Tag: food

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Cookbook Reviews

 photo-17

I had an opportunity to scour the shelves of the cooking section (641.54) in the library yesterday, searching for holiday recipe ideas through the stacked shelves of cookbooks. Every year I write copious notes to myself in search of light confectionary treats that can be incorporated into my repertoire with the hope that family and friends will enjoy a wonderfully concocted dessert during the festive party season!

I focused on three of the books that seemed to capture the essence of what I was researching in the way of ease of preparation; a dessert that would be pleasing to the family and the items were miniature or small enough to prep several desserts with considerable ease.

First on the list is the Bouchon Bakery by Thomas Keller, which was a wonderful collection of French and American baked goods that most of us enjoyed as children such as marcarons, tartes aux fruits, and believe it or not Oreos and Hostess Ho-Hos. I think the French version of a Hostess Ho-Ho is an elegant cream puff, and cannot wait to try this elegant recipe on page 40-41 for the Chocolate Shortbread without the filling. I love the simplicity of baking shortbreads, and to pack them into cookie tins for guest who may drop in or for family who are would a teat with after dinner coffee or tea.

Second on the list is Dolci: Italy’s Sweets by Francine Segan. Ms. Segan takes the reader on a virtual tour of Italy through 125 recipes for cookies, cakes, frozen confections, and more. She has instructions for Tiramisu that does not include raw egg, from the recipe ‘Updated Tiramisu” on page 132, which I am anxious to try soon!!!

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And, last on the list is the title Petite Sweets: Bite-Size Desserts to Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth by Beatrice Ojakangas. Beatrice is a James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame author and I have enjoyed watching her many times on Julia Child’s show on PBS. From this book she makes a velvety chocolate mousse in small glasses, ginger carrot cakelets and a two-bite whoopee pies, which are perfect examples of miniature desserts.

Cook Stylishly!!!!
K

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Stylish Friends

IMG_1608{Roses from Heath garden}

Salute to all our stylish friends!!! I have so many, each of whom are talented, creative and most importantly original not only in their appearance, but in their thinking. Today I would like to focus on a special acquaintance, a girlfriend that I visit regularly for beauty tips, techniques with tasty recipes and the overall sharing of life’s trials and tribulations. I have known Quy my entire adult life and over the years we have been through hell and high water, but through it all she remains one of the most beautifully unaffected people I know both inside and out. She has exquisite taste in fashion, a love of clothes, plus a real passion for accessories.

IMG_0343{Manolo Blahnik heels on left and the tote, belt and shoes on right are Emporio Armani}

I stopped by her home yesterday for my usual dose of influential ideas, and there were some new items she wanted to share from a recent shopping expedition. Quy is savvy and a very sophisticated shopper, one day I must post about her technique, which is truly an experience!!!

Upon arriving at her home there is always a platter of delicious fruits on the table, which is a warm and heart felt gesture. Yesterday there was an assortment of kiwi and grapes, and sometimes she will serve a delicacy that is being prepared in the kitchen so, that I can taste her delicious home cooking before we begin our conversation.

She had lovely boxes strewn from various boutiques beside our chairs so, that we could take our time and rummage through shoes, handbags, scarves and dresses!!! There is nothing like a dose of feminine beauty to put anyone into a stylishly fabulous frame of mind. Together we had fun thinking up outfits to transition from summer into fall, then tried on the elegant heels and thought of the best way to use the Armani tote for traveling.

IMG_0328{Salvatore Ferragamo slippers}

When I sit with her I am constantly jotting down notes so, that I may refer to her brilliant comments and ideas later from home. And if she shares a recipe, you can be sure I will test it later in the week. I always come away from her abode just that much closer to true beauty; especially as we learn and share ideas that each of us can incorporate into our daily routines. I suppose that is the definition of true friendship, the exchanging of ideas and mutual support, which is given without question!

Thank you for being you and all that you do!!!!

K