Recently, I was testing recipes and photographing the
finished product for an exciting new cookbook that will be
available for pre-sale this Spring, "The Gilded Fork"
produced by Mark Tafoya of Culinary Media Network
located in New York.

The Lavender Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze was a huge
hit at our family gathering of a bakers dozen of relatives
taking part in our February birthday celebrations. We met
yesterday at Shannon and Brian's home in the foothills
of Altadena. Other family joining the party arrived
from Boise, Carlsbad, Grover Beach, Mission Viejo
and Camarillo.

Putting the cake together was a fun family affair with
our son Ryan trimming lavender from the backyard,
and my sister Margaret joining me in gathering the
freshest lemons and other produce at the local
farmers market. We assembled the ingredients for
the lavender pound cake and then prepared a
simple syrup on the stove that candied a lavender
garnish. My daughter-in-law then Stefani diced some
fresh lavender for the cake batter... and the cake was
lovingly placed into the oven.

We knew this cake recipe was going to be something
special as the flavorful aromas filled the entire kitchen
just as the cake baking was near completion.

I've won many blue ribbons recently at the Ventura County
Faire in varied baking and Professional Cake decorating categories.
I also teach cake decorating 3 times a week and can validate that
this recipe is a winner...perfect for spring and summer bridal
showers and weddings. Devine with a glass of champagne!

Family bonding at it's best... and an outrageously
delicious recipe - What could be better!





















Preparing the Pistachio Crusted Salmon
with shredded cabbage and Bailey's Irish
Cream Sauce for a dinner party of 6
on Saturday was another delightful
experience!

The guests thoroughly enjoyed this luscious recipe
& the distinct layering of the complimentary flavors.
This entree is another fabulous recipe planned
for the Gilded Fork Cookbook.


The Gilded Fork Cookbook will definitely
be a superb addition to any cookbook collection
and one that you will appreciate using when
entertaining guests in your home.

The Culinary Media Network plans to have
pre-sales of the Gilded Fork cookbook available
in April, 2009.

Although my current cookbook collection exceeds
500+ cookbooks, this treasure will be at my side
in the kitchen as I prepare special meals for my
clients and family!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a special ocassion coming up, contact
Custom Cuisine. As a personal chef I am pleased
to consult with you in planning of the menu.

On the day of your party I will arrive with the
freshest quality foods, prepare the meal onsite
and serve you and your guests a delightful gourmet
meal...

Having a Personal Chef prepare the food for your
special ocassions, provides you the time to mingle
and enjoy the celebration along with your guests!

Cheers...

Chef Mary Jane

P.S.
I'll be posting additional recipes from the Gilded Fork soon!

web: http://www.personalchefreservations.com/
e mail: personalchefreservations@gmail.com