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. Jane | June 19, 2010 at 8:03 am
Stanwood, WA…about an hour north of Seattle. Hi Elissa, I’m an English teacher at a small high school and have to say that your writing ability is inspiring. Great job tapping into sensory details in all you do, whether it is the recipes you choose, the photos you take or the stories you tell to weave them together. Your parents should be proud, and from the comments they make on your blog, they obviously are. Congratulations on graduation, best of luck in college and with those future novels!
P.S.- Although I love teaching English, I would jump at the chance to teach culinary arts if given the chance…your site is the perfect mix!
2. Eeva-Maija | June 20, 2010 at 9:50 am
Greetings from Jyväskylä, Finland!
What can I say, your style of writing and photography are really inspiring and inventive! I found your blog a couple of months ago and have been hooked ever since.
Might to sound weird, as I don’t even know you, but I am proud of you. All I can hope that I would’ve have found out my desire for baking at your age, I would probably be so much better at it now.
3. Liana | June 22, 2010 at 12:45 pm
You are a true baking inspiration for me~! =)
I lov eto bake, and seeing all your treats/sweets, really makes me want to bake. =)
Tahnk you fore showing everybody your cerations…
Looking forward to more from Washington.
4. Hanna Begic | June 23, 2010 at 12:56 am
Salutations teen wonder baker ;)
Needless to say from the previous 806 comments before me that your talent for both cooking, photography and writing is capitative.
I hope that as i am 16 years old i can make a blog worthy as yours.
Anyhow, not sure if you had an aussie so far, (no offence but 800 comments is a lot to read) QLD, Australia.
5. Zara | June 23, 2010 at 8:33 am
West Bloomfield, MI
Saw your blog on the blog roll on a friend’s blog about a month ago, and have been following it ever since.
I am a 16-year-old who also loves to bake. Recently, a lot of pie.
6. TriviumChick | June 23, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Okemos, MI! Saw your blog on Smitten Kitchen’s “Good Reads”… gook luck in college! You sound like a really determined girl, and I’m sure you will smashingly! By the way, your parents rock… Kitchen Aid, yes please!
7. Bee | June 24, 2010 at 9:31 am
Boston, MA
I just discovered your blog today, and am so inspired – congrats, and I wish you a lot of luck in college and on this side of the country! :)
8. Annice | June 24, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Vancouver, BC :)
Elissa, you’re my major inspiration. After I read your blog, I set my mind to start my own blog, only last week. Come visit me to give me some feedback, if you have time =D
9. Shelly | June 24, 2010 at 6:34 pm
will be back….heard about you on fb. came to check it out.
10. melissa | June 24, 2010 at 11:52 pm
i just found your blog tonight…
fort campbell, ky is where i call home!
do you have any suggestions on how i can prolong the shelf life of a cupcake in a jar so i can send them to my hubby overseas???
i’d love your expert advice!
melissa
11. Gelene | June 25, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Bothell, WA
HUGE fan of Michelle Moore and found you when she posted a link to your TV Show appearance in Seattle, I can’t wait to make that AMAZING 4th of July cake and get caught up on your blog. Wow, so talented for girl so young! Keep up the good work!
12. Nicole | June 25, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Hi!
I’m from the Dominican Republic and I am beyond enamored with your blog. I’m following you on facebook and twitter. Stalker-ish I know ^^; Keep up the excellent work!
13. Xin Lin | June 26, 2010 at 4:48 am
I’m from Sydney, Australia. I share mostly the same passions apart from english which is a great nuisance to me. XP
I love your blog, please continue writing. Everytime I see one of your pictures my mouth salivates. I always get hungry reading your blog. I wish to be more like you and that sounds weird but yea. I’m only 13.
ON WITH THE WRITING :D
14. Carrie Olsen | June 30, 2010 at 9:24 am
Bergen Norway but originally from the Tri-Cities in Washington…Just found your blog while looking for a 4th of July cake recipe and I love it! Can’t wait to follow along :)
15. Rachel | June 30, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I currently live in Las Vegas, NV but am moving to SoCal 2 weeks from today! :D
16. Hilary | June 30, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I stumbled upon your blog today when I was pursuing cooking blogs. I recently got married and the only thing I can prepare up to this point is oatmeal cookies! After seeing your blog, I’m inspired and can’t wait to try out the peanut butter chocolate muffins!
Twin Falls, Idaho :)
17. Allison | July 1, 2010 at 8:16 am
Ann arbor, MI
18. Ricki Langford | July 1, 2010 at 11:23 am
I am in Houston, TX. I love your blog! Your talents are beautiful :)
19. Chloe | July 2, 2010 at 2:38 am
Townsville Australia!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE your recipies, you are truely amazing. :D
20. Jackie | July 2, 2010 at 6:38 am
I stumbled upon your blog while looking of 4th of July desserts. WOW!! Your writing and photography are amazing. You have accomplished so much and at a young age. Kudos to you!!! I can’t wait to check back regularly – you have inspired me to try some new recipes.
Thanks so much–
Jackie
21. Dan the Man | July 2, 2010 at 10:14 am
Checking in from Southern New Jersey!
22. Julie B. | July 2, 2010 at 10:34 am
This is my new favorite blog. I love it and I love to bake!!
23. Julie B. | July 2, 2010 at 10:50 am
Oh and I’m reading from Omaha, NE. :)
24. DeborahB | July 2, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hello from Cincinnati, OH!!
25. Sally | July 2, 2010 at 12:13 pm
You’re one of my favorites, been reading since the start! I’m in Chicago now, but last year, New York!
26. Kandice | July 2, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Currently I am in Shreveport, Louisiana, but if it counts in 1 month I’ll be moving to Buckeye, Arizona. :]
I love your blog. I remember when I was 17 and in the middle of a culinary arts class that gave me a love for baking but helped me decide that I did not want to be a baker.
Anyhow, I read every chance I get and even put a few of your delicious recipes in my own recipe holder. You are amazing! Keep it up.♥
27. Megan | July 2, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I’m a dedicated baker and just discovered your blog today. I absolutely love your voicce, passion, and results. I’m in San Francisco.
28. Melissa | July 3, 2010 at 4:30 am
Thanks for the recipe for these – they sound really yummy. I can’t wait to try them :)
Oh and I’m from Glasgow, Scotland :D
29. Caroline | July 3, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Hi from Austin, TX! I’m your cousin Connie’s friend, and I love your blog. Haven’t seen you since you were 13 years old, at Connie’s wedding, but very impressed by your accomplishments since then. :)
30. sherry | July 3, 2010 at 10:48 pm
red,white,and blue cake we are going to have it for the 4th I think we all will like it thanks for it
31. Sophie | July 4, 2010 at 2:21 am
Sydney, Australia! And yes we kids do ride Kangaroos to school! Lol
32. Casey | July 4, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Orlando, FL!
Attracted to your blog after seeing a photo of your Red, White & Blue cake! Your EXCELLENT skills in photography and writing will keep me coming back for more! I’ll even try to replicate a recipe or two! Thanks for the inspiration and best of luck to you at college!
33. Kathy | July 4, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Beautiful photos, love the recipes!
St Joachim-de-Courval, Quebec, Canada
34. Mari | July 4, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Made the flag cake for today, Thanks so much for the instructions. It was a hit in cedarburg, wisconsin
35. Jessica | July 4, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
these recipes are amazing~
^_^
36. Do | July 5, 2010 at 6:38 am
loooove your recipes and epecially your photos
Zagreb, Croatia XD
37. Sophia | July 6, 2010 at 11:02 am
nyc! I’m thirteen and also have a baking blog :)
38. Georgia | July 6, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Central Coast, NSW, AUSTRALIA!
I absolutely LOVE everything about this blog- the photos, the recipes and mostly the mini stories that weave the two together and give it so much more depth.
17 and Baking is inspiring for teenagers like myself, and no doubt everyone else as as well. Keep u the good work :)
39. Maya | July 8, 2010 at 8:02 am
Southwest Florida :)
40. Adrian | July 8, 2010 at 8:10 am
I LOVE your blog! Very inspiring. My husband is a chef and even he is impressed with some of your creations! Can’t wait to try the 4th of July cake next year!
41. Adrian | July 8, 2010 at 8:10 am
P.s. We are from Des Moines, IA
42. peachyplum | July 8, 2010 at 9:48 am
Holy Toledo Batman, your creations look amazing! Greetings from Maryland
43. Crystal | July 8, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I found you through iambaker blog!!! Stationed in SoCal w/ the military! My kids beg to make your recipes and we learn them together (I am 24 w/ an almost 7 yr, 3, & 1 yr olds). I can even integrate them into homeschooling!! My hubby is returning from deployment soon and we’ll be making your infamous flag cake as a surprise to welcome him! Thanks soo much, you are truly talented and I love your humble yet knowledgeable personality! <3
44. Mirela | July 9, 2010 at 9:01 am
Your blog is amazing!
Brings together two things that I love too, cooking and photography.
By the way, I am from Brazil.
45. Angie | July 9, 2010 at 1:59 pm
My husband sent me your blog with the 4th of July cake. I sent it out to co-workers (who ooh’d and aaah’d) but i was too nervous to try it out on such short notice. I may try it with my daughters this week.
I love your writing – very visual and emotional.
I’m looking forward to attempting some of your creations.
Happy baking -> Sidney, Illinois
46. Michelle | July 9, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Auckland, New Zealand
I’ve been a silent reader for a while now, and i have the most shocking memory but I think I discovered your blog during the blog nominations?
47. Jamie | July 10, 2010 at 7:52 am
Hi from Melrose, MA!
You have such beautiful talents – thank you for sharing them with us. I’ve only just discovered your blog and for the past hour, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every post, picture, and recipe!
Best wishes for continued success! :)
48. Kate | July 10, 2010 at 10:01 am
I just made these.I didn’t refrigerate them twice (only once) tasted amaaaaaaziing!!!
I am a young baker and I was totally inspired by you!! I also made your coffe and white marble cake with chocolate glaze for Fathers Day. My dad loved them!
49. Val | July 11, 2010 at 7:33 am
Greetings from Evanston, Illinois (via Seattle, too :-)
50. leslie | July 11, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Kingwood, Texas. Photography, baking, writing….and created at 17!!!!! I look forward to what else you have to offer. Keep up the great work.