School, Seattle, The Northwest… The World?
October 9, 2009 at 10:40 am 1,595 comments
I think the first time it happened was near the end of April last year.
I was standing in line for lunch, feeling bored and hungry and a little irritated, when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and faced a girl I didn’t recognize, whom I’d never met before. She looked a little nervous and said, “Sorry, I just had to ask – are you the girl with the food blog? My mom and I really like your photography.”
It was such a strange feeling and such an unexpected moment, to be recognized. It didn’t feel like fame, but I had no idea how else to put it. I thanked her, gave a real smile because I was grateful and honored, and went on with my day in a much better mood. But it’s happened over and over again since then.
On Facebook, I have an album called “Food Photography.” It has around 250 comments and is “liked” by 40 people, many of whom I never talked to until they complimented me on my baking. I’ll be sitting in environmental science when someone will quietly complain, “I’m so hungry!” and give me a meaningful look. The sophomores who ride my bus smile at me and ask if I’ve made anything neat recently. And teachers stop me in the hallway to say they’ve heard about my blog, and could I please write down the address for them?
Even though I’m a senior and my high school is relatively small, I’m not well known. I have classes with the same people over and over, and I’ve never been much of a social butterfly. And I know I’ve said this before, but it’s true – when I first created 17 and Baking I didn’t tell anyone about it because I thought it was embarrassing. I didn’t think it would be cool to have a food blog. I thought people would think I was weird. So I kept it to myself and tried to hide it from the world.
I only showed it to one of my friends when I’d written about him, and I thought he would get a kick out of seeing it. To my surprise he ended up making a blog of his own (suited to his own interests) and linked to mine. Unlike me, though, he wasn’t shy about sharing, and soon many of my classmates had seen his blog – and through it, mine. (If you are interested, he has a great economics blog called the Marginalist.)
To my surprise, people didn’t think it was uncool or strange. Food is universal. Food brings people together. Because really, when it comes down to it, who can resist anything warm and fresh from the oven, whether a sweet chocolatey cookie or a soft chive-studded cream cheese biscuit?
As I began to write this post this morning, I received a message on Facebook from an old friend I haven’t talked to in four years, N-. “Hi Elissa,” she wrote. “I don’t know if I’ve told you this before, but my big sister goes to Berkeley and she loves to bake, and she likes your blog.” N- continued on to tell me that her sister decided to have a bake off with her new roommates. One of them suggested a certain cookie recipe from “this blog… seventeen something…” to which N-‘s sister (whom I’ve never met) exclaimed, “That’s Elissa!”
It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever heard, to have spread not only through school and the food blogging world but to college students in California simply having a bake-off. It lifts me off my feet and makes the sun shine out of my heart. Thank you for reading my blog – thank you, thank you, thank you!
Normally I wouldn’t, but I’ve got to ask – if you’re reading this, please leave a comment! Whether it’s your first time visiting or I’m welcoming you back, I’d really appreciate it if you left your location. I’m just curious to know where my readers are. I’ll start… Seattle, WA!
I don’t often opt for savory over sweet, but breakfast is one of those things where I crave salt over sugar. I’d had my eye on these Chive Biscuits for a while when I decided to make them. Part of the appeal was the inclusion of buttermilk and cream cheese. More than anything, that made me think of soft, flaky, and savory biscuits. They didn’t get as tall as I expected, but with chives from our own backyard and a squiggle of clover honey, they felt like home.
Cream Cheese and Chive Biscuits
From Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook
Makes 12 biscuits
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
4 ounces cream cheese, cold, cut into small pieces
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and chives. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter and cream cheese until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few larger clumps remaining.
Pour in the buttermilk; using a fork, mix in buttermilk until incorporated and the dough just comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky; do not overmix.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured fingers, gently knead about four times, until all the crumbs are incorporated and the dough is smooth. With a lightly floured rolling pin, gently roll the dough to a 8-b-11-inch rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Using a bench scraper or long offset spatula to lift the ends of the dough, fold the rectangle into thirds (like a business letter). Give the dough a quarter turn. Roll out the dough again (to the same dimensions), and repeat the folding process. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Return the dough to the work surface. Roll out as before, and repeat the folding process. Give the dough another quarter turn; roll out dough one more time, again into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, divide the rectangle into 12 equal squares or rectangles. Place on prepared sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the biscuits are golden and flecked with brown spots, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool.
Printer Friendly Version – Cream Cheese and Chive Biscuits
Entry filed under: Breakfast/Brunch. Tags: breakfast, chives, cream cheese, herbs, savory.
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17 and Baking 
1. stephanie | October 9, 2009 at 10:58 am
Los Angeles, CA!
2. natalie | October 9, 2009 at 11:00 am
yay!!!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
that made me very very happy/excited/smile-y when i read that!
oh and ofcourse…
seattle, wa
3. Bakingmonster | October 9, 2009 at 11:17 am
San Francisco, CA
I’m so happy to of read this post I started my blog awhile ago and I still have issues telling people about it, but my dad just informed me today that him and my family have known about my blog and they like it a lot. so I can really relate to this post. :) the chive biscuits look great!
4. Sara@SproutedKitchen | October 9, 2009 at 11:28 am
orange county, CA!
These look phenomenal. I dont feel great, and all Im craving is rich, bad for me foods, such a cream cheese biscuits ;) great post! love the pictures!
5. Aunt LoLo | October 9, 2009 at 11:38 am
Fairfield Ct, Connecticut!!!
I’m a Seattle girl, though, born and raised. I grew up in Issaquah/Bellevue. I think that’s what FIRST drew me to your blog. I stayed because the photography IS gorgeous…and I love me some food. :-)
Keep on cookin’! And…bloggers RAWK. LOL
6. linda | October 9, 2009 at 11:40 am
greetings from new york…
i starting reading you blog on april 27, 2009…having found you thru someone else’s site…i marveled at your layout, photography & thought…only 17… pretty amazing!
the photography on your blog that day was of your chocolate marble cheesecake with coconut, lemongrass, and kaffir lime was spectacular & made me want to make the cake immediately…
i wish you much success w/ your college apps & whatever your decision – that college is fortunate to have you you as part of the student body.
btw: the chive biscuits look great!
7. Erin Chaney | October 9, 2009 at 11:42 am
Portland, OR.
My husband is a chef so reading your blog is a lot of fun & I can really relate to the creative aspect of cooking/baking. Baking is hard, its a science!
8. angimcb | October 9, 2009 at 11:48 am
Eagle, Idaho
My 11 yr old daughter loves to bake and is new to being on the computer. I found your website and love it. It’s good to know that she can read your blog and learn that other young girls are succeeding at something they love. Oh, and when your dog was lost she checked constantly to make sure everything was ok. Keep up the great work!
9. Sophie | October 9, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Birmingham, England!
This post (like pretty much all of your posts tbh) made me smile :)
I think your blog is ace and I’m glad people are recognising it as they should
Keep up the good work!
10. Amy | October 9, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Chicago, IL :)
I found your blog somehow, somewhere… I don’t even remember anymore. I think you have a wonderfully engaging writing style and your love of food is palpable.
I just graduated college in June and I don’t have a job anymore, so I spend a lot of time online filling out job applications and dreaming of a future or something like it. Food blogs (especially with pictures!) really make my day much better, and since I’ve never been to Seattle, I get a nice view of it from my browser window via you. It seems like a calm and peaceful place.
Keep up the good work. Don’t worry so much about college apps, you’ll get in somewhere at the very least and you are qualified and smart and will have a lovely time no matter what. Promise promise.
Have a wonderful Friday miss Elissa!
11. Elissa's Dad | October 9, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Seattle, WA.
I have told you before and I’ll tell you here for all to see. I loved you before you were born and I have loved you every day since.
I have enjoyed watching you grow into this beautiful young woman and have always wished time could stop so I could savour these moments with you but as time passes I continue to enjoy you more and more.
I am proud of who you are and what you do but I will always push you to be the best you can be, you are so wonderful. I both feel sad and hate that you are going off to college soon, I could not be more proud of you.
But mostly it is not what you do and accomplish that moves me but the person you are inside.
Where am I you asked? Anywhere life takes you, I will be there.
12. MIchelle Daniel | October 9, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I just found you via me new favorite web site, TasteSpotting. I love your story and wish you luck.
Oh, I hail from Columbus, Ohio
13. Ginger | October 9, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Wilmington, Delaware!
I can’t remember how I found your site, but I read it all the time. I think you hooked me on the bagels post. I love cooking and it’s great to see yours, the includes not only food but often the stories behind the food.
You’re an amazing photographer and a fabulous writer, and as a journalist I hope you’re considering those as your third options to something involving food, cause if you did, you would be great at any of them.
14. Christina | October 9, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Tripoli, Libya
I think the first time I read your blog was when I found your miniature peanut butter cookies, the ones with the chocolate chip in the center. I thought they were so cute, and I’ve been meaning to make them ever since. Thanks for reminding me of that…now I’ve got to get to store for some peanut butter!
15. Anna | October 9, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Bogota, Colombia
I actually am from Davis, California, but I am living and volunteering here in Colombia. I spend about half of my day looking at food/baking blogs, and I stumbled upon yours today. I immediately felt connected to it because a) I love baking, b) I love photography and c) I am reapplying to college as well! (I graduated from high school last June). Your blog is more put together than mine (I am technologically challenged..) and I really have enjoyed browsing through and reading yours. Being here in Colombia makes it almost impossible to bake, so keep up the good work and make lots of yummy food for me!
16. Danielle | October 9, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Colorado Springs, CO
I started reading your blog over the past summer when I saw the 4th of July cake. I love your blog and your recipes.
17. Erin | October 9, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Your blog was recommended to me as a Google Reader pick. And, funny enough, Ginger is an old classmate of mine. We probably found out about you at the same time. And I totally agree with her, from a photographer’s POV.
Keep up the good work!
18. Hannah | October 9, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Chicago IL
I really enjoy not only your food, but your stories too!
19. Rachael | October 9, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Minneapolis, MN
I love your blog!!! I’m pretty quiet, so I haven’t left a comment before :P. I’m 17, I love to bake, & I hope to create a food blog as great as yours someday!
20. Lauren | October 9, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I’m in Canada =D. I’m really quiet about my blog to those around me (only a couple of friends have found out about it), and definitely don’t have people coming up to me – That must be really fun!
21. Jennifer | October 9, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Monterey, CA
Like Christina, I first read your blog on the day you did those adorable pb cookies with chocolate chips in the center. I’ve been meaning to make them, but it’s hard to get in the kitchen as often as I’d like with two small boys. :D I love your photography and I ADORE your recipes! (esp. the basil ice cream… pure heaven!)
22. Chris | October 9, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Charlotte, NC
Keep up the good work!
23. Megan | October 9, 2009 at 2:27 pm
St. Paul MN – I found you though another food blog when you did your rainbow cake and I put your blog in my reader!
24. Sarah | October 9, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Sopkane, WA
I found this recipe while browsing TasteSpotting. The photos are beautiful & I enjoyed reading the blog. Can’t wait to try out the recipe, I love savory!
25. Sarah | October 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm
opps!
Spokane, WA
26. Ally | October 9, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Waltham, MA
I don’t remember how I first found your blog, but I love everything about it. I tried your blueberry & coconut scone recipe and the scones were a definite hit!! I can’t believe you’re only 17 — your writing and photography are both so mature. Thank you for writing such heart-felt and real blog entries; they make my day. :o)
27. nutmegnanny | October 9, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I have been reading you for awhile and in fact was lucky enough to win your mojito jelly giveaway! Which by the way was fantastic glazed and grilled on some pork steaks…yum!
Poughkeepsie, NY
28. Mary | October 9, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Found your blog via TasteSpotting. Will be reading from now on.
Belmont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
29. Corynn | October 9, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Minneapolis, MN. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My sister introduced your blog to me. We both think you are a talented writer :)
30. Chris | October 9, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Washington DC!
31. Crystal | October 9, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Greenville, Illinois. I found you somehow through the Daring Baker’s Challenges. I can’t remember how now. I was shocked when I found out that you were a high school student. You are an excellent cook, writer and photographer. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you. Keep up the good work. I love reading your post and your recipes.
32. jaime | October 9, 2009 at 3:06 pm
rochester, nh
i found you through erin cooks. thanks for blogging!
33. Morgan | October 9, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Ever since I found your blog a few months ago. I have been loving it! I even share lots of your pictures and recipes with my husband.
I’m a 26 year old mom (pregnant with my 4th baby!) from Northern California.
34. Debbie | October 9, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I am a grandma who enjoys your blog. Salt Lake City, Utah
35. deborah | October 9, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I am from Ottawa, Ont. Canada. Found your blog on TasteSpotters and thoroughly enjoyed. I have “bookmarked” your site! Good luck in all your future endeavours.
36. Steph | October 9, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Hello from Coquitlam, BC!!! Love your blog… photography, recipes and journalling… you are a very talented 17 year old!
37. Basht | October 9, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I’m in Edmonton, Alberta and i’ve been following your blog for a couple of months now :)
by the way those Biscuits look yummy.
38. Maria | October 9, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I just found your blog and love it. Fabulous photos and recipes. Thanks!
39. Echo | October 9, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I’ve also been reading for a few months. As a professional writer and wannabe foodie, I think you definitely have a future in both. Good luck to wherever life takes you!
Echo
Munford, Tenn. (just north of Memphis)
40. carolyn | October 9, 2009 at 3:45 pm
mmm chive!
hi from burlington, vermont
41. Amy I. | October 9, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Hey Elissa! I’m Amy from Oregon. I love how the internet can foster these seemingly random, small-world events. I’ve met people (including my husband!) that I never would have met otherwise thanks to the web… and, like you, have reconnected with old friends because of my blog. Isn’t it wonderful? You have fabulous photos and recipes…. keep up the great work!
42. Stefani @ Southern Baker | October 9, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Atlanta, GA!
I found your blog through the Daring Bakers.
43. cookienurse | October 9, 2009 at 4:12 pm
San Diego, CA!
44. Hannah | October 9, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I tried these a while back and didn’t care for them, but yours look delicious! I may have to try again.
Hi, by the way! I’m hannah. I can’t remember where I found you, but your blog is lovely! Your photos are amazing.
45. Sarah | October 9, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Geneva, FL…….I love your honesty in this blog, whether something works for you or not. Keep up the good work.
46. Sarah | October 9, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Fernley, Nevada!
A friend of mine saw your birthday cake, and I just had to make it when she showed me. It was amazing by the way! I made it for a baby shower, and showed all the women there your blog too! Thanks for putting up such delicious recipes, gorgeous photos, and I love your writing too!
47. Grace | October 9, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Austin/Houston, Texas
I’m from Houston but I go to school in Austin (UT!). I found your blog through tastespotting and was hooked with your absolutely beautiful cello cake. And I used to live in Seattle when I was younger, Milton to be exact.
48. Aoife | October 9, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Dublin, Ireland!
I found your blog through food gawker- the cello birthday cake? Amazing! You seem like one sound seventeen year old lady. Thanks for all the lovely food and writing.
Keep it up girl. Aoife
49. Ashlee | October 9, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Nashville, TN!! I found your blog months ago from Food Gawker! I’ve been following ever since!
50. Helen | October 9, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Bunbury, Western Australia
I think i found your blog via my Google Reader, loved it and subscribed to your feeds. Keep up the great work!