Macarons

A friend made some wonderful macarons for a shower recently, and when asked for the recipe, sent a link to this video that had step by step instructions on how to make macarons.  I wrote down the ingredients, then deleted the email without writing down the instructions.

Usually I can figure out a recipe from just the ingredients - cream butter and sugar, add eggs, etc., but this one was more complex.  And I couldn't find the original link.  But then, I found this one from Martha Stewart that has the same quantity of ingredients (71 g almonds; 117 g sugar, etc.) so I'm assuming that the link was either from the Martha Stewart site, or Martha had someone help with the recipe, or something along those lines.

I'm posting the link so I don't lose it again. . . .plan to post the recipe, steps, etc. when I get a chance.

Hot chocolate mix

My younger son has been asking for hot chocolate lately.  I've been mixing cocoa powder with a little sugar and some warm milk (to make sort of a roux), then adding more warm milk, but this sounds a little easier.

From the Smitten Kitchen:

Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix
Adapted a little from Cook’s Illustrated

Yield: Just under 1 3/4 cups mix, enough for 9 cups

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
3 ounces (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup (40 grams) cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until powdery. Keeps at room temperature for up to 2 months.

To use: Heat one cup of milk. Add 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix. Whisk over heat for another minute or two, until it begins to simmer and mix is completely dissolved. 

Other flavor ideas: 

Mexican Hot Chocolate (with some chile powder, cayenne and cinnamon)

Mint Hot Chocolate (with mint extract instead of vanilla; could also use mint chocolate chips)

Mocha Hot Chocolate (with a couple tablespoons of espresso powder)

Egg Rolls. . . .

5 Carrots shredded
1 head shredded cabbage
1 T salt
1 Can bean sprouts
1 onion, diced
½ pound ground beef, browned (optional)
Seasoning:
2 T oil
3 T soy sauce
1 T garlic powder
½ t black pepper
Add Seasonings to the filling and stir until it’s all coated.

Egg roll wraps
1 egg yolk
Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Filling: Mix the filling ingredients together except meat, sprinkle with the salt. Set aside for 30 minutes. Then squeeze the liquid out of the filling: Place a colander in the sink. Pick up a handful of the filling and squeeze. Water will come out. The colander helps to catch filling that drops. Place the squeezed filling in another bowl. Repeat until all the filling has had the liquid squeezed out. Your hands will probably get tired, but this is an essential step to get the right texture for the filling (otherwise it will be soggy).
Add Seasonings to the filling and stir until it’s all coated.
Fill the Wrappers: Scoop ¼ Cup of filling into the center of the egg roll wrapper. Seal wrap with egg yolk and roll up.  Deep fry in vegetable oil at 350*.

How to review a book

I forget where I found this, but I wanted to keep it.  In case,  you know,  I actually have time to read something.  And then have time to review it. . . .

1.) What did I like about the book? Was it funny? Did it make me cry? Did I like a character? Was it really interesting? Did I learn something new? Even if all the book did was make you feel good, then that’s what you right. It was a fun, relaxing read. It really brought an issue to life. Things like that. You can write about two sentences. If you’re having a hard time thinking of something specific, close your eyes and think of the book. The scenes that leap to mind are probably what you liked best about it. And unless they’re the end, you can describe those scenes. If you really liked how the book ended, just say that because we all know spoilers are no fun.

2.) What didn’t I like about the book? Was it hard to read? Did a character really get on your nerves? We’re none of us perfect, so if there’s a small flaw, you may want to note it.

3.) How did the book make me feel overall? Was I satisfied? Did I want more? Did something feel left out? Was the book relaxing? Intellectually stimulating? Just plain silly? So wonderfully sad, I can’t stop crying?

Answer those three questions and the next thing you know, you’ve written a review.

Roasted Spuds

I found a recipe for roasted potatoes.  It's quick, and very versatile.

Basic recipe:
4 potatoes
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Add-ons:
Salt, pepper, garlic, parmesan, paprika, cayenne

Preheat oven to 400

Clean the potatoes, then halve them.  Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet, then add seasonings to the butter. Place the potatoes cut side down in the butter.  Brush melted butter over the potato skins.  Bake 30 - 40 minutes.  Once the potato is done, remove pan and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.