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.
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Entry filed under: Breakfast/Brunch. Tags: breakfast, chives, cream cheese, herbs, savory.
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17 and Baking 
1. Susan E | December 26, 2009 at 7:19 pm
West Monore, Louisiana
2. Coryonda | December 26, 2009 at 7:23 pm
By the way, I am glad that I ran across this. . . . I am a huge fan of baking. I can not wait to try these recipes. Also, the pictures are just great.
That Boston Cream Pie is wanting to make me lick the computer screen! LOL!
3. Marcia | December 26, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Sherman Oaks, CA outside Los Angeles, CA
Your writing is excellent and your pictures are beautiful.
4. Lisa Edwards | December 26, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I noticed this recipe is from Martha Stewart, I think I’ll try it. There is another you should try it’s on her website and it’s delicious. I think it’s called Sour cherry coffee cake! I just found your blog and intend to keep reading it. I am 43 years old and the mother of four. I pride myself on being a good cook, and I am a self-described collector of recipes, if I taste something I like I ask for the recipe……..keep up the good work!
5. joanne | December 26, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Waldwick, NJ (just outside NYC)
I just came across your blog. I started poking around and I LOVE it! Can’t wait to check out everything!
6. G Stark | December 26, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Long Beach, CA
You’re Talented!
7. Nancy | December 26, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Elissa,
Keep up the good work and follow whatever path “calls” you. I could bake in elementary school because of my father and his skills. . . Baking was what we did together when Mom was at work.
To make a long story short. I have trained for different careers. But, now that the economy is in trouble the only work I can find is using my baking/cooking skills.
So many girls your age are way too lazy to cook or even try. Keep it up.
Nancy
8. Jessica | December 26, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I just found this blog from an article that AOL wrote about you. I am hooked! I love your writing and your recipes and of course your photography! I’m from Vegas by the way and can’t wait to be a regular follower on here! Keep it up! :))
9. happy mom of 3 kids!! :) | December 26, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Monroe Township, New Jersey
Loved reading your story! I made pizza with my kids tonight and am hoping to one day inspire them to experiment with cooking and food like you’ve done!! :)
10. Pamela | December 26, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I too just found your blog through the AOL article. Keep following your dreams! I look forward to reading blog and baking some of your recipes.
Best wishes to YOU!
11. Arlene | December 26, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Your blog looks like fun and I’ll pass on to my teen-age
grand-children
12. Karen | December 26, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I found your blog via the AOL article. What an inspiring young woman. I hope your “deviled egg days” are behind you! The peppermint ganache meringues could not be more beautiful. I’m looking forward to trying the cream cheese biscuits. I hope to make them for a casual dinner party on Wednesday.
Karen in Sleepy Hollow
13. Kelly | December 26, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I saw your article on AOL’s page. I rarely click on the articles, but since I’m an English teacher I was intrigued by your age and your willingness and excitement about blogging. I love the way you describe each moment and recipe. I mostly checked it out for the writing, but I think I might even try the rainbow cake for my soon-to-be four year old’s birthday. I can’ t wait to read more.
Keep up the great work.
Williamston, MI
14. Michelle | December 26, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Loved the Swine Flu Recovery Cupcakes! Very creative!
I’m a little older than you and you inspire me to start getting original and bake!
Lots of Love from New York, USA
15. Jeremy | December 26, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Im from NYC. I really enjoyed reading about the Ginger Bread Igloo. I could really relate to that story because I myself have just finished college applications.
Your writting is amazing. It is very poetic. I love it.
16. Casey | December 26, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I have to say I found your blog from AOL. but I’m so happy that I did. I love to bake, I just can’t ever do too much.
These looks so great.
I love in Panama City Beach Florida. Spring break Capital of the US. *sigh* oh well. thanks for sharing all your stories and the food.
I’m going on 21 and I’ll need to learn to cook better then I can do now if I hope to make a good wife in the futture
17. kitty | December 26, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Excited to keep reading you from Hilton Head Island, SC.
18. julee | December 26, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Loved your blog, found it thru AOL. Very impressive baker,didn’t think girls your age did that anymore. From sunny Boca Raton Florida to you all best in the New Year.
19. juliette bingham | December 26, 2009 at 9:20 pm
loved the website!
i’m a 24 year old wedding cake designer in NYC so i’ve had my fair share of baking haha, but i love all your recipes! innovative, fun, not too tragically difficult, perfect! keep it up!
20. Kari | December 26, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Love your blog! Way to go Elissa! We’re proud of you back in WA State!! We are recent new residents of San Antonio, Texas after living in Seattle all our lives.
21. amy | December 26, 2009 at 9:24 pm
just found out about your blog today. your food fotos are beautiful. my boyfriend loves to bake, so i sent him a link to your blog too :) he’s also from seattle (well, woodinville).
we’re both in san diego right now. best of luck with all your future food/photo endeavors!!!
22. Tianna Jan | December 26, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Hey I’m from Sydney, new south wales, australia. I REALLY LIKE YOUR BLOG
23. Terry | December 26, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Was introduced to your blog via AOL news. I’m from Oklahoma City and we’re socked in with this historic blizzard. Reading your blog brought me a lot of joy today. I am an avid fan of Ree Drummonds blog: Pioneer Woman who is also from Oklahoma. You should check her out. I love your blog and recipes. You’re great! Keep up the good work and stay on track for College…you’re going to be a tremendous success.
24. honesty | December 26, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Illiniois
25. CC | December 26, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Found your blog via AOL. LOVE!! You’ve inspired me to start my own, exlploring the elements of beads and polymer clay for teens.
-CC, Houston TX
26. luisa | December 26, 2009 at 10:36 pm
lovely writing, photos, ideas. I am a fellow baker who started very early, but I am in my 50’s now. keep it up – it will sustain you! best wishes and happy new year almost
27. luisa | December 26, 2009 at 10:36 pm
vienna virginia
28. Tricia | December 26, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I live in Henderson, NV and I saw your story and looked at your blog, I love to cook and bake and I am very interested in some of your recipes. The pumpkin marshmallows look very yummy.
Keep up the good work and hope you get into the college you want.
29. Grandma Gail | December 26, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I have just spent the last 30 minutes browsing thru your pictures and recipes. The pictures are beautiful and I look forward to trying a recipe. I will think of you the next time I drive thru Bellevue on my way to see my little granddaughters in Arlington.
30. Carli from Bellflower, California | December 26, 2009 at 11:19 pm
You are a very talented young lady! This is my first time to read your blog and wanted to let you know how great you are at 17. People of all ages: grandparents, parents, and teens, as well as people around the world find joy in reading your blogs.You are a good role model especially for the teenagers in this country. Keep up the good work and stay humble. You are a blessing from above.
Your parents did an excellent job in raising you!
31. lizzie | December 26, 2009 at 11:20 pm
…yummy!
Detroit, MI
32. sheri | December 26, 2009 at 11:21 pm
new to you and will be back. I just printed a few of your beautiful recipes.
good luck from Orange Park (Jacksonville area), Florida
33. Jei C. | December 26, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Thanks for this recipe. I am a foodie and a group of us regularly get together to share recipes by cooking the product to serve at a meal, if liked, then the recipe is shared. Know this, you are not alone … people like to cook. My children would take a meal prepared from scratch over McDonalds any day. Well done.
Jei, Victoria, BC. Canada
34. luis | December 27, 2009 at 12:02 am
Great site, and cool pictures.
35. Amanda | December 27, 2009 at 12:36 am
OMG!!! I love your Blog. I have recently taken a couple of Wilton cake decorating classes, and still have 2 more to go. I really enjoy decorating cakes and I love even more eating them. I am anxious to try your perfect party cake. It looks delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us.
Amanda, Cathedral City, California
36. rebecca | December 27, 2009 at 3:16 am
Camas, WA
37. Ellen | December 27, 2009 at 6:38 am
Great work! Thought you should know you are reaching all the way to Cairo, Egypt.
Keep up the great posts!
38. Leanne | December 27, 2009 at 9:24 am
Congratulations on finding your passion at such a young age. No doubt- you will go far. I share your passion for baking, although it was unrealized until a later age. Follow your dreams ;0)
PS this is coming to you from Roseville, CA
39. Stacey | December 27, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Florence, Kentucky
Your blog is absolutely lovely. I heard about it through an AOL news link. Keep up the good work. :)
40. Irene | December 27, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Congratulations…baking is such an enjoyable way to express yourself…I would hope that someday you expand your baking to the international qualities of European cookies, pastries, breads, etc. They are delicious, requires lots of patience and lots of exact measuring…which you seem to relish. My mom came to this Country from Hungary and throughout my childhood we were always in the kitchen together making and baking these wonderful European dishes and desserts that many people had never tasted, etc. and were absolutely in love with them all at their first tasting. Anyway, I sure hope that both your photography and love for cooking/baking brings your much happiness in the future….Land O’Lakes (just no. of
Tampa) FL.
41. Jenn C | December 27, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Boston, MA
42. Stephanie | December 27, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
I am a high school English teacher and I am incorporating blogging into my AP Lit course. Yours is such a delightful model — how you synthesize your passions and get at real meaning will be a tremendous inspiration to many of my students. Thank you!
43. Terry P | December 28, 2009 at 7:42 am
Hello from Phoenix,AZ I just discovered your Blog and I intend to share it with my daughters and Niece, Keep up the good work.
44. Beckii | December 28, 2009 at 10:33 am
Hello! London, waaay over here in England!
Oh and by the way, I only just started reading this blog and I am very nearly done reading all of your posts! Blog love (:
45. Gina | December 28, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Hi! I learned of your blog from the Seattle Times RSS feed (Nancy Leson’s article) and enjoy reading about your experiences cooking, your beautiful pictures and your wonderful writing. You will do well in life, I’m sure!
46. Gina | December 28, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Oops! Just realized I didn’t say where I’m from–Bothell WA .
47. Lisa | December 29, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hi there! I’m chiming in from Cedar Hill (suburb of Dallas), Texas! I’ve been reading your website for some time now but can’t recall how I found my way over here.
Big hugs,
Lisa
48. Haylie | December 29, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I love your blog, I get the best recipes, keep the good work up!
49. Kirk | December 29, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Phoenix, Arizona here. Gotta say, new to your site, but I have been won over by your BACON BROWNIES!!! not to mention that you are an excellent writer as well. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!
50. Macey | December 30, 2009 at 4:50 am
Bonne Terre,Mo
I absolutely love your blog!