This weekend I filmed two videos.  One on my gluten-free dog treats recipe, and the other on my yogurt cider cake recipe.  I love filming!!  My plan is to edit, and then post the gluten free dog treat video, along with the recipe next weekend, and then probably the cake recipe the weekend after that. I also have a couple other videos to edit over the next few weeks as well.

It's a combo day here in Port Townsend, WA.  Part sun, part rain, and tons of wind. Absolutely gorgeous clouds, and a bit of a chop to the water giving the Puget Sound colors of blue, gray, and green.  Oh how I wish I was a painter on a day like today.  I'd love to be able to capture those waves in paint.

Have a fantastic week!  And as always, feel free to comment on what you are doing, or eating, this week!

Happy baking!

Victoria Cooksey

Be sure to "like" my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish

I've spent some time this weekend putting the finishing touches on my own version of a gluten-free dog treat recipe.  I'm hoping to film a Youtube video on how to make them next weekend.  I'm used to making people food, but this has been an enjoyable change of pace.

Here is a pic of my puppy King Louis.  He is half and half French bulldog and Boston terrier born on May 15, 2015.  He has totally approved the treats I've been making for him. This is Louis's "I just finished supper, and I'm getting sleepy, so it's time you snuggle with me" face.

What kind of dog, or other pet do you have?

Victoria Cooksey 

#puppy #frenchbulldog #bostonterrier 

Cider fan?  I confess I wasn't much of one before, but after moving to Washington State 11 months ago I became a fan fast!  My introduction to cider from this area started with just driving around and seeing a sign for the Alpenfire tasting room.  Once there, I discovered a new passion for all things cider!  Before, I'd had a lot of ciders that had a bit of a vinegar taste, but the ones in this area really celebrate the true fresh apple taste, and allow the fruits own natural sugars to shine without ever being too sweet.  So when I heard about a cider event taking place right here in Port Townsend, WA I knew I had to go! (One of the many fantastic things about living in Port Townsend is that there is literally an unending list of awesome things to do locally).  

This past August 8th, 2015 marked the 5th annual Summer Cider Day here in Port Townsend, WA. The event was presented by the Northwest Cider Association, and took place upstairs in the Northwest Maritime Center with the added bonus of great waterfront views.  I love events like this where I can try so many versions of a product side by side because I always find that's the best, and quite often, the fastest way to learn about many things like wine, coffee, chocolate, and in this case, cider. 

o

Doors opened at noon, and tickets were $25 in advance, and $30 at the door.  This price included 10 tasting tickets, along with a souvenir tasting glass.  There was a also a cider store where most ciders from the tasting were available for purchase.

I especially enjoyed the voice of the event's singer/songwriter Callie Cash.  (You may both hear, and see her in my video of this event on Youtube, and at the end of this post).

I loved the full on Asian pear taste in the above pic of Nashi Orchards, located on Vashon Island, WA, Chojuro Asian Pear Perry. (This was my top fav pear product at the event).

My top fav cider of the entire event was the North Fork Traditional by Montana Ciderworks.  I spent a long time conversing with the friendly people representing this cidery, and found out there is only a tiny handful of cideries in Montana.  (When I read the list of cideries that would be at this event this is the one I wanted to try the most since I had never had a cider from Montana).  Let's just say I definitely purchased the full sized version of this at the event's cider store! I also recommend their other cider variations as well.

My second fav cider overall of the event, was the cherry cider by New West Cider from Oregon. (Their blueberry one was pretty awesome too).  This product had lovely cherry, popcorn, cotton candy nose and taste elements, but not sweet, just very flavorful.  I've never tasted anything like it. The only rub is that it isn't available for purchase yet!  I look forward to it being available!

I also tried some various ciders made in the Willamette Valley Oregon (not pictured), and found it surprising that they had a certain old world elegance to them, not unlike Pinot Noirs grown in that area.  That is some soil there!!

I also couldn't help myself, and had to buy a cider cupcake!!  Yum!!

The location of this event also happens to be a great place to chill out by the water any day of the week.  (Velocity Coffee shop is located here too if you are feeling the need of a latte or two).

All in all, I definitely plan to attend this event next year, and absolutely encourage you to do so as well.  (While writing this blog I happen to be drinking a cider made in Oregon called 2 Towns Ciderhouse Made Marion made with apples and marionberries which has a nice balance of both fruits, and a good acidity in the finish).

For more information please refer to all the links below my video of this event, and until next time, drink on world!!!!
Victoria Cooksey

Northwest Cider Association:
http://www.nwcider.com/

Callie Cash:
https://www.facebook.com/calliecash?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
http://www.calliecashmusic.com/

Nashi Orchards:
http://www.nashiorchards.com/

Montana Ciderworks:
http://www.montanacider.com/

New West Cider:
http://www.newwestcider.com/

Alpenfire Cider:
http://alpenfirecider.com/

Victoria Cooksey:
https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish
https://instagram.com/victoria.cooksey/
https://twitter.com/VictoriaCRandom
https://www.pinterest.com/beyourfreedom/
https://plus.google.com/u/0/103970619994694551224/posts
http://victoriacookseysrandomdish.blogspot.com/
Cooking and travel videos:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-lp-lF_wB2oX_592jK9UQ
My comedy cooking videos page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGYozoGjCmRQXZmxFiGFpg

Cider:  A Tease

I just got back from the 5th annual Summer Cider Day in Port Townsend, WA. Next weekend I will write a blog post about it along with pics and a YouTube video of the event.  Stay tuned to see who my fav cidery was!

Victoria Cooksey


https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

https://instagram.com/victoria.cooksey/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-lp-lF_wB2oX_592jK9UQ

Mussels with Muscles: JCVD Spoof Action Edition Victoria Cooksey's Random Dish

Victoria Cooksey

A couple of years ago while sitting in a Irish Pub in San Antonio, TX of all places (Lion and the Rose Pub), my Victoria Cooksey's Random Dish comedy cooking show idea was born. Originally, it was supposed to be really random like different hairdos, places in different spots each shot, etc, but that took a bit long to do, so I just stuck with the comedy.

Over the episodes many "special callers" have been featured on the Random Dish Panic Hotline in skits, however, this week the "caller" I wanted to have from the very beginning is my favorite #action #star #JCVD #Jean-ClaudeVanDamme.  I've loved him for years! This episode is also dedicated to #TheActionElite for keeping action alive, and for also being fans of JCVD. 

Kick back, get out a bottle of #St.BernardusAbt.12 #Belgian #Ale, and enjoy what happens when our version of JCVD influences my recipe, and learn a kick-ass mussel recipe at that same time.  Then go watch a JCVD movie while you eat!

P.S. While I love all his classic films, the more current ones that rock are Assassination Games, 6 Bullets, and of course, Expendables 2.

https://www.facebook.com/JCVDonline

https://www.facebook.com/ActionElite?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/St.Bernardus.beer

https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish?fref=ts

Pastry on the Peninsula Part 2 (Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas) 

Victoria Cooksey

Last week we majorly dove into pastries/desserts in Port Townsend, WA.  This week we take our sugar rush to some other WA towns that are around 40 to 50ish minute drives away from Port Townsend. 

Port Angeles, WA gives us Cock-a-Doodle Doughnuts.  http://www.cockadoodledoughnuts.com/ This first pic is of thier maple bacon doughnut.  I sure hope I had you at bacon!

I like to call this picture sailboat through a doughnut.  Grab some doughnuts, and then head over to the water to devour them with a great view.  Not pictured, but extremely tasty, is their buttermilk doughnut. (On a travel note, Port Angeles is where you may catch a ferry over to Victoria Canada).

Silverdale visitors will dig Bella Belle Cupcakes http://bellabellacupcakes.com/  Some of the best cupcakes I've had.  Not too sweet, and the cake part is as good as the icing.  A win win combo!  I recommend the s'mores and the raspberry champagne ones.  Check their website for which days flavors are available.  The also offer some of them in mini sizes, but I'm a glutton, so I go for full size!

Port Gamble may be the cutest little town ever! (Ghost hunters may want to check out this town too). http://www.portgamblegeneralstore.com/ The General Store Cafe offers a wide selection of desserts. This one was rhubarb, but there are many choices.

Chocolate lovers be sure to check out The Tea Room in Port Gamble for homemade chocolates. Phone: 360-297-4225.

Poulsbo has a super delicious selection of chocolates at Boehm's chocolates of Poulsbo http://www.boehmspoulsbo.com/

I may have saved the best for last: Sluys Bakery in Poulsbo, WA.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sluys-Poulsbo-Bakery/331792313564023
Just looking in the window makes me drool!  When you walk in such an amazing bakery smell hits you and it will cause you to lose all will power! Plus, Poulsbo is just gorgeous! Definitely take your bakery purchases over to eat by the waterfront.

My viking cup attacks! (Cinnamon roll filled with cream cheese icing).

Sluys Bakery also has these chocolate Viking doughnuts (also in glazed) that are big enough to share, but I wouldn't! :)

Hungry for more chocolate and desserts?  Check out my comedy cooking video on youtube Victoria Cooksey's Random Dish: Figs and Chocolate.

Hope this 2 part dessert topic as helped satisfy your sweet tooth!

Victoria Cooksey

https://instagram.com/victoria.cooksey/
https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/VictoriaCRandom
https://www.pinterest.com/beyourfreedom/

My comedy cooking channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGYozoGjCmRQXZmxFiGFpg

My cooking/wine/travel videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-lp-lF_wB2oX_592jK9UQ

Pastry on the Peninsula (Olympic) Part 1. 

Post and photos by Victoria Cooksey

My favorite part of living somewhere, or when planning a trip, is looking up all the fantastic bakeries and restaurants, so I can get my sugar fix on. This part 1 post is all about the luscious treats here in Port Townsend, and next week I will fill you in on other can't miss desserts elsewhere on the Olympic Peninsula. 

First up is one of my absolute favs for croissants, and scones (and breads too) is Dalla Notte Baking found most Saturdays at the farmer's market.  Baker Kellen Lynch varies the flavors weekly, so it is always a surprise (unless you check out his facebook page the night before https://www.facebook.com/dallanotte ). 

Pictured below are his dark chocolate croissant, and a bacon, apricot scone.

Cinnamon roll fans unite!  Courtyard Cafe serves up the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had, along with many other tempting treats in their bakery case.  I love that they roll the dough for this very thin, so that there is so much flavor in each bite.  I completely dig their mini monkey breads too.

 There is indoor seating, but I definitely recommend sitting outside on a nice day.  http://www.courtyardcafept.com/

Do you dream in old fashioned ice cream soda vision? Make that dream a reality by stepping into times gone by at Don's Pharmacy at 1151 Water St.  Phone: 360-385-2622.  The size and flavor of the ice cream sodas, shakes, and malts will blow you away.  Warning:  If you order the banana split be sure to have at least 3 of you!  It's insanely huge!!!

I've been to England and Ireland and I love the scones there.  When in the states I pop into Pippa's Real Tea for scones with jam and real clotted cream.  On a side note, I never used to like Earl Grey tea, but Pippa's version is so amazing.  And the decaf version is the bomb if you want taste without a kick. (Also, in the winter this place makes killer chicken pot pies.  Just be sure to order one the day before.  They sell out fast!). http://pippasrealtea.com/

When I need a major, and I mean full on major chocolate fix I head over to Sweet Laurette for the chocolate oblivion torte.  If name alone doesn't hook you I don't know what will.  It's definitely enough to share with two people, but I have split it into fourths with company.  Take it to go, or eat it in the coffee shops side, or out in the courtyard.  They also have a dine in restaurant as well. http://www.sweetlaurette.com/

I don't know if ice cream may really be called pastry, but in my book if it's a sugary delight it counts! Elevated Ice Cream (and there is an attached candy store too) offers many flavors.  (Be sure to grab a number when you walk in because sometimes there is a line).  The first flavor I had there is still my favorite: Blind Love.  :)  Eat it inside, or walk out the back to the pier and enjoy the view.  (Every now and then I've seen an eagle perched somewhere near outside). http://www.elevatedicecream.com/

I confess that I used to be in a take it or leave it mood when it came to tiramisu.  That completely changed once I had the tiramisu at Hillbottom Pie (which also happens to have the best soups ever, and the sausage pizza and the white pizza with pesto and ricotta are must gets!).  Thier version is so fresh that you can't even get it to go, dine in only on this one because they want the integrity to be spot on!  I love a place that cares that much about their food! Address: 215 Tyler Street.
Phone: 360-385-1360.

Until you can make it to Port Townsend, WA for yum yums...check out one of my comedy cooking videos on how to make flourless chocolate cupcakes.  There is a little scene toward the end I filmed on one of the piers here.

Hungry for more?  Keep an eye out for part 2 of this topic.  I'll be posting places in other towns around here worth visiting for their sweets!

P.S. Places I didn't post pics of, but that I enjoy too, are:

http://panedamore.com/  For French pastries and bread
http://www.cellardoorpt.com/ for chocolate pot dessert and the best cocktails in town
http://alchemybistroandwinebar.com/ for a fantastic chocolate mouse
and Tin Brick at 232 Taylor St.  Phone: 360-379-4181 for their house made sorbets.  I had the pomegranate Champagne one and the texture and taste was spot on!

Thanks for reading!  Feel free to comment on your must have sweet treats!!!

Be sure to follow this blog, and you may also find me at:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/victoria.cooksey/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beyourfreedom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaCRandom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish?fref=ts
Youtube:
Regular cooking and wine videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-lp-lF_wB2oX_592jK9UQ
Comedy cooking videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGYozoGjCmRQXZmxFiGFpg