Heartbreak Coffee

June 20, 2014 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Meet the Chef 1 Comment

I would love to say that I am that person that wakes up in the morning, stretches long and hard, jumps out of bed singing beautiful morning songs and skips through my house to start the day.

That is not me.

I wake up, peering open one eye, hoping that it can’t be true that I have to wake up. Then pull the covers back over my head, grunting loudly before flopping out onto the floor and crawling away from my cloud bed to start a new day.

Even I just rolled my eyes thinking of how ridiculous that sounds.

After today though, I may be transported from night owl to morning bird. It’s all thanks to the excitement I felt to get up and experience a new cup of brew. Not beer- that’s a different kind of post; but coffee brew.

In 2004 after pledging Pi Beta Phi at the University of Mississippi I was blessed to meet an incredible woman named Gretchen. She was funny, kind, and through all of the sorority mumbo jumbo she stayed true to herself which made me like her even more. As life has a tendency to do, we moved on and lost touch; but thanks to the world wide web and that of social media I have been able to keep up with Gretchen and boy am I glad I get to do that. Gretchen and her girlfriend, Michelle, are bringing joy to heartbreak with their specialty coffee. In the middle of a Kickstarter campaign to help them turn their in-home brew operation to a Long Beach California coffee shop; I decided now would be the best time to introduce a little heartbreak into my life. I can’t get enough of this coffee, it is absolutely delicious!

So without further adieu, I introduce to you… Heartbreak Coffee!

How did Heartbreak Coffee come about and where did the name Heartbreak coffee come from?

The name Heartbreak Coffee stands for all the obstacles I faced trying to open up my own shop since 2009. It stands as a testament to all of the bittersweet opportunities that had come and left after I felt like the Universe was telling me to leave the coffee industry. Heartbreak wasn’t even actually supposed to be a shop or a business – it began solely as a hobby to keep my spirit going. And now (ironically) we are in the process of opening up a storefront! Go figure. Looking back, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better. And that’s truly the spirit behind Heartbreak.

Why coffee?

Because it brings people together. Actually, before I ever even began to appreciate coffee, I really fell in love with the idea of opening up a coffeeshop. I love the people, the morning rush, the regulars, and feeling like I’m sitting at the center of a community.

When I decided to start A Day from Scratch it was the scariest yet most sure I’ve ever been about my career, what have been some challenges that you’ve had to overcome to start Heartbreak Coffee?

Emotionally, the biggest challenge we faced was really, truly, learning how to trust the process. When we started, we had no clue what we were doing, how people were hearing about us, or what on earth any of it meant! We both had to commit to quitting our regular jobs to pursue Heartbreak, but that was part of trusting the journey, and trusting that we were meant to do it. Now our biggest challenge is finding the funding we need to open up our storefront!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Life has given me the best advice. The BEST things happen out of simple intention and honest love. The hard work comes after that.

What are some of your favorite food/ coffee pairings?

It’s cliché, but we love coffee with breakfast. Breads, butter, citrus, jams, chocolate, croissants, ice cream and anything that has cinnamon in it. Oh, and we always have a small handful of flowers on the table.

What time your alarm is set for?

Usually neither of us can even sleep in past 7:30am these days!

Michelle: what is one of Gretchen’s quirky business characteristics?

Gretchen is notorious for being clumsy. She trips over her feet. So imagine what happens when a clumsy, 120lb girl starts roasting on an extremely high temperature, bulky, 300lb piece of machinery. Let’s just say we always keep aloe and bandaids readily accessible!

Gretchen: what is one of Michelle’s?

Michelle can never work if our ferret is present – the world stops for his cuteness. But, when she is focused on something, she works so hard and works so long that she makes herself “nauseous.” It’s dramatic but it keeps us laughing.

*sidenote- if you have instagram, you MUST follow Heartbreak coffee if only to see the adorable pictures of their ferret! Ok moving on.

Is there a motto or mantra that you live by?

Trust and work hard!

Who would sing the soundtrack to your day?

Michelle. She is constantly turning our conversations into songs. Or changing the lyrics to songs. She literally sings the soundtrack to our lives… Whether I like it or not… haha!!!

I’m sold! Finding a passion to live for in life is not always an easy thing to uncover. I found my passion in the culinary world and Gretchen and Michelle have sure found theirs!

Thanks Gretchen and Michelle for stopping by A Day from Scratch and sharing a little insight into Heartbreak Coffee.

Now, CALLING ALL FRIENDS… go to Heartbreak Coffee’s Kickstarter campaign page to read more about the Heartbreak story. Then whip out your wallet and donate to help them reach their goal!

GO GO GO!

I’m goin’ to…

March 18, 2014 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home 3 Comments

We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout,
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out.
I’m goin’ to Jackson, I’m gonna mess around,
Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson,
Look out Jackson town.

Well, while Johnny Cash and June Carter got it right in the songwriting department; I’d have to change the lyrics around for me.

I did NOT get married in a fever, although that would be interesting news; and I’m not goin’ to Jackson.

Where I AM goin’ is to…

If you’ve been with me at a day from scratch for a while now, you may know that I have moved around a little bit in the past few years.

Some folks know exactly what they want for their life when they graduate from college, who they want to be; I was not that gal. So after a few years chasing dreams in Houston, Nashville and Austin; I’m heading back to good ole H-town.

These past few years have been invaluable for me. I like to take risks, I follow my heart to a fault and I fully believe in staying true to myself. Before I moved away from Houston, I don’t know for sure that I was staying true to myself or following my own intuition. Sometimes it was easier to do what other people thought I should do or what society thought I should do rather than staying true to myself. Moving away forced me to fight for myself and speak up for the things that I truly want in life. Though there were the MANY MANY struggles and TONS of bumps to overcome I got to know myself as a result.

If someone had told me that just a few years after leaving Houston I’d be turning the bend and heading home, I would have laughed right at you. But, it’s a funny thing being away from your family and friends while pursuing your dreams; they are the ones you want to share them with once they start to come true.

Soooo, what’s next for ole Liz? Well, I’m still going to be blogging here; just from a different city and a different kitchen. I’ll also be moving my personal chef/ catering company there as well. So if you find yourself hungry in Houston anytime, give me a shout. If not, check back here soon and I’ll be sure to keep your bellies full with fun and delicious recipes!

Thanks for sticking by me friends! You all mean more to me than words can express.

Cheers!

Brunchin’ in Austin

February 10, 2014 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home 3 Comments

It’s just another manic Monday
I wish it were Sunday
‘Cause that’s my funday
My I don’t have to runday
It’s just another manic Monday

Don’t you wish everyday could be the weekend? Taking long runs around the lake, patio beers with friends, movies and most importantly brunch.

BRRRRRUUUUUUUNNNCCCCHHHHH!!!!!

Brunch is the best meal ever invented by anyone, hands down. You get to enjoy delicious juice cocktails while leisurely eating fabulous food. While working on this piece for the Austin Food Bloggers Association’s annual City Guide, I grabbed a girlfriend and we headed to one of my favorite brunch spots in Austin, Mulberry.

Intimate. Creative. Cozy. Mulberry is a neighborhood wine bar and new American restaurant in the heart of downtown Austin. With a brunch menu filled with both sweet and savory options there is certainly something for everyone.

Starting brunch off in proper style we ordered up a bellini and a mimosa. Well not both of us, we each had one. Double fisting beverages isn’t for brunch, I’m a classy lady.

Moving on.

Then as any two classy ladies would, we enjoyed a little cheese plate to start off with.

Starting from the left we have the Manón cheese, a bold blended taste similar to a cheddar and parmesan. The middle cheese, the Delice de Bourgogne, is a rich and plush cheese from the Burgandy region of France. I like to call it butter cheese, because it spreads thin like creamy butter. Then our meat, at the recommendation of our server, is the Rosette de Lyon; a cured French pork sausage. All served with some crusty French bread, this was the best way to start off a long brunch.

Another bellini and mimosa ordered and we were ready to move on to some more grub.

I went with my favorite dish on the menu. The smoked salmon croque madam. OHMYLANTA! Smoked salmon and gruyere cheese sandwiched between two buttery slices of toast, topped with a fried egg and béchamel sauce. This is perfection and boy do I love it!

My gal pal went with the brioche french toast smothered with cardamom syrup, strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Now I typically don’t gravitate towards sweet brunch dishes, but having a bite of this french toast converted me. It’s delicious!

After licking our plates clean and mayyyyybee having just one more bellini and mimosa we had happy bellies.

If you are in Austin or ever make it this way I HIGHLY recommend grabbing brunch at Mulberry. You won’t even have to twist my arm, of course I’ll go with you!

Now who needs a food coma/ brunch nap?

Mulberry

512.320.0297

3rd & Nueces

Austin, TX 78701

Alessandro Wedding Festivities in Jackson Hole WY

September 16, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home 5 Comments

What a whirl wind this weekend was. One of my very best and most beautiful friends, Kendra, married the love of her life, Alex, this past weekend in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

I have been friends with Kendra since we were in the 7th grade. She is the most compassionate and loving friend I could have ever asked for. We have been through a lot together over the past 15 years and it was such an honor to stand by her side while she married the man of her dreams. Who also happens to be an incredible man!

Kendra and Alex are lucky enough to call Jackson Hole home. Even though I love me some Austin TX it would be a dream to wake up everyday with the mountains as a backdrop.

While I was in Jackson for the wedding festivities we ate at one of the most incredible restaurants, and in pure chef like fashion, of course I have to share it with you all.

Bin 22 has everything you could possibly look for in a lunch spot, great Italian rustic food, incredible beverages and it’s even a little wine shop and market.

What’s better than great friends, great food and some great vino?

It was hard to narrow down a few options when everything looked so great, but following the advice of our server we settled on some of the best.

Such as this house pulled mozzarella capreze salad.

House made meatball in a delicious san marzano sauce with basil and mozzarella

Charred baby octopus with pickled beans, fingerling potatoes, piquillo peppers, luques olives, lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

The most incredible gulf shrimp with garlic, piquillo pepper, butter, white wine.

This dish will definitely be making an appearance at my home!

If you ever make it to Jackson Hole, I highly suggest you eat at Bin 22 at least once.

Thank you Bin 22, we had the best time!

Congratulations again to Kendra and Alex! This weekend was so incredible and I can’t wait to come back and visit. Is next weekend too soon?

Fredericksburg Favorites

June 21, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home Leave a Comment

This weekend I am in Fredericksburg Texas celebrating my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. I hope someday to have a marriage just like theirs! They are best friends to the core and have been a shining example for my cousins, sister and me of what it means to really be in love.

Tonight we are throwing them a party of desert and dancing with a 50’s jazz band to celebrate their big milestone. With friends and family coming from all over, it is sure to be a bash to remember!

I have spent my fair share of time in this small German town my grandparents call home, and I love sharing all of it’s gems.

Before we get busy welcoming everyone to town and prepping our party pants, I thought I’d share some of my favorite spots in town. If you are ever in the area be sure to check them out!

On your way into town on HWY 290 you will pass a bunch of local wineries. Becker Vineyards is definitely my favorite!

In the midst of all of the wineries is Chef Rebecca Rather’s new hot spot The Pink Pig. Rebecca’s food is delicious and it’s the perfect place to eat for lunch or dinner, especially if you are out touring the wineries. Also, she has the most incredible dog that lays around in the restaurant.

“Vintage Finds, Modern lines” is a perfect way to decribe Red. Red is full of funky interior design and and home decor.

Of course Der Kutchen Laden for the chef!

There are all kinds of boutiques on Main Street, but Root is definitely one of the best. They have great jewelry and fun clothes.

With some of the best German beers on tap you The Brewery has great German charm.

If beer is not your thing, maybe fudge is!

Stop by Bejas Grill for dinner. Their Chile Relleño will not disappoint.

Then hit up Hondo’s for some live Texas Country Music, dancing, and drinks! If you happen to see any of my cousins or me there at any point, you know it’s about to go down!

I’m off to have a fun family filled weekend!

What are you up to this weekend?

A Chat with Chef Jesse Griffiths

June 14, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home, Meet the Chef Leave a Comment

As I weave in and out of the crowds at the downtown farmer’s market I finally reach my destination, the Dai Due butcher shop tent. With a growing hunger and a definite caffeine withdrawal I was eager to get some food from the uber talented Chef Jesse Griffiths and his team, that’s right UBER talented.

Every Saturday from 9-1 the Dai Due team is downtown making up delicious tacos, tortas, sandwiches and selling some of their famous sausage, charcuterie and condiments from an ever evolving seasonal menu.

I ordered the torta and a café from chef Jesse himself and grabbed a nearby park bench to devour it!

With chorizo verde, egg, refried beans, cortido and crema, I was in heaven. This bad boy was IN-CRE-DI-BLE!

A few days later, back in the kitchen, I was able to steal a few moments of Jesse’s time to have a chat. In between the weekly butchery and a taco break we talked two of my loves; hunting and food!

1. When was your first hunting trip, what were you hunting?

“It was about seven years ago, I was out hunting Dove’s. I used a 20-guage full choke shotgun and bagged one bird. It was good that I bagged a bird my first time out, because it brought me back. The next few dove hunts I didn’t bag any so it made the first one even better.”

2. What is one of your most memorable hunts?

“I went on a three day duck hunt a while back and it was incredible, because I finally felt “on.” I was at a nearby river and felt I was learning more everyday- I took good time to scout a good location and was setting up and calling well. My duck hunting confidence grew a lot that weekend.”

3. What’s your favorite game to hunt? To eat?

“To eat, definitely Ferrel pig. It is so diverse, I usually slow roast it overnight at 200-225 degrees and it is delicious. To hunt, probably duck or snipe.”

4. What is your essential kitchen tool?

“A good cast iron pot.”

5. What is your guilty food pleasure?

“Mexican coke and tacos. Tacos are my Kryptonite!”

6. What would be your dream hunt?

“Probably upward game with Jim Harrison”

7. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Shoot the first pig that comes in, because you never know when another will come.”

That advice could translate well into life don’t you think? Take chances as they come to you, because you never know what the future holds.

As I leave the kitchen that day, I am a bigger fan than I was before if that is even possible. For someone so successful and talented, when talking with Jesse it’s like talking to an old friend. Just shootin’ the sh… well you know.

Just like he is talking to a friend, in his cookbook Afield, Jesse shares beautiful stories of hunting in a sustainable way- using what mother nature has provided you as a pantry and sharing the daily bounty with friends and neighbors.

“Dai Due regni di natura, piglia il cibo con misura.” “From the two kingdoms of nature, choose food with care.” That is the motto of chef and hunter Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due Butcher Shop and a great representation of Chef Jesse himself!

What I’m lovin’ right now

June 7, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home 1 Comment

I find myself multiple times a month, ok week, ok day devouring life’s guilty pleasures. Whether it be a glass of wine, ok 2, fine 3; or a delicious cold pressed juice I don’t like to deprive myself. Life’s too short, right?

Well I thought for a change of pace we could have a little chat about what we are loving right now. How does that sound?

Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka I LOVE this vodka! Mixed with some club soda and a lime, this drink is a perfect for a summer cocktail, by the pool or on the lake. What time is happy hour?

Juiceland

I find myself at Juiceland at least 4 times a week, getting a fresh juice or a cold smoothie. The Kaleibrator is my Jam!

Holly Williams

Not only is Holly an incredible singer, she also is a fashionista and writes a fantastic blog called The Afternoon Off.

I could sit and listen to music the way some people watch movies (I also love movies) and yes, I still buy CDs! I love reading the inserts and dedications.

Garden Herbs

Rosemary, chives, thyme and mint. Hopefully I won’t kill these. Anyone have any tips? A green thumb does not come natural to me, but I’m super eager to learn. I also really don’t want to kill them.

What are you loving right now?

Austin Bakes for West Texas

May 3, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Home Leave a Comment

Sometimes when tragedy strikes the outpouring of love and support is strong and plentiful in the immediate days following, but when a tragedy like the explosion in West happens the need is ongoing. Having an outlet to share information like a city-wide bake sale benefit is one of the many reasons that I love being a blogger, and even more an Austin blogger.

Austin Bakes has organized a city-wide bake sale at eight locations around Austin on Saturday from 10am-2pm. The proceeds from sales at all locations will go to AmeriCares relief efforts in West, Texas and the goal is to raise $15,000. If you are in the Austin area make sure you drop by and pick up some delicious goodies.

There will be scones, kolaches, cookies, pies, muffins, brownies, breads, tarts, cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and so much more!

What’s better than getting a weekend treat and donating to a great cause? Not much if you ask me, so make sure you pop by to show your support.

Happy Friday my friends, see you at the bake sale tomorrow!

The Austin Food & Wine Festival

April 29, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting Leave a Comment

This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to work with C3 Presents at the 2013 Austin Food & Wine Festival. I want to start by thanking C3 Presents for the incredible opportunity. The festival was incredible! Throughout the weekend, I experienced up-close and personal access to culinary, wine and spirit talent at dozens of cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars.

The second annual AFW festival kicked off on Friday night under the live oak trees at Republic Square Park with an all-star lineup of talent from the Texas culinary scene. With a glass of wine in hand and live music from the Whiskey Shivers playing the soundtrack; I explored the amazing food brought in by Chef’s like Aaron Franklin from Franklin’s BBQ, Paul Qui from East Side King and soon Qui, Tre Wilcox from Marquee Grill in Dallas, Danny Trace From Brennan’s of Houston and so many more.

After such a great night I didn’t think it could get any better, but I was wrong. The two day festival layout at Butler Park was equally as incredible! The park was laid out with special event tents to accommodate the many Chef Demonstrations, where some of the most talented chefs in the US shared their tricks of the trade. Also tents for the Wine Seminars and the Grand Tasting tent filled with wine, beer and liquor tasting from various vendors as well as small bites from more delicious restaurants.

Words can’t express how much fun this weekend was! I can’t wait for the festival next year, but in the meantime I am going to take some tips from the Chef’s and get back in my kitchen.

A Night with Fine Home Dining

March 26, 2013 by adayfromscratch Filed Under: Gallivanting, Meet the Chef Leave a Comment

Ok friends, I am going to let you guys in on a little culinary secret. I work for an amazing Chef here in Austin- Chef Brandy Gibbs of Fine Home Dining. After years of mastering her skills in kitchens from California to Florida, Brandy moved home to Austin and in 1999 started Fine Home Dining. Growing her business through word of mouth year after year, Fine Home Dining specializes in Prepared Menus, Easy Entertaining, In-Home Catering, Cooking Lessons, and Seasonal Menus appropriate to your occasion.

Working with Brandy since September of last year, I have seen first hand her fresh approach to local cuisine, her fun interaction with clients and friends, and vast knowledge of culinary techniques.

In addition to catering in home dinners and parties, Brandy teaches cooking classes; and i’m here to give you a little sneak peak into last night’s event.

On the menu was a pecan crusted snapper with a chimichurri sauce, a broccoli crème fraiche puree, and an arugula salad with cucumber, avocado and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Once the guests had arrived and poured themselves a glass of wine (and a glass for Brandy and me as well 🙂 ) the fun began.

Brandy started by walking the group of 11 ladies through the steps of menu preparation. With me set up as her sidekick, Brandy explained how she paired up the evening’s menu, “Starting with the salad: the bright flavors balance each other out well with the peppery arugula, cool cucumber, creamy avocado and the tart lemon dressing. The broccoli purée is perfect for family style meals and the light creamy flavor pairs well with the crispy pecan crust of the fish.”

At each of our cooking classes Brandy demonstrates the menu start to finish from scratch, answering any questions that arise and adding notes of her own. She offers great tips on where to buy the best ingredients in town, how to make substitutions as needed and how to prepare the given menu for their own at-home party.

As the laughter and mingling of friends continues the meal unfolds and is ready to go. The gals take their wine to the table as we plate up dinner for them to enjoy.

Then, with a clink of our own wine glasses, Brandy and I toast to another scrumptious meal by Fine Home Dining– and set out for our next culinary adventure.

A Day from Scratch

Concierge cooking - Tailored nutrition