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. Christina | October 27, 2010 at 9:17 am
Los Angeles! Loved your post regarding variations on the traditional brigadeiro – brilliant!
2. emily | October 27, 2010 at 5:20 pm
atlanta, ga! : ) I love love love your blog. you remind me of myself, three years ago. i’m a senior now, and it’s funny how far away freshman year seems…
3. Ben | October 27, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Great pictures and great blog. I’m living and working in MA too and looking for a job in Boston
4. monica | October 28, 2010 at 9:48 am
hi im from San Diego California and i gotta say i love your blog
5. Rose | October 31, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Love your site. I’m from Indianapolis, IN
6. Pricila hernandez | November 3, 2010 at 4:27 am
San Luis Obispo, ca. (california central coast)
i love your blog (:
7. Pricila hernandez | November 3, 2010 at 4:27 am
San Luis Obispo, ca. (california central coast)
8. Fatema | November 5, 2010 at 5:35 am
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Stunning Photography.
Lovely Voice.
Fabulous Food!
Love ♥
9. Leslie | November 5, 2010 at 7:25 am
Enjoyyed your blog from Philadelphia
10. Amy B | November 5, 2010 at 9:27 am
Found your blog a few days ago and have been reading every entry from the beginning (while at work! hehe). Keep up the good work :)
11. Amy B | November 8, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Oh, and forgot to mention I’m from Manhattan, New York. (Well, technically I’m FROM good ole NJ, but I currently reside in the Big City!)
12. Kat | November 5, 2010 at 4:33 pm
From Chicago! Your site is awesome! I found you off smittenkitchen. I know how it is to be super busy in college and miss baking. I wish dorms had better ovens and emergency cupcake tins. Keep it up!
13. Rogiegirl aka Alexandra | November 6, 2010 at 5:12 am
Erkelenz, Germany
I really enjoy reading your blog and looking at the lovely pictures.
Found your blog through several links at other blogs and EpiCute.
Keep up the inspiring work :-)
14. Victoria | November 6, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I really love your blog. It’s so great to see someone so young baking. In Canada it seems like it’s a died art/science. I’m starting from your 1st entry reading and making your creations. I will work at getting to your most recent one. I love your pictures too. Keep up the good work.
15. sudhakar | November 6, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Stockport, England. Your blog is fantastic. I’m a qualified pastry chef but only do it for fun as well. It’s good to see a youngster getting into it.
16. Nikki | November 7, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Milton, Ontario, Canada here!
I’ve seen your blog on the daring kitchen, and just wanted to say how well written and interesting your blog is!
It’s hard for food bloggers to really stand out, because we all write about food, but yours is great! The photography is stunning, and your recipes posted are unique! :)
Keep it up, you’re good at this!
-nikki
17. Lindsay | November 7, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Originally from Texas, raised in New York, but currently in college in Marquette, Michigan at Northern Michigan University. I found your blog when I was back home, and loved it because you were my age and so much more skill than I did. Hope you’re having fun in college (I know I am!)!!!
18. kimbyy | November 7, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Grew up in Saratoga, Calfornia & now in college in upstate New York. My friend (and your friend who moved from seattle to california) asked me to vote for your blog and once i started reading, I loved it (and voted for it) and haven’t stopped!
19. Jennifer H. | November 7, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Austin, Texas
20. vivvles215 | November 9, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Atlanta, GA I wish I had your talent. Such a wonderful blog!!
21. Katie | November 10, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Lexington, MA
I love your blog!
22. Tara S | November 11, 2010 at 9:11 am
Portland OR! Your blog is amazing. I love your food & your photos!
23. Sarisa | November 11, 2010 at 10:54 am
I’m from Bangkok Thailand, I love your Blog very nice!
24. mrozek | November 11, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Gliwice, Poland :D
I absolutely love your blog! I’m 16 and keen on baking too.
Good luck!
Marta :)
25. teresa | November 12, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Cheney, WA.
I wish you the best in your adventures.
26. Jansie | November 14, 2010 at 12:53 am
Pampanga, Philippines :)
Found your blog site through dessertscomefirst. Don’t know which i love your better, the recipes or the stories. You have a very positive, inspiring – and delectable – site. All the best :)
27. Catarina | November 14, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Hi! I’m Catarina from Lisbon, Portugal. I’m 18 and I also used to bake a lot ever since I was 11yo. It was really a passion of mine (I also was known in my year as the ‘cupcake/cookie maker’, I never thought cooking would be popular either, but apparently it is!), but some things happened in my life and I haven’t baked since last year, I’m going to try and get into it again now… Your blog really inspires me :)
28. Trevor and Kristen | November 16, 2010 at 8:06 pm
We are living in Arequipa Peru as missionary’s and stumbled across your website looking for bagel recipes as we don’t get bagels down here (sad day). But we plan on trying your bagel recipe very soon! We will continue to check out your blog for more yummy ideas to create a taste of home so far away.
Kristen & Trevor
29. Jen @ bluecheeseandmangoes | November 17, 2010 at 10:47 am
I stumbled upon your blog when link hopping from another foodie favourite. I confess I have yet to try one of your recipes, but you never fail to make me hungry, and I suspect there may well be peppermint meringues in my future (they look so GOOD!)
I’m based in London, England, and can’t wait to read more.
x
30. alyssa | November 17, 2010 at 11:31 pm
elissa – I must say I’ve fallen in love with your blog! I live in the North End, and I’m glad you’re starting to love Boston!!! keep up the amazing writing/photography/baking!!!
xo
31. lindsaysoulfood | November 18, 2010 at 1:10 am
I am very impressed with your photography and your blog! You take amazing pictures, the light, color and crispness. Blessings!
32. lindsaysoulfood | November 18, 2010 at 1:11 am
I’m Lindsay and I live in Costa Mesa in Orange County, CA. I am very impressed with your photography and your blog! You take amazing pictures, the light, color and crispness. Blessings!
33. Caitlyn Worland | November 18, 2010 at 1:49 am
I’m not gonna lie, I do stalk your page quite often and am always llooking forward to your page loading to reveal some scrumptious baked goods with beatiful photography and writing to match. You truly are very talented in an array of areas! keep enjoying doing wat you LUV!
xo caity
34. K | November 18, 2010 at 3:42 pm
If you sold a magazine, I’d buy it.
~k
Birmingham, AL
35. Stephanie | November 19, 2010 at 12:31 am
Oahu, Hawaii !!!
36. Sanjay | November 19, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Great!
37. Linda | November 19, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I’m from Abingdon, Maryland! Big fan! Can’t wait to make the watermelon – basil lime bars. My husband and I grew melons this past summer and when I saw this recipe just after the season, I said honey…next summer we’re making this! I love your creations and you are such an inspiration. I too love baking and cooking, but lately I’ve been baking and have embarked upon a 12 year cake a month journey. It’s been a blast so far. Do you see yourself branching off into cooking fancy cuisine? I would love to see your creations in cooking too, but by all means keep up the baking!. You are a gem! I’ve even introduced you, in my blog…I couldn’t hide a good thing! I made a Fourth of July Flag cake inspired by you of course. It is coconut style! Thanks to you and your dad for the inspiration behind this one!
38. Grace | November 22, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Los Angeles, CA :)
39. Marina | November 24, 2010 at 9:36 am
São Paulo, Brazil =)
40. Ursha | November 24, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Hy my name is Ursha and I come from Slovenia-Europe. I love baking and cooking and I love reading your blog. You are amazing!
41. Celeste | November 24, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
very glad to see you’ve been “traveling” worldwide, bringing good reading, food and pictures to so many people! Thanks ; )
42. Vicki | November 26, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I live in Seattle but I am an east coast transplant – New York state, to be exact. I have been in Seattle for a year and while I have been very homesick it is slowly getting better and Seattle is starting to feel a bit more like home.
43. Mary | November 27, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Montreal, Canada
44. sonia | December 1, 2010 at 11:13 am
kuala lumpur, malaysia!
loveeee your blog :)
45. Laura | December 2, 2010 at 12:10 am
Black Diamond, WA
46. Malika | December 3, 2010 at 9:13 am
Bangkok, Thailand
I love reading your blog… Your writing is just lovely and your Dad’s comments are extra special!
I’ve lived in Seattle and went to school in Western Mass. many years back so it is always nice to read about your experiences – plus I love to read good cookbooks!!
47. Patti | December 5, 2010 at 12:00 am
Carleton Place, Ontario
48. allison | December 5, 2010 at 3:31 am
cerritos, california!
I just started reading your blog this past week and I could not stop! even though I was in the middle of pharmacy school finals. But now, I’m home for winter break and I am super excited to get together with my besties and do some baking- following your recipes of course!
49. Nancy | December 6, 2010 at 10:44 am
I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I love to bake and cook. If you publish a recipe book (especially doing your photography), I would love to buy it.
50. Amy @ Serve At Once | December 7, 2010 at 12:52 am
Nashville, TN! :)
51. carol | December 9, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Tokyo, Japan.