C o c o a M e m o

Exploring the world through the senses - Photography, writing and vocals by CocoaMemo

[cocoamemo]

I have loved exploring the possibilities of self expression via tumblr.  It’s been an interesting adventure, and I am so so grateful for anyone and everyone who has ever liked, followed, commented, reblogged - it has meant the world to me. Additionally because this experimenting has led me to my next personal venture: my Food Blog, nibs etc.  About which I am so excited.  Eat it All, Eat Balanced, Eat Curiously, and Eat To Waste less.  My M.O.  Mission to (try to) save the world one plate of leftovers at a time.  Would be honoured if you joined me on this mission; follow for food, for bestovers, for culinary adventures.

www.nibsetc.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nibsetc instagram: https://instagram.com/nibsetc

[cocoamemo]

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This week’s musical obsession: Kodaline.

[cocoamemo]

Can't get enough of this Pumpkin business. Did you know you can infinitely (well, almost...) substitute it in baking for more moist, ('healthier') and lighter versions? Have a try. Or don't. And just make divine mini bundt Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and try very hard not to eat them all at once.

[cocoamemo]

On the subject of Brunch... Granola. Easy to do, hard to perfect. (In my humble opinion...). So while you're experimenting with your next batch, try using a combination of Olive Oil and Maple Syrup, to bind and sweeten. Go crazy with the Nuts, Seeds and Dried Fruit.  But don't forget the sprinkling of Sea Salt once it's out of the oven for that extra je ne sais quoi...

[cocoamemo]

Poached Eggs. My latest obsession. Paired with something green, a little protein.  Serve on a proper slice of bread, with cracked pepper, flaky sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.  Ta da. The fanciest restaurant brunch dish, in your kitchen. (Oh, and, don't forget a shaving or 10 of your favourite cheese).

[cocoamemo]

That time last year when TCHO Chocolate and Peet's Coffee and Tea made a baby. The most beautiful, chocolatey baby of all.

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A little inspiration to accompany the cold weather. Pumpkin and Carrot soup with Kale, Apple, Bacon, Walnut and Croutons. Serve with Gruyère, if, like me, any meal without cheese is generally, more or less, incomplete.

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Music is the strongest trigger. Aside food, of course. Also, aside from food, the best release. Musical triggers to start off the new year.

[cocoamemo]

That day I walked in to buy 1, and instead, came out with 2. Solely because, I was wearing a smile, and he, behind the counter, was feeling generous. Doughnut Plant, you are forever in my good books. (And not only because your doughnuts are absolutely phenomenal).

[cocoamemo]

Napa on my mind... This here, is Hess Collection Vineyards. Hess: Swiss owned, on-site Art Gallery, beautifully serene gardens, delicious and original (deliciously original?) wines, and a (TCHO) chocolate pairing that is, in my humble opinion, out of this world. If that doesn't convince you to go, then I'm not sure what will.

[cocoamemo]

If my pastries turn out even half as good as this one...sigh...in the meantime, why not collectively ogle at one of the stickiest, nuttiest, and perfectly doughiest (for the purpose of this sentence, that is a word) of sticky buns, from Bouchon Bakery. Now that was a breakfast.

[cocoamemo]

Outside the wind is howling, the snow is falling (yes it is only October, um, what.). Thus I am inside, where my cat is snoring, and I am reminiscing about that time I finally got to play Food Stylist and Photographer in this studio-under-the-stairs à la Harry Potter.

[cocoamemo]

After indulging, for 9 hours, in cocoa, from all shapes to all sizes, it is safe to say I have experienced chocolate-induced inebriation. I can also say with 100% certainty that I am no closer to a chocolate over-dose than I was prior to this year's Salon du Chocolat. One of the more unique, contemporary masterpieces of the day, was Chef Guillaume Sanchez 's Merveilleux.

[cocoamemo]

Wetting the appetite in preparation for this weekend's Salon du Chocolat in London, with one of my all time favourites from the other side of the globe, San Francisco: TCHO Chocolate.

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Firstly. The absence. I am heartily sorry. The past 2 months have seen a typhoon of change. I now find myself half way across the globe. But, in times like these... Pastries. To ease the heart, mind and soul. And I guess sweet tooth, while we're at it. For the sake of reminiscing...this Almond Croissant from one of my absolute favourite corners in SF: Le Marais.

[cocoamemo]

Perhaps it is just wishful thinking, but I like to hope that the indulgence in summer desserts will encourage the season to make its appearance, sooner rather than later. Perhaps... Created, styled, photographed, and of course, devoured. The good news is, you can now too. Devour it that is. Right, here.

[cocoamemo]

There are few cities in this world where a coffee shop chain would partner with a craft chocolate maker. Fewer still is the number of coffee shops that would come out on top. Peet's Coffee and Tea, is one such trouncer. May I present to you the most moist and decadent cake ever sold in a coffee shop: the triple TCHO Chocolate threat (note. so named as of 30 seconds ago).