From Rose's Kitchen: Challah Bread French Toast

I have officially become known to my roommates as the French Toast Queen, especially after making glorious french toast this weekend with challah bread. Working at a bakery has many perks, but one of the best is definitely the easy access I have to artisan bread. I've used chocolate bread and butter bread in my most recent french toast adventures, but the challah is by far my favorite. Without further ado, here's how to become French Toast Queen (aka how to make Challah French Toast)

The first (and probably most important) step is to slice your bread the night before you plan on making french toast. This allows the bread to dry out, leaving it ready to soak up the moisture of the eggs/milk you're going to soak it in later. If you're lazy, or just poor at planning, one of my customer's suggested drying it out in the oven at a low temp for 10 minutes or less, and I'm sure that would work just as well.

Next, you need to make a batter. For 6 slices of challah, I used 3 eggs and about as much milk as there was liquid for the eggs (I never measure), a dash of vanilla, some sugar, and a lot of cinnamon. Soak each slice of bread for about 30 seconds-1 minute on both sides.

After seasoning my cast-iron skillet (stolen from my mom) with butter, I fried the french toast for about 3-5 minutes each side. I was getting ready for work while doing this, so my timing was not exact, and the slices didn't come out completely even. But, I make my food to be delicious first, and beautiful second, so I didn't mind.

After sprinkling on some chopped walnuts (baked in cinnamon butter from Uppercrust... mmm), powdered sugar, and maple syrup, all I had to do was find some natural lighting and add an instagram filter to have a beautiful, tasty brunch.

Although I must say, I don't think I can label myself French Toast Queen until I have attempted some savory french toast. Next time.

Coffee Tour de Gainesville: Know Where Coffee

With fall rolling in and the semester chugging forward at full speed, I'm sorry to say that I have neglected my dear blog. I placed priority in late-night library sessions and early morning yoga, but I couldn't stay away for long.

For a while, I was reluctant to go to Know Where Coffee. It seemed to spring up out of nowhere (no pun intended) one day last semester, in a prime location on University, next to Bagels and Noodles. Another Gainesville coffee place? I scoffed. Even with the invention of my Tour de Gainesville, Know Where Coffee was not very high on my list of destinations. It was a sparkling recommendation that put this coffee shop on my radar, and I've only seen it grow in popularity since its conception.

I hadn't intended to buy coffee that day, but an old friend came to visit after a summer-long road trip, and where else would we meet up other than a coffee shop? It was this friend who taught me how to make the perfect cup of french press - a technique that I personally use every morning. Coarse grind, short bloom, perfect crema... I'm getting distracted. For two coffee lovers, the choice of beverage was natural, and since I had been wanting to visit Know Where Coffee, the opportunity seemed perfect.

I did a little research before I went, mostly to see if they served bagels/croissants in the way typical coffee places seem to do. Their online menu doesn't allude much to pastries, but what did spark my interest was their concept: choose your brew. They have four hot brewing options (sadly not french press), as well as cold brew, espresso, and an assortment of teas.

I wandered in on a Thursday morning after a long walk, and was greeted by enthusiastic baristas who were ready to answer any question I had. They were showcasing four different blends of coffee, two being the same bean (Kenya Thithi AA), roasted by two different Floridian roasters. I went with the Bold Bean option of the Kenya, made in a Chemex.

After a brief conversation with the barista about my blog, I sat down and waited for my coffee to be ready. For those who don't know, I'm pretty cranky in the morning without my coffee, so it was a bit difficult for me to promote myself while trying to inspire my brain to function at normal levels. I plopped myself into one of their metallic chairs (suprisingly comfortable, lots of room with armrests) and pulled out my reading for class.

The coffee was well-made, but a little on the floral/fruity side for my tastes. However, the chemex thankfully was not my only impression of Know Where Coffee. My friend did not show up that morning, and we had to reschedule for the following day. Same place, same time. Rather than walking, I politely coerced him into giving me a lift, and I arrived there in style. Friday morning? I went with the cold brew, my classic favorite. Now I'm no coffee snob, but their cold brew tasted earthy and delicious, just the way I like my coffee. I left that morning satisfied and wanting more.

Know Where Coffee, although it did spring out of nowhere, is certainly making its presence known in Gainesville. From their creative chalkboard signs to their daily instagram posts, you can tell that they are passionate about what they do and are always looking for ways to improve.

I haven't returned to Know Where Coffee yet, but I promise, I will be back before the semester ends.

Man, a terrific Day at Manatee Springs

I've delayed making this post for a few different reasons... mostly because I've been so busy with school that I haven't had much time to do anything else. But part of the reason is that I don't want to let go of summer just yet. But alas, labor day is here and it is time for me to finally let go.

I had planned on visiting Manatee Springs since the beginning of the summer. Marsha, a co-worker, suggested it to me, telling me stories of a beautiful swimming hole and world-class bar-b-que. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for bbq. And that is how one morning, I packed up the car, grabbed my friends Margaret and Daniel, and headed south (or was it west?) for Chiefland, FL.

We arrived to a sparse parking lot of two other cars, and a spring that had two small children and their family wading inside. If you've ever been to one of Florida's springs, you know that this is a rarity. Even on a slow day (read: middle of the week), there are still at least a few various groups. Not here, however. We joyously set off on a short walk down the boardwalk, down towards the Suwanee river.

What I love about trips with friends is that everyone brings something different to the table. Daniel, for example, took an entomology class last semester, and was able to identify various types of bugs (and plants!) that we saw. Hello, adorable water bugs. Goodbye, terrifying snakes. Margaret entertained us with various puns (my title pun) and personal renditions of Just Around the River Bend from Pocohontas.

Once we reached the Suwanee, we were greeted with open water and beautifully clear skies. I don't think we could have picked a more perfect day for a Springs visit. After a plate of bbq, wildlife spottings, and a dip in the chilly spring, I don't think I could have ended my summer in a better way.

Unless of course you consider the giant banana spiders we found on the nature trail.

Back to School Blues: accepting the inevitable in 5 steps

With fall semester right around the corner (literally in three days...), I figured it's time to write a post on how I am preparing for the upcoming term. My summer of springs, coffee, and bbq is ending, and a new era of my life is beginning. Thus brings me to my five steps to start off a semester right:

1. Denial Class? What is class? What is this school thing everyone is talking about? I completely ignore the fact that my main purpose in Gainesville is getting my education, and instead think about all the adventures that await me when I don't go to class. Dropping out is obviously a viable option, because my student loan debt does not exist.

2. Anger How dare the University of Florida interrupt my relaxing summer with a new semester? I never asked for class to start and quite frankly, I am extremely offended that no one consulted me on this decision. I will proceed to send administration passive-aggressive letters until they postpone fall semester for at least two weeks.

3. Bargaining OK, if the semester MUST begin, at the very least, I should get some sort of financial pay-off. I have to spend the next four months exercising my brain and listening to professors drone on and on about subjects I only half care about? Fine. That'll be $1000.

4. Depression Reality sets in that despite what I want, fall semester is starting in three days and there is nothing I can do about it. Tears stream down my cheeks as I think about all of the papers I will have to write. All hope is lost and I don't believe the situation can get much worse. Until it does.

5. Acceptance Finally, I accept my fate and attempt to greet the semester with an open mind. Although last spring was rough for me in many ways (I coined the term Meltdown Monday), I'm optimistic that I can move beyond that and have a positive experience. I'm actually excited for the classes that I am taking, and I'm eager to start learning (also eager to start using the cute notebooks I bought). Soon I'll be reunited with my friends and my fraternity brothers. Just because the summer is ending, doesn't mean the adventures have to end as well.

This post is mostly a joke, but I'm not lying when I say I'm nervous for the new term. Last semester brought on a load of stress that I was unprepared for, and I can't be blamed for being less than enthused to bring that on again. However, I am hoping for a good experience and I'm determined to make it one. To anyone also starting a new semester, I wish you the best of luck. We got this.

Coffee Tour de Gainesville: Volta Coffee Cupping

Volta is, as far as I know, one of the best known coffee shops in Gainesville. As far as fancy coffee goes, Volta is one of Gainesville's prime. My coworkers spoke of it as if it were some mythical store selling award-winning coffee and quite frankly, I was a bit too intimidated to go at first. I had this weird mental image of the suave young professionals of Gainesville sipping their unsweetened cappuccinos while discussing social justice issues, and I wasn't sure if I was mentally prepared to experience it.

Thankfully that was not the case. At least not completely. My first time going, I spotted some brothers from my fraternity studying in the corner, evading the cool kids. I knew that if they could study at Volta, I could hang out comfortably too. Plus, I realized, why should I care about the suave young professionals? They don't care about me. It made my experience much more pleasant.

Volta hosts a coffee cupping every Saturday - essentially a wine tasting but for coffee enthusiasts. They pass around the grinds, you smell them. They pour water on the grinds, you smell them. Then break them. Then taste them. Pretty simple, but I swear the day that I am able to recognize an aroma of cranberries in a coffee blend will be a happy one (it may never happen). I remained silent during the discussion at the end, figuring my description of "coffee-y" for all 3 blends would not be of much use...

After the cupping I ordered an iced cafe au lait, sans sucre (that's without sugar, for any non-french speakers). Slowly learning to distinguish tastes means taking out those flavors that mask the true taste of the coffee, for me at least. I have found sugar to be an easy elimination. Milk, not so much.

Overall, it was a morning well spent. Finally, weeks later, I'm starting to find myself distinguishing aromas. Maybe in a couple years, after strenuous study, I will have some useful coffee knowledge. Shout out to my coworker/friend Keely for telling me about the cupping!

Descent into The Devil's Millhopper

Two days after I visited Rainbow Springs, I went on a second solo journey. My destination: the San Felasco trails. A coworker, Marsha, told me all about them, and how there are two trails that are about 5 miles round-trip. I woke up that Friday excited for adventure. My body ached for the satisfaction that comes with being outside, unplugged, away from the bustle of my daily life.

I borrowed a backpack suit for day hikes from my roommate Jordanne and set off. I had pretty vague directions from Marsha (off of Millhopper Road), but I was pretty confident that I would be able to find it.

Except I couldn't. After driving up and down Millhopper Road about six times, and my GPS timing out on me because it couldn't locate any signal in the middle of nowhere, I decided to just turn back and call it a day. My bladder was full and I needed relief, not to mention the fact that I was wasting gas driving around for 30 minutes looking for a destination that I was obviously not meant to reach.

As I approached 441, however, I found the Devil's Millhopper. I've heard interesting things about it from friends who had already visited, and I decided to settle for the next best thing.

Upon arrival, I immediately emptied my bladder and began my descent into the sinkhole. So. Many. Steps. I witnessed several people climb up and down the stairs multiple times, exercising. Crazy, I thought.

When I finally reached the bottom, I took a few pictures, observed a mother cooing over her baby, and proceeded back up the stairs. Again, so. many. steps.

At the top of the path, I followed a path titled "nature trail" and hiked the 0.84 mile trail. It didn't take me long, maybe 15 minutes, but I did stop halfway through to eat lunch. I enjoyed my pb&j and tortilla chips on a bench beneath the sun and thought about how grateful I was that it wasn't raining, like the weather forecast said it would. Most memorable part of my hike: a three year old girl complaining about how bored she was, and her father scolding her that nature isn't boring at all.

My Summer Must-Haves

I saw a summer "must-haves" post by Teen Vogue a few months ago, featuring some very pricey items that, honestly, I do not need at all for the summer. A $150 bag that I probably wouldn't even want to touch the ground? Probably not a good idea for the beach. Anyway, I decided to do my own summer "must-haves" post, with things that I have actually been using all summer long.

1. High-Waisted Shorts

2. Birkenstocks (although my Chacos hold a close second)

3. Moleskine Notebook

4. Eno Hammock

5. My Road Bike (no link, sorry!)

6. Cold Brew Coffee (made in my french press!)

I think these items pretty much reflect my summer - adventuring, bike riding, and the blazing Gainesville heat. One more item that I didn't include: sunscreen. What are some of your must-haves for the summer?

Sunday Afternoon

After a week of craziness (being home, my mom's birthday, work, and 5 hours of driving on the turnpike), it was time for a day to just... relax. No alarms, no urgency, just pure existence.

I started my day by planning out my month in my bullet journal. I love the bullet journal because, like an agenda, it reminds me of deadlines and tasks, but it doesn't have any strict guidelines. It's pretty much whatever I want it to be, and crossing things off my daily "to-do" list is always satisfying.

Every meal is my favorite meal of the day, but I always try and make sure I have a great breakfast. This one: red peppers, yellow onions, tomatoes, spinach, and ham all diced, sauteed in my (new to me) cast iron skillet, and combined in an egg scramble. Add blueberry green tea and water with sliced lemons and I was pretty much in breakfast heaven.

My day continued with an hour of brewery yoga at First Magnitude, followed by chimichangas at La Tienda with some friends. Good laughs and good chats ensued.

And finally, after tidying my room and burning incense, I ended my day by finishing one of the books that I've been reading on this summer. This Sunday was definitely a needed break from stress and worry. It put me in such a blissful mood that I didn't even mind waking up at 6 this morning to work in the bakery (that and my homemade cold brew...).

South Florida Spotlight: Philly Pretzel Heaven

If I had to name my top 3 favorite things in South Florida, I would say line dancing, spending time with my friends, and Pretzel Heaven (in that order). Every time I plan a trip to South Florida, I yell to my roommates "Oh my god! I get to go to Pretzel Heaven!!!"

They never understand my excitement because they think it's just any ol' soft pretzel. Oh how wrong they are. Philly Pretzel Heaven has perfected the pretzel. Unlike Auntie Anne's greasy commercial crap, Pretzel Heaven's pretzels are twists of salted joy.

It was 8am and I was driving Amanda (one of my back-home bffs) to work. We pass by US 441 (the street Pretzel Heaven is on) and I wonder aloud "Is Pretzel Heaven open?" Amanda looked it up on her phone and, indeed, it opens at 8. I almost cried of happiness as I mentally decided to treat myself to breakfast pretzels.

My car pulled up to PH at 8:45. I open my door and almost run inside... until I saw the door was closed! What! Why! There was a small sign hanging on the door that said "summer hours," proclaiming that the shop will open at 9 throughout the summer. After humming a brief tune of "Should I Stay or Should I Go," I decided to wait out the next 15 minutes in hopes of buying a piping hot pretzel.

8:51 and the door opens. I dash inside to see two employees shaping pretzels. Over the loud drone of the ovens, I ask "Are you guys serving pretzels?" They didn't hear me. I waited. Finally, they noticed me. "How many do you want?" "Just two." "It'll be about 9 minutes."

Ten minutes later and there I was, sitting on the curb outside, eating a fresh pretzel dipped in cinnamon glaze. The sun beat down on me and sweat beaded on my forehead. An older man walked by, examined me, and stopped. "Wow! What a perfect day you're having. Sitting in the sun, eating a pretzel. What could be better?" I nodded in agreement, slightly perturbed that I was interrupted during my feast.

Pretzel Heaven review: honestly, what can be better than salted pieces of bread? Salted pieces of bread dipped in pretty much any sauce you could want (chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, peanut butter, 6 different types of mustard, nacho cheese... the list goes on). Teamed with specialty drinks and a great price, Pretzel Heaven will always be one of my favorite places.

Going Home

I used to go home to South Florida once every month, on the dot. I missed my friends and family, but most of all, I didn't feel like I had a comfortable life in Gainesville. It was so much easier for me to run home to my mother and best friends than find new hobbies and forge new friendships in an unfamiliar place.

With a job, new friends, and a sense of adventure, Gainesville has become my new home. That being said, I have found myself going longer and longer between family visits. A couple weeks ago, I realized it had been over two months since my last one. This realization, paired with my mom's constant questioning on how soon I am coming home and the fact that my best friend is moving to Seattle at the end of the month, convinced me that it was time to pay a visit to my first home.

A large part of the reason that I don't visit home as often as I used to is the drive - Florida has little in terms of geographic variety, and one can only see so many anti-abortion signs before the craziness sets in. Rain pelted down only to have the sun blaze 10 miles later. Oh, Florida, what would I do without your inconsistent weather? Live a sane existence, perhaps.

Four and a half hours later, I walked into my mother's house with a big smile on my face, only to hear "what the fuck?" What a homecoming.

I've been enjoying my trip so far, but I've definitely had to step back and have few reality checks:

1. People's lives do not revolve around my own

2. It is easier to adjust than to set rigid plans     

3. I am really bad at managing my money         

But, with these things in mind, I've had a very productive trip. I've gone dancing, ate delicious food, and spent some much-needed time with my mom and friends. In a few days, I can go back to Gainesville with the pleasure of knowing my time was well-spent. Stay tuned for a few "South Florida Spotlight" posts in which I post a few of my old favorites and some new adventures!

Coffee Tour de Gainesville: Cymplify

Writing all these coffee posts makes me think I might have a coffee problem... nah

Due to another open mic night, my Thursday night was spent listening to chill jams and drinking an iced mint mocha (it was divine) at Cymplify; the coffee shop/restaurant/ice cream store/nursery/who knows what else is going on there but then again who cares because it's damn delicious.

Cymplify is a bit out of the way for me... all the way in west Gainesville, so I don't go often. But I've never had a disappointing experience. So far, it is the only coffee shop in Gainesville that I don't feel intimidated in immediately upon arrival. Yeah, it still has the typical hipsters and their aura of sophistication, but for the most part, Cymplify's clientele is friendly and welcoming.

After purchasing my coffee, the barista (baristo? He is a guy. Is that a gendered word?) offered me a punch card, and then proceeded to joke about the random pieces of paper they were using because they had run out of their actual cards. While I was taking pictures of the shop, he asked me if I have an instagram for photography, and we proceeded to exchange information. I swear, I've never had an encounter with someone behind the coffee counter that was so casual. I felt right at home.

As I was snapping away at my camera, a pony-tailed man walked by me and said "Oh, be careful, this one's a hippy." I scoffed at the term, knowing that he was taunting me because of the headband I wore over my hair. "Hippies are always nice, so you better watch out for this one," he said as I walked out, laughing.

I was taking pictures outside when this same man stepped out, and said to me "Let me guess, you're a journalism major? No, photography"

"Actually, I'm an English major" I replied. "But I have a blog and I'm doing a series where I go to all of the coffee places in Gainesville and write about them"

"Oh that's cool," he said. "You aren't reviewing them and talking about snooty things like the coffee aromas. You're just saying hey I went here and this is what happened."

"Exactly!" I exclaimed.

After this, we proceeded to talk about the various acts that had already performed, and he told me about a fundraising he was doing at the local botanical gardens. He encouraged me to continue with my blog, and seemed very enthusiastic about what I'm doing.

I didn't stay long - just enough to drink my coffee, listen to Margaret's set, and hear a historically accurate song about felines - but, so far, it was the most comfortable I've ever felt on this Tour de Gainesville. Maybe it was the Cymplify atmosphere, or maybe I'm just getting the hang of this whole blog thing. Either way, it was a great night.