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Waiter! There's something in my...tomato terrine!
2008-01-22 06:25:00
terrina/terrine"Waiter ! There's something in my..." (WTSIM) has kicked off the new year with.....Terrines! Johanna of The Passionate Cook is host this month.I was very excited to try terrines again. Again, you ask? Yup.....again. I tried my hand at an Avocado Terrine in November, when Tami hosted November's Hay Hay It's Donna Day. At that time, I made two attempts that crashed and burned.....badly....before switching from directions to avocado. Who knew kiwi killed gelatin? I liked the avocado, but did have insecurities with the final texture. Then, Dolores left me this comment:I made your avocado terrine for my open house this last weekend -- with heavy cream and cream cheese as you suggested in the notes. My guests LOVED it. Several of them went home with your recipe, which will appear on holiday buffet tables around the bay area this season. Just though you should know...Yeah! It makes me all gitty inside to think someone made and enjoyed a recipe I posted. And then, taking th...
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Challah, Take 2...with Currents
2008-01-21 07:30:00
cerchio magico/magic circleBread Baking Day, created by Zorra, is a bread lover?s dream! I haven?t participated in any of the previous month round ups, but did manage to get in potato bread when Zorra hosted World Bread Day (a different potato bread than the one I made for the DB #13 Challenge).This month's theme, as Eva announced, is shaped bread. Cool! I decided to go with Challah again. I made it last month for Anna's event, Festive Food Fair, but have wanted to try again. A 6-braider proved challenging and part of me needed to see if I could make pretty bread a second go-around.I mentioned last time that Maya's home video on braiding a six strand Challah loaf was the catalyst for the first 6-braid attempt. If you look at her home page, you can see a beautiful round challah on the right panel. Shaped Shape bread?the ultimate! So, like last time, the video got played again ? just as a refresher, of course?.I had to get myself into ?the chant?.Over RightOver LeftseparatecenterOv...
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Chunky Tomato Soup
2008-01-20 16:41:00
zuppa di pomodoro/tomato soupAs you know by now, HOM has provided us a ton of healthy eats and now its reached #11! This month?s theme is soup. Ilva, Joanna, and now Michelle could not have planned a better theme. Not only is January is National Soup Month., but Atlanta?s weather is turning?even to snow! Soup is perfect for this chilly weather we?re having. And, it?s also great for a ?planning ahead? meal. Most soups freeze wonderfully!When I read ?soup?, I instantly thought of dLife, a great website I stop by. It?s packed with valuable information about Diabetes, a meal manger, and recipes! Chunky Tomato Soup is one of the recipes they include. What?s so fabulous about the recipe? Besides that it has 64 calories per 1 cup serving? In the one serving, the Chunky Tomato Soup also has 3.9g Protein. Oh! Did I mention the sodium level is (only) 496mg? How many times do you begin to lose your breath when you read the soup can labels and see sodium levels ? per serving ? over 7, 8, 900+ m...

Lemon Rosemary Lamb Roast Dinner
2008-01-19 19:51:00
nevicata/snow fallAtlanta received a bit of snow on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, it didn't hang around, so we had to work on Thursday (a bit of a bummer). Soon thereafter, the forecast called for even more inclement weather. Naaaa....not in Atlanta. Has Mother Nature thrown her hands up?It was raining when I woke up this morning and quickly got it together to run some errands...just in case. An hour and a half later, I arrived home to find my lil' shrub dressed in snow!2 hours later....out to the mailbox to pick up the mail....and more snow! I am now waiting for the restaurant to call me and say I don't have to come in. (Isn't that terrible? I just started this job.)I am not going to kid you...its fun and exciting. Its been a long time since I have been in, driven in, and/or bundled up for snow. Makes me a but gitty!Today's weather is perfect for snuggling on the couch, hot cider (or chocolate) and comfort meals. When my mom was here after Christmas, I made a fantastic com...
More About: Lemon , Dinner , Lamb , Roast , Rosemary

Split Pea Soup
2008-01-19 12:44:00
pisello secco/split pea Some time back, I saw/bookmarked Elise's post for split pea soup. I bought a canister/tub/thing of split peas at the farmer's market, and needed a yummy recipe. I changed it a teenie, and mine was not as lusciously thick as Elise's, but it was good.Whole Foods always has great nutritional and storage information about foods they sell. Split peas are no exception. While you can read about it (by clicking the previous link), here a quick FYI about the little green legumes? member of the legume family good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber manages blood-sugar disorders provider of two B-vitamins and protein--all with virtually little fat. According to Epicurious: A variety of yellow or green pea grown specifically for drying. These peas are dried and usually split along a natural seam, in which case they're called split peas. May need pre-soaking before cooking.Split Pea Soup Tweaked from Simply Recipes1 ½ cups green split peas1 large onion, peeled and cho...

Stop the Presses!
2008-01-17 12:20:00
It is snowing in Atlanta! Go figure! I am driving home from work and see a flurry, turn to dusting, turn to .... a full blown snow!(It looks like rain, but its snow!)As the large flakes fell from the sky, I made my way from job number one at job number 2. Of course, I had to call and tell them I'd be late. I hate that! But, it took me an hour and 15 minutes to drive 15 miles. The weather made restaurant slow, so at least I was able to learn a little. Big Menu....ugh! You think you'll never learn it, but it will come....eventually. Onto day number 2 of job 1&2....Why? Well, although my car looked like this at one point... temperatures remained above freezing...school is in. (Now, I know all of you who are used to blizzard-like conditions....if you saw last night's squall? It was a lot for here. Made me miss snow - for just a moment....)http://melecotte.blogspot.com/ feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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From the Crescent to the Peach....A Synopsis
2008-01-15 12:47:00
Risultato Finale/Final Result Bon Bons/TrufflesKahulaOrange ChocolateOreo Peanut ButterCookiesAlmond Spice BiscottiBenne WafersChocolate ChipRugelachTarts/PastriesCheesecake CupsAssorted Fruit Tassies (Apricot, Poppy, Raspberry)Bostini Cream Pie (Go DBs!)Coconut MacaroonsLemon BlackberryS?mores Squares Other Participating Venders:Catering: DeCuir CateringCenterpieces: Let?s Celebrate Inc.Photography: Garnet O'Connor Photography Electric Violinist: Ken FordCook's note: Some of my favorite desserts to make are bite sized whatever?cookies, bon bons, truffles?etc. A problem that comes up (just between me and my KA) is I sometimes call my bite-sized round thingies bon bons, and sometimes I call them truffles. Truth be told, I really haven?t a credible clue between the two. I know that most times I see truffle recipes, it includes cream. And, after reading Emily Stone?s very informative post on Chocolate in Context, I find I have not been too far off the mark.According to Wikipedia, (k...
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Marzipan Truffles
2008-01-14 12:38:00
Il dolce è nutriente!/This dessert is rich!I mentioned yesterday, I made it through my the party I had been preparing for over the last 2 weeks. It was my first (paid) catering gig and I was very nervous. I was only able to take a couple of pictures before the guests arrived. Once I get the pictures from the photographer and from my friend Ashley, I will put together a slide show this week. I will also link the other first rate vendors who worked the party.In the meantime, there are several thanks that must said, then I will finish the Marz ipan Bon Bon/Truffle entry I posted last week.Thank you....Mom - Two of the most popular desserts anywhere I bring them, this party included, the peanut butter bon bons and rugelach/crescent cookies are recipes she gave me. And, when she was here, her assistance was invaluable, as we made and rolled over two hundred of each.Annette (the birthday girl), Sharon, ans Ashley - First, their friendship has been such a blessing over the last year. I find...
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From the Crescent to the Peach....Desserts were flowin'!
2008-01-13 17:01:00
©logo designed by O2: ElementsThe DJ equipment has been shut off, the bar broken down, the dinner/desserts boxed up, and the party goers....on to after hours shin-digs. The party of 2008, 50 in the City - from the Crescent to the Peach has been given its place in the Parties that Rock archives.I will collect the pictures and post about the particulars this week, but today is clean up and rest. (I promise I will rest with my foot up, friends!) But, until then, I am so happy to hear throughout the evening that guess enjoyed the desserts. Excluding the candies that went into the gift bag, guests had 14 desserts to choose from (not including the cake). Here is the list....Bon Bons/TrufflesKahulaOrange ChocolateOreoPeanut ButterCookiesAlmond Spice BiscottiBenne WafersChocolate ChipRugelachTarts/PastriesCheesecake CupsAssorted Fruit Tassies (Apricot, Poppy, Raspberry)Bostini Cream Pie (Go DBs!)Coconut MacaroonsLemon Blackberry S?mores Squares http://melecotte.blogspot.com/feeds/posts /defa...
More About: Desserts

Oh Happy Day....
2008-01-12 06:01:00
Today is Mele Cotte's first blogiversary! I can't believe it. During the summer of '06, M told me I should try blogging. He had one, and it was a cool medium to speak one's mind. I tried with a blog called Oratorical Rhetoric. (What in the world?) However, I found my first attempt was a series of venting/rambling sessions. I wasn't really into it...and couldn't pinpoint why. I thought and thought and thought. What could I write about and enjoy at the same time? Food! And so it began.As you know, I have been up to my ears in baking (and am still very behind). I have been baking/prepping for this party since 5PM and had to take a load off for a minute. Its going to be a looooong day. Then, I remembered today (since it just crossed over to Saturday) was the day! But...no cake...please! Besides the fact I have never been an "ooooh, a birthday cake!" girl, all this sugar, flour, and butter....oh my tummy! Maybe a fruit would be a better celebratory offering. And what better fruit t...
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A Sure Thing - Chocolate Bark!
2008-01-10 14:03:00
Jaden at the Steamy Kitchen posted about Dark Chocolate & Toffee Macadamia Bark last week. Well....I just knew I had to try it! Tweaking it just a bit, using the chocolate I keep on hand for truffles and mix nuts, and some other things I have noted but can't remember at the moment, I whipped up a tray.This bark is one of those recipes to keep close at hand. Everyone I brought it to said they finished the bag the day it was received. After bringing a bag to a women who was extremely helpful to me in a store, she called me back and she and two other staff members want to order some! ha! Order? How cool!Thanks Jaden!Now...I won't see you all until Monday. I am way behind in my plan for Saturday's party desserts since I was out of commission Monday night. Trying to play catch up has been a bit of a challenge. So, I won't have time to look, write, check out, or do anything with blogs/my computer....that is if I want to get it all done. Have a fabulous weekend everyone!http://mele...
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Planning Ahead: Breakfast Burritos
2008-01-09 12:53:00
farcita/stuffed Today, I am going back to the brunch, make-ahead dishes. If you checked out Mele Cotte last week, you have seen the Breakfast Pizzas and Cinnamon Buns, the Pasta Crab Casserole, Orange-Date Pumpkin Bread, and Banana Bread. Today, let's chat about Breakfast Burritos. I saw a recipe on Frozen Assets, a wonderfully helpful blog by author Debi Taylor-Hough. I changed it since I am not a fan of some of the ingredients she uses, but borrowed the premise from Frozen Assets.Breakfast BurritosA tweaked recipe from of Frozen AssetsYield 2412 eggs, beaten 1 cup of veggie trio - diced tomato, green bell peppers, and onions2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded salt & pepper to taste24 flour tortillas (or crepes if eating immediately)Scramble eggs in large skillet until done. Stir in the trio and the salt & pepper. Place ½ cup egg mixture into tortilla; sprinkle with cheese; roll burrito-style. (If your wraps don't roll easily, try warming them first.) If preparing for a later...
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Planning Ahead: Banana Bread
2008-01-07 22:06:00
Note: No post on Tuesday. I had gum surgery (the third this year) that knocked me on my booty. Cross your fingers I can function (a) at work, and (b) at night so I can play catch up with the baking I have to do!Have a great day, everyone! A quickie post.....going back to the brunch, make-ahead dishes.If you checked out Mele Cotte last week, you have seen the Breakfast Pizzas and Cinnamon Buns, the Pasta Crab Casserole, and Orange-Date Pumpkin Bread . This week, I will post breakfast burritos, another casserole (that I made for me, not the brunch), and a quiche. (I am just waiting on some permission notifications before posting a couple of those.)Today's make-ahead dish? Banana Bread. I forgot to take a"presentation" picture, but here it is in the pan. Click here for the recipe. I didn't make a mini for me to taste - so I am hoping its yummy!http://melecotte.blogspot.com/feeds /posts/default?alt=rss
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Bon Bons or bust....
2008-01-06 14:00:00
marzapane/ marzipanI planned for my Saturday. I am a planner. Its what I do. Everything was ready - Molds and chocolate ready to go, aromas of almond paste and confectioners sugar tempting my nose...This would have been great, had I not gone to bed really late and ignored my AM alarm for ...oooh, lets just say several snoozes. My little siesta resulted in a lot of lost time, especially with the pre-baking errands I had to do. My baking assistant, the lovely Sharon, and I didn't get back to my house until 1PM!Sharon: baking assistant and fabulous friendDreams of 2 bon bons/truffles, tart dough, and the last 120 chocolates melted with the candy melts . Nonetheless, the 2 bon bons/truffles did get finished completely (the chocolate orange and the marzipan)- yeah! But that's it. (Well...there was the bantering and giggly jokes about the balls we were rolling.) Although I was still truffling at 8PM, I really have enjoyed this batch, having never made marzipan before. But...I became tot...
More About: Bust

Still bakin'...
2008-01-05 07:36:00
Buon Fine Settimana/Have a Nice Weekend!Two more days and then its over. Yikes!This has been a great vacation, but all good things must come to an end. In the meantime, I will continue to work on the desserts for the party. My timeline becomes more specific at this point. Today I complete 2 bon bons/truffles, tart dough, and the last 120 or more so of the theme chocolates. The pictures here show what I have been working on this evening. But, my Fleur de Lis' began to turn into Fleur de Whoops as fatigue set in. So, I will finish after I make my trip to the store to get their containers. So, no recipes today or tomorrow. Just me in the kitchen getting everything pulled together. There will be more "Planning Ahead/Make Ahead recipes" next week. Oh! And, I start a second job in a couple of weeks cooking in an upscale sports bar. ("Upper scale" - in suburbia. Not a dive.) Its not what I totally wanted, but its a great start with a pretty extensive menu. The experience/practice may ass...

Planning Ahead: Orange-Date Pumpkin Bread
2008-01-04 15:30:00
arancia/orangeOrange (To the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus")The pumpkins in my garden are orange, orange, orange,O-R-A-N-G-E.The oranges on my tree are orange, orange, orange,O-R-A-N-G-E. Okay?silly, I know!. But, I am trying to gear up for my return to work on Monday. I admit?not ready! When is the next day off? When is summer? I think I would feel a whole lot better if my foot wasn?t still jacked up. In fact, I have to find flat, yet supportive, black shoes this weekend that fit my air-cast. The challenge will be to find a pair that doesn?t look "granny-like", or that don't look like they to be matched with glasses that cover my entire face ? ear to ear.(picture from Pumml Artspace) Enough of that ? onto more make-ahead stuff. I have already posted about the Breakfast Pizzas and Cinnamon Buns., and the pasta crab casserole (which my neighbors said was amazing ? yeah! Hopefully pictures will come soon.) Today? Orange-Date Pumpkin Bread . With all the sweet foods I have been baking...
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Planning Ahead: Pasta Crab Casserole
2008-01-03 07:02:00
legare!/ bundle up!I mentioned yesterday about the current baking bonanza I am in for a party coming up and the time-saving/make-ahead recipes I am preparing for the post-party brunch. Here is the third recipe I prepared (the first two being the Breakfast Pizzas and Cinnamon Buns). The pictures do not show a cooked dish because?.its wrapped and frozen. I changed the amounts from the original recipe, so I was able to get two large casseroles. (I also omitted the butter and substituted imitation crab meat for real crab meat.) The brunch casserole went in a fluted 11-inch round baker and the other casserole went into a fluted 11-inch oval baker. I gave the smaller dish to my neighbors, brand new, first-time parents, to try out for me. Mr. Neighbor said he?ll snap a picture for me and then I will be able to update the post. I admit....I did take a small taste the filling and it was?.yummy! :) I am anxious to hear about the baked version. Pasta Crab Casserole From Taste of Home12 ounces u...
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Planning ahead=smiles!
2008-01-02 07:49:00
colpire nel segno/make a hit!Pizza for breakfast? You betcha! My mom left yesterday, and while its always a bummer when she flies back, I value the time we so have when we visit. She was integral in helping me get my house back the way it was before the start of the school year - organized, and looking like a I live there - not some gremlin. She also helped me bake!You see...and while I am currently in vacation status, its a work vacation for me. My friend is celebrating her birthday. When she throws a party - its big. Last year, she asked for my assistance in creating delicious gifts for her guests at a Christmas party. (The pictures below show the bon bons, chocolate peppermint sticks, and candy lollipops. You can also see the other great items she made for everyone.)Well - She is hosting a huge party on the 12th. She asked me ions ago to do the desserts. Of course I said yes. Then, she asked me to make items for the brunch the following morning for her family. Sure!Have you ever...
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Happy New Year!
2008-01-01 12:32:00
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~ Buddha Thanks for everyone's support of Mele Cotte. It has been a wonderful year getting this blog started. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year !http://melecotte.blogspot.com/feeds/ posts/default?alt=rss
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Trail Mix
2007-12-31 06:39:00
battistrada/trail blazer As you probably already know, the adult body is made up of about 70 percent water. Well, I would have to argue that point. Currently, I believe my adult body is made up of about 70 percent sugar. If you're a regular peruser (there I go making up words again) of blogs, as I am, you know many foodies are feeling similar - cookies, cakes, candies, tarts, this, that, and the other.I mentioned that my mother came this weekend. She and I had a very productive 3 days reorganizing my home. While sifting through drawers, diving in under-the-bed boxes, and hesitantly discarding shoes, we also decided to try to eat healthy - salads, fruit, lots of water. (okay - so some wine did an inverted sneak maneuver at one point....but....)I always have struggles keeping snacks in the house that hold my attention. I think I have snack ADD. One snack I like and that usually lasts a longer stay than others is Trail Mix. However, I get irritated with the store-bought kind because...

The Queen of Hearts ...
2007-12-30 06:03:00
The Queen of Hearts She made some tarts, All on a summer's day; The Knave of Hearts He stole the tarts, And took them clean away. The King of Hearts Called for the tarts, And beat the Knave full sore; The Knave of Hearts Brought back the tarts, And vowed he'd steal no more.attenta riflessione/careful considerationSandra of Un Tocco di Zenzero and Zorra of Kochtopf have asked that we reflect. Specifically, as Zorra explains,It's the end of the year ? almost. A time for reflection, before the resolutions of 2008 send us all scrambling once again. So what did you cook this year that made your mouth drool, let you discover new taste sensation, opened your mind, made you fall in love? This is a great event, as I am hoping 2008 brings me to a good place. I have been undergoing a lot of reflection (and housecleaning), so this favorite recipe of 2007 reflection falls right into line. Or so I first believed. This was a lot harder than I thought! Before I tell you the finalist, let?s meet ...
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WHB: Mushrooms & Fench Beans
2007-12-29 02:19:00
pianta di fagiolo!/beans!Yesterday proved to be a most productive day. My mom flew in Thursday night for a visit and to help me get my house organized. Knowing I am no good with my foot, which is still quite messed up, mom came down with a mission.We brought the Christmas boxes in from the garage and by 4PM, the ornaments were wrapped up, the tree down and boxed (yes, I have a fake one), and the living room put back into order. While mom finished the living room, I worked on my garage and managed to toss a large amount of my classroom ?stuff? I have been hanging onto for years. The rest will be brought to school when we go back for a ?free for all?.Tomorrow? The shelves in the garage, my closet, and a trip to Salvation Army (if mom and I don?t get lost in the closet abyss).I am so excited to have my place shaping up for the new year. But, when dinner time rolled around, mom and I were sort of?well, pooped! So, a light dinner was in order. I had a two pound bag of French Beans I had ...
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Rigatoni with Smoked Mozzarella
2007-12-28 06:47:00
affumicato /smokedHold on to your hats, folks. I am submitting a pasta recipe to Ruth for her weekly event, Presto Pasta Nights?two weeks in a row! I know! Maybe I should have told you to sit before beginning to read. Realistically, I know this probably won?t happen each week since my new year resolution will be to lose this ?freshman fifteen? I have packed on since starting my new job this past August. That means carbs beware. But for now, since New Years is still a few days away, I am all about a tasty, carb-full dinner. Let's read about smoked mozzarella for just a moment (while our eyes readjust from looking at this blurry picture - one of a dozen I tried to get).Smoked mozzarella, or mozzarella affumicata in Italian, starts out as fresh Mozzarella, a mild, white cheese made from either water buffalo's milk or cow's milk. Cheese makers use the pasta filata method to make the fresh mozzarella, dipping the curd into hot whey, then stretching and kneading it to the desired consi...
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Shrimp & Gruyere Puffs
2007-12-27 14:39:00
gambero/shrimp Gruyère cheese - I am a huge fan. Puff Pastry is pretty darn good as well. And shrimp? Deeee-lish! Put all three together, and I am a happy camper with a goofy grin. This dinner is a quick and easy one that will fill the room with "oohs" and "Ahhs". And, its all done within 3o minutes!(I baked 2 pastry rounds, so all the ingredients are to accomodate just the 2). First, shred ¼ cup of the Gruyère cheese. Split the cheese in half, set one half aside and divvy the second ½ of the grated cheese between the centers of the puff pastry rounds. Bake @ 400 degrees for 10 minutes . While the pastry is baking, and get 4-6 cooked shrimp prepared. (I buy the the precooked "lunch plate" from Costco and all I have to do is remove the tail and eat - or use it for recipe like this! You can keep the shrimp whole or chop them into small pieces). After 10 minutes, remove the pastry from the oven, place the shrimp on the melted cheese, and top with the cheese that was reserved earlier. R...
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Holiday Dinner for 2
2007-12-26 15:02:00
riflessione/reflectionThe presents have been opened, meals eaten, and new memories have been made. And now, daily routines resume. But, in reflection...As I mentioned in yesterday's meme, (number 5) I relish in not leaving the house on Christmas day, hanging out in my comfies and being lazy. Well - I had to leave the house, but I also was able to be lazy. Christmas dinner at home was simple yet tasty, and one that can be enjoyed for special occasions...or not. And, it leaves time for play...which is what I did on my new laptop (an HP Pavillion with a kick-butt screen) M have me for Christmas!What did I make for dinner? My first time making Cornish Game Hen. It came out quite tasty, and I believe it was the seasoned salt Katie sent me.Holiday Dinner for 2Herbed Cornish Game Hens2 whole Cornish Game Hens (I used Hens from Tyson®)2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces2 Tbsp. butter, melted for bastingScant 2 Tbsp. Fleur de Sel de Noirmoutier Persillade (seasoned salt sent to me by Katie)Preh...

Merry Christmas!
2007-12-25 06:29:00
Buon Natale/Merry Christmas !Some time ago, I was tagged by Jeni (Passionate Palate) for a Christmas Meme. I planned on responding much faster than this, but ?.well, ?stuff? got n the way and I have not been able to get to it. So, I thought today would be an appropriate time to complete the task, list 12 things I love about Christmas - traditions, memories, food, or Christmas past or present .1. It is a wonderful and challenging time decorating my house and getting it as close as I can to how my mom decorated. 2. I like remembering year ago (seems like a lifetime) when our immediate family gathered in the living room (the nice living room we only went into on special occasions) and opening presents. Now that we are older, siblings have their families, and my parents are in separate states, I hold these memories in a special place. My favorite part was looking in our boots. We had stockings but they weren?t the kind you fill, but handmade by my aunt and for display only. Instead, we e...
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Twelve Days of Cookies (Day 12) Plus...
2007-12-24 14:30:00
assortimento/assortmentFirst...a little humor. My boss sent this to his administrators. Check out how I am as an elf...(I am on the far right)..I think I won't quit my day job!Okay...now onto the 'serts.What do cinnamon and egg nog have in common? Well, in this post - nothing except they (and their respective recipes) are all included. Each recipe is also part of an event. Now, I know we typically don't like to include multiple events in one posting...but I am running out of time! Sorry!First, to finish off my Twelve Days of Cookie s , I figured I would enlist a little assistance from the lady herself, Mrs. Claus. Christmas is tomorrow and I am sure, since she is the pro at getting her hubby, the elves, and the reindeer ready to make his big trip, she knows her cooking. I stopped by her place and borrowed a recipe from her collection for Sunita's event, Think Spice...Think Cinnamon.Cinnamon CookiesCourtesy of NorthPoleSantaClaus.com2 cups self rising flour½ tsp (baking) soda1 tsp ...

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili
2007-12-23 14:11:00
vegetariano/vegetarianI came upon Running with Tweezers fairly early in my bloggin' last year. I remember being so excited to find out Tami is here, in Atlanta. A hop, skip, and a jump! So, any time Tami hosts an event, I have to participate. Her most recent event is RWT Chili Cook-Off. Before yesterday, I have only made chili a few times. I used a great mix each time from Southwest Specialty Food that I bought in Alabama. Ass Kickin' Chili Fixins. Any mix that includes a Heat-o-Meter in its seasonings and includes a slogans like "Kick Yo' Ass Hot" and "Whoop Ass" has got to be good. And it was! I haven't made/eaten this chili for years, though. Last time I made it, M was over and as he ate, I saw lil' beads of sweat forming on his forehead. I had made it so hot, inadvertently dumping the whole spice pack in the pot, and he was so good trying to make it through. Now, that's a friend! This challenge comes at a great time, as the weather gets colder. And, since its rainy and gro...
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Daring Bakers Challenge #14: Yule Log
2007-12-22 12:58:00
sfida/challengeTis the season to be Jolly, fa la la la la la la la AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!Its that time again! The Daring Baker s Challenge . This month's challenge, hosted by the founders of Daring Bakers Ivonne and Lis, proved to be just that...a challenge. When I learned about the recipe for this month I was excited. I have seen Yule Logs before and thought, Great! We were having a breakfast at work and I thought, Hey, why not? Even if people didn't eat it from the breakfast, it would make for a nice after lunch nibble.Who know the day's trials and tribulations would end up with this...Well, not really, but I will get to that. You see... unfortunately, my challenge did not go how I had planned. But, I look at it as a learning experience. (There's the teacher in me!) You definitely need to check out the other Bakers to see how the Log was supposed to turn out.ceppo di Natale/Yule LogYule Log Drama...As the whisk turns, these are the challenges of our times....(soap opera refer...
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Twelve days of Cookies (Palmiers) and so much more...
2007-12-21 12:26:00
Tosta de BoqueronesOpen-Faced Sandwich with Spanish Anchovies and Peppercorns of 4 ColorsBefore I get to the Palmiers....some official business....Seasoned Eatings.The secret?s been revealed! As a participant for Seasoned Eatings (hosted by Katie and Lindsay), I was not only eager to go shopping for my giftee, but looked at my doorway each day I pulled into the driveway to see if a package sat waiting. I actually goofed and was supposed to post twice - once with my reaction when I received the package and the second with the picture of the completed recipe. Oops! So I am doing two in one....As you know by now, I chipped a couple of bones in my ankle last week. I was home Wed - Thurs. You can image my thrill when the doorbell rang in the middle of Everyday Italian. I hobbled to the door over to learn I had received a package from Gattina. Receiving this parcel was especially exciting because Gattina's blog is one of the first one's I began reading a year ago when I first began Mele...
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