Author: Kathleen

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Weekend Edition

Lately, work has been filled with meetings, teaching classes, running reports and managing a small department of women whom possess varying degrees of neurosis that is best left to their vivid imaginations. I admit to being extremely old fashioned … in a modern sense of the definition, as I possess a work ethic that has become extinct. I show up to work on time, and refuse to spend extended periods of time in the break room.

When the weekend rolls around it is now time to completely relax, which means taking my brain offline and focusing on fun aspects of entertainment. Starting with the Spy Museum on F Street in Washington, DC. The 007 exhibit Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains is absolutely wonderful, and I must admit to being a complete Bondaphile. Along with the movie artifacts there are videos connecting Bond films with up to date espionage crafts.

Bond’s Aston Martin, the British car manufacturer in association with EON Productions designed this DB5 for the 1964 movie “Goldfinger”.

Two of my favorite spies; Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the 60’s TV show The Avengers. Mrs. Peel was the quick-witted spy who was extremely intelligent, possessing charm and polish along with having a fabulous wardrobe. Years before Julia Child was a hit on television, she worked for the OSS during WWII, and stated, “ I was not a spy, only a lowly file clerk”

Lunch was at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on 15thStreet in the District of Columbia. After wondering through exhibits there is nothing like a glass {or two} of Prosecco and enjoying The Whale, which consisted of Alaskan king crab, lobster tail, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and shrimp & scallop ceviche.

Relax stylishly,
K

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Fall Issue

What is there not to love about autumn; the cooler temperatures, changing colors, fragrant spices with the smell of fireplaces. And, there is nothing like walking on a fall evening under a full moon or viewing a gorgeous sunset.

As the air changes to a crispy coolness I find myself flying into the kitchen on weekends to turn on the ovens to bake breads or test delicious treats to have for weekday meals [especially after a hectic week]. I must have pie-crust available for when the urge to bake an apple, sweet potato or pumpkin pie takes hold.

{Beignets from the Grand Lux in Las Vegas; photo taken by Tony}

All summer long I saw recipes for loaves of bread, beignets and cakes, but couldn’t turn on the oven with the severe heat and humidity outside. Here is one recipe I had to try:

Recipe for Beignets

  • Dissolve 2-1/4 tsps. of yeast in warm water, add  ½ cup of sugar, a tsps. salt, two eggs, one cup of evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add ¼ cup shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
  • Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in hot oil. Drain onto paper towels. Shake confectioners’ sugar onto warm rolls and serve.

Bake stylishly,
K