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.
1,595 Comments Add your own
Leave a reply to lindsay (non bionic woman) Cancel reply
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed
17 and Baking 
1. Ann | July 24, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Palestine, Texas
So very impressed with you, your blog, your baking talent, your recipes, many of which I will try. I wish you the best in all endeavors.
Any chance I can adopt you?
2. Sandrine | July 25, 2011 at 9:54 am
Geneva, Switzerland.
Great blog :)
3. Missy | July 25, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Love your blog! I follow tons of cookings blogs, but this is the only baking blog I follow on a regular basis. Your writing and recipes are simply amazing!
Oh, I’m from London, UK via Washington DC, Chicago, and New Orleans :)
4. Danae | July 25, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Cedarville, Ohio!
But I love Seattle and have been there a few times visiting relatives. I love your blog and all the recipes and stories :)
5. Sophie Tillman | July 26, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Hi, I know this post was absolutely yonks ago, and you may never even read this comment as this post is so old. But even if you don’t, I would just like to say that I am Sophie, from Birmingham, UK. Your blog has me transfixed, I’ve read from 2011 to December 2009 so far, every single post. I’m a 16 year old with a love for baking (especially cake decorating – I have my own little business decorating birthday and celebration cakes on commission). However, although it was a love of food that drew me here initially, it is your power with words that has kept me glued to the page. Your blog is not just endless lists of ingredients, or oven directions, or dough-kneading techniques. It is a powerful insight into your life and love. Your passion exudes from the screen, even here, thousands of miles away. So thank you for sharing, you really are an excellent writer and I hope that you shall continue for many years to come.
Sophie xxx
6. Judy | July 27, 2011 at 9:42 pm
I love your writing, exquisite photographs and scrumptious recipes. Thanks so much for sharing a part of yourself in such a wonderful way. It’s delightful.
Alexandria, VA
7. Sumaiyyah | July 28, 2011 at 6:08 am
My first time here. Your blog looks pretty cool, I’ll continue having a browse here.
Sumaiyyah
Malaysia ;)
8. Hope | July 29, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Boulder, CO. and these look absolutely scrumptious! keep it up (:
9. Matej Zrim | July 31, 2011 at 8:36 am
Your blog is amazing, I like it a lot ;) Keep up the good work ;)
Ljubljana, Slovenia
10. Anu | July 31, 2011 at 6:01 pm
From Cochin,(South of India), but living in The Hague (The Netherlands)
11. Farzana | August 1, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Hi, I’m absolutely in love with your blog not just the recipes but the photography and writing too…Can’t wait to try out the banana bread recipe I found here..Thanks.
Leicester, England (UK)
12. barbara | August 2, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Florianópolis, Brazill.
I’m in love with your blog, it’s amazing!
13. cheryl | August 5, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Love your blog. I’m from Philadelphia, Pa
14. Mika Lai | August 7, 2011 at 2:44 am
Your blog has inspired me once more to keep up my own. Thank you, Elissa, for continuing to write and inspire creativity.
I’m from Menlo Park, California, but I currently attend college on Long Island, New York.
15. conniex721 | August 7, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Now in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and still reading!
16. helen | August 8, 2011 at 8:03 am
Zagreb, Croatia, hope to read more of you!
17. Nina | August 8, 2011 at 8:08 am
Just found you in Natick, MA. The icebox cake looks delish!
18. Christine | August 11, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Los Angelas, California!
Love your blog, you’re an inspiration for a 17 year old baker, new to the blogging world! Keep up your wonderful work! :)
-Christine
http://whiskful-thinkin.blogspot.com/
19. emily | August 11, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Clemson, SC
Today is the first day that I was introduced to your blog. I have spent the last 2 hours reading back through all of your entries; I’m hooked. I’m graduating from college in two days and my entire summer has been spent looking for jobs, cooking, and reading food blogs to decide what to cook. Your blog is now at the top of my list to read for ideas. Thank you for sharing your creativity!
20. piccolaitaliana | August 12, 2011 at 11:01 pm
I absolutely *love* your blog! Your pictures are fantastic and all the food looks ahhh-mazing :)
Oh, and I’m from little ol’ St Louis, Missouri.
21. Miranda Hohepa | August 13, 2011 at 7:15 am
Wanaka, New Zealand .
Love your blog x
22. Fia | August 13, 2011 at 9:52 am
Uppsala, Sweden
Thanx for a lovely and inspiring blog!
23. Moa | August 13, 2011 at 1:15 pm
I’m also reading your fabulous blog from Uppsala, Sweden. :)
24. Ylva | August 14, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Göteborg, Sweden
your blog is seriously addictive
25. Clara | August 14, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA!
(Actually a small town, close to BA, on the beach, but I don’t think anyone would be able to place it)
Congrats on the blog!
26. itswindywendy | August 15, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Brooklyn, New York
Your blog is great. I’m also 17 and I love to bake. Although I’m pretty sure you do a heck of a better job than I. I hope you continue to make food :)
27. Peacebarista | August 16, 2011 at 9:59 am
Atlanta, GA/ Washington DC!
28. Ayesha | August 16, 2011 at 10:43 am
United Kingdom :D
29. Michelle | August 17, 2011 at 11:25 am
Hello! My name is Michelle and I’m writing from Monterrey, Mexico.
I just bumped into youir blog but I’m really liking your style and photographs. =)
30. themisfitdiner | August 17, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Portland, OR!
I’m 16, glad to find other young people out there that can make more than a microwave burrito and toast :D
31. shineinthekitchen | August 18, 2011 at 8:46 am
Hi, my name is claire, I’m 22 and I am reading your blog from Glasgow, Scotland.
I’ve read your blog for a while now, but have taken more notice recently as I decided to start my own. It’s early days for me yet but there’s always inspiration.
You always have such good, original ideas and i love the way you use herbs like lavender and basil to add a twist on a dessert or dish etc plus and your writing is always very engaging with makes each post enjoyable and interesting.
Thanks
32. Ting | August 21, 2011 at 12:18 am
Love your blog! And I live all the way across the world in Singapore! :)
33. Kaman Maxwell | August 24, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Victoria, BC :)
34. Jean | August 27, 2011 at 11:47 am
Malaysia :) That’s on top of Singapore and below Thailand. Stumbled upon your blog when i was looking at another fashion/food blog. the photos are amazing! It makes everything look so yummy 8D And i really like the simple but fresh and youthful layout. I’m 19 too, btw :) Planning to try out some of your recipes. Thanks for blogging!
35. Kendra | August 28, 2011 at 2:10 am
Hi I’m from Washington too. Walla Walla :) I own a coffee shop which I bake for and came across your blog as I searched for new recipe ideas. I’m excited to check out all of your recipes and have to tell you your pics are to die for. You have a talent for food and photography. Thanks so much for sharing.
36. Jelle | September 3, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Leuven, Belgium :-)
Thanks for the taro ice cream :-)
37. Elise | September 5, 2011 at 5:40 am
Portland, Oregon !
38. Sophie Moskowitz | September 7, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I love your blog – the photography and writing from yours and other blogs inspired me to start my own of my boyfriend’s and my travels this year. We are from Wellington, NZ (although I was born in California) but are now trying to live in Italy! We have chronicled our (mostly culinary) journey through the States, Mexico, Cuba, England, Amsteram and now Italy on our blog: bebackin5.tumblr.com. I aspire to your style of writing, but since my boyfriend takes such fantastic photos of everything we see we try to keep the writing more brief so we can fit in as many photos as possible! I hope you enjoy if you happen to have time to look!
39. Khulood | September 10, 2011 at 2:11 am
I love your blog Elissa :) found it a couple of weeks ago and its just awesome.
and:
Abu Dhabi, UAE
40. diane petty | September 11, 2011 at 12:31 am
I just love your blog, very inspiring, I thought that I would let you know that I ive in Dubai. I am about to make your gingersnaps this morning and haveto try you red velvet cheesecake cake to.
41. lindsay (non bionic woman) | September 12, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Currently in NYC, but also from western WA originally :)
42. MKK | September 12, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Just found your blog today via smitten kitchen and I’m so glad I did! I’m currently a resident of Brookline, MA (we’re neighbors!) but from Chicago… but really from India… and maybe a few other places!
43. Signe | September 13, 2011 at 9:35 am
I am a first timer from Luray, VA. I found your blog through the Smitten Kitchen. I love recipes, baking, food and looking at food photography! Thank you!
44. Ágata | September 14, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Hi! I’ve been following your blog for about a month. I’m from Marinha Grande, Portugal. I like the way you describe your day to day life, and your recipes. I’m still waiting for my kitchenaid mixer. ;) Not easy to get one here. Will start on my own blog about baking too, soon.
Much love.
*
45. Ranae Slutzky | September 14, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Awesome work once again! Thumbs up=)
46. Stella Ann Rose | September 15, 2011 at 3:04 am
I’m in Los Angeles Ca.
47. Katja | September 15, 2011 at 5:11 am
from the north of Germany, my next project will be the red wine cake;-)
48. Verena | September 17, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Bonn, Germany :D
49. kc | September 17, 2011 at 8:34 pm
colorado springs, co
50. Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) | September 18, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Washington, DC! Love your blog :)