Soul Food #66

The pursuit, even of the best things, ought to be calm and tranquil.”

Marcus Tullius.

Happy Birthday Mary~Nov 28th~

It's Mary's Birthday~tomorrow...

But it's nice to celebrate all weekend don't you think?

I am sure you all know Mary..Mari.. and have been inspired so much over the years by her beautiful blog..I just want to say thanks for all the inspiration over my years..:)

From flowers to food to pretty things and even penguins:)


Happiness always Mary~..

Coffee and a Treat~

A little Cap..and a little sweet~

I am such a square person:)

I love little bites.. I bought this pan last year for crumb cakes..But when Marie posted her indescribably delicious Raspberry Tarts..I thought..Yes!



Make them in the little crumb pans..

Honestly..no matter what pan you make these in..they are absolutely supercalifragilisticexpialidociously good and easy.



Thanks again..and again Marie~

La Recette~

*Raspberry Jam Bars*
Makes 16 squares, or 10 tarts


140g (1 cup) flour
pinch salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
4 ounces (8 TBS) unsalted butter at room temperature
85g (1/2 cup) packed dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract
50g (1/2 cup) oats
(not instant oats)
50g (1/2 cup) sliced almonds
4 heaped dessertspoons of seedless raspberry jam

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Line an 8 inch square baking tin with aluminium foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir this mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir in the oats and sliced almonds. Reserve 1.2 cup of this mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Dollop the raspberry jam over top and spread it out with a rubber spatula to within 1/2 inch of the sides of the pan all around. Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly over top.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the jam is lightly bubbling. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Use the foil overhang to lift the baked mixture out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, or using a sharp two inch round cutter, cut it into small round tartlettes.

Un petit café..et ces barres savoureuses..Un délice~
Anywhere on earth~

La Gazpacho De Frédérick~

Again here I am on the bring some food to someone bandwagon~
In the summer cold soups are perfect..and so many nutrients are in soups like Gazpacho..Tomatoes are wonderfully good for you~



And when your handsome,tanned,barefoot son-in -law drops it off.. made by him..
All the better~



When I thanked him..I said please let me watch you make it next time..

Cause mine never tasted so good~
La Recette~
Ingredients
3 tomatoes, peeled
1 sweet red pepper, halved and seeded
1 green pepper, halved and seeded
1 English cucumber, peeled
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tbsp (25 mL) red wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
3-1/2 cups (875 mL) vegetable cocktail, (approx)
1/4 tsp (1 mL) hot pepper sauce
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
Garnish:
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 slices day-old bread, crusts removed
2 green onions
Preparation:
Halve tomatoes; scoop out seeds. Grip chef's knife with fingers meeting thumb underneath. With knife tip stationary and palm of other hand on top, coarsely chop 2 tomatoes, red pepper, half of green pepper and half of cucumber; set remaining vegetables aside.
In food processor, or in blender in batches, puree chopped tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumber, garlic, vinegar and oil until smooth. Transfer to large bowl; stir in vegetable cocktail and hot pepper sauce.

His notes~
I added parsley, tarragon and onions,cucumber and I used white balsamic vinegar and pink & white pepper.

Well now winter's at our doorstep in QC.. but so many other places can enjoy this soup :) I am thinking where it is always warm..or warm when we are cold..
You can't miss with his delicioso soup:)I love it~

Soul Food #65~

Happiness is thinking tomorrow will be better and next week even better~



I read this recently and wanted to keep the saying close to my heart..This way I will always find it~

A Fun Little Craft~

I don't have fabulous photos of this fun new craft..And my initial trial leaves much to be desired.. so in all it's flaws..I'll still share in case you want to try some before Christmas..

I initially landed upon the technique by happenstance..and wanted to try..


They really should be painted afterwards..but I wanted the shell to stand out..

You use a stamping set..


That you can find on EBAY or Etsy..

And you use Fimo..Or Sculpey..


I think they are so much fun to make as gift tags etc..
My friend Nancy is doing me a helpful favor..I bought her Eat Pray Love..the soundtrack..I'll wrap it up and attach this little baked clay gift tag..Imagine the possibilities..


Didn't love the book..only the Italy part really got to me..but LOVED the movie and the soundtrack..It's got to be because of Julia.. And Javier.. They are both endearing.... Julia..to me is just special in movies.. as Penelope is too..Ok and Meryl..and Diane Keaton:)Love her too.Not to mention Juliette..and Audrey T and Audrey H..And Katherine H..the list goes on and on..but not too long~



A bit like our Brigitte cookies:)

I wish I could find the link where I found the tutorial..Hers were beautiful! I saved it...and have lost the link..As soon as I find it again..I will share..She preferred the dark Fimo..and painting white on top then rubbing off..

I'll look into that:)

There is a technique..I did stamp a bit too hard..you should not see the circles.. A cookie cutter would make better shapes..The ones I made so far are freehand~

Enjoy~
Oh and yes the kiss lying on it's side was an error..But it was all done..It adds charm:) I hope..But it is a mistake..:)(Embarrassed).

I made little ones for the alphabet boys..w/ shark's teeth..I am tempted to make necklaces:)As if..they would wear them:) Shark's teeth..the older boys might like that..Most probably they will end up as cool gift tags for them on a certain Christmas present:)



Thank goodness the shell is distracting:)



Almost as much as the alligator~Eating a shoe with his sharp shell teeth~
Have a lovely weekend~

PS..I found the LINK!

Oui ,Encore Des Cretons~

Yes again Cretons...



I have started some little nibbles..I have posted these before..they are immeasurably handy to have on hand during the holidays..My husband loves them..So they are repeats every yr..Now w/ Jana's Mousse de Volaille of course~

Both recipes can be found here for les cretons.. and here..for the mousse..both freeze well..

Les Cretons are amazing w/ Brunch/Breakfast also..Both are lovely accompanied w/ a fine mustard..



The cretons can be left coarse or blended fine..



I make smaller pots now.. since I now have some:)..and freeze..and love the look of pink peppercorns to adorn~
Enjoy~

As IT will be here before we know it~


That time of year when Santa comes down the chimney..and having a little something available short notice ,home made,in the freezer is welcomed for guests~:)

Have You Tried These?

Oh you must~:)



Oh they are absolutely delicious little tender delicacies..I am enamored with them..



It's no secret I like Amarettis..I made some..
And there is a delicious carrot cake made with the ones I am used to..
But these are Fairy Fairy Fairy good..


And the tin could not be any prettier~
My friend Jain sent these to me and they are my new addiction..
The fairies have something to do with it as you know my love of Fairies..but in essence..the cookie is also the star..


Thank you Jain..they are sinfully delicious..Amorettis.
That's Amore~♥

If ANYONE reading has the recipe for soft amorettis..w/ hints of candied peel..so that they taste just like these..please let me know:)
The fairieswould be very pleased.

Soul Food #64~

Pray Until Something Happens~
I found this on the net.. I loved it..

Hope you do too~

The roses were a beautiful impromptu gift~and angels were mentioned~
Necessarily..the quote had to be heavenly~:)
In this huge blogosphere of ours.. we get to "know" very special people..people that inspire in many ways..
People that encourage.. teach.. lead the way by stunning examples of being good..and kind..and loving..

... by the grace they have through life's experiences..By their solid unwavering faith..
I am linking to Kathy at Sweet Up North Mornings..

And here
With compassion.
x.

Gifts From The Sea~

I was inspired to make little beach cookies while listening to some of my favorite French Sea songs..



They were fun to make.. Little cookie cutters are such handy tools..


I think I've mentioned my favorite poet when I was in College was Rod McKuen~
I still have some of his books..
This was always a favorite apart from many many more..

Gifts from the Sea


You see how easily we fit together,
as if God’s own hand had cradled only us
and this beach town’s population were but two
and this wide bed but a child’s cradle
with room enough left over for presents.
Tomorrow I’ll buy you presents.
Pomegranates and breadsticks,
tickets round the room and back
and red, red roses like everybody buys everybody.
Everybody’s got a diamond ring
And Sunday shoes.
Neckties and petticoats,
pistols and tennis balls.
What pleases you?
I’d hock my watch to buy you Greece
or sell my car to bring you rickshaws from Rangoon.
All they had down at the corner
were poppies with some lemon leaves.
They’ll have to do
till I can bring home Union Square.
I found a twenty-dollar bill when I was ten.
I bought a cardboard circus and a fountain pen
and a jackknife because I never had one before.
My mother thought I’d stolen the money.
I bought her perfume from the dime store,
She believed me then.
I was rich in those days,
for a week I had everything.
I wish I’d known you then.


I even had LPS(Don't laugh) I wish I still had them..The Sea..a whole set..In a big box..Sigh~

Tomato~Tomawto..

What do you do w/ a can of tomatoes and a small light soft appetite?



That's right.. Call it what you will.. but Tomato soup hits the spot..Wish I had some of that basil..:)

Just soften and cook onion and garlic.. add the tomatoes.. use your hand blender..add stock to give it a smoother consistency and a bit of cream..Season to taste..
Drizzle a good EVOO..sprinkle or melt cheese in it.. or..simply eat as is..I still like to soften a soda cracker in it like my mom showed me how:)


Use the empty can as a flower vase.. not bad for $0.99..a vase and a meal:)
then I got inspired by Ronelle~ I bought a new sketch pad and pen..Just because she does that to me ..go see..
She lives in France..accentuates all her recipes w/ her artwork..Creates magic in her homes..so talented!

PS..

I just want to say thank you too..to



POM Wonderful..You may remember a post I did a while back.. inspired by one of the recipes on their site.. ..It was a joy to receive these precious little bottles today~
Thank You Pom Wonderful~

My choice of wine these days:)

Soul Food #63~

Thoughtfulness paves the way for the comfort of others.
- Wes Fessler

I really really like making pasta~

Jacques had been growing a huge basil plant all summer and I wanted to honor it~



It's been the best one yet~
So I thought I would make Josée Di Stasio's recipe..


But I would incorporate Jacque's basil~
It turned out so well!

I made it early in the morning.. ..so I dried it..



In quite an unconventional manner..A new clothes drying rack.. used twice:) It worked!I may invest in a pretty rack..:) For the tabletop..



Dried..it takes more than the 30 seconds-1 min to cook..but nevertheless it was so tasty..
We adorned it with home infused pepper oil..pecorino cheese and lots of garlic..some more fresh basil scattered on top..

It is so well worth the fun of making~

It's as easy as just sitting back and watching someone make it for you~
All summer I wanted to use his basil..I am so glad this came to me~
Delicioso~
I halved the recipe.. so 1 1/2 cups of 00 flour(Milano)~ 2 eggs..and 1 tbsp oil..I love making the well and mixing and kneading~♥
It is a thing of beauty..Like stained glass almost:)

An edit here.. you don't need a roller:) You can make pasta hand made..

Bang Bang Shrimp~

While having a sleepover babysitting at one of our DD's.. already many many months ago...I glanced through her Food Network magazine and the name Bonefish Grill in an article caught my eye..It's a resto in Florida my daughter likes to go to..

The Bang Bang Shrimp tempted my curiosity..and funnily enough she told me they often order that.
We rarely rarely rarely rarely eat fried food..even more rarely now..so that's like never..

But I had to try..back then and forgot to share with you..

They are good..


We still have a hard time w/ oil.. Except for Ann's Coconut Shrimp:) but..once in a blue blue moon....

La Recette~Courtesy of the Food Network~
Almost Famous Spicy Shrimp~

Ingredients
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce (such as sambal oelek)
2 teaspoons honey
Kosher salt
For the Shrimp:
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 pounds small shrimp, peeled and deveined
Bibb lettuce leaves, for serving
Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Directions
Make the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, chili sauce, honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon water in a large bowl; set aside.

Prepare the shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Whisk the flour, cornstarch and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper in another shallow bowl.

Working in batches, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, dip in the beaten eggs, then return to the flour mixture, turning to form a thick crust. Fry the shrimp in the hot oil until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.

Toss the shrimp with the prepared sauce. Arrange the lettuce in a shallow serving bowl or on individual plates. Top with the shrimp and garnish with scallions.
Do you make this? If so do you have a great recipe? Perhaps not fried?

I admit this dish was made in March..

Sometimes when we prepare a post..life happens and it gets lost in the draft(s):)

Enjoy..it is quite yummy if you decide to try it..

Nana's Special Rocketships~

Since it snowed here Friday..I better share a summer post I never did..
When my girls were little they enjoyed Jello Popsickles~..

That was over 30 years ago..and time has flown by..
I found this special mold ..and thought..since I am not shopping for new cooking things for us these days..the boys would get this treat.
Their eyes actually lit up at these..Only Noah finished his:)



1 small pack of jello
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup of sugar

Mix until dissolved..

It makes about 8 of the Rocketships~Perfect for future astronauts..girls and boys~
It is summer somewhere:) And will be again in northern states..a little recipe to save nanas..