I forgot to tell you why I was so happy on Friday. Actually I didn’t forget, I just didn’t get a chance to sit down and reflect. It wasn’t a job offer or an SLR camera or anything really significant. Rather, for once I was hopeful and optimistic about my future. That’s enough to be excited about right? I probably should have blogged on Friday because it would have been a lot more emotional….think more !!!!s and ‘oh my gosh’s.
Anyways, I already told you about My Culinary Cultures class, which was the main reason why I was so excited about life. But I didn’t get to tell you about my professor and what happened during class.
I must admit I was a little bit intimidated at the beginning of class. I take that back. I was VERY intimidated. I’m not a great writer and the professor told us from the very beginning that the class was a writing class. A REAL writing class. Meaning, ‘that looks SO amazing’ probably won’t cut it. We started to dissect certain edibles such as cinnamon and chocolate and even spinach! Learning about writing in general is usually sort of dry for me but I loved learning about writing through food. Seriously, what a perfect class.
Anyways, the professor is hilarious and is living my dream life. She worked for many food magazines in NYC such as Food&Wine Magazine and Saveur. She worked in a bakery 3 nights a week while working at Saveur magazine to gain experience and further deepen her food writing. She’s met JULIA CHILD and BOBBY FLAY!! Among many other chefs.
During class she baked us mandlebrot, a Jewish bread similar to biscotti. We got up and went into the kitchen with her (the kitchen is stocked with KitchenAid donated appliances and cooking utensils!!!). She baked live in front of us while telling stories about herself and how she grew up cooking alongside her grandma.
While we were munching on fresh baked mandlebrot, she wanted someone to take a photo of it to put in our class cookbook.
She took the first photo, passed it along to another girl, and then asked for suggestions on how to make it look good. I suggested we take it outside on the patio/porch. She said ‘okay, give it shot.’ So I went outside. Placed the bowl of mandlebrot on the ground and plopped down like I do every day on my cement porch. I took a photo with her camera and brought it back in.
She took one look at it and exclaimed ‘wow this is wonderful. Do you take photos?’
I’m actually sort of self conscious about my photo taking abilities because I’m clueless about photography so this took me by surprise. To have someone so versed in the world of food compliment MY photo was pretty flattering. I expected a ‘looks alright, but blah blah blah.’ Nope, she said it was perfect the way I captured it. She passed the camera around the room and had everyone look at it. (SO cool!).
After class the professor and I talked about food careers for ~20 min! It was refreshing to talk to her because of her encouraging words and optimistic outlook. But beyond that, I felt like she really believed in me. She was talking about my future as if every door was wide open waiting for me. She wanted to know what I was interested in, not what makes the most money or what I’m qualified for or what looks good on paper. I feel like I finally have direction! I’m excited for my project because I get to choose one person to shadow and write a paper about. She suggested I choose a food photographer. I was thinking maybe a baker or a food stylist or a bakery owner!? Yikes! I can’t decide!!
So that’s what got me so excited last week. Nothing major (sorry if you expected something life changing). It helped that the weather was beautiful and I went on an awesome run. Oh the little things.
***
My Real Dinner
Last night I made a Tofu Veggie Stir Fry that had been brewing in my mind for a couple days.
I even got this Gyoza Dipping Sauce to use from Trader Joe’s. It’s technically a dipping sauce but the ingredients were similar to the stir fry sauce they had and this one had sesame oil (so good). It worked perfectly.
I used tofu, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, and sesame honey almonds.
A few bites in, I decided brown rice was a necessity. I don’t particularly love rice but I do like brown rice because of it’s chewier texture. Plus, I needed some carb action. By the time I was finished cooking the rice, it was dark out. –> a stove top photo!
For dessert I had another one of these amazing granola bars. These are out-of-this-world!
I also had some of this combo, which I haven’t had in awhile!
TJ’s Tart Froyo+ Kefir
Topped with Pineapple Chips, Sesame Honey Almonds, and pecans.
T’was a perfect sweet ending!
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I loev all the different sauces from Trader Joes. I have yet to try one I didnt like!
Ok, Allie, that is amazing news, and I’m seriously so happy for you!!! To have excitement for the future, passions, direction, being commended on your awesome skills, all of that-it’s so much better than any material thing.
I wish I was taking that class with you-it sounds incredible and your professor seems so inspiring and cares about you already! Great news that I’m so glad you shared!
GIRL THAT IS SO EXCITING!! Don’t try and downplay that, you take wonderful pictures. I have a feeling this lady is going to be a bit of a mentor to you and that is beyond amazing.
LOVE the tart/kefir combo. I need some TJ’s action in muh life
It’s always so refreshing to have great talks like that with mentors! I’m so glad it made you happy
Oh yum with the dinner. I’m not a big rice fan either – I prefer to use pearled barley. You may give that a shot. I think your news is great.
Yay you should totally be excited, that’s so cool you have found something your really wanna do and have something to aim for, I’ve only just found out and I’m 28! I’m so like you once you know everything else just fits into place (hopefully!)
Great eats especially that pudding, yum! x x
I’m so excited for you girl! it’s wonderful to find a professor who values your talent and encourage you to go further!!!!
What a wonderful compliment! Sounds like an awesome professor.
Wow, that class sounds awesome and what a great teacher to look up to! I’m so PROUD of you for the awesome picture!!! That is so cool, what a great feeling you must have had!!
Allie – that’s HUGE! I can’t believe you didn’t tell us sooner. I would have been all smiles after that class to. The more you tell me about that class, the more jealous I get. Ok, can I transfer schools again? Haha…keep us updated on the class PLEASE. How freaking fun!
It’s so amazing to have a conversation with someone that gives you direction and thoughts about possibilities for your future. That’s incredible
I’m glad you have a class that you’re so excited about for your final semester of school and a wonderful mentor to boot. Keep exploring your options and embrace that enthusiasm 
Hugs!
i always said your photos look so classy
I am jealous girl…very
you are great…great rice dish and granola bar too…you are an all-star.
The class sounds interesting. You’re going to learn so much. Can’t wait to see how you apply it to the blog.
Nothing major? I love to hear that! You’re doing so great:)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
thats so great abotu your professor! I can tell she is going to be one that you go to for advice and chatting. I had a professor like that, she became more of my friend than teacher. I always emailed her with questions adn she even gave me her home # to call her at anytime. Mandelbrot is so good! being Jewish, it is always at our family big get togethers and I love it! and YES you do have mad photo skillz girl! keep up the good work!
froyo and kefir sounds to die for!!
I really want to take a photography class. I have never taken one, but I absolutely love photography!
That’s so awesome about your professor! I love it when teachers take time and are interested and helpful about our future – it makes such a difference! I’m reaallllly happy that happened for ya – and that class sounds like it will be a lot of fun!
Also, your stir-fry looks yumbo!
Awww…sounds like a wonderful professor! And feeling excited and optimistic about your future is NEVER not a big deal, but ESPECIALLY not a big deal your senior year of college when it’s so easy to feel kind of…lost and worried.
Wait…I think I said that wrong…my point was that it IS a big deal to feel excited and optimistic about your future…all those double negatives got mixed up in my head!!!
That sounds like such a great class! WOW! You must be looking forward to it again…
rock the food photography! of course she’d like your pictures because your pictures are AMAZING on your blog!
what a great class. too bad i never got anything like that at UCLA! (well, i took chinese buddhism but that didn’t turn out so well!)
hahha glad you have direction. i’m still lost without a gps.
Wow! You are so fortunate to have that class and that professor! If you can, you should post some pictures of the class once you get into making food, eating, etc.
Having a since of what direction you want to take with your life is one of the best things to be excited about
You are fortunate to have such a great instructor!!
Don’t be down on yourself! Obviously you are a good writer if you have so many wonderful blog readers, and your pictures look just great to me!
What an awesome class that sounds like.. SOOO jealous!
GOod for you!
That tofu stir fry looks absolutely amazing.. yum, all my fav veggies in one dish!
That’s so exciting Allie! Sounds like an awesome class and a fantastic professor. Hmm…perhaps the professor will allow me to audit the class?
P.S. how do you get your comment icons to be silly looking monsters? Love it!
your class and professor sounds awesome!! soo sooo cool!! I’m really excited for you Allie!!!
and that tofu meal looks delicioso! ive heard great things about that TJ’s dipping sauce!!!
fro yo!! YES! i am dying to try TJ’s brand of the plain! deeeeeeeelish
LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUU
i always love your photos!! i love that TJs sauce. nom.
yum! that veggie tofu mix looks so delicious!
that sounds like an amazing class! i really hope this professor turns out to be a source of inspiration, and a great resource in your life! it’s all about networking! I hope this last semester of yours is the best yet! your future is shining brightly!
Big congrats on your kind of epiphiny moment! I had one of them the other day too, when (after a bit more research) I realised that I could train tobecome a nutritonal therapist, or even a dietician! It was an exciting moment
Good luck with your plans!
That is great news – you have so many awesome options ahead of you!
Your photography is really excellent by the way
Chloe
That’s SUPER exciting! You do take some lovely pictures!
What an awesome story, Allie! You should be so proud–your pictures really are beautiful. You will have to tell me all about your project so I can live vicariously through you! I’ve always secretly wanted to be a food stylist:)
That’s really exciting! It sounds like an amazing class. You should be proud of your food photography- you do take really nice pictures. It’d be so cool if you could make a career out of it.
…and I need to find those sesame honey almonds
First, I’m so happy for you! What a great compliment from your prof, and an great uplifiting conversation! Also, that class sounds incredible. I’m very jealous my school does not offer something that creative. I hope you’ll continue to share stories with us!
Wow Allie, that is awesome that you had such a wonderful experience with your prof. She sounds super rad!
And what a fun project to look forward to. I could totally get into this class. How lucky for you that you landed such a great fit for you. Fate I tell ya!
I just restocked my TJ’s Tart Fro Yo and I think of you every time. I was so scared that it might not be there, but thankfully there was plenty. One product that has been discontinued I discovered, is my beloved Apple Cran Chutney. Sigh, I almost cried when I heard this.
I never bought TJ’s frozen yogurt..it looks SO good!!! I need to buy it next time I am there. I still have not tried Kefir….what is it like with fro yo? I’m not quite sure what to expect.
Congrats girl! That’s great news
Wow that sounds like an amazing class. I wish I had a class like while I was at school! Teacher sounds like fun! Good luck with it. And the career possibilities are endless – keep up the great work!
girl congrats!!
stir fry looks AMAZING love!!
and that tart froyo..too bad i have no TJS!
oh that many perks of blogging
that is awesome though!! i always find it nice to be able to have a motivating conversation with someone of higher power or whatever. I had that with a professor last semester and it was really inspiring. 
great food too! oh, and mandlebrot-yummmm!!!!
oMG! never tried it. but my new FAV flavah of pop tarts/toaster pastries is NATURE”S PATH CHERRY CHOCOLATE> i think i ate the whole box in one day. LOL.
AHH SO exciting for you!!
This is so fantastic! Food would be such a neat career.
be proud of yourself
i love the dish your stir fry is in
that is amazing news girl! Its totally awesome when someone truly believes in you and sees your potential. Kick butt in this class girl (as you will)!
aw, that is really awesome news. awww, and it sounds like you have a GREAT professor, I wish all professors are like that. It’s only the beginning of school and I have a feeling great things are going to happen. yay
Wow, Allie! I’m so pleased for you! I know how hard it is not knowing what your future foreholds…what a relief that you’ve found a calling! but why not all of them? Haha, they all sound cool…but I vote food stylist! Cause as a baker, you kind of don’t have a social life with the crazy sleep schedules.
But ultimately, I hope you find the best one for you!
That class sounds absolutely amazing…as does the prof! I can’t wait to hear about this class and your assignments. That’s so awesome that there’s an entire kitchen with kitchenaid stuff…Apparently I should have gone to Duke! (Okay, never even applied…that’s beside the point!)
I have always, always really been impressed with your photo skillz Allie! You have a good eye and they’re always so clear! I’m so glad you were so excited and felt so optimistic about your career/future/path, as you should be! Exciting things will happen, for sure
What an awesome class, I’m so happy for you
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