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Recklass in FA LA LA LAND -- Saturday, Dec. 21st, 2019
This is entry is so bizarre to write -- all of the above entries were written as I was feverishly looking ahead to the next stop while this one is written as I sit by the fire under the Christmas tree, as my niece does her college homework, each of glowing from an amazing holiday, while looking back at the event that was truly the crowning glory of The Recklass Coast2Coast tour...
Christmas.
I say this prolly about every tour stop, but this one took the Recklass concept to its brilliant, sparkly, and heart opening extreme. Picture an historic mansion, decorated with fresh pine wreaths, the glowing lights are mysteriously low, the Trans Chorus of LA lines the stairs like angels descending from "on high," singing Christmas carols... to greet everyone. They finish and file joyfully down the stairs leading everyone into the Salon where buffets of wine, (a generous donation from Gracias Madre restaurant) cheese and my "Auntie Pasti" grilled vegetables marinated in Christmas spices: cinnamon, allspice, clove and nutmeg, await. Guests mingled and chatted with members of the chorus (while I frantically put on my make-up & fixed my hair into something a little less than I dreamed about, since I and my team of Devin Almond and his sister Jenny were still decorating the venue right up to the opening of doors...). Finally, "well turned out" I was able to float out into this festive vibe and greet a few guests... designed to make it easy for the Chorus members to slip away unnoticed until...
... the side doors to the Salon were flung open by the directors of the Chorus; Artistic Director Abdullah Hall & Executive Director, Kathryn Davis, as the Chorus was humming carols. The guests intrigued, filed into the dining room decorated with more wreaths, and formal place settings. The seating was arranged so that each guest found their name at these settings on a Christmas ornament. Then the Chorus's humming blossomed into beautiful singing of more Christmas carols.
I welcomed everyone and directed their attention to 11 foot Douglass fir tree "festooned with lights and enrobed in a slivery gold (where else does that color actually exist except at Christmas?) garland... but you will notice that it does not have any ornaments..." I then invited everyone up to decorate the tree, as the Chorus sang "Oh, Tannebaum." The tree was a generous donation from The Refinery, one of LA's premier graphic design companies for TV & Film, and included delivery to the winner's home... Shoot! Did I just say that aloud?
Back in the kitchen, Chef Chandra (who doesn't use the term the Chef, but whatevs -- can I help it if they're awesome & deserve the highest props? -- I'm a cook, a passionate one, but a cook nonetheless -- Chandra and his bud EJ are chefs and were turning out the second course -- Saladé Cesar. (side note: One of my personal highlights was the quick "field trips" in the kitchen to watch Chef Chandra, EJ, & Rocco plating the food in a silent rhythm awaiting Willa, who deftly stacked the plates up her arms to waltz between tables to serve all 56 quests, aided by Devin & Jenny.)
After the Salad course, as entres' were starting to appear in the dining room, what to our wandering eyes should appear? A red-suited Santa themself and sack full o gifts... Santa hand delivered copies of 'Recklass in The Kitchen," as I followed behind signing and chatting with each quest. For the dinner portion of the event, each table had 2-3 members of the chorus, so guests and chorus could celebrate together.
After dinner, I invited Santa to come to the tree and they began randomly selecting ornaments (with their aforementioned nametags) and announcing these as "winners" of a prize: the first winners won the center piece wreaths, then Santa selected the winners of the large wreaths and poinsettias decorating the staircase, and finally the grand prize winner was selected -- Kathryn Davis the ED for the Trans Chorus was shocked when her name was read aloud by Santa, she had won the 11 foot Christmas tree!
Afterward the guests were invited to avail themselves of the dessert buffet, again, Chandra and team made my Christmas classics: "Malcolm's ginger cubeds" (gingerbread cookies) Pistachio & Cranberry Icebox cookies, & iced shortbread. Here's where i got to pitch in, as I made 6 pounds of White Chocolate Cranberry Gems and 5 pounds of peppermint bark.
The Chorus took their places under the tree once again, and sang a number of tunes -- Silent night was my favorite as I took the time to sit for a moment and let the beauty of my siblings' harmony wash over me. I sat next to my long time friend Audrey who hugged me tight and gently stroked my hair lovingly like an adoring aunt as the lights twinkled, the pine mingled with Christmas spices and the true spirit of Christmas radiated from our hearts... it was remarkable.
Artistic Director Abdullah "Abby" Hall called me to the microphone but it wasn't it speak -- turns out the Trans Chorus has a tradition of honoring someone by singing their signature song, "You have more Friends than you know" while they hug you in front of everyone... its powerful, and slightly overwhelming -- you try keeping it together as 20 beautiful humans sing at you with such love and warmth and respect... I didn't, I couldn't... until I did. Standing as if under a waterfall of love surrendering to the wonderful cascade of love...
... "How do you follow that?" I stammered, as I tried to say a speech that was in the making since I first set out on the journey. I looked out at the crowd -- the six people from own neighborhood who came to show their support, the fans of the TCLA who now are fans of my book, the family that has supported me every step of the way, and said "I had high hopes for this event since Chandra first offered to cook my Christmas menu, but when I saw the Video & National Spot the Chorus did for Pantene, set to their rendition of "I'll be home for Christmas" my idea for the evening changed from receiving to giving. I realized that that was really the true spirit of Recklass. Serving love to those you love. -- tonight was not about celebrating the finale of The Recklass Coast2Coast Tour, but rather celebrating being "Home" for Christmas - where our hearts are - with our chosen family, which in my case, thru Grace, is both my blood family and Queer siblings."
I ended by dedicating tonight to Mylove, I cannot remember what or how I said it, (between sobs and tears) and wished everyone a safe journey home
The kitchen crew was hustling to get everything out by our "9:30 hard out" and I swept the entire floors -- it was a sweet way to offer to the great mansion gratitude for being a place of an unforgettable evening - the perfect conclusion to a perfect tour.
Merry Christmas everyone God Blessed us one and all...
Christmas.
I say this prolly about every tour stop, but this one took the Recklass concept to its brilliant, sparkly, and heart opening extreme. Picture an historic mansion, decorated with fresh pine wreaths, the glowing lights are mysteriously low, the Trans Chorus of LA lines the stairs like angels descending from "on high," singing Christmas carols... to greet everyone. They finish and file joyfully down the stairs leading everyone into the Salon where buffets of wine, (a generous donation from Gracias Madre restaurant) cheese and my "Auntie Pasti" grilled vegetables marinated in Christmas spices: cinnamon, allspice, clove and nutmeg, await. Guests mingled and chatted with members of the chorus (while I frantically put on my make-up & fixed my hair into something a little less than I dreamed about, since I and my team of Devin Almond and his sister Jenny were still decorating the venue right up to the opening of doors...). Finally, "well turned out" I was able to float out into this festive vibe and greet a few guests... designed to make it easy for the Chorus members to slip away unnoticed until...
... the side doors to the Salon were flung open by the directors of the Chorus; Artistic Director Abdullah Hall & Executive Director, Kathryn Davis, as the Chorus was humming carols. The guests intrigued, filed into the dining room decorated with more wreaths, and formal place settings. The seating was arranged so that each guest found their name at these settings on a Christmas ornament. Then the Chorus's humming blossomed into beautiful singing of more Christmas carols.
I welcomed everyone and directed their attention to 11 foot Douglass fir tree "festooned with lights and enrobed in a slivery gold (where else does that color actually exist except at Christmas?) garland... but you will notice that it does not have any ornaments..." I then invited everyone up to decorate the tree, as the Chorus sang "Oh, Tannebaum." The tree was a generous donation from The Refinery, one of LA's premier graphic design companies for TV & Film, and included delivery to the winner's home... Shoot! Did I just say that aloud?
Back in the kitchen, Chef Chandra (who doesn't use the term the Chef, but whatevs -- can I help it if they're awesome & deserve the highest props? -- I'm a cook, a passionate one, but a cook nonetheless -- Chandra and his bud EJ are chefs and were turning out the second course -- Saladé Cesar. (side note: One of my personal highlights was the quick "field trips" in the kitchen to watch Chef Chandra, EJ, & Rocco plating the food in a silent rhythm awaiting Willa, who deftly stacked the plates up her arms to waltz between tables to serve all 56 quests, aided by Devin & Jenny.)
After the Salad course, as entres' were starting to appear in the dining room, what to our wandering eyes should appear? A red-suited Santa themself and sack full o gifts... Santa hand delivered copies of 'Recklass in The Kitchen," as I followed behind signing and chatting with each quest. For the dinner portion of the event, each table had 2-3 members of the chorus, so guests and chorus could celebrate together.
After dinner, I invited Santa to come to the tree and they began randomly selecting ornaments (with their aforementioned nametags) and announcing these as "winners" of a prize: the first winners won the center piece wreaths, then Santa selected the winners of the large wreaths and poinsettias decorating the staircase, and finally the grand prize winner was selected -- Kathryn Davis the ED for the Trans Chorus was shocked when her name was read aloud by Santa, she had won the 11 foot Christmas tree!
Afterward the guests were invited to avail themselves of the dessert buffet, again, Chandra and team made my Christmas classics: "Malcolm's ginger cubeds" (gingerbread cookies) Pistachio & Cranberry Icebox cookies, & iced shortbread. Here's where i got to pitch in, as I made 6 pounds of White Chocolate Cranberry Gems and 5 pounds of peppermint bark.
The Chorus took their places under the tree once again, and sang a number of tunes -- Silent night was my favorite as I took the time to sit for a moment and let the beauty of my siblings' harmony wash over me. I sat next to my long time friend Audrey who hugged me tight and gently stroked my hair lovingly like an adoring aunt as the lights twinkled, the pine mingled with Christmas spices and the true spirit of Christmas radiated from our hearts... it was remarkable.
Artistic Director Abdullah "Abby" Hall called me to the microphone but it wasn't it speak -- turns out the Trans Chorus has a tradition of honoring someone by singing their signature song, "You have more Friends than you know" while they hug you in front of everyone... its powerful, and slightly overwhelming -- you try keeping it together as 20 beautiful humans sing at you with such love and warmth and respect... I didn't, I couldn't... until I did. Standing as if under a waterfall of love surrendering to the wonderful cascade of love...
... "How do you follow that?" I stammered, as I tried to say a speech that was in the making since I first set out on the journey. I looked out at the crowd -- the six people from own neighborhood who came to show their support, the fans of the TCLA who now are fans of my book, the family that has supported me every step of the way, and said "I had high hopes for this event since Chandra first offered to cook my Christmas menu, but when I saw the Video & National Spot the Chorus did for Pantene, set to their rendition of "I'll be home for Christmas" my idea for the evening changed from receiving to giving. I realized that that was really the true spirit of Recklass. Serving love to those you love. -- tonight was not about celebrating the finale of The Recklass Coast2Coast Tour, but rather celebrating being "Home" for Christmas - where our hearts are - with our chosen family, which in my case, thru Grace, is both my blood family and Queer siblings."
I ended by dedicating tonight to Mylove, I cannot remember what or how I said it, (between sobs and tears) and wished everyone a safe journey home
The kitchen crew was hustling to get everything out by our "9:30 hard out" and I swept the entire floors -- it was a sweet way to offer to the great mansion gratitude for being a place of an unforgettable evening - the perfect conclusion to a perfect tour.
Merry Christmas everyone God Blessed us one and all...
Scottie Jeanette Madden's
"RECKLASS COAST2COAST"
TOUR JOURNAL
a year of light, laughter & love... oh, and food!
*Silicon Valley * New York City* Seattle * Sonoma Wine County * Los Angeles*
Each tour stop she met fans, chatted a little about the writing of her Recklass ways... oh, and there was food!
Silicon Valley Saturday, November 9th
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This one was personal -- knowing that as the tour ramps up, and the venues get bigger, Scottie Jeanette wanted to kick off the Recklass Coast2Coast Book Tour with an intimate party for the "legacy angels" - the special individuals who encouraged and backed Scottie Jeanette & Marcy's earliest publishing efforts that lead to the creation and foundation of Zuzubean Press. A few new fans were swept up and into the joyful fray - including a newly immigrated couple from Scotland who jumped in with Recklass abandon. Scottie Jeanette's partner in crime was the incomparable Laurie Kehl, who has been on the Zuzubean Press Mastermind Council since it's formation. She joyfully welcomed, hosted and supported Scottie Jeanette right through taking on the extra duty of handling the leftover Almond Joy cake and passionfruit curd...
To help inspire the guests and fans of Recklass In The Kitchen for the upcoming holidays, Scottie Jeanette served dishes from the pages of her holiday menus but with classic Recklass improvisation: Chicken thighs brined in Apple cider & lager (mixing techniques from the Thanksgiving Turkey brined in hard cider and her Latin spiced Yucatan chicken) Cedar Planked Salmon in onion, caper nutmeg and Whiskey, Sweet Potato & Chipotle Tart, Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts. For dessert it was the Lemon pound cake with passionfruit curd, passionfruit glaze & blackberries, and Cranberry Gems -- Cranberries marinated in Cabernet, Toasted Slivered Almonds, in White Chocolate dusted with chipotle & habanero salt. But oddly it was the new kid -- The Almond Joy cake that Scottie Jeanette created in honor of the occasion -- a double layered affair that was a combination of Italian wedding cake & angel food cake but with coconut & almond flour, a deep chocolate ganache was spread between the layers and the entire cake was frosted with a coconut buttercream, dusted with shredded coconut and chopped toasted almonds, decorated with deep chocolate buttons...
Also of note, the amazing photographer who took the color plate/food porn shots that grace every chapter of Recklass In The Kitchen, Mena Kerry Kehoe came to the fête and once again documented the decadence! Her work is below for you to enjoy!
Scottie Jeanette was so grateful to show her appreciation in the most Recklass of ways... the Coast2Coast Tour is under way!
To help inspire the guests and fans of Recklass In The Kitchen for the upcoming holidays, Scottie Jeanette served dishes from the pages of her holiday menus but with classic Recklass improvisation: Chicken thighs brined in Apple cider & lager (mixing techniques from the Thanksgiving Turkey brined in hard cider and her Latin spiced Yucatan chicken) Cedar Planked Salmon in onion, caper nutmeg and Whiskey, Sweet Potato & Chipotle Tart, Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts. For dessert it was the Lemon pound cake with passionfruit curd, passionfruit glaze & blackberries, and Cranberry Gems -- Cranberries marinated in Cabernet, Toasted Slivered Almonds, in White Chocolate dusted with chipotle & habanero salt. But oddly it was the new kid -- The Almond Joy cake that Scottie Jeanette created in honor of the occasion -- a double layered affair that was a combination of Italian wedding cake & angel food cake but with coconut & almond flour, a deep chocolate ganache was spread between the layers and the entire cake was frosted with a coconut buttercream, dusted with shredded coconut and chopped toasted almonds, decorated with deep chocolate buttons...
Also of note, the amazing photographer who took the color plate/food porn shots that grace every chapter of Recklass In The Kitchen, Mena Kerry Kehoe came to the fête and once again documented the decadence! Her work is below for you to enjoy!
Scottie Jeanette was so grateful to show her appreciation in the most Recklass of ways... the Coast2Coast Tour is under way!
NYC week 1: "Recklass @ the Bureau," November, 14th, 2019
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Recklass Coast2Coast Tour stop @the Bureau (of General Services-- Queer Division. The Co-Owner and founder of this fantastic independent bookstore nestled within "the Center" (New York City LGBT Center) explains the name as "A Government Agency for a country that does not yet exist." Which Scottie Jeanette took to mean a place where tolerance, acceptance, liberty, equality and justice for all is truly the law of the land. And of course, SJ pledged that until that country exists, the Astral Halo Squadron would continue to patrol the skies and Her Majesty's Unicorn Battalion would protect and defend all citizens on her behalf. It was a light hearted moment with serious undertones as we stood among a truly comprehensive library of books that chronicled the LGBTQ movement, and Zuzubean Press was deeply honored to have now all three of our books (Recklass In the Kitchen, Marcy's "Just Because My Husband's a Woman... Marcy's side of the story, and SJ's "Getting Back To Me, from girl to boy to woman in just fifty years, ) added to the collection. Moments before the program was to begin, a beautiful woman came walking down the ramp into the space with a huge grin on her face -- Scottie Jeanette's dear friend Monica Walsh stopped by. She was working in the City for a month and came to pick-up some Christmas gifts for her amazing Mother Lupe.
This was the first of two dates that Anna Dunn, a noted poet, cookbook and crime novel writer would be "In Conversation" (its a thing, you know) with Scottie Jeanette. And the tone for the evening was at times light and celebratory as well as deep and sometimes heartbreaking as Anna’s insight about Recklass cooking, writing and life propelled the conversation into territory Scottie Jeanette could only dream would be covered. Anna is themself, no stranger to grief and mourning, and as spent time "on the line" as a chef and cook and bartender in the NY/Brooklyn/Bushwick/Williamsburg Foodie Scene and written "Salty" cookbook, as well co-written "The Long table Cookbook" with Andrew Tarlow. She confessed to be a big fan of Recklass (which made Scottie Jeanette blush up one side and down the other) and shined a spotlight on some key elements, saying, "It was truly my honor to sit with scottie jeanette tonight at Bureau to talk about her book Recklass in the Kitchen. It’s a radical text. It’s a text about radical love, about all transformations, about how we make love for one another, about how to perfect a perfectly poached egg. It always comes back to the egg."
The audience loved it, joining in on the conversation throughout, sharing recipes and comparing notes. A wonderful time thanks to the Bureau!
This was the first of two dates that Anna Dunn, a noted poet, cookbook and crime novel writer would be "In Conversation" (its a thing, you know) with Scottie Jeanette. And the tone for the evening was at times light and celebratory as well as deep and sometimes heartbreaking as Anna’s insight about Recklass cooking, writing and life propelled the conversation into territory Scottie Jeanette could only dream would be covered. Anna is themself, no stranger to grief and mourning, and as spent time "on the line" as a chef and cook and bartender in the NY/Brooklyn/Bushwick/Williamsburg Foodie Scene and written "Salty" cookbook, as well co-written "The Long table Cookbook" with Andrew Tarlow. She confessed to be a big fan of Recklass (which made Scottie Jeanette blush up one side and down the other) and shined a spotlight on some key elements, saying, "It was truly my honor to sit with scottie jeanette tonight at Bureau to talk about her book Recklass in the Kitchen. It’s a radical text. It’s a text about radical love, about all transformations, about how we make love for one another, about how to perfect a perfectly poached egg. It always comes back to the egg."
The audience loved it, joining in on the conversation throughout, sharing recipes and comparing notes. A wonderful time thanks to the Bureau!
NYC Week 2 Recklass @ The Writers Guild of America Thursday, November 21st, 2019
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Once again, so very honored to be invited to get Recklass at the WGAeast. And honored once again to share thoughts in the third person... Anna is a writing machine, between last week's Conversation @ the Bureau and last night's affair at the WGA, they have written a grant proposal for a compilation of incarcerated trans people, continued work on a new cookbook, (which involves shepherding their publisher's editors away from mediocrity toward Anna's standards) and editing the weekly food newsletters on ther plate all while caring for precious pup Billy, who had surgery last week because Anna apparently needed something else to do! Inspiring! As the evening got under way, the always amazing, tireless and generous Andrew Greenberg introduced the program saying that he always is looking for events such as these to support the Non-fiction side of the Guild's efforts because they build the community of writers (his usual job is to organize them to fight for improved conditions) and celebrate their work. He went on to say that was he was glad to celebrate Scottie Jeanette's Recklass accomplishment, who was the "Spiritual Guide" of the Non-Fiction Showrunner's Workshop (now 3 years running). Can you see why writing this journal in he third person is useful?
The lively crowd was made up of participants of the workshop, long time friends and family and new fans. Anna started it off by getting write into the meat of the evening (see what she did there?) the process of writing itself. It was a meta moment for Scottie Jeanette to be here, at the WGA discussing writing... the conversation would go to sway between the two poles of cooking and the art of writing as both Anna & Scottie Jeanette were able to drill down to their experiences as trans writers and cooks -- both of which are typically among the only healthy self-medication strategies for coping. The good news, they both shared, is they can become strategies for thriving.
Scottie Jeanette was able to celebrate Marcy's life with stories that stemmed from the development of Recklass cooking as Scottie Jeanette relentlessly pursued Marcy's uncompromising taste. Anna asked Scottie Jeanette to share her story from the final chapter of making French Toast... and was so very grateful for the chance to once again destroy her eyeliner in a crowded room...
It was a fitting and wonderful conclusion of this side of the Recklass Coast2Coast tour... next stop Seattle!
The lively crowd was made up of participants of the workshop, long time friends and family and new fans. Anna started it off by getting write into the meat of the evening (see what she did there?) the process of writing itself. It was a meta moment for Scottie Jeanette to be here, at the WGA discussing writing... the conversation would go to sway between the two poles of cooking and the art of writing as both Anna & Scottie Jeanette were able to drill down to their experiences as trans writers and cooks -- both of which are typically among the only healthy self-medication strategies for coping. The good news, they both shared, is they can become strategies for thriving.
Scottie Jeanette was able to celebrate Marcy's life with stories that stemmed from the development of Recklass cooking as Scottie Jeanette relentlessly pursued Marcy's uncompromising taste. Anna asked Scottie Jeanette to share her story from the final chapter of making French Toast... and was so very grateful for the chance to once again destroy her eyeliner in a crowded room...
It was a fitting and wonderful conclusion of this side of the Recklass Coast2Coast tour... next stop Seattle!
Recklass in Seattle, Dec. 6th & Saturday, December 7th, 2019
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The world premiere of the very first treat from Recklass Kitchens: ToughCookies!
I have been working on this idea for some time and finally pulled the trigger as they say... a savory cookie with all the satisfying crunch of its sweeter sisters, ToughCookies would combine sophisticated flavor profiles of her favorite entrees like Southwest Green Chile with roasted corn and toasted pinenuts, or Thai Tom Kha with coconut milk green curry, candied ginger and roasted peanuts, and Cuban Black bean with candied lemon, toasted onion, dusted eh habanero salt... but that was only half of it.
It wasn’t just a snack that I’d reach for in the gray zone between lunch and dinner when I need a little pick-me-up to get you to dinner time but don’t want anything sugary sweet, it was a bigger idea...a collaboration with the right folx to make it — adult milk & cookies!
I called up my college pal Kelly Dole who had opened a very successful beer Mecca in Seattle called theGrowler Guys, and with a wave of his wizard’s wand, Kelly made it all happen! His first call was to one of Seattle’s premier craft brewers Fremont Brewing, “Scottie Jeanette is one of my oldest friends, please take good care of her.” The Fremont sales Rep, Ellen Tedford did more than that. Fremont embraced the idea of ToughCookies completely, creating posters and social media marketing and expert pairings of their craft brews with my recipes and free merchandise for those who came out for a unique experience...
300 people, 60 dozen cookies and untold glasses of beer celebrated the debut of ToughCookies!
But it was an experienced earned... my dear Auntie Linda Mikkelsen was the true rockstar — not only hosting her Recklass niece with her trademark warm hospitality but she was all in on ToughCookies, driving me all over North East Seattle to obtain the obscure (un)seasonal ingredients, but then opening her kitchen for their preparation. It’s one thing to make a batch of ToughCookies for the testing (each recipe had been made a grand total of three times In the previous 2 year R&D phase) but it’s quite another making 8 batches of each of three debut flavors. Eight hours of ingredient prep including roasting corn, cherry tomato raisins, toasting pinenuts, walnuts, onions, candying lemon, chopping ginger, banana and plantains, black beans and four different flours... (inserting panting here) but one thing eluded her...Thai green curry powder... but that would have to wait. I had to pause for...
... Another event prep. I made my way to the home kitchen of June Bulrice & Pam Adkins owners of Adrice Wines — to pre- cook the Recklass recipes that would be paired on Saturday. We worked until 9:30 pm then it was back to Auntie Linda’s kitchen to make the batches for ToughCookie dough. I felt that the chilled dough would be worth the late effort, paying off in a crunchier cookie. And here’s the part of the story where Ceege, Carol Greene Dole, my lifelong friend (who studied TV in College together with me and Kelly and who had married Kelly 30 years ago!) Ceege found a Thai Green(e) Curry Paste that was up to my standards. Whew!
At 3:30 am the last dough when into the reefer, that mess was cleaned- up, the dishes all stashed in the dishwasher and lights turned out.
It was 5:00 pm when I met Ellen at The Growler Guys to set up and discuss details — I also met the designated baker for tonight’s premiere Paul, who slayed it with the ovens after taking my instructions to heart.
"THANK YOU FOR COMING TONIGHT TO THE GROWLER GUYS!" Kelly shouted thru a bullhorn as Auntie Linda broadcast on Facebook live, Kelly introduced meand Ellen, and then the cookies began to flow along with the beer. I was blown away by the reactions, “it was really a cute concept that in the end turned out to be genius — craft beer drinkers are not just thirst quenchers, they are sophisticated and adventurous palettes seeking unique experiences - they gave each bite of ToughCookies the attention and consideration of a 4 star meal — dissecting and analyzing each flavor with care... they embraced them and appreciated their individual personalities... I’ve never had that much respect for my cooking on that scale before.”
And it was almost nobody who had ever had my cooking before — many were learning of me and Recklass ways for the very first time and many bought my book. We say “almost nobody” because besides Auntie Linda recording reactions, Kelly & Ceege, three very special people came to celebrate — George Hor-hay Riddell, who was the Graduate assistant when this motley crew was making TV mayhem in college, and Ken Moore, recently retired from the TV game hat they all studied so hard to get into) and his wife Tara, had maneuvered their holiday plans to a Washington into me to surprise me for my debut!
It was 11:30 when I watched the very last cookie in the place eaten by a very enthusiastic man who exclaimed “I could eat a dozen of the black bean cookies damn day!”
So there’s that...
I was almost asleep before her head hit the pillow — I've got cranberry gems to make in the morning for the Winery event... tomorrow... er, today...
I have been working on this idea for some time and finally pulled the trigger as they say... a savory cookie with all the satisfying crunch of its sweeter sisters, ToughCookies would combine sophisticated flavor profiles of her favorite entrees like Southwest Green Chile with roasted corn and toasted pinenuts, or Thai Tom Kha with coconut milk green curry, candied ginger and roasted peanuts, and Cuban Black bean with candied lemon, toasted onion, dusted eh habanero salt... but that was only half of it.
It wasn’t just a snack that I’d reach for in the gray zone between lunch and dinner when I need a little pick-me-up to get you to dinner time but don’t want anything sugary sweet, it was a bigger idea...a collaboration with the right folx to make it — adult milk & cookies!
I called up my college pal Kelly Dole who had opened a very successful beer Mecca in Seattle called theGrowler Guys, and with a wave of his wizard’s wand, Kelly made it all happen! His first call was to one of Seattle’s premier craft brewers Fremont Brewing, “Scottie Jeanette is one of my oldest friends, please take good care of her.” The Fremont sales Rep, Ellen Tedford did more than that. Fremont embraced the idea of ToughCookies completely, creating posters and social media marketing and expert pairings of their craft brews with my recipes and free merchandise for those who came out for a unique experience...
300 people, 60 dozen cookies and untold glasses of beer celebrated the debut of ToughCookies!
But it was an experienced earned... my dear Auntie Linda Mikkelsen was the true rockstar — not only hosting her Recklass niece with her trademark warm hospitality but she was all in on ToughCookies, driving me all over North East Seattle to obtain the obscure (un)seasonal ingredients, but then opening her kitchen for their preparation. It’s one thing to make a batch of ToughCookies for the testing (each recipe had been made a grand total of three times In the previous 2 year R&D phase) but it’s quite another making 8 batches of each of three debut flavors. Eight hours of ingredient prep including roasting corn, cherry tomato raisins, toasting pinenuts, walnuts, onions, candying lemon, chopping ginger, banana and plantains, black beans and four different flours... (inserting panting here) but one thing eluded her...Thai green curry powder... but that would have to wait. I had to pause for...
... Another event prep. I made my way to the home kitchen of June Bulrice & Pam Adkins owners of Adrice Wines — to pre- cook the Recklass recipes that would be paired on Saturday. We worked until 9:30 pm then it was back to Auntie Linda’s kitchen to make the batches for ToughCookie dough. I felt that the chilled dough would be worth the late effort, paying off in a crunchier cookie. And here’s the part of the story where Ceege, Carol Greene Dole, my lifelong friend (who studied TV in College together with me and Kelly and who had married Kelly 30 years ago!) Ceege found a Thai Green(e) Curry Paste that was up to my standards. Whew!
At 3:30 am the last dough when into the reefer, that mess was cleaned- up, the dishes all stashed in the dishwasher and lights turned out.
It was 5:00 pm when I met Ellen at The Growler Guys to set up and discuss details — I also met the designated baker for tonight’s premiere Paul, who slayed it with the ovens after taking my instructions to heart.
"THANK YOU FOR COMING TONIGHT TO THE GROWLER GUYS!" Kelly shouted thru a bullhorn as Auntie Linda broadcast on Facebook live, Kelly introduced meand Ellen, and then the cookies began to flow along with the beer. I was blown away by the reactions, “it was really a cute concept that in the end turned out to be genius — craft beer drinkers are not just thirst quenchers, they are sophisticated and adventurous palettes seeking unique experiences - they gave each bite of ToughCookies the attention and consideration of a 4 star meal — dissecting and analyzing each flavor with care... they embraced them and appreciated their individual personalities... I’ve never had that much respect for my cooking on that scale before.”
And it was almost nobody who had ever had my cooking before — many were learning of me and Recklass ways for the very first time and many bought my book. We say “almost nobody” because besides Auntie Linda recording reactions, Kelly & Ceege, three very special people came to celebrate — George Hor-hay Riddell, who was the Graduate assistant when this motley crew was making TV mayhem in college, and Ken Moore, recently retired from the TV game hat they all studied so hard to get into) and his wife Tara, had maneuvered their holiday plans to a Washington into me to surprise me for my debut!
It was 11:30 when I watched the very last cookie in the place eaten by a very enthusiastic man who exclaimed “I could eat a dozen of the black bean cookies damn day!”
So there’s that...
I was almost asleep before her head hit the pillow — I've got cranberry gems to make in the morning for the Winery event... tomorrow... er, today...
"Of Wine & Recklass Women" Adrice Wines-- Woodinville, WA
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FLASHBACK: JULY 2018 - Skyforest, CA. It's the 38th Highschool reunion for Scottie Jeanette (odd year, yes? Long Story...) I plop myself down at table of her childhood friends and acquaintances, when a woman sits next her to refresh my memory of her... there was no need -- Julie Bulrice was a role model for me growing up, a fierce, kind, and wickedly intelligent woman. She introduced me to her wife Pamela Adkins who is a medal winning winemaker and together they own a winery that has grown 750% in it's four years of running in it's new location -- Woodinville, the northern Seattle wine making region. We made those plans that people make at these types of affairs, well intentioned, and full of the buoyancy of nostalgia. Except we are fierce women all, and running business takes a commitment, spirit and energy... so we followed through on our plans -- pairing my Recklass Recipes with Adrice's outstanding, award winning wines: We started with a Cupid Salad (from the Valentine's Day Chapter/menu) which was brilliant with Adrice's ‘18 Alma Albariño. Then it was Cheezey cornbread (from the Halloween Menu/Chapter) with ‘17 Malbec. The Main course was an updated spin on a classic New Year's Day Black Eyed Pea stew "Hoppin Joan" which danced beautifully with with ‘17 Bare Knuckle Syrah. But probably the hit of the evening were the desserts: Cranberry Gems, (from the Christmas Eve Menu/Chapter) White chocolate with Cranberries marinated in wine with toasted slivered almonds and dusted with habanero salt & chipotle, was paired with their Synergy Cab Port, and special bark created just for the occasion called "Auntiji" Bark (in honor of Auntie Linda) which was dark chocolate with habanero salted caramel, toasted walnuts and just a pinch of cinnamon paired with Adrice's Fool's Gold bourbon Syrah... both were mind-blowing.
But it was the impromptu "panel discussion" of women who shared their "origin stories" like super heroes who each had charged on through trials and twists of careers -- a prison guard, the author of Seattle's first vegetarian directory, a national racketball champion, a peace corps volunteer, the den mother for Wallstreet traders... none were in the careers they had started in, all were now successful entrepreneurs -- owners of their own companies - but each shared a bond of determination, a passion for following their hearts and fierce belief that taking care, taking risks and taking first steps came from giving first. It was a deeply enriching experience for everyone fueled by love for food & wine. I was so full at the end of this amazing evening -- full of love, inspiration, sisterhood, acceptance and really really great wine! So of course in the buoyancy and spirit of the evening... we made more plans for the future!
Onward... to Sonoma and step on it! I've got a date with the Flying Barron Brothers... send lawyers, guns and money...
But it was the impromptu "panel discussion" of women who shared their "origin stories" like super heroes who each had charged on through trials and twists of careers -- a prison guard, the author of Seattle's first vegetarian directory, a national racketball champion, a peace corps volunteer, the den mother for Wallstreet traders... none were in the careers they had started in, all were now successful entrepreneurs -- owners of their own companies - but each shared a bond of determination, a passion for following their hearts and fierce belief that taking care, taking risks and taking first steps came from giving first. It was a deeply enriching experience for everyone fueled by love for food & wine. I was so full at the end of this amazing evening -- full of love, inspiration, sisterhood, acceptance and really really great wine! So of course in the buoyancy and spirit of the evening... we made more plans for the future!
Onward... to Sonoma and step on it! I've got a date with the Flying Barron Brothers... send lawyers, guns and money...
Recklass in Sonoma Wine Country-- December 14th, 2019
My boys, Donny & Dave, "The Flying Barron Brothers"
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I'm driving in my car... thinking ahead to when I will finally walk thru my own front door to sit down long enough to write this... I'm eating a smoked chicken mole burrito that I made this morning at Ruthie & Dave's house in Santa Rosa... and even tho' it's cold and a bit soggy (from the Mexican Cole Slaw that adds that perfect briny, citrusie, cummininy crunch but now it's dark outside which means it's been in my car for over 8 hours... )and... it's freakin' delicious!
Now, I wish I could claim credit for this Recklass manna from heaven, but, tho I made one of th best moles of my life, its glorious-ness comes from the mad-ass skills and love of two amazing men: Donny and his little bro, Dave. As I munch and reminisce about this weekend's event, I recall that this happened because last summer, I was the only woman (ever) invited to join the "Flying Barron Brothers" at the Russian River BBQ Cookoff. It was during this time that I met Sarah, the Event Manager for one of the premier family owned wineries in the country, Martinellis Winery & Vineyards (no not the apple juice makers). So, in a sense, this event was really what started the whole Recklass Coast2Coast Tour... but the mole... holy sh*t! My recipes have never tasted this good. Dave is THE grill master -- if it needs fire and smoke, Dave is your man! I've learned more about cooking with fire in the two short weeks I've spent with the master (last summer and now this week) than any of the countless BBQ books that line my shelves. Donny is the task master -- keeping us on track and prepping everything alongside me -- from the Chipotle Sweet Potato Tart, to the aforementioned Mexican Cole Slaw to the two slabs of bark - Cranberry Gems and Almond Rocky Road (I called an audible at the line of scrimmage) Donny was right there with me making sure it went off without a hitch.
The venue was absolutely stunning and once again Ruthie came to resuce shooting these shots (I was busy serving the guests who came out from as far away as Oakland and as close as Novato -- so great effort was made to get Recklass with us!) The Barron Family has taken me into their signature warm embrace -- and made my Recklass in Sonoma experience deeply profound and rich. We raised money for Sonoma County Fire Relief, Sarah paired our Recklass Recipes with outstanding and delicious wines, and we introduced Northern Cali to Recklass Cooking.
One cherished member of my "reader team," M'liss Missy Polk joined us and so did very dear friend Patricia who brought two new friends, Brian & Ted-- and it turned out that Missy Polk knew Brian! The highlight of a day full of highlights was when Sarah said, "Good news! Francisco is coming!" Now, that is normally a great thing -- I met this native of Italy last summer and he is wonderful man a bright light, who fills the room with his smile and laugh.... but Francisco is professional CHEF!!!! Mid-way thru his meal, I was passing by and he grabbed my arm and said, "When you served me this plate I thought, ugh, cabbage salad, I don't like cabbage salad -- too boring... but then I tried yours and I thought, I've never had this flavor before! I like this cabbage salad -- I really really like it!" I wasn't sure if he was teasing me or being polite but he repeated it to me twice more throughout the event and Sarah said he was still talking about it that night... so, there you go.
The last of the leg of the tour is just one week away... I'm getting Recklass with my dear friend Chandra we've got the homefield advantage!
Now, I wish I could claim credit for this Recklass manna from heaven, but, tho I made one of th best moles of my life, its glorious-ness comes from the mad-ass skills and love of two amazing men: Donny and his little bro, Dave. As I munch and reminisce about this weekend's event, I recall that this happened because last summer, I was the only woman (ever) invited to join the "Flying Barron Brothers" at the Russian River BBQ Cookoff. It was during this time that I met Sarah, the Event Manager for one of the premier family owned wineries in the country, Martinellis Winery & Vineyards (no not the apple juice makers). So, in a sense, this event was really what started the whole Recklass Coast2Coast Tour... but the mole... holy sh*t! My recipes have never tasted this good. Dave is THE grill master -- if it needs fire and smoke, Dave is your man! I've learned more about cooking with fire in the two short weeks I've spent with the master (last summer and now this week) than any of the countless BBQ books that line my shelves. Donny is the task master -- keeping us on track and prepping everything alongside me -- from the Chipotle Sweet Potato Tart, to the aforementioned Mexican Cole Slaw to the two slabs of bark - Cranberry Gems and Almond Rocky Road (I called an audible at the line of scrimmage) Donny was right there with me making sure it went off without a hitch.
The venue was absolutely stunning and once again Ruthie came to resuce shooting these shots (I was busy serving the guests who came out from as far away as Oakland and as close as Novato -- so great effort was made to get Recklass with us!) The Barron Family has taken me into their signature warm embrace -- and made my Recklass in Sonoma experience deeply profound and rich. We raised money for Sonoma County Fire Relief, Sarah paired our Recklass Recipes with outstanding and delicious wines, and we introduced Northern Cali to Recklass Cooking.
One cherished member of my "reader team," M'liss Missy Polk joined us and so did very dear friend Patricia who brought two new friends, Brian & Ted-- and it turned out that Missy Polk knew Brian! The highlight of a day full of highlights was when Sarah said, "Good news! Francisco is coming!" Now, that is normally a great thing -- I met this native of Italy last summer and he is wonderful man a bright light, who fills the room with his smile and laugh.... but Francisco is professional CHEF!!!! Mid-way thru his meal, I was passing by and he grabbed my arm and said, "When you served me this plate I thought, ugh, cabbage salad, I don't like cabbage salad -- too boring... but then I tried yours and I thought, I've never had this flavor before! I like this cabbage salad -- I really really like it!" I wasn't sure if he was teasing me or being polite but he repeated it to me twice more throughout the event and Sarah said he was still talking about it that night... so, there you go.
The last of the leg of the tour is just one week away... I'm getting Recklass with my dear friend Chandra we've got the homefield advantage!
Author's final reflections of the tour that was...
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I love this time of the year, I call it the "stolen time" -- a time of the year when the world seems to literally pause on it's axis, time slows down, and the very air about you seems to want to give you time to pause and reflect on the year that almost just was...
For me, it's been a Recklass year -- for those of you who have either read my story or heard me tell at the various tour stops of the Recklass Coast2Coast tour, it was re-editing (updating?) the whole book in February, a mad dash to proof it and get the layout with photos done in May (silly me, I was trying to sync it with the drop of my TED Talk... which happened without any warning) then the more sanely paced printing/proofing adjusting and reprinting boogie which took me up to September, the launch Oct. 6th, and the Coast2Coast tour planning, and starting right on the heels... which culminated in last week's finale event here in LA LA Land... ... pant pant pant... It's a little cray to see the above in (digital) black and white. But Recklass nonetheless... So what did I learn? Well thank you for asking. I learned that i have the most precious of gifts -- a chosen family that is made of my birth family & a huge collection of new siblings, friends and allies. I am a unicorn, who has been embraced by my birth family with loving, and adoring arms, who never suffered the rejection that is too many times (one is too many) the "norm" for our rainbow family. I know I am blessed. I learned that tho' Recklass is what I may call it, Recklass, is how most everyone naturally does it, or will after my book -- I loved watching people's faces from SIlicon Valley to New York City light up when they saw Recklass in action eith by helping lug suitcases full of book cross Manhattan in various subways and lyfts, or pit-barrel smoking my Mole recipe to serve to guests in a historic winery. Tho' Recklass is a celebration of my femininity, it is not a gendered term nor exclusive in any way. It is a joyful, fearless magick that may have to improvise at any time, but will never compromise in cooking from the heart. I learned that Recklass is infectious. It inspires everyone to dive into its joyful abandon - from the Brewery that not only embraced Recklass Kitchen's "Tough Cookies" but took that ball and ran all the way from the brew masters pairing my cookies with not just one but 2 flights of their beers, but the marketing department turning the heat up to boil and driving 300 people to taste these morsels, to my new best friend ever Chandra who gave me the hugest gift of making the Recklass Christmas event happen. Its been an amazing year - capped by an amazing tour, and here we are... and in in this time what I am reflecting on is gratitude. So please allow me to express aloud my appreciation for some amazing angels who made this happen: My reader team: Melissa Missy Polk, Sukoshi Rice, and Mary Beth Eversole for letting me know that Recklass was "a thing." Adam & Megan for making the layout happen. Mitch Merback & Karen Franklin for the studio, their expertise and their love. Derek Zedaker for making me and the set and the cover look tasty with his lighting wizardry. Sandra Kuker & Anita Lee, who ran my first ever professional PR campaign. Valerie Feuer - She knew that Oct. 6th would be an emotional mountain to climb and offered to host a luncheon for my publishing launch, she was the first to officially make my Recklass recipes. Indira Kehl - she is always one of my biggest cheerleaders and co-conspirators, and she hosted the Recklass Coast2Coast Tour launch. Mena Kehoe, who reprised her role of photographer (she shot the plates that grace Recklass's Chapter/Menu pages as well as the cover, by documenting the destruction I "recked" on Indira's kitchen as well as the cakes, candy and four course meal for 30 that set the bar for the tour. Karlwithakay for roping in complete strangers to come hear the Recklass story, (and love on the food). Juan Carlos Andrews for always being a loving supported, host and friend. Makario Sarsozo ad his husband Kirk for not just always hosting me in their warm and loving embrace, but for being a great consiglieri, guide and sage. Andrew Greenberg for inviting, drumming up support and hosting a reading at the WGA -- which truly made the NYC leg of the tour happen. Michael Sharkey for his always amazing enthusiasm and support which capitalized on the WGA's invitation and made two tour stops happen and happen including introducing me to: Anna Dunn. My new BFF - an amazing soul who guided me thru the Willamsburg foodie scene with light, laughter and love then became my wing person and co-pilot for the entire Big Apple Experience. My Auntieji Linda Mikkelsen who not only encourages me (almost) everyday, but hosted me in Seattle, and rode shotgun as I ran roughshod over her kitchen making 24 batches of cookie dough, then rolled right into pans of candy (including inventing a new confection that we'll call Auntieji Bark) but she came up with the compliment of the tour: "I watched you waltzing back and forth serving cookies at the Growler Guys with such grace and energy, and I realized that you have the amazing energy that I always remember you having... nothing has changed except that now you do it backwards and in heels!" Kelly Dole for enthusiastically agreeing to host Adult Milk & Cookies before I even said the date -- Kell has always been down to follow (or lead) me into a Toad's Wild Ride, but this was beyond. and Carol Greene Dole for always supporting me including hunting down the elusive Thai Green(e) Curry paste. Ellen Tedford and everyone at Fremont Brewing for going all in on Tough Cookies. Julie Bulrice and Pam Adkins at Adrice wines for a night I will never forget. Don Barron -- probably my biggest supporter. Don is always there, no matter what. No matter where. No matter for how long. Dave & Ruthie Barron who embraced me from jump and made Sonoma happen - with love laughter and ton of (deserved) teasing. They carried me, fed me, and never has my mole tasted that good! Sarah Cox who put the full weight of Martinelli Winery behind my Recklass tour stop, creating one of the most elegant experiences on the tour. Chandra Gilbert who's love and support has become one of my most cherished treasures. Eric James who will always join Chandra for any adventure and brought love and light to the kitchen. To Rocco & Willa who both jumped in to serve up a Recklass Christmas The Refinery who donated a 11 foot 6 inch tree (size matters here) to our Recklass Christmas Gracias Madre Restaurant for donating the wine! My dear Stephen Pappas who helped me figure out how to turn a historic mansion into an elegant Christmas Wonderland. Devin Almond (and sister Jenny) for jumping in and helping me turn a historic mansion into an elegant Christmas Wonderland. Veronica Noel for being that extra me when I had to be in two places at once. My brother-in-law Malcolm for making sure an 11.5 foot tree would get delivered after it was won. Keegan Halupowski for rocking the Santa Suit. Alison Whiteacre for rallying the troops and getting the word out -- tirelessly! For everyone everywhere for coming out to support Recklass. And for the brightest star in a galaxy of greatness, my sister Kimm and her ah-mazing family Husband Mikey, Kaylee, Dane and Hana. Truly speaking, Kimm has been literally carrying me for the last year. Her love and support (and knowing when to hug me and when to grab me by the shoulders and shake me into reality) was the bedrock of even how I was able to venture out on the Recklass Coast2Coast tour. She and her loving family were not only the wonderful caretakers of my beloved pups (not sure they'll ever wanna come home) but were the soft landing that inspired me to keep going and caught me when it was over. Recklass in the Kitchen 2019 got the main engine blast of love from all these angels and more to achieve escape velocity... the bird is away... I am grateful beyond compare...look for great things... come on 2020! |