDonald's on Colorado Boulevard, next to Pasadena City College.

Walking past it, and the Comics Factory (really, it's on Colorado Boulevard and the Parade route-look closely at all the Rose Parade signs on every light post), we were back at Zankou Chicken (where we ate after decorating last year), which we figured would be a 'healthy' meal with enough leftover for the next day…

And it was. Enough for another meal, sides and snacks for two more days actually.

Zankou Chicken 1296 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena 91106 (626)405-1502 website

Since we did not have to be ready to start until 9 a.m., we didn't leave home at our usual 5 a.m., so got to Cream Pan far past our 'usual' time of about 6:15. There were a few more people inside, however the shelves had more choices, including this $2 cup of karaage…which was nice to eat in the car as a supplemental breakfast item. Of course, the usual suspects, ham and cheese croissant and catsup covered pastry wrapped hot dog were also consumed that day.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714)665-8239

I hope everyone is having a good day after Christmas!

Unusual sweet treats.

December 20, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. We (Kirk, Ed (from Yuma), Cathy and a few others) try to share some sort of food centric post almost daily…no reason, other than we do indeed all eat and like to write about it. Cathy is sharing today.

It's close to Christmas and people are probably using up vacation days and perhaps doing last minute shopping. Thought I'd share some sweet surprises found around town recently. Maybe you've seen something out of the ordinary in your shopping travels, too.

The Mister and I tend to stop in to K Sandwiches once a week, either for a sandwich (breakfast, lunch, dinner) or something from the steam tray, or a grab and go croissant, loaf of bread and tasty beverage. A few weeks ago, while waiting in line to pay, I noticed this handwritten sign on the counter.

You know I had to.

Crépes, made in the waffle maker, thin and rolled so they cool to a nice, light crispiness. 50¢ each. The green one is pandan flavor (a light, floral, kind of nutty-like pistachio pudding is light, sweet and nutty in flavor) and the other is original flavor (pretty much tasted like it was made with coconut milk). Both with black sesame. A nice treat and a box full would be a nice gift.

K Sandwiches 7604 Linda Vista Road at Mesa College Drive San Diego 92111 (858)278-8961

Trader Joe's is carrying these frozen treats. I saw them being put into the freezer the Monday after Thanksgiving. $3.99 for a box of four. Pronounced "queen yamman". This pastry originated in Brittany, France; a popular Breton dessert.

These frozen treats are similar to the Trader Joe's frozen croissants (you have to proof overnight/6 hours and then bake). (That's a pumpkin croissant starting to rise in the background.)

The Kouign Amann will bake in its cup into crispy, sugary layers.

Not as many layers as a croissant, but like a croissant dough-with sugar between the layers. The sugar caramelizes and is crispy. I adore this basic, simple French dessert. That I can make it fresh- and one at a time- makes it perfect.

Rose Donuts, all the way at the West end of Linda Vista Road, near USD (NOT the location in the same parking lot as K Sandwich) is open 24 hours. (it's in the same mall as Ryan's). Rose's makes and sells wonderful croissant based sandwiches, grilled burgers, hot/grilled sandwiches, bagels, ice cream, a variety of beverages…and…not just donuts.

Oh, these two items are NOT the same. The larger one is your traditional 'apple fritter', which is, indeed, wonderful, large and filled with apples and cinnamon. The smaller one…in the front of the above photo…

An apple-blueberry fritter. Oh my, yes. A wonderful, surprising, fritter. Unexpected and great.

Rose Donuts 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego 92110 ( 619) 294-8856

I hope everyone runs across a delightful surprise. Soon.

Dudley’s Deli-yes, THAT Dudley’s-now in Santee

November 25, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

This location has also closed.

mmm-yoso!!! is a compilation of bloggings centered around food. Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy (as well as a few others) share food memories, finds and ideas here. Today, Cathy is writing about a find.

The fabric sign had been hanging on the front and side of this corner building, just behind the Costco Fuel station on Town Center Parkway in Santee for almost six months. "Coming Soon-Dudley's Deli". Then at a rather rapid rate, the signage was installed on the building.

On Wednesday, November 6 at 11 a.m., the store was open for business.

Anyone who has driven North on the 67 on their way to Julian has most likely stopped at Dudley's Bakery in Santa Ysabel. At the very least, you have probably seen Dudley's Bakery items in your local grocery store and perhaps have considered a drive into the Eastern part of San Diego County. The 50 year old San Diego County Institution has expanded.

The Mister and I are happy to see we'd have a local, almost walk to easy option and were some of the first customers. (The receipt shows our purchase transaction occurred at 11:16 a.m.)

The shelves were not quite full, but did have fresh cookie bars, coffee grounds and breads for sale.

The staff was ready for just about any order you could place.

Other than not having soup bowls available that first day, things were going quite well.

The Dietz and Watson Deli meats are on display.

We have been back several times to purchase a loaf or two fresh Dudley's bread, delivered fresh from the bakery 'up the hill'. All loaves are $4.95. I haven't taken photos of the full shelves because it has been crowded every time we've been back. The selection seems to vary, based on the day of the week you are here.

Our first day sandwich was a Corned Beef Reuben ($7.95). You can see this is quite a large sandwich (enough to share), filed with warmed corned beef, kraut, Swiss cheese and a nice Thousand Island dressing all on fresh seeded Rye bread that is panini-pressed/grilled. Really, really good. Nice to share.

The strawberry turkey sandwich is on a toasted/lightly grilled sheepherder bread (a hearty white) and, as you can see, loaded with turkey, (a layer of strawberry preserves is on the bottom), a layer of fresh strawberries, Provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on the top slice. Again, nice to share. I do plan on trying more menu items and will report back.

This is great place to get your Dudley's bread and sweets as well as a hearty lunch and all without the travel.

Dudley's Deli Bakery 205 Town Center Parkway Santee, CA 92071 (the building right behind the Costco Gas Station vehicle entrance) (619)258-4245 Website

Cocohodo Walnut Pastry Cafe (inside Zion Market) Sweet snacks.

November 14, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Caffeine Fix, Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog you are perusing, is just that- a blog about food. Today, Cathy has a quick post about a nice respite located in the midst of a Food Court. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are, once again, busy researching things to write about.

As mentioned numerous times, The Mister and I have a habit of eating before going food shopping, so that we aren't overly tempted to purchase items on a whim. This doesn't always work, but we try. Sometimes we have a whole meal and at times, only have a dessert type product. Several times now, we have stopped at this newly opened (in October) small storefront inside the Zion Market complex.

This Korean based franchise is similar to other similar companies which produce machines which automatically fill and bake small filled cake treats. (This link takes you to a 55 second You Tube video of a machine with a different shaped filled small cake (Cocohodo are walnut shaped cakes filled with red bean paste and 1/2 a walnut in each cake) being made and links on the side of that video take you to many other similar videos.). This is similar to the cream filled pancakes made at the cart in front of 99Ranch Market.

The menu at Cocohodo shows variations of beverages and beverages in combination with pastry, as well as shaved ice.

You can't get close enough to see the Cocohodo walnut shaped pastry being made, as you can in the YouTube video linked above, but that's what the man behind the glass is doing. You can however, see to the right—

…the automated machine wrapping and dropping the hot, fresh cakes into the bin. If you are here and Cocohodo is open, you will be offered a free sample of a whole, hot, fresh delightful cake. As I mentioned, each walnut shaped (and sized) is cake filled with red bean paste and a walnut half.

Lately, this has been our usual snack (from the bottom of the menu)- Combination A: a four piece with one cup of coffee ($3.40).

The Cocohodo pastry.

Cross sections- you can see the walnut half and the red bean paste. It's a perfect size snack. Not too sweet, not too large.

You can purchase other size combinations, of course.

Nine pieces are $3.15; you can get a bag of 30 for $10.50. You can also get gift boxes…all fresh made and delicious. A nice respite.

Cocohodo 7655 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard (Inside Zion Marketplace Food Court) 92111 (858) 365-1745 Open 10:30-8:30 daily

{Yes, I posted on Deli Manjoo last November, in the middle of this lengthy post, the 16th, 17th and 18th photos show when my fascination of this machine and its filled pastries started}

{Other blog posts about Cocohodo include Pink Candles at Ridgemont High and Kirbie}

Dia De Los Muertos bread-Tradition

October 19, 2013 Cathy Bakery, What Cathy Eats!

You are reading about the who, what, where, when and why of food on this blog named mmm-yoso!!! Well, at least some of those are included in each post. We (Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy) try to write interesting, informative posts which are food-centric. Today, Cathy is trying.

It's October. The time is close to Halloween, and you probably have been seeing pumpkins, candy for sale and other 'scary' displays since August.

Pay attention to this last photo. It's a display in a Mexican Market in Chula Vista. Skeletons come alive and there are sorts of plates of food in front of them.

Decorated sugar skulls with 'gifts' for the dead. Yes, Halloween -All Hallows Eve- is just before the day before the Day of the Dead, a religious holiday celebrated by Christians. (In Catholicism, November 1st is All Saints Day and November 2 is All Souls Day.). The costumes and scary events of Halloween are meant to scare off the souls of the dead which remain on earth. In Mexico, the holiday is Dia de los Muertos and is celebrated on November 2 with making small altars or shrines to the deceased and leaving gifts for them.

Inside Mexican Markets and Bakeries, you will notice some displays of oddly shaped bread for sale near this holiday.

This is what it looks like out of the package. The symbolism- round signifying the circle of life, and topped with 'bones' of the dead, is Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead).

In some markets, it's just on the shelf with other breads.

In other Mexican Markets, it's boxed and displayed on shelves around the store.

The traditional flavor of this soft, eggy bread? Orange peel with anise -orange and black- the 'Halloween' colors.

You can see some of the tiny black specks in this slice-the anise seeds. A sweet soft bread, which is meant to be consumed with atole- a hot corn beverage- or a good hot chocolate. If you see this bread in the store now, grab a loaf; it will be gone by November 3.

Last weekend, we were at Northgate Gonzalez and there were small Pan de Muerto in the donut shelves for 70¢. However, when we sliced into it, it was a very nice buttery sweet egg bread and not orange or anise flavored. A good, sweet bread, but not the traditional flavors. We didn't buy the large loaf because we have usually purchased from the smaller Mexican markets in the neighborhood. I'd look to see if there were anise seeds on the exterior of the bread to know it has the traditional flavors.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Sweet indulgences up North (BC’s, Donut Man and Cream Pan)

September 25, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Desserts, What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog. We (Kirk, Ed (from Yuma), Cathy and a few others) write about food, either directly or indirectly. Today, Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are busy and Cathy is writing, directly.

If you follow this blog, you know The Mister and I drive North about once a month to see the progress and assist with the decoration of Rose Parade floats. We leave home at 5 a.m., drive North on the Interstate 5, get to Pasadena at 7 a.m., view (and document) the road tests and that part of the day is over before 9 a.m. We eventually drive home South on the 15, using various navigational routes to get there. We stop along the way there and home.

Just about one mile from the Pasadena Farmers market is a small donut shop named B.C. Donut. The only workers are the owners, a husband, his wife and their daughter. The place is open 24/7 and has a small walk up window, just like the 24/7 Taco Shop that shares the same parking lot. They have a lot of offerings: smoothies, sandwiches made on their fresh croissants and a good variety of donuts.

The apple fritter is what to order here ($1.50). Fluffy, usually still warm, apple chunks and swirls of cinnamon enrobed in a smooth soft glaze. It's the best we've ever had. There are no more words.

B.C. Donuts 2525 E. Foothill Boulevard Pasadena 91107 (626) 795-0012

Driving down Route 66, parallel to the 210 to get to the 15, you will pass many iconic (or iconic appearing) restaurants, coffee shops and…in Glendora, Donut Man. Apparently we have timed our visits correctly: this 24/7 donut shop has people lined up on the front porch, ordering at the window, even at midnight.

If you want to try the fresh strawberry donuts, you need to hurry; their last batch of fresh strawberries will be sliced and used on September 28 (this Saturday). Donut Man also makes fresh peach donuts, in August.

Here's a peek through the side window…

These glorious giant twists are "Tiger Tails"- almost one foot long, raised donut twisted with chocolate and glazed…enough to share.($1.70)

These apple and lemon filled donuts are made the same way the fresh stawberry (and peach) donuts are made…the dough is fried, topped (glaze or crumb or powdered sugar) then sliced and then filled.($1.70)

Ta Da! A full tray of the infamous strawberry donuts($3.50), also crullers (95¢)…

I've never tried the ones on the left, topped with fruit and cream; I don't know if they are filled, but probably they are. The cake donuts (90¢) are always good.

Here's what it looks like through the ordering window; organized chaos.

Our order. The strawberry donut (with complimentary fork)($3.50), a plain glazed cruller (90¢), chocolate topped old fashioned (95¢) and raised crumb (90¢) . The crumb was our least favorite; it was kind of dry. If there were nothing to compare it to, it would be just a good donut…The strawberry donut- it's just overflowing with fresh strawberries on a perfect raised glazed donut.

Donut Man 915 E. Route 66 Glendora, CA (616)335-9111 Article in today's San Gabriel Valley Tribune Link to recent post on My Burning Kitchen

On the way North, taking the Red Hill Exit off the 5, it's a hop and skip to get to Cream Pan, which opens at 6 a.m. daily. The shelves are not quite full at 6:15 when we get there, but everything on them is *fresh* and usually still warm.

We always get a strawberry croissant ($1.40), a ham and cheese croissant ($2.50)-my favorite ham and cheese baked in bread confection, ever…and on this visit, The Mister wanted to try the pecan roll($3). At first, The Mister was shocked at the price…then we unfurled it (after the first bite of the crispy flaky crust)…

This confection is LINED with toasted pecans! Well worth the $3.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 665-8239

Yes, none of these 'regular' stops of ours have websites…all have great, fresh, quality treats. Hope all of you are having a good week!

Ham and cheese baked into a bread…a compendium.

September 8, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Cooking, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

You've found mmm-yoso!!!, the blog about food. Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy are the usual bloggers here. Today, Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are both away from their computers and unable to blog, so Cathy is writing.

Today's post is about a common food item coincidence discovered while logging, deleting and organizing photos and events to eventually blog about. Yep, I've been staying indoors during these crazy humid days and it's this, football on TV and completing Continuing Education credits online.

I was amazed at how many photos I have of the simple food item of ham and cheese baked into a bread and decided to share the variations I've found in Southern California. Some places I have blogged about before and some places will be posted in the future.

Last October, I wrote about Euro Pane, a bakery restaurant in Pasadena. Ham in chunks and melted cheese, along with onion and carrot baked into a crispy crusted, quality bread ($5) (it's quite large). Simple and wonderful.

Euro Pane Bakery 950 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 107 Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 577-1828

Last November, we stopped at the Super H Mart in Diamond Bar. One of the many businesses in the Food Court area, Tous les Jour (a Korean bakery), sold this ham and cheese baked in a soft, cheesy bread ($2.10). I remember liking it, but not the specifics. Website

Here's a cross section of the ham and cheese from Paris Baguette ($2.20) The croissant, crispy, flaky, fluffy, also has a sweet glaze on top. It's disconcerting at first, but since there is very little ham or cheese filling, it makes the majority of the bites (the bread) rather pleasant.

Paris Baguette, inside HMart and Zion Market, San Diego

In June, I traveled to 85C Bakery in Irvine. Twice. This Taiwanese bakery sells a ham filled cheese topped soft bread roll ($2.25) It's very cheesy, tasty and unique.

85C Cafe and Bakery 2700 Alton Parkway, Suite 123 Irvine, CA 92606 (949) 553-8585 US website Open 7 a.m. daily.

Right across the parking lot from 85C is Bon Epi, a Korean bakery, which makes a wonderful ham and cheese croissant. It's one of my top two.

Bon Epi Patisserie and Café 2750 Alton Parkway, Suite 101 Irvine, CA 92606 (949) 251-0070. Open seven days 7 a.m.-midnight Website

Best Donuts and Deli is a Mexican Bakery located two storefronts from Little Sheep Hot Pot. A new Starbucks was built at the corner of the mall and The Mister and I walked in here looking for a treat to have with a coffee.

These trays were next to the counter, ready to be set out. I asked what was in the small rolled breads; the nice lady handed me one – as a sample. Ham and cheese in a perfect ratio with the bread; the ham was chopped, it is a hard white Mexican cheese that isn't too melty-gooey and there were chopped marinated carrots in the mix. It was really a perfect bite. Two for $1.

The bread is a nice, chewy white bread, not anything flaky nor soft. Simple and very good. As you can see, we also got two sweets. A longer post (about the torta sandwiches and donuts here) is forthcoming.

Best Donuts and Deli 4714 Clairmont Mesa BlvdSan Diego 92117 (858) 581-1278

K Sandwich also makes a ham and cheese croissant ($2), and the result is amazingly consistent. These are photos from three different visits.

You can see the croissant dough has a crispy flaky crust layer with a softer bready interior and that pieces of white cheese are rolled inside the ham before baking. It's an easy, quick snack.

K Sandwich corner of Convoy/Linda Vista at Mesa College Drive (7604 Linda Vista 92111) Open at 6 a.m. Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. Sunday.

Santee has four Starbucks stores (if you count the one inside the Vons) and next to the one located in the Albertson's parking lot is Pink Donuts, which sells a ham and cheese filled bread ($1.75).

A very soft, buttery bread surrounds a good amount of ham. The bottom part of the ham has a thin layer of a soft white cheese. Good, because it's fresh, the bread crushes easily. Not bad in a pinch/early morning when I don't want to drive very far).

Pink Donuts 9802 Magnolia (at Mast Boulevard) Santee 92071 (619)258-8807

Yet another donut shop, Peterson's Donut Corner in Escondido, sells a very hammy ham and cheese filled bread ($2). Again, it's just a thin layer of cheese on the bottom part of the bread. It's a good bread dough, only slightly crispy but a good slightly chewy dough. (That's a blueberry frosted cake donut, excellent- 95¢)

Peterson's Donut Corner 903 S. Escondido Boulevard, Escondido 92025 (760) 745-7774

Pangea Bakery Cafe, on Convoy street, sells good sized ham and cheese bread semi-loaves for $2.50. A hunk can easily be shared by two people.

A sofrt bread topped with cheese and layered with a good amount of ham and yellow cheese. When this is fresh (or toaster oven re-warmed), it's an excellent meal.

Pangea Bakery Cafe 4689 Convoy Street, Suite 100 San Diego 92111 (858)560-0688 website

I recently wrote a post about Cream Pan, a Japanese bakery in Tustin. The ham and cheese croissant here is exquisite ($2.50). It isn't very large and that's OK. This is the only place that bakes in Swiss cheese with the ham, and exposes (and slightly crisps) the ham. The flaky croissant makes the prefect ratio to the meat and cheese filling. I never get a photo of the cross section, because we exit the freeway and are in and out of here quickly; the croissant is consumed in the car as I drive away. Trust me, it's good.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714)665-8239 Open 6 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days

I haven't posted on Sidecar Donuts yet, but went here twice in less than two weeks in June. A small popular bakery in Costa Mesa, Sidecar has lines of people out the door and into the parking lot daily. It sells more or less 'regular' (but fancy) donuts and each day also sell one even-more-special item. This day, it was a Monte Cristo Donut ($3.75). Filled with ham, cheese and strawberry jam then fried and topped with powdered sugar, as an egg dipped and fried Monte Cristo sandwich would be. So it's not a bread dough, but still ham and cheese filled and delightful. I thought I'd add it in here, since it almost fits the topic.

Sidecar Donuts and Coffee 270 East 17th Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 887-2910 Website

To conclude this post, and possibly answer your inner comments, of course this can be done at home. Above is a meat and cheese bread The Mister made the other day with a one pound refrigerated dough, Jarlsberg cheese and and hard salami. He baked it on a cookie sheet on the outdoor grill; placing the cookie sheet on the opposite side from the heated burner. Radient heat you know.

I hope everyone had a good weekend and that the week ahead will have normal weather. Thanks for reading.

Cream Pan (Japonaise Bakery)-Tustin road trip

August 7, 2013 Cathy Bakery, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog you are reading, is an online sharing of various adventures of Kirk, Ed (from Yuma), Cathy and a few others. We try to make each post have something to do with some sort of food in the form of a simple snack or full blown meal. Today, Cathy is writing.

The first time I went to Cream Pan, it was the fifth stop of the day when cc and I were driving to Pasadena to Vromans Book Store. The second time, The Mister and I were driving to Pasadena to see a 2014 Rose Parade Road Test. It's an easy exit off the 5 (take Red Hill, turn right but get to the center lane to take an immediate left onto El Camino Real) and easy to get back onto the 5 North(entrance is at the signal light at the end of the mall where Cream Pan is located). Cream Pan is a Japanese bakery. That day of "stop at a bakery until you get to the Book Store" road trip gave me an excellent comparison of baking styles, which I had never been discernible of prior. (85C is Taiwanese and Bon Epi is Korean).

As I understand it, the building formerly housed two bakeries, Cream Pan and Japonaise, with Cream Pan being in the back. (Ignore that website printed on the van; it does not exist).

Now, the whole building is Cream Pan, with the majority of it being the actual kitchen/baking area and maybe 25% is the walk in bakery.

On our first trip, CC and I arrived and there was a line formed inside the store. The refrigerated cases are the first ones you see…and those strawberry croissants are what everyone seems to want to purchase.

The eating area inside is simple and beautiful, with wood tables and chairs. There are outdoor tables and chairs along the sides of the building.

Fresh rolls are on display near the cash register and breads are along the wall as you walk in.

Here's a view of the eat in area at 6:15 on a Saturday morning…

The non-refrigerated pastry cases are full at 6 a.m.

Just behind the cash registers are additional freshly baked items, ready to refill the cases once the crowds descend.

When cc and I arrived that June Sunday, it was our fifth stop of the day and we each only made a single purchase. My strawberry croissant and cc's hot dog. Both items were for us to take home and not to eat there…Good thing we each brought thermal containers for transport! The custard cream filling of that croissant is *really* good…the crust is buttery, flaky and overall, it is small. It's excellent.

When I brought The Mister here for the first time, we were looking to grab a quick breakfast and purchased the hot dog ($1.80)(there is catsup on the top of the croissant 'bun') a ham and cheese croissant ($2.50)-smaller than other ham and cheese croissants, but absolutely the best ratio of ham:cheese:bread and combination of flavors than all others, and a strawberry croissant ($1.40) as well as a small cup of coffee ($1.50). There is an espresso machine here, which would make for a perfect sit down meal. There are also pre-made sandwiches and salads available.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714)665-8239 Open 6 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days

Bon Epi Patisserie and Café-(Irvine)-Road Trip

August 5, 2013 Cathy Bakery, Orange County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping and reading mmm-yoso!!!, the blog about food. Sometimes Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy write about local eating adventures and sometimes they drive to find a place to eat. This post is about two of Cathy's driving adventures, because after her first visit, she just had to bring The Mister here.

This post is a continuation of an eating adventure which began very early one Sunday across the parking lot. The first bakery we hit (85C) is Taiwanese and this bakery, Bon Epi, is Korean. CC and I were driving North with an ultimate purpose (to meet and hear Marvin Gapultos speak about his newly released The Adobo Road cookbook). It was so early, we were missing crowds and finding fresh baked goods at an interesting variety of ethnic bakeries in Irvine, Costa Mesa, Tustin and Pasadena.

Several posters (corner of which is in the bottom left of this photo above) advertising macarons, are all around this mall (Diamond Jamboree). This is going to be a post of the first of *many* macaron posts…after this visit, macarons have became a snack obsession.

I purchase pain d'epi, wheat stalk shaped bread, at Major Market in Escondido whenever I am there…being wheat stalk shaped means it can break apart into rolls and I find that convenient. I figured Bon Epi would sell many breads and compared to other bakeries, it does (that's a whole table of just breads to the left when you walk in).

There is a small eat in area inside and quite a few tables outside.

The baked pastry area is fairly small, but kept constantly filled with fresh choices.

The refrigerated cases to the other side of the cash register hold a beautiful array of colorful macarons as well as other refrigerated colorful sweets.

The macaron (not to be confused with a coconut macaroon) is delicate, small and packed with flavor. The 'gateaux sec' is the dry cake (and most colorful part you see). It's basically a meringue: egg white whipped with sugar and crushed almond/almond flour and usually that's all the flavor in it. It's a light and crispy crust with a softer interior cookie. The fillings of the macaron are varied in flavor and texture.

This was cc's purchase that first day. The box costs $1 or 50¢ extra, but is a nice keepsake and presentation as well as protectant for the delicate bites.

My purchase that first day here consisted of the pistachio and the white chocolate peach. The pistachio was very nicely nutty flavored, lightly whipped and went well with the almond 'cookie' exterior. The peach was basically peach colored and basically filled with thick white chocolate. It was very sweet and not what I like.

CC bought this peanut bread (topped with crushed peanuts; it looks so good) and almond Danish stick; I got the Biscuit Cream seen on the left; it was a very generous filled and delicate cake-like pastry.

When I came back with The Mister, we also exercised restraint, knowing we were on a bakery centric morning and got the ham and cheese croissant here (to compare with the one I had just purchased at 85C) and The Mister chose a salted caramel macaron…which was thickly filled with a heavy real salted caramel. It lasted a while because a tiny bite just filled your mouth with flavor and the chewiness of a soft caramel.

I breifly mentioned in another post that I am also currently infaturated with ham and cheese filled breads. I do think the ham and cheese croissant here is the best I've ever had…so far. Maybe because it was still warm, maybe it was the chunks of white cheese or maybe the thick and flavorful slice of ham…or the combination of all three. (See the macaron on the table? We each had a small bite of it and wanted to savor and stretch out that flavor…)

Bon Epi Patisserie and Café 2750 Alton Parkway, Suite 101 Irvine, CA 92606 (949) 251-0070

Open seven days 7 a.m.-midnight Website

Paris Baguette (again) and a Kronut!

July 29, 2013 Cathy Bakery, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog you have in front of you, has writings of a rotation of subjects which ultimately center on some sort of delicacy or general appetite satisfaction. Today, while Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) sit back and contemplate their latest form of nourishment, Cathy will write.

Hello again. Ever since the Paris Baguette franchise showed up in San Diego, I've been fascinated at the variety of baked goods offered in the small venue whenever The Mister and I stop in the local HMart.

Last weekend, on our most recent visit, this sign stood out:

Well, you know I had to…but of course, I wanted to appear in control of my purchase, so picked up a tray and paper liner and set out to buy a few items from this in store bakery…

As I rounded the back corner…

There IT was- the LAST Kronut on the tray. Nobody was around, there was no fighting for it: it was MINE!!!

My total purchase: Sausage bread ($1.80), Blackout bread($1.80), Ham and cheese croissant ($2.20) and Kronut ($3)…see? Three items with a protein and only one sweet…I appear to be disciplined in my bakery habits…

The Mister and I drove across the street, to the Starbucks. I waited in line for a coffee (brewed, bold, tall: discipline) while The Mister lined up the purchase so I could take a photo.

The ham and cheese croissant is a regular purchase of mine, everywhere. I may do an entire post of ham and cheese croissants one day. The crust here is sweet glazed, the crust/bread is wonderful: crispy and flaky, the ham is flavorful but sparse, as is the cheese.

I like the sausage bread here, because the sausage itself has good flavor, it's topped with quite a bit of cheese and the red and green pepper rings add that touch of flavor (and fiber )that rounds it all out…the bread is good too.

If you haven't figured it out, the "Black Out Bread" is colored with squid ink . The sausage/hot dog is split and the center filled with mustard. The ends sticking out of the bread are split again, so they curl when it bakes and looks kind of like a squid.

Finally. The Kronut (not to be confused with the Cronut™). The fried croissant dough, filled with a wonderful pastry cream, topped with a lemony/citrus pudding swirl.

I can count the number of times I've paid $3 for a donut on one hand. I have a post coming up about those other goodies; bakeries are a current obsession. This Kronut is worth it….so very worth it.

Paris Baguette (Inside H Mart) 9440 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92126 website