Swapper Profiles: Angela Mc and J.K. Kaufman + Beer Bread Recipe

I am extremely pleased to introduce the dynamic swap duo of Angela and J.K.. Though in fact they haven't been coming to the swap for all that long of a time, it feels like they have (in the best of ways). They always come supremely well-stocked, which is evidence of the hard work and love they put into their cooking. Their packaging is always playful, and matches their fun spirits and smiles every time. Between them they've busted out Tea Cookies in assorted flavors, Marshmallows, Chocolate Covered Caramels, Rustic Chocolate Choffy Ball Truffles, Mini Pies (Blood Orange & Blueberry, Savory Goose, Persimmon, and Apple Sugar + Spice), and Orange-Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. They also co-write a blog, Tea Time Adventures. Read on to see what else gets them excited in the kitchen, plus nab a tasty looking recipe for Beer Bread. Cheers to that!

Angela and J.K. with their Death by Caramel Brownies

Name: Angela Mc

Home (+ hometown swap): SF/sf food swappers

Angela's savory goose mini pie was delicious

How did you first get involved in food swapping? How long ago?
I think I first saw it in an email, I just know that it was instant attraction to the idea and we swore we would go to the next one! Since last year? Perhaps in June? It was the swap at the old venue in the Mission.

What did you make for the last food swap and what inspired your choice?
Mini-pies. A friend had given me a booklet called "Bike Basket Pies" and we thought they'd be perfect to swap. We made four kinds. 3 fruit and one savory.

What’s your favorite thing about swapping?
Getting ideas from other swappers! It always seems like someone has made something that is such a brilliant idea that I must steal it. Last swap it was the tea-infused simple syrup.

Who or what most influences your cooking?
I just pick it up as I go, but one famous chef I Love is Jacques Pepin. He has had such an varied career, and his autobiography is awesome.

What’s your favorite kitchen tool?
Toaster oven. For real. It's so much easier and tastier to toast than microwave food. A close second is ye olde immersion blender.

Your current flavor or ingredient obsession?
Salt. I love salt. Always.

Biggest food surprise? 
When people say they "can't" cook. Or is that Pet Peeve? Hmmm.

If the Rapture came tomorrow, what would your last meal on earth be?
Brunch! A fried chicken, waffle kind of combo with Lots of fresh fruit. Bacon.

When I'm not in the kitchen I'm... eating out and then blogging about it!

Favorite local food experience:
Annual Street Food Festival!!


Name: J.K. Kaufman

Home (+ hometown swap): San Francisco

Profession: Retired

How did you first get involved in food swapping? How long ago?

Angela found out about it and we decided to participate. I think our first swap was in October.

What did you make for the last food swap and what inspired your choice?

Judy Rosenberg's (Rosie's Bakery in Boston) orange pecan chocolate-chip cookies from her All-Butter, Fresh Cream, Sugar-Packed, No-Holds-Barred Baking Book (page 101). They're my current favorite of the things I bake and definitely my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookie.

What’s your favorite thing about swapping?

Meeting other people who enjoy creating good things in the kitchen and coming home with a bag full of new things to try.

Who or what most influences your cooking?

Whatever I feel like eating. But I rarely cook, unless you count my morning oatmeal. I'm a baker. Friends invite me to dinner and asks me to bring bread and/or dessert.

Death By Caramel Brownies in the making

What’s your favorite kitchen tool?

The silicone paddle for my stand mixer. It scrapes the side of the bowl as it beats. My chocolate tempering machine is a close second. I have a serious weakness for gadgets and small appliances.

Your current flavor or ingredient obsession?

Chocolate

Biggest food surprise?

Discovering that the taste of charcoal-grilled food that I didn't like was really the excess lighter fluid my father used.

If the Rapture came tomorrow, what would your last meal on earth be?

Abalone

When I'm not in the kitchen… I'm reading, either dead tree or online. Or out eating with Angela or other friends.

Favorite local food experience:

Tasting the creations of the best artisan chocolatiers at Fog City News on Market Street.

Beer Bread Recipe by Angela

Preheat oven to 375°
Grease a bread pan with olive oil, nonstick spray, or butter.
3 c flour3 T sugar1 T Baking Powder1 tsp. salt1 c cheddar cheese (shredded)1 T chives

Whisk these dry ingredients together
Add 1 beer and stir. Mixture will be sticky.
Put mixture in prepared pan. Bake 55 minutes.
Remove from oven, rub a little butter over the top, and return it to the oven for 2-3 minutes.
Eat!

See original post with more pictures here.