Monday, April 28, 2008

Rise and Shine!

Today I made five loaves of bread. Three different kinds. Yes, you heard me right. The first loaf attempted was a Chocolate Babka, a twisted cinnamon-chocolate bread with Streusel. The second, was Chocolate Swirl bread, similar, but a variation of the Cinnamon Raisin bread I had made a few weeks ago. The last type was Cornmeal Rolls, fun!

The first, Babka, was interesting. It seemed more like a vehicle for butter and chocolate than an actual "bread." I divided into three portions, cooked the first two as loaves, and the last, I cut up and threw in muffin tins and made little rolls. Those would have turned out better, but they were on the bottom of the oven the whole time, a bit overdone on the bottom. On the bottom, to give the two real loves a chance to have the streusel brown. After said baking time, sigh, no browning. So I lowered the rack and turned the broiler on HI. Well, I turned my back to tend to the other breads just for a minute and wham! Blackened sugar topping, and lovely mildly-smoking kitchen. I managed to scrape off the black yums and salvaged the loaves.

The second, the chocolate swirl bread turned out divinely!

The thirs, Cornmeal rolls, took about 3 hours to do their first rise. I think maybe this could be shortened by adding more yeast. I plan to try this one as a loaf.

That obviously took ALL day in the kitchen...painting tonight. I'm pooped!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Chuggin' Along!

Yesterday (Friday) Made some peanut butter bars. Gave four of them to Amanda for being so sweet and going with me to the doctor.

Today/this morning, already I've made:

Rocky Road Fudge
Smoothies for Roomies
Eggs and Whole Wheat English Muffins for lunch!

Been trolling for great breakfast recipes as of late.
Also been reading Morgan Spurlock's book "Don't Eat This Book" - bought it at the dollar store.

Why is is SNOWING?!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Churn Baby, Churn

Just made up some Buttermilk Citrus Ice cream. It's freezing now. I used mung bean extract to sweeten it, so I fear the mixture will solidify too much, since real sugar inhibits freezing.

No cooking lately - medical probs.
Mostly eating edamame and stuff.
That's all folks.

Monday, April 21, 2008

...and all the fixin's

Made some chicken Chili today. I used my 'award-winning' chili recipe, added chicken and ground chicken for the meat, an a lighter beer and chicken stock in the broth. Came out really good. Much lower in fat and much healthier and you're not missing ANYTHING. I feel it's just as good!

Also made some Cole Slaw like grandma used to make. Made too much dressing so shredded up a few zucchini and threw it in the mix - delish! This may be my version of grandma's recipe for good!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Can I Get a 'Z?








Thursday night was spent at Mackubin as I was taking Mom to the airport early in the morning. She arrived before I did and I, once again, made some fresh pasta. This time roomie was nowhere to be found! I threw a quick sauce together and we were done! After Ma' cut my hair it was off to bed. Or so I thought. I probably got about 2 hours of sleep-no joke! Up at 4 to head to the airport... !





Hankering for some pizza dough right now.





Tomorrow is Jennifer's Birthday. The plan is to make her some birthday toffee!


Why is it cold?

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Peanut, Peanut Brittle.


Today I made peanut brittle.








Turned out great. I modified the recipe a bit-of course-and the outcome was fantastic! Best brittle I've had. It keeps for a month (theoretically), so i plan to make some ice cream with it at some point!

Lamb & Romesco

As I type this afternoon, I am having some difficulty. I have a rather large guest on my lap taking up valuable laptop space. His name is Lambert.

I am smitten with my Lamb.









Wednesday I hadn't made anything of note when I was phoned by my good friend (and frequent dinner guest/partner) SC. She had mentioned nonchalantly that she hadn't eaten yet. I offered to make her some fresh pasta and she obliged and headed over. I had no more roasted-garlic pesto in had as I had the previous time she'd been by for eats. I threw together a quick Romesco sauce. This sauce is made with various types of roasted peppers and toasted nuts. I made this with toasted almonds, red peppers a bit of crushed red pepper. I threw together some fresh egg/olive oil pasta and voila! Dinner in no time! SC was kind enough to bring over a few aged cheddars and a Gruyere - divine! We had a little side of steamed vegetables and a glass of white wine.

No dessert as we were plenty full of dinner!


Our other dinner guest, Gus, also approved.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Weekly Recap




My musings:

Monday, March 31st:
Balsamic Truffles
Homemade Fettucini with Pesto

Tuesday, April 1, 2008:
Raspberry-Oatmeal Bars

Wednesday, April 2, 2008:
Dinner w/ Grant:
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breasts
Mango Chutney Glazed Vegetables
Fruits & Greens Salad
Movie: Gone Baby, Gone

Thursday, April 3, 2008:
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
1st degree burns on the insides of my lips (Just ask!)

Friday, April 4, 2008:
Honey-Whole Wheat Bread
Trip to Penzey's Spices to replenish my cinnamon stock.

Saturday, April 5, 2008:
Dinner:
Roasted-Garlic Pesto
Homemade Linguine
Green Salad
Honey-Wheat Bread

Waffles and Lanes



The wee hours of Sunday morning were spent making waffle batter and cleaning up around the place. Early to rise Sunday morning, as I was hosting brunch immediately following family bowling day at Minnehaha Lanes, in Saint Paul.

The Guest list:
Ashlee - Host
Craig - Brother
Beth - Mom
Wally - Dad
Grant - The bf
John - Friend
Chips - Roomie

The Menu:
Waffles with Maple Syrup, Mixed-Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Orange-Nut Yogurt
Banana Crunch Muffins
Bacon
Strawberries and Oranges
Honey Whole Wheat Bread with Herb Butter

I was the second-best bowler.