My old passion became my new online store, check out Petit Fondant Creations

I am so happy to share with all my foodie friends my newly opened online store Petit Fondant Creations on Etsy.
You already know how much I love cooking and spending time in kitchen creating wonderful dishes, baked goods and desserts. From now, I will spending even more time in professional kitchen, creating lovely fondant figurines, toppers for cupcakes, cookies & mini cakes for all occasions.

Please, take a moment and check out my new store.

Here is a sneak peak of my newly made fondant creations:

Mini cheese burgers and fries fondant toppers

Cute bumble bee with flowers fondant toppers

Ice cream cone fondant toppers

Sprouts fondant toppers

Go green, Sprouts fondant toppers

Don’t forget to visit Petit Fondant Creations Facebook page, and click on “like it” button!

Thank you for looking!

Advertisement

Postcard from San Francisco

This is a special foodie post, for everybody who loves to travel, enjoy great food, see places and have fun family time. Last week we visited San Francisco and stroll through the streets of this beautiful and breathtaking city.
Architecture, restaurants, cafes, historic treasures, so many things to see and explore. Best thing is that after long walks trough the city, there is always great place to sit down, relax and enjoy fantastic food, ether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is a great foodie city.
Wayfare Tavern is an amazing restaurant. Food is delicious and the whole experience is absolutely fantastic. For the lunch we chose: Deviled Petaluma Eggs, Tomales Bay Mussels, Chef’s Sandwich. Kids had Cauliflower Soup and Baked Macaroni & Cheese. This is one of my favorite restaurants so far, wonderful experience for the whole family.

“Chef Tyler Florence’s new flagship restaurant is a timeless San Francisco tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century.”

Chef’s Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Chutney and Quail egg sauce.

Tomales Bay Mussels, Herbsaint cream, pork belly, sweet potato, celery salt, grilled toast.

Dessert, Pumpkin Pudding with harvest grape jam, pecan clusters, cinnamon/port ice cream. Kids absolutely love this dessert:)

La Boulange bakery was our ultimate breakfast spot.

They have literally breathtaking selection of fresh baked pastry and croissants.

Cafe Latte is their speciality too, it is perfect.

My favorite, Chocolate hazelnut croissant.

Now, let’s talk about bread, Boudin Sourdough is the ultimate bakery and sourdough bread fan experience. This bakery is famous for their soup bread bowl entree.

There is an actual tour of the bakery.

Beautiful aroma of fresh baked bread from early morning to late at night.

Wow, bread in all shapes and sizes.

This is a fun experience for everybody, kids and adults, for all taste buds.

There it is. I hope you liked the post. San Francisco is the must see destination, what a great city….every time.

No Kid Hungry Campaign

All across America families struggle to feed themselves and children are hit the hardest.
“Share Our Strength” national non-profit is working to end children hunger in U.S. by 2015.
Williams-Sonoma is partnered with No Kid Hungry campaign to help get nutritious food to kids in need.
For more info and how you can help please visit
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/special-offers/no-kid-hungry/

Recently I received an e-mail about event at Williams-Sonoma stores. With donation of $5 per child, kids can decorate Marvel series character cookies, have fun and will receive
Spider-Man and The Avengers Comic Book, all for the cause, No Kid Hungry campaign.
I took my six year old son to event and he had a blast.

He choose Spider-Man and Captain America cookies to decorate.

Atmosphere was fantastic, everything was organized and set up nicely and the kids had all kinds of decorating tools available to express their imagination.

It was very nice experience to be part of this event, at the end of the day, you feel good about helping the cause, No Kid Hungry.

For more info please visit:
http://www.nokidhungry.org

Rancho Las Palmas, Beautiful & Caliente

Here I am again. Have to admit, it’s a strange feeling without computer and internet for a few days….but on the other side it’s very relaxing too.
Family vacation time was very fun. We visited Rancho Las Palmas, great resort located 120 miles from Los Angeles in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Resort is offering amazing golf course, 24 tennis courts, spa and Splashtopia which reminds me of water park. If you just want to have a nice walk you can do that too….all the paths through resort have beautiful scenic views of dessert mountains.

Palm trees, ponds, plants, real dessert scenery, still in lush resort setting.

Hotel entrance and lobby are decorated in Spanish renaissance style which gives visitors feel of elegance and beauty.

Resort offers excellent food, pools and spa.

blueEmber restaurant is lighting up the local dining scene. Under the direction of Executive Chef Sean O’Connell, bluEmber showcases the region’s rich harvest, exuding the sun-drenched charm of the desert and relaxed elegance of Southern California.

Every morning we had amazing breakfast buffet. Omelette station, waffle station and wide selection of fresh fruits, warm pastry and different dishes for fantastic breakfast experience.

Every morning before pool is open lifeguards are practicing skills making sure to keep everybody safe and sound.

View from our balcony, kids can’t wait to start daily routine of pool jumping, lazy river and slides off course:)

Pina Colada by the pool, delicious and refreshing at 114 F….so hot.

I was so excited when my hubby remind me to take advantage and treat myself with a afternoon at the spa. Still while having wonderful treatment, I was planning and thinking what recipe will I make next when we com back home….can you believe it? I was at the spa but still missing my kitchen:)

There it is….waiting. I am looking at the scale and scale is staring at me….should I use it or no? I don’t think so, it is vacation time after all:)

Sauna was amazing place to spend lovely afternoon.

I decided to try Desert Elements Sea Salt Bath.
Precious minerals and Dead Sea salts are combined with algae extracts, aloe vera and choice from aroma essences for blissful experience.

Rancho Las Palmas is beautiful resort, kids friendly and perfect for family vacation all year round.

Salsa & Hot Air Balloon Festivals, Underwood Farms, Boat Ride and Stuffed Zucchini Flowers….

An hour from LA, Ventura County, so many things to see, try and experience. Super affordable summer fun. I am so happy that I can share this photos with you and recommend this events for future visitors.

Underwood Farms

“Bring the entire family, young & old, for a fun, educational day “out on the farm.” Children love it! For your convenience, we have a number of pull-wagons to transport your “prize pickings” and/or children from the field to the Farm Market area. There is $3.00 admission fee to our Farm Center Monday – Friday and $5.00 on weekends and holidays. Weekend admission includes a tractor-drawn wagon ride to the fields. Most picked items are priced by the pound.”
Best part by far is “Pick your own” fruits and vegetables ….In Summer months, available for picking are: strawberries, raspberries, zucchini, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers (green for salad and for pickling) and many more….

While I was enjoying strawberry picking my kids were picking raspberries:) Fruit was ripe, sweet and juicy, perfect.

Love the idea of having wagons available for people to navigate and carry while picking and all kinds of containers for different type of produce, so convenient.

Underwood Food are amazing place to visit. They have petting zoo with farm animals and many more like ostrich and mini goats.

Goats have the whole bridge system developed so they can eat and sleep in the “upper area”. So fun to watch them how they navigate high above the ground.

There are also fresh eggs available:)

It would be so nice to go back in fall to pick different kinds of autumn produce.

3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark , CA 93021
(805) 529-3690

Oxnard Salsa Festival

“Spicy food, hot music and Oxnard’s cool ocean breezes are on the menu for the 18th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, July 30 & 31, 2011 in Oxnard, California. Plaza Park is the place for a two-day celebration of everything salsa – the food, the music, and the dance. Downtown City of Oxnard.”
Music at the main stage was fantastic, big band was playing and atmosphere was like real party. People were dancing, so cool.

My favorite part, Salsa Tasting Tent….Yum. Over 20 different local vendors were promoting their products. Amazing variety, sweet, mild, hot and blazing hot salsa.

http://www.oxnardsalsafestival.com

Citrus Classic Balloon Festival

“Let your summer take flight. . . with hot air balloons inflated over scenic citrus orchards and rolling hills, the Fourth Annual Citrus Classic Balloon Festival is THE best backdrop for THE balloon event closest to Greater Los Angeles and beaches. Mingle with balloon pilots, enjoy outdoor dining, wine and beer garden, browse arts and craft vendors, get active with the Kids Activity Area, relax with live music. . . It’s the perfect day trip, family summer weekend or romantic getaway – conveniently just 1.5 hours from Los Angeles!”
This was a brilliant event. Lovely colorful balloons, friendly people and again, great food. Must see.

http://www.citrusclassicballoons.com

Hooper Electric Boat Rental

Hooper Electric Boat Rental offers variety of water activity rentals. Look for the website 10% off coupon on any rental.
If you are in the area, this is the great way to relax and try something that doesn’t happened every day for most of the people, take a ride at the electric boat and be a captain. How cool is that? My husband did a great job, ride was smooth and relaxing:)

Beautiful view of the harbor, marina, ocean waves, lovely breeze….

Channel Island Harbor
Oxnard, CA

Since I picked lovely zucchini flowers I decided to try and make Stuffed Zucchini Flowers.
I made classic risotto with red onion and Parmesan cheese. Then I stuffed flowers one by one, sprinkled them with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. In the oven at 400 F for 20 minutes. Crunchy flowers and creamy risotto. Fresh, simply delicious dish.

Hope you liked the post!

W.A.T.E.R. Youth Program, Riley’s Farm and Mighty Peanut Butter Smoothie

Wow, it’s been a busy last few days of the school year. Kids had two fantastic field trips. My oldest visited Riley’s Farm and took pictures by herself. She asked me if we can post them on My Wandering Spoon.

Riley’s Farm is located in Oak Glen, CA and it is a living history adventure tour and much more than a field trip, it’s a chance to experience a first-hand glimpse of America’s past.

” Whether you are churning butter in our summer kitchen, observing the pewter-smith at work, or being taught the manual of arms by Civil or Revolutionary War soldiers, you and your family, students, and friends will be inspired by the sights and sounds of history in the re-making!”
http://www.rileysfarm.com
At Riley Farm kids can learn all about chickens and had chance to see fresh eggs.

Beautiful fields of strawberries.

It’s been a great adventure and fantastic field trip to the Riley’s Farm for the 5th graders….they are ready for the new adventure, Middle School:)
My future first grader had an amazing field trip.

L.A. County Lifeguards made it possible and did fantastic job learning kindergarteners about water safety

surfing and kayaking.

All the stuff and the lifeguards did amazing job, big Thank You!

The Junior Guard Program is offered to all boys and girls in Los Angeles County. The program is designed to instruct youth (ages 9 through 17) in beach and ocean skills. The five week program provides instruction in water safety, swimming, body surfing, surfing, physical conditioning, competition skills, first aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques, CPR and the use of professional Lifesaving equipment.
Locations:
Northern
Zuma JG’s
Central
Will Rogers JG’s
Santa Monica JG’s
Venice JG’s
Southern
El Segundo
Manhattan Beach JG’s
North Hermosa (14th St.)
South Hermosa (Tim Kelly)
Redondo JG’s
Torrance JG’s
Cabrillo JG’s
Santa Catalina
Avalon
For more info please visit:
http://www.watchthewater.org/jg/

You can imagine after day like this, kids were hungry!!
Lunch was still in the oven so I made quick and healthy snack.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 medium bananas, ripe
2 tablespoons natural reduced fat peanut butter
1 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup non-fat soy milk
Purée all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Delicious, healthy smoothie, it will adjust your energy in no time.
Have a healthy and happy summer break:)

Nutritional info:
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Calories: 190
Protein: 10g

Treats and Awards:)

Well, it is about time for me to write about my star blogger friends. I was moved by amazing Claudia from What’s Cookin’ Italian Style Cuisine, with her cute Circle of Friends award, so I would love to reward 10 of my best blogger friends with the same. I love your blogs, writing, amazing recipes and creation. I love the way you leave your comments and suggestions. Thank you so much. The list can go on and on and soon I will be making another post dedicated to all the great foodies who give me inspiration and energy to create, prepare, write, take photographs and post interesting dishes. All those beautiful and thoughtful comments- wow that is a big reward and inspiration. I am so glad that I started this whole process. To- Foodbuzz, so glad that I am part of this great blogger community. You guys are awesome.

Sandra Sandra’s Easy Cooking
Kristen Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
Mina Angellove’s Cooking
Monet Anecdotes and Apple Cores
Kristi Mother Rimmy’s Cooking Light Done Right
Amy Fragrant Vanilla Cake
Tiffany Simple, delicious, and sometimes decadent vegan and vegetarian cuisine
Tes Tes at Home
Zerrin Give Recipe
Big City Carrots Big City, Baby Carrots

Now you can do the same and send this cute award to your favorite blog friends. What a nice reward this is!

But this is not the end I also made special treat for all bloggers and my family.
Beautiful Parfait with home made tropical granola, fresh Ataulfo Mangos and Greek Yogurt

So light, absolutely delicious treat or breakfast, whatever you prefer.

This is crunchy granola with: whole oats, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, walnuts, dark chocolate chips, dry pineapple bites
orange zest & juice and honey.
I am positive that many of you make your own granola and know the whole process with your eyes closed but here is the way I make it.
Using large mixing bowl add all the ingredients except chocolate and dry fruit. Preheat oven to 250F, line baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes. It is good idea to mix granola at least once around while baking, so it gets browned evenly. After an hour you can add chocolate chips and pineapple bits.

This is so good you can put it in a little bag and have it for a snack on the go:)
To finish parfait I used beautiful fresh Ataulfo or Honey Mangos. They are incredibly sweet, what a lovely fruit this is:)

Mangoes are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. They’re also a good source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin B6, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
You know me, I also used creamy non fat Greek yogurt.
Amazing product, so good for you.
I would also love to share with you cake and the treats that I prepared for my daughters 11th birthday. She loves polka dots, so that was exactly theme of the cake and decorations.

We had Blueberry Shortcake Polka Dot Cake and Brownie Dot Mini Cakes. Birthday girl really liked it, I got the biggest hug in the whole wide world. Kids grow up so fast, like yesterday it was her 5th birthday:)
Well I hope that you were enjoying reading this special post from me to you, thank you so much and now is the perfect time to go back doing what we love to do: preparing, photography, posting and tasting:)
Have a great weekend everybody!

Mango

Guest Blog Post with Cajun Chef Ryan

I was truly honored when Cajun Chef Ryan decided to promote my blog recipe. Yesterday, My Wandering Spoon had guest blog post with my new recipe and dough creation.
“Amaranth Cups with Rhubarb Pecan filling” is amazing recipe. Cups are light with crunchy texture outside, fluffy inside and filling is truly wonderful. This recipe is gluten free. I always keep that in mind and love to create new and different desserts and more that everybody can enjoy.

For the full recipe please visit Cajun Chef Ryan site at:
http://cajunchefryan.rymocs.com/blog2/baking/guest-blog-post-irena-wandering-spoon/
I would love to thank Chef Ryan for the opportunity to work with me. He is an amazing chef and at his site you will find many delicious and great quality recipes.
Thank You:)

Bobby Flay Book Signing

What a wonderful afternoon. I am still under impression and very excited because today I met Bobby Flay. He is such a great guy. Iron chef, celebrity chef,  successful businessman but still just a  simple guy with great personality. He was signing his new book “Bobby Flay’s THROWDOWN!” in Sur La Table store in The Grove this afternoon. Book looks very interesting with more than 100 recipes from ultimate cooking challenge. It wasn’t just a regular quick signing, he really gave a little bit of his time to all his fans. A little chat about food and pumpkin pie, autograph and picture off course. I want to thank my lovely kids who took this great photo. It was pleasure meeting you Mr. Bobby Flay:)

The Whole Wellness is here!

I’m so happy to announce launch of my new website!
Please take a moment and click at the link below.

http://sites.google.com/site/thewholewellness/

Thank You!