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. Elisa | May 31, 2010 at 5:46 am
I’m from Corvallis, Oregon but I live in Lima, PERU!!!
2. Sara | May 31, 2010 at 8:53 am
Rochester, Minnesota! (Although I am originally from Seneca Falls, New York – the birthplace of women’s rights!)
3. Kathleen | May 31, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Denver, Colorado! I happened on your blog while trying to find the recipe for Mexican Chocolate cookies. I didn’t find the recipe, but I’ve spent the last 30 minutes browsing your blog. Very nice work!
4. Maja | June 1, 2010 at 10:35 am
Croatia, Europe ;)
5. Sydney85 | June 1, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Austin, Texas. I am really enjoying your blog. I can definitely relate to your passion for Paris pastries. I am originally from Australia and have traveled to many countries but have never tasted pastries and food as I did in Paris.
6. Jenny | June 2, 2010 at 5:58 am
VA Beach, VA. I found your blog through FNJ’s article on teen bloggers. You are incredibly talented, keep up the good work!
7. Lizzle | June 2, 2010 at 10:07 am
Seattle! Hooray!!
8. Timmera | June 2, 2010 at 2:31 pm
You are an amazing writer, photographer, and of course baker. I love reading about your baking adventures!
Sacramento, Ca
9. Franziska | June 3, 2010 at 2:52 am
Hi there from Leipzig, Germany!
10. Aubrae | June 3, 2010 at 6:42 am
HI, Elissa –
I’m a former Seattle-ite, currently living in Oklahoma City. I was shown your blog by another friend, also formerly of Seattle, but now in Atlanta… You’re world-famous, girl!
Your writing is captivating, your photos breath-taking… I’ve yet to try your recipes, but will, soon.
Thanks for doing what you love – you’re an inspiration!!
11. Talita | June 3, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Hi, Elissa! I’m from Paraná, Brazil!
Your blog is awesome!! Really like your decadent cakes. The cello is gorgeous!
P.s. My husband plays it.
12. Sue | June 3, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Hi Elissa, Your writing is inspiring! And your recipes are wonderful. Thanks!
13. Kelsey B | June 4, 2010 at 12:08 am
NEW ZEALAND South Island :)
I saw your website in a magazine.
Your really really really good and i like to bake too – breads are my favourite to make but im not nearly as good as you…your amazing!
14. Stephanie J | June 4, 2010 at 6:43 am
Calgary Alberta Canada :-)
found you through yeast spotting, great blog! Great recipes! I have bookmarked your blog for when I need inspiration :-)
15. bel | June 4, 2010 at 11:22 am
a very far cry from Seattle, I read your blog all the way over in Ireland, where I was born, bread and frequently bake! I’m relatively new to your blog. I came across it as I was searching Google Images. Occasionally, I search the web for recipes (though I have an extensive cook book collection), to me, the aesthetics are very important, I can’t resist making delicious things look as delicious as they taste; I think I must be predisposed to this as I am an artist. Basically, I was looking for a recipe for a cake that was beautiful (inside and out). One of your photos came up on my search results and i visited your site where i proceeded to bake the cake much to the delight of my family and friends, as it tasted and looked great.
Since then, I have been back many a time to try out recipes, check out your photos (I’m also a photographer) and read your posts. It’s become some sort of escapism for me. It’s like a comforting little sanctuary that i visit every so often. I’m only 20 (21 in July) and a student at art college in Dublin and recently I found out that some of my art work had made the journey all the way to Botswana and Australia since my last exhibition. I know how great it feels to see your work travel, so I thought I’d just let you know that you have ventured all the way over to Ireland. Please keep on Bloggin’, I do love it. Thanks!
16. MaryElise | June 5, 2010 at 8:05 am
Raleigh, North Carolina!
A friend of mine shares your recipes on facebook quite frequently, and I got hooked!
17. Ros | June 5, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Round Rock (Near Austin), Texas. great blog!
18. Meg | June 5, 2010 at 10:19 pm
the one and only….. Flower Mound, Texas!
19. Cookie | June 7, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I’m nowhere as popular as you but I remember the first comment I ever received on my blog and it totally made my day! Glad you’re still baking and I’m gonna try this recipe using some Vegetable flavored cream cheese I just got. Thanks for the recipe!
20. Cookie | June 7, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Oh sorry! San Francisco, CA!
21. writer_shanaynay | June 7, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Kentucky!
22. Lauren | June 7, 2010 at 6:22 pm
South Bend, Indiana!
23. Jenny | June 7, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Los Angeles, Ca
I’m 17 and baking too :]
24. Tiah | June 8, 2010 at 9:41 am
Portland, OR – I just love your blog!!!
25. Liselotte | June 8, 2010 at 10:58 am
Hi!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and I love it! All the recipes look so good to me. I haven’t been able to try a lot of them, but the Buttermilk Pound Cake has been labeled ‘favorite’ by my family =]
I’m from Doorn, The Netherlands, so you do have fans on the other side of the world!
26. Geneviève | June 8, 2010 at 11:46 am
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Keep it up!! Love your stories, recipes and photography! :)
27. Ady | June 9, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Great recipes! I just started my own blog too because I’m inspired by blogs like yours.
28. Shea | June 9, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Hi 17! Greetings from India. You have a great site. Especially love the pictures! Keep up the good work!
29. Indigo | June 10, 2010 at 1:00 am
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
I’m 18 and I started reading your blog just over a week ago and have suddenly discovered a passion for baking though I’m slightly hampered by only having a microwave and no oven. I also have to adapt every recipe heavily as my mum is allergic to gluten and lactose. It’s fairly simple to find gluten free recipes but then I have to replace all dairy.
I have been inspired to start a blog about baking (though I haven’t quite set it up yet) after reading yours, it’s not just the recipes but also your amazing writing, I will be happy if I can make my blog even a fraction as good as yours.
30. Sarah | June 10, 2010 at 10:28 am
Hi! 32 and from Queens, New York! I love your blog, your stories and your recipes! Keep up the great work!!
31. Marley | June 10, 2010 at 11:02 am
Hi!
This is my first time on your blog, and it made me really happy to find it! I love to bake, and have wanted to do more of it than I have been. Maybe I’ll do something similar to keep me at it? I don’t know, but I’ll definitelty be coming back to your site!
I’m from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Marley
32. Shannon | June 10, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Hi I’m Shannon and I’m from Ottawa Ontario Canada :)
Been reading this blog for a few months now and must say it’s a great part of my lunch hours. Loving the recipes and the entries alike!
Keep it going :D
33. taylor | June 10, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Hi! I’m a college student from Oklahoma, and I’ve enjoyed stumbling onto your blog today! Can’t wait to try some of your recipes soon. :)
34. Denise | June 10, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Great blog and amazing photography! Chicago, IL
35. Gayle | June 11, 2010 at 4:55 pm
my 14 y old daughter found your blog and has made the crinkle cookies which we all enjoyed she made a second batch which I took to work they didn’t last very long they were great. I’m going to try the jam tart it looks delish! Albury Australia
36. Jessica | June 12, 2010 at 3:20 am
I’m from Hong Kong and I just discovered your website today…its amazing!
37. Marie :-) | June 12, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I’m from Chattanooga, TN.
38. Kylie Foster | June 12, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I’m from Mesa, AZ- your blog is amazing! Keep up the great work!
39. Misa | June 13, 2010 at 7:33 am
I’m from Melbourne, Australia. I’m 17 (going on 18) and am an avid baker too! I love everything about your blog; the photography and most of all, the way you write with so much ease and honesty. I can’t wait to see more posts in the future. Keep up the good work! :)
40. Jeannie | June 13, 2010 at 7:49 am
UB, Mongolia.
I bet you weren’t expecting that.
41. Alea | June 13, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hey there! Ottawa, Canada…
looooove your photos. Just started a gluten free blog- hope you take a look :) happy baking!
42. melissa | June 14, 2010 at 3:01 am
Eindhoven, the netherlands
love the photos and recipes, can’t wait to try some :)
43. Tricia | June 14, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Manchester, CT – I remember being 17, about 30 years ago!
My daughter, who lives in Boston, sent me an email with a link to your “Lemon-Scented Pull-Apart Coffee Cake” that said “Make this for me”
It sounds delicious! We will make it this weekend for Father’s Day.
44. David | June 15, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I’m a Canadian, but I live in Santiago, Chile.
45. Honey | June 15, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Beautiful blog… unbelievable you are only 17.
I started 8 months ago and almost double your age.
keep at it… you are so talented and write so well, it is as though I’m reading a novel.
46. Candace | June 16, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I’m from Florida, but I just moved to New York after I got an internship with a magazine in the city.
I love your blog, and your little vignettes about life. I’ve kept my blog a secret for so long, feeling the exact same way — that people wouldn’t understand it.
As you prepare for college, keep baking, and don’t worry too much about how life will change come August (or September) — your kitchen may not be the same (heck, it could be nonexistent), your family may be farther away, but your community is still here, and we’re all rooting for you.
47. Shauna | June 16, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Berkeley, California!
I adore your blog. I only discovered it a few months ago. I’m 19 and a college student, and I love the way you write/bake. My baking was stifled my freshman year because of living in the dorms–I think I baked twice, with friends, and both times it was using something from a mix, which I never do–and coming home for various breaks allowed me a chance to bust out my “Things to bake” list that in my deprivation I gradually compiled throughout the semester. But making friends who have apartments helps immensely, so my sophomore year was filled with weekly (at least!) baking from scratch. I hope you’re able to bake more than I did (and things of better quality than I did!) in your freshman year :)
48. Meaghan | June 17, 2010 at 7:56 am
From Cedar City, Utah! Your patriotic cake was featured on a news station in Salt Lake yesterday…I really enjoy baking and creating so a friend of mine suggested that I look into recipe, leading me to your blog. I am so impressed! I think that I will have a great time diving in and enjoying some fresh ideas! I also love the photos that you take! Thanks for sharing your talents! Keep it up!
49. Robyn Davis | June 17, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I’m new to your blog, but your photography is gorgeous. I’m from Denver, CO originally, but I’m soon to be a junior at University of Puget Sound in the FABULOUS state of WA, just 40 minutes south of your hometown!
50. Pam | June 17, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I’ve been enjoying your blog for some time now and continue to be impressed with your writing. As you start on the next phase of your life’s journey I hope that you will find a few spare moments to let us follow your next adventure and allow us to enjoy your recipies and photos.
Portsmouth, VA