Thursday, February 26, 2009

Mardi Gras Madness

This year I decided to make my own King Cake and did so with a fairly good measure of success. We all enjoyed it and I'd say it turned out quite pretty. I used a recipe very similar to this. I had so much fun making it that I'm sure my next try will have a special filling....I just can't decide which one yet.

If you decide to make one yourself, don't forget the baby.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Good things do come in small packages....small packages with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese oozing out, small packages with tiny red pepper things slipped into the seams and small packages with bowls of homemade marinara sauce ready for the dipping.

Here they are beginning to get loaded with goodies. They aren't finished yet. I just wanted you to see the process. I'm dreaming up all of the other combinations I can squeeze into these little bundles. Italian sausage, black olives, pepper rings....

They wrap up just as pretty as you please. Once you bake them be prepared to run or hoard. Running means you won't get any and hoarding means you'll have a lot of explaining to do about that delicious aroma in the house.

I opted for running. I made 33 of them and invited teenage boys over (for a band practice) and between them and Beeb and her daddy, they were gone. Woosh, gone...and then there they were..... just scrounging around looking for more...darn boys!

I was inspired to make these from Chickens in the Road. I added a yummy dipping sauce. I think the sauce just takes it over the top.

I'm thinking maybe next time I'll hoard them. What they don't know won't hurt them, right? I'll just open the windows and let a breeze (albeit a 20 degree breeze) rush through the house clearing out all signs of fresh baked bread and pepperoni goodness.

Don't worry, I can't really do that. I'm southern and we're allergic to 20-degree breezes.


Care for a wee bite?

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Warming Up Mongolia

Being warm is one of my favorite things this time of year. While my southern family may not be hurting too much with the climate, I am. Today is a perfect example of gusty winds, plenty of snow and dressing in layers, preferably woolen layers.

I recently read that the capital of Mongolia, Ulanbaatar, is the coldest capital city in the world with their nighttime temperatures falling to -40 degrees. Ouch.

The Dulaan Project was organized to help the less fortunate people of that city stay warm with donated hats, mittens, scarves and afghans from knitters and crocheters.

Seeing as how my first-born went to Mongolia last year, I thought it would be fitting to donate to a group who care about individuals on the other side of the world.

The people of Mongolia and I have something in common: we like to be warm when it's bitter outside. I can't imagine struggling to stay comfortable under such conditions.

I felt called to action and this red piece was the outcome. It's a lovely basketweave stitch and works up to be quite a dense scarf. I'm full of hope that it will change someone's night into a slightly warmer and more comfortable evening with fewer shivers and more sweet dreams.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Thank You

Thank you to Pete-Bakes! for a great cookbook. Since I already enjoy making great artisan breads, this will be fun to use. I've never won a cookbook before!

I'll be sure to share my endeavors in the future.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Who Says Math Isn't Fun?






"I hate math!"

Oh, such dreaded words. How to get a child to do their math, understand it and stop complaining! Ever try racing through the problems with them?

Really,
On your mark
Get set
Go!

I'm guessing this technique works best with a slightly competitive child but it's worth a try....

And then there's always snack time afterward....


Friday, February 13, 2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

This is Scary

What does a teenage boy make himself for lunch? He rummages around the kitchen for a while, heats up the oven and comes out bearing.....what's that??!!

I didn't make this I just grabbed it out of his hands 'cause I wanted a picture for all posterity. And proof of how much this boy eats! Yikes!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Romantic Brunch

Thank you, little one, for the delicious romantic brunch you made for me and Daddy.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

I'm Just Here for the Food

Superbowl Sunday....is it the team or the food that drives you?

For me it's all about the food although I don't mind hearing people go on about their favorite team. Backed into a corner, I almost always cheer for the underdog. Second thought, I ALWAYS cheer for the underdog. I can't help myself. It just seems like they need me! Can you tell that my gifts are compassion and mercy?

While those boys are out there passing that football across the grass, I'm curious, what are you passing around the livingroom today?

I decided to spend the day in the kitchen for the most part working on something delicious.

Winter and I have had a parting of ways. We aren't on the best terms anymore (were we ever?!) so I'm rebelling and focusing all of my cooking energies on the southern delicacies I've always known and loved. How about some home cookin'? Are you thinking BBQ shrimp? This isn't the traditional BBQ sauce (although that can be mighty tasty too). This version is full of.......something too fattening to discuss in public... in quantities too obscene to mention. (butter, shhh) Let's just say Paula Dean would be proud of me today. We'll leave it at that. It is loaded with fresh garlic too and other yummy spices. All of this adds up to a New Orleans delicacy too good to pass....quarterback or not.

And to sop up the gravy?

What else:
A sweet little artesian bread...not sweet as in Hawaiian but sweet as in, "I can make you feel better about the other team winning."

Turns out that's just what I needed. The underdog is still the underdog. And they still need me, even though I'm no great sports fan.

At least the food was a winner.











Superbowl Sunday: Food!

I'm only here for the food. I like hearing everyone else talk about their favorite team but I want to work in the kitchen making something wonderfully delicious.

Today was a southern event for me. Winter and I aren't on the best terms anymore (were we ever?!) so it was time I pulled out my secret weapon: food that makes me feel like I'm somewhere warmer. I can play mind games when I need to......
Are you thinking BBQ Shrimp? This isn't even related to traditional BBQ sauce (which can also be amazingly delicious). The concoction you're looking at here (and salivating over) is a delightful mix of something too fattening to talk about in public in quantities which fall off the rhict