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.