Vacation Grub

Vacation Grub

In-N-Out Burger, the Double Double, French Fries

We were in Northern California to be with our family a few weeks ago and these are just some of the places we ate at. Each time we visit NorCal, there are two places Allen and me always go to: Country Waffles and In-N-Out Burger. We had dinner one evening at the In-N-Out Burger in Madera, CA on our road trip from Bass Lake to Livermore. I always come here on vacation because we do not have In-N-Out Burger on the east coast and they have one of my favorite burgers. Allen and me ordered the Double Double with everything and French Fries. It was so great and satisfying. This location also had pickled chiles and Allen had some on the side.

In-N-Out Burger, the Double Double, French Fries, ketchup?

In-N-Out Burger, another view of the Double Double, Pickled Chiles, French Fries

We had breakfast at Country Waffles in Livermore, CA one morning with our family and family friend, Bob. I love this place! I ordered the All American, two scrambled eggs served with country potatoes and biscuits (no gravy). Allen ordered a Pork Special-pork, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns and biscuits with a side of gravy.

My All American

Allen's Pork Special

Close up of Allen's Pork Special

Allen and me both had Biscuits, so heavenly and soft

I had lunch with Allen and his parents at the Black Bear Diner in Merced, CA. We were on a road trip to Bass Lake. I ordered the Classic Burger with French Fries. You can see Allen's burger in the photo as well.

My Classic Burger with French Fries, ketchup!

When in Bass Lake, CA you must eat at Ducey's On the Lake at The Pines Resort. I love the decor and the warm homey feel of the place. The food is really great too! We had breakfast at Ducey's on our last day visiting Allen's sister in Bass Lake. My food usually involves ketchup as you can see from all the photos. I ordered country potatoes, scrambled eggs and sourdough toast. Allen ordered 2 eggs sunnyside up, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy. We enjoyed good old American food and most of all spending time with our family on our summer vacation. 

Country potatoes, scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, and ketchup

2 eggs sunnyside up, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy

For further information, please visit:

In-N-Out Burger - http://www.in-n-out.com/

Country Waffles - http://countrywaffles.com/

Black Bear Diner - http://blackbeardiner.com/

Ducey's On The Lake at The Pines Resort - http://www.basslake.com/index.cfm

-Sophia/Two Frys

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

A few weeks ago, Allen and I went to Northern California to visit family and some friends. I baked this Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake for a family gathering the day before we were set to head back home. It was the first cake I baked this summer because our apartment kitchen is so hot. I was happy to bake in an air conditioned kitchen and not have to sweat.

Lemon Cake layers just out of the oven!

I think lemon, vanilla and coconut are a perfect trifecta and ideal for a summer gathering. This Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake is moist and has a rich lemony taste. The Whipped Vanilla Frosting is creamy and the coconut flakes coating are a perfect combination.

I just sliced the first piece of this beauty!

I came across a Lemon Cake recipe in one of my Saveur issues: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Lemon-Layer-Cake.  I made this cake for my husband's birthday last year and he loved it. Thus far, this is the best Lemon Cake I have baked. You can view my results here: http://twofrys.blogspot.com/2012/06/lemon-layer-cake.html.

My piece of cake

The Whipped Vanilla Frosting is from: http://www.askchefdennis.com/2011/12/im-dreaming-of-a-white-christmas-cake-with-sweet-peony/. I have made this frosting twice for Ina Garten's Coconut Cake and Red Velvet Cake.

To bake this cake, buy 1 package of Sweetened Coconut Flakes and go to the links above for the rest of the ingredients and directions. I baked the cake portion following the recipe from Saveur. To make the Whipped Vanilla Frosting see link above. The frosting is simple to make, but follow the instructions and measure accordingly. It will make a big difference.

A thing of beauty

When the cake layers have cooled completely, place the top layer face down and spread the Whipped Vanilla Frosting and sprinkle Coconut Flakes all around. Place the second layer with the top facing up and frost the entire cake and decorate as you wish. Coat the cake with the remaining Coconut Flakes. Refrigerate overnight if possible. Enjoy with Vanilla Bean or French Vanilla ice cream!

-Sophia/Two Frys