Chef Gale Gand

What a great Father’s Day. First we went to Cadinho, a Portuguese bakery cafe for delicious buttery sandwiches and egg tarts, plus much more. Then in spite of the rain, we spend the day at the newly opened Obama Center campus. The art, the garden, the open spaces, the hope and joy in people’s faces who came from near and far (I talked to one woman from Nigeria and that’s a long flight! I’ve done it!) to honor his and Michelle’s work and ideas and spirit. It’s all there so go asap. Then home for a Spinach Lasagna dinner and a movie.

We do it every year…go strawberry picking at Thompson’s Farm. 6 baskets for this weekend’s “Jam Session”. (That’s what I call it since my family are all musicians) Thanks to my daughter, who’s home from college, and friend for helping.

Somehow my Easter Egg radishes got away from me…too busy having fun making cakes.

Back by popular demand! Tea Cake Pop Up! $8 per mini loaf. Flavors are: Lemon-Poppyseed, Almond-Ginger, and Strawberry-Rhubarb. Preorder in the comments. Pick up Sat June 27 from 8am-2 pm at Riverwoods Garage Sale held at the Riverwoods Village Hall, 300 Portwine Road in Riverwoods IL. I’ll have also have imperfect copies of my cookbooks $10, Salted Caramel Sauce $7.50, Rootbeer $2. Cash, Venmo or Zelle.

My dear friend and neighbor was celebrating her graduation from Harvard so… You gotta have cake, right? I made her a table runner cake that was chocolate with vanilla mousse, strawberry jam I made, and fresh raspberries. Congrats, Mag!

I got to be a judge for the Chicago Great Bakes Challenge last Sunday giving out scholarships for culinary school and training from Les Dames d’Escoffier, the international women’s hospitality industry group I belong to. Got to judge with Justin Lerias from Del Sur Bakery on Damen with its Philipino influence from his home land. First place:Stephanie Roshior’s Carrot, Orange Tart with mascarpone and walnut crust. Second place: Jessica Sargent’s Raspberry Vanilla Cheesecake with Ruby chocolate ganache and lemon curd. Third place:Mercedes Fabela’s Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough bread with fig jam. Always love judging others! I’m judging you right now!

My Easter Egg radishes (white, purple, magenta) I planted got out of control! Too big to eat so I did this. And the green and red branches are some radicchio I’m growing that bolted! Thank you, Molly Chapellet, for teaching me this years ago when you came to Trotter’s when you came and I worked there. Also finally started putting some flowers in my pots. It’s about time!

After filming in central Cali, I flew down to La Jolla to see my bro and sister in law and their new air bnb. What a view! I toured their “Gand Canyon” garden, and saw the bananas, pomegranates, and macadamia nuts growing plus picked a pink lemon and some rosemary for supper. Saw the play Purpose ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purpose_(play), went to an Avocado dinner, saw Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats’ art collection/exhibit “Giants” at the MCASD, had lunch at Sugar and Scribe (thanks chef Mauve!), tried Brick & Bell bakery’s scones and spinach quiche, and even had time for serious talks, plus, a few succulents followed me home so I made some planters with them. Wonderful visit!

Here’s to the woman who assured me, often, that I was born under a lucky star, and I believe her. Myrna Gand, the one on the right. Happy birthday, mom…where ever you are.