Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 30, 2018
ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM OTHERS WHO LOVE ME
You are amazing and lovely.
You have a gift for writing. Your delight in making, displaying and enjoying food is palpable.
Is there life after divorce? The woman I remember was a fun, beautiful, energetic woman. I have
faith in her.
I have a different memory of our time together. You were definitely the teacher. I learned a lot
from you, how to laugh, how to care. I hold my time talking along the trails in Saskatoon, slicing up preserved flesh under your scrutiny, and the early visits with you in Montreal as some of the highlights of my younger life.
You are an amazing person.
PP has a pretty amazing mom.
Thx for a lovely day! Food, presentation, conversations, service and your pretty face all adding up to a great tea time, totally enjoyed it!
You blessed me with your words! You have encouraged me and reminded me of what I treasure most. :)
I also have taken time as I have been waiting to go over the memories we have made together in the last few years. We live apart but the distance is nothing when we connect by text, phone or in person. I have been blessed to have you as a friend through so many years and changes and times of growth we each have had.
Breath by breath be blessed my friend. 💗
You have a gift for writing. Your delight in making, displaying and enjoying food is palpable.
Is there life after divorce? The woman I remember was a fun, beautiful, energetic woman. I have
faith in her.
I have a different memory of our time together. You were definitely the teacher. I learned a lot
from you, how to laugh, how to care. I hold my time talking along the trails in Saskatoon, slicing up preserved flesh under your scrutiny, and the early visits with you in Montreal as some of the highlights of my younger life.
You are an amazing person.
PP has a pretty amazing mom.
Thx for a lovely day! Food, presentation, conversations, service and your pretty face all adding up to a great tea time, totally enjoyed it!
You blessed me with your words! You have encouraged me and reminded me of what I treasure most. :)
I also have taken time as I have been waiting to go over the memories we have made together in the last few years. We live apart but the distance is nothing when we connect by text, phone or in person. I have been blessed to have you as a friend through so many years and changes and times of growth we each have had.
Breath by breath be blessed my friend. 💗
ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
my true love gave to me, friends who helped clean the kitchen! (It's my birthday!)
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| Loading the dishwasher like a game of Tetris! |
Saturday, December 29, 2018
ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
my true love gave to me, a Victorian Christmas in George-Etienne Cartier's home.
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| A table top tree, from Prince Albert's German roots. |
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| A Bourgeois feast at the Canada Park's Sir George - Etienne Cartier home |
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| Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on Christmas |
Thursday, December 27, 2018
VEGETARIAN THALI AT SAHIB WITH MAD CLOSING DOWN THE PLACE
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| BHOJAN From 12 o'clock - Saag Paneer, Eggplant bharta, Spicy lentils with yogurt to mix in, Gulab Jamoon, naan, rice |
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, three layer dainties, two skating rinks and a dusting of snow.
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| Rainbow Pastel 300 ml sweetened condensed milk 2 cups icing sugar 400 g unsweetened coconut red and blue (or green) food colouring Blend together and divide in 3, colouring one batch pink and one blue. Press into loaf pan in layers above (I lined it with the plastic of one 200 g coconut bag) and cover air tight. from Company's Coming 150 Delicious Squares |
CHRISTMAS IMAGES
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| Clove orange pomander, a Christmas scent |
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| Creativity at work |
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| Amazing ice cream that rivals peppermint dazzler of my childhood |
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| Narnian street lamp, bell, star and Santa (on roof), gifts and trees and candy cane (in Hello Kitty's Hotel) |
SCHOOL TREATS WITH A FEW SUBPAR TREATS FOR HOME
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| White chocolate and chocolate candy melts |
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| Round sprinkles, mini dipped oreos, straight pretzels, mini-Reese's PB cup, orange sprinkles, candy eyeballs, candy canes. |
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| Crunchy peppermint and a horror of melting snowmen in a pan |
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| Ready for school |
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| It's nice to have a few "failures" to have for dessert! |
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| From Rosanna Pansino's newest cookbook Baking All Year Round |
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| Leftovers for breakfast: fit for an elf! |
DREAMING OF AUSTRIA/GERMANY AT CHRISTMAS
My first Christmas away from home was barely white, with a lovely family in Augsburg, Germany. What I remember was that they loved to watch Sissi, like we used to watch the Sound of Music during the holiday.
I've been back to Austria and Germany since, but never at Christmas. I have attended German school and been to a local Christmas market. Christmas makes me think of treats from these roots. So I bought the movie, and watched it with two German speakers. I made Linzertorte for the first time, and the spices were lovely, like gingerbread.
I made pretzels, with Alton Brown's recipe, and was very pleased with the upgraded design.
Check out the double braid on the middle left. Those were less traditional, but my personal favorite.
I've been back to Austria and Germany since, but never at Christmas. I have attended German school and been to a local Christmas market. Christmas makes me think of treats from these roots. So I bought the movie, and watched it with two German speakers. I made Linzertorte for the first time, and the spices were lovely, like gingerbread.
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| I am sure there is nicer way to make the lattice, but it was delicious! |
I made pretzels, with Alton Brown's recipe, and was very pleased with the upgraded design.
Check out the double braid on the middle left. Those were less traditional, but my personal favorite.
 |
| Salzburger Mozartkugeln and marzipan chocolates by Neideregger Lübeck. Ready for Sissi watching. |
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, two skating rinks and a dusting of snow.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a dusting of snow.
Friday, December 21, 2018
REFINING THE BLINDS TO THE SIZE OF THE WINDOW
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| Pry the buttons off, undo the knot in the centre. Remove redundant slats. |
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| Pull out to the level of the window sill. |
Saturday, December 15, 2018
OGILVY'S CHRISTMAS WINDOW HAS MOVED
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| Mill in the Forest: On temporary exhibit in front of the McCord Museum I hope it will be back next year! |
Sunday, November 18, 2018
BEAUTY IN THE PATTERNS OF NATURE
I was trying to understand the pattern required to draw a proportionate number of feathers on a peacock when I happened upon this wonderful wikipedia entry on Patterns in Nature.
So many of the images moved me: the ripples on sand dunes, that I have seen at the bottom of the water in the sand on beaches around the world, and in the sky above at different moments. The chameleon's curled tail and beard with variation of colours depending on the back ground, much like the octopus, whose ability to morph into other shades is super human.
But what I liked the most was the logical breakdown in the kinds of patterns. I don't even know all of these concepts, but the groupings made instant sense.
Symmetry is familiar. Many things have bilateral (mirror) symmetry. Starfish fivefold symmetry is found in other like sea animals. Crystals, like snowflakes are often sixfold. Plants often have rotational symmetry, like an open flower with its petals arranged around its central axis, or the seeds of an apple cut in half. Even asymmetry, like an orchid has its beauty, like the yin and yang of aesthetic.
Fractiles are repeat iterations, but in nature this is finite. Ferns, and peacock feathers, I would argue, can only propogate in a few levels. The Lichtenberg patterns of lightening on skin, tree patterns, rivers branching seen from the sky, even ocean waves repeat. A snowflake fits in a type of fractile pattern that is called emergence*.
Spirals are the fascination of many who come upon Fibonacci's golden ratio. Nautilus shells, sunflowers, pine apples, pine cones and even red cabbage in cross section show this sequence in all its beauty.
Chaos even has a place in the patterns of nature. Famously called "The Butterfly Effect", the way a snake crosses your path in the forest and the winds cross the surface of the earth is explainable by astute minds.
Waves and dunes are classed together.
Spheres like bubbles form foam when massed together, and this is the jumping off point to Buckminster and his tetrahedron and the ever evolving soccer ball.
Tessellations are my obsession. From Europe to DC, the floors and ceilings are massive examples of repeating "tiles". In nature, the bee's honeycomb, crystal rocks, the checkerboard spring lily are all great examples.
Cracks, made under stress, may not be classically beautiful, but from the patina of old paint to the Giant's Causeway, to the wrinkles on a loved ones face, these can be seen as beauty.
Spots and stripes can have unique fingerprints and are always interesting in their variety.
Lastly patterns I cannot explain but would love to replicate have a Mandala effect of relaxing my brain in the beauty of complexity. I feel that simple symmetry is our everyday beauty, but I thrill with the difficult to grasp patterns of nature that are so much rarer, and delight in being attracted to the pattern of it even when I don't understand it.
This is something I could study endlesslessly. I think their might even be some room for improving the nominclature of the above ideas. Or maybe, at least, a better wikipedia entry. In the meantime, check out the classifications of snowflakes. It's crazy how much study and documentation has been made on this frequent winter occurrence in these temperant climates where we live. Because I am not the only one who finds the endless combinations and patterns beautiful and fascinating!
*This term was coined by philosopher G.H. Lewes and is described as in such an enticing way. He says, "Every resultant is either a sum or a difference of the co-operant forces; their sum, when their directions are the same – their difference, when their directions are contrary. Further, every resultant is clearly traceable in its components, because these are homogeneous and commensurable. It is otherwise with emergents, when, instead of adding measurable motion to measurable motion, or things of one kind to other individuals of their kind, there is a co-operation of things of unlike kinds. The emergent is unlike its components insofar as these are incommensurable, and it cannot be reduced to their sum or their difference.
So many of the images moved me: the ripples on sand dunes, that I have seen at the bottom of the water in the sand on beaches around the world, and in the sky above at different moments. The chameleon's curled tail and beard with variation of colours depending on the back ground, much like the octopus, whose ability to morph into other shades is super human.
But what I liked the most was the logical breakdown in the kinds of patterns. I don't even know all of these concepts, but the groupings made instant sense.
Symmetry is familiar. Many things have bilateral (mirror) symmetry. Starfish fivefold symmetry is found in other like sea animals. Crystals, like snowflakes are often sixfold. Plants often have rotational symmetry, like an open flower with its petals arranged around its central axis, or the seeds of an apple cut in half. Even asymmetry, like an orchid has its beauty, like the yin and yang of aesthetic.
Fractiles are repeat iterations, but in nature this is finite. Ferns, and peacock feathers, I would argue, can only propogate in a few levels. The Lichtenberg patterns of lightening on skin, tree patterns, rivers branching seen from the sky, even ocean waves repeat. A snowflake fits in a type of fractile pattern that is called emergence*.
Spirals are the fascination of many who come upon Fibonacci's golden ratio. Nautilus shells, sunflowers, pine apples, pine cones and even red cabbage in cross section show this sequence in all its beauty.
Chaos even has a place in the patterns of nature. Famously called "The Butterfly Effect", the way a snake crosses your path in the forest and the winds cross the surface of the earth is explainable by astute minds.
Waves and dunes are classed together.
Spheres like bubbles form foam when massed together, and this is the jumping off point to Buckminster and his tetrahedron and the ever evolving soccer ball.
Tessellations are my obsession. From Europe to DC, the floors and ceilings are massive examples of repeating "tiles". In nature, the bee's honeycomb, crystal rocks, the checkerboard spring lily are all great examples.
Cracks, made under stress, may not be classically beautiful, but from the patina of old paint to the Giant's Causeway, to the wrinkles on a loved ones face, these can be seen as beauty.
Spots and stripes can have unique fingerprints and are always interesting in their variety.
Lastly patterns I cannot explain but would love to replicate have a Mandala effect of relaxing my brain in the beauty of complexity. I feel that simple symmetry is our everyday beauty, but I thrill with the difficult to grasp patterns of nature that are so much rarer, and delight in being attracted to the pattern of it even when I don't understand it.
This is something I could study endlesslessly. I think their might even be some room for improving the nominclature of the above ideas. Or maybe, at least, a better wikipedia entry. In the meantime, check out the classifications of snowflakes. It's crazy how much study and documentation has been made on this frequent winter occurrence in these temperant climates where we live. Because I am not the only one who finds the endless combinations and patterns beautiful and fascinating!
*This term was coined by philosopher G.H. Lewes and is described as in such an enticing way. He says, "Every resultant is either a sum or a difference of the co-operant forces; their sum, when their directions are the same – their difference, when their directions are contrary. Further, every resultant is clearly traceable in its components, because these are homogeneous and commensurable. It is otherwise with emergents, when, instead of adding measurable motion to measurable motion, or things of one kind to other individuals of their kind, there is a co-operation of things of unlike kinds. The emergent is unlike its components insofar as these are incommensurable, and it cannot be reduced to their sum or their difference.
ANNE SULLIVAN: THE MIRACLE WORKER
This afternoon I took Princess Pirate to the her first play outside of kid's theatre and her affiliated high school. I was a little nervous when I saw the crowd, because I saw no other children in the lobby, but the character of Helen Keller was to be played by an 11 year old girl, so I thought it was the right story for her to hear. Lakeshore Players opened the season with The Miracle Worker.
The play, and movie, were familiar to me, although I am not entirely sure why. I don't have specific memories of seeing the play, or a movie, of which there are several, made for television and the big screen. I probably read a book after a movie came out, with the few memories I have are photos of Anne Sullivan in those round dark glasses, and it wasn't from real footage, but of an actress from a black and white version of the film. There are several movies made, but this is the one I recognized. Of note, there is a colour version by Disney that might be worth tracking down, and a couple of sequels to look for: Monday After The Miracle and Helen Keller: Miracle Continues.
We dressed up, and Brianne came with us. As requested, we all wore pearls! We were happily surprised to find out that row E was the second row in the theatre, and there was no one in front of PP, so her view was excellent. The play starts in Alabama, a fact I had totally forgotten. To me, her connection to Alexander Graham Bell put her in New England in my memory, where the Boston school of Deaf/Mute had invited AGB to instruct the "Visible Speech Language" that he had mastered, inspired by his phonetian father and deaf mother (during his childhood).
The theme of water was well done from beginning to end of the epiphany that broke down the barriers to Helen Keller's isolated world. At the time of the play, Helen Keller was the age of 6 and Anne Sullivan 20. From the age of 19 months, following a febrile illness, Helen Keller was deaf and blind. But as an infant she had learned the beginnings of speech, and her first word was recalled as "wa-wa", and the moment she finally connected the letters being signed into her hand was after actually pumping water she had spilt at the table on her return to her family, after being taken away for a short two weeks to gain her teacher's trust and reestablish discipline that her family was not able to give her out of their pity. This is the primordial story that I loved and carried with me.
But this time, from the title to the closing scene, I realized that this story was not about Helen Keller. It was about her teacher, and what a formidable educator she was! Blind herself, but restored surgically, she wore tinted glasses to relieve her from the glare of natural light. She had outlived her younger brother, who died in the Almhouse they were in after their mother's death. Because of another blind resident, she learned of the Perkins School for the Blind, and made an opportunity to introduce herself and was accepted as a pupil there. She entered illiterate, and left a teacher, with the rare skill of being already apt at commicating with another student there who was deaf blind: Laura Bridgman.
The spirit of Anne and her honesty about what she knows and does not was remarkable, and the essence of the play, written by William Gibson, a man who often wrote about woman triumphing, according to the playbill. I really enjoyed the brief glimpse into her life at this story telling. Now, having heard the story of Helen Keller, I want to get to known Anne Sullivan.
We laughed and we cried, and when the play came to a rapid close, we were left with a lot to talk about and a poster of the alphabet and a few memories of my grandma's roommate and her ability to teach American Sign Language (ASL) and a brief course at the library when I was a kid. PP took to it very quickly, and I just as quickly realized that I could spell, but had never learned to "read" sign language. So we spent a few minutes after the show circling the poster of the alphabet in ASL, and then an hour and a half in the grocery store getting 5 items, as PP acted mute, and patiently signed words to me over and over until I understood her.
So for the teachers reading this blog, and for the burgeoning teacher asleep in her bed, take inspiration from the story of Helen Keller, but remember that for her miracle to happen, she needed to meet Anne Sullivan! She was her companion for 50 years. Their friendship outlived Anne's married, and was the inspiration of many. Think of sign language as a language, and learn some! Read more of their stories. They are a great testament to Jung's idea: "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemicals: they are both transformed!"
Who is your Helen? Who is your Anne? Today, be a student and a teacher. Who knows what might happen? As Helen is quoted as saying, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature." And, "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." But also remember, as Anne is quoted, " Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction."
The play, and movie, were familiar to me, although I am not entirely sure why. I don't have specific memories of seeing the play, or a movie, of which there are several, made for television and the big screen. I probably read a book after a movie came out, with the few memories I have are photos of Anne Sullivan in those round dark glasses, and it wasn't from real footage, but of an actress from a black and white version of the film. There are several movies made, but this is the one I recognized. Of note, there is a colour version by Disney that might be worth tracking down, and a couple of sequels to look for: Monday After The Miracle and Helen Keller: Miracle Continues.
We dressed up, and Brianne came with us. As requested, we all wore pearls! We were happily surprised to find out that row E was the second row in the theatre, and there was no one in front of PP, so her view was excellent. The play starts in Alabama, a fact I had totally forgotten. To me, her connection to Alexander Graham Bell put her in New England in my memory, where the Boston school of Deaf/Mute had invited AGB to instruct the "Visible Speech Language" that he had mastered, inspired by his phonetian father and deaf mother (during his childhood).
The theme of water was well done from beginning to end of the epiphany that broke down the barriers to Helen Keller's isolated world. At the time of the play, Helen Keller was the age of 6 and Anne Sullivan 20. From the age of 19 months, following a febrile illness, Helen Keller was deaf and blind. But as an infant she had learned the beginnings of speech, and her first word was recalled as "wa-wa", and the moment she finally connected the letters being signed into her hand was after actually pumping water she had spilt at the table on her return to her family, after being taken away for a short two weeks to gain her teacher's trust and reestablish discipline that her family was not able to give her out of their pity. This is the primordial story that I loved and carried with me.
But this time, from the title to the closing scene, I realized that this story was not about Helen Keller. It was about her teacher, and what a formidable educator she was! Blind herself, but restored surgically, she wore tinted glasses to relieve her from the glare of natural light. She had outlived her younger brother, who died in the Almhouse they were in after their mother's death. Because of another blind resident, she learned of the Perkins School for the Blind, and made an opportunity to introduce herself and was accepted as a pupil there. She entered illiterate, and left a teacher, with the rare skill of being already apt at commicating with another student there who was deaf blind: Laura Bridgman.
The spirit of Anne and her honesty about what she knows and does not was remarkable, and the essence of the play, written by William Gibson, a man who often wrote about woman triumphing, according to the playbill. I really enjoyed the brief glimpse into her life at this story telling. Now, having heard the story of Helen Keller, I want to get to known Anne Sullivan.
We laughed and we cried, and when the play came to a rapid close, we were left with a lot to talk about and a poster of the alphabet and a few memories of my grandma's roommate and her ability to teach American Sign Language (ASL) and a brief course at the library when I was a kid. PP took to it very quickly, and I just as quickly realized that I could spell, but had never learned to "read" sign language. So we spent a few minutes after the show circling the poster of the alphabet in ASL, and then an hour and a half in the grocery store getting 5 items, as PP acted mute, and patiently signed words to me over and over until I understood her.
So for the teachers reading this blog, and for the burgeoning teacher asleep in her bed, take inspiration from the story of Helen Keller, but remember that for her miracle to happen, she needed to meet Anne Sullivan! She was her companion for 50 years. Their friendship outlived Anne's married, and was the inspiration of many. Think of sign language as a language, and learn some! Read more of their stories. They are a great testament to Jung's idea: "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemicals: they are both transformed!"
Who is your Helen? Who is your Anne? Today, be a student and a teacher. Who knows what might happen? As Helen is quoted as saying, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature." And, "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." But also remember, as Anne is quoted, " Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction."
ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL
Did you know?
He did not have a middle name, unlike his two brothers, and asked for his at the age of 11 to honour his family's friend that had been his dad's patient.
He was a ventriloquist, and trained his dog to growl in such as way, that it sounded like it said, "How are you, Grandma?"
He and his brother constructed an automaton that could speak.
His study of acoustics was likely a result of his reaction to his mother's hearing loss and how he learned to communicate to her.
He and his partners initially tried to sell the telephone's patent to Western Union, but were rejected, being told their technology was just "a toy".
The first person to buy stock in his company was Emperor Pedro II of Brazil.
He was involved in transforming current technologies into a hydrofoil boat as concept, experimented with kites made of tetrahedrons and his wife supported the endeavor that lead to a "heavier-than-air" double winged motorized aircraft (the Silver Dart), constructed a metal detector that failed to find the bullet that entered President Andrew Garfield after his assassination, a wireless technology, and improvements to the phonograph design that supported his father-in-law's investment in Edison's design.
He didn't get married until he was financially stable, and gave all but ten of his initial stocks to his wife.
Two out of four children died in infancy.
He is vilified in Deaf culture because of his belief that the deaf should be taught to speak, and that deafness should be avoided and not propagated, and was connected to the eugenics movement that managed to pass laws in some states to force manditory sterilization on certain populations.
Is credited saying, " When one door closes, another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones open for us."
He did not have a middle name, unlike his two brothers, and asked for his at the age of 11 to honour his family's friend that had been his dad's patient.
He was a ventriloquist, and trained his dog to growl in such as way, that it sounded like it said, "How are you, Grandma?"
He and his brother constructed an automaton that could speak.
His study of acoustics was likely a result of his reaction to his mother's hearing loss and how he learned to communicate to her.
He and his partners initially tried to sell the telephone's patent to Western Union, but were rejected, being told their technology was just "a toy".
The first person to buy stock in his company was Emperor Pedro II of Brazil.
He was involved in transforming current technologies into a hydrofoil boat as concept, experimented with kites made of tetrahedrons and his wife supported the endeavor that lead to a "heavier-than-air" double winged motorized aircraft (the Silver Dart), constructed a metal detector that failed to find the bullet that entered President Andrew Garfield after his assassination, a wireless technology, and improvements to the phonograph design that supported his father-in-law's investment in Edison's design.
He didn't get married until he was financially stable, and gave all but ten of his initial stocks to his wife.
Two out of four children died in infancy.
He is vilified in Deaf culture because of his belief that the deaf should be taught to speak, and that deafness should be avoided and not propagated, and was connected to the eugenics movement that managed to pass laws in some states to force manditory sterilization on certain populations.
Is credited saying, " When one door closes, another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones open for us."
Monday, November 12, 2018
CHRISTMAS (THANKSGIVING) SQUASH
1 can chicken cream soup
1 cup sour cream
1 large grated carrot
1 cup onion, sautéed
2 1/2 c turnip and squash (1 turnip and 1 acorn)
Soften in microwave 1 minute. Chop into even pieces, then boil until tender.
1 box Stovetop stuffing (170g)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
Coarse pulse butter and stuffing contents.
Press half on bottom and half on top in an 11x16" pyrex.
Bake 350 F for 30 minutes.
VARIATIONS:
I have done some combination of turnip and carrots, mashed with butter and milk a few times now, topped with the stuffing. Stuffing made to instructions is too moist. Stuffing fried in butter is a little dry, but very decent. Topping works well, but I think the next time I will do half on the bottom, to get some moisture. Have used sweet potato instead of acorn squash. Honestly, I love the turnip with carrot, and the sweet potato and acorn squashes have better uses than being overwhelmed with the turnip. I often make it in an 8x8. I even ate this on top of lettuce tonight for supper and loved it!
One day I should try this with homemade stuffing. It is pretty salty!
ABBREVIATED RECIPE:
Microwave medium-large turnip for 1 minute. Peel and chop turnip and 3-6 carrots. Boil until tender.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Drain and mash vegetables with enough margarine and milk to make chunky or creamy, depending to taste. Place in ceramic or glass dish, approximately 11 x 14".
Sauté onion in 1/2 cup margarine, then stir in one package of Stovetop stuffing until combined.
Top, and bake for 30 minutes.
This dish is Thanksgiving and Christmas all rolled up in one!
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
I HAVE VERY SMART FRIENDS WHO JUST HAPPEN TO BE TEACHERS
One of my favourite quotes is from a teacher friend of mine. She says what I often hear in my head in the midst of a conversation, but dare not say:
"Just because you disagree with me, doesn't mean I'm wrong!"
Scrolling through pictures of the last visit with another teacher friend from over five years ago:
Great minds think alike!
"Just because you disagree with me, doesn't mean I'm wrong!"
Scrolling through pictures of the last visit with another teacher friend from over five years ago:
Great minds think alike!
HAPPY DIWALI!
Today is the Hindu celebration of lights. A friend bemoaned to me that her non-Hindu husband didn't bother to celebrate this holiday with her, and it seemed like her version of Christmas and New Year's all rolled up together. So PP and I decided to make a grand gesture, and if that failed, guilt her into having dinner with us! So we sent the most pathetic pleading pictures and my friend laughed. Bahahahahahahahahahahaha! Then she said, I'm just holding back to saying yes in case I finish late. I can text as the day progresses. One final adorable picture of PP and Calico, and I heard nothing.
I thought it was a go.
I went to Pushap for sweets and finally figured out what a Ladoo was. I ordered 3 almond and pistachio ladoo (I had never had before, but remember this being a real treat to a child widow in the 2005 TIFF premiere Water), 3 julebi, 3 almond barfi (my favorite) and 3 dil bahar, and wished everybody a happy Diwali.
I got 4 samosas with tamarind hot sauce, and ate one in the car on the way home. Boy, they smelled great!
I bought cardamom seeds and evaporated milk for chai.
I bought cauliflower and pumpkin for aloo gobi and a delicious curry.
I got naan from the freezer out to thaw. I had even made cabbage squares for the occasion.
I tried to pan fry the papadum, but it burnt, so I did the remaining in the microwave for the magic minute.
We were ready at 17:30 with table set. I found every candle in the house and turned on the twinkle lights. There was a jug of cold water in the fridge, and napkins with a fall theme. It had surprised me with rain late this afternoon, so the chalk mandala on the front step was a wash, but I had the feeling PP would come through, and we had found a few coloring pages and pencil crayons for after supper to fill in the gap. I had started the rice and turned on the oven to warm the naan and samosas when I thought I had given her enought time. I often stay late after the shift 7-15, but usually know what is up by now, and I still hadn't heard. She called, and said she was heading home. I was a little surprised, wished her a happy Diwali, and told her about cooking all afternoon, as well as Rebecca's artistic surprise that she had been working on for about an hour and a half, barricading me from the basement throughout!
She said, "Traffic, late, pen and paper, bla-bla-bla". I thought I had given her a pretty good estimation of our effort for the invite, but she was not having it. Too bad. It was meant to show her love as a guest of honour.
So our first Diwali reminded me of a bad birthday party one year when only one guest made it to the party, and a thanksgiving when my ex's whole family decided last minute to be out of town. Except it was a lot better, because we lit the candles and ate way too much, and admired our handiwork and grand gesture. By the end, I reached out to friends that I was to meet for Indian tomorrow, and invited them here. I may be down two samosas, but I have plenty of the rest. Shouldn't be a total loss. PP did try everything, even if the samosa required ice for recovery!
So here's to Diwali, and the grand gestures of life that go sideways. Too bad this one has so many dishes!
I thought it was a go.
I went to Pushap for sweets and finally figured out what a Ladoo was. I ordered 3 almond and pistachio ladoo (I had never had before, but remember this being a real treat to a child widow in the 2005 TIFF premiere Water), 3 julebi, 3 almond barfi (my favorite) and 3 dil bahar, and wished everybody a happy Diwali.
I got 4 samosas with tamarind hot sauce, and ate one in the car on the way home. Boy, they smelled great!
I bought cardamom seeds and evaporated milk for chai.
I bought cauliflower and pumpkin for aloo gobi and a delicious curry.
I got naan from the freezer out to thaw. I had even made cabbage squares for the occasion.
I tried to pan fry the papadum, but it burnt, so I did the remaining in the microwave for the magic minute.
We were ready at 17:30 with table set. I found every candle in the house and turned on the twinkle lights. There was a jug of cold water in the fridge, and napkins with a fall theme. It had surprised me with rain late this afternoon, so the chalk mandala on the front step was a wash, but I had the feeling PP would come through, and we had found a few coloring pages and pencil crayons for after supper to fill in the gap. I had started the rice and turned on the oven to warm the naan and samosas when I thought I had given her enought time. I often stay late after the shift 7-15, but usually know what is up by now, and I still hadn't heard. She called, and said she was heading home. I was a little surprised, wished her a happy Diwali, and told her about cooking all afternoon, as well as Rebecca's artistic surprise that she had been working on for about an hour and a half, barricading me from the basement throughout!
She said, "Traffic, late, pen and paper, bla-bla-bla". I thought I had given her a pretty good estimation of our effort for the invite, but she was not having it. Too bad. It was meant to show her love as a guest of honour.
So our first Diwali reminded me of a bad birthday party one year when only one guest made it to the party, and a thanksgiving when my ex's whole family decided last minute to be out of town. Except it was a lot better, because we lit the candles and ate way too much, and admired our handiwork and grand gesture. By the end, I reached out to friends that I was to meet for Indian tomorrow, and invited them here. I may be down two samosas, but I have plenty of the rest. Shouldn't be a total loss. PP did try everything, even if the samosa required ice for recovery!
So here's to Diwali, and the grand gestures of life that go sideways. Too bad this one has so many dishes!
STRESSED? TURN IT AROUND. MAKE DESSERTS!
Betty Crocker’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 c brown sugar, packed
2 eggs (or 2 T ground flax plus 6 T water)
2 tsp vanilla
Stir in 3 cups flour
1 t. soda
1 t salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
optional: 1 cup chopped nuts
Heat oven to 375 F. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2” apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly before removing.
Makes 6 dozen.
Martha Stewart's Cookies - Cornmeal Biscotti
Yield : Makes about 2 dozen
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pistachios
Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in center. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
Put butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until smooth. Add sugar and mix until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time, until well combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture all at once; mix until just combined. Add lemon zest, cranberries, and pistachios and mix until combined.
Transfer dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat into a log that is roughly 14 by 3 1/2 inches. Bake until firm, lightly browned, and slightly cracked on top, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.
Transfer log to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake cookies, rotating sheet halfway through, until they begin to brown at edges, 15 to 18 minutes.
METRO Recipe #5821
Maple Fudge
Preparation: 30 min
30 squares portion(s)
2 cups (500 mL) maple syrup
3 Tbsp. (45 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) 35 % cream
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped nuts (optional)
Preparation
Heat the syrup and butter in a casserole and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add cream and let cook until the candy thermometer shows a temperature of 118°C (245°F). Add nuts and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Using an electric beater (or hand mixer) beat the mixture for 10 minutes at maximum speed. Pour into a buttered mould and let cool completely in the refrigerator before cutting into pieces.
Apricot Squares
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 c brown sugar, packed
2 eggs (or 2 T ground flax plus 6 T water)
2 tsp vanilla
Stir in 3 cups flour
1 t. soda
1 t salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
optional: 1 cup chopped nuts
Heat oven to 375 F. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2” apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly before removing.
Makes 6 dozen.
Martha Stewart's Cookies - Cornmeal Biscotti
Yield : Makes about 2 dozen
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pistachios
Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in center. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
Put butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until smooth. Add sugar and mix until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time, until well combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture all at once; mix until just combined. Add lemon zest, cranberries, and pistachios and mix until combined.
Transfer dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat into a log that is roughly 14 by 3 1/2 inches. Bake until firm, lightly browned, and slightly cracked on top, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.
Transfer log to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake cookies, rotating sheet halfway through, until they begin to brown at edges, 15 to 18 minutes.
Rum Balls
allrecipes chocolate rum balls
total times 45 mins makes 48
3 1/4 cups crushed vanilla wafers
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup rum
In a large bowl, stir together the crushed vanilla wafers, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and nuts. Blend in corn syrup and rum.
Shape into 1 inch balls, and roll in additional confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container for several days to develop the flavor. Roll again in confectioners' sugar before serving.
Two-Bite Cheesecake
Kraftcanada.com
Kraftcanada.com
prep time 15 min total time 3 hr 30 min
makes 24 servings, 1 cheesecake (18 g) each
24 Mini Chips Ahoy! or Nilla wafers
1 pkg. (250 g) Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
24 Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons
HEAT oven to 350ºF.
PLACE 1 cookie, flat-side down, in each of 24 paper-lined mini muffin cups. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add egg; beat on low speed just until blended. Spoon over cookies.
BAKE 13 to 15 min. or until centres are almost set. Immediately top with Buttons.
COOL 1 hour or to room temperature before removing from pan. Refrigerate 2 hours.
kraft kitchens tips
Note: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
Substitute 1 bar (100 g) Toblerone Swiss Milk Chocolate, finely chopped, or 3/4 cup cherry pie filling for the Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons.
Cheesecakes can be refrigerated up to 2 days before serving.
Peppermint Dazzler
1 1/2 c graham crackers (10 rectangles)
3 T sugar
1/3 c margarine, melted
3 eggs *
1/3 c powdered sugar
1/2 c margarine
1 c (6 oz) chocolate chips
2 c Cool Whip
2 c mini marshmallows
15 hard peppermint candies, crushed
*In a heavy saucepan, stir together the eggs and either sugar, water or other liquid from the recipe (at least 1/4 cup sugar, liquid or a combination per egg). Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the egg mixture coats a metal spoon with a thin film or reaches 160° F. Immediately place the saucepan in ice water and stir until the egg mixture is cool. Proceed with the recipe.
Combine crumbs, sugar, and melted margarine and press into 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Melt chocolate chips and margarine together. Beat eggs and powdered sugar till light and fluffy, then add chocolate mixture. Spread on crust and freeze till firm (about 20-30 minutes). Fold marshmallows into Cool Whip and spread over chocolate layer. Sprinkle with crushed peppermints and freeze at least 1 hour. Cut inTO 24 squares and serve frozen.
Toblerone Shortbread
1 cup butter, softened (do not use margarine)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 cup cornstarch
2 -3 Toblerone chocolate bars
Cream butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add flour and cornstarch gradually while beating continuously. Beat until light.
Take one teaspoon of shortbread mixture and slightly flatten between palm of your hands.
Place one triangle of Toblerone in the center of the shortbread and top with another slightly flattened teaspoon of shortbread mixture. Seal edges of cookie perimeter with fingers.
Bake in oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 12-14 minutes.
Magic Bars
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.
Transfer log to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake cookies, rotating sheet halfway through, until they begin to brown at edges, 15 to 18 minutes.
Five Minute Fudge (Carnation)
2/3 cup (small can) evaporated milk
2 T butter
1 2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 cup (16 medium, diced or mini marshmallows)
1 1/2 cup (3 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 t vanilla
1/2 chopped nuts
Mix first 4 ingredients. Add next 4 ingredients. Mix over medium heat in saucepan. Bring to boil 5 mins, stirring continually. Remove from heat. Cool in 8x8” pan.
Sucre à la Crème (Mel, microwave ?watts)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup 35% cream
1 tsp. butter
opt. chopped nuts - walnut?
Mix the 3 ingredients. Microwave on high for 5 1/2 mins, then stir well. Repeat on high again in 5 1/2 (11 mins total). Let set 6 mins. Add 1 tsp. butter. If you want to add chopped nuts, do it now! Stir until thick (opaque).
METRO Recipe #5821
Maple Fudge
Preparation: 30 min
30 squares portion(s)
2 cups (500 mL) maple syrup
3 Tbsp. (45 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) 35 % cream
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped nuts (optional)
Preparation
Heat the syrup and butter in a casserole and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add cream and let cook until the candy thermometer shows a temperature of 118°C (245°F). Add nuts and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Using an electric beater (or hand mixer) beat the mixture for 10 minutes at maximum speed. Pour into a buttered mould and let cool completely in the refrigerator before cutting into pieces.
Butter Tarts
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract OR 1/2 nutmeg and salt
1 cup raisins
24 frozen tart shells
Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs and melted butter at low speed until combined. Whip at high speed for 2 minutes. Add vanilla and raisins, and mix thoroughly. Fill tart shells 3/4 to 7/8 full.
Cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 F, and cook for 20-22 minutes.
Company's Coming Rainbow Squares
500g or 1 lb icing sugar
500g or 1 lb unsweetened coconut (short)
1 tin eagle brand condensed milk
pinch of salt
Mix together. Divide into 3 parts. Color one part red and one blue or green. Leave one part white. Press into lightly butter loaf pan 9.5x5 starting with blue, then white, then pink. Refridgerate, at least overnight. Cut small. Freezes well.
Apricot Squares
2/3 cup dried apricots
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
2 egg yolks ?
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 c flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
icing
1/4 cup butter
2 cup icing sugar
1 lemon, juice and rind
Preheat oven to 300F. Cut apricots into small pieces and simmer with water in small saucepan for about fifteen mins until water absorbed. Mix butter, sugar and flour and press into 9” square cake pan. Bake for 15 mins. Remove and increase oven temp to 350F. Beat 2 egg yolks, and combine with brown sugar, coconut, flour, salt, baking powder, apricots, and any remaining cooking water. Spread mixture on crust and bake for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, combine butter, icing sugar and lemon. Spread on cooled squares. Cut in small squares, making about 25.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake III (allrecipes)
prep time 15 mins cook time 40 mins total time 55 mins 18 servings
1 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. (Tried: use 9x9?)
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Mix in 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Spread 1/2 of batter in the prepared pan.(This is tough - don’t worry)
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl mix 1/3 cup flour, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle cake batter with 1/2 the filling. Spread second half of batter over the filling, and top with remaining filling. (This is tougher - don’t worry!)
Bake 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Bakerella's Oreo Mint Chip Ice Cream Cake
Served at PP’s 11 1/2 summer birthday party
Servings: 1 7-inch ice cream cake
30 Mint Oreos (1 package)
2 Tbsp butter, melted
Plastic Wrap
7-inch Springform Pan
1.5 quart container Mint Chip Ice Cream, softened
8 oz. container Cool Whip Topping, thawed
Crush 16 cookies in a food processor. Add melted butter and combine.
Cover bottom section of springform pan with plastic wrap and secure ring in place.
Press cookie crumbs into the bottom of prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass to press the crumbs firmly in place.
Chill pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Remove and spread a layer of mint chip ice cream over the cookie base. Break seven Oreos into small pieces and place on top. Then layer more ice cream almost to the top edge of the pan. You'll have a little bit left over that you can enjoy straight from the box.
Spread on a layer of whipped topping and place in the freezer for 3 hours. It helps to place your cake and serving plates in the freezer as well to keep the cake cold longer once you remove from the freezer.
When ready to serve, unclasp the ring to remove it from the cake. Separate plastic wrap from bottom of cake and place on serving plate. Top with remaining 7 oreos. Cut into slices and serve right away. You can run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry to cut through the cake easily.
Nanaimo bars
Caramel Popcorn
1 c butter
2 c brown sugar
½ c corn syrup
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
6 quarts (24 cups=2 microwave bags) popped popcorn
Melt butter and stir in sugar and syrup. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Add nuts (optional). Boil 5 mins without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour over popped corn and mix well. Spread onto 2 cookie sheets. Bake 1 hour at 250F, stirring q 15 mins. Remove and store in tightly sealed container.
Grandma P’s Oreo Cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together in a large bowl:
1 c. margarine (softened for easier blending)
4 eggs
2 boxes Duncan Hines Devil’s Food cake mix
2 tbsp. flour
Roll into balls the size of a walnut. Put on cookie sheet 2-3“ apart, but don’t press down. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes and take off sheet. Cool completely.
Filling:
Cream together:
2 cups icing sugar
1-8 oz. package of cream cheese
Spread on cooled cookies. Put two flat sides together. (Hint – put a blob on one cookie and squish with other cookie)
Makes 24 and freezes well.
Caro's Tomato Soup Cake
Servings: 16
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup raisins
1. Combine the tomato soup and the soda in a bowl, and let it stand.
2. Cream sugar, egg, butter, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix in tomato soup and soda mixture, and then flour. Stir in the raisins, and pour the batter in a greased baking dish (bundt cake mold).
3. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until done. Cool the cake, and top with cream cheese icing if desired.
Mona's 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) a small splash of vanilla extract 1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug,
but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe
in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
Cranberry Squares
Company's Coming 150 Delicious Squares p. 99
BOTTOM LAYER:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 pinch salt
Measure all ingredients in large bowl. Mix until crumbly. Press in 8x8 inch pan. Bake in 350 F oven for 10 minutes.
TOP LAYER:
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup raisins, chopped a bit
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
3/4 cup cranberry jelly, drained slightly, or 1 1/2 cup fresh/frozen cranberries cooked with 1/4 cup sugar for about ten minutes, or until soft
Beat the eggs in the same bowl. Add the sugar, salt, flour, powder, raisins, coconut, and cranberries. Spread over first layer. Bake in 350F oven for 25-30 minutes until firm in the centre. Cool then refrigerate. Cut when cool into 24 squares. Will be chewy.
ICING
1 1/2 cup icing sugar
3 T margarine or butter
1 T plus 2 tsp water or milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Beat all together in a small second bowl, adding more liquid if needed for easy spreading. Frost cooled bars.
1 c butter
2 c brown sugar
½ c corn syrup
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
6 quarts (24 cups=2 microwave bags) popped popcorn
Melt butter and stir in sugar and syrup. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Add nuts (optional). Boil 5 mins without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour over popped corn and mix well. Spread onto 2 cookie sheets. Bake 1 hour at 250F, stirring q 15 mins. Remove and store in tightly sealed container.
Grandma P’s Oreo Cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together in a large bowl:
1 c. margarine (softened for easier blending)
4 eggs
2 boxes Duncan Hines Devil’s Food cake mix
2 tbsp. flour
Roll into balls the size of a walnut. Put on cookie sheet 2-3“ apart, but don’t press down. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes and take off sheet. Cool completely.
Filling:
Cream together:
2 cups icing sugar
1-8 oz. package of cream cheese
Spread on cooled cookies. Put two flat sides together. (Hint – put a blob on one cookie and squish with other cookie)
Makes 24 and freezes well.
Caro's Tomato Soup Cake
Servings: 16
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup raisins
1. Combine the tomato soup and the soda in a bowl, and let it stand.
2. Cream sugar, egg, butter, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix in tomato soup and soda mixture, and then flour. Stir in the raisins, and pour the batter in a greased baking dish (bundt cake mold).
3. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until done. Cool the cake, and top with cream cheese icing if desired.
Mona's 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) a small splash of vanilla extract 1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug,
but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe
in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
Company's Coming 150 Delicious Squares p. 99
BOTTOM LAYER:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 pinch salt
Measure all ingredients in large bowl. Mix until crumbly. Press in 8x8 inch pan. Bake in 350 F oven for 10 minutes.
TOP LAYER:
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup raisins, chopped a bit
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
3/4 cup cranberry jelly, drained slightly, or 1 1/2 cup fresh/frozen cranberries cooked with 1/4 cup sugar for about ten minutes, or until soft
Beat the eggs in the same bowl. Add the sugar, salt, flour, powder, raisins, coconut, and cranberries. Spread over first layer. Bake in 350F oven for 25-30 minutes until firm in the centre. Cool then refrigerate. Cut when cool into 24 squares. Will be chewy.
ICING
1 1/2 cup icing sugar
3 T margarine or butter
1 T plus 2 tsp water or milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Beat all together in a small second bowl, adding more liquid if needed for easy spreading. Frost cooled bars.
Almond Roca
READY IN: 50mins
YIELD: 36 candies
1 lb real butter
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
6 tablespoons water
1 cup finely chopped almonds
1 (11 1/2 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
Over Medium heat, melt butter in a large pot. Add corn syrup, water and sugar to pot and cook until temp reaches 290 degrees OR until the mixture becomes the color of a brown paper bag (about 15-20 minutes) stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (mixture will rise and bubble quite a bit).
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 of the Almonds. Turn mixture onto a greased cookie sheet WITH EDGES!
While the mixture is cooling, melt the chocolate over low flame until all the chips are gone, and chocolate is smooth.
Score the Almond butter mixture into the shape you desire (I just scored into rectangle shapes).
Pour the hot chocolate over the almond mixture and spread evenly.
Sprinkle with remaining almonds and allow candy to cool completely and chocolate to harden before breaking apart and serving.
Note: I let mine refrigerate over night after breaking the into squares, and they had a better texture this way, we thought.
READY IN: 50mins
YIELD: 36 candies
1 lb real butter
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
6 tablespoons water
1 cup finely chopped almonds
1 (11 1/2 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
Over Medium heat, melt butter in a large pot. Add corn syrup, water and sugar to pot and cook until temp reaches 290 degrees OR until the mixture becomes the color of a brown paper bag (about 15-20 minutes) stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (mixture will rise and bubble quite a bit).
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 of the Almonds. Turn mixture onto a greased cookie sheet WITH EDGES!
While the mixture is cooling, melt the chocolate over low flame until all the chips are gone, and chocolate is smooth.
Score the Almond butter mixture into the shape you desire (I just scored into rectangle shapes).
Pour the hot chocolate over the almond mixture and spread evenly.
Sprinkle with remaining almonds and allow candy to cool completely and chocolate to harden before breaking apart and serving.
Note: I let mine refrigerate over night after breaking the into squares, and they had a better texture this way, we thought.
Chocolate Bark
Prepare your mix-ins: raisin/hazelnut in dark, almond in milk, peppermint in white, pistachio/cranberry in white, candied ginger in dark or milk, peanuts in milk, coconut, potato chip
Melt 12 oz of chocolate (milk, dark or white) buy chopping into small pieces and melting over a double boiler or microwaving 10 seconds at a time until smooth.
Mix-in (reserve some to last step) and flavour. Spread on parchment and cool at 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. You can sprinkle a few more on top to make it pretty.
Once cooled, break or slice. Divide as gifts between 2 and 4 people. Refrigerate to store short term.
Prepare your mix-ins: raisin/hazelnut in dark, almond in milk, peppermint in white, pistachio/cranberry in white, candied ginger in dark or milk, peanuts in milk, coconut, potato chip
Melt 12 oz of chocolate (milk, dark or white) buy chopping into small pieces and melting over a double boiler or microwaving 10 seconds at a time until smooth.
Mix-in (reserve some to last step) and flavour. Spread on parchment and cool at 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. You can sprinkle a few more on top to make it pretty.
Once cooled, break or slice. Divide as gifts between 2 and 4 people. Refrigerate to store short term.
Mexican Wedding Cakes
Betty Crocker
Makes 54
Ingredients
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped or ground almonds or pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup powdered sugar, the butter and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in flour, almonds and salt until dough forms.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 1 inch apart.
Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
Place 3/4 cup powdered sugar in small bowl. Roll cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar again. Cookies can be placed in an airtight container and freeze up to 3 weeks. Before serving, thaw the cookies and reroll them in powdered sugar.
Betty Crocker
Makes 54
Ingredients
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped or ground almonds or pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup powdered sugar, the butter and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in flour, almonds and salt until dough forms.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 1 inch apart.
Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
Place 3/4 cup powdered sugar in small bowl. Roll cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar again. Cookies can be placed in an airtight container and freeze up to 3 weeks. Before serving, thaw the cookies and reroll them in powdered sugar.
36 squares
Company's Coming 150 Delicious Squares p. 38
Layer 1:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional, or almonds)
Layer 2:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
Layer 3:
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4 (1 ounce) squares baking chocolate
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9 inch pan.
For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together over low heat (or in the microwave). Spread over second layer when cool but still runny. Chill in refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut.
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
Company's Coming 150 Delicious Squares p. 38
Layer 1:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional, or almonds)
Layer 2:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
Layer 3:
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4 (1 ounce) squares baking chocolate
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9 inch pan.
For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together over low heat (or in the microwave). Spread over second layer when cool but still runny. Chill in refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut.
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
yield: 16-18 COOKIES
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 large egg, room temperature preferred
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons milk
1 and 1/2 cup Nestlé® Toll House® Dark Chocolate Morsels
16-17 Rolos
coarse sea salt
Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed for about 20 seconds. Add the sugars with the mixer running on medium speed. Cream it all together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate medium size bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly add to the wet ingredients. Stir in the milk, then fold in the dark chocolate morsels. The dough will be thick and very sticky. Chill for at least 1-2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Take 2 Tablespoons of chilled dough and split in half and roll each into a ball with your hands. Stick a caramel into 1 ball of dough. Top the caramel with the other ball of dough and seal down the sides so that the caramel is securely stuffed inside. Repeat with the rest of the dough and 18 caramel candies. Sprinkle each with sea salt before putting into the oven.
Bake for 12-13 minutes. Cookies will appear undone and very soft. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cookies stay fresh and soft in an airtight container up to 7 days.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 large egg, room temperature preferred
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons milk
1 and 1/2 cup Nestlé® Toll House® Dark Chocolate Morsels
16-17 Rolos
coarse sea salt
Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed for about 20 seconds. Add the sugars with the mixer running on medium speed. Cream it all together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate medium size bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly add to the wet ingredients. Stir in the milk, then fold in the dark chocolate morsels. The dough will be thick and very sticky. Chill for at least 1-2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Take 2 Tablespoons of chilled dough and split in half and roll each into a ball with your hands. Stick a caramel into 1 ball of dough. Top the caramel with the other ball of dough and seal down the sides so that the caramel is securely stuffed inside. Repeat with the rest of the dough and 18 caramel candies. Sprinkle each with sea salt before putting into the oven.
Bake for 12-13 minutes. Cookies will appear undone and very soft. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cookies stay fresh and soft in an airtight container up to 7 days.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
THE TRIANGLE IS MY NEW FAVORITE SHAPE
I recently spent a week on vacation in Crete. There are many versions of this week I have to tell, but the most suprising for me was the dynamic of travelling with two girlfriends.
The trip was the invitation of a friend and a personal dream for me. Early on, there were permutations that included four of us, but in the end, it was a trio. I felt like I was the odd woman out, every step of the way, but not in a bad way. The other girls booked their flights together. They had time to stay in Paris together after. They met to plan things. But it was nice to be invited, and it was an amazing opportunity to spend more time together with these fantastic women in one week than I had spent with them in our lifetimes. The strangest notion was that we were going to meet up at YUL to travel together, and that was going to be the first time we would have seen each other since last December!
The geometry of a triangle is that there is always 180 degrees between all three angles, and no matter which change you make, the sum of its angles is constant. Similarly, whenever something happened in our trio's dynamic, there was tension related to the mathematical need to maintain the constant proportions between each of us.
When the trip started, the two of us were connected through our mutual friend. But this trip, which I had thought about as an equilateral triangle, changed almost instantly when we arrived. The plan was for our friend to take the basement suite, and the two of us, who knew each other least, to share the main house. Unlike most of my travels, I arrived with just a few ideas, and had thought I would make plans with the girls when we arrived. But as each day passed, I realized that my ideas were only going to take away from what could happen in the group. The triangle would survive the stretch, but I would be less connected. That was important to one of us. To be alone. The thing that I found most interesting, was that as she pulled away, the two of us left got closer. And when we were together again, we were back to the equilateral triangle again.
Time and time again, we took turns, and the geometry never failed. The tension and laxity between our angles changed a thousand times that week, but we were always connected, and those connections were proportioned in geometric perfection every time.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
A GOOD HALLOWEEN
| I am not crazy about Halloween. As a kid, I loved the candy as much as anyone, but growing up in church, eschewing evil was a definite detraction from the celebrations. But I stopped trick-or-treating, and saw the costumes increasingly become gorier over time. The era of zombies made the last memories of Halloween distasteful. Factor in that this was this year princess pirate was at her dad's, and that he didn't even ask whether or not I would like to go. She made plans, so I planned to give out candies. Then there was a sick call at work, and instead of recovering from a night and working the next day, I was recovering and working midnight after Halloween. But after school PP had no homework. She had put together a great Sherlock Holmes outfit, and even though she didn't want to carve a pumpkin at first, I put them out and started on mine. She helped pick out the seeds from the goop, and by the time I had baked them with salt, she was almost done her memoral cat-o-lantern dedicated to Nancy Drew, using my jack-o-lantern's eyes as the inserted cats' ears. My heart was warmed. I went to shower, and by the time I got out, I had an idea, and when I got out, PP had had one too, and had put out a couple of items. I put on a long Chinese black and red robe from a friend and PP helped me with a turban. Voilà ! I was a fortune teller, and had dressed up for the first time in years to give out candy. PP came by early, and I gave her a Tüte full of candies, and then later with friends. I was alone and not lonely, and enjoyed the evening until things died down. I went to bed at 9, later then ideal for a wakeup time of 11, but it was a wholly satisfying evening with a lovely amount of time with my PP.  |
| It wasn't a politically correct decision, but I was driving home from a night shift and only had a few minutes the day of Halloween. The most important factor, beyond what was still at the store, was how much I would like to eat if if I had leftovers. Giving out candy is a variable affair, but despite the rain, the 160 candies went fast 3 at a time, so I was giving them out two at a time by 7, and wishing I had kept more Reese's pumpkins at the end. They were delicious! |
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| A classic jack-o-lantern. |
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| I have a special girl. She left me a treasure hunt. I lost track and thought I had found all her decorations. Until I woke up the next day, and went to the second bathroom. I had missed the spider hanging on the door! |
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