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. S. | December 30, 2009 at 11:52 am
Võru, Estonia.
love, love, love your writing! keep it up.
2. Hannah | December 30, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Hey there, I’m a fellow high school student from Providence, RI. I recently stumbled upon your blog and I was blown away by your photography. Absolutely gorgeous!
3. Natasha | December 30, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’m in love with your blog. Brazilian Greetings! :)
4. milla | December 30, 2009 at 9:41 pm
swettie, your blog is on a brazilian website, here’s the link http://gnt.globo.com/Gourmet/Materias/Jovem-de-17-anos-une-duas-paixoes-em-blog–confeitaria-e-fotografia.html , i ‘m almost sure u don’t speak portuguese, but hey, that’s what google translator does! xoxo from BRAZIL!
5. Vanessa | December 30, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Hi! One more reader to your blog from Brazil! ;D
It’s just amazing what you do… the baking, teh photos…
;D
6. Carlos | December 30, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Your blog is amazing. The pics give it something special, you’re so talented.
Speaking from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
My comment is the fourth brazilian one in a row. Must probably because of the link that milla posted, I came here through it too. Good luck with your work
7. Sue | December 31, 2009 at 8:56 am
Greetings from Kansas! I started baking early in life also, decorating cakes at 10, now almost 50 years later, I own my own bakery and still loving every minute of it. I just found your blog but I will be a regular reader from now on.
8. Corinne! | January 1, 2010 at 2:36 am
I love your blog, being a teen baker myself, I find it lovely to see others enjoying the craft. =D.
Corinne From Atlanta, Georgia!
9. ~Issy | January 1, 2010 at 11:22 am
Love your blog….and your photography!
I’m from Nashville, TN
10. Roscoe | January 1, 2010 at 12:21 pm
I don’t cook much myself, but I do find reading your blog to be relaxing……….from Oakland, California.
11. Kelly | January 1, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I just found your blog and love it! I’m 15 and LOVE baking, and everyone thinks I’m going through a phase, but I really love it! Your inspiration!
Sacramento, California!
12. Dyana | January 2, 2010 at 12:04 am
It’s (almost) never too early to get in the kitchen! Happy Baking in 2010! El Segundo, CA
13. georgina | January 2, 2010 at 4:39 am
Love your blog and your photography…The Big Apple is in the house lol!! (NYC)…Keep up the great work!!!
14. Marina | January 2, 2010 at 8:05 am
Greetings from Brazil! The recipies and the pics are amazing, I’m absolutelly delighted: congrats!
I’m taking note of so much, I hope I’m able to cook them at home ;)
15. Amara | January 2, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Love your blog! I’m just a little north of you in Lynden, WA. Your talent is amazing!
16. Paulina | January 2, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Your blog is awesome!! Keep up the good work! =)
I’m from Chicago, Illinois.
17. Meghan | January 2, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Found your blog through another foodie friend! You have an amazing blog here, you’ve inspired me to make my blog better! Reading from Shoreline, WA.
18. Carolyn | January 3, 2010 at 6:45 pm
You are an absolutely fabulous writer, baker, photographer, and person!! This is only the second time I have visited, but you have lifted my very aching heart both times. May God Bless you and PLEASE keep writing. I’m in Corrales, New Mexico.
Thank You, Carolyn
19. Becky | January 4, 2010 at 10:03 am
Your passion for baking truly shines. I was emailed a link to your blog by a collegue that thought I would find it interesting seeing that I produce a large food, wine and culinary event called Savor the Flavor in Eastern Washington. Good luck on your college choices. Keep baking and writing!
Tri-Cities, WA (aka Pasco, Kennewick and Richland)
20. Linda Dryer | January 4, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Elissa, you are a very engaging writer and a gifted photographer! I am sure you are a very capable baker as well, your photos look good enough to eat. I am happy I found your site, and I wish you all the best in whatever career you choose, but don’t overlook your significant skill with a camera when you ponder your options. Thanks for creating this blog! Linda from Southern California
21. Valerie | January 5, 2010 at 5:08 am
Very impressive! Your skills as a writer, a photographer, and a baker are way beyond your years. It is evident that you have grown up in a positive and encouraging home. Cudos to you and your family. Keep blogging and I’ll keep reading in Central Indiana.
22. Peggy | January 6, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I can’t wait until my granddaughter (5 months) is old enough to bake with me. You are a very talented young woman.
23. Laurel | January 6, 2010 at 7:54 pm
I’m in Edwards, IL, which is just outside Peoria… and after scanning the previous comments, you already have a pin in the map there! Really enjoy your blog and share your love of putting foods together in delicious and beautiful ways!
24. Tana Davidson | January 6, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Happy New Year from Pacific Grove, CA. You are a very talented writer and photographer, not to mention cook! I very much enjoy your blog! You have a very bright future ahead of you. Kudos for a job well done!
25. Aji | January 6, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Happy New Year from Manila, Philippines!
26. Maureen | January 6, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Happy New Year from Louisville, KY! Best wishes as you continue your baking advenures. I enjoy reading your blog.
27. Marina Jorge Costa | January 6, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Hey, one more from São Paulo, Brazil!!
I love your recipes and photos. They are so delicious that I started again to cook my meals and take care of my health.
Thank you for this blog that I found on that brazilian website.
XOXO
28. Amelia | January 6, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Monterey Bay, California! :D
29. Rebecca | January 7, 2010 at 3:03 am
Canberra, Australia
I’ve just come across your blog recently… linked from another one but I can’t remember which now. I too am a little shy about my blog, which is still in it’s beginning stages… I could only hope to take such lovely pictures as you do. Just beautiful…
30. Amber | November 4, 2012 at 12:15 pm
I started reading your blog when I was living in Singapore. Still reading even after I moved to Canberra, Australia. Love your writing and amazing photos! x
31. Jenna | January 7, 2010 at 3:38 am
Hey from Bergen, Norway!
Love your site, you should be so proud of yourself! You’re an inspiration :)
32. Natalie | January 7, 2010 at 4:18 am
Greetings from Samara, Russia. My sister stumbled upon your blog and told me to check it out. I am glad I did!
33. Pam | January 7, 2010 at 7:47 am
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I just finished reading “Adventure, Anticipation, and Appreciation”…
Good luck to you in the next chapter of your life. I look forward to reading about all the exciting things you’ll be going through.
34. Kim C. | January 7, 2010 at 8:35 am
nashville, TN
35. Gill | January 7, 2010 at 10:19 am
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
36. Alyssa | January 7, 2010 at 11:05 am
New Orleans, Louisiana.
I’m not much a baker, but I just love your writing.
37. Ceraphina | January 7, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Hello, I am from Calgary, AB, Canada. Good Afternoon! :)
38. Ceraphina | January 7, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Forgot to tell you, I found your blog through a link on BodyBuilding.com I am still not quite sure the connection, but I’ll figure it out. It was on a thread where the young gentleman such as yourself Loves to bake & is currently experimenting with Bacon & Bean Brownies! ;)
39. Wesley | January 7, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Phoenix, AZ
I’m 14 and I started reading your blog about a week ago and now I come back every day with a smile on my face, hoping for another post. :) I absolutely love it! Thanks so much for making my day just that more enjoyable!
40. Helen | January 7, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Highland, California
I love your blog, and love the way you see things in your life, you have a natural flair with words and describe things so that we can see them also. I enjoy the picture, you can almost smell the food..keep up the good work…always follow your heart and be sure to do something every day that makes you smile…
41. Jessica | January 7, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Seattle, WA
I found your link here working on the photo desk at The Seattle Times. Our food writer Nancy Leson reffed to 17 and Baking in her blog recently, and I am so happy she did! As a photographer, and someone who values people following their passions, I admire and applaud you! I wish you the best of luck with your college experience. No matter what, DON’T GIVE UP. Even if traditional print media fades away, a unique voice like yours will always have a place in this world. Follow your heart and keep writing/shooting, etc.!
42. tara | January 8, 2010 at 4:27 am
seoul, south korea
love your blog! your writing is so touching and fun to read!
43. melinda kumar | January 8, 2010 at 1:44 pm
i have been reading your blog from sydney, australia. but right now, a little closer in vancouver, canada…
44. Pearl | January 8, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Snohomish, WA
You have a great blog!
45. Katrina Bleyl | January 8, 2010 at 8:30 pm
I found your blog through an article on AOL. :) It is quite an accomplishment that you have done. You have beautiful photography and the way you write is absolutely amazing. You are truly gifted, and I am very glad to be able to know you through your blog. :)
46. Marika | January 8, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Love your blog! I found you through Michelle Moores site! But your posts and pictures are great! Though, non of my treats ever end up looking as good as yours haha.
i enjoy your blog :)
47. Carrie | January 9, 2010 at 6:11 pm
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Discovered your blog via Tastespotting.com for your crepes post. I fell in love with galettes (buckwheat crepes) when my husband and I toured Normandy, France. Especially good with the local Camembert. I hope you get to visit there someday!
48. Lisa | January 10, 2010 at 1:21 am
I’m all the way over here in Carrollton, GA, and I also adore your blog and the food that goes along with it!
49. Lakshmi | January 10, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hi i’m originally from India, though currently I live in Bellevue, WA. I came to know of your blog through an article in Seattle times, which featured your blog. Being a 30 yr old SAHM who just ventured into the kitchen 2 years ago, a food blog by a 17 year old sounded fascinating to me. I decided to check it out and got hooked. If you read this I have a question for you…will you be changing the name once you are 18?
50. Elissa | January 10, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Lakshmi – Thank you, I’m so glad you like it :) I am planning to keep the same name. It’ll be too difficult to change all of my links, and more importantly, I’m very attached to the name itself and am unlikely to “update” it.
51. Teresa | January 10, 2010 at 8:41 pm
One of my friends on Facebook put a link to your blog in his status update. I checked your blog out and loved the pictures, recipes and your writing style. Keep up the good work!
Much love from Norfolk, VA
52. Lakshmi | January 10, 2010 at 10:50 pm
I think it’s great your keeping the same name. Saves me the bother of updating my bookmarks. Keep up the good work and all the best with your college selections