On Saturday, July 8th, 2006, at 5:33 p.m., my cat Pixel decided it was time to walk through one last wall. Although I miss him terribly, I am sure the he is enjoying his new journey, reunited with his old friend Tup. He was approximately 17 years old. We had noticed that his health was steadily declining over the last few months. Pixel continued to lose weight, which is shocking considering how little he weighted normally as he was a…
Tears to my eyes December 21, 2005 Categories: Sundry There are a few things that I react to in a very emotional manner. Often it comes from feelings of sadness or tragedy, but sometimes it is brought on by something that is beautiful. Flashback with me, if you will, to 1985… I was driving to work in my beloved and hated red Renault Alliance. The CBC was playing and I was working my way down Portage avenue toward my place…
Torte2 jars (10 oz each) maraschino cherries with stems, drained, reserving 1/2 cup of juice 2 cups unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons12 oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped4 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped1 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup kirsch or cherry brandy1/2 teaspoon almond extract8 large eggs, at room temperature Ganache topping2/3 cup heavy (whipping) cream8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened Make the torte Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to…
Cake3 cups sifted cake flour1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1 cup unsalted butter, room temp.1 3/4 sugar3 egg yolks, room temp.4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cup buttermilk, room temp. Chocolate Almond Cream3 cup whipping cream6 tablespoon amaretto liqueur1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon cinnamon12 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, melted Chocolate Filling8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate 1/2 cup unsalted butter3 tablespoon water…
6 cups milk1/2 cup liquid honey1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut in 1/4 inch cubes 1-1/2 cups Irish whiskeyFreshly grated nutmeg In saucepan, heat milk over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes or until bubbles start to form around edge of pan. Stir in honey and butter until butter melts, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Pour 3 tablespoons whiskey into each of eight mugs; pour in hot milk mixture. Sprinkle with nutmeg mixture to taste. Makes 8…
Salad1 large head boston lettuce 1 bunch watercress1/2 english cucumber8 large radishes16 cherry tomatoes, halved 8 small green onions Dressing6 hard-cooked eggs3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons dry mustard1/4 cup malt vinegar3/4 cup light cream Salad Arrange lettuce leaves on a large platter. Top with watercress. Arrange, either in group composition or scattered, cucumber, radishes, and tomatoes over lettuce. Dressing Cut eggs in half lengthwise; scoop out yolks and mash in bowl. Add sugar and mustard; mash together. Whisk…
3 lbs potatoes, quartered1 cup chopped green onions1/4 cup chopped leek1-1/2 cup milk1/4 cup butter, cut in small pieces 1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper In large saucepan, pour enough cold water over potatoes to cover. Bring to boil over medium-high heat; cook, covered for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Do Not Overcook. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of the green onions, leek and milk; cook for 15 minutes or until softened. Remove from heat…
8 shoulder lamb chops, about 1 inch thick 6 potatoes8 carrots2 tablespoons vegetable oil6 onions, quartered3/4 cup sliced leeks3-1/2 cups beef stock1-1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf1/4 teaspoon pepper1 tablespoon all-purpose flour1 tablespoon butter1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley Trim lamb chops and pat dry with paper towels; set aside. Cut potatoes into 1 inch chunks; set aside. Cut carrots in half lengthwise; then diagonally into 1 inch pieces; set aside. In large saucepan or dutch oven, heat oil…
2 cups (approx) warm water 3 tablespoons molasses1 tablespoon active dry yeast 3-1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup wheat germ2 teaspoons slat1 tablespoon sesame seeds Cut a 13×8 inch piece of parchment paper; make a 3 inch slash into each corner. Fit into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and trim excess paper. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of water with molasses; sprinkle in yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes or until frothy….
Chilaquilas1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (Chirmol, see below) 1/2 small onion1/4 red bell pepper10 ounces farmer’s cheese (1 1/2 cups) Ground black pepper10 tortillas3 eggssalt1 teaspoon flour1/4 cup corn oil Make the tomato sauce (see below). You can make this ahead of time and refrigerate for two days. Mince the onion and the red pepper and put each in a small bowl. Add the cheese and a 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spoon 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture onto the bottom…